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).

2. Edge of the Ocean by Ivy

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.

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. 

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.

Music of the Week: A Little Late

Ok, I'm working on catching up the blog, and here is an update to the first series of the blog that caught some traction, a weekly music update.

So...

1. Spaceman by The Killers

Ten days later, and this song remains at the top. Now if Bumula would just send me the whole CD. ugh.

2. Clark Gable by The Postal Service

Whenever the day where I make a movie (even a short one) comes, I'm sure this song will find itself in it.

3. Tambourine by The Happy Hollows

Thank you Noisetrade for hooking me up with this song...as I enter my second week of re-booting this series with newer and less known stuff.

4. Daniel's Song by The Finches

But while I was home, this inevitably came on, and its still a coooool song.

5. Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel

6. Your Heart is an Empty Room by Death Cab for Cutie

7. Heaven by Daniel Bashta

Another new artist courtesy of noisetrade.

8. This Isn't a Dream by Jenny and Tyler

There first cd I downloaded for free...its not that great. But their second one is coming out in a few days...and the previews they have on their site seem a lot better. This I feel is prolly the best of the bunch.

9. Be Still My Heart by The Postal Service

I wish they would come out with another damn cd.

10. Do You Remember by Jack Johnson

haha...still a joyful song.

11. Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams. 

Lets be honest---this is a goofy and ridiculous song...but whatevs. It reminds me of the '90s. I don't know why, I just have an image in my head of what it was like to go to Alhambra in '95...and this song fits...I guess. Haha.

Lets play catch up

Whew. I am quite sorry for anyone who has checked out my blog in the past 10 days...and then didn't see anything new. I was on spring break, without a stable internet connection...and now I am finally back in Davis.

So. Lets make up for it. Right now.

Ok. First. So, because I am very very pissed at AT&T, Cingular, whatever you want to call it, I moved over to my dad's plan at T-Mobile, and got a sweet new phone. People, the G-1 is pretty freakin' sweeeeeeet. It is touch screen, I have unlimited text, great reception, sweet ringtones, sweet downloadable apps, and internet access. 

I swung by American Apparel to pick up some more sweet knee high socks . (now I have them in Heather Grey and Navy Cappuccino)

I listened to A LOT of 80's music provided to me by my RA (more on that in my music of the week)

I saw The International with Clive Owen, and haven't been as impressed with an espionage movie since the Bourne Trilogy a few years back. 

I went to shotgun at SF State, compliments of the theater department. Which was quite a lot of fun. 

I...LIMEWIRED. Thank god. I seriously needed some free music. So I hacked into my neighbor's wi-fi again and nabbed some tunes. 

I got a B in Poly Sci, (which was a super hard class, just fyi, because we all know how I rock at poly sci) a B in Psych, and a B+ in film...so that was ok. 

I played Tennis for the first time in EVER. 

And I found a cool new website, NoiseTrade.com, where you can get and download some cool music. 

And, most importantly, I saw friends. Because those are the most important objects in a human's life. My roommate has this piece of wood with a John Steinbeck quote carved into it..."When a man comes to die, if he dies unloved he can consider his life a failure."

-Very true.

And I will have my music of the week up within the next few hours or so. Check Back. And, seriously people, lets pass this blog on to others that might enjoy it. ANYway, laters. (Also, feedback would be wonderful...what topics might be interesting to cover, should I do a weekly video blog, etc...)

Music of the Week: ...Recent enough?

Hello everyone, it is friday afternoon, and I'm done with finals and at my dad's house in berkeley.

So here it is, the music of the week. Hopefully certain people will find this more up to snuff...but the point of this isn't to talk about 'AWESOME NEW MUSIC' but rather to talk about....good.... music. 

1. Spaceman by the Killers

And we'll start of this...re-boot...of sorts...with a totally new song. Check, check, check it outtt.

2. Clark Gable by The Postal Service

I feel like perhaps a slower remix of this belongs in a movie. 

3. Jezebel by Iron and Wine

Thank you EVA RENDLE. Seriously, the Eva's (Loney and Rendle) are definitely dominating in terms of being mentioned because they suggested a super awesome song. C'mon guys, someone catch up. 

4. Taylor by Jack Johnson

Oh, JJ. His most recent CD really lacked that defining song that you could just play anytime and be happy. It was missing a Taylor, Flake, Bubble Toes, Sitting Waiting Wishing...etc.

5. O L A by the Finches

I couldn't find a link, unfortunately. But, seriously...I keep mentioning the Finches...hint hint. 

6. Viva la Vida by Coldplay

Could have made a better music video. Maybe I'll write a blog about the actual song.

7. A Poem on the Underground Wall by Simon and Garfunkel

Just deal with the fact that I am going to mention great S&G songs in here. Next.

8. Society by Eddie Vedder

Thank you Pearl Jam man who was recruited by Sean Penn to do the music for Into the Wild. 

9. Grapevine Fires by Death Cab for Cutie

Its making a comeback after getting dropped last week.

10. Title and Registration by Death Cab for Cutie

A little older yes, but still a goodie. This is just a satisfying song for me. 

11. Ain't No Reason by Brett Dennen

Tell me it wasn't once again Rendle who got me into this...pleaseeeee!! But whoever did, he's got a few quite solid songs. They grow on you, just don't overdo them.

12. The King of Carrot Flowers, Part 1.

And, again!!!! Eva Loney hooks me up with my Neutral Milk Hotel wayyyy back in September and...as sexy phil would say...'I lovvveee itttt.' 

ANYway....I'm off to Zacharys Pizza on College and I don't know what I'll do from there. And tmrw its back to the 'nez. So I will talk to you all tomorrow. Good night, and good luck. 

Entertainment, Weekly: Youtube and the Small Screen

So, sorry that I haven't posted in a few days...but finals have been kicking my ass in terms of studying and what not. But, thankfully, they will be done within 40 hours or...so thats good.

Anyway, today I'll talk about last week's ER, monday's 24, monday's How I Met Your Mother, and youtube's Sexy Phil...

Ok. A quick rundown for everybody. Last thursday, ER was crazyyyyyyyyy. Cause Mr. George Clooney came back as Dr. Doug Ross (always thought that was a stupid name). Also, Julianna Margulies came back as Clooney's lover-girl Carol Hathaway. They are both working in Seattle.

Anyway, I thought the episode was very well done. I mean, there are only now three episodes left, so there is only so much that can be done with a new story arc...but it was great to see Ross and Hathaway happy. I do hope that they come back for another episode. Because while I admire that the show didn't get all mushy in the bringing them back, they do at least need to be back for more than an episode, cause otherwise whats the point? A little mush wouldn't kill ER. It has been soapy enough the past few years, with characters no-one gives a damn about...so lets have some drama with the old vets. 

And Carter will live! Hopefully, thankfully. That is good, because it would have been a terrible move killing him. But I want him to find someone. Like, seriously. It doesn't have to be Kem, (Thandie Newton) but Carter does deserve love. And I'd like to see Luka and Abbey come back one more time, and especially to see them with either Carter, OR Doug and Carol.

Ok. 24. Oh, snap! Again, this season has been solid...as I've talked about. Jack goes off rogue so much that a lot of times recently it has been very susceptible for this plot to become cheesy. But, with how last week they had Quinn frame Jack, and now Jack HAVE to be out on the run, its been a lot cleaner. Renee is just getting cuter and cuter, I'll give her that. But Olivia is annoying the shit out of me. I just want to slap her stupid face. And, please, can we have CHLOE back already. Jesus. She is supposed to be the main woman for gods sake, and Tony...where is he? Lets have some goddamn reunions already, with the good old crew.

Ok, How I Met Your Mother is enjoyable for two reasons. First, Ted is awesome. Second, Barney is incredibly hilarious and absurdly awesome. 

I have actually wanted to dedicate an entire post about the politics of HIMYM, so I want delve too deeply into that right now...but seriously, the producers of this show should be slapped for how they have developed certain characters (more on that at another time). Anyway, can we please have Ted dating someone again. C'mon, this is supposed to be what the show is about. I don't want to see Barney pining for Robin. Barney needs to be out there seducing women, its what his character is. I want more "Suit Up"s, and "Legen---wait for it---daryyyyy"ssss. Anyway.

And last, youtube's sexyphil is just bleeping hilarious. The man is legit funny. Tomorrow I'll post a couple of my favorite links...but you should all really check him out. 

(here is one to get you started)

On the Road to October: Giant Problems

So yes, among many other things, some people would consider me knowledgeable in the realm of Major League Baseball, and thus we'll today breakdown the 2009 San Francisco Giants...

2008 result: 72-90, 4th place

2009 outlook: What the hell is Brian Sabean still doing with a job? That is the question I want people to think about. For god sake, the man is an idiot. And yet, somehow, the Giants aren't the worst team in baseball.

 So here is what 2009 looks like. They have a very solid rotation, fronted by the best trio of young hurlers in the National League. They have Randy Johnson to provide another solid campaign. And they have Barry Zito, the most overpaid player in Baseball history. 

And they still don't have an offense. Yes, Renteria was overpaid, and he is not a godsend, but at least he's an upgrade at shortstop. But they continue to be plagued by horrendous deals. Fred Lewis could play center, as could Randy Winn, but instead we get 4 more years and 48 more million dollars of Aaron Rowand. What the hell was Sabean thinking when he signed that deal?

Basically, here is the deal. Rowand isn't going anywhere, and Lewis shouldn't be going anywhere, but Randy Winn certainly does have some value to a team that needs a center fielder...(Yankees, anyone?) I don't understand why the Giants didn't spend some money and sign a guy like..idk...Pat Burrell? Bobby Abreu? Adam Dunn? They play a corner, and they can hit.

Then we move to the infield. So, I would love this little chubby kid Sandoval to make it behind the plate, that would allow Sabean to deal Molina to a team that DESPERATELY needs a catcher (cough, Red Sox, cough, Yankees!). But, assuming that isn't an option, at least fill the other corner infield spot with, wait for it, someone who hits enough to warrant it. (That person is NOT Rich Aurilia). Again, why wouldn't Sabean sign someone like Joe Crede (who signed with the Twins) and let Sandoval play first? Or, again, sign Adam Dunn at what, 2 years and 25 million and let him play first, and have Sandoval handle the hot corner. I don't understand. Sabean has obviously felt comfortable handing out contracts that DETRACT from the quality of his ball club, but when he has chances to make deals that WILL help the club, at non-outrageous prices, he should be slapped for doing nothing. 

He did work to quietly strengthen the bullpen, bringing in Bob Howry and lefty Affeldt. And added to the homegrown options, Romo, Sadler, Brian Wilson, Taschner, its not an awful group. Noah Lowry would further add both rotation and bullpen insurance, if he's healthy. 

But right now, this team is not good enough to win. This team isn't even good enough for second place. Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, and Johnson can only carry this squad so far. And while I am excited to see Top, Top, TOP, prospect Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey arrive in SF in the near future, they still need some seasoning. 

So, his options are...

1) Let the team ride as is...and finish third or fourth. 

2) Bankrupt the farm system again by trading youth for marginal major leaguers (NOT AN OPTION)

3) look to upgrade the infield and bullpen through thriftiness. Keith Foulke is still available, and 1B Nick Johnson could probably be had for a solid price from the Nats. Check out Melvin Mora, or Mike Lowell. But be safe. DO NOT damage the future of the club to MAYBE compete for the division this year. 

If only Billy Beane worked on the other side of the bay...

Music of the Week: Thrice completed

The third installment of my "Music of the Week."

Tonight is our all-night Dodgeball tourney---wish Sereno luck.

Also, next week=finals=fml

So, here are my top 11 songs of the week.

1. Clark Gable by The Postal Service

Totally excellent song. Classic is a good word to describe it. 

2. Chicago by Sufjan Stevens

The song that I haven't stopped listening to the last three days. 

3. Mrs. Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel

'Joltin Joe has gone away.' Pick up The Graduate and watch it.

4. Your Heart is an Empty Room by Death Cab for Cutie

Still good.

5. Sitting, Waiting, Wishing by Jack Johnson

GREAT GREAT great music video. And just a very classic JJ song. 

6. I will Follow You into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie

For all you lovers out there. 

7. Step Outside by The Finches

The Finches are the FUTURE. Eva Loney you save my life thank you for showing me this. 

8. Clocks by Coldplay

Pandora hit this up for me this week, and I remembered my Coldplay. 

9. Sodom, South Georgia by Iron and Wine

Matt...you should like this song. But its ok. 

10. Pressed in a Book by The Shins

The Shinssssssssss=good shitttt. 

11. Kids by MGMT

American Teen (which I saw with Kayla, so blame her) had this song. So...that is how I was exposed to it. 

Off to the dodgeball tourney-Sooo...have a good night all. I've got games at 8:20 pm, 1:15 am, and 6:45 am...so I'll be pulling an all-nighter. Maybe I'll post something later. 

The Cycling Town: Dead Day, Dorm Life, and Film Roots

So, Winter Quarter of my first year in college is coming to a conclusion. 

Well, April Andrade, you were right. Winter Quarter is stressful, cold, boring, and...cold.

Finals are next week (thank god) and as usual, the campus is prepping for it. One thing that really pisses me off about finals this quarter is that we don't have a dead day in-between the last day of class and finals. 

We have class Monday, and then we jump right into Tuesday finals. And that last day of class Monday certainly doesn't count as a "dead day."

Monday, I have a fatty film paper due that I am...uh...sort of starting tonight. And also Monday, I have my final Psychology 1 MIDTERM. So I take one Psych test Monday, and another one three days later. What up?

In other news...I've had some discussions recently regarding Sereno, and Regan Hall as a whole. I'm happy where I live, but some of the ideas I had about Regan have changed a lot since I've been a resident here. 

Regan Hall is a little collection of seven small buildings. I live in Sereno, the closest to campus one of these buildings. My dorm has 63 people. My brother Matt was an RA in nearby Talara, (and when I mean nearby, I mean next to) and our friend Jamie was Matt's resident. 

(In Claire's room :> )

Then last year, I came up and stayed in Sereno with April, (who I barely knew, bless her. lol) and loved it. What I found appealing about Regan was that it was its own little entity, its own little community. It seemed to be the Washington D.C. of Davis dorms. 

(Above is Mitzi's super awesome mural)

Unfortunately, Regan Hall isn't really its own little community. I mean we are, but we aren't at the same time. There isn't any true connectivity between dorms. I think it would be a great atmosphere if these small little communities were connected into a larger community. There is the potential for that. Regan really is a subset of Segundo (non Davis kids, sorry...)

So...they should make it happen. Have Regan Main be a place to get food, hang out. Have more events that people actually go to. Make it, as Barney Stinson would say, Awesome.

And last point...we'll make this short. I just checked out 49er video to rent a movie for my film class. It got great reviews on Daviswiki and I have to say, it is an awesome little movie store. I wish there were more of these around. Independently owned and run....they certainly know their movies. They are willing to actually...wait for it...negotiate. AND...they have a tremendous collection of movies, tv shows, and documentaries. 

ANYway, have a good night team.

I'll talk to you all tomorrow. 

The Weekly Wrap: Proposition 8

A few days ago, the California Supreme Court heard arguments on whether or not Proposition 8 should be invalidated, or allowed to stand. 

What it really comes down to is whether or not the Court believes that Proposition constitutes an amendment or a revision to the California constitution. At least that is what I'm getting from it. I suppose if they agree that it was an amendment, the Proposition will remain. If they decide that it is revision to the equal protection clause in the constitution, I'm assuming it will be invalidated. 

This picture below made it to the New York Times website (my friend Kate Lewis is in the middle with her "Love and Let Love" sign. 

Of course I want Prop 8 to be invalidated, but one thing I am worried about is what happens if that occurs. Most (ok, all) of you know that I have been outspokenly pissed off and irate at 52% of California. I don't think proponents of equality were angry enough. We needed to be tougher than we were, stronger than we were. 

And I have gotten plenty of flak for my unabashedly liberal stance. 

I don't understand how people can still get away with holding up signs like the one below outside the courthouse in San Francisco. 

I don't understand how people can get away with their justifications for bigotry and homophobia. 

We should have just won outright in November, and this whole thing would have been easier. I agree that 50% + 1 should NOT be enough to change the constitution so drastically. I'm just not sure that a court battle gives us the best ammunition for future conflicts. 

Music of the Week: The Second Go-Around

So, here is week two of my top music. I've upped my number of songs this week from 6 to 10. While compiling this list, I realized that I really change what I listen to from week to week. Certain songs and moods just make more sense for me I guess, depending on what is going on in my life.

1. Your Heart is an Empty Room by Death Cab for Cutie

Couldn't find a good link, but seriously, get the song. Interestingly enough, it was around this time last year that I was turned on to Death Cab for Cutie. And it was this song that did it...at the end of the pilot of "New Amsterdam," and it was so, so, so awesome, that I just had to find the song, and the band. 

2. Casimir Pulasky Day by Sufjan Stevens

Moves up a spot. Stevens may be uber religous, but he is also uber talented.

3. Sodom, South Georgia by Iron and Wine

Falls a little bit, but oh well. Still a great, touching song.

4. America by Simon and Garfunkel

Not the best link, but still, great song. Anne Litak's comments today about this song made me put it into the list. I grew up with S&G (thanks Dad), so there needs to be something from that era in here. 

5. Holland, 1945 by Neutral Milk Hotel

Thanks Eva Loney for giving me this shit back in September. Great song, great band, sad album theme.

6. Daniel's Song by the Finches

I'm telling you, the Finches are the future.

7. Clark Gable by The Postal Service

Thank you Mr. Ben Gibbard. I think the first line is just so awesome, it always reminds me of my time in London. 

8. Angel by Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson,...is still my favorite musician, as you all probably well know. 

9. Viva la Vida by Coldplay

I was going to end at 8 songs for the week, but with the warm weather, Viva la Vida just fit. 

10. Nightingale by Norah Jones

Yes, I listen to Norah Jones. Deal with it. This is a beautiful song, and she is great on the piano with a wonderful voice. And yes, I saw her live. 

Have a good weekend team, I'll have some more thoughts up tomorrow. 

The Showdown, Part 2

You, quite simply, have got to be kidding me.

This happens a lot. 

Two teams compete in a high stakes Mock Trial competition, usually being the County Finals.

One team, we'll call them..."Us"...is from a small, middle-class town. They send, oh, maybe 35 students to a four year school every year. This team is made up of kids from all different cliques, and all different ethnicities. They come from a town of teachers, construction workers, and bank managers. They are coached by a brilliant lawyer, one who chooses to make an impact on the lives of young people. They are taught the law, rigorously, and reminded that even though they may be made to feel out of place in a courtroom by more affluent teams, they belong there all the same. 

The other team, we'll call them..."Them"...is from an average sized, upper-class town. They send 35 students to UC San Diego every year, and, oh, maybe 300 students to a four year school every year. These students don't have to worry about money...they are set. They come from a town of lawyers, firefighters, and...lawyers. They are advised by lawyers, teachers, and acting coaches. They are taught the law, somewhat rigorously, but focus more on acting and convincing the scoring attorneys that they look like they know what they are talking about, rather than actually knowing what they are talking about. They are condescending to just about everyone, especially the upstart teams from less affluent communities that they find themselves competing against for the County Title. 

In effect, it is David vs. Goliath. And guess what, year after year, after year...Goliath wins. How about David wins once in a while? How about the scoring attorneys listen to the content of what is being spoken, rather than simply how it is being spoken? Yes, "Us" is intimidated by "Them," but they know the law, and they perform admirably every year. This is not an acting competition, rather, it is a competition of the law.

And, regarding the law, the former deserves the victory. 

A Resolution for Change: Rush Limbaugh

So, I only have a second...so I'll get more into my first political post later...but I just wanted to make a quick few comments.

I read a great article on one of my favorite blogs, fivethirtyeight.com.

The blog is written by Nate Silver, a co-writer of another of my favorite websites, baseballprospectus.com.

Anyway, the post just had a few great points about Limbaugh that I'd like to bring up. 

First, the White House isn't scared of him. The Obama administration does not believe that talking about Limbaugh suddenly makes him a legitimate source for the American people. They're right.

Second, the White House is not afraid to bitch slap Limbaugh around. If anything, they are talking about Limbaugh because they want access to the crap he is currently spewing.

Take this quote from the post about CoS Rahm Emanuel. 

"Sunday, Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel somberly 'complimented' Limbaugh's intellectual honesty in wanting Obama to fail: 'He's the voice and the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican Party, and he has been upfront about what he views, and hasn't stepped back from that, which is he hopes for failure.' The White House doesn't want to miss a layup."

In short, Obama is putting Rush Limbaugh into the limelight as their most vocal and most serious opponent because they know he is losing relevance. The administration is making Limbaugh the face of the Republican party, which is exactly the right move. Emanuel is able to tell the American people that Limbaugh is the intellectual force of the REPUBLICAN PARTY...and he wants Obama to fail. In short, the REPUBLICAN PARTY wants Obama to fail. 

And the White House lays in an easy two points. 

And finally, this other quote, just for fun.

"Most significantly, the Obama brand and Limbaugh brand are in direct opposition. Obama's brand is about intellectual curiosity, empathy, personal respect for his ideological counterparts, and problem-solving. Limbaugh plays "Barack the Magic Nergro" on his show and makes fun of Michael J. Fox' Parkinson's disease."

And isn't this so true? I mean, yes, I will be honest and agree that I could show more respect for my ideological counterparts. But I do believe that the other three qualities would apply to me. 

Anyway, yes, Obama shouldn't back away from Limbaugh. He is a big bag of wind who makes fun of Michael J. Fox' degenerative disease. Are you fucking serious? 

Put him front and center. Let him call out Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, and yell for a 'purging' of the Republican party of non-conservatives. The Republican party will be a pathetic sectional party. Works for me.

Next. 

Entertainment, Weekly: The Small Screen

24: Oh Snap.

2 hours of 24 is about an hour too much to handle.  

Seriously. 

The plot threads are developing so nicely. Renee is a bad ass. Chloe is a sarcastic bad ass. And Jack is a mother-fucking bad ass. 

AND. Aaron is a super awesome bad ass. 

There are a few other comments I have, however.

First. I guess this is just about the overall plot in general. The reason we fell in love with 24 in the first place was because it was personal. We cared about David Palmer, about Kim, about Tony, about Nina, and about Jack. Here, we have the potential to do the same. We have Jack, Renee, Aaron, Bill, Chloe, Tony. But instead they insist on these crazy plots that seem to just 'raise the stakes' as high as they can possibly go. 

Last year, a bunch of Chinese henchman break into CTU. And Jack fights them off. 

This year, a bunch of Africans break into the White House. (first, guess what, thats impossible!)

And next episode Jack is going to fight them off.

It gets a little ridiculous and simplistic, and the only reason a lot of people keep watching this show is because A) They are too simplistic and stupid to understand anything more complex OR

B) Because they have invested with the characters and are willing to live with the plot injustices.

(BTW, I'm the latter) 

This season was supposed to be a reboot of the series, after an awful Season 6. And to a point, it has. But, it still is lacking those individual threads that made Season 1 great. The first season wove in each character's plot masterfully, and then tied them together when appropriate. Now, and for the past few seasons, (with a few exceptions-Season 5) the plot has lived episode to episode (or, "Within the hour"). 

Finally, for a quick second point. Why did we bring back Tony in the first place? First, it was kind of a stupid explanation and obvious plot hole...but we were willing to forgive it because it brought us back Jack's best friend and most loyal companion. Instead, Tony has got a soul patch and buzz cut, is uber angry all the time, and has missed 25% of the episodes. 

What was the point of this? To get Jack out of the Senate hearing, and thats it? Gimme a break. 

He should have stayed dead for all the good the writers are putting him to.

The Cycling Town

Regan Idol:

So tonight, a good...20-25 people showed up in Regan Main to rock out and share some music. According to Alex, however, that number should be around 15-20, because apparently RAs do not count as attendees. (though seriously, Spencer and Daniel and Lauren were awesome).

Anyway, regardless...the showing was...not the best. (We should have sent Danielle to go bitch slap some people :P ) But whatever. Sereno certainly made up a solid plurality of spectators, and for that I am proud. We also made up the vast majority of performers.

Michael and Lauren rocked out to 'Love Song,' (as shown above) and then Alex and Alex knocked out a nice little on the spot piece of music.

Then the Serenagades bent some knees and broke some hearts with "Earth Angel."

And...J.R. told us about how he needed some sexual healing. Which we all certainly took to heart.

Why don't more people show up for these things? Seriously...its Sunday night, its raining. You have nothing going on. Get your ass over and interact. Is this not why you came to college?

I suppose I'm just a little bitter. Honestly, our RAs do a lot of work, and we have a lot of opportunities to do fun things. In high school we would have killed for these kinds of events. We had Backroads night, and...shit...that was kind of it. Help anyone? 

ANYway. Have a good night team. This week, more music, sports, and....(wait for it)...politics.

Entertainment, Weekly: The Small Screen

ER: Emergency Room? Or Exasperating Ruin?

Last night I tuned into the ER episode T-6. I haven't watched this season of ER, because, as everyone knows, it has been awful for the last few seasons. 

I did watch this episode because John Carter continues in his second episode back at County. He, (spoiler alert) was on dialysis at the end of the last episode, so basically I want to figure out what happens to him. 

First. This episode, and the one before it, have had some...slighty clever double meanings. 

Last week it was..."The Beginning of the End," perhaps illustrating that this is the beginning of the final plots of the show, and the beginning of the end of John Carter's life. This week it was, "T-6," that signifying that there are only six episodes left in the show, and Sam mentions that her horrendous day will end in "T-6." 

Second. The episode was ok....not great. John Stamos is a truly pathetic actor. The directing and camera movement is a lot different from the middle seasons of the show, which really could be motion pictures with the quality of the acting and directing and writing (More on that in a second). The characters just aren't very strong anymore, and I simply don't care about them.

Third. ER used to be a great, great show. I think the early to middle seasons of the show were truly fantastic. (Granted, I haven't seen seasons 3 or 4) 

But, in my opinion, Seasons 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, constitute a group of five seasons that could compete for the best in TV history. Only the first four seasons of the West Wing, or "The Wire," could compete with the compelling story lines of ER. These seasons had Dr. Carter getting stabbed, addicted to drugs, and finally stepping into the breach. Dr. Greene continuing his leadership and then dying. Dr. Corday being..brilliant. Dr. Benton pissing off Romano, fighting for his son, and leaving. Dr. Lewis returning. Dr. Kovac arriving. Hathaway and Ross leaving. Abby Lockhart arriving, with her sass. 

Anyway, finally...I'm going to watch these last few episodes of ER simply because I want to see the old cast reunited. I do wish Greene had only been written out, and not killed. That was yes, a great plot, and well done, but it was terribly sad...and I wish he could return. 

But, if they kill Carter, and complete his journey into "the new Greene," they will be completely stupid. Let the viewer walk away happy. My favorite character is either John Carter or Mark Greene, and you can absolutely not kill both of them. You let Kovac walk away, do the same for Carter. 

Music of the Week

Each and every week, I'll run down my favorite tunes, and a link to them. Check it out.

1. Sodom, South Georgia by Iron and Wine

It's beautiful. Listen to it, and get the lyrics. 

2. Grapevine Fires by Death Cab for Cutie

"She laughed and danced through the field of graves." Classic Ben Gibbard. 

3. Flake by Jack Johnson

One of my favorite songs of all time. 

"I know she loves the sunrise, no longer sees it with her sleeping eyes."

4. Daniel's Song by The Finches

The Finches...its the future. Haha. 

5. Casimir Pulasky Day by Sufjan Stevens

Thank you Eva Rendle for including this on your original mix for me.

6. Bookends by Simon and Garfunkel 

Simon and Garfunkel. Enough said.

The Showdown

Holy, holy, holy shit.

This just in. The old squad, that being Alhambra High School's mock trial team...just advanced to the finals for the third time in four years I believe, after beating Acalanes by 1!!!!!!! point. 

Think about this. There were ten scorers. That is ten scoresheets. We won five, and lost five. Each scoresheet usually adds up to a little under 200 points, or about 100 per team. That means that there were 2,000 points!!! out there...and we won by a single tally. 

So now its, once again, a showdown against the big bad beezies from Miramonte on tuesday. Good luck team.

Dawn...you are amazing.

Pilot

Welcome, everyone. I do hope that this blog will cover a wide array of topics that will interest everyone. 

On Monday, I took the train back to Martinez. I still get a kick out of the fact that Amtrak Conductors still look and act like they want to teleport back to the late 19th century. Seriously, the caps, uniforms, mustaches, and attitudes all belong in the 1890's, not more than a century later.

I headed over to Alhambra and sat down with a few old teachers, namely Ryan Hussey and Eliot Schain. I do agree, yes, there are problems with Martinez, and it is good and necessary for her young people to escape. Still, AHS had its moments. 

These two men are both quirky and off-beat, but they deeply care about what they are doing, more perhaps than their students deserve. Eliot Schain puts up with immaturity and carelessness each day, and only asks students to try. I certainly spoke up in his class, and perhaps that is why he put up with my sarcastic remarks regarding Shasta's stance on evolution, or when I dressed up like him for teacher appreciation day... OR when I went on the morning announcements and told the school to check out EliotSchain.com.

He wasn't overly happy about that.

 

Yes, I could be a pain in the ass. But he will always have my respect for putting up with me.

Then I sped downtown to the Courthouse to meet up with another Alhambra Mock Trial Alum, my dear Bethany Walls, and watch our old team go up against Monte Vista in the Contra Costa County Quarterfinals. 

But lets pause, quickly. 

Alhambra is a Mock Trial powerhouse-enough said.

But why is it that Mock Trial at Alhambra gets no respect, even when, year after year, we turn out quality teams? 

How do we do it?

Easy...'cause Dawn Polvorosa is a god.

She takes random students, every year, and turns them into winners. We shouldn't be at the top, year after year.

Northgate, for example, has 90 students try out for their team. Monte Vista has a class dedicated to it. Miramonte is a mock trial cult. 

And we have Dawn.

The courthouse for Contra Costa County is in Martinez, and I used to always enjoy saying that when we competed, we were on home turf. People had to come to our town if they wanted to beat us, and usually we'd send them home crying. 

Well, Adrianna Mendoza rocked her opening statement, and our witnesses all outfoxed Monte Vista's quite annoying attorneys. After a while of listening to them, Beth wanted to strangle someone. 

At the end, Phil Thomas stood up and closed the deal with two awesome crosses and a bone-crunching closing statement, effectively sending our squad to the semi-finals once again. 

TONIGHT, they go up against Acalanes (a team always noted for their douche-i-ness). 

After that, I headed back to Davis. I'd wanted to come to this University for many years...mainly because I felt comfortable and connected to the town and community. It reminded me a lot of Martinez, except of course it was more educated, had more young people, and was even more liberal. 

I do love Davis, and am still relieved and happy that I go here...but Martinez and its students will always matter to me.

Thanks everyone, and have a good Thursday night.