Monday, May 18, 2009

Random Musings: Commencement Speeches Edition

- At my sister's graduation Judy Woodruff, of CNN and PBS, talked on a myriad of topics ranging from the economy to women in the workplace. One topic she touched on was how she felt that although many pundits consider young people entitled, she disagreed. Here's the deal, we are entitled but I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. Young people today not only expect to have information, news, and media at their fingertips, they demand it. A sense of entitlement has lead to Google, YouTube, and Wolfram Alpha being created. The founders of those companies wanted information and videos faster and spawned some of the most successful modern day companies.

- Michelle Obama spoke at California Merced, yeah I never heard of it either. I just heard a few highlights but the main idea of her speech was for young people to give back and volunteer. Here's the deal Michelle, since only about 20% of us graduating seniors have jobs lined up, why don't those with money and jobs pitch in while we find some work. We have spent the last 16+ years of our life learning and training for a potential job and you want us help others get jobs? GTFO.

- Now on to the big guy, President Obama. Overall I thought the speech was pretty good. He talked about himself a little too much and even plugged his own book, very weak, but overall the speech was well delivered and had a good theme. I did especially like and dislike the part in which he asked that each side of the abortion debate refrain from depicting the other side as caricatures and that the issue is equally important to both sides. I agree that each side has demonized and caricatured the other as either Evangelical loonies or socialist baby hating liberals. However, I have to disagree about the importance of the issue to each side.

If the pro life side loses, 2 million abortions are performed a year, a pretty steep loss. If the pro choice side loses, women lose the right to abort their "parasites." For arguments sake I will agree with the pro choice side and say that having an abortion is a right. I would then ask them, would you be willing to give up a right so that someone else may live? I'd love to hear their answer.

Anyways, between the protests, media coverage, and abortion debate the event as a whole was in my opinion a total and complete failure. Graduations are supposed to be about the graduates and not abortion, protests, and media coverage. Lost in the whole event was that some 3,000 students were there to receive degrees for their hard work and dedication. President Obama and the issue of abortion trumped why he was there in the first place.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Friday Potpourri: Movie and Video Game Edition

Due to studying I was unable to find as many people interest stories as I normally do. So here are some cool movie and video game trailers.

Terminator Salvation -


The Road (book by Cormac McCarthy) -


Punchout for Wii -


Modern Warfare 2 -


And more Modern Warfare 2 -

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Undercover Hotties

With help from "M" and a fan of the NCAA Hockey runner-ups, I present this week's
Undercover Hotties.

Abby Elliot


Miss Elliot is currently a temporary cast member of SNL. Her best moments of this season have been her impersonations of Angelina Jolie and Rachel Maddow. She is also battling Kristen Wiig as the hottest female cast member of all time.

January Jones


January Jones first shot a "thrill up our leg" as the hot sister Cadence in American Wedding. She currently stars as Betty Draper in the best show on television, Mad Men.

Ellie Kemper


Ellie currently stars as Erin, the new secretary on The Office. Although I find her cute/spunky, she would not be on my list of Undercover Hotties. The person who asked for her to be on this list likes red heads...that should be enough for you to know.

Swine Flu (I Hardly Knew Thee)



I'll just make this quick as I have to get back to studying here, but WTF is the deal with this Swine Flu shit?!

This is the email I just got from the The Office of the Chancellor here at the University of Illinois, Urbana:

"Because of ongoing concerns about the possibility of spreading the fluvirus, students receiving degrees and their families should not shakehands at Commencement if they have symptoms of an upper respiratoryinfection such as fever and cough.

McKinley Health Center will provide hand sanitizer on the platform at theAssembly Hall ceremonies so that graduates can, if they wish, use itbefore and/or after receiving their degrees. Members of the officialplatform party also are encouraged to use the hand sanitizer provided. Everyone is encouraged to observe the other guidelines to reduce the riskof infection, such as covering coughs and sneezes; avoiding touching eyes,mouth and nose; and washing hands frequently.

Robert D. Palinkas, M.D."


Here are some statistics that I found online on Swine Flu vs. Regular Influenza:

Swine Flu:

"There are 2532 cases and 3 deaths of Swine Flu or Pig Flu as of May 10 2009 in the USA."

-Source: http://pigflu.com/content/h1n1-swine-flu-statistics-united-states

Reglular Flu:

During week 17 (April 26 - May 2, 2009), One thousand eight hundred ninety-two (13.2%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.

Also, 55 pediatric deaths were reported as of the week 15 ending April 18, 2009.

-Source: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/weeklyarchives2008-2009/weekly15.htm

Seriously people, stop buying into the hype!

Until next time,

-M-

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Don't Put That On Twitter



No, I am not starting a Twitter account and neither will this site. That is unless of course it would make me a lot of money but that isn't likely to happen.

Instead I am going to randomly check famous people's Twitter accounts and than mock them. Yes I know, very mature.

First up is Pete Carroll,

"AWESOME NEWS!! RT @ABetterLA LAPD Chief Bratton says today that homicides in LA are down 31%"

That would be good news if a 31% drop meant that there were 0 murders. Look Pete, your campus is in a crappy area of LA, your students make Notre Dame kids look like Oliver Twist, and you have the hair of a Westminster Dog Show Poodle so lets try and celebrate something other than your absurdly high murder rate being lower pre-summer.

Next up is Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean,

"I just saw Jordan Hulls at Asrembly Hall. It feels great to know he is a Hoosier. He was going to hook up with Jeremiah Rivers."

Hey Tom, I know Indiana residents don't bat an eye at guy on guy action but Twitter is a national thing so lets keep comments like that to yourself.

And finally, Heidi Montag

"i LOVE shooting guns!!!!!!!!!!!!"


Knowing that Heidi Montag owns and knows how to shoot a gun is so frightening that I may never return to California. Seriously, that is some scary stuff.

That's Politics Bitch

- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner admitted this week that out monetary policy was "too loose too long." This is news because Geithner, a former Fed Bank vice chairman, is conceding that the Fed was partly responsible for our current economic problems. Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke have both denied any responsibility up to this point and will continue to deny to their graves. My guy, Ron Paul, was one of the first to point our loose monetary policy but was flatly ignored because he made too much sense.

- As one of probably 3 people in the world who listens to Rush Limbaugh and watches Real Time with Bill Maher it allows me the ability to paint a picture, albeit broad picture of each political side.

First the GOP:
- Global warming is a hoax and it was started by hippies to punish greedy corporations.
- The term "mainstream media" is code for don't trust anything other than Fox News.
- If given the chance Obama will give African-Americans reparations.
- Obama wants to takeaway assault rifles so it's easier for his socialist storm troopers to take over dissenters.

Now the Dems:
- Believing in God is for morons.
- Marriage is for morons and if you get married its ok to cheat on your wife.
- Pouring water on terrorist's faces is a way worse message to send the world than 2 million abortions.
- Corporations should act like human beings.

- Just a quick note on Notre Dame and Obama; Notre Dame should have waited two years. By that time the fervor over Obama taking office and turning over abortion laws will have died down.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Friday Potpourri

- An update to the Jon and Kate Plus Eight scandal, apparently Jon is denying he cheated on his wife and Kate is still emasculating Jon.

- Jason Whitlock takes Selena Roberts to task on her A-Rod book. I was previously unaware she was the dumbass columnist who was all over the Duke lacrosse players but was then no where to be found when they were exonerated.

- Bookmark this website now: Wolfram Alpha. Wolfram Alpha is a new research/search website that is reportedly able to answer questions like "The Cubs attendance growth relative to US population growth" and other less important questions. Wolfram basically answers questions, often by doing complex, and new computations.

- This kid is my hero.

- This is my personal favorite story of the week. Afghanistan quarantines countries only pig.

- Whether or not you believe in global warming or not, I think we caught a break.

- Trekkies mad as hell because new Star Trek movie is good?

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'

- A must buy for all you lake house people.


- Stephen Curry will be taking his rapping to an NBA city near you!


- Note to self, never play pickup basketball in Ron Artest's hometown.


- This summer's Cloverfield?

The 10 Best Songs of the Oughts (2000s)


First of all this is my list. The songs on here reflect both my taste and a songs impact on the general population. Not to be overlooked was how much certain songs would perturb Fig and O'Brien.

Honorable mention -
Underdog by Spoon
Fans by Kings of Leon
Float On by Modest Mouse
First Breath After Coma by Explosions in the Sky
Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand
Knights of Cydonia by Muse

#10 - A-Punk by Vampire Weekend

Besides being my favorite song to wake up to, write to, and drive to, A-Punk is structurally perfect which is impressive considering it's a little over 2 minutes long.

#9 - Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz

Feel Good Inc. checks in at #9 because of its ability to be played at almost any situation. It also has what I like to call the triple crown of music: great lyrics, great vocals, and it allows you to yell AHAHAHAHA!

#8 - Viva La Vida by Coldplay

Coldplay Viva la Vida ( Official Music Video )
by smallvillejojo974
Say what you want about Coldplay, yes I know that I'm gay for liking this song, but Viva La Vida is truly a fantastic song. It's impossible not to tap your foot to the opening and the line "I know St. Peter won't call my name" is both haunting and awesome, I guess which one depends on the mood you are in.

#7 - Doesn't Remind Me by Audioslave

What I like best about this song is listening to what lines other people memorize. For me, I always remember "I like hammering nails and speaking in tongues." What doesn't remind you?

#6 - All These Things That I Have Done by The Killers
All These Things That I've Done

Take a second and think about how many times you have sung out, "I got soul but I'm not a soldier." I'm betting it was over 20 times.

#5 - Jesus Etc. by Wilco

Released after 9/11, Jesus Etc. makes numerous references to the tragedy without coming off as insincere and douchy, ala Bruce Springsteen. While the song mentions a great national tragedy it isn't a depressing song and is instead uplifting.

#4 - Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes

Probably the best guitar riff of the decade, Seven Nation Army is also the most covered song from this decade. When college marching bands start incorporating your song into games you know you have a hit.

#3 - Hey Ya by OutKast

Hey Ya is probably the most commercially successful song on this list. Unfortunately its commercial success overshadowed some great lyrics. Thankfully Obadiah Parker's awesome acoustic cover saves the day.


#2 - Homecoming by Kanye West (featuring Chris Martin)

HOMECOMING from kwest on Vimeo.


Kanye is the second artist on this list that hails from Chicago (Wilco) and as mentioned in a previous blog post, this song is perfect for any occasion. Homecoming also makes numerous references to Chicago and I'm not gonna lie, I love it. Chris Martin lends his piano playing skills while also singing the chorus. Kanye West + Chris Martin = Crazy Delicious

#1 - Mr. Brightside by the Killers

Watch more Hot Fuss videos on AOL Video


There really wasn't much debate in my mind seeing as how the Killers are my favorite band of the AUTS and this is truly their best/most defining/commercially successful song. The lyrics are deep and cutting but not so depressing that it can't be played at bars or parties. Mr. Brightside encompass everything I want in a song and does so with flying colors.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

People Who Shouldn't Be Allowed To Vote


Selena Roberts - Let me first say that I think A-Rod is a huge douche. He is the ultimate primadonna, pun intended, and he is on a Michael Jackson like streak of bad moves. Having said that, Selena Roberts really needs to get a life. It's not like this is Woodward and Bernstein bringing down the President of the United States, Roberts has written a hit piece on one of the already most hated athletes in sports. And she did so with statements and quotes from anonymous sources. I can't wait for Selena Roberts' next groundbreaking book, "Kevin Garnett Can't Read."

Jon Gosselin - Better known as Jon from "Jon and Kate Plus Eight," Jon has apparently been cheating on Kate with a 23 year old substitute teacher. First of all, you have eight kids. Cheating is already morally reprehensible but it is taken to another level when you have 8 kids under the age of 6. I can only think of one instance in which it is ok to cheat and that's if you are married to...

Kate Gosselin - Better known as the OCD, hormone raging biotch Kate from "John and Kate Plus Eight." They might as well call the show "The Emasculation of Jon Gosselin." Kate drops no less than 20 condescending comments an episode while systematically breaking down every fiber of Jon's being. Kate is the definition of a hard C and thus should not be allowed to vote.

The Associated Press - In case you missed it, the AP published a story about Obama and Biden grabbing a burger in DC. When did the AP become TMZ? Between our economy dying, Swine Flu, and war in Pakistan it's not like there isn't a plethora of topics to cover. What's next, asking Biden how many hair plugs he moved from his neck to his head?

Monday, May 4, 2009

If I was John Paxson



Although the Bulls season came to a sad end Saturday night, their future is very bright (cue sunshine lollipops music).

The following is the list of what I would do if I was John Paxson:

- Offer Ben Gordon a 4 year deal for 30 million, knowing the highest you can offer him is 32 million. Gordon has made about 6 million a year the last two seasons so this would be a pretty good raise with some long term security. Anything more than 8 million a year for a guy who scores 25 points a game but gives up 20 points is too much. Now some may think that Gordon can get more than that and I would normally agree with the them. However in this economy there are only four teams that could throw 5 years and 50 million at him and the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, and Mavericks aren't going to do that.

- With the #16 pick in the draft take BJ Mullens from Ohio St. I wasn't very high on Mullens early in the season but then I read a few stories that said Matta basically went Jerry Sloan on him and he didn't respond well to that. Mullens in my mind is basically a taller, more fluid, and more skilled Aaron Gray.

- With the #26 pick in the draft take Dionte Christmas from Temple. First of all he has an awesome name but more importantly he is a pure shooter with some size. When you have Derrick Rose it's always a good idea to stock up on good perimeter shooters. Christmas is also tall enough that he won't be a defensive liability when he is in the game.

- Give John Salmons an extension that kicks in after the 2010/2011 season for 3 years and 30 million. Besides getting you 18 to 20 a game Salmons can lefitimately guard the elite perimeter players in the NBA. Now he isn't a Bruce Bowen or Ron Artest but he also isn't offensively challenged or a nutcase.

- In the summer of 2010 throw everything you have at Chris Bosh, 6 years for 115 million. Now is Bosh absolutely worth a max offer? No, but you will have to overpay when signing a superstar. Bosh is not one of the top 10 players in the league nor is he capable of carrying a team on his back, but he won't have to on the Bulls. Derrick Rose is the face of the Bulls and will be for quite some time. Only Kobe, Lebron, or D-Wade could come in and steal his thunder right now. Bosh gives you low post scoring along with a very good face up game. Could you imagine Rose running the pick and roll with Bosh? It would be unstoppable.

- If Tyrus Thomas can consistently knock down an 18 footer by the summer of 2011 than I would sign him to a mid level exception otherwise I let him move on.

To summarize, here is what I envision the Bulls roster looking like in 2010:
Starters -
PG Derrick Rose
SG John Salmons
SF Loul Deng
PF Chris Bosh
C Joakim Noah

Bench -
Kirk Hinrich
Ben Gordon
Tyrus Thomas
BJ Mullens

Assuming you sign Gordon for around 8 million a year and Bosh for the max of 19 million a year that would leave the Bulls with a team salary of 70 million. Which is 1.5 million more than it is this year.

2011 and beyond -

- I would trade our 2010 first round pick for a future 2011 pick in order to try and get both Jereme Richmond and Crandall Head.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Random Musings



- "Homecoming" by Kanye West is an awesome song. Say what you will about his love of fish, but the man can make some sweet tunes. This song has been out for a year and a half and its still played at frat parties, bars, jacked up vista cruisers rolling on 20s, and my ipod. "Homecoming" is the vegetable version of the potato.

- Speaking of music, if you get Palladia, an HD only channel, I highly recommend you DVR the MTV Europe Music Awards for three reasons. First Katy Perry is the host. While she is incredibly annoying her rack carries the day. Second, for you Obama lovers out there every other artist either wears an Obama shirt or gives him a shout out. Finally, the production quality of the show is unreal. Every set is imaginative and each performance is truly unique.

- Speaking of Obama, is it resume worthy that I didn't get caught up in the Obama hype? I feel like future employers would like to know that I have vision and don't get caught up in slogans like "Yes We Can."

- Why the hell is Sunday the first day of the week? It doesn't make sense from a work standpoint because Monday is the first day of the work week. It doesn't make sense biblically because on the seventh day God rested. Someone help me out here.

- As mentioned in an earlier Random Musings Windows finally realized that attacking the cost of Apple computers might be a good idea. However, have you ever noticed the girl who is looking for a lap top under $1000 (pictured above)? She is wearing a scarf, black box framed glasses, and she drives a Volkswagen with a flower in a cup holder. This chick is the very definition of an Apple owner.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Friday Potpourri

- GE has figured out a way to store 100 DVD's on a single disc. A porn enthusiast in his college dorm room was quoted as saying "I can finally take my porn everywhere!"

- Mark Cuban has figured out how to fix newspapers. And its actually a pretty good idea.

- Scout.com has just updated their 2010 basketball rankings and Illinois commits Jereme Richmond, Meyers Leonard, and Crandall Head fall in at #6, #29, and #37 respectively.

- "The Ledge." I'm pretty sure there is no way you could ever convince me that is safe.

- An update on the Jewish Jordan:


- This is an older video but I still find it hysterical. Warning NSFW.