It feels like every time I get on here now I’m apologizing for taking so long between posts. This is no exception. And to be honest, this is sort of a tease of a post. I just wanted to share something with you that I had forgotten about.
Following 9-11, a lot of celebrities and artists got together to do a benefit for the families of those affected by the attacks. The following performance is by U2 of their song “Walk On” (with a brief intro from the song “Peace on Earth”). If you’re a fan, watch and enjoy. If not and you’re curious, go for it. If not and you hate U2, well then… good day, sir.
Oh, and for those of you looking for more, Bono has called 2009 to “be our year.” More on that here.
The last two records were very personal, with a kind of three-piece at their heart, the primary colours of rock - bass, guitars and drum. But what we’re about now is of the same order as the transition that took us from The Joshua Tree to Achtung Baby.
Apologies for the delay in posting. Not to exaggerate, but my entire world came crashing down this past week as I studied for my economics test that I took at 4 p.m. today. Don’t ask me why, in my senior year, I chose to take electives that involve numbers. I had completely escaped their evil grasp after high school, and yet here I am.
So, we elected a new president. I hope most of you watched the speeches Tuesday night. Both were exceptional. In the abstract, I was very proud to watch history take place. I don’t know if electing Obama means that the United States is better-handling racism than it was 10 years ago, but hopefully it’s a sign of progress.
Sure, I voted for the other guy. But that’s because I thought his policies would work better for the U.S. and international community. (Yeah, I know Europe wanted Obama, but that’s not what I mean.) That doesn’t automatically mean that I think Obama would be a bad president, though. He’s my president(-elect), and he’ll get judged on the exact same score card that Bush did.
Moving onward… I submitted my third podcast today in class. The assignment was sort of a free-for-all: personal narrative, storytelling, or “experimenta.” I went with personal narrative, in part because you didn’t have to go out and do any actual reporting. I know, I know–I’m lazy. But see above if you forgot what this last week has been like.
So, I did my podcast about Wito. Well, not so much about him, but since it was a personal narrative, it’s more about what happened and how I dealt with it. Last spring in Gene Burd’s “Feature Writing” class, I wrote a similar piece. As far as I know, only he read it, and that was partly on purpose. It felt weird writing a personal narrative about someone else passing away. (Not to imply that you could write a personal narrative about your own passing, either…) The point I’m trying to make is that I didn’t like making this story about me.
But I think writing this story once already (in Burd’s class) made it easier this time around. And you know what? It is about me, at least a little bit. Witnessing someone with as much passion and dedication for what he did, firsthand in high school, had a profound effect on how I viewed education, work… a lot of things. The same could be said for my parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and anyone else who has had a significant influence in my life.
So, I do have a story to tell. It’s up to you to determine if it’s a good one or not. But it’s mine. I figured since I shared this with my professor and classmates, who are otherwise perfect strangers, I might as well share it with those of you I know best (and the rest of the Interweb). So without further ado, my podcast (it’s about 5 minutes long, so plan accordingly):
Sorry for the somewhat touchy-feely post. I’ve been in a weird mood the past week or so. Maybe my headcold knocked something loose in my brain. Or Obama’s sweet words have finally gotten to me. I’ll get back to you on that.
Working hard to get my fill,
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice,
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on
Well, well, well… here we are. November 3rd. Election eve. The last “real” day of governing for the Bush administration. For those of you who hate politics and have stuck around this blog, tomorrow is a day of hope for you. Hope that I’ll finally stop writing about this crap. We’ll find out, won’t we?
Anyway, as promised I thought I’d illuminate your minds with my electoral college predictions for tomorrow’s presidential election. Will Ohio go to Obama? Will McCain steal Pennsylvania? Will anyone ever care what happens in Nevada? These questions and more will be answered! For your reference, I’ve included an electoral map from electoral-vote.com.
Unlike what many people in the media love talking about, those traditionally red states, those “sexy” picks to go blue, simply will not. If you want to put it in terms of this map, that means Arizona, Montana, North Dakota, Missouri, Indiana, Georgia and Arkansas (ARKANSAS? I know there’s Clinton, but really?). McCain is taking all of these. As much as the talking heads want you to believe they’re in play, they’re absolutely not. Boy I hope I’m right… I sure sound decisive right now.
Now, how bout those pesky light blue guys in the West? It seems like New Mexico and Colorado are locks for Obama. He also has a 6-point advantage in Nevada, which leads me to believe he’ll probably take it, too. He can have it, with those Vegas heathens.
Let’s move on to those other die-hard red states on the east coast: North Carolina and Virginia. Obama has Virginia by 5 points, but North Carolina by only 2. I’m predicting a McCain victory in the Tar Heel State. Virginia will be exceptionally close, but will likely go to the senator from Illinois.
That leaves America’s favorite drama queens: the battleground states. I’m talking about the big three of Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida. In 2000, Tim Russert was able to boil the entire election down to three words “Florida! Florida! Florida!” I’m not sure this year is quite so simple. In Florida, Obama is up 45-49. In Ohio, it’s 44-49. Pennsylvania leans a little more for Obama at 44-52. I’m fairly confident that those who haven’t hopped on the Obama bandwagon, won’t. I also believe that some people may not be answering polling questions honestly.
With all of these things being said, I’m picking Pennsylvania to go to Obama (47-49), Florida to McCain (49-48) and Ohio… hmm. Ohio. I can’t believe I’m saying it, but I think it could break for the big O.
So what does all of this mean? I’m predicting a closer-than-expected… loss by McCain. He’s my homeboy. He has been for about 6-8 years. And in some ways, it’s almost a relief. They said on “Meet the Press” yesterday that whoever wins the election will probably be asking for a recount Wednesday morning. I wouldn’t give that guy’s troubles to a monkey on a rock.
All we can do now is make some popcorn, settle in and watch the great American drama unfold.