Well, this weekend is Ohio University's Homecoming, 2008 edition. It's the first Homecoming since I transitioned from a student to an alum. So it kind of sucks to not actually be there for it. But since I knew this would be a fact before I even graduated, I've kind of gotten over it. But that doesn't mean I still won't miss all my friends and the tons of fun to be had in the ATH.
So I decided to have a little fun. I will first give my plans for this Homecoming weekend in Augusta and then, what I would do if I were actually in the ATH. We start in Augusta:
HOMECOMING - AUGUSTA STYLE
FRIDAY
9am - Wake Up
10am - Go To Gym/Run
Noon - TV/Surf Web
2:30pm - Go To Work
5pm - Go To HS Football Stadium for live shot
6:30pm - Go to 2 HS Football games
10pm - Back To Station
11:15pm - On The Air
Midnight - Leave Work, Go Home/Out
SATURDAY
11am - Wake Up/Watch Gameday in bed
Noon - Out of Bed/Watch OSU in HD
1:30 - Leave for Work at halftime
4pm - Leave for Columbia, SC
5pm - Eat dinner with (the) Kyle Lewis
7pm - Start of UAB/South Carolina
8:30pm - Leave Columbia, SC for Augusta
9:30pm - Back in Augusta, Cut highlights
11:23pm - On The Air
11:35pm - Leave Work, Go Home/Out
SUNDAY
Noon - Wake Up/Watch NFL Today in bed
1pm - Out of Bed/Watch ATL/CAR in HD
2:30pm - Leave For Work at halftime
6:23pm - On The Air
6:30pm - Dinner Break
11:23pm - On The Air again
11:35pm - Leave Work, Go Home
Thrilling I know huh? Now, for my dream Homecoming in the ATH
HOMECOMING - ATHENS STYLE
FRIDAY
11am - Wake Up
Noon - Pizza Hut Lunch Buffet w/GG peeps
2pm - Find A Tour Guide, Heckle him/her
3pm - Head To Ping, Say Hi To IM Peeps
4pm - Head to WOUB, Say Hi To GG peeps/frosh
4:30pm - Head to IM Fields, Make fun of all working
5pm - Meet some peeps at an establishment and begin consumption
6:30pm - Goodfellas Pizza break
6:32pm - Back to establishment
7:30pm - GG Tailgate Event
8:32pm - Back to, well, you know...
11:20pm - Another Goodfellas break
11:25pm - Up to station for GG live
Midnight - GG after-party
3:30am - DM at USD
4am - Sleep
SATURDAY
5am - Kegs and Eggs @ an establishment
7am - Nap
9am - Back at it @ an establishment
10am - Parade time, Yell at people, Give candy to little kids, etc...
Noon - Watch OSU 1st half @ establishment
2pm - OU football game
3:30pm - Leave after Marching 110
4pm - Another nap
6pm - Back at it @ an establishment
7pm - IM Homecoming Party
2am - Chicken Gringo and Chips and Sombrero at Big Momma's to cap off night
SUNDAY
Noon - Wake Up (hopefully)
1pm - $3.95 Chinese
1:30pm - Hit the road to Augusta. It's a long damn drive...
Oh, I wish.
But honestly, I really wish I could be there. Beyond the many friends that are still there from the new seniors to even a few freshmen I know there, it would be great to catch up with the Class of '08 and earlier crew. I know my tolerance is nowhere near what it was senior year so it would make it that more fun.
I miss everything about OU from the Court Street bricks to the pointless Punchcard Park (still have no idea why it's there). And to be away from it when many are back is tough. But it's all a part of being this far away. I wanted to get away from the Midwest so I get what I ask for. But again, it's all good.
Have fun everyone and if you call, wait till after midnight when I am off work. Really wish I could be there. To all those at OU now, remember to treat the alums well. They are wiser and just wanna have fun. And to the alums, soak it in. Some of us like me can't make it so you have to make up for it. GO BOBCATS and drink up!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Back To The Buckeye State
Alright folks, I have some dates for you finally. They are "tentative" with my boss but they are set in stone by my other "boss". Don't ask, just read on.
In case you don't know, I get no vacation days until I work a full year. But I do get holidays off. And the holidays I do not get off, I get a day off earlier or later that equals working on the actual holiday. So with there being two in the sports department, obviously one needs to be working. So we split up Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It worked out that I will be off for Thanksgiving. Therefore, I will be in Ohio Tuesday, November 25-Friday, November 28th. Now, I will be in Indianapolis for Turkey Day but most of my time back in the Midwest will be in Columbus, OH. There will not be a trip to Athens this time cause no one will be there. Now, I could be back as soon as Monday, November 24th but I am kind of hoping that doesn't happen.
The reason for that is that I am hoping to string together another four-day week in January. Since I work Christmas Day and will also get a day for New Year's Day, I'm hoping to put those two days together with my usual two days off and make a nice four-day weekend (Tues-Fri) in the first week of January. In that "weekend", a trip to Athens would definitely be in order.
So there's the update peeps. Plan accordingly to meet up with me or get far, far away.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
R. Kelly Is Dumb (But Innocent)
Now, I'm not the kind of guy to just bring down fellow black people but R. Kelly is just ridiculous. The guy is proven innocent for the whole having sex with underage girls. That's fine. I hope he really is innocent of it all. Then he decides to do an exclusive interview with BET to talk about the trial and all the ups and downs in his life. Well, let's just say, that was a mistake.
Just watch the following videos. Watch the entire first video and only the first statement by R. Kelly in the second video or feel free to hear the entire interview if you dare. Trust me, this is worth it
Again, only watch the first statement from R. Kelly and try to understand it. Write it out if you have to.
Now, if that's not comedy, then I don't know what is. I may watch this interview every morning to remind myself just how important getting an education is, no matter how much it cost.
Just watch the following videos. Watch the entire first video and only the first statement by R. Kelly in the second video or feel free to hear the entire interview if you dare. Trust me, this is worth it
Again, only watch the first statement from R. Kelly and try to understand it. Write it out if you have to.
Now, if that's not comedy, then I don't know what is. I may watch this interview every morning to remind myself just how important getting an education is, no matter how much it cost.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
I've Got Friends In All Places
When I first moved to Augusta, I knew that being far away from the friends I know and love would suck. I mean, many of the bets moments in my life have come with friends and not family. So being away from my friends does suck. Now granted, my family will always be missed first. But I tell ya, friends come a close second.
And I know I have good friends when I am in bed at 4am and getting a drunk dial from them at Union Street Diner after the first Gridiron Glory of 2008. Or a call at 11:30pm when they all gather at The Pub, just to remind me of the many good times had there on Monday nights. Or the numerous friends who sent a text my way to infrom my ugly mug is still promoting my alma mater on television. Or the friends who continue to text me when they pass my billboard. Hell, even the friends that read this blog.
So what I can do with this blog is see where people are reading my blog from. Well, so far, I'm up to 28 states (including Montana) and 2 countries. And one day when I was bored, my mind started wandering about what if I could take a month off work, paid leave let's say, and just drive across the nation. How cool would that be. And that got me to thinking about the friends I have all over this great nation of ours. It's not necessarily the amount I have. I know there are many more people in this world with more. But it's where they are.
For example....
- If I wanna hang out with the stars in Los Angeles, just give Theetge, Joe, Goldfarb or Basford a call.
- Feel like gambling in Sin City? Holla at Alex and Killer in Las Vegas.
- If I wanna touch a cactus and see some amazing looking ladies in Tempe, AZ, talk to Jacinta and Wyatt who are livin it up at Arizona State (Beadle graduated early for no reason).
- If I ever learn how to ski, I could hit the slopes in Denver with Whitney.
- If I wanna visit the land where Fran Solich used to roam, head to Lincoln, NE and visit Gant and Fulton, who prolly has a dead baby joke for me.
- If I wanna wear a cowboy hat and act like Cowboy Troy for a day, I'll go to Stillwater, OK and hang out with Cody and Devin.
- If I go to College Station, TX, I can lose my mind hanging out Keefe and Jerrod.
- If I head south from there, I can hit up Dallas and say what's up to the always laid-back J-King.
- Go south on I-35 and I could be wild in Waco, TX, where I'm pretty sure TI will show me a good time.
- Head a bit southwest and I'll be in Houston, where Mark is prolly doing something he shouldn't be doing and Morris is doing...actually, I don't know.
- And if I wanna be on the border of Mexico, I think JA would be a good host, as long as a hurricane isn't coming.
- If I wanna go to Bill Clinton's birth state of Arkansas, I can also visit Sloan and RJ and tlak about the good ol' extramural times.
- If Missouri is on my mind, I could visit Shane at SEMO and get in some trouble or find me in St. Louie with Rocco
- If I wanna freeze my butt off in Minnesota, I'll just talk to quirky Siebrecht and kooky Zmyslinski
- And since I'm cold already, might as well head to Madison, WI and hook up with Lumpkin and KHunt and have some beverages.
- If I wanna visit the beer capital of the world, Milwaukee, WI is where I'll go and meet up with Marquette peeps that my sister introduced me too but I don't remember the names of.
- Just an hour away, I can go to the windy city of Chicago and hang with Harbert, gossip with Danie, live it up with Liza, or see the sights with my second sister Lyndsey
- Down in Hattiesburg, MS, I could reunite myself with "pint-sized Matt"
- If I wanna learn that pop = Coke, I could chill in Alabama with Jerome, Taylor and whoever else is still in that state that I know.
- If I wanna figure out the words to Rocky Top, Knoxville is home to the famous Mike McCarthy and Meredith McMahon (talk about alliteration).
- To see where Vince Young is hiding, I could travel to Nashville and search the scene with Rapking and Braverman.
- Up in Hoosier country, I could meet up with Stacey and A-Ho in Indiana.
- If I wanna spit on the ground of Michigan, I can find Saunders and yell at him some more afterwards
- If I wanna spit on the ground of Florida, I can see Ashley in Tampa, Dan in Jacksonville, Jenn in Melbourne, and Rosie in Miami
- If I leave Augusta and go around Georgia, I can find Segi and company in Statesboro, Wyatt and BFunk (soon) in Atlanta, Todd in Macon, Storch in Athens and Huggy Bear and Noble holdin it down in Valdosta.
- If it's the beach I want, I'll talk to Shari in Myrtle Beach, SC or Mallory in Virginia Beach, VA.
- In Columbia, SC, I can talk to Kyle and learn more about life
- If it's North Carolina I wanna head to, I got Criswell in Greensboro and of course, Michelle and Granger chillaxin in Charlotte.
- If I wanna get the New England feel, I'll go to Boston and chill with some grad student guys, Brett and Will
- If I wanna see the bright lights of the Big Apple, I can visit Jen and Jones in New York City.
- If I wanna make fun of the Mountaineers, I'll go to Morgantown and meet up with Lindamood.
- If I wanna check out the Worldwide Leader in Sports in Bristol, CT, I'll call up Blair, Gandee Man, and Kimmy K.
- And of course, in the great state of Ohio, I've got friends all over. Let's not even try to go city by city. My head will blow up.
In other words, I'm a really lucky guy. Because of the profession I am in, I could be in a different locale every 2-3 years. But the reassuring thing is that no matter where I go, I'll have a friend nearby. Thanks peeps. And of course, Hakuna Matata.
(Oh, and by the way, this post took forever. I've been mapping out where my friends are for the past three days and I know I probably either don't know where some are or simply forgot someone because I am forgetful. Heck, I forgot my microphone at a high school football practice yesterday. So no offense intended at all. Just had to throw that out there.)
And I know I have good friends when I am in bed at 4am and getting a drunk dial from them at Union Street Diner after the first Gridiron Glory of 2008. Or a call at 11:30pm when they all gather at The Pub, just to remind me of the many good times had there on Monday nights. Or the numerous friends who sent a text my way to infrom my ugly mug is still promoting my alma mater on television. Or the friends who continue to text me when they pass my billboard. Hell, even the friends that read this blog.
So what I can do with this blog is see where people are reading my blog from. Well, so far, I'm up to 28 states (including Montana) and 2 countries. And one day when I was bored, my mind started wandering about what if I could take a month off work, paid leave let's say, and just drive across the nation. How cool would that be. And that got me to thinking about the friends I have all over this great nation of ours. It's not necessarily the amount I have. I know there are many more people in this world with more. But it's where they are.
For example....
- If I wanna hang out with the stars in Los Angeles, just give Theetge, Joe, Goldfarb or Basford a call.
- Feel like gambling in Sin City? Holla at Alex and Killer in Las Vegas.
- If I wanna touch a cactus and see some amazing looking ladies in Tempe, AZ, talk to Jacinta and Wyatt who are livin it up at Arizona State (Beadle graduated early for no reason).
- If I ever learn how to ski, I could hit the slopes in Denver with Whitney.
- If I wanna visit the land where Fran Solich used to roam, head to Lincoln, NE and visit Gant and Fulton, who prolly has a dead baby joke for me.
- If I wanna wear a cowboy hat and act like Cowboy Troy for a day, I'll go to Stillwater, OK and hang out with Cody and Devin.
- If I go to College Station, TX, I can lose my mind hanging out Keefe and Jerrod.
- If I head south from there, I can hit up Dallas and say what's up to the always laid-back J-King.
- Go south on I-35 and I could be wild in Waco, TX, where I'm pretty sure TI will show me a good time.
- Head a bit southwest and I'll be in Houston, where Mark is prolly doing something he shouldn't be doing and Morris is doing...actually, I don't know.
- And if I wanna be on the border of Mexico, I think JA would be a good host, as long as a hurricane isn't coming.
- If I wanna go to Bill Clinton's birth state of Arkansas, I can also visit Sloan and RJ and tlak about the good ol' extramural times.
- If Missouri is on my mind, I could visit Shane at SEMO and get in some trouble or find me in St. Louie with Rocco
- If I wanna freeze my butt off in Minnesota, I'll just talk to quirky Siebrecht and kooky Zmyslinski
- And since I'm cold already, might as well head to Madison, WI and hook up with Lumpkin and KHunt and have some beverages.
- If I wanna visit the beer capital of the world, Milwaukee, WI is where I'll go and meet up with Marquette peeps that my sister introduced me too but I don't remember the names of.
- Just an hour away, I can go to the windy city of Chicago and hang with Harbert, gossip with Danie, live it up with Liza, or see the sights with my second sister Lyndsey
- Down in Hattiesburg, MS, I could reunite myself with "pint-sized Matt"
- If I wanna learn that pop = Coke, I could chill in Alabama with Jerome, Taylor and whoever else is still in that state that I know.
- If I wanna figure out the words to Rocky Top, Knoxville is home to the famous Mike McCarthy and Meredith McMahon (talk about alliteration).
- To see where Vince Young is hiding, I could travel to Nashville and search the scene with Rapking and Braverman.
- Up in Hoosier country, I could meet up with Stacey and A-Ho in Indiana.
- If I wanna spit on the ground of Michigan, I can find Saunders and yell at him some more afterwards
- If I wanna spit on the ground of Florida, I can see Ashley in Tampa, Dan in Jacksonville, Jenn in Melbourne, and Rosie in Miami
- If I leave Augusta and go around Georgia, I can find Segi and company in Statesboro, Wyatt and BFunk (soon) in Atlanta, Todd in Macon, Storch in Athens and Huggy Bear and Noble holdin it down in Valdosta.
- If it's the beach I want, I'll talk to Shari in Myrtle Beach, SC or Mallory in Virginia Beach, VA.
- In Columbia, SC, I can talk to Kyle and learn more about life
- If it's North Carolina I wanna head to, I got Criswell in Greensboro and of course, Michelle and Granger chillaxin in Charlotte.
- If I wanna get the New England feel, I'll go to Boston and chill with some grad student guys, Brett and Will
- If I wanna see the bright lights of the Big Apple, I can visit Jen and Jones in New York City.
- If I wanna make fun of the Mountaineers, I'll go to Morgantown and meet up with Lindamood.
- If I wanna check out the Worldwide Leader in Sports in Bristol, CT, I'll call up Blair, Gandee Man, and Kimmy K.
- And of course, in the great state of Ohio, I've got friends all over. Let's not even try to go city by city. My head will blow up.
In other words, I'm a really lucky guy. Because of the profession I am in, I could be in a different locale every 2-3 years. But the reassuring thing is that no matter where I go, I'll have a friend nearby. Thanks peeps. And of course, Hakuna Matata.
(Oh, and by the way, this post took forever. I've been mapping out where my friends are for the past three days and I know I probably either don't know where some are or simply forgot someone because I am forgetful. Heck, I forgot my microphone at a high school football practice yesterday. So no offense intended at all. Just had to throw that out there.)
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Political Convention Comedy
So I've been watching these political conventions the past two weeks and man, are they fun to watch. Whether you are Republican, Democrat or Independent like me, you have to laugh at the stuff that goes on during these things. The speeches, the music, the videos and the people dressed like absolute idiots. It makes you really wonder how the hell we are a respected nation in the first place.
Now, I know who I am going to vote for and most of you know who. I do my best to stay open-minded and aware of the issues. Hence why I think I have enjoyed these conventions so much. So without trying to add bias, here are my quick impressions of what I've thought of both conventions (except McCain's speech which will come Thursday during SC football, Roddick/Djokovic and the start of the NFL season)
DEMOCRATIC: Well, first off, a lot of splash, dash and flash. Democrats like to do it up big. The stage was unbelieveable. There was a screen. Then a 3 screens above it. Then 3 screens above it. Quite impressive. But that wasn't it. Just check out this clip from Monday from the DNC
Two things to take from that.
1) his floating head talking to his kids reminded me of Power Rangers when Zordon talked to those colorfully costumed heroes
2) God bless the Obama family and his youngest daughter Sasha but Sasha, shut up! There's cute and then there's annoying. When Daddy says where he is, listen so you don't hafta ask 45 seconds later. And Michelle, don't give her the mic when she's just gonna interrupt him. Bad enough he is delayed. And they say Obama hasn't been tested. I betcha his little one does everyday.
Anyways, the convention had more than just technology. The entertainment at the DNC was amazing. Just take a look at the list of musicians that performed that week in Denver: Jennifer Hudson, Will.I.Am, Melissa Etheridge, Michael McDonald, Sheryl Crow, John Legend and Stevie Wonder. Not bad if I may say so myself. Not to mention also that the music from the house band always had the joint rockin'. If you don't believe me, just watch this:
Well, that is just sad for all Americans, no matter who you support. Grown people looking like they have had a bit too much to drink. Eh well.
I will say this. That as much as the convention worked to show "unity" between Clinton and Obama, it just seemed forced. I know it all looks symbolic but it actually just comes off as awkward and odd. Not really sure Clinton supporters cared. Hillary lost. Now, it's up to Obama to convert them, not Hillary. But that was the vibe I kept getting from the convention. Hillary and Bill can say what they want but in the end, it's up to Obama himself. so don't cheese it up or do all these ceremonial things.
As far as the speeches, I thought all the speeches at the DNC were pretty darn good. They all kept my attention and had good talking points. As usual, a lot of bashing the others and promoting their ticket. But if I had to pick one speech that I particularly enjoyed, it was from Bill Clinton himself. I think the guy is one of the best presidents ever (if not for...you know) and is a great speaker. But watch the intro to this speech and I heard this from someplace else. Replace the word "sit" with "kneel" and tell me if that makes his speech a bit funnier. (Only go to the 2-min mark unless you feel inspired)
And Obama's speech in Invesco Field, talk about impressive-looking. I don't even think Hannah Montana could fill that place up like he did. Of course, there were lies and half-truths said all week but that's politics. All in all though, it was fun.
REPUBLICAN
Now I'll be the first to say that I have seen less of this convention. Monday was rained out due to Gustav. Tuesday, I watched more tennis than anything else. Wednesday, I didn't tune in until 9:45ish cause I was a minor league baseball game. But from what I have seen so far, it has been flat out BORING, or should I say conservative. I mean, the music is dry. There was jazz on Tuesday that I did enjoy but it just wasn't as exciting as hearing the Motown hits. The stage is simple. Just one screen and rotating images during speeches. I kind of appreciate that though. Didn't really need that many screens at the DNC.
The most glaring thing missing from the RNC is well, color. I mean, I know there aren't many minority Republicans but man, put the RNC in Minnesota and have a running mate from Alaska and you have officially made the convention a white-out. It's sad but a reality. I've seen few minorites at all. Now, that's not to say that makes the Democrats better with minority issues (though history shows that) but any minority on the fence watching the RNC has to prolly wonder why no one who looks like them is there in the Twin Cities.
Oh, and as for the speeches, Tuesday could not have been anymore boring. Fred Thompson using metaphors that were simply confusing and man, he was completely congested. Seriously, he hacked through his speech. And then Joe Lieberman, an Independent Democrat (what?) goes on stage and if people weren't tired enough from Fred, a lullaby from Lieberman did the trick.
Did that bore you too? And also, doesn't Joe Lieberman kind of look like the cartoon character Droopy?
Maybe it's just me. Regardless, you can see why a Gore-Lieberman ticket never really inspired America in 2000. (Letterman on Wednesday: "John McCain spent 5.5 hours in a POW camp and even HE couldn't get through Joseph Lieberman's speech"---that's great)
Wednesday's speeches were much better. My favorite Republican Mike Huckabee gave a great speech about something rather (don't wanna go to detail). Rudy Guiliani went on and on about John McCain being a hero but never really talked about what he would for the country. He did throw some words Obama's way, saying he wasn't ready and that the only one who has fought for America actually is McCain. Well duh! He was in the Navy. Are we gonna start faulting candidates of any offices because they have no service time? Get off that argument please!
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin's speech was good as well. She appealed to who she needed to. She did mispronounce Lancaster, OH. It's LANE-kis-ter, not lan-CAST-er, like in Pennsylvania. She'll learn though if she wants the votes I assume. (Another Letterman joke: "Doesn't Sarah Palin look like a model for Lenscrafter?" ---again, so so true).
As far as how she came off, she impressed me a lot. As many Americans, I woke up Friday to CNN and said "WHO?" Well, now that I know she is hockey mom with some spunk (and other credentials), I do feel a bit better if/when McCain dies if/when he becomes President. That was my inital worry and still kind of is. A funny moment from it though was when Sarah Palin said "The only difference between hockey moms and pitbulls? Lipstick." And while the audience laughs and applauds, they go to a shot of Cindy McCain who mouths to Sarah's husband Todd Palin, "That's true!" HAHA, what the hell does Cindy McCain know about hockey moms? You live in Arizona (4 houses), Washington, and two other places.
After her speech, John McCain came on stage with the family and just like in Dayton, it just felt awkward. Seeing a 72-yr old man with a good-looking 44-yr old woman is just awkward. Just watch this video from YouTube, inspired probably by the awkward feel of this ticket.
Oh, that's good stuff. But in the end, Sarah Palin did herself and Alaska proud with her speech. I look forward to the VP debate with her and Biden. I find her likable and a great pick from McCain. In 4 years, I wouldn't mind seeing her run for President if/when she loses this year. She has a bright future for the party and hopefully, the nation. We still don't know about any of her stances on foreign policy which scares me as someone who has to help the President with those decisions but as far as domestic policy, I may be able to trust her.
The only questions I have so far from the RNC is why they don't mention Barack Obama's name ever (they always say "the opponent" or 'they")? Why do they keep blaming the media for things (do they understand the media decides who and what gets on TV for viewers to watch)? And when are they actaully going to get into the issues because if I hear one more argument about McCain being a hero making him more suited to be president, I may puke. I would hope McCain will address the differences between him and Obama (and maybe by name) and talk about what he WILL do for America and not what he HAS done before he was even in Congress.
Unfortunately, I will not be watching John McCain's acceptance speech live. Maybe later but not live so I cannot answer that final question. But I will end this blog entry with something funny. Check out John McCain on Letterman just a few months ago:
If he does that tomorrow, he may win himself some votes. (FYI: Love how McCain can't raise either arm above his shoulder so he does that awkward downward point) Hope you enjoyed the post peeps. I hate talking politics but these conventions were screaming for me too. Hakuna Matata.
Now, I know who I am going to vote for and most of you know who. I do my best to stay open-minded and aware of the issues. Hence why I think I have enjoyed these conventions so much. So without trying to add bias, here are my quick impressions of what I've thought of both conventions (except McCain's speech which will come Thursday during SC football, Roddick/Djokovic and the start of the NFL season)
DEMOCRATIC: Well, first off, a lot of splash, dash and flash. Democrats like to do it up big. The stage was unbelieveable. There was a screen. Then a 3 screens above it. Then 3 screens above it. Quite impressive. But that wasn't it. Just check out this clip from Monday from the DNC
Two things to take from that.
1) his floating head talking to his kids reminded me of Power Rangers when Zordon talked to those colorfully costumed heroes
2) God bless the Obama family and his youngest daughter Sasha but Sasha, shut up! There's cute and then there's annoying. When Daddy says where he is, listen so you don't hafta ask 45 seconds later. And Michelle, don't give her the mic when she's just gonna interrupt him. Bad enough he is delayed. And they say Obama hasn't been tested. I betcha his little one does everyday.Anyways, the convention had more than just technology. The entertainment at the DNC was amazing. Just take a look at the list of musicians that performed that week in Denver: Jennifer Hudson, Will.I.Am, Melissa Etheridge, Michael McDonald, Sheryl Crow, John Legend and Stevie Wonder. Not bad if I may say so myself. Not to mention also that the music from the house band always had the joint rockin'. If you don't believe me, just watch this:
Well, that is just sad for all Americans, no matter who you support. Grown people looking like they have had a bit too much to drink. Eh well.
I will say this. That as much as the convention worked to show "unity" between Clinton and Obama, it just seemed forced. I know it all looks symbolic but it actually just comes off as awkward and odd. Not really sure Clinton supporters cared. Hillary lost. Now, it's up to Obama to convert them, not Hillary. But that was the vibe I kept getting from the convention. Hillary and Bill can say what they want but in the end, it's up to Obama himself. so don't cheese it up or do all these ceremonial things.
As far as the speeches, I thought all the speeches at the DNC were pretty darn good. They all kept my attention and had good talking points. As usual, a lot of bashing the others and promoting their ticket. But if I had to pick one speech that I particularly enjoyed, it was from Bill Clinton himself. I think the guy is one of the best presidents ever (if not for...you know) and is a great speaker. But watch the intro to this speech and I heard this from someplace else. Replace the word "sit" with "kneel" and tell me if that makes his speech a bit funnier. (Only go to the 2-min mark unless you feel inspired)
And Obama's speech in Invesco Field, talk about impressive-looking. I don't even think Hannah Montana could fill that place up like he did. Of course, there were lies and half-truths said all week but that's politics. All in all though, it was fun.
REPUBLICAN
Now I'll be the first to say that I have seen less of this convention. Monday was rained out due to Gustav. Tuesday, I watched more tennis than anything else. Wednesday, I didn't tune in until 9:45ish cause I was a minor league baseball game. But from what I have seen so far, it has been flat out BORING, or should I say conservative. I mean, the music is dry. There was jazz on Tuesday that I did enjoy but it just wasn't as exciting as hearing the Motown hits. The stage is simple. Just one screen and rotating images during speeches. I kind of appreciate that though. Didn't really need that many screens at the DNC.
The most glaring thing missing from the RNC is well, color. I mean, I know there aren't many minority Republicans but man, put the RNC in Minnesota and have a running mate from Alaska and you have officially made the convention a white-out. It's sad but a reality. I've seen few minorites at all. Now, that's not to say that makes the Democrats better with minority issues (though history shows that) but any minority on the fence watching the RNC has to prolly wonder why no one who looks like them is there in the Twin Cities.
Oh, and as for the speeches, Tuesday could not have been anymore boring. Fred Thompson using metaphors that were simply confusing and man, he was completely congested. Seriously, he hacked through his speech. And then Joe Lieberman, an Independent Democrat (what?) goes on stage and if people weren't tired enough from Fred, a lullaby from Lieberman did the trick.
Did that bore you too? And also, doesn't Joe Lieberman kind of look like the cartoon character Droopy?
Maybe it's just me. Regardless, you can see why a Gore-Lieberman ticket never really inspired America in 2000. (Letterman on Wednesday: "John McCain spent 5.5 hours in a POW camp and even HE couldn't get through Joseph Lieberman's speech"---that's great)Wednesday's speeches were much better. My favorite Republican Mike Huckabee gave a great speech about something rather (don't wanna go to detail). Rudy Guiliani went on and on about John McCain being a hero but never really talked about what he would for the country. He did throw some words Obama's way, saying he wasn't ready and that the only one who has fought for America actually is McCain. Well duh! He was in the Navy. Are we gonna start faulting candidates of any offices because they have no service time? Get off that argument please!
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin's speech was good as well. She appealed to who she needed to. She did mispronounce Lancaster, OH. It's LANE-kis-ter, not lan-CAST-er, like in Pennsylvania. She'll learn though if she wants the votes I assume. (Another Letterman joke: "Doesn't Sarah Palin look like a model for Lenscrafter?" ---again, so so true).
As far as how she came off, she impressed me a lot. As many Americans, I woke up Friday to CNN and said "WHO?" Well, now that I know she is hockey mom with some spunk (and other credentials), I do feel a bit better if/when McCain dies if/when he becomes President. That was my inital worry and still kind of is. A funny moment from it though was when Sarah Palin said "The only difference between hockey moms and pitbulls? Lipstick." And while the audience laughs and applauds, they go to a shot of Cindy McCain who mouths to Sarah's husband Todd Palin, "That's true!" HAHA, what the hell does Cindy McCain know about hockey moms? You live in Arizona (4 houses), Washington, and two other places.
After her speech, John McCain came on stage with the family and just like in Dayton, it just felt awkward. Seeing a 72-yr old man with a good-looking 44-yr old woman is just awkward. Just watch this video from YouTube, inspired probably by the awkward feel of this ticket.
Oh, that's good stuff. But in the end, Sarah Palin did herself and Alaska proud with her speech. I look forward to the VP debate with her and Biden. I find her likable and a great pick from McCain. In 4 years, I wouldn't mind seeing her run for President if/when she loses this year. She has a bright future for the party and hopefully, the nation. We still don't know about any of her stances on foreign policy which scares me as someone who has to help the President with those decisions but as far as domestic policy, I may be able to trust her.
The only questions I have so far from the RNC is why they don't mention Barack Obama's name ever (they always say "the opponent" or 'they")? Why do they keep blaming the media for things (do they understand the media decides who and what gets on TV for viewers to watch)? And when are they actaully going to get into the issues because if I hear one more argument about McCain being a hero making him more suited to be president, I may puke. I would hope McCain will address the differences between him and Obama (and maybe by name) and talk about what he WILL do for America and not what he HAS done before he was even in Congress.
Unfortunately, I will not be watching John McCain's acceptance speech live. Maybe later but not live so I cannot answer that final question. But I will end this blog entry with something funny. Check out John McCain on Letterman just a few months ago:
If he does that tomorrow, he may win himself some votes. (FYI: Love how McCain can't raise either arm above his shoulder so he does that awkward downward point) Hope you enjoyed the post peeps. I hate talking politics but these conventions were screaming for me too. Hakuna Matata.
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