POLITICS

Alright, let's transition to something more intellectual: politics. Last night was Barack Obama's big speech. Did he deliver the punch? It was a big event: 84,000 saw it live, millions more on television. Beyond all the grandiose events, I just hope this candidate can deliver on the "CHANGE" he promises. Otherwise I get a funny image in my head if either Barack doesn't win or becomes our worst president: the homeless will start using his campaign signs to ask for "CHANGE"

What do you think of McCain's VP Pick? My first thought is that it came out of the blue...1st term Governor of Alaska. And given the Ted Steven's issues, probably not a good association. Mitt would have been a better pick, however Palin could peel off some of Hillary's supporters.

Awesome website you should check out:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/

It's basically a portal for every major story related to this election season. And it's the most up to date resource I've found. Take a look at the Electoral Maps between McCain and Obama. Take out the "Toss Up States" and you'll see how close this race is at this point:

Obama: 273
McCain: 265

that's a dead heat.

Will be tuning into the RNC next week...just to complete my "political spectrum"

WHO IS: Turd Ferguson?

"It's a funny name"

From a famous episode of the "Celebrity Jeopardy" skit on Saturday Night Life featuring Will Ferrell as Alex Trebeck. Burt Reynolds was played by Norm Macdonald, Sean Connery played by Darrell Hammond, and Jimmy Fallon playing French Stewart from 30 Rock. There have been 13 episodes to date of Celebrity Jeopardy but this one has to be the best:

Burt Reynolds: "Hey. Hey, ah... check out the podium. Look at this."
Alex Trebeck: "Mr. Reynolds has apparently changed his name to Turd Ferguson."
Burt Reynods: "Yeah, that's right. Turd Ferguson. It's a funny name."

They go back and forth arguing which ends with:

Alex Trebeck: "I hate my job!"

QUESTION OF DAY:

Where is there more debauchery and sexual promiscuity: at the Athlete's Village in Beijing or at the Democratic National Convention's hush-hush parties?

YOUR TAKE?

Great Article about the Olympic side of things:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/olympics/article4582421.ece

THIS WEEK:

There are 3 weeks till I get married: planning a wedding is a cross between major excitement and a major to-do list. In many ways I'm super excited to celebrate it, yet on the other hand I'm ready to get through it and "back to a life of normalcy."


The Beijing Olympics are over: While Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, and the Redeem Team made most of the headlines, it was also exciting to see our performance in Beach and Indoor Volleyball for both the Men's and Women's teams (commence global domination NOW). I've also discovered an appreciation for waterpolo. Boy that sport is exciting to watch - it is rough! (What goes on above the water, is MUCH different from what is below: "hey this guy is going to shoot on goal, I am just going to straight kick him in the nuts!"


The US OPEN tennis tournament begins: It's my favorite tournament to watch of the year: the fans at the night sessions in NY are absolutely crazy. I think James Blake and Andy Roddick will be the crowd favorites...yet Nadal / Federer are the favorites to win.

Democratic National Convention is held: I'm excited about Barack's VP pick and we'll see if the Obama-Biden duo can effectively convey a message of unity. I've also read that the Denver Convention is also "Politicians Gone Wild with Spending" which is too bad. Oh and the race is effectively tied now: chance of Obama winning two months ago: 75%+.

Now? 50%.

DUMB MOVE OF THE WEEK: Chinese gymnast, age "16", He

"Look mommy, cheating is for winners!"

Look's like the International Olympic Committee has launched an official investigation into the gymnast's age. This coming after some uber-pc geek discovered two documents that put the gymnast's age at 14 rather than 16 on her Chinese passport.

Read story here:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,408422,00.html

WHO IS: Mr. Sparkle?

Mr. Sparkle is a character from one of my favorite Simpsons epsidoes, "In Marge We Trust." Homer takes the kids to the landfill to dispose of the Christmas tree. While there he comes across a box of detergent with asian writing on it. The product's character looks like him. Of course he finds this weird, so he ends up calling the manufacturer in Japan for information on it. He gets a video in the mail of one of the Mr. Sparkle commericials. It's strange but ends up explaining that Mr. Sparkle is the result of the merging of two large Japanese companies: Tamaribuchi Matsumura Fishworks and Heavy Manufacturing Concern. Their mascots are a fish and a lightbulb, and the combination of these two forms Mr. Sparkle. So Homer discovers the resemblance is just a coincedence.

Watch Here:

http://www.blogger.com/www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzSRHtkSNPs

Mr. Sparkle Taglines:

"Mr. Sparkle is disrespectful of dirt."

"Mr. Sparkle is a magnet for foodstuffs...he will banish food particles to the land of wind and ghosts."

PEOPLE I WOULD FIGHT...If I saw them walking down the street

Now let me be honest: I would probably lose, but I'd still fight them. Just because of my convictions. Each for various reasons. Most just annoy the sh*t out of me.

So here's my list:

1. Bob Costas - I've hated Bob Costas as long as I've watched sports on NBC. This guy always seems to host the biggest sporting events on NBC: any game with Michael Jordan, the Kentucky Derby, the World Series, anything with Tiger Woods, the 2008 Summer Olympics. Bob Costas reminds me a little of Matt Lauer for sports. He always seems to focus on the drama, and frequently proclaims athletes as "the greatest player of all time" or "playing the greatest game of his or her life." It's as if Bob is seeking the greatest athletes...but it's just that he only seems to consider the emotion of game in the present, but not all the rest of history and other players. Further, in the Olympics, Mr. Costas seems to curtail the rest of the world's athletes for only those wear the red, white, and blue.

Recent annoying moment: when Bob Costas interviewed President George Bush at the Olympics and asked him if #1 "the Olympics had legitimized the Chinese government to the rest of the world" and then awkwardly transitioned to #2 "what is your take on the doping allegations in US baseball?"

Fact: I just heard someone in the office elevator complaining about him.


2. Donald Trump - How many times do we need to see Mr. Trump's scowl and comb over in the Apprentice boardroom? And who was his secretary? The Apprentice is worthless when teaching the virtues of business. Just ask anyone who's work email address ends in .com. So is this guy.

Recent annoying moment: Every season of The Apprentice when he proclaims: "if you win this, you get to work with ME."


3. Dude that hosts "Survivor" - Now I don't even know this guy's name, but I will tell you he sucks BIG TIME. For one, reality television blows, is a drain on society, and this guy plays up week after week on CBS in the show's format that never seems to change. Please help us, when will Survivor get old? When they run out of exotic locations and are resorted to "Survivor: Compton" ? Mr. Survivor host guy, the tribal council has spoken...you're going down.


4. Joe Rogan - I have no first hand experience with Joe as a comedian. He may be funny. My opinion of Joe Rogan stems from his persona as a host of Ultimate Fighting Events (UFC). He's always in a black shirt with blue jeans and black shoes, a big watch on his left wrist that's always pretentiously displayed. He looks like he's about to go clubbing after the event in Vegas. Then he'll get in the ring after each fight and ask something of the loser so ridiculous as "Now what did it feel like when he was pounding you unmercifully?" But what's most annoying is the way that he has a high pitched voiced, frequently yells about each combatent, and holds the microphone up to his mouth so he resembles doing a bicep curl at the gym. Joe Rogan, I hate you.

Recent annoying moments: UFCs 55 through present, UFC 88

5. Clay Bennett - This guy is the second coming of Big Country Bryant Reeves. And he stole our team (the Seattle Supersonics) and then in the midst of it all he is dismayed because he "wasn't liked in our town anymore." Huh? Really? I'd have to throw in this bucket a little extra credit if Clay Bennett and David Stern were ever walking down the street together, possibly hand in hand? Well anyways, I'd give Clay a swift kick the spleen, and Stern would receive a round house left to the grill. 'Nuff said.

My Perspective on Phelps' accomplishment

Michael Phelps feat at this year's Olympics is an amazing achievement. But I don't think we can call him "the greatest athlete ever" or even "the greatest Olympian ever." The simple reason is that only swimming allows for a single athlete to have the opportunity to win so many medals. I'm sick of the broadcasters calling him the greatest athlete ever. Michael Phelps just has the ability to win because he's able to race in events which are similar in distance. 100M / 200M / 100M relays. It's as if Usain Bolt in track and field won the 100M (which he did in 9.69) then was able to win the 200M, the 4 x 100M, then was able to run the 100M backwards, sideways, and then the 400M forwards, backwards, and sideways, and some other way. Well it seems crazy, but that's what swimming offers in a single Olympics.

Consider:

Best basketball player: Kobe / LeBron - how many medals can they win? ONE

Best gymnast: Maybe THREE OR FOUR (Team competition, all around, individual events)

Best volleyball player: TWO (Beach and Indoor)

Best tennis player: TWO (doubles and singles, 3 if they have mixed doubles)

I aim not to take away from what he has accomplished, but to consider the format of his events versus the others at the Olympics.

OLYMPICS: My changes to the sports lineup

1. Keep soccer, but make some changes - There's been discussion about making some changes here, and some notable sports reporters have suggesting getting rid of both women's and men's Olympic soccer.

Reason: Olympic soccer is the opportunity for our U-23 team to tune up for the World Cup. I don't agree with the reporters on espn.com and cnnsi.com about this. The summer Olympics fall between World Cups and the US doesn't have a competition of Euro caliber, which falls the same year. Also the qualifying for the Olympics is driven by other major continental tournaments, and it is important to hold such tournaments. It's a tune up for the US, and we're definitely competitive. But one thing I'd change is make a rule that the 3 players that can be above 23 years old must be released from their clubs for the Olympics. Club soccer can wait.

2. Get rid of softball, keep baseball - They are already getting rid of both, although 3 years ago softball and baseball were nearly reinstated. (It was 1 vote shy of reinstating them).

Reason: It's just not competitive. The US softball team has dominated all opponents. Before yesterday, the cumulative run tally in softball was something like 55 to 1. Baseball on the other hand IS competitive, and I'm sorry it is being eliminated. Cuba, Japan, Central American teams, and the US are power houses.

3. Add golf - I'm not sure of the format for it, but possibly a team like, Ryder cup competition could work versus head to head.

Reason: It's truly an international sport. The world plays golf.

Other changes:

4. Don't let the host country verify the ages of its athletes (Chinese women's gymanstic team). Given what everyone is saying, this could blow up. Meaning if this is really investigated and China in fact issued false documentation, then it would tarnish the image of the host nation.

5. Improve Coverage format - Show the Olympics on cable channels devoted to it when the events are live. I laugh everytime NBC's Bob Costas says "Michael Phelps on next, Live" yet I already know the outcome after seeing it live on the Canadian channel. Thank goodness for Canadian coverage. So much better.

And actually I laugh at Bob Costas altogether...although that's another post.

REASONS why the ipod falls short

Let's get something straight: I love my ipod. I use it almost daily on the way to work or at the gym. But I use it only because it's the best mp3 player device out there. It isn't perfect. So here are some gripes I have with the whole apple system: the ipod and itunes.

#1 - Lack of functionality - let's face it, the ipod is simply a glorified walkman for mp3s. It really doesn't offer anything new, only that you can play mp3s on the go. And with the exception of the iphone, it doesn't offer anything more than this ability. I expect some additional functionality: a microphone to record notes, a recorder to capture audio inputs, an FM tuner, an internet connection, or even satellite radio.

#2 - The one function click wheel - it's annoying that every function except the hold function on the ipod is controlled by one wheel. It was revolutionary with its design, but I don't like it. Especially when I'm listening to a song and I want to adjust the volume, fast forward, or change the EQ settings. Changing the EQ settings requires going back to "Settings" a few screens, and with sweaty hands at the gym, this can be difficult to do. When trying to skip forward a mixed cd (yes I listen to DJ music often) half the time I don't fast forward, but end up rating the song, or adjusting the volume altogether. At the very lease, the volume should be a separate control.

#3 - Limited colors - Only the new nano is offered in any color scheme. But if you want the full functioning ipod (with video) you can't get the colors and it is larger.

# 4- Lack of wireless headphones - so apple can invent the brilliant iphone, but not come up with a set of wireless headphones? Doesn't make sense. The headphones that are provided are sub par, and new ones can cost $$$. So maybe apple isn't working on this. In that case, then they should partner with another company who is. Cool, great sounding wireless headphones should be standard.

# 5 - itunes blows - Let me get this straight: I can only update my ipod on MY COMPUTER with MY ITUNES ACCOUNT? What if I'm over at a friend's house and I want to erase, or add a song cause I just bought a new cd? Or I'm at work? Shouldn't I be able to log in to itunes online and update using his or any computer? (I promise I won't steal any music.) Also converting songs sucks and the fact that you can only get song titles when you're hooked up to the internet is frustrating. Aren't song titles stored on the CD itself? And the way it organizes songs by artist can cause for multiple listings for the same artist. Example: for instance when a song is something like MIA featuring Timbaland - this is listed separate from MIA, even though it is from MIA's CD. Apple could definitely put together more user friendly software...


* Well that's it for my ipod gripes. Hopefully either S. Jobs or CNET is listening.

Major Problems with E-Mail today

Just how productive is it these days? In many ways, EMAIL has become a bane of many professionals lives. At some companies, people spend up to 40% of their day managing their inbox. I have spent time at companies where this is wholly true, and perhaps even more so. Microsoft being one. Email at MSFT gets to a point where it seems to take up half your time, and feels counter-productive. My first week there I was told "I'd receive more email than I've ever had before." And this proved true. I've seen Microsofties at the gym who check their Outlook inbox via a Blackberry in between sets of curls. It's sad. They're seemingly tied to managing their inboxes. Of course, they're sharing ideas, but in an inefficient manner. At this and other companies, there's really a lack of what could be considered "business hours" due to email. It creates a constant flow or work not limited to being passed between 8 am and 6 pm. Just replying to an email, "passing it back", feels like getting something done. It's part of the culture. But there's only so much benefit to working in this manner, and I believe email at this point has reached its critical point.

A few things I would change about today's email culture are as follows:

1. If you're receiving more than 50 emails a day, you need to reevaluate your job or how your company works. It's what is called "Information Overload." You don't want to fall into half your day being spent responding to emails, especially if they involve projects to do and you never seem to get to the bottom of your inbox.

2. Stress face time versus email communication. If anything, someone should try to see a customer or colleague in person in a meeting versus sending an email message. If you can't see the person face to face due to time or location differences, consider picking up the phone over sending an email.

3. Remember that you affect how your company values email communication. So be wary of how others work versus how you do, and think twice about sending an email. Because it may cause others to use it more too.

4. Avoid "flame mail." Flame mail is the term for someone expressing discontent or anger over email in response. And usually, flame mails involve words that one person wouldn't say to another if speaking face to face. Consider how you treat others when sending email. If anything, call a meeting or pick up the phone.

5. Consider changing your email habits. Some things I would suggest is checking your inbox at only certain times of the day, or sending email only as an "FYI basis." Again, you have to determine how you want email to be apart of your career.

6. Don't needlessly cc: others. This happens far too often in the workplace. People think others are in the know just because they were copied on an important email. This adds to the email volume. I can't recall how many times I've been in a meeting discussion to hear someone ask questions about the subject matter only to be told, "didn't you get that email? you were copied on it." Simply copying someone on an email doesn't imply they are now on the same page as you. People have different schedules. Consider telling them in person or over the phone to get your point across.


Email: It's a communication tool, not a job.

DUMB MOVE OF THE WEEK: John Edwards

A Quick Synopsis of the Political Career of John Reid Edwards:

1998:
Becomes North Carolina Senator

2004:
Vice Presidential Candidate with John Kerry. If it weren't for Ohio, they would have won.

2004:
Wife is diagnosed with cancer

2008:
Runs as Presidential Candidate on platform of helping poverty, earns 26 delegates, drops out, later, most important endorsement of Barack Obama

August 2008:
Admits to extramarital affair with campaign worker.

August 2008:
Would have spoken at Democratic National Convention if it weren't for above.


(end political career)

EARTH TO OBAMA: Pick your VP

Hey Obama! Get on with it buddy! That convention is coming up pronto. Denver awaits. Aren't you supposed to have a Veep picked by then? Don't you introduce him or perhaps her to the rest of the country at that event? And you two have to figure out stuff together beforehand, right? I'm sick of you taking up my news headlines with the rumors, conjecture, and hearsay as to who's going to be the one to stand alongside you. SPARE ME!

So what do you do instead? You dash off to Hawaii. Say what? Dude. You're already tan. And how bad is this campaign right now? I mean Paris Hilton is taking on McCain. And hey, aren't the Olympics going on? NOW THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A BETTER WAY TO SPEND YOUR VACATION. You see, being present at the opening ceremonies would have introduced you to the world...not the sun worshipping masses of Waikiki Beach. Should have kept flying right on to Beijing.

So get on with it Barack. If you screw this election up...well I don't know...cause it was handed to you on a silver platter: (let me remind you)

1. Economy in Shambles

2. IRAQ

3. W
4. Took out Hillary

5. Opponent: Old

6. You: "Celebrity"


So pick someone. Heck, here's an easy list for you. While you're soaking up some Vitamin D, take a look through your Ray Bans and circle one of these names. Fax it to the Washington Post. Get the word out so we can rest easy. Call this person with "you're it." Figure out the country's problems together. GO, FIGHT, WIN!


Obama's EZ VP List
Instructions: Circle One name below, fax

Biden
Kaine
Oprah
Edwards
Hillary
Gore
Hagel
Powell
Kobe
P-Diddy
G. Clooney
Homer

LeRoy Bell and His Only Friends

Here's a good band I saw at lunch. They're from Seattle and have been out for a few years. Yet, I've never heard of them. This is a pic of them performing at the Market. He sounds a bit like Jack Johnson...check him out, if anything, just because of the band name.

http://www.leroybell.com/

LOSING A MAJOR STAR: LeBron James to Europe?

Q: What if one of sport's most recognizable icons headed to Europe to play basketball instead of playing in the NBA?

LeBron James (loose French translation = "The Bron" James) has stated that he would accept offers to play basketball in Europe. And at this point, he's already been contacted by a few clubs, although no formal salary talks have begun. James is under contract through the 2011 season, but he can opt out of his contract a year before. He's stated that he would seriously consider salary offers around $50M per year. Although I cannot fathom what he would do with the additional money, as he likely has everything he wants, such a move would be devastating to the NBA. Losing a star of this caliber would undoubtedly affect ticket sales for the Cleveland Cavaliers, television ratings, and possibly cause a rash of players bolting to Europe for more money. Unlike the NBA, European clubs are not bound by a salary cap and possibly could offer James a very lucrative contract. Ever since I've watched sports I've thought the United States had the best sports leagues (except soccer) and the world's best athletes played here... For example, the baseball and basketball final games are considered "World Championships" which must be like a kick in the face to all the other countries that have similar leagues.

I see a couple issues with this. One is that the salaries of professional athletes are WAY TOO HIGH...although I cannot hope to change that with anything I will ever do. Someone getting paid $100K or more to play basketball or any sport for that matter, just doesn't make sense to me. Much less what James "would consider" to play for Europe. Or Jordan in 1997-98, or David Beckham's salary in the MLS. Yet, people watch sports, television ratings go up, companies pay for the television advertising, apparel sells, sports teams take a cut, so athletes get paid more...or given this, athletes CAN be paid so much. If no one watched, different story. But we do.

Yet, for all the .0001% of kids who will end up as LeBron James, the other 99.9999% will end up NOT PLAYING PROFESSIONAL SPORTS and will have to get normal jobs...so shouldn't we be investing into them instead?

Forget trying to change the world. The other issue I see is that the NBA model won't work long term if European teams are able to sign stars because they aren't restricted by a salary cap. There's really no loyalty in sports anymore, and if Europe can offer more money, eventually the players will follow.

DUMB MOVE OF THE WEEK

A-Rod, C-Rod and the "irretrievably broken" marriage

So consider for a moment: You are one of the Major League's best players, have been since you entered the league in '96 (you've led in HRs, RBIs, and Runs), with a multi-million dollar contract anchoring one of the best teams, a 12 time All-Star, a collection of cars and houses, and two kids with wife shown below:

So I have a question: You couldn't make this one work? And what exactly does "irretrievably broken" mean? Is it really that bad?

Instead of "retrieving", you'd rather be up at all hours with the former Material Girl chatting about goodness knows what. (probably some half witted religion and how Guy Ritchie "isn't the man he used to be") Hello! Where is THAT going? Although it is a paparazzi's dream...A-Rod, buddy, if you don't step up to the plate with C-Rod soon, you're at risk of losing half of everything you own that is material. Think about your two kids, Natasha and Ella. With names like that, a divorce will raise the odds one of them ends up "working the pole" by 67%. So if anything, do it for the kids!

Therefore, you have earned my word of the day: C-O-U-N-S-E-L-I-N-G

So let me get this straight? You'd rather enter a newfound life of singlehood? Well play ball with that. Cause I'm sure that after whatever nasty divorce proceedings slice through your wealth like a sushi ginsu knife, then throngs of single women will begin looking at you for who you truly are, rather than all the fruits of your success. AH-SO!

Good Luck A-Rod.