Happy Halloween

POLITICS: Obama Infomercial 10/29

Here's the famous infomercial that Obama aired yesterday, October 29th. It was a commercial that accomplished its goal, provide stories that normal Americans can relate to, showed a humanistic side of Obama and got people talking.

Many news reports question the infomercial, mainly because it was seen as a "presidential-address" before Obama has become presidential. Others argue that the news channels should have disallowed the commercial to air, because it provided a bias 30 minute block and was not necessarily "news-worthy."

Despite the reactions, the infomercial had the highest TV ratings that night, and for a mere cost of $7 million per network, could've swayed key voters.

Here's the video in four different sequences (only way for it to be on youtube).

What do you think of it?

(POST 50!)

NEWS: Darfur in 10 Minutes with a little bit of China

Ok, now Blgoger will let me type..

The conflict in Sudan and Darfur is not new news, but it is something that not everyone fully understands. I might be breaking one of the golden rules of news writing (news has to be new), but that's fine because for today I want to make sure people understand what is going on in Sudan.

This ten minute video clip does an amazing job explaining the complexity of the conflict, along with exposing one of the most unknown factors, China.

China is still considered a "developing nation." Their industry is growing exponentially, as is the need for oil. One of the larger untapped oil areas is Africa, which some countries are now exploiting due to Africa's general lack of infrastructure.

China trading with countries for oil is not necessarily evil; however, the political actions to ensure these ties with trading nations is a moral failure.

It has been proven that China sends modern weapons to Northern Sudan, which has been fuel for the fire. Because Northern Sudan controls the oil ports, China has given an unfair advantage to half the country with better weapons, thus putting more tools for murder in the hands of those committing genocide.

This is not the only example of China's moral lapse. The government also made close ties with Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe. They gave him money and power, both of which enabled him to steal food and lives from those who did not agree with him politically.

Why isn't anything being done?
The answer is simple-China. The UN can't possible do anything because China has a seat on the security council and will always exercise their veto power. The U.S. won't do anything because it will anger China, as it will be perceived as the U.S. encroaching on China's territory. And for now, no other leaders are stepping up to take genuine action.

In the end, many see no end. The common consensus to the current conflict is that it will take the goodwill of a nation, or many nations to realize the injustice occurring.

ENTERTAINMENT: The art of the remix: Two Times Tuesday

The remix has always been an interesting aspect of music. No matter the genre, song or artist, a remix is a way for music to be reinterpreted.

Since it's Tuesday, and Dominos has everyone thinking of "Two Times Tuesday", I figured I'd double up the music today.

Gnarls Barkley, a two man band from Atlanta most known for their hit single "Crazy", has done their fair share of remixes. Their most famous was "Gone Daddy Gone", which happened to be their second hit single. The other remix, "Reckoner", has not been produced but has been seen by many loyal audiences.

Fans were able to witness "Reckoner" while at Lollapalooza, when Gnarls Barkley took the stage a day after Radiohead (the original song's writer).

Gnarls Barkley, who is funky in their own respects, has taken hit songs from other alternative bands and put the Gnarls spin on things. A remix isn't easy to do, mainly because listeners are already used to the original song. Despite that difficulty, they have repeatedly succeeded in making remixes, and for me have taken the songs to new levels.

Enjoy today's for your viewing pleasure, Gnarls Barkley, and their own spins on the remix.

Gone Daddy Gone-Gnarls Barkley (originally Violent Femmes)

Reckoner-Gnarls Barkley (originally Radiohead)

NEWS: Gas Price Manipulation by Elections

While in college, my mom has started a tradition of a daily random text. Its been our way of keeping in touch, and sometimes informed. A few days ago I received a text that said, "Gas 1.99!"

1.99?! Before I left for college, just two months ago, I was paying around four dollars a gallon.

It makes no sense how gas prices can drop that quickly, that low, for no reason. In 2006, my social studies teacher proposed a gas price theory, that the elections were making the gas prices drop. At the time, I thought he forgot to take his meds and labeled the thought as just another conspiracy theory.

However, in a crucial election such as this, the gas price drop has been so apparent that it makes me wonder if "Crazy O'Connor" was onto something.

Admittedly, I have no evidence to prove this, nor has anyone been able to explain its feasibility. However, no one has been able to prove this wrong or give an alternate theory . To be honest, I think people are so happy with the current prices that they don't want to ask questions, thus the lack of answers.

So I leave it to the only thing I found on the internet. John Zavaglia, a local news producer from Massachusetts, puts his own spin on the gas theory and presents evidence to back up the "conspiracy theory." It's a nine minute clip of two segments from his show, but I encourage you to take the time to watch all of it. It's something that Americans should be thinking about.

ENTERTAINMENT: The Black Keys for your viewing pleasure

This song isn't new by any means, but it came up on shuffle today. It has that certain freshness from the shuffle, the freshness of a song that went buried in my iTunes, but managed to resurface to my ears by the musical god of luck. Today's viewing pleasure is The Black Keys performing "Your Touch."

The Black Keys are two men, that like to have fun, have attitude and make good music. I got to see them at Lollapalooza, and I'd put them in my top five performances from the three day music festival. They have good stage presence, mainly because they know how to have fun.

This video is quite a bit random, but so be it. It's a good song, so enjoy.

POLITICS: A new kind of ad

Maybe, just maybe, politicians are listening to the American people. This is an example of a well-rounded political ad. It explains the candidate's policies, makes you think and doesn't make an attempt to bash the other candidate.

Americans are tired of the vague "he said she said" ads, while no one explains their own policies and what they would like to do for this country.



Get informed! Go vote!

NEWS: NYT endorses Obama, lets take a look back through their past endorsements

Thought this was interesting, especially in the recent news of the NYT endorsement of Obama. (Oh yeah, Colin Powell endorsed Obama too)

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/10/23/opinion/20081024-endorse.html

Get informed! Go vote!

SPORTS: The boldest prediction of them all

BOLD PREDICTION:

The Tennessee Titans will remain undefeated this weekend, as they square off against the Colts. Indy just hasn't been the same this year. It's just what happens in the NFL, the balance of power/talent shifts. The Colts are now stepping down from their AFC South thrown, and Tennessee is ready to reclaim the division and possibly get that covenant Super Bowl trophy. Too bad Eddie George is retired; I loved the Titans in the McNair-George days... they did come one yard away from winning the Super Bowl.



BOLDER PREDICTION:

The Bengals will WIN this weekend. They are playing a 2-4 Texans team that is pretty bad on defense. I expect, what now is unexpected, that the Bengals' offense will actual click and make big plays. Hopefully the defense can make huge stands, or at least one stand to allow our offense to take over. Hint: Lets not give the ball to Perry who, for the past couple of years has suffered from various injuries and fumble-itus.


THE BOLDEST PREDICTION OF THEM ALL:

The Bengals will, in the next three weeks, not lose a game..
Oh yeah, Rivers is out, Palmer is out, Jacksonville is after Houston... and we have a bye week 10.

I like my odds.

Empower Success: $15,000

It's a little late, but at our PR meeting on Tuesday we found out that the estimated total raised by the 5K Run to Empower was $15,000! Thank you to all who helped the cause.

Empower also has created a new promotional video for your viewing pleasure.

Next on the agenda:

Empower is hoping to become a national organization. It has rapidly gained excitement this year, as other Ohio colleges are creating empower chapters at their own campuses. They are hoping to expand to other cities, and are also interested in high school involvement.

Already this year empower has grown enough that they have been backordered on jewelry; however, due to the amount of money raised by the 5k, the OU chapter will buy enough jewelry to hopefully cover the growing interest.

If interested in starting a chapter at your local school, church, community, organization or university, let me know and I'll assist you in spreading this great cause.

SPORTS: World Series Prediction

Rays in 5.

No reasons. No logic. Just gut feeling.

GO RAYS!

ENTERTAINMENT: 3OH!3

Music is a drug.

I sat out in the mod of our dorm and listened to a song (later it turned out to be "choke chain"), and I could not get it out of my head. Funny how addicting music can be.

Anyway, it was a great song to get hyped to. If you're trying to stay awake while studying for an exam, or getting ready to find your first win in flag football, 3OH!3 is the way to go.

I warn you, this music is different. It's unorganized, and shows little reflection of musical talent. The music is like the random party lifestyle this band is becoming famous for. Yet, the random sounds, screams and lyrics are sharp enough to dig into your brain and not let go.

3OH!3 is what happens when you mix alcohol, two white guys, electronic hip hop beats and Bolder, Colorado. Sound delicious?

Here's 3OH!3's music video for "Holler Till You Pass Out." (Sorry, there aren't any other video options for 3OH!3 that are actual videos)

POLITICS: Youth Vote 2008

The 2008 election has been shaped to be a benchmark in American history no matter who becomes president. News reports have indicated Obama having slight leads, while the same poles also show Obama has over a twenty point lead on McCain for voters under 30.

Historically, the youth vote has been more liberal. At the same time it has been weaker due to poor attendance on election day. I began to think how my political views, which are liberal were formed.

To keep a long story short, I didn't really know what politics were until my freshman year of high school. I remember the days of the 2000 election at Springdale Elementary, talking about Bush and Gore, but I was always ignorant to politics.

As a person who became drawn into politics during the Bush administration, I was exposed to many ups and downs. I would've aligned myself more with the GOP earlier on, when patriotism was high and we were out to fight terrorism (I was also very ignorant to the price of war, and what it means to lose a soldier).

However, as I became more aware and read into politics, I found myself to agree with the more liberal stances. I couldn't agree with Bush or many of the GOP's ideals. I tell this story not to bore you with my views, but to show why many people (especially young voters) will vote for Obama this year.

Americans are fed up with Bush, with the war, with dumb policy making, with the game of politics and ultimately with Washington. Politics can always be described as the lesser of two evils, but I think America is starting to align themselves with a fresh face that wants us out of Iraq.

POLITICS: Sometimes it's just better to laugh (Pt. 2)

While I was at home visiting the family again, I got the fortune to watch the Tonight Show with my mom and dad. It was nice to share a laugh and watch Caliendo torch Bush and give us a preview of his McCain and Obama. Here's the clip that inspired yesterday's post. Enjoy!

Get informed! Go vote!

POLITICS: Sometimes it's just better to laugh

Bush gave Frank Caliendo the fame that Palin could give Tina Fey. When we've suffered through almost eight years of terrible leadership, sometimes it's just better to laugh.

Now that you're done laughing, go educate yourself for 2008 and make an informed decision. Vote!

POLITICS: List of Ohio issues on the ballot-KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE!

Check out this site: http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/States

It's a non-partisan site that describes each issue that will be on the ballot, no matter what state you're from. Each description includes pro/con arguments, supporters and external links for more background information.

I'll go ahead and list the issue on Ohio's ballot for 2008:
(from http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Ohio_2008_ballot_measures)
Issue 1-To change the deadline for submitting signatures on initiatives from 90 days to 125 days
Issue 2-Borrow $400 million for environment conservation, preservation and revitalization
Issue 3-Creates constitutional property rights along with the passage of the Great Lakes Water Compact*
Issue 6-Would allow one $600,000 resort/casino in Ohio
*The compact will take effect regardless of the vote, the question is of property rights and water

I encourage everyone to visit this site and review the links, read articles and figure out your position. Vote smart in '08!

NEWS: Joe the plumber-Joe Wurzelbacher

John McCain referred to "Joe the Plumber" at least two dozen times to attack Obama in last night's presidential debate. It's time to meet Joe.

According to NY Times:
Joe is not a licensed plumber
Joe registered to vote in March (the primary), and voted Republican. (He's 34)
Joe's claim to having a $250K business is not true, he gross receipts $250K and would still be eligible for an Obama tax cut.

Overnight Joe Wurzelbacher became a celebrity. He said he feels like "Britney Spears" now. I just have on question for Joe...

Since you're so concerned with the American dream, why won't you put aside your greed for the better of this country, and allow the upper class Americans to be taxed more than the middle class, or lower class?

That way the middle class can pay for college, get a chance to own a house and have the potential to prosper. You go enjoy your $250,000 paycheck while the rest of the U.S. experiences hardship due to the greed in America, and the stupidity of our government.

One last comment: I highly doubt Joe the plumber will buy his company, make his $250,000 and live in the same $90,000 house he resides in now. Something about that man seems less truthful than the actual politicians (it could be that he gave the wrong name originally-and spelled it with an o).

NEWS: Squirrel starts California fire

Headlines are meant to draw in readers' attention so that they will go on to the read the rest of the story. Sometimes a headline will turnoff a reader, make them think or simply make them go hmm..

For example: Flaming squirrel to blame for Californian fire

Hmm.. (Bet you'll keep reading)

The Associated Press reported, "With southern California fighting wind-driven flames and spot fires breaking out across northern California, firefighters have fingered at least one arsonist: an unlucky squirrel.

Redding firefighters say the squirrel set off the blaze when it shorted out a power line, caught fire and dropped into dry vegetation."

I bet you Darwin would have something to say about that squirrel.

POLITICS: Video games new battleground for ads

Obama broke new ground today, as he became the first presidential candidate to advertise in a video game. The ad appears in Burnout: Paradise City when the Xbox 360 system is connected to the internet.

The ad is in the form of a billboard while the player is racing. It will appear in games until November 3, in ten states. The states, Ohio, Florida, Iowa, Colorado, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada and Wisconsin are considered this year's battleground states.

The ads were purchased through Microsoft (Xbox), which offered McCain equal ad space. Neither candidate accepted ad offers from Sony (Playstation 3).

What's next for ads? Cell phone companies selling ads that will text all users..

This is a new age of technology, and now presidential candidates are catching up to all of its benefits. It should be interesting to see where presidential candidates will go next for ads.

NEWS: Gay marriage legalized

The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled (4-3) that marriage can be between people of the same sex. This makes Connecticut the third state to allow gay marriage, joining California and Massachusetts.

In the times of turmoil that the U.S. is experiencing, it's nice to see our government work. This ruling is not just progressive law, but also an example of why our founding fathers gave states their power.

The best example is California. Not only did it legalize gay marriage, but also medical marijuana and has created its own emission standards. While a single state seems to lead in progressive policy, the United States as a whole seems to be a country stuck in its 20th and 19th century law, and hasn't evolved with its people.

There are plenty of laws I'd like to change, and that a majority of people in the U.S. would change. While the federal government reflects its age, state governments with populations that demand change are making new laws that are setting the tone for America.

Each new state law or ruling is one small step, but it sets a precedent that the federal government can use. As more states come together on a cause and change their laws, the federal government will also be forced to change.

POLITICS: The rising tide

Found this interesting.. I got an email from my dad today, who had thought for a while he'd be voting for McCain. Doesn't seem that way anymore.

"My choice has been made, I cannot vote for a man who would make a tremendously bad decision for a running mate. I have watched George Bush make one poor decision after another, and have been worried that we will stay the course until the end of time. I think McCain will do the same.

There are many points that I cannot agree on with Obama, but I can counter many of those single issues with voting for like minded people in the legislature as myself. But my vote for president must be for Barack. I feel that he will be presidential and set the tone for the country when a crises such as the flooding of New Orleans happens again. I think that when he makes a decision based on finding weapons of mass destruction, and finds differently he will then figure out it is time to bring our young men and women home.

I have complete confidence that our country will, in a landslide vote Barack into office. Now I need to figure a way to move up the inauguration date to mid November."

POLITICS: Discussion on the war

Bill O'Reilly is usually a loud, interrupting patriot who seeks answers "for Americans" on his political show. I haven't been able to sit and watch the show for more than two minutes, mainly because O'Reilly is the only one being heard, while he screams about wanting the answers he and "Americans" deserve.

It's always interesting when O'Reilly is off his own show, because his opponent actually gets a chance to talk. Letterman and O'Reilly had a great discussion about the war, discussing both "withdraw" and "stay the course." And no, O'Reilly didn't automatically look correct because he was the loudest, but he was put in his place by Letterman.

"You're putting words in my mouth, just like you're putting artificial facts inside your head."
-Letterman

NEWS: uh oh, that's surely not good

Food for thought...
This is the top headline on Google News tonight.



"Stocks are on track for their worst year since 1937"



Sleep on that one tonight America.

ENTERTAINMENT: Lil Wayne on top of the world

Lil Wayne exploded on the music charts with the release of the Carter III. He has grown from the "Go DJ" days, becoming more and more famous for his catchy freestyles. He is everywhere now.

If you listen to the radio for an hour, odds are Lil Wayne will be on for at least 30 minutes (if you're on the right stations). Music artists reach out just to put his name on their song. Whenever a song has "ft. Lil Wayne" on it, people listen. It rises on the charts. It explodes.

He's done it again, this time teaming up with Kevin Rudolf in a not so familiar role. Their song, "Let it Rock" isn't the gansta type rap or edgey free-style most are used to hearing from Lil Wayne, yet it's still another radio hit in my book.

SPORTS: Go Rays!

Since I don't have a baseball team to root for (Cincinnati sports theme...), I'm hopping on the Rays' bandwagon. 

This is a team that has suffered many years of defeat, playing in a near impossible division. They've been Goliath as the Yankees and Red Sox put hundreds of millions into their rosters. This team is one of the lowest paid in the MLB, but are now in the division championship.

They give me hope that one year the Reds will bust out and reach the playoffs again. The Rays last year were sitting in last place, again. With the inspired play from young players such as Longoria and Iwamura, this team plays with a swagger that is entertaining. 

The 2008 season was crazy for the Rays, starting with spring training brawls, then reaching a franchise record for wins and now playing in the division championship.

This year has taught us that the gloves will come out in a Rays-Red Sox showdown. Heated emotions, passion and the hunger for victory will make for great baseball.

Go Rays!

POLITICS: Tina Fey making sense of Palin

I didn't originally want to post SNL clips of Sarah Palin, mainly because I was scared of the truth coming out of Sar...I mean Tina Fey's mouth. After the debate, not one media outlet outright criticized her performance. It was easier to find media outlets praising her "surprisingly good" performance than criticism.

As I watched the debate I noticed the constant "maverick" and the awkward blink to America. Yet when I went to read the papers, no one even made note of it. I guarantee you if Obama or McCain attempted multiple sexy winks to America, they would be eaten alive (or called a pedophile).

Anyway to the SNL part... SNL has been about the only place that has pointed out any of this. So far, SNL has done such a good job pointing out her flaws and shaky policy discussion, that I tend to agree with them more than CNN. 

So I leave you with how I saw the VP debate see video above (Note: They do a great job of Biden's, "I heart McCain"), and with this thought: Only vote McCain-Palin in if you want SNL to be funny again, or you want Tina Fey to be the largest celebrity in America.

ENTERTAINMENT: Tommy Emmanuel, for your viewing pleasure

Ever wanted to see who the "best guitar player in the world" is?According to Guitar World, it's Tommy Emmanuel. Below is a performance of "Classical Gas." Go to youtube or iTunes to hear more of his brilliance (I dare you to watch more of his performances. This video doesn't do justice to his stage presence and ability to be a one-man-band.) Enjoy.

SPORTS: The mighty fall harder-Kimbo Slice

Tonight's fight between Kimbo Slice and local fighter Seth (The Silverback) Petruzelli was set up to be a modern day Rocky story. 

The fight originally was set for Kimbo Slice to face off against Ken Shamrock. However, due to an injury during his warmup, Shamrock was unable to compete. So in came The Silverback, not knowing he was going to fight Kimbo earlier that day. 

Seth got the chance of a lifetime, fighting the most hyped fighter today. I sat at the edge of my seat waiting to watch Kimbo beat some no-name up.

The Silverback backed into his corner as Kimbo came on the aggressive. Then, with one hit to the face Kimbo hit the floor.

Thirteen seconds in, The Silverback had knocked Kimbo Slice to the canvas with multiple blows to the head.

Kimbo Slice fell from his hyped podium. He fell hard. In the post-fight interview all he said was, "It's all good. The after party is still on."

So in the end, Kimbo is off to party and Seth Petruzelli is cashing in a check.

POLITICS: VP showdown (smack down) pt. 2

Economy:

Biden- This was close, basically a tie. Neither have a plan to solve the funk our country is in. I give Biden the win by exposing McCain's votes to support Wall Street greed. He also cited the quotes of McCain stating the economy is strong, then two hours later realizing his comments stated that we are in crisis. That uncertainty of our economy is too much of a risk. 

Environment:

Palin- I believe Palin really showed that she can use her experience and solve the environment better. I didn't know she was the first governor to establish a climate change cabinet. She also got Biden to concede that she has done a good job fighting off oil companies in Alaska.

Iraq:

Biden- This is a clear win. CLEAR. Biden pointed out that McCain has no withdraw plan, that he and Obama's plan is a clear 16 month withdraw. This left Palin with an awkward pause only to say, "That plan is a white flag of surrender." The days of war hungry patriots is over, we want our soldiers home from Iraq ASAP.

Pakistan/Iran:

Biden- Palin's foreign policy became exposed. She only recited a 6th grade definition of the conflict in Iran. Biden won that Pakistan can be solved with diplomacy, that the war on terrorism is better solved in Pakistan and that they have nuclear weapons now.

Genocide:

Biden- Many will disagree on this point. I think genocide needs acted upon, and that U.S. action can help. Honestly, this shouldn't be a U.S. effort but a world effort. However, due to China's seat on the UN Security Council, world action has been denied. This is when morals cross political lines, and that some action should be taken. It's too bad American boots are stuck in Iraq.

Conclusion:

Despite Palin's attempts to sympathize with middle class America saying she still is apart of the middle class and her consistent winking, I give the win to Biden. I felt Palin stuck to her note cards, constantly referring to 'the maverick' and repeating 'heck' over and over again. Biden turned up the heat at the end responding to 'the maverick' claims, throwing McCain under the bus with all of his former proposals. Obviously, it was not the smack down as promised. However, I and others I have talked to are left with the impression that she is too ignorant to be a VP and that the Obama-Biden ticket is the most appealing vote for 2008.

POLITICS: VP showdown (smack down) pt. 1

The VP debate is tonight at 8 P.M. Tonight is the night that the GOP regrets their VP candidate, that they wish their VP was someone with actual experience. Tonight is the night that the Palin effect comes to an end, and the night that Biden's name becomes known.

The Washington Post wrote an article about how Biden had no effect on voters, and that no one knew who he was or his policies. Peculiarly, after the Republican convention, Palin put McCain ahead in poles and no one had even heard the name Palin (besides those who live in Alaska). 

The Palin effect will come to an end. The hype of having a woman vice president will be buried by the realization that she would be a terrible choice to lead a country. She has ZERO foreign affairs experience (no matter how close Russia is), has MINIMAL knowledge of laws, and I doubt she could really be the best choice for America. 

McCain has already announced that Palin would be in charge of things such as the environmental policy. Placing anything that important into the hands of a Washington rookie is just asking for a mess.  

Tonight is the night for change. The media believes Biden will "look too good" next to Palin, and will come off as aggressive...

I don't care how aggressive he'll look. He should shine as much as possible, defeat Palin and make the GOP bury their heads into their hands, shaking their heads in agony. The Obama-Biden ticket should pull away in the polls even more once the debate concludes tonight, while the march towards the White House continues. 

5K run to empower

Help a great cause and burn off the weekend's calories!

Register for the 5k run to empower (no hills!) at   www.empowercampaign.org

5K run to empower

October 18th

12:00

@ Ping Center (Athens, OH)

About empower: Empower is a non-profit organization that helps orphans in Africa receive a quality education. They now have established organizations at OU, OSU, Miami and BG, and are looking to expand nationally. Empower also buys jewelry from local women, and then sells the jewelry to help raise money for education. To see the dream coming true, join the cause or read Richard's story please visit www.empowercampaign.org