Jim's Guts

Friday morning pick-me-up

This is a fun little pop song with catchy lyrics and pretty good music but what struck me about the band, The Academy Is..., is that unlike a lot of teenish bands, they don't take themselves too seriously. Their website entrance is a great nod to "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" and their debut album is titled "Fast Times at Barrington High". In fact the video for the first single has a lot of nods to the original "Fast Times", here is "About A Girl"

For the classic let's go back to 1983. Naked Eyes' first song, "Always Something There To Remind Me" was their most popular and was a staple on MTV, even getting to #8 on the US charts. But it was their second release that's always been my favorite. Here is "Promises, Promises"

Happy Thanksgiving...

I am a very blessed and very thankful for my family and friends. Have a wonderful holiday

Here is a nice, if somewhat sobering, article on being Thankful for those you don't even know (h/t L&T)

Design change...

With yesterday's win over NIU it's time to start gearing up for the 109th Army v. Navy game next weekend (Dec. 6th), so I've giving the ol' blog home a little makeover.

And to get you fired up for next week's game, here's a really well done Matrix themed Spirit Message (video shorts made for the game from around the fleet) from a few years back...

Navy 16 - Northern Illinois 0

It was weird to root against the "Huskies", but today's win guarantees a winning season for the 6th straight season and the defense pitches its first shutout since 2004. I was a little worried that this was a doughnut game, but the boys came out and played hard. A good win.

I will say that I'm awfully disappointed in the penalties that Navy has received these last couple of weeks, several false starts and procedure penalties and a couple personal fouls. Just very undisciplined and very unlike a Navy football team. Coach Niumatalolo needs to start getting some control over this team.

T - 9 days and counting... GO NAVY - BEAT ARMY

Glossary...

I realized that I use a lot of shorthand in my posts so I decided to make a glossary of sorts which can be found here.

How good are you at civics...

First, go here and take a quiz from the Intercollegiate Studies Institute on basic civics, then read about US government officials scoring 44% as a group (the story contains some answers so take the quiz first).

For the record I got 31 out of 33 questions correct (93.94%).

Quick hits…

…Lots to read edition – Here are a few cool stories / post I've found over the last couple of weeks that are worth a look;

Jeremy Schaap at ESPN has a fantastic and truly inspiring story of an 8 year old who plays soccer, baseball, football, and wrestles, the difference is he only has one leg. It's a great reminder that we all face challenges, it how you deal with those challenges that important. Whether your 44 or 8.

Dick Cavett on "The Wild Wordsmith of Wasilla" is hilarious.

Non-cyclist (or those not married to cyclist) probably won't recognize the name Oscar Pereiro, but he had a really bad crash during the 2008 Tour de France. He was on a switchback and actually went over the guardrail and down about 15 feet breaking his arm severely enough that he required surgery. Recently he had the date of the accident, July 20, 2008, tattooed above the resulting 10" scar and told reporters ""That is not an unlucky date for me, it reminds me of how much luck I had that day instead of misfortune." What a great attitude! Here's hoping he's back in the peloton soon. (h/t Road Bike Rider).

This kid reminds me of a friend of ours who is around the same age and is seriously one of the most adventurous gourmands that I know. I've eaten out with MP a couple of times, and it isn't that he just orders the most unusual thing on the menu (though he frequently does), it's that he's thoughtful about it. I could easily see him writing his own reviews at some point.

Rick Reilly has a great piece on Tennessee Titans Quarterback Kerry Collins. And while I'm probably not the first to notice this, it's hard not to compare Collins' current run with that of personal favorite (and fellow Central Valley boy) Trent Dilfer's time with the Baltimore Ravens. Both guys were thought to be through their prime, brought in to backup young fresh QB's, and then were called on to start and not exactly win but manage games. Of course that worked out pretty well for Dilfer…

And finally it's Rivalry Weekend in college football this weekend, and while neither the Apple Cup nor the Big Game comes close to rivalry of Army v. Navy (and let's be honest, nothing does) they're still a huge part of what makes college football fun to watch. If your team is playing this weekend, best of luck!

“We’re going to Disneyland”…

The L&T and I have decided to head back to the homeland in September next year, and I'm already mostly looking forward to it.

Oh yeah, I've also registered to run in the Disneyland Half Marathon while down there (hence the "mostly" part). The L&T will be running the 5k event the day before.

Friday morning pick-me-up

Going a slightly different direction this week with the FMPMU (the L&T will undoubtedly skip this week completely). First up is someone who's new tour is coming through Seattle in March of next year and if I'm in town and can get tickets, I'm going. Her music and voice just speaks to a different time, here is Ms. Madeleine Peyroux with "I'm All Right"

Staying in that general musical genre, there was a brief "swing" music revival in the 90's and these guys (also apparently about to start touring again) were one of the first. Not surprisingly, I'm a big fan of the Squirrel Nut Zippers and here's thier first single - "Hell"

Frigin' Notre Dame...

Domers 27 - Navy 21. Bastards.

Friday morning pick-me-up

"So her friend is cool, right?" "Oh yeah, reeeally cute"... Here's another in a short list of bands that I heard one song and then got hooked on them. The video is fantastic and even if you don't really like the music, it's worth the watch. Here is We Are Scientist  and "After Hours";

For the classic we go back to 1988, they made it to #11 here in the States, but were quite big oversees. It's When In Rome with "The Promise";

Fun with pie charts...

Mr. Speedo has some great graphs and pie-charts here. Definitely worth a look and a laugh!

Happy Veteran's Day...

Since our country’s very inception, brave men and women have answered the call – Some have served their 4 years and gone on to different things. Some did 20 to 30, never saw a smidge of conflict, but reported for duty everyday just the same. Some have paid the ultimate price and never returned to see their family and friends. Some have lost limbs, or have been wounded in ways that make day to day living painful. Some carry scars that no one can see, but that they will never be free off.

Veterans come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. Some Vets did it because they had to, some did it because they wanted to, but in the end all of them raised their right hands and swore*:

(T)hat I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

If you know someone that served in the military, thank them, it will mean more to them than you’d imagine.

* - That’s the oath that enlisted personal take, the one officer critters take is slightly different.

The flu...

There are lots of bad things about having a chronic disease, but one of them is that you're a little more susceptible coming down with something during the cold and flu season, and Thursday morning I got hit hard! Man, this year's flu is unpleasant and I'm just now starting to work my way back. That's the reason that the Friday Morning Pick Me Up was so late this week (fortunately, those are almost always pre-written so all I had to do was click "post").

If you get the chance, get a flu shot, this really wasn't any fun…

Friday morning pick-me-up

This might be a little out of the "new" time frame, but it seemed like a great week for this song. As Duran Duran says, feel the New Day and "(Reach Up For The) Sunrise" -

How about we stay with Double D (or if you listened to 91x "back in the day", Duran Squared) for today's  classic? Here's the one that started it all. "Rio" -

Savor the moment…

WE did it. And not just by a plurality, but 52% of the country voted for Barack Obama. I feel so proud of this country, that were able to look past old prejudices (not just skin color, but educational, location, and party prejudices) and vote for Hope. I'm also grateful that I was able to share the evening with my extended "family", it really was something that needed to be shared. Many thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Jones for hosting, and to the rest of The Gang for being there.

As President-Elect (it's harder to type then Sen. but much more fun) Obama said last night –

"It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, at this defining moment, change has come to America,"

So for today we savor the moment, because tomorrow, the real and serious work of rebuilding this country begins.

One last election day story...

Before I head home and then to Mr. & Mrs. Jones' place for an election day celebration this is just too great not to share. From Andrew Sullivan comes a great story from a reader of his;

I voted here in San Francisco's Noe Valley neighborhood about two hours ago.  It took about an hour to get through the line, and while standing there I was chatting with the 75-year-old retired cop in front of me, and the young 30-something gay couple in front of him, who had their two little girls in tow.

Everyone was in good spirits as the conversation moved from the Obama-McCain contest to the farce that is Sarah Palin, and then on to non-political matters, like the road work being done on the next block.  The conversation between the cop and the couple started to get animated toward the end of our hour in line as the three men began to discuss the current football season, wagering bets for this weekend's games and making predictions for the Super Bowl.

And then, as we entered the firehouse that doubled as our polling place, as the couple and their daughters stepped out of line and up to the table to receive their ballots, I observed the cop in front of me. He opened his sample ballot, took out his pen, scribbled out his "yes" vote on Proposition 8, and filled in the ballot line for "no."

I don't think he knew that I observed him.  And since it was such a private moment I held back my tears of joy and my overwhelming desire to pat him on the back and say "thank you, sir." Instead, I left the polling place muttering to myself those two words you have repeated over and over during this election cycle, Andrew:

KNOW.

HOPE.  

I know I've been focused on the national election, but Prop 8 in California is a huge deal, and I hope and pray that it's soundly defeated.

Two more great reads...

Yes, I'm posting from work. And yes, I'm probably going to be posting throughout the day. And yes, I have a shortish attention span today. Deal...

I enjoy Eugene Robinson's appearances on Countdown, so I started reading his column and today's "A New Kind Of Pride" is fantastic.

Another good read is from a gentleman that got talked into canvasing for Obama. It's not always about teaching we do, but the things we learn. (h/t GOS)

Joe Klein...

...Has gotten a lot of grief (some of it well deserved, some of it from me) about his reporting, but I think he nails it here.

Make history...

Vote.

Why I’m voting Obama for President…

By almost any measure, the United States of America is worse off than we were 8 years ago. From the economy to defense, from our Constitutional Rights to basic human rights, this country could not be more off course. Thanks to the current administration we face the greatest economic crises since the Great Depression and that crisis has spread around the world. Because of Mr. Bush's policies on torture and "non-enemy combatants" we no longer have the moral authority that used to be a beacon around the globe, and I have little doubt that his blatant disregard for the Geneva Convention will put our service men and women in very real danger. The President has taken the preeminent military on the planet and stretched beyond the breaking point, it's now being held together by nothing more than the sheer force of will of the brave men and women who serve in it. With all of the challenges facing our nation we must make a course correction before it's too late, and I strongly believe that Sen. Obama gives us the best chance to move this country back to its place as a leader in the free world.

But this is more than just a "feeling" or a need for change, I also believe in the policies recommendations that Sen. Obama has put forth – His plan to give tax breaks to families making less than $250,000 and to only raise taxes on those who make more than that to pre-Bush levels. Contrary to what some would have to you believe, the best way out of a recession is spending, and Sen. Obama's plan for investing in energy will not only help us break our dependence on oil, but also help lift our economy. His stances on Iraq, healthcare, and Veterans, as well as a host of other issues are well thought out, and equally important feasible.

This country needs to get back to the fundamentals of what made us a great nation. This country needs Sen. Barak Obama to be the next President of The United States of America.

Change...

The always entertaining TBogg nails it...Go, read, now.

One more reason to love San Diego...

The Republican mayor of San Diego has decided not to veto a resolution in support of gay marriage;

Partial text;
“During the campaign two years ago, I announced that I did not support gay marriage and instead supported civil unions and domestic partnerships.

“I have personally wrestled with that position ever since. My opinions on this issue have evolved significantly—as I think the opinions of millions of Americans from all walks of life have.
...
“I have decided to lead with my heart, which is probably obvious at the moment—to do what I think is right, and to take a stand on behalf of equality and social justice. The right thing for me to do is sign this resolution.

“For three decades, I have worked to bring enlightenment, justice and equality to all parts of our community.

“As I reflected on the choices I had before me last night, I just could not bring myself to tell an entire group of people in our community they were less important, less worthy or less deserving of the rights and responsibilities of marriage—than anyone else—simply because of their sexual orientation.

“A decision to veto this resolution would have been inconsistent with the values I have embraced over the past 30 years."

(h/t Balloon Juice)

Navy 33-27 F/OT

Holy shit… Navy had no business winning that football game, in fact if it hadn't been for our own version of "The Miracle at the Meadowlands" we wouldn't have. Late in the game Temple was leading by 7 and they could have taken a knee and run the clock down to about 7 seconds remaining before they had to punt, instead they choose to run the ball and attempt to pick up a first down. Shortly after the handoff Temple's freshman running back was stripped by Navy's Ross Pospisil and Clint Sovie took it from there running it 42 yards for the game tying touchdown. In the OT, Temple went for a touchdown on 4th and a goal from the 1 but were held and Navy was able to score on their possession.

All in all, it was a heck of a day for Navy – It was Senior Day which is always a nice occasion, the Zoomies beat Army so the Commander In Chief Trophy stays with Navy another year regardless of what happens versus Army, and today's win was the team's 6th of the year making them bowl eligible for a 6th straight year. A good day.