The 10 Most Corrupt Politicos of 2009 and 9 Missed Stories of 2009... (courtesy of Fox News, so make of that what you will...)
Top 10 Movies from Ain't It Cool, here- the worst, here.
25 Best Albums of 2009 from Rolling Stone, here.
...make of them what you will!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
No Vote in 2010
Iowa's Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal has said that there will be no vote on gay marriage during the 2010 session. Republicans have 80 days to try and wiggle something through--
--I agree with Gronstal on this one. First of all, both parties should heed the dictum 'it's the economy, stupid' especially this year. As a state employee, despite having (relative) job security in the grand scheme of things, I will take a very dim view of Republicans if they lead with gay marriage. And by dim view, I mean I'll vote straight ticket Democrat- at least on a state level in response- even if it does stick us with Culver for another four years.
Republicans should play it cool. Attack Culver on the economy, say what you would do different- make noise about gay marriage to pacify your base, but for the love of mike, don't get bogged down in it! (Oh, and if Gronstal's promise holds up, the earliest gay marriage can get to Iowa voters would be 2014.)
--I agree with Gronstal on this one. First of all, both parties should heed the dictum 'it's the economy, stupid' especially this year. As a state employee, despite having (relative) job security in the grand scheme of things, I will take a very dim view of Republicans if they lead with gay marriage. And by dim view, I mean I'll vote straight ticket Democrat- at least on a state level in response- even if it does stick us with Culver for another four years.
Republicans should play it cool. Attack Culver on the economy, say what you would do different- make noise about gay marriage to pacify your base, but for the love of mike, don't get bogged down in it! (Oh, and if Gronstal's promise holds up, the earliest gay marriage can get to Iowa voters would be 2014.)
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Mayor for IC?
Council Member Matt Hayek seems to be the front runner. Don't know much about him, but he's fairly new, seems to have a good head on his shoulders and will be a fresh face in the job. I'm not the biggest fan of current mayor Regina Bailey, so this is a nice change (should it happen.)
Bigger question: why can't the voters of IC pick their own mayor?
Bigger question: why can't the voters of IC pick their own mayor?
HAH!
The Mediacom-Sinclair fight is sending people back to rabbit ears and leading people to dishes. It's Christmas for Direct TV!
My parents have a dish, so I at least have a place to watch the Orange Bowl, but if Mediacom doesn't figure this out, I will be pricing out dishes- and I will be asking the City Council to end the monopoly Mediacom has in the Iowa City cable market and bring in some competition that actually serves customers instead of their own corporate interests.
(In an aside: this raises all kinds of issues for me- given the fact that we are a country of free-speech absolutists, how free can speech be if it's controlled by giganto-corporations like Sinclair? How free can it be when you have to pay for it? Speech and entertainment aren't the same thing and I'm willing to pay for cable channels, but the issues raised by the fight are still the same-- and they're growing daily.)
My parents have a dish, so I at least have a place to watch the Orange Bowl, but if Mediacom doesn't figure this out, I will be pricing out dishes- and I will be asking the City Council to end the monopoly Mediacom has in the Iowa City cable market and bring in some competition that actually serves customers instead of their own corporate interests.
(In an aside: this raises all kinds of issues for me- given the fact that we are a country of free-speech absolutists, how free can speech be if it's controlled by giganto-corporations like Sinclair? How free can it be when you have to pay for it? Speech and entertainment aren't the same thing and I'm willing to pay for cable channels, but the issues raised by the fight are still the same-- and they're growing daily.)
And Then There Were...
...one less anyway. State Senator Jerry Behn of Boone has ended his campaign for Governor and endorsed Terry Branstad. He's not a major player in the Republican race, as far as I can tell- this is the first time I've heard the name, but one less in the horse race and an endorsement for Branstad is significant.
Move Your Money in 2010?
Arianna Huffington has a New Year's Resolution worth getting behind, here. In sum: given the excesses and the rip-offs forced on taxpayers by the bailed out big boys on Wall Street, why not help out community banks and move your money there.
I like this. It is, as Huff notices, 'populism at its best' but more importantly, it's a way for people to register their protest at the administration's craptacular policy of rewarding their corporate sponsors by giving them gobs of free taxpayer money. I'd also write to Senators Cantwell and McCain and express your support for reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act (which basically separates traditional banks from investment and retail banking, thus avoiding the 'too big to fail problem.') Either way, the 'move your money' thing is more realistic than the national mortgage strike idea that was floating around awhile back.
I like this. It is, as Huff notices, 'populism at its best' but more importantly, it's a way for people to register their protest at the administration's craptacular policy of rewarding their corporate sponsors by giving them gobs of free taxpayer money. I'd also write to Senators Cantwell and McCain and express your support for reinstating the Glass-Steagall Act (which basically separates traditional banks from investment and retail banking, thus avoiding the 'too big to fail problem.') Either way, the 'move your money' thing is more realistic than the national mortgage strike idea that was floating around awhile back.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thoughts on 'Avatar'
Feministing has some thoughts on 'Avatar' worth reading, here. I tried to assemble my thoughts on the movie into a coherent, well-written review, but failed somewhat. Reading the piece, I can't say any of the criticisms are incorrect per say- and whatever you think of 'Avatar' itself, James Cameron has certainly produced a movie that's thought-provoking at best.
Personally, I just thought it was a bad movie. I didn't go see it in 3D for which I'm glad, because I wasn't dazzled by the special effects. The plot was crap, it was plodding and predictable and generally if you take 'Pocahantas' and cross it with 'The Smurfs' you won't be too far off the general idea.
Personally, I just thought it was a bad movie. I didn't go see it in 3D for which I'm glad, because I wasn't dazzled by the special effects. The plot was crap, it was plodding and predictable and generally if you take 'Pocahantas' and cross it with 'The Smurfs' you won't be too far off the general idea.
What Whiskey To Buy, Part II?
So, a quick perusal of the selection at Dirty John's has put two new candidates in the running-
1. Dalwhinnie
2. Glengoyne
I've had Talisker before, but apparently Robert Louis Stevenson thought Talisker was bad-ass, so that intrigues me (maybe RLS' favorite whiskey will rub off me and give me some writing mojo? I don't know...) Ardbeg is also still in the running- it'd be interesting to compare the taste of another Islay with the Lagavulin I've already tried.
Hmm. We shall see, we shall see...
1. Dalwhinnie
2. Glengoyne
I've had Talisker before, but apparently Robert Louis Stevenson thought Talisker was bad-ass, so that intrigues me (maybe RLS' favorite whiskey will rub off me and give me some writing mojo? I don't know...) Ardbeg is also still in the running- it'd be interesting to compare the taste of another Islay with the Lagavulin I've already tried.
Hmm. We shall see, we shall see...
No Deal!
Sinclair and Mediacom remain at an impasse over a pay dispute that threatens to remove both Fox and CBS from the local cable line-up, leaving Iowa fans who don't have dishes no way of watching the Hawks in the Orange Bowl on the 5th.
Despite pleas from University Presidents, the Governor and Iowa's Congressional Delegation and bringing in a mediator, the two sides remain deadlocked.
I don't like Mediacom- and I don't like their defacto monopoly of the Iowa City cable market even less. We pay higher fees because of a lack of competition in the market- at the very least, if Mediacom doesn't back down, they should open the cable market. At the very least, if the Orange Bowl ain't on my television, I'll be pricing out a dish and thinking about dropping my cable altogether.
Despite pleas from University Presidents, the Governor and Iowa's Congressional Delegation and bringing in a mediator, the two sides remain deadlocked.
I don't like Mediacom- and I don't like their defacto monopoly of the Iowa City cable market even less. We pay higher fees because of a lack of competition in the market- at the very least, if Mediacom doesn't back down, they should open the cable market. At the very least, if the Orange Bowl ain't on my television, I'll be pricing out a dish and thinking about dropping my cable altogether.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Great Boxing Day Martini Extravaganza of 2009!
This was born out of a trip to Outback Steakhouse for dinner with my parents a few weeks ago. Ali had just gotten a new job and we wanted to take the 'rents out for a nice dinner to celebrate that- and as a 'thank you' for letting us and all our stuff stay at their house for six months earlier in the year. The bloomin' onion was excellent, the steak as good as advertised- and for dessert: a Gingerbread Cookie Martini!
And that was so good, we decided to buy a bunch of booze, get on the old interweb and find 'holiday' martinis to make and sample in the spirit of Yuletide! Thus was born The Great Boxing Day Martini Extravaganza of 2009!
Carrot Cake Martini
1/2 oz Bailey's
1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
1/4 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
Tasting Notes: This was my contribution to the line-up and there's a little bit of a story behind it-- a couple of years ago, I sampled one of these at Giovanni's downtown and it tasted so delish that when we tailgating for a game (whom we were playing has long since slipped my mind) I made up a whole Nalgene bottle of the stuff, drank it and was completely smashed by about 8 AM that morning. The next day, I woke up having slept through most of the game, having no clue who had won, having seen 'Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang' and in ownership of a size XXXL neon pink t-shirt that said in big, black letters on the front: 'Whose Buckman?' Who Buckman is and why he was on a t-shirt is still a mystery to me- and I'm also a bit fuzzy on just how I got the t-shirt as well.
This was not a bad way to start things out- I would, however, recommend doubling the amounts listed above, because as you can see from the pic, it didn't produce a large martini. We also used Goldschläger for our cinnamon schnapps- which imbalanced the flavors a bit, as the higher proof of Goldschläger gives the cinnamon more of kick than regular schnapps does.
Grades:
Tom: B+
Ali: B- (little too much cinnamon)
Mother Nixon: B-/C+
Gingerbread Martini Take I
1 shot Bailey's
1 shot vodka
1 shot Gingerbread liqueur
(because instructions are for suckaz!)
Tasting Notes: The vodka was a bit strong with this version- we all agreed that the proportions needed to be re-jiggered a bit, primarily because the gingerbread liqueur we found was extremely bland and got overwhelmed by the vodka and to some degree the Bailey's. We decided that better proportions would be:
1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz gingerbread liqueur
1/2 Bailey's (and add more if necessary)
But overall, not a bad martini.
Grades:
Tom: B+
Ali: B+
Mother Nixon: B+ (but with less vodka, an A-)
Yuletini
2 parts Creme de Cacao
1 part Goldschläger
Float cream on top, sprinkle cinnamon dust on top of that. Drink.
Tasting Notes: Probably the least favorite of the line-up, this turned out to be a mish-mash of flavors that just didn't produce anything in the least bit appetizing. We did add more half and half and it helped, but pretty much nothing could save this one.
Grades:
Tom: C
Ali: C
Mother Nixon: C
Cocoa Candy Candy Martini
1/2 oz creme de cacao
1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
1/2 oz vodka
Tasting Notes: The overwhelming favorite of the line-up, this thing tasted like a candy cane, smelled like a candy cane and was just generally awesome!
Grades:
Tom: A
Ali: A
Mother Nixon: A
Amanda (who had joined us by then): A
Gingerbread Martini Take II
1 1/2 oz Gingerbread liqueur
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz Bailey's
Tasting Notes: Turns out our hunch was entirely correct- better proportions made for a much better drink. The ingredients were more balanced- and although it could maybe use just a touch more Bailey's, it was another solid winner, edging out the Coco Candy Cane Martini for the title of overall winner!
Grades:
Tom: A+
Ali: A+
Mother Nixon: A-
And that was so good, we decided to buy a bunch of booze, get on the old interweb and find 'holiday' martinis to make and sample in the spirit of Yuletide! Thus was born The Great Boxing Day Martini Extravaganza of 2009!
Carrot Cake Martini
1/2 oz Bailey's
1/2 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
1/4 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
Tasting Notes: This was my contribution to the line-up and there's a little bit of a story behind it-- a couple of years ago, I sampled one of these at Giovanni's downtown and it tasted so delish that when we tailgating for a game (whom we were playing has long since slipped my mind) I made up a whole Nalgene bottle of the stuff, drank it and was completely smashed by about 8 AM that morning. The next day, I woke up having slept through most of the game, having no clue who had won, having seen 'Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang' and in ownership of a size XXXL neon pink t-shirt that said in big, black letters on the front: 'Whose Buckman?' Who Buckman is and why he was on a t-shirt is still a mystery to me- and I'm also a bit fuzzy on just how I got the t-shirt as well.
This was not a bad way to start things out- I would, however, recommend doubling the amounts listed above, because as you can see from the pic, it didn't produce a large martini. We also used Goldschläger for our cinnamon schnapps- which imbalanced the flavors a bit, as the higher proof of Goldschläger gives the cinnamon more of kick than regular schnapps does.
Grades:
Tom: B+
Ali: B- (little too much cinnamon)
Mother Nixon: B-/C+
Gingerbread Martini Take I
1 shot Bailey's
1 shot vodka
1 shot Gingerbread liqueur
(because instructions are for suckaz!)
Tasting Notes: The vodka was a bit strong with this version- we all agreed that the proportions needed to be re-jiggered a bit, primarily because the gingerbread liqueur we found was extremely bland and got overwhelmed by the vodka and to some degree the Bailey's. We decided that better proportions would be:
1/2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz gingerbread liqueur
1/2 Bailey's (and add more if necessary)
But overall, not a bad martini.
Grades:
Tom: B+
Ali: B+
Mother Nixon: B+ (but with less vodka, an A-)
Yuletini
2 parts Creme de Cacao
1 part Goldschläger
Float cream on top, sprinkle cinnamon dust on top of that. Drink.
Tasting Notes: Probably the least favorite of the line-up, this turned out to be a mish-mash of flavors that just didn't produce anything in the least bit appetizing. We did add more half and half and it helped, but pretty much nothing could save this one.
Grades:
Tom: C
Ali: C
Mother Nixon: C
Cocoa Candy Candy Martini
1/2 oz creme de cacao
1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
1/2 oz vodka
Tasting Notes: The overwhelming favorite of the line-up, this thing tasted like a candy cane, smelled like a candy cane and was just generally awesome!
Grades:
Tom: A
Ali: A
Mother Nixon: A
Amanda (who had joined us by then): A
Gingerbread Martini Take II
1 1/2 oz Gingerbread liqueur
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz Bailey's
Tasting Notes: Turns out our hunch was entirely correct- better proportions made for a much better drink. The ingredients were more balanced- and although it could maybe use just a touch more Bailey's, it was another solid winner, edging out the Coco Candy Cane Martini for the title of overall winner!
Grades:
Tom: A+
Ali: A+
Mother Nixon: A-
What Whiskey To Buy?
The Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban was delicious, but now it's done- and with 2010 fast upon us, I need to figure out what malt to get next. I also need to get a whiskey guide, so I can start to this properly, but for now- we'll work on figuring out where to go next in my whiskey odyssey. Early candidates:
1. Isle of Jura
2. Auchentoshan
3. Ardbeg
I'm leaning towards the Jura, but the Auchentoshan interests me as well. Ardbeg is an Islay Malt, and I've already tried Lagavulin, which was deliciously hardcore- but extremely smokey. (Islay Malts get their smokey taste from the peat used in the distillation process.) Jura is from the Islands and I'm not sure what their region has in the way of flavoring and the Auchentoshan is from Lowlands- but Michael Jackson (the beer and whiskey guy) described it as a lighter tasting whiskey and I'm thinking I want some hardcore flavor. Yet, it's also one of the few malts that is triple distilled.
Hmmm... will have to visit Dirty John's today and see what they got.
1. Isle of Jura
2. Auchentoshan
3. Ardbeg
I'm leaning towards the Jura, but the Auchentoshan interests me as well. Ardbeg is an Islay Malt, and I've already tried Lagavulin, which was deliciously hardcore- but extremely smokey. (Islay Malts get their smokey taste from the peat used in the distillation process.) Jura is from the Islands and I'm not sure what their region has in the way of flavoring and the Auchentoshan is from Lowlands- but Michael Jackson (the beer and whiskey guy) described it as a lighter tasting whiskey and I'm thinking I want some hardcore flavor. Yet, it's also one of the few malts that is triple distilled.
Hmmm... will have to visit Dirty John's today and see what they got.
Late Night Chronicles 37: Bah, Humbug!
This was originally published on Facebook, November 6th, 2009
What happened to Walt Disney? When did they become so incredibly lame? Maybe it's just part and parcel of growing up, but I remember, back in the day, a new Disney movie was an event. No, by and large it was the event of whatever particular season their new movie was released in. That string of movies in the early 90s- 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Aladdin,' 'The Lion King,' 'Pocahantas' one could, if one was feeling generous, include the excremental and massive inaccurate 'Hercules' in that picture as well. (Mythology buffs will know what I'm talking about, but Hercules was Roman. Heracles was Greek- which is what the movie portrays-- oh and Hades was never, ever, EVER a bad guy. Just king of the dead.)
But now... the banner release for Disney's holiday movie slate is the 100,000th version of that timeless and now extremely well-worn Christmas classic 'A Christmas Carol.' Oh, but it's in 3D so that makes it special- and like Eddie Murphy in the Nutty Professor, it's got Jim Carrey playing about twenty different roles all at the same time. And if that weren't bad enough, it's directed by Robert Zemeckis, who continues his tradition of that creepy, 'people look like dolls/zombies/just plain creepy and not at all lifelike' animation that he began with 'The Polar Express.'
So my previous question stands: what happened to Walt Disney? Why did it become so incredibly lame? And more to the point, what marketing genius thought that another version of 'A Christmas Carol' would be a good idea. I mean, does anyone care at this point? Is there a human being alive on the planet right now that hasn't seen 'A Christmas Carol' somewhere, somehow during their existence? I mean, shit- I'm sure even Somali Pirates gather together and watch 'It's A Wonderful Life' and 'A Christmas Carol' on their pirated sattelite feeds on a boat somewhere in the Indian Ocean. Everyone has seen 'A Christmas Carol' everyone knows the story- since Hollywood seems intent on flogging it to death, so what, if anything is going to bring people flooding to multiplexes everywhere this time?
Well, as I've already mentioned, it's in 3D. Oooooooooh. 3D. Now 'Avatar' is a movie I'm looking forward to seeing in whatever kick-ass 3D thing James Cameron has in store for movie-goers. 'A Christmas Carol' not so much. I mean, at this point, who the hell cares really? Everyone has seen some version of the damn thing anyway- and I don't know about everyone else, but I can practically recite the plot in my sleep. Pale imitations and attempts to modernize or change up the classic tale have popped up from time to time over the years- ranging from the forgettable Bill Murray tale 'Scrooged' to Matthew Mconoughey (however you spell that) in 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' which is better referred to as 'A Man Whore Carol' There's been some version with Vanessa Williams, a Muppet Christmas Carol- this Christmas Carol, that Christmas Carol... in fact a search of IMDB.com turns up 26 results for 'A Christmas Carol' alone. That doesn't include God knows how many title derivations or other versions their are out there.
The endless parade of sequels and ill-advised remakes in recent years has drawn criticism from many that Hollywood is entering some kind of creative desert. No one seems to have a truly original idea anymore- either that, or Hollywood is just getting incredibly lazy- one of the two. Either way, it's an undeniable fact that retread and pale sequels and the general quality of movies seems to have taken a nose-dive. And Hollywood actually wonders why? They wonder why people won't pay through the nose to go see a movie that they've already sort of seen before anyway... I can sympathize, to a degree. The endless parade of academic papers and general chaos of life appears to have sapped my own creativity more than just a little bit. I can't remember the last time I wrote good fiction, so I keep doing what Hollywood does- coming back to fragments of useless prose, maybe with a compelling character or two, but prose that I ultimately just cannot get to work in a way that I like. It's incredibly frustrating and makes me want to tear my hair out in frustration, especially lately.
But maybe frustration isn't the answer. Maybe we need to get off the hamster wheel and take a breath. The fact is that some stories are told enough. And need to be taken out of circulation for at least a decade before someone brings them back to the big screen again, and 'A Christmas Carol' is no exception- in fact, it should be the reason for the above suggestion to begin with. We don't need more movie versions of a 'A Christmas Carol' we need less. We don't need family movie directors sitting around and thinking 'Hey, I'm bored, let's do 'A Christmas Carol' that may make a buck or two.' We need them creating quality movies- new ideas (see: Pixar, Hollywood) and actually giving us a reason to go to the movies in these times of economic woe.
And to anyone who is actually delusional enough to think that they can top the wonder, magic and sheer awesomeness of 'A Muppet Christmas Carol' I have only two words to say to you:
Bah, Humbug!
What happened to Walt Disney? When did they become so incredibly lame? Maybe it's just part and parcel of growing up, but I remember, back in the day, a new Disney movie was an event. No, by and large it was the event of whatever particular season their new movie was released in. That string of movies in the early 90s- 'Beauty and the Beast,' 'Aladdin,' 'The Lion King,' 'Pocahantas' one could, if one was feeling generous, include the excremental and massive inaccurate 'Hercules' in that picture as well. (Mythology buffs will know what I'm talking about, but Hercules was Roman. Heracles was Greek- which is what the movie portrays-- oh and Hades was never, ever, EVER a bad guy. Just king of the dead.)
But now... the banner release for Disney's holiday movie slate is the 100,000th version of that timeless and now extremely well-worn Christmas classic 'A Christmas Carol.' Oh, but it's in 3D so that makes it special- and like Eddie Murphy in the Nutty Professor, it's got Jim Carrey playing about twenty different roles all at the same time. And if that weren't bad enough, it's directed by Robert Zemeckis, who continues his tradition of that creepy, 'people look like dolls/zombies/just plain creepy and not at all lifelike' animation that he began with 'The Polar Express.'
So my previous question stands: what happened to Walt Disney? Why did it become so incredibly lame? And more to the point, what marketing genius thought that another version of 'A Christmas Carol' would be a good idea. I mean, does anyone care at this point? Is there a human being alive on the planet right now that hasn't seen 'A Christmas Carol' somewhere, somehow during their existence? I mean, shit- I'm sure even Somali Pirates gather together and watch 'It's A Wonderful Life' and 'A Christmas Carol' on their pirated sattelite feeds on a boat somewhere in the Indian Ocean. Everyone has seen 'A Christmas Carol' everyone knows the story- since Hollywood seems intent on flogging it to death, so what, if anything is going to bring people flooding to multiplexes everywhere this time?
Well, as I've already mentioned, it's in 3D. Oooooooooh. 3D. Now 'Avatar' is a movie I'm looking forward to seeing in whatever kick-ass 3D thing James Cameron has in store for movie-goers. 'A Christmas Carol' not so much. I mean, at this point, who the hell cares really? Everyone has seen some version of the damn thing anyway- and I don't know about everyone else, but I can practically recite the plot in my sleep. Pale imitations and attempts to modernize or change up the classic tale have popped up from time to time over the years- ranging from the forgettable Bill Murray tale 'Scrooged' to Matthew Mconoughey (however you spell that) in 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' which is better referred to as 'A Man Whore Carol' There's been some version with Vanessa Williams, a Muppet Christmas Carol- this Christmas Carol, that Christmas Carol... in fact a search of IMDB.com turns up 26 results for 'A Christmas Carol' alone. That doesn't include God knows how many title derivations or other versions their are out there.
The endless parade of sequels and ill-advised remakes in recent years has drawn criticism from many that Hollywood is entering some kind of creative desert. No one seems to have a truly original idea anymore- either that, or Hollywood is just getting incredibly lazy- one of the two. Either way, it's an undeniable fact that retread and pale sequels and the general quality of movies seems to have taken a nose-dive. And Hollywood actually wonders why? They wonder why people won't pay through the nose to go see a movie that they've already sort of seen before anyway... I can sympathize, to a degree. The endless parade of academic papers and general chaos of life appears to have sapped my own creativity more than just a little bit. I can't remember the last time I wrote good fiction, so I keep doing what Hollywood does- coming back to fragments of useless prose, maybe with a compelling character or two, but prose that I ultimately just cannot get to work in a way that I like. It's incredibly frustrating and makes me want to tear my hair out in frustration, especially lately.
But maybe frustration isn't the answer. Maybe we need to get off the hamster wheel and take a breath. The fact is that some stories are told enough. And need to be taken out of circulation for at least a decade before someone brings them back to the big screen again, and 'A Christmas Carol' is no exception- in fact, it should be the reason for the above suggestion to begin with. We don't need more movie versions of a 'A Christmas Carol' we need less. We don't need family movie directors sitting around and thinking 'Hey, I'm bored, let's do 'A Christmas Carol' that may make a buck or two.' We need them creating quality movies- new ideas (see: Pixar, Hollywood) and actually giving us a reason to go to the movies in these times of economic woe.
And to anyone who is actually delusional enough to think that they can top the wonder, magic and sheer awesomeness of 'A Muppet Christmas Carol' I have only two words to say to you:
Bah, Humbug!
Bleeding Red Ink
Chicago Trib has some thoughts on our exploding debt, here.
I don't like it, I hate it- I think the fact that other countries are buying up our debt opens us up to the worst kind of economic warfare imaginable down the road. Sure, it may benefit China to maintain the status quo, because they're making money- but what if their economy takes a shit and they call in the money we owe them? What then? Can we pay it back? Can we even come close?
Something needs to be done about this- we can't keep spending like a drunk sorority girl out for a fresh pair of Jimmy Choos.
I don't like it, I hate it- I think the fact that other countries are buying up our debt opens us up to the worst kind of economic warfare imaginable down the road. Sure, it may benefit China to maintain the status quo, because they're making money- but what if their economy takes a shit and they call in the money we owe them? What then? Can we pay it back? Can we even come close?
Something needs to be done about this- we can't keep spending like a drunk sorority girl out for a fresh pair of Jimmy Choos.
More Protests In Iran
The peak of the Shia religious festival Ashura has seen new protests erupt across Iran, some coverage here.
I have literally all of my digits crossed on this one. Iran is a foreign policy headache for the United States primarily because it's trying to get nukes (which would destabilize the region) and we can't storm in their like we did Iraq (because it would give the Islamic Regime a new thirty year propaganda lease on life.) So essentially, we have to be quietly supportive of the opposition and hope like hell the government hangs itself.
Which it tentatively looks like it might slowly be doing. The disputed Presidential election in June pissed off a lot of Iranians and six months later, they haven't stopped being pissed off. Hopefully 2010 will mark the year they take their government back.
I have literally all of my digits crossed on this one. Iran is a foreign policy headache for the United States primarily because it's trying to get nukes (which would destabilize the region) and we can't storm in their like we did Iraq (because it would give the Islamic Regime a new thirty year propaganda lease on life.) So essentially, we have to be quietly supportive of the opposition and hope like hell the government hangs itself.
Which it tentatively looks like it might slowly be doing. The disputed Presidential election in June pissed off a lot of Iranians and six months later, they haven't stopped being pissed off. Hopefully 2010 will mark the year they take their government back.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Late Night Chronicles 34: The Report Card
This was originally published on Facebook on November 3rd, 2009
Well, gang- it's been roughly a year or so since President Obama was elected, which to me is time enough for people to settle in, figure out where they keep the extra xerox paper and toner and actually get some stuff done. In other words- it's about the right amount of time to issue our first report card here at the LNC for the new administration. Keep in mind that when I do this, I'm not locked in stone on anything. I get accused of being a Republican or a Conservative all the time, for reasons passing understanding, but really- and I mean this really and truly- I'm not. If anything my tendency is to bust through conventional political labels and be my own sort of radical. If I thought anarchism would actually work in the real world, I'd probably sign up. So in setting these grades, please keep in mind two very important things:
1. I am open to persuasion.
2. Nothing is set in stone.
This is far from my final verdict on the Obama Administration- in fact, the Report Card will probably be a yearly thing for as long as I keep doing the LNC. I voted for Obama and I was happy to do so, given the alternatives. It was and will forever be an amazing moment in American history as it's probably going to be the only time I'll hear people actually celebrating a Presidential election outside my window. And furthermore- yes, I am aware that change takes time. I'm not expecting anything monumental or epic in a hurry- so I'm willing to cut the man some slack. But only some. My vote, like everyone else's is the most important thing that I, as a citizen have to give in this country- and President Obama, if he wants another one of my votes is going to have to earn it- just like everyone else.
So, without further ado-- The Report Card!
Domestic:
Health Care: Given that his domestic agenda is centered around the success or failure of health care reform, it's no surprise that it is eating up so much of his domestic political capital and agenda. I myself would have preferred a more proactive approach on health care reform on the part of the President instead of this sort of 'behind the scenes we'll talk but let Congress fight about it' thing that he is doing, but incredibly, slowly but surely, it seems like the President will get something on his desk. Of course, this is the United States Congress we're talking about here, so it could all fuck up at anytime, but even getting this far is a concrete political achievement. So kudos to Pres. O for that.
However, where I have issues is with the size and the scope of the whole project. It's not that I disagree with the idea that we need Health Care reform, because I think we do- but there needs to be a careful balance between the existing system and new government programs. If someone tells me that a government plan is going to help cover the uninsured- I tend to have doubts at that point. To me, government programs aren't necessarily a good thing. One just has to look at the bureaucratic mess that is Britain's NHS to see that. Michael Moore failed to mention the insane waiting lists for the simplest of procedures- and people don't stop to take into account that just because it's free, doesn't mean that it's good.
Both parties, however, get a massive EPIC FAIL for not talking more about health care portability. The Republican Party gets a double EPIC FAIL for this as they could have outflanked the Democrats in a major way in the 2008 campaign by making this front and center and they didn't... portability is sexy, given the fact that your average American is going to change careers about 4-5 times in a lifetime-- we should be able to take retirement plans and health care with us when we do! On balance though, my feeling is this: help the people that need the help and leave everyone else the hell alone. If health care reform can accomplish this, I'll be ok with it in the end-- and it may be an initial cost burden on the taxpayer, but it seems to me (from what I can tell) that it may equal savings in the long run-- only question is, given the demographic pressures paying for the Baby Boomers is going to put on the system- can we afford it? (Or should, given the mess they've made of America, the Baby Boomers be exempt from all changes and reforms in the health care system as they don't really deserve them? Oooooh, that's a naughty little thought, lol...)
Grade: If it gets done- A+, if not D+
Social Issues: Massive EPIC FAIL for President O here. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is still policy, DOMA is still on the books, weed is still illegal, the public education system is still a mess. Pronounce me unimpressed, but having heard Sec. of Education Arne Duncan give a few interviews here and there, I gotta say, I have hope for the future- that guy is smart and impressive. So...
Grade: D+ and only because I find Arne Duncan articulate and impressive.
The Economy: Meh. It's limping towards a bloated, inefficient recovery. We're still here- so I guess they can't have effed it up too badly. I worry about the continued weakness of the dollar and I really worry about our spiralling debt. Especially as more and more of it is being financed by countries like China and Japan, who one day could have enough leverage to bring us to our knees if they want to stop financing our debt and call in their loans. Mortgaging America to other countries makes me nervous. Controlling the debt- and job growth should be priority #1 for Pres. O from here on out. In a big-ass way. One term or two, the goal should be to get us back to a surplus by the time you leave office, mmm-kay?
Grade: C+ they haven't crashed the ambulance, but there's room for improvement.
Bailouts/Stimulus: The true threat to Pres O's chances in 2012 is here. Continuing the Bush policies of bailout was stupid in the extreme and someone needs to bite the bullet and break up these gargantuan banks so they aren't too big too fail. Oh and I'm sorry, but if I'm the government and a company comes to me hat in hand, asking for an 'ass-saving loan', of course your execs DON'T GET BONUSES! If you effed your company up enough to ask the government for a loan, do you deserve a bonus? I don't think so- and I'm unsure why that's a hard concept for people to grasp in D.C. But more than that, it's looking increasingly like Washington bailed out the rich people that finance their re-election campaigns and let the rest of us out here in the boonies go spit, so to speak. Which is why we saw signs of recovery on Wall Street first and Main Street--- well, we're still waiting. This whole mess has me increasingly convinced that like China, we need to divorce our economic system from our political system once and for all. How to do that is another question...
Grade: D angry populist Tom SMASH!
Foreign:
Honduras:EPIC FAIL. Let's do Chavez more favors shall we? I'm happy there's a peaceful solution, but from what I can tell, Zelaya was removed for breaking the law. And we got our panties in a bunch and said 'no, that's not cool.' Not a good precedent to set in Latin America. Very disappointing.
Grade: F
Gitmo: Still open. EPIC FAIL again. 'Nuff said.
Grade: F
Afghanistan: Gets even messier now that Abdullah Abdullah dropped out of the run-off. Do we send more troops to support a corrupt government? Is that worth our blood and time? There are no good options here, but I'm happy that there's a debate going on- and no, I don't think it's dithering. This is a tough, tough spot to be in- time should be taken to try and get it right and settle on the least bad option for our national interests.
Grade: A careful forethought. Me likey. So far.
Iran: Meh. I don't have a lot of faith in sanctions, but it beats full on military options that would entrench a weak regime for fifty more years. Sanctions need to be tough, produce results and satisfy Israel so they don't do something pre-emptive. Best we can do for now, I think.
Grade: B+ best we can do for now. I can take this.
The Intangibles:
Chicago 2016: Stupid, stupid, stupid. Someone didn't read the play right and as a result, the Pres got sacked for a loss. Personally, I think the verdict out there was 'what were you thinking' and 'don't send in the Pres unless you're sure of a win.' No one was thinking and the Pres didn't get a win. Everyone looks dumb.
Grade: C amateur hour at the White House. Not pretty.
Nobel Peace Prize: The LNC has already made their feelings clear on this, but the Pres missed an opportunity to turn it down. He's new in town, wants to actually earn the thing, etc. Would have looked so damn good doing that, but now, he's got three years to do something worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize- otherwise, it's just going to look like some big-ass thing he got out of a Cracker Jack Box somewhere.
Grade: C doesn't help, doesn't hurt. Best kind of intangible.
The Final Verdict
GRADE: C Pres O has annoyed me, infuriated me, pissed me off and made me question my sanity at several points over the past year, but strangely enough, I still believe. A year is a long time in politics- and there is plenty of room to improve or to completely eff things up. His grade is somewhat incomplete as Health Care is still up in the air and he could move swiftly on all those social issues and closing Gitmo and improve his scores there. But, that said: I need to be persuaded. The opening symptoms of buyer's remorse are starting to creep in- nausea that I actually compromised my principles to vote for what I thought was a 'different' mainstream politician, but who turned out to be just another fool in D.C. is also present. I need the legislative equivalent of Tums. I need two blocked field goals. Like Fox Mulder, I want to believe.
Problem is that one year in, it's getting harder and harder to do so.
Well, gang- it's been roughly a year or so since President Obama was elected, which to me is time enough for people to settle in, figure out where they keep the extra xerox paper and toner and actually get some stuff done. In other words- it's about the right amount of time to issue our first report card here at the LNC for the new administration. Keep in mind that when I do this, I'm not locked in stone on anything. I get accused of being a Republican or a Conservative all the time, for reasons passing understanding, but really- and I mean this really and truly- I'm not. If anything my tendency is to bust through conventional political labels and be my own sort of radical. If I thought anarchism would actually work in the real world, I'd probably sign up. So in setting these grades, please keep in mind two very important things:
1. I am open to persuasion.
2. Nothing is set in stone.
This is far from my final verdict on the Obama Administration- in fact, the Report Card will probably be a yearly thing for as long as I keep doing the LNC. I voted for Obama and I was happy to do so, given the alternatives. It was and will forever be an amazing moment in American history as it's probably going to be the only time I'll hear people actually celebrating a Presidential election outside my window. And furthermore- yes, I am aware that change takes time. I'm not expecting anything monumental or epic in a hurry- so I'm willing to cut the man some slack. But only some. My vote, like everyone else's is the most important thing that I, as a citizen have to give in this country- and President Obama, if he wants another one of my votes is going to have to earn it- just like everyone else.
So, without further ado-- The Report Card!
Domestic:
Health Care: Given that his domestic agenda is centered around the success or failure of health care reform, it's no surprise that it is eating up so much of his domestic political capital and agenda. I myself would have preferred a more proactive approach on health care reform on the part of the President instead of this sort of 'behind the scenes we'll talk but let Congress fight about it' thing that he is doing, but incredibly, slowly but surely, it seems like the President will get something on his desk. Of course, this is the United States Congress we're talking about here, so it could all fuck up at anytime, but even getting this far is a concrete political achievement. So kudos to Pres. O for that.
However, where I have issues is with the size and the scope of the whole project. It's not that I disagree with the idea that we need Health Care reform, because I think we do- but there needs to be a careful balance between the existing system and new government programs. If someone tells me that a government plan is going to help cover the uninsured- I tend to have doubts at that point. To me, government programs aren't necessarily a good thing. One just has to look at the bureaucratic mess that is Britain's NHS to see that. Michael Moore failed to mention the insane waiting lists for the simplest of procedures- and people don't stop to take into account that just because it's free, doesn't mean that it's good.
Both parties, however, get a massive EPIC FAIL for not talking more about health care portability. The Republican Party gets a double EPIC FAIL for this as they could have outflanked the Democrats in a major way in the 2008 campaign by making this front and center and they didn't... portability is sexy, given the fact that your average American is going to change careers about 4-5 times in a lifetime-- we should be able to take retirement plans and health care with us when we do! On balance though, my feeling is this: help the people that need the help and leave everyone else the hell alone. If health care reform can accomplish this, I'll be ok with it in the end-- and it may be an initial cost burden on the taxpayer, but it seems to me (from what I can tell) that it may equal savings in the long run-- only question is, given the demographic pressures paying for the Baby Boomers is going to put on the system- can we afford it? (Or should, given the mess they've made of America, the Baby Boomers be exempt from all changes and reforms in the health care system as they don't really deserve them? Oooooh, that's a naughty little thought, lol...)
Grade: If it gets done- A+, if not D+
Social Issues: Massive EPIC FAIL for President O here. Don't Ask, Don't Tell is still policy, DOMA is still on the books, weed is still illegal, the public education system is still a mess. Pronounce me unimpressed, but having heard Sec. of Education Arne Duncan give a few interviews here and there, I gotta say, I have hope for the future- that guy is smart and impressive. So...
Grade: D+ and only because I find Arne Duncan articulate and impressive.
The Economy: Meh. It's limping towards a bloated, inefficient recovery. We're still here- so I guess they can't have effed it up too badly. I worry about the continued weakness of the dollar and I really worry about our spiralling debt. Especially as more and more of it is being financed by countries like China and Japan, who one day could have enough leverage to bring us to our knees if they want to stop financing our debt and call in their loans. Mortgaging America to other countries makes me nervous. Controlling the debt- and job growth should be priority #1 for Pres. O from here on out. In a big-ass way. One term or two, the goal should be to get us back to a surplus by the time you leave office, mmm-kay?
Grade: C+ they haven't crashed the ambulance, but there's room for improvement.
Bailouts/Stimulus: The true threat to Pres O's chances in 2012 is here. Continuing the Bush policies of bailout was stupid in the extreme and someone needs to bite the bullet and break up these gargantuan banks so they aren't too big too fail. Oh and I'm sorry, but if I'm the government and a company comes to me hat in hand, asking for an 'ass-saving loan', of course your execs DON'T GET BONUSES! If you effed your company up enough to ask the government for a loan, do you deserve a bonus? I don't think so- and I'm unsure why that's a hard concept for people to grasp in D.C. But more than that, it's looking increasingly like Washington bailed out the rich people that finance their re-election campaigns and let the rest of us out here in the boonies go spit, so to speak. Which is why we saw signs of recovery on Wall Street first and Main Street--- well, we're still waiting. This whole mess has me increasingly convinced that like China, we need to divorce our economic system from our political system once and for all. How to do that is another question...
Grade: D angry populist Tom SMASH!
Foreign:
Honduras:EPIC FAIL. Let's do Chavez more favors shall we? I'm happy there's a peaceful solution, but from what I can tell, Zelaya was removed for breaking the law. And we got our panties in a bunch and said 'no, that's not cool.' Not a good precedent to set in Latin America. Very disappointing.
Grade: F
Gitmo: Still open. EPIC FAIL again. 'Nuff said.
Grade: F
Afghanistan: Gets even messier now that Abdullah Abdullah dropped out of the run-off. Do we send more troops to support a corrupt government? Is that worth our blood and time? There are no good options here, but I'm happy that there's a debate going on- and no, I don't think it's dithering. This is a tough, tough spot to be in- time should be taken to try and get it right and settle on the least bad option for our national interests.
Grade: A careful forethought. Me likey. So far.
Iran: Meh. I don't have a lot of faith in sanctions, but it beats full on military options that would entrench a weak regime for fifty more years. Sanctions need to be tough, produce results and satisfy Israel so they don't do something pre-emptive. Best we can do for now, I think.
Grade: B+ best we can do for now. I can take this.
The Intangibles:
Chicago 2016: Stupid, stupid, stupid. Someone didn't read the play right and as a result, the Pres got sacked for a loss. Personally, I think the verdict out there was 'what were you thinking' and 'don't send in the Pres unless you're sure of a win.' No one was thinking and the Pres didn't get a win. Everyone looks dumb.
Grade: C amateur hour at the White House. Not pretty.
Nobel Peace Prize: The LNC has already made their feelings clear on this, but the Pres missed an opportunity to turn it down. He's new in town, wants to actually earn the thing, etc. Would have looked so damn good doing that, but now, he's got three years to do something worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize- otherwise, it's just going to look like some big-ass thing he got out of a Cracker Jack Box somewhere.
Grade: C doesn't help, doesn't hurt. Best kind of intangible.
The Final Verdict
GRADE: C Pres O has annoyed me, infuriated me, pissed me off and made me question my sanity at several points over the past year, but strangely enough, I still believe. A year is a long time in politics- and there is plenty of room to improve or to completely eff things up. His grade is somewhat incomplete as Health Care is still up in the air and he could move swiftly on all those social issues and closing Gitmo and improve his scores there. But, that said: I need to be persuaded. The opening symptoms of buyer's remorse are starting to creep in- nausea that I actually compromised my principles to vote for what I thought was a 'different' mainstream politician, but who turned out to be just another fool in D.C. is also present. I need the legislative equivalent of Tums. I need two blocked field goals. Like Fox Mulder, I want to believe.
Problem is that one year in, it's getting harder and harder to do so.
Late Night Chronicles 33: Alone In The Stadium
This was originally published on Facebook on October 30, 2009
When asked if I wanted to do it, I volunteered right away. I mean, who wouldn't want to do it? I grew up in Iowa City- Hawkeye sports, whether it be football or basketball have been a part of my life since childhood- and really, let's face it- the place is almost tranquil without any people in it. Yes, I got Kinnick Stadium all to myself for ten lovely hours- and it was the closest thing to one of those perfect nights that you can get. It was late October- but it was warm- and it was raining on and off, so it smelled like fall and fresh rain- and it was just me and 70,000 or so empty seats, alone in the night.
Perfect.
It took me most of the night, but I finally put my finger on it at about seven thirty this morning. Although I'd been to Kinnick a few times before, I think regular visits- albeit work-related and therefore not as much fun as booze-fueled visits to actually watch the game- have finally and strangely made an actual college football fan out of me and convinced me just how incredibly cool Kinnick really is. The secret lies in two ingredients, I think: the bricks and the arches.
So many stadiums today are overpriced obscene palaces of excess (Yankees, Cowboys I'm lookin' at you) and without question, the trend seems to be naming even college stadiums after corporate sponsors. It makes perfect fiscal sense- especially if said corporate sponsors are willing to pay top dollar for the rights, but you have to admit TCF Bank Stadium just doesn't really have the iconic ring to it that 'Kinnick Stadium' does. There's a sense of history about the place that convinces you of the concentrated vitality of the place, even at night. Even with no fans in the stands, if you just stand there at one of the corners of the stadium and look--- you can feel it. I talked to one of my homies last night a bit before I really dug in and started checking the place and he said he always felt a little sad that we just use it for about six Saturdays out of the year and that's it- but those six Saturdays, well, anything can happen. And that palpable feeling that this place, empty though it may be and dark and damp though it may be, stays with the place year round I think. You can just stand there, look, feel the emptiness of the place and just know--- this is where anything can happen.
But the bricks... I'm really convinced that the secret to Kinnick's success as one of the iconic stadiums of college football lies in the bricks. Bricks to me, scream classy. They scream style. They say, 'we are old school and we are cool.' And the sheer number of bricks tells a story as well. If you think about it- back in the day, each of those bricks had to be laid individually, one at a time by the workers that built the Stadium. The history of Kinnick Stadium- in fact of Iowa City is to be found in the bricks. Those bricks were there long before the Hospital became the soul-sucking monster of a complex that it is. They were there long before Coralville, University Heights and Iowa City had begun to run together. Once upon a time, Kinnick was the west edge of town. And the City and the University, amazingly, grew up around it. Can't say that about many stadiums out there.
The second secret: arches. Jesus, I wish I was better at math, because I would so totally be an architect. Just walking around last night, I was struck by the amount of arches scattered throughout the structure of the stadium. In today's modern world, it seems like you never see a good arch anymore. Or if you do, there's usually a fast-food restaurant attached to it, but again, as with the bricks, arches as an architectural feature practically drip with an 'old school' feel that I just love. Arches are dead sexy. No really-- modern architects should take note and stop being all angular about things. Bring back the arch! It's old school and kids, there's no school like the old school.
Ten long, lonely hours in Kinnick convinced me: it belongs in the any top 25 list of the Greatest College Football Stadiums of all time. And if they haven't made one of those yet, they need too... in fact, I honestly think you could go one step further and expand it to 100 Greatest Stadiums and Kinnick to me would make the top 50 easy. I haven't been to many of the so-called 'iconic stadiums' of the world- or even the country. But it'd be interesting to compare and contrast a lot of them. Wembley, Maracanã, Fenway, Wrigley, Lambeau, The Rose Bowl, the Big House, The Horeshoe, Rocky Top, Death Valley... I am now convinced that Kinnick, as a stadium can compete with the best of them. At night, you can feel the history of the place and feel the vitality in the empty dark.
This is a place where anything can happen.
When asked if I wanted to do it, I volunteered right away. I mean, who wouldn't want to do it? I grew up in Iowa City- Hawkeye sports, whether it be football or basketball have been a part of my life since childhood- and really, let's face it- the place is almost tranquil without any people in it. Yes, I got Kinnick Stadium all to myself for ten lovely hours- and it was the closest thing to one of those perfect nights that you can get. It was late October- but it was warm- and it was raining on and off, so it smelled like fall and fresh rain- and it was just me and 70,000 or so empty seats, alone in the night.
Perfect.
It took me most of the night, but I finally put my finger on it at about seven thirty this morning. Although I'd been to Kinnick a few times before, I think regular visits- albeit work-related and therefore not as much fun as booze-fueled visits to actually watch the game- have finally and strangely made an actual college football fan out of me and convinced me just how incredibly cool Kinnick really is. The secret lies in two ingredients, I think: the bricks and the arches.
So many stadiums today are overpriced obscene palaces of excess (Yankees, Cowboys I'm lookin' at you) and without question, the trend seems to be naming even college stadiums after corporate sponsors. It makes perfect fiscal sense- especially if said corporate sponsors are willing to pay top dollar for the rights, but you have to admit TCF Bank Stadium just doesn't really have the iconic ring to it that 'Kinnick Stadium' does. There's a sense of history about the place that convinces you of the concentrated vitality of the place, even at night. Even with no fans in the stands, if you just stand there at one of the corners of the stadium and look--- you can feel it. I talked to one of my homies last night a bit before I really dug in and started checking the place and he said he always felt a little sad that we just use it for about six Saturdays out of the year and that's it- but those six Saturdays, well, anything can happen. And that palpable feeling that this place, empty though it may be and dark and damp though it may be, stays with the place year round I think. You can just stand there, look, feel the emptiness of the place and just know--- this is where anything can happen.
But the bricks... I'm really convinced that the secret to Kinnick's success as one of the iconic stadiums of college football lies in the bricks. Bricks to me, scream classy. They scream style. They say, 'we are old school and we are cool.' And the sheer number of bricks tells a story as well. If you think about it- back in the day, each of those bricks had to be laid individually, one at a time by the workers that built the Stadium. The history of Kinnick Stadium- in fact of Iowa City is to be found in the bricks. Those bricks were there long before the Hospital became the soul-sucking monster of a complex that it is. They were there long before Coralville, University Heights and Iowa City had begun to run together. Once upon a time, Kinnick was the west edge of town. And the City and the University, amazingly, grew up around it. Can't say that about many stadiums out there.
The second secret: arches. Jesus, I wish I was better at math, because I would so totally be an architect. Just walking around last night, I was struck by the amount of arches scattered throughout the structure of the stadium. In today's modern world, it seems like you never see a good arch anymore. Or if you do, there's usually a fast-food restaurant attached to it, but again, as with the bricks, arches as an architectural feature practically drip with an 'old school' feel that I just love. Arches are dead sexy. No really-- modern architects should take note and stop being all angular about things. Bring back the arch! It's old school and kids, there's no school like the old school.
Ten long, lonely hours in Kinnick convinced me: it belongs in the any top 25 list of the Greatest College Football Stadiums of all time. And if they haven't made one of those yet, they need too... in fact, I honestly think you could go one step further and expand it to 100 Greatest Stadiums and Kinnick to me would make the top 50 easy. I haven't been to many of the so-called 'iconic stadiums' of the world- or even the country. But it'd be interesting to compare and contrast a lot of them. Wembley, Maracanã, Fenway, Wrigley, Lambeau, The Rose Bowl, the Big House, The Horeshoe, Rocky Top, Death Valley... I am now convinced that Kinnick, as a stadium can compete with the best of them. At night, you can feel the history of the place and feel the vitality in the empty dark.
This is a place where anything can happen.
Best Saturday EVER (Semi-Live Blog)
6:25:40 PM, Central Standard Time.
It's my day off.
There's football all day.
I have (or had, rather) pizza.
...and, despite a tragic accident in which the bottom of one of my six packs opened up and destroyed 3 beautiful beers on the driveway, I have beer.
So far: I'd say that Cincy v. Pitt has been the marquee matchup of the day. Cincy was down 31-10 at the Half, Tony Pike was all over the place and yet somehow, when Pitt scored (what they thought was) the go ahead touchdown in the 4th and then missed the extra point, Tony Pike and Cincy got their collective groove back, marched down the field with pretty much a minute left and scored to win the game 45-44. It was a game for the ages and a lot of fun to watch. Much 'spect for the Big East.
Florida and 'Bama are heading towards the end of the game as well. 'Bama is up and looking dominant on both sides of the ball- Florida needs about 3 touchdowns to get a lead, so it's not looking good. (And more to the point, they look beat. Cincy never quit even a little bit and came back to win. Florida just looks beat.) And if anyone watching is wondering what Bible verse is under Tebow's eyes, John 16:33 is as follows:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
He may have overcome the world, but he's gonna need to overcome the 'Tide in a hurry if he wants to cap his college career with a national title...
MORE LATER, I PROMISE... 10:09:15 PM, Central Standard Time
Well, the Big 12 title game is hum-drum, yet close. While the ACC Title game is boring, yet somewhat exciting. An interesting dichotomy.
Facebook Status Update as of Now: I'd like Texas to start playing like the #3 team in the country now please. (And wow, they're driving pretty well now. They must have heard me. WEIRD.)
...attempted a beer tasting tonight as well. Might save that for the Bowl Selection show tomorrow-- do a little research on what to look for as well.
It's my day off.
There's football all day.
I have (or had, rather) pizza.
...and, despite a tragic accident in which the bottom of one of my six packs opened up and destroyed 3 beautiful beers on the driveway, I have beer.
So far: I'd say that Cincy v. Pitt has been the marquee matchup of the day. Cincy was down 31-10 at the Half, Tony Pike was all over the place and yet somehow, when Pitt scored (what they thought was) the go ahead touchdown in the 4th and then missed the extra point, Tony Pike and Cincy got their collective groove back, marched down the field with pretty much a minute left and scored to win the game 45-44. It was a game for the ages and a lot of fun to watch. Much 'spect for the Big East.
Florida and 'Bama are heading towards the end of the game as well. 'Bama is up and looking dominant on both sides of the ball- Florida needs about 3 touchdowns to get a lead, so it's not looking good. (And more to the point, they look beat. Cincy never quit even a little bit and came back to win. Florida just looks beat.) And if anyone watching is wondering what Bible verse is under Tebow's eyes, John 16:33 is as follows:
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
He may have overcome the world, but he's gonna need to overcome the 'Tide in a hurry if he wants to cap his college career with a national title...
MORE LATER, I PROMISE... 10:09:15 PM, Central Standard Time
Well, the Big 12 title game is hum-drum, yet close. While the ACC Title game is boring, yet somewhat exciting. An interesting dichotomy.
Facebook Status Update as of Now: I'd like Texas to start playing like the #3 team in the country now please. (And wow, they're driving pretty well now. They must have heard me. WEIRD.)
...attempted a beer tasting tonight as well. Might save that for the Bowl Selection show tomorrow-- do a little research on what to look for as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)