Now, I know that the US has "lost its standing in the world" and all, but this is fairly preposterous. Europe may have its great writers (and I'm sure it does), but I hardly think that their existence and productivity negates the potential for great writers in the United States (and for writers in the rest of the world, for that matter). Even if there are no potential US candidates for the prize this year, the statement is uncalled for and below someone holding this position. I think US writers and the literature they have produced has proven itself worthy of admiration and study--at least, I (selfishly) hope so.
It's still a great prize, and those who receive it should be honored, but it my opinion literature is about so much more than this, especially snide comments from judges.
The best line from the article: "You would think that the permanent secretary of an academy that pretends to wisdom but has historically overlooked Proust, Joyce, and Nabokov, to name just a few non-Nobelists, would spare us the categorical lectures," said David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker.
What do others think?
9.30.2008
I love this city. Part II.
What this time? The ObamaBurger. It's got bacon (no Muslim would eat that), "Michelle-fist-pumped caramelized onions," and is served on multi-racial marble rye.
If you think I'm not going to go eat one of these this weekend, you are sadly mistaken.
If you think I'm not going to go eat one of these this weekend, you are sadly mistaken.
Russian Rihanna
I fully admit this is one of the weirdest things I've ever seen. But dude breaks that shit DOWN at the 2:08 mark!
Why the bailout vote failed.
I heard somebody on MSNBC say it was because the vote took place so fast that the whips of both parties didn't actually count the votes of their own party. So, there was confusion over who was actually supposed to vote for the bill and who was "allowed" to vote against it.
As this commentator noted (I'm too lazy to try and find video of this), typically the party whip makes sure that they have enough votes to pass (or reject, whatever the case may be) the bill, then releases those who want to vote against it--typically for political posturing--to vote as they please. This is why a huge amount of "nay" votes come in on a bill almost immediately after the necessary votes to pass have been cast. It was also noted that most of the Congressmen who voted against the bill are facing tough re-election campaigns (although I would like to see actual figures on this, but, again, I'm too lazy). Voting against this bill would allow them to say to their constituents that they don't bow down to Wall Street or Washington. And, if you're a Republican, you could even play it as being a "maverick."
Regardless, it really seems like the bill failed because of politics, not because people actually thought it was a bad deal. Unfortunately, we are never really told why something like this fails. 1) Politicians don't want people to see the petty games they play. 2) Most Americans could care less how Congress actually works, which is really sad. I was glad to see somebody in the media making an honest attempt to parse out exactly why the vote failed.
As this commentator noted (I'm too lazy to try and find video of this), typically the party whip makes sure that they have enough votes to pass (or reject, whatever the case may be) the bill, then releases those who want to vote against it--typically for political posturing--to vote as they please. This is why a huge amount of "nay" votes come in on a bill almost immediately after the necessary votes to pass have been cast. It was also noted that most of the Congressmen who voted against the bill are facing tough re-election campaigns (although I would like to see actual figures on this, but, again, I'm too lazy). Voting against this bill would allow them to say to their constituents that they don't bow down to Wall Street or Washington. And, if you're a Republican, you could even play it as being a "maverick."
Regardless, it really seems like the bill failed because of politics, not because people actually thought it was a bad deal. Unfortunately, we are never really told why something like this fails. 1) Politicians don't want people to see the petty games they play. 2) Most Americans could care less how Congress actually works, which is really sad. I was glad to see somebody in the media making an honest attempt to parse out exactly why the vote failed.
9.29.2008
Family Guy Season Premiere
One of the best family guy episodes yet, especially the Cyrano part (and NO I'm not an anti-Semite).
I love this city.
Only in Chicago would a bar have a nude portrait of Sarah Palin painted on the wall (nsfw-ish). Note I said painted on the wall, not hung on the wall. Awesome.
Labels:
Adam sucks,
drankin,
vp candidates
How long before Palin is forced to withdraw?
I thought Tina Fey's most recent portrayal of Palin was a huge exaggeration, but this opinion piece in Newsweek, with quotes from the Couric interview, made me realize how much trouble Palin really is in. Who wants to put some money down on whether or not she has to withdraw before the election?
Labels:
Adam sucks
It Takes a Removal from Office
Since they left office, President Clinton and Al Gore have gone on to do great things. The former started the Clinton Global Initiative to fight AIDS in Africa, and the latter raised awareness of global warning. President Carter (although some may think he's lost it) has continued his work outside of political office to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These are just a few examples (and I'm sure there are many more), but my point here is that these cases evidence the fact that politics get in the way of getting real things done--meaningful things that affect peoples' lives.
I think of this because today in the NYTimes, there is an article about how Ehud Olmert, the outgoing Prime Minister of Israel, said in an interview that Israel needs to withdraw from most (if not all) of its West Bank settlements and stop posturing toward an international conflict with Iran. These are striking comments coming from the leader of Israel, comments that need to be said but, unfortunately, are only said as he is leaving office under the suspicion of government corruption. It seems as though Israeli (and international) politics have limited his ability to say this before, and again, have stood in the way of meaningful change.
(The Times article gives a brief statement from the opposition: "Avigdor Lieberman, who heads the Yisrael Beiteinu party, said on the radio that Mr. Olmert was 'endangering the existence of the State of Israel irresponsibly' [and that] "those who thought Israel’s problem was a lack of defined borders — as Mr. Olmert stated in the interview — 'are ignoramuses who don’t understand anything and they invite war.'" Just thought this was interesting because it clearly defines how unproductive these politics can be.)
I think of this because today in the NYTimes, there is an article about how Ehud Olmert, the outgoing Prime Minister of Israel, said in an interview that Israel needs to withdraw from most (if not all) of its West Bank settlements and stop posturing toward an international conflict with Iran. These are striking comments coming from the leader of Israel, comments that need to be said but, unfortunately, are only said as he is leaving office under the suspicion of government corruption. It seems as though Israeli (and international) politics have limited his ability to say this before, and again, have stood in the way of meaningful change.
(The Times article gives a brief statement from the opposition: "Avigdor Lieberman, who heads the Yisrael Beiteinu party, said on the radio that Mr. Olmert was 'endangering the existence of the State of Israel irresponsibly' [and that] "those who thought Israel’s problem was a lack of defined borders — as Mr. Olmert stated in the interview — 'are ignoramuses who don’t understand anything and they invite war.'" Just thought this was interesting because it clearly defines how unproductive these politics can be.)
9.28.2008
Farting
Places you should never fart:
1. Elevator - this is probably the most important of all the places. You should never do this...unless you are only going down one flight or up one flight. Otherwise just don't do it - someone is bound to get on.
2. The Shower - unlike the elevator - there is no need to worry about offending others. But somehow the hot water makes it all that much worse.
3. Immediately proceeding a b.m. - I found out first hand how horrible this was the other day - if you are standing over the toilet (undoing a belt or something) about to drop a deuce, don't let one go...when you sit down, it will be all around you.
4. Church - Greg set a record for this once and I couldn't stop from laughing during the whole mass.
Places where you should always fart:
1. The Bath Tub - not that we take baths ever - but seeing the bubbles rise while you are stewing in your own juices is tremendous.
2. Riding in the car with your friends.
3. When preparing a dutch oven for your significant other.
1. Elevator - this is probably the most important of all the places. You should never do this...unless you are only going down one flight or up one flight. Otherwise just don't do it - someone is bound to get on.
2. The Shower - unlike the elevator - there is no need to worry about offending others. But somehow the hot water makes it all that much worse.
3. Immediately proceeding a b.m. - I found out first hand how horrible this was the other day - if you are standing over the toilet (undoing a belt or something) about to drop a deuce, don't let one go...when you sit down, it will be all around you.
4. Church - Greg set a record for this once and I couldn't stop from laughing during the whole mass.
Places where you should always fart:
1. The Bath Tub - not that we take baths ever - but seeing the bubbles rise while you are stewing in your own juices is tremendous.
2. Riding in the car with your friends.
3. When preparing a dutch oven for your significant other.
Labels:
Josh and Chris Suck
9.26.2008
I think McCain may have screwed himself
Everything I know about politics I learned from the West Wing. Suspending your campaign with 40 days left was never exactly covered by Bartlet. (Maybe it was. I'm only on Season 5 because the economic turmoil has frozen all of my liquid assets and I have been unable to raise capital to purchase the rest of the DVDs.) But, from what I understand about politics, it looks really bad to say you're not going to show up to the debate so you can deal with a crisis and then have everything completely backfire on you. It seemed like McCain's gamble had the possibility of paying off yesterday, but has ultimately bit him in the ass. Will the polls next week say to stick a fork in him? (Not to murder him, but because he's "done.")
9.25.2008
The Best Article I've Read About What To Do Now
Buffet was on CNBC yesterday and said some very interesting things. But this op-ed from the WSJ is the first thing I've read that provides some concrete guidance based on lessons learned in the past.
9.24.2008
How to Make an Amazing Music Video
...in three easy steps.
1) Have people you know do everyday things (smoke a cigarette, drink some water, talk on a cell phone) in front of a black background.
2) Put on a boxing glove and punch your friends in their respective faces. Do this really hard.
3) Record everything in super-slow-motion (1000+fps).
Now just add your generic dance rock track and enjoy your masterpiece.
1) Have people you know do everyday things (smoke a cigarette, drink some water, talk on a cell phone) in front of a black background.
2) Put on a boxing glove and punch your friends in their respective faces. Do this really hard.
3) Record everything in super-slow-motion (1000+fps).
Now just add your generic dance rock track and enjoy your masterpiece.
This is Out of the Blue
Yesterday Chrysler Motors unveiled three battery-powered cars. They're slated to be on the market in 2010, to coincide w/ the Chevy Volt. The Wrangler and the Town and Country have similar ranges to the Volt, with 40 miles on battery, then an additional 360 miles from one-liter gasoline generator.
A surprise move for a firm steeped in bankruptcy or merger talks a few years ago, and an encouraging one, given the present oil situation.
On the silence of the vehicles: "That silence," one onlooker commented, "is the sound of the death of gasoline power." Overly optimistic?
A surprise move for a firm steeped in bankruptcy or merger talks a few years ago, and an encouraging one, given the present oil situation.
On the silence of the vehicles: "That silence," one onlooker commented, "is the sound of the death of gasoline power." Overly optimistic?
9.23.2008
America the Gift Shop
If American foreign policy had a gift shop, what would it sell? Phillip Toledano developed an installation art project to answer that question. My favorite is the Abu Ghraib bobble-head.
This Is Amazing
I wonder how accurate this really is. Regardless, this is amazing. When I worked at MIT we were using PDAs and wireless sensors to capture data similar to this. I wonder if those guys are working with the iPhone now.
iPhone App - Heart Monitor from John Ballinger on Vimeo.
iPhone App - Heart Monitor from John Ballinger on Vimeo.
Duh
The researchers found that the number of Facebook friends and wallposts that individuals have on their profile pages correlates with narcissism. Buffardi said this is consistent with how narcissists behave in the real-world, with numerous yet shallow relationships. Narcissists are also more likely to choose glamorous, self-promoting pictures for their main profile photos, she said, while others are more likely to use snapshots.[link]
The Problem With Android...
[link]
I'll cut you off before you can even get there--yes, this is posted on an iPhone blog, so it's certainly biased. The larger point is that "openness" isn't a free lunch.
I'll cut you off before you can even get there--yes, this is posted on an iPhone blog, so it's certainly biased. The larger point is that "openness" isn't a free lunch.
9.22.2008
Haute Couture in Academia
Who from Creighton should have made this photo shoot?
(You get extra bonus points if you can include an example photo.)
(You get extra bonus points if you can include an example photo.)
9.21.2008
9.19.2008
The US Free-Market Economy?
An interview with Ron Paul on CNN today, in which he discusses the problems with the recent government bailouts of US corporations.
I really just wanted to hear some thoughts on this. I tend to agree with the idea that, while painful, these bankruptcies are responses of the market which (in a completely free-market economy) need to be allowed to occur. Ultimately, if there is no threat of bankruptcy (or oversight) it would seem that these businesses would also not be threatened by the dangers of speculation. I don't know everything about the US economy, but Paul's analogy of the drug addict's "fix" seems appropriate. There is no doubt that these current conditions are painful for many people, but what is the long-term cost of simply putting a bandaid on the situation? Is this just simply prolonging the inevitable?
I really just wanted to hear some thoughts on this. I tend to agree with the idea that, while painful, these bankruptcies are responses of the market which (in a completely free-market economy) need to be allowed to occur. Ultimately, if there is no threat of bankruptcy (or oversight) it would seem that these businesses would also not be threatened by the dangers of speculation. I don't know everything about the US economy, but Paul's analogy of the drug addict's "fix" seems appropriate. There is no doubt that these current conditions are painful for many people, but what is the long-term cost of simply putting a bandaid on the situation? Is this just simply prolonging the inevitable?
Indigenous Response to Palin?
An instructor of mine (she probably wouldn't want her name connected to this blog, otherwise I would cite my source more explicitly here), raised an interesting point the other night during a break in our class. She was discussing how indigenous peoples, particularly those of Arizona and Alaska, seem to be more or less ignored on important political issues. Her argument, as well as those of others, is that they, perhaps, have unique perspectives on how our candidates treat American citizens. Amidst all of the debate about character and policy positions, these voices do seem non-existent in popular coverage of the campaigns.
Some links to very interesting blogs that share these perspectives are here, here, and here.
This has been, of course, the status quo and certainly not suggestive that one party's treatment has been better than another. I'm assuming both parties and most Administrations have been pretty neglectful since the American frontier was "settled," along with the natives that lived there first.
Just some thoughts, but pass this along to others if you feel like it is important. It seems to me as though it is. (Note: I can't attest to everything on these pages, but I think that if you are interested enough, you can check the credibility of all claims. Here is one such site that seems to defend some of the Dineh-Navajo claims.)
Some links to very interesting blogs that share these perspectives are here, here, and here.
This has been, of course, the status quo and certainly not suggestive that one party's treatment has been better than another. I'm assuming both parties and most Administrations have been pretty neglectful since the American frontier was "settled," along with the natives that lived there first.
Just some thoughts, but pass this along to others if you feel like it is important. It seems to me as though it is. (Note: I can't attest to everything on these pages, but I think that if you are interested enough, you can check the credibility of all claims. Here is one such site that seems to defend some of the Dineh-Navajo claims.)
9.18.2008
9.17.2008
Picture Perfect
Too much to say about this photo. A perfect hybrid of your stereotypical Raiders fan (Black Hole residents) and their owner. He looks like one of those guys from Lord of the Rings. Do you think they asked him to strike this pose, and then moved around the room finding just the right angle to make it look like he has only one eye?
image- ESPN.com
Note the difference in beverages, as well. Lane Kiffin? Water. Al Davis? No doubt a glass full of Jack with some Coke for color.
image- ESPN.com
9.16.2008
Obama and McCain Health Care Plans
So I just read this op ed piece from Bob Herbert in the nytimes. It explained how McCain's plan for the health care system will eventually kill everyone (more or less). But the piece references a journal, Health Affairs, which recently had two short studies done on Obama and McCain's plans. I tried to read them but it didn't work out. Anyone want to take the time to explain to me the pros and cons of the two systems? (Josh, I'm looking at you) Or would you post a more straightforward explanation or link?
Make-Out Party!!
Is your employer, a Wall Street institution, declaring bankruptcy? Are you facing an uncertain future? How can you deal? Grab a friend and go to town on CNN!
The fun starts about 45-seconds in.
The fun starts about 45-seconds in.
9.15.2008
Does this up Marquette's street cred?
20 year old Marquette girl stabs two other 20 year olds...
Insert age-old adage "Police suspect alcohol may have been a factor," here.
9.14.2008
158-Year-Old Investment Bank Falls
An good article about Lehman Brothers and its probable bankruptcy. This shit could definitely be getting worse.
How did this all happen again? Really, no one saw this coming?
How did this all happen again? Really, no one saw this coming?
Change?
Obama has now been called a racist, a misogynist (or sexist), and an ageist (here, and here). These examples are just some of the hundreds of times I have heard these claims recently (and really throughout this long 2 year process).
If I weren't already disillusioned by politics, now would be the time. Really, I don't know what is more disappointing: (1) that news stations even cover this NONSENSE, (2) that people actually believe it, or (3) that politicians think that this is a decent way to win elections. I'm not, by any means, saying that these things (racism, and all the -isms you can think of) don't exist; I'm simply saying that they are only used as distractions in these campaigns. I personally don't think either Obama or McCain are -ists of any sort. I think they're both great guys. The thing that makes the difference for me is where they stand on the issues. Unfortunately, we don't seem to get anywhere near this terrain anymore because the candidates are always defending themselves against personal attacks.
In hearing that Obama had the best month for donations in August (with around $66 million receieved, with at least half a million new donors), I began to wonder whether I should be excited about this or not. I mean $66 million will buy a lot of publicity and pay a lot of workers, but I began to ask myself: Will it be paying for the same personal attack crap that we have been seeing for the past several months? I really hope that Obama's "change" starts now with some campaigning that rises above the useless (an utterly inane) brand that American has been privy to for the last decade. If not, that is a lot of money to spend on ads that attack one person, and continue to derail the focus on issues that affect a lot of people. (In fact, that money could probably go to a lot of people that really need it).
My proposal: Prohibit presidential campaigning to no more than six months before election day. This should be enough time to vet candidates through the primary process, have some small conventions, and a couple of debates before the big day, and not so long that millions of dollars are wasted on coming up with shit to talk about and throw at each other's opponents.
If I weren't already disillusioned by politics, now would be the time. Really, I don't know what is more disappointing: (1) that news stations even cover this NONSENSE, (2) that people actually believe it, or (3) that politicians think that this is a decent way to win elections. I'm not, by any means, saying that these things (racism, and all the -isms you can think of) don't exist; I'm simply saying that they are only used as distractions in these campaigns. I personally don't think either Obama or McCain are -ists of any sort. I think they're both great guys. The thing that makes the difference for me is where they stand on the issues. Unfortunately, we don't seem to get anywhere near this terrain anymore because the candidates are always defending themselves against personal attacks.
In hearing that Obama had the best month for donations in August (with around $66 million receieved, with at least half a million new donors), I began to wonder whether I should be excited about this or not. I mean $66 million will buy a lot of publicity and pay a lot of workers, but I began to ask myself: Will it be paying for the same personal attack crap that we have been seeing for the past several months? I really hope that Obama's "change" starts now with some campaigning that rises above the useless (an utterly inane) brand that American has been privy to for the last decade. If not, that is a lot of money to spend on ads that attack one person, and continue to derail the focus on issues that affect a lot of people. (In fact, that money could probably go to a lot of people that really need it).
My proposal: Prohibit presidential campaigning to no more than six months before election day. This should be enough time to vet candidates through the primary process, have some small conventions, and a couple of debates before the big day, and not so long that millions of dollars are wasted on coming up with shit to talk about and throw at each other's opponents.
9.13.2008
9.12.2008
How long have the geniuses at The Economist been sitting on this one?
Really? This was the best you could do?
Labels:
Adam sucks
9.11.2008
Feminism or disgrace?
Howard Stern is helping a girl from San Diego auction off her virginity to pay for her education. Girl's got a degree in women's studies and argues this is an act of feminist "empowerment."
I don't know what I think, other than I'm shocked there are virgin women's studies majors.
I don't know what I think, other than I'm shocked there are virgin women's studies majors.
J Isn't the Only One Who Reads the Alumni Newsletter
Some of you have been to Creighton more recently than I have, but how much do you know about the new Harper Center? This place is bonkers. Especially the boardroom (pictured).
And does Creighton really need two fitness centers?
Of Course It Will Be
Dubai, you're still in the middle of a desert...and I think you may be showing your insecurity.
9.10.2008
Good Argument to Vote Obama
Makes it for libertarians, but I think the arguments can be plainly applied to any political philosophy.
9.09.2008
For Pat and Josh
Pat and Josh - go get a wet cloth before you read this......just so you can clean up afterwards.
Troglodytes
"Troglodytes" is my new favorite word...mostly because it reminds me of "Trogdor" from Strong Bad.
From the good people at Merriam-Webster:
troglodytes
- Pronunciation:
- \ˈträ-glə-ˌdīt\
- Function:
- noun
- Etymology:
- Latin troglodytae, plural, from Greek trōglodytai, from trōglē hole, cave (akin to Greek trōgein to gnaw, Armenian aracem I lead to pasture, graze) + dyein to enter
- Date:
- 1555
1 : a member of any of various peoples (as in antiquity) who lived or were reputed to live chiefly in caves2 : a person characterized by reclusive habits or outmoded or reactionary attitudes
— trog·lo·dyt·ic \ˌträ-glə-ˈdi-tik\ adjective
Large Hadron Collidor turned on Tomorrow
The Large Hadron Collidor gets turned on tomorrow, deep underground on the border of Switzerland and France. Scientists think it might lead to the discovery of the theoretical God Particle, but Steven Hawking says "Not so fast, bitches."
Despite the optimism, outrageous doomsday predictions make this experiment seem like the worst thing since the North American Union.
Despite the optimism, outrageous doomsday predictions make this experiment seem like the worst thing since the North American Union.
Secret Operations in Iraq
What do you guys think of this article? For some reason, either the tenor of the article, Woodward's smug silence, or the content itself makes me uncomfortable. Just wondering.
9.07.2008
9.05.2008
Nerdy Songs
Had to post this, mainly for the shout-out to "public health."
Why weren't we ever this creative?
9.03.2008
9.02.2008
This looks awesome!!
If I was in France, I would definitely check this out.
Related article here.
Video from latimes.com
Big-Ups to Grawlix
Let me just quickly congratulate Grawlix for his trip to Nebraska this past weekend. Without prior knowledge of said antics, without provocation, without inhibition, he opened the door to Adam's air-conditioning unit, prompting a tirade from Adam himself:
"WHO THE FUCK TOLD YOU DO TO THAT?"
Ha. Well done, sir. That activity is fast becoming my favorite pastime.
"WHO THE FUCK TOLD YOU DO TO THAT?"
Ha. Well done, sir. That activity is fast becoming my favorite pastime.
How Exciting is This?
Politics aside, EVERYONE should be able to admit one thing: that the Republican show just ain't goin' to be as good as the one the Democrats put on. I mean the Democrats mixed soap opera with historic speeches, tears with passionate zeal. Between the Clintons, the celebrity of Al Gore (although his speech didn't really go over all that well), and the man, the myth, the legend, Barack Obama (and his 70,000+ screaming supporters), the DNC was really, at its core, great television. So, what, you may ask yourself, will the Republicans do to respond? Tonight their program will include speeches by President Bush (via satellite), Fred Thompson, and Joe Lieberman. Honestly? That's the best they could do? Not ONE of these men is interesting (although, as an aside, I do give credit to the Bush adminstration in the recent days for their support of evacuees). Most likely, Bush will fumble over himself and not really get anyone excited about McCain. McCain lucked out when they had to cancel Monday's plan to have GW speak, so why ask again when it could potentially harm an appeal to independent voters? Thompson will probably....uh...what?...sorry, I fell asleep just thinking about him speaking. And Lieberman will be the same magoo he always is, except this time he will be wearing his Republican pants instead of his Democratic (or Independent) ones.
My point, simply, is that the Republicans NEED to put on a better show than this. Is this really going to captivate people? People watched the DNC because it was exciting, not only because they may have been interested in the policies. What are the chances that people are going to watch the RNC simply because of the policies? That is really all they have left after a program scheduled like this.
My point, simply, is that the Republicans NEED to put on a better show than this. Is this really going to captivate people? People watched the DNC because it was exciting, not only because they may have been interested in the policies. What are the chances that people are going to watch the RNC simply because of the policies? That is really all they have left after a program scheduled like this.
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