Video: Stand Up At Pre-School... probably the best movie I’ve seen in awhile... my side hurt I was laughing so hard... My favorite line is "Preschool is Nuts, isn't it, isn't preschool crazy" the line just got me laughing so hard I couldn't stop...
Article: New Computer Revolution?
Remember in Minority Report when Tom Cruise controlled the computer with his hands... it looks like Microsoft has found a way to make this a reality... check out the video and be amazed... I have a love for Apple products, but this one could be more revolutionary than the iPod and really change computing...
Song: Crooked Teeth, Death Cab For Cutie
The video I bought for $1.99 was well worth it, even though I now know how to download YouTube videos to my iPod... here is the Youtube clip if you don't want to pay!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Queen, China and Pearl Jam
Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend... this will be a short week for the blog, as I am heading to Ireland on Friday for 13 days! Let me know if you have ever been to Ireland if you have any suggestions!
Video: A lil Queen... I can't get enough of this guy... he has many clips on YouTube and even takes requests... talk about finding an odd talent.
Article: China buying China.
American companies thinking they have such a large Chinese population to sell to may find that the Chinese would prefer to buy products that are Chinese. While I enjoyed drinking a hot chocolate from Starbucks in the Forbidden City... it seemed kind of wrong to have this representation of American culture inside a Chinese monument, and I was an pro-business American. Expect a backlash not only at this one Starbucks store, but foreign companies in general.. much like the Boxer Rebellion in 1901, where the Chinese revolted against all things foreign in a violent manner. I would expect today for more of a united boycott against foreign products. While I was in China the students had mass protests and a boycott of all things Japanese after history books glossed over the horrible things done during the Japanese occupation. If there is any tension between the U.S. and China, especially a sign of American disrespect for Chinese culture, I think that could be a spark to create American boycotts in China.
The article mentions the Chinese car industry, which reminded me of what a teacher once told me, "Don't be surprised if you are buying Chinese cars in 20 years"... and the way the American car companies are headed, I wouldn't be surprised if it were sooner, especially if they start making money in China, they will have the capital to come to American and kill the Big 3 on price...maybe not quality.
Song: Last Kiss, Pearl Jam
A sad song which Pearl Jam covered the original J. Frank Wilson song, while both are good, I prefer Pearl Jam's. The emotion felt in the song makes you think that Vedder's girlfriend was the one who died. This live version is impressive...
Video: A lil Queen... I can't get enough of this guy... he has many clips on YouTube and even takes requests... talk about finding an odd talent.
Article: China buying China.
American companies thinking they have such a large Chinese population to sell to may find that the Chinese would prefer to buy products that are Chinese. While I enjoyed drinking a hot chocolate from Starbucks in the Forbidden City... it seemed kind of wrong to have this representation of American culture inside a Chinese monument, and I was an pro-business American. Expect a backlash not only at this one Starbucks store, but foreign companies in general.. much like the Boxer Rebellion in 1901, where the Chinese revolted against all things foreign in a violent manner. I would expect today for more of a united boycott against foreign products. While I was in China the students had mass protests and a boycott of all things Japanese after history books glossed over the horrible things done during the Japanese occupation. If there is any tension between the U.S. and China, especially a sign of American disrespect for Chinese culture, I think that could be a spark to create American boycotts in China.
The article mentions the Chinese car industry, which reminded me of what a teacher once told me, "Don't be surprised if you are buying Chinese cars in 20 years"... and the way the American car companies are headed, I wouldn't be surprised if it were sooner, especially if they start making money in China, they will have the capital to come to American and kill the Big 3 on price...maybe not quality.
Song: Last Kiss, Pearl Jam
A sad song which Pearl Jam covered the original J. Frank Wilson song, while both are good, I prefer Pearl Jam's. The emotion felt in the song makes you think that Vedder's girlfriend was the one who died. This live version is impressive...
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Daily Six?
I missed my first day yesterday... but it was the best day of my life, and just didn't have time to do any blogging...but I will try to keep this The DAILY Three... and not just "the once in awhile" Three. To honor yesterday's missed... I will provide two songs, two article and two videos...
Video: Gang attack
Go to 5:48... amazing job by the water buffalo... I think that is the animal, or is it Wildebeest? I love this clip, it's like watching the Jets vs the Sharks on West Side Story.
Video 2: Lucky Guy... This is incredible that this occured... but knowing the curse of lottery winners... this guy is twice as cursed it would seem...
Article I: Rosie...I am sick of hearing what Rosie says on the View, and now that she is going off the air, I guess she will start calling American terrorists and continue to support theories that the government was responsible for the 9-11 attacks...
Article 2: Memorial Day... good reminder of Memorial Day...
Song 1: Try To Remember... good musical...and a great song... I went to a medely of songs last night, which featured performers all over 60 at the Chicago Theater... got me to listen to my Musical mix on iTunes... and this one came up as an old favorite.
Song 2: Song 2, Blur... I feel like riding a roller coaster when I hear this song.
Video: Gang attack
Go to 5:48... amazing job by the water buffalo... I think that is the animal, or is it Wildebeest? I love this clip, it's like watching the Jets vs the Sharks on West Side Story.
Video 2: Lucky Guy... This is incredible that this occured... but knowing the curse of lottery winners... this guy is twice as cursed it would seem...
Article I: Rosie...I am sick of hearing what Rosie says on the View, and now that she is going off the air, I guess she will start calling American terrorists and continue to support theories that the government was responsible for the 9-11 attacks...
Article 2: Memorial Day... good reminder of Memorial Day...
Song 1: Try To Remember... good musical...and a great song... I went to a medely of songs last night, which featured performers all over 60 at the Chicago Theater... got me to listen to my Musical mix on iTunes... and this one came up as an old favorite.
Song 2: Song 2, Blur... I feel like riding a roller coaster when I hear this song.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Badgers, China, and Atmosphere
Video: My favorite video to watch before the Marquette/Wisconsin basketball game every year. This is a priceless scene from an underrated movie, UHF. I love how many people know this obscure line from obscure movie... where Kramer (Michael Richards) had his first notable movie role, by the way Problem Child was his next movie in 1990 (thanks IMDB)
Article: Revalued Yuan Good Is for U.S. ... NOT!
I am surprised more politicians in the United States don't realize all the benefits we are getting from China's cheap currency, I guess it is easier to blame others than thank them. Most of the products we buy on a daily basis are much cheaper than if the yuan floated freely... imagine walking into Best Buy and everything cost 25% more, don't you think that would effect the American economy in a negative way. Since China creates so many of our products for so little, the American consumer is able to live a better life.
The pegged yuan is not hurting employment in America, as evidenced by the 4.5% unemployment... if unemployment goes to 6% we will certainly here plenty of people complaining about jobs and blame the Chinese, but incorrectly. Our economies are quite different, manufacturing in China vs a service economy in the U.S. That is changing as more Chinese passed the CFA this last year than Americans... but the Chinese economy is still dominated by manufacturing.
Our interest rates have also been very low thanks to the Chinese buying all of our Treasury Bonds... if they didn't, we would be paying 1-3% more on mortgage payments every year...along with every business paying 1-3% more on every loan they take, which would be passed to the consumer...
In summary, I think the Chinese should let the yuan float but for their own reasons... and maybe have a target for 7 years, where year by year slowly let it reach its true value, so not to crash their tender economy, until that time, Americans are benefiting tremendously from cheap goods and should be thankful. Some of these points are debatable, but no matter how you look at it, both nations have tremendously dependant on each other... I suggest picking up this week's Economist... there were so many articles that interested me that were not free... a lot on banking and China... may not interest everyone.. but I love it.
Song: Guns and Cigarettes, Atmosphere
A great song by a great group...behind 2Pac probably my favorite hip/hop group.. I like listening to this song when I am making dinner...This video made me laugh because the guy tried to be hard when lip synching the song, and it just rubbed me the wrong way... but I suggest closing your eyes if you want to hear the song and actually enjoy it...
Article: Revalued Yuan Good Is for U.S. ... NOT!
I am surprised more politicians in the United States don't realize all the benefits we are getting from China's cheap currency, I guess it is easier to blame others than thank them. Most of the products we buy on a daily basis are much cheaper than if the yuan floated freely... imagine walking into Best Buy and everything cost 25% more, don't you think that would effect the American economy in a negative way. Since China creates so many of our products for so little, the American consumer is able to live a better life.
The pegged yuan is not hurting employment in America, as evidenced by the 4.5% unemployment... if unemployment goes to 6% we will certainly here plenty of people complaining about jobs and blame the Chinese, but incorrectly. Our economies are quite different, manufacturing in China vs a service economy in the U.S. That is changing as more Chinese passed the CFA this last year than Americans... but the Chinese economy is still dominated by manufacturing.
Our interest rates have also been very low thanks to the Chinese buying all of our Treasury Bonds... if they didn't, we would be paying 1-3% more on mortgage payments every year...along with every business paying 1-3% more on every loan they take, which would be passed to the consumer...
In summary, I think the Chinese should let the yuan float but for their own reasons... and maybe have a target for 7 years, where year by year slowly let it reach its true value, so not to crash their tender economy, until that time, Americans are benefiting tremendously from cheap goods and should be thankful. Some of these points are debatable, but no matter how you look at it, both nations have tremendously dependant on each other... I suggest picking up this week's Economist... there were so many articles that interested me that were not free... a lot on banking and China... may not interest everyone.. but I love it.
Song: Guns and Cigarettes, Atmosphere
A great song by a great group...behind 2Pac probably my favorite hip/hop group.. I like listening to this song when I am making dinner...This video made me laugh because the guy tried to be hard when lip synching the song, and it just rubbed me the wrong way... but I suggest closing your eyes if you want to hear the song and actually enjoy it...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Food Fight, Carter and Oh! Darling
Video: Food Fight. Almost everyday I run across a video of a Japanese game show or prank, and immediatley pass it on to my friend teaching English in Japan, Jon Shaffer... you can check out his life in Japan here... it's very entertaining...anyway, instead of just sending them to him, I might as well share some with everyone else... I love the slow motion with the guys in black clothing, very creative... check out a similiar video called Matrix Ping Pong.
Article: Jimmy Carter
This is nothing new, hearing Carter lash out at Bush and the United States... but reflecting on how he does it is extreme. Clinton atleast discusses widely shared opinions on the Bush presidency in a civil manner... but Carter speaks as if he was an enemy of the United States... and it as the article says, it's not like Carter had even a decent presidency, one of the worst... one reason he was elected was how smart everyone thought he was, although he wasn't smart enough to understand basic economics... sometimes the "experts" aren't the people we want in charge, especially if they think they are so smart they don't need to listen to those around them.
Song: Oh! Darling , Bela Fleck and the Fleckstones
One of my favorite songs from a couple of summers ago... love the part at 4:50 where he holds his note for quite some time. A great Beatles song, but I enjoy this one more. I love that is is Live and hearing the crowd getting into it.
Article: Jimmy Carter
This is nothing new, hearing Carter lash out at Bush and the United States... but reflecting on how he does it is extreme. Clinton atleast discusses widely shared opinions on the Bush presidency in a civil manner... but Carter speaks as if he was an enemy of the United States... and it as the article says, it's not like Carter had even a decent presidency, one of the worst... one reason he was elected was how smart everyone thought he was, although he wasn't smart enough to understand basic economics... sometimes the "experts" aren't the people we want in charge, especially if they think they are so smart they don't need to listen to those around them.
Song: Oh! Darling , Bela Fleck and the Fleckstones
One of my favorite songs from a couple of summers ago... love the part at 4:50 where he holds his note for quite some time. A great Beatles song, but I enjoy this one more. I love that is is Live and hearing the crowd getting into it.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Showers, Steve Rushin and Lux Aeterna
Video: Blood Prank... putting red dye in the shower stream really scares people... it would scare me too... my favorite is the guy who just passes out cold.
Article: Alma Mater, Steve Rushin
After giving a great speech, almost as good as Conor Sweeney's, bloggers are talking about both Rushin's and Conor's speech. I looked into Sports Illustrated's archive to get some of more of Rushin's thoughts, he has plenty of great articles,..but as a Marquette graduate, I enjoyed this article the most... he was able for the first time to write about Marquette, right after the Final Four appearance in 2003. I still have the actual Sports Illustrated with Wade on the cover and it brought back great memories of my freshman year.
Song: Lux Aeterna, Requiem for a Dream Soundtrack
This song is part of a great soundtrack, where a lot of the songs sound the same, and it adds to the film. These instrumentals you may recognize from Lil John's "Throw It Up", which they play before Marquette Basketball home games... but it is very powerful. The movie will make you never want to do drugs... but I can't say I recommend it... here are the last 4 minutes of the movie, with the song in the background.
Article: Alma Mater, Steve Rushin
After giving a great speech, almost as good as Conor Sweeney's, bloggers are talking about both Rushin's and Conor's speech. I looked into Sports Illustrated's archive to get some of more of Rushin's thoughts, he has plenty of great articles,..but as a Marquette graduate, I enjoyed this article the most... he was able for the first time to write about Marquette, right after the Final Four appearance in 2003. I still have the actual Sports Illustrated with Wade on the cover and it brought back great memories of my freshman year.
Song: Lux Aeterna, Requiem for a Dream Soundtrack
This song is part of a great soundtrack, where a lot of the songs sound the same, and it adds to the film. These instrumentals you may recognize from Lil John's "Throw It Up", which they play before Marquette Basketball home games... but it is very powerful. The movie will make you never want to do drugs... but I can't say I recommend it... here are the last 4 minutes of the movie, with the song in the background.
Friday, May 18, 2007
What About Bob, Osama and ELO
Video: One of my favorite movies, What About Bob, features this scene of Dr. Leo Marvin trying to wake up the crazy Bob Wiley.
Article: Was Osama Right?
Featured a few days ago in the Wall Street Journal. An interesting piece... I don't think Osama was right, or atleast I hope he isn't right, because it would be a disaster.
Song: 5th of Beethoven, Electric Light Orchestra
If I could go back to high school and do one thing, it would be to perform in the talent show this song.. I have it very planned out... It would feature four violinsts in bow ties and suits playing the opening eight cords with the curtain closed behind them, making it seem like a serious performance to begin... then the music gets funky... violinsts rip off their suits and have tie dye shirts on... the curtain opens with a drummer, keyboardist and guitar... two people from opposite ends of the stage do flips and meet each other in the middle and start dancing... later in the song a guy does the worm on stage... I don't know how I would fit in, I would probably be the director or learn how to do the worm. Couldn't find a clip of the whole song, but it was featured in Family Guy... check it out.
Article: Was Osama Right?
Featured a few days ago in the Wall Street Journal. An interesting piece... I don't think Osama was right, or atleast I hope he isn't right, because it would be a disaster.
Song: 5th of Beethoven, Electric Light Orchestra
If I could go back to high school and do one thing, it would be to perform in the talent show this song.. I have it very planned out... It would feature four violinsts in bow ties and suits playing the opening eight cords with the curtain closed behind them, making it seem like a serious performance to begin... then the music gets funky... violinsts rip off their suits and have tie dye shirts on... the curtain opens with a drummer, keyboardist and guitar... two people from opposite ends of the stage do flips and meet each other in the middle and start dancing... later in the song a guy does the worm on stage... I don't know how I would fit in, I would probably be the director or learn how to do the worm. Couldn't find a clip of the whole song, but it was featured in Family Guy... check it out.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Phantom, Favre and Daydream
Video: Music of the Night, Will Ferrell... great comedian doing a great song... I can't take him seriously ever...Watching him sleep would make me laugh.
Article: Favre Demands Trade
Usually put in a serious article...but can't resist with the Onion's brilliant writing. The article brought back great memories...Things were a lot better when the Packers were amazing... may not be happy with the Packers decisions this last offseason... but I guess we must wait for the season to come... I guess the state of Wisconsin has the Brewers now... if you haven't signed the petition yet...check it out... I already have (#54 of some 4000)...still very early in the season...
Song: Daydream in Blue, I Monster
The internet is truly amazing... I was watching a TV commercial... the ad ended up being for Macy's... "fit matters"... I did a Google search, found the song and 20 seconds later I was listening to this catchy tune...if you don't want to download it... watch this Youtube video.
Article: Favre Demands Trade
Usually put in a serious article...but can't resist with the Onion's brilliant writing. The article brought back great memories...Things were a lot better when the Packers were amazing... may not be happy with the Packers decisions this last offseason... but I guess we must wait for the season to come... I guess the state of Wisconsin has the Brewers now... if you haven't signed the petition yet...check it out... I already have (#54 of some 4000)...still very early in the season...
Song: Daydream in Blue, I Monster
The internet is truly amazing... I was watching a TV commercial... the ad ended up being for Macy's... "fit matters"... I did a Google search, found the song and 20 seconds later I was listening to this catchy tune...if you don't want to download it... watch this Youtube video.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
One Finger, Profits and Queen
Video: The Shaolin Kung Fu Finger... wow, all I can say is that I am impressed... naturally I questioned if this was fake... and after some research it is not clear to me whether this is fake or not... so what are your thoughts? I know some Chinese Buddhist monks can meditate so that they can sweat even while naked in the snow with below zero temperature. The physical aspects of this stunt, I just don't know how this is possible for a 70 year old...unless his finger was broken 50 times, and the bone got big enough that it could support all of his body weight. The question I have... why couldn't we see the video of getting him into this position and from multiple angles to get a clearer picture of his feet? So I am leaning towards fake... but still holding out that it could be possible, either way it’s cool to think about.
Article: Profits and Oil
Oil companies are just easy to pick on because they make a lot of money. They provide a great service for a product in high demand in a risky business... while we hear of all the profitable ones, many have failed as the costs of exploring for oil is expensive, and often leads to no oil being found and eventually bankruptcy (as George Bush found out in Texas).
The price of gas is not that bad with all the complaining we hear these days... even if it goes to $5 a gallon.... if you account for inflation the price of gas has actually gone down since the 1980s… but heading up quickly now... and when you compare oil to other products, there is no reason to complain. Where is the outrage on the price of bottled water? A 20 ounce bottle of water was priced at $1.69 when I went to Walgreens yesterday, although I was hot, I didn't buy it...after busting out a calculator I found that is more than 3 times expensive than regular unleaded gasoline (bottled water in 20 ounce bottles would be $10.82 per gallon or 128 ounces if you want to do the math). How can a non-renewable resource that must be refined and often travel thousands of miles on oil tankers be cheaper than a renewable resource available for free in your faucet? I don't have a problem with any prices, even bottled water, as long as there is not a monopoly the price will meet the demand. One thing that I never hope to have to pay for, but you never know... air... I like that it is free, I hope it stays that way.
As the years go on we will hear more about the price of oil and gas because the price will continue to go up as once third world countries such as China continue industrializing. It is my belief that oil companies have done more for the good of humanity than any non-for profit company. Oil companies deliver a product which allows people to trade, and in turn pulls millions of people out of poverty every year. Without oil, the world would be completely crippled, unable to trade and billions unable to survive.
Song: Don't Stop Me Know, Queen
This song is great before going out... from just knowing one of Queen's songs in 3rd grade... (We Are the Champions)... I have learned to love a lot of Queen songs.
Article: Profits and Oil
Oil companies are just easy to pick on because they make a lot of money. They provide a great service for a product in high demand in a risky business... while we hear of all the profitable ones, many have failed as the costs of exploring for oil is expensive, and often leads to no oil being found and eventually bankruptcy (as George Bush found out in Texas).
The price of gas is not that bad with all the complaining we hear these days... even if it goes to $5 a gallon.... if you account for inflation the price of gas has actually gone down since the 1980s… but heading up quickly now... and when you compare oil to other products, there is no reason to complain. Where is the outrage on the price of bottled water? A 20 ounce bottle of water was priced at $1.69 when I went to Walgreens yesterday, although I was hot, I didn't buy it...after busting out a calculator I found that is more than 3 times expensive than regular unleaded gasoline (bottled water in 20 ounce bottles would be $10.82 per gallon or 128 ounces if you want to do the math). How can a non-renewable resource that must be refined and often travel thousands of miles on oil tankers be cheaper than a renewable resource available for free in your faucet? I don't have a problem with any prices, even bottled water, as long as there is not a monopoly the price will meet the demand. One thing that I never hope to have to pay for, but you never know... air... I like that it is free, I hope it stays that way.
As the years go on we will hear more about the price of oil and gas because the price will continue to go up as once third world countries such as China continue industrializing. It is my belief that oil companies have done more for the good of humanity than any non-for profit company. Oil companies deliver a product which allows people to trade, and in turn pulls millions of people out of poverty every year. Without oil, the world would be completely crippled, unable to trade and billions unable to survive.
Song: Don't Stop Me Know, Queen
This song is great before going out... from just knowing one of Queen's songs in 3rd grade... (We Are the Champions)... I have learned to love a lot of Queen songs.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Break Dancing, Pay Gap and Some CCR
Video: Break dancing. I think people should try to keep their children close to them in busy cities... this show what can happen if you don't. Ouch. It is a terrible thing to see, but I probably rewatched it 7-8 times...
Article: The Pay Gap?
Last week I read quite a few articles that finally answered a question I always had...How is it possible that women are paid 77 cents for every dollar a man gets paid. Was McDonalds really hiring a man at 10 dollars and hour and women $7.70 an hour for the same work...if this was the case, McDonalds or any business should hire strictly females and profit margins would increase 23% instantly... then how is it that this statistic is true? There are many reasons as the article points out.
One is the career choices people make... men often study to become doctors while women study to become nurses... men often study to become engineers and women often study to become teachers.
Also men on average work longer hours, so they are compensated for that... first year out of college the average male works 45 hours a week, compared to 42 for women... which may not sound like a big difference... but for the entire first year that is the difference of working 2250 hours versus 2100 hours... or assuming 8 hour work days... about 19 more days a year of work (almost 4 work weeks!)...
Also women take on average more career breaks... 10 years after graduation... 39% of mothers are out of work or working part time as opposed to only 3% of fathers. I think some of the stereotypes are beginning to change...especially as women are graduating from high schools and colleges at higher rates than their male counterparts.
My mother will probably be angry that I went to an all boys high school after reading this... but it is just to lay to rest the notion that the discrepancy is in discrimination... it is largely in the choices men and women make.
Song: Have You Ever Seen the Rain , Creedence Clearwater Revival
It was pouring outside today... and in honor of the rain... a little CCR was in line, as it always does the trick for me. This YouTube clip shows he can still rock it today.
Article: The Pay Gap?
Last week I read quite a few articles that finally answered a question I always had...How is it possible that women are paid 77 cents for every dollar a man gets paid. Was McDonalds really hiring a man at 10 dollars and hour and women $7.70 an hour for the same work...if this was the case, McDonalds or any business should hire strictly females and profit margins would increase 23% instantly... then how is it that this statistic is true? There are many reasons as the article points out.
One is the career choices people make... men often study to become doctors while women study to become nurses... men often study to become engineers and women often study to become teachers.
Also men on average work longer hours, so they are compensated for that... first year out of college the average male works 45 hours a week, compared to 42 for women... which may not sound like a big difference... but for the entire first year that is the difference of working 2250 hours versus 2100 hours... or assuming 8 hour work days... about 19 more days a year of work (almost 4 work weeks!)...
Also women take on average more career breaks... 10 years after graduation... 39% of mothers are out of work or working part time as opposed to only 3% of fathers. I think some of the stereotypes are beginning to change...especially as women are graduating from high schools and colleges at higher rates than their male counterparts.
My mother will probably be angry that I went to an all boys high school after reading this... but it is just to lay to rest the notion that the discrepancy is in discrimination... it is largely in the choices men and women make.
Song: Have You Ever Seen the Rain , Creedence Clearwater Revival
It was pouring outside today... and in honor of the rain... a little CCR was in line, as it always does the trick for me. This YouTube clip shows he can still rock it today.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Husbands, Hate Crimes and Malaguena Salerosa
Movie: The Good Husband. Got a good chuckle from this commercial... one of many European commercials I enjoy...My marketing teacher in China showed a video on European commercials.... a lot of them are quite scandalous...but this one is a light one appropriate for all ages.
Hate Crimes, George Will
I think it is very difficult to legislate hate crimes... because it is giving extra punishment for the way you were thinking while committing a crime. I don't think anyone is really thinking happy thoughts when they commit any capital crime... I think your crime alone should be what you are charged with. If someone kills someone because they are bored or because they hate that person's race... I think the same sentence should be given. What will result in this legislation if it is passed? A lot of people in Washington patting themselves on the back for a law of little significance, when we face a war on terror, large budget deficit, a health care crisis, and a soon to be bankrupt Social Security system.
I also think you may hear more criminals have the OJ Simpson excuse of, "I didn't kill her, but if I killed her, it would only be because I loved her so much."
Malaguena Salerosa , Chingon
This song gives me a natural high with Spanish lyrics... the guitar in this song is incredible and the way the singer holds his note is like that of a Mariachi singer... If you watch the end of Kill Bill Vol 2, this is the song as the credits run. The Youtube video with the Live version pretty good... but the singers voice is a little off... buy the song on iTunes for 99 cents... well worth it. If you don't enjoy it, I will gladly give you a dollar the next time I see you.
Hate Crimes, George Will
I think it is very difficult to legislate hate crimes... because it is giving extra punishment for the way you were thinking while committing a crime. I don't think anyone is really thinking happy thoughts when they commit any capital crime... I think your crime alone should be what you are charged with. If someone kills someone because they are bored or because they hate that person's race... I think the same sentence should be given. What will result in this legislation if it is passed? A lot of people in Washington patting themselves on the back for a law of little significance, when we face a war on terror, large budget deficit, a health care crisis, and a soon to be bankrupt Social Security system.
I also think you may hear more criminals have the OJ Simpson excuse of, "I didn't kill her, but if I killed her, it would only be because I loved her so much."
Malaguena Salerosa , Chingon
This song gives me a natural high with Spanish lyrics... the guitar in this song is incredible and the way the singer holds his note is like that of a Mariachi singer... If you watch the end of Kill Bill Vol 2, this is the song as the credits run. The Youtube video with the Live version pretty good... but the singers voice is a little off... buy the song on iTunes for 99 cents... well worth it. If you don't enjoy it, I will gladly give you a dollar the next time I see you.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Graduation
Video: Steve Jobs at Stanford
Today's theme focuses on graduation, I may be changing the format to resemble This American Life on NPR, where they have a different theme each show... perhaps I will have a theme every day, with a video, article and song concerning that theme... may prove to be difficult, but I will give it a whirl.
I am walking around Marquette's campus today... I am getting the graduation vibe, people celebrating they are done for LIFE, and hearing whispers about Conor's speech. The video is Steve Jobs (a college drop out), the founder of my favorite company in the world, giving a heart felt speech. I was surprised when I saw this, because for some reason I always thought he was cold hearted... but he is inspirational. These three simple stories are filled with nuggets of wisdom.
Article: Conan at Harvard
Couldn't find the video... but the transcript of this is priceless... whenever asked the question if you could have dinner with one person in the world, who would it be? My answer time and time again is Conan! I can't wait until he takes over for Leno.
Song: We're Going to Be Friends, The White Stripes
This song reminds me of going back to school as opposed to leaving it... but I didn't want that cheesy yet addicting Vitamin C "Graduation Song" stuck in my head... or Green Day's overplayed graduation anthem. This song does remind me of a Simon and Garfunkel tune or something from that era... but I always feel good after listening to it.
Today's theme focuses on graduation, I may be changing the format to resemble This American Life on NPR, where they have a different theme each show... perhaps I will have a theme every day, with a video, article and song concerning that theme... may prove to be difficult, but I will give it a whirl.
I am walking around Marquette's campus today... I am getting the graduation vibe, people celebrating they are done for LIFE, and hearing whispers about Conor's speech. The video is Steve Jobs (a college drop out), the founder of my favorite company in the world, giving a heart felt speech. I was surprised when I saw this, because for some reason I always thought he was cold hearted... but he is inspirational. These three simple stories are filled with nuggets of wisdom.
Article: Conan at Harvard
Couldn't find the video... but the transcript of this is priceless... whenever asked the question if you could have dinner with one person in the world, who would it be? My answer time and time again is Conan! I can't wait until he takes over for Leno.
Song: We're Going to Be Friends, The White Stripes
This song reminds me of going back to school as opposed to leaving it... but I didn't want that cheesy yet addicting Vitamin C "Graduation Song" stuck in my head... or Green Day's overplayed graduation anthem. This song does remind me of a Simon and Garfunkel tune or something from that era... but I always feel good after listening to it.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Live Like You Were Dying
Video: A video my friend Jack McGowan made for me as I left China… it features exciting things we did while in China, and as you can see, we did nearly everything together… with the song “Remember When” by Alan Jackson in the background. After watching this movie and all the amazing things I was able to do... I felt like my time in China is where I truly lived my life like everyday was my last. Often Jack would ask me what today was... and I would respond, today is the best day of my life... because everyday you should try to make the best day of your life. My grandmother always told me it's your attitude that makes the biggest difference in your life... so if you have the attitude it will be the best day... it can be, and will be.
Article: WHAT! I am NOT Dying?
Kind of funny this guy is suing doctors that he is not dying… Often we are told to live like everyday is our last, and I agree… but I don’t think you should spend your money like you are dying, but live your life like you were dying. I am trying to do that and realize what the important things are.
But it brings up an excellent question… how would you change your life if you found out you had one year to live? I answered that question last night before I went to bed and a lot of it is actually what McGraw’s song says… My list includes: Go to hiking in Montana, skydiving, tailgate at Brewers games as often as I could, and visit Ireland for a few weeks… which I am looking forward to in the beginning of June. I would probably rent a cabin in northern Wisconsin and treasure my time with family and friends. I think I would also tell people I love them more often. So I am going to try to incorporate some of these things into my life.
My favorite response to the question, “How are you?” is “Living the Dream!” That is what we should be doing… just living the dream… and if we are not, I think it helps to reevaluate what your dreams are and go for them! I do not mean to sound preachy at all, but just some thoughts that are on my mind.
Song: Live Like You Were Dying, Tim McGraw
Inspirational song which you can sing along to.
Article: WHAT! I am NOT Dying?
Kind of funny this guy is suing doctors that he is not dying… Often we are told to live like everyday is our last, and I agree… but I don’t think you should spend your money like you are dying, but live your life like you were dying. I am trying to do that and realize what the important things are.
But it brings up an excellent question… how would you change your life if you found out you had one year to live? I answered that question last night before I went to bed and a lot of it is actually what McGraw’s song says… My list includes: Go to hiking in Montana, skydiving, tailgate at Brewers games as often as I could, and visit Ireland for a few weeks… which I am looking forward to in the beginning of June. I would probably rent a cabin in northern Wisconsin and treasure my time with family and friends. I think I would also tell people I love them more often. So I am going to try to incorporate some of these things into my life.
My favorite response to the question, “How are you?” is “Living the Dream!” That is what we should be doing… just living the dream… and if we are not, I think it helps to reevaluate what your dreams are and go for them! I do not mean to sound preachy at all, but just some thoughts that are on my mind.
Song: Live Like You Were Dying, Tim McGraw
Inspirational song which you can sing along to.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Van Wilder, Dr. Sowell, and Johnny Cash
Video: Van Wilder...I loved the movie Van Wilder, as a comedy, but this modern day Van Wilder makes me wonder... what if I did this? Well first of all I couldn't realistically afford it, especially at Marquette... but if I could afford it, would it be worth it? I feel part of everyone wants to stay in college forever, because it represents a time in life with the most amount of freedom and the least amount of responsibility. While I may think back to the "good ol days" of college every now and then (almost a whole year now)... I am glad I am working and doing something new and it feels great being financially independent... In wondering what drove him to do this, I classify him as a pleasure seeker (I diagnose myself the same often), who does not want any of the responsibility associated with the "real world" and comfortable living the college dream. I think he is entitled to do whatever he wants, and think it's great that he enjoys it... but concerning whether I could do it, I think I would feel I would be wasting my life after about 6 years in college... and to get to the point where he is, I might feel sick...
Just a note, I bet some people in Wisconsin are thinking this guy is wasting your tax dollars... don't worry, I read an interview where he said he didn't think it would be fair for Wisconsin taxpayers to subsidize his education, so he pays full out of state tuition... enjoy the clip!
Article: Scandals? What Scandals?
Dr. Sowell is one of my favorite columnists and writers... his books are great if you have a chance to check them out concerning his views on Economics or just his life story itself is truly inspiring... I enjoy the article because it is funny what gets called a scandal these days... is seems often ridiculous items like the Duke Rape Case that was dropped... Imus' comments... Donald vs Rosie... Firing of U.S. Attorney's... the word Halliburton... all these things amount to huge scandals... when first of all, there are much more important things going on (as I pointed out in an earlier post), but also the slant many of these scandals take...
I think a lot of the blogosphere is bringing about more balanced news, or atleast reporting stories that would not have been discovered 30 years ago... for example the remarks made recently on Michael McGee Sr.'s talkshow about how the mother of Charlie Sykes "had what was coming to her" after her recent death in a fire. This was brought to the attention of Milwaukee news (JSOnline and local news) by those writing blogs... the blogs also discovered the Dan Rather scandal... so it is bringing about a little more fair reporting I think and competition... people may be changing how they get their news as newspaper subscriptions are falling every year, and more people depend on The Drudge Report and online news... here is a article that is a little old, but relevant when discussing "mainstream media", as it may no longer be the mainstream... watch out for the bloggers! Check out any of the Blogs I have on the right column, they all inspired me to start my own blog.
Song: When the Man Comes Around, Johnny Cash
I love Johnny Cash, and I thank Walk the Line for introducing me... he is a great story teller and the lyrics to this song are amazing. Folsom Prison Blues is my ringtone and I never want to answer since I am loving the song so much. Thanks for this recent suggestion from the Xistris family!
Just a note, I bet some people in Wisconsin are thinking this guy is wasting your tax dollars... don't worry, I read an interview where he said he didn't think it would be fair for Wisconsin taxpayers to subsidize his education, so he pays full out of state tuition... enjoy the clip!
Article: Scandals? What Scandals?
Dr. Sowell is one of my favorite columnists and writers... his books are great if you have a chance to check them out concerning his views on Economics or just his life story itself is truly inspiring... I enjoy the article because it is funny what gets called a scandal these days... is seems often ridiculous items like the Duke Rape Case that was dropped... Imus' comments... Donald vs Rosie... Firing of U.S. Attorney's... the word Halliburton... all these things amount to huge scandals... when first of all, there are much more important things going on (as I pointed out in an earlier post), but also the slant many of these scandals take...
I think a lot of the blogosphere is bringing about more balanced news, or atleast reporting stories that would not have been discovered 30 years ago... for example the remarks made recently on Michael McGee Sr.'s talkshow about how the mother of Charlie Sykes "had what was coming to her" after her recent death in a fire. This was brought to the attention of Milwaukee news (JSOnline and local news) by those writing blogs... the blogs also discovered the Dan Rather scandal... so it is bringing about a little more fair reporting I think and competition... people may be changing how they get their news as newspaper subscriptions are falling every year, and more people depend on The Drudge Report and online news... here is a article that is a little old, but relevant when discussing "mainstream media", as it may no longer be the mainstream... watch out for the bloggers! Check out any of the Blogs I have on the right column, they all inspired me to start my own blog.
Song: When the Man Comes Around, Johnny Cash
I love Johnny Cash, and I thank Walk the Line for introducing me... he is a great story teller and the lyrics to this song are amazing. Folsom Prison Blues is my ringtone and I never want to answer since I am loving the song so much. Thanks for this recent suggestion from the Xistris family!
Monday, May 7, 2007
The Russians, The French and Shopping
Video: Russian climbing... this guy is nuts... reminds me of the
beginning of the new Bond or better yet, that alien that Will Smith
tried chasing down in the beginning of Men In Black. I know it's a long
clip, but I enjoyed it... I was thinking about putting up a video on
the recent tornado, but figured a lot of people have already seen it.
Article: A New France?
The biggest story this last weekend... lots of stories on it clearly... but an interesting question of what the future holds for France? Is it really going to push a lot of new legislation through in order to bring economic reforms in France? A big question is if the Parliament election results will have keep many of the Socialist leaders in power or is the election a sign of things to come. I know a French conservative is not a true American conservative... but it is pro-growth movement as I think the French are sick of unemployment being above 10% and little to no growth in the GDP... of course Ms. Royal tried to equate Sarkozy as Bush... and even the phone call Mr. Sarkozy gave was a surprise... the White House indicated it was the best start Bush has got with an other head of state since the Japanese PM Koizumi... the only thing that he warned America was about global warming... interesting... I don't see France jumping into Iraq or anything serious like that, but perhaps a better relationship in the years to come between the US and France... but I hope blind conservatives will stop calling them Freedom Fries and Bill O'Reilly will lift his ban on French goods... I mean lets not forget we got the Statue of Liberty from them!
Of course the amazing thing to many Americans is the 85% turnout... and I ask why not in America... I can think of a few reasons... not only are we Americans less politically informed but less likely to vote since Tuesdays are work days, while French elections are during the weekend when they don't have to work (if they have a job)... but in America, most presidential candidates are free trade and pro-growth... and whoever is in office, he or she will realize that America needs to trade (unless John Edwards) and the urgency to vote in an election isn't the same of a country who has a poor economy... Most of what the president gets in terms of an economy I believe is largely luck and the Chairman of the Fed is probably more important... unless you have the highest bracket of tax rates that were up to 70% in the late 70s, generally a president doesn't have the tremendous effect on the economy, or atleast as the media would have us believe... in general the rules of labor don't really change from president to president... while Sarkozy has outlined a plan to decrease unemployment and raise GDP through primarily labor laws which will allow for employees and business owners a better chance.
Song: Go Shopping, Bran Van 3000, Y Tu Mama Tambien Soundtrack
In honor of this last weekend which featured my first large shopping spree on Michigan Avenue in Chicago... I didn't think I would be up to it until I got this song to pump me up. It's a good song from a great movie... it used to be one of my favorite movies... but I think it lost its allure for one reason or another. Maybe it was my Expository Writing teacher that gave me a BC on my first draft on my paper on why Y Tu Mama Tambien was a great movie... and she said that she thought it was just horrible movie... ouch...so did I change my paper a little and recognize the other view... she upgraded it to a B, but I am still angry since that was an A paper and my teacher was not accepting of another view with the only comment on the paper was her not agreeing with the idea that this movie had a deep meaning. This song is not available on iTunes ... but you can get the CD used for about 5 bucks... not a bad deal… or you could just ask me to send you the song... as I would be happy to.
Also should let it be known this will be primarily a Monday-Friday blog... as I hope to enjoy my weekends with family, friends and girlfriend!
beginning of the new Bond or better yet, that alien that Will Smith
tried chasing down in the beginning of Men In Black. I know it's a long
clip, but I enjoyed it... I was thinking about putting up a video on
the recent tornado, but figured a lot of people have already seen it.
Article: A New France?
The biggest story this last weekend... lots of stories on it clearly... but an interesting question of what the future holds for France? Is it really going to push a lot of new legislation through in order to bring economic reforms in France? A big question is if the Parliament election results will have keep many of the Socialist leaders in power or is the election a sign of things to come. I know a French conservative is not a true American conservative... but it is pro-growth movement as I think the French are sick of unemployment being above 10% and little to no growth in the GDP... of course Ms. Royal tried to equate Sarkozy as Bush... and even the phone call Mr. Sarkozy gave was a surprise... the White House indicated it was the best start Bush has got with an other head of state since the Japanese PM Koizumi... the only thing that he warned America was about global warming... interesting... I don't see France jumping into Iraq or anything serious like that, but perhaps a better relationship in the years to come between the US and France... but I hope blind conservatives will stop calling them Freedom Fries and Bill O'Reilly will lift his ban on French goods... I mean lets not forget we got the Statue of Liberty from them!
Of course the amazing thing to many Americans is the 85% turnout... and I ask why not in America... I can think of a few reasons... not only are we Americans less politically informed but less likely to vote since Tuesdays are work days, while French elections are during the weekend when they don't have to work (if they have a job)... but in America, most presidential candidates are free trade and pro-growth... and whoever is in office, he or she will realize that America needs to trade (unless John Edwards) and the urgency to vote in an election isn't the same of a country who has a poor economy... Most of what the president gets in terms of an economy I believe is largely luck and the Chairman of the Fed is probably more important... unless you have the highest bracket of tax rates that were up to 70% in the late 70s, generally a president doesn't have the tremendous effect on the economy, or atleast as the media would have us believe... in general the rules of labor don't really change from president to president... while Sarkozy has outlined a plan to decrease unemployment and raise GDP through primarily labor laws which will allow for employees and business owners a better chance.
Song: Go Shopping, Bran Van 3000, Y Tu Mama Tambien Soundtrack
In honor of this last weekend which featured my first large shopping spree on Michigan Avenue in Chicago... I didn't think I would be up to it until I got this song to pump me up. It's a good song from a great movie... it used to be one of my favorite movies... but I think it lost its allure for one reason or another. Maybe it was my Expository Writing teacher that gave me a BC on my first draft on my paper on why Y Tu Mama Tambien was a great movie... and she said that she thought it was just horrible movie... ouch...so did I change my paper a little and recognize the other view... she upgraded it to a B, but I am still angry since that was an A paper and my teacher was not accepting of another view with the only comment on the paper was her not agreeing with the idea that this movie had a deep meaning. This song is not available on iTunes ... but you can get the CD used for about 5 bucks... not a bad deal… or you could just ask me to send you the song... as I would be happy to.
Also should let it be known this will be primarily a Monday-Friday blog... as I hope to enjoy my weekends with family, friends and girlfriend!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Pandas, The Next Prez and College
Video: Abortion... it's a controversial issue, this video adds an interesting twist that made me laugh and think... certainly Pandas don't have the rights of humans... but how ridiculous would a panda abortion be (especially since they are endangered) ? Just thinking about any animal abortion makes a human abortion seem ridiculous. Humans are supposively intelligent and should know what will result from sex; a baby. I have a problem when people refuse to take responsibility for the baby because it is an inconvenience... Sorry for getting all serious on what I hope is a funny clip...
Panda Demands Abortion
Article: Too Early For Campaigns?
I just know that I will be sick of all the candidates this time next year, and especially the one who is sworn in... I know in this climate it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep serving constituents as a senator or governor when you have two years before the presidential election people are already fully dedicated to campaigning. If people are this sick of Bush now... wait until the end of the next president's term... we will have heard about his or her deficiencies for a minimum of six years (about the same amount of time Bush has served as president at this date). But there is really not much that can be done about it... except not read stories concerning the race... so don't read this story!
Song: I Wish I Could Go Back To College , Avenue Q
Hard to pick one song from this amazing musical... but choosing this short but sweet one was easy because it has a special place in my heart. Being out of college for only about a year I am shocked how many times I have said, "College was the best" ... but when I was walking around Marquette's campus this Monday it reminded me of the last line of the song "These kids are so much younger than me"... I thought everyone looked sooo incredibly young when I walked into McCormick, its not like I am an old fart, but I guess I will be getting there soon...
Panda Demands Abortion
Article: Too Early For Campaigns?
I just know that I will be sick of all the candidates this time next year, and especially the one who is sworn in... I know in this climate it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep serving constituents as a senator or governor when you have two years before the presidential election people are already fully dedicated to campaigning. If people are this sick of Bush now... wait until the end of the next president's term... we will have heard about his or her deficiencies for a minimum of six years (about the same amount of time Bush has served as president at this date). But there is really not much that can be done about it... except not read stories concerning the race... so don't read this story!
Song: I Wish I Could Go Back To College , Avenue Q
Hard to pick one song from this amazing musical... but choosing this short but sweet one was easy because it has a special place in my heart. Being out of college for only about a year I am shocked how many times I have said, "College was the best" ... but when I was walking around Marquette's campus this Monday it reminded me of the last line of the song "These kids are so much younger than me"... I thought everyone looked sooo incredibly young when I walked into McCormick, its not like I am an old fart, but I guess I will be getting there soon...
Thursday, May 3, 2007
My first three
Video: Bros before Hos is one of my favorite Office clips of all time... this serves as a reminder that today is an all new hour long Office episode on NBC at 7:36, dont miss it!
Article: Hooked on Trivia
Couldn't agree more, it seems the media loves to focus on stories that have no importance in the world in the big picture... and maybe because we have such short attention spans we have to have a new story every week that will keep us entertained... it's sad but that is what news is becoming.
Song: "Life's a Song" Patrick Park
This song was featured as the last song on the O.C., and regardless of whether you hate or love the O.C., the song is touching and beautiful... I suggest you buy it for 99 cents or if you are really poor, steal it.
Article: Hooked on Trivia
Couldn't agree more, it seems the media loves to focus on stories that have no importance in the world in the big picture... and maybe because we have such short attention spans we have to have a new story every week that will keep us entertained... it's sad but that is what news is becoming.
Song: "Life's a Song" Patrick Park
This song was featured as the last song on the O.C., and regardless of whether you hate or love the O.C., the song is touching and beautiful... I suggest you buy it for 99 cents or if you are really poor, steal it.
My attempt to start a blog
I love reading blogs, but realize I don't have much of my own opinion to offer on a daily basis... but what I do offer is a lot of crazy stuff I stumble upon. My best effort will be put forward to offer a video, article and song of the day, everyday. I love Youtube videos and watch probably 20 a day and love passing them on. I read many interesting opinion articles everyday as well and would like to pass those along. Finally what I am listening on my iPod.
So three things, everyday, don't miss a day.
So three things, everyday, don't miss a day.
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