2006 Year in Review

And the winners are.....

Person of the Year: Vince Young. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, in a realm of life on planet Earth, started and finished this year better Young. Money won is twice as sweet as money earned, and this guy is rolling in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK0xId3OY-A&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgcpgFS8D40
Runners Up-Bono, Matt Damon, Stephen Colbert

Album of the Year: Revelations, Audioslave. Real Infectious Rock Music. Period.
Runners Up-
10,000 Days, Tool
Loose, Nelly Furtado-The ladies love this shit. It worked for me big time…
Hip-Hop is Dead, Nas
Living With War, Neil Young

Film of the Year: The Departed. Simply one of the best movie experiences I have ever had. This movie had it all.
Runners Up-
The Good Sheppard
Miami Vice
Flags of Our Fathers (Yet to see the Japanese Counter Perspective, Sorry)


Best Trailer of the Year for a 2007 Movie: The 300. Enough said.

Athlete of the Year: Fabio Cannavaro. The best player on the best soccer team (Club and Country) in the world. The 5’9’ defender was a giant amongst children during the 2006 World Cup. This performance was all the more remarkable considering Alessandro Nesta was out with an injury practically the entire tournament. Since his move to Real Madrid after the World Cup, Cannavaro added to the stout back line at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. This year Cannavaro became the only defender to ever win the FIFA World Player of the Year award. Simply amazing.
Runners Up-
Tiger Woods
Vince Young
Fabio Grosso
Floyd Landis
D Wade

Boston Athlete of the Year: David Ortiz, because he showed up.
Runners Up-Mike Vrabel, Jonathan Papelbon, The Truth, Joe Thornton (Ouch…)

Song of the Year: Hip Hop is Dead, Nas-Would have been a candidate for Album of the Year if I didn’t down load it until the 31st.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO9AS5-D1Dw
Runners Up-
Revelations, Audioslave
World Wide Suicide, Pearl Jam
Harrowdown Hill, Thom Yorke
Get it Like You Like It, Ben Harper

Video of the Year: Anything by Ok Go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINJQ5LRh-0
No other Music Videos mattered this year.

Politician of the Year: Barack Obama. Nobody shown brighter in Washington D.C then Obama in ’06. It remains to be seen if it really means anything.
Runner Up-
Nancy Pelosi
Joe Lieberman
Mark Foley (I am Chris Hansen from Dateline….)

Tyrant of the Year: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. What a F******* whack job D***** B**. From Holocaust denial conferences to just pissing me off all freaking year, this guy best hope I don’t go to Tehran this summer.
Runners Up:
Kim Jong Ill-I’m so ronley…
The Boy Prince-I just wanted to say Hello to the C.I.A agent assigned to Read this Blog! Hope you learned something this year.

Dead Tyrant of the Year:
Augusto Pinochet-Burn in Hell you D****** B**.
Runners Up-Saddam Hussain
Saparmurat Niyazov the Dictator of Turkmenistan. This guy was nuts…

Sibling of the Year: ME. I am the best Brother ever.

Blog of the Year: Mike Reiss-“Reiss’s Pieces”- the Sickest, Illist, Most Comprehensive coverage of the Pats this year.
Runners Up-
Jalen Rose
Ian Cheney
Jessica Cutler

Book of the Year: Palestine Peace Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter. Insightful and thought provoking.
This is the only book that really mattered. Really…

Political Pundit of the Year: Keith Olberman. “Balls” Olberman sucks as a sports commentator, but on politics he brings it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlRf3bfrpA
Runners Up-
Chris Matthews
Jon Stewart
Ariana Huffington

Presidential Historian of the Year: Michael Beschloss. This guy broke down the life and death of former President Gerald R. Ford like a hot knife though butter.
Runners Up-
Doris Kerns Goodwyn
Ian Cheney

Women of the Year: Vida Guerra. No explanation required.

WebSite of the Year: YouTube, Obviously.

Here's to 2007....Strength and Honor.

Uggghhhh....Good Grief...

So much for the holiday spirit. The dude at Midas told me the condition of my brakes should qualify as criminal negligence. 900 bucks later, I have now officially turned into Charlie Brown. I hate the holidays and wish I could fall into a two month coma after Thanksgiving. I'd wake up thinner, wealthier, and with a better appreciation for humanity.

The Greatest and Best Idea in the World….Tribute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZO26GsLWYo

I wasn’t going to post anything for a while, so I could build anticipation..... but then the world got in the way….

The news from Pittsburgh this week has me in a sense of crazy optimism. On Thursday, Mario Lemieux announced that the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League were looking to relocate. Hockey, boys and girls, is a goal based sport like soccer played on ice using skates to stay on the ice, pucks, an rubber object to pass and shoot, and sticks to shoot the pucks. It is the fastest game in the world, and the best sport to watch as a spectator in an arena.

A little lesson
The NHL almost died a few years ago, and is struggling to make it back to relevancy.
Yes, this week’s news sucks for the people of Western Pennsylvania. After years of watching crap on ice, the Baby Pen’s have two of the top players in the league in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malken. Coupled with the fact that the commissioner of the NHL is an angry, cold hearted accountant named Gary Bettman, the practical hopes of seeing this young team reach its potential in the steel city decreases by every terrible hour.

The ultimate question is where the team will move. Early reports are that Kansas City is the favored destination. This is nothing new for the NHL. The Quebec Nordiques left for Denver. The Winnipeg Jets left for Phoenix. Then, there is the sad tale of the Hartford Whalers, who left for Charlotte. The Minnesota Northstars went to Dallas, but the good people of Minnesota were able to get an expansion team. The league's reasoning was clear, lets take the former WHA teams in cold weather climates and move them to bigger, warmer climates to generate greater revenue streams. The move to Denver made sense, as a team had once existed there, but losing Quebec and their rabid fans was the spark that set off the modern era of hockey. Many of the cities were selected to appease the almighty dollar, and the league found itself in financial trouble. How? Teams started popping up in every major TV market except for Las Vegas. The movement of teams and expansion made many fans cynical. This was crushing, as Hockey fans are the most rapid working class groups of fans of any sport in North America. Then ESPN chose not to pick up the league TV contact, forcing simple casual fans to replace the thrill of the NHL with that of poker, cheerleading, and the world’s strongest man competition.

Now, as many of you know I am a fan of the Boson Bruins. I was not a fan of the Hartford Whalers. However, I remember the several games I attended as a youth as being some of the best moments I had as a kid. The pending move of the Pens should once again get the hype machine going for members of my state to push for the team to come to Hartford. For the first time, I am all for it. In truth, such a move would go against everything Gary Bettman stands for. But Dr. Evil aside, this would be sweet justice for the people of this fine state. The rivalry between Hartford and Pittsburgh also aside, it would re-establish New England, a cold climate destination, as the top region of a winter sport played on ice. Positive Karma would be restored, good things would follow. Sounds logical, but little with the NHL is logical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwvk5v6Wcns&mode=related&search=

Sources of the Hartford bid will be Lawrence Gottesdiener and Howard Baldwin, who have tried for years to bring back The Whale. Up to now I have been ultra skeptical, seeing folks who hold rallys supporting the old team delusional and those who root for Carolina as traitors to the state. But the make up of the Pen’s lends itself to a ground swell of optimism.
I know this may look like I am jumping on the bandwagon or being opportunistic. This is simply a tribute to the idea. I say, Bring NHL Hockey Back to Connecticut! The time is now….

Strengh and Honor Comrades...

The 1/20/09 Chronicles

While far more motivated and talented folks will be interpreting this matter in the next few weeks, months, and years, The Prez will continue to periodically comment on the race for the 2008 Presidential Election in elongated, bloated rants. Often times this commentary will be ill conceived and harsh, but will also seek to cut beyond the PC bull crap to the place where political spin and American zeal meld into an orgasm of truthiness so strong that it will cleanse the doors of perception and start the revolution.

“Rolling Down the Street Smoking Indo, Sipping on Gin and Juice…Laid Back”

It is great what alcohol does to people at holiday parties. This week I went to a couple, one for work and one for fun. Both ended up being great. At each party, I found that being around loose tongued Republicans can be very enlightening. When the topic of the 2008 Presidential Election was discussed they before bewildered and despondent. The unshakeable conviction that 2000 ushered in a neo-con revolution that would last for a thousand years has crumbled under the weight of the catastrophe in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like the end of The Lord of the Rings movies saga, this war did not end at the logical conclusion point. The fall of Saddam Hussain did little to end the threat of terror for the American or Iraqi people. Some would logically suggest this fear has been made worse.

As my Gin (Bombay) and Juice (Cranberry) with a lime settled in, I posted the question.
“Who makes up the unbeatable team for the Democrats in 2008”. While I have spent the last 8 months foreseeing the creation of an unbeatable Republican juggernaut made of a combination of McCain/Jeb Bush/Guliani/Romney/ Rice etc…The last month has seen Republicans realize that the neo-con agenda has failed and that the Executive Branch is in line for a much needed market correction.

Thus, my inquiry was met with varied responses. The conlusion knocked me off my seat. One neo-con party go-er named Lisa responded “If Gore runs, we are toast”. I was dumbfounded. My dislike for Gore runs deep, but to hear very conservative people discuss him with vitriolic anxiety was unexpectedly awesome. Forget that Gore failed to win Tennessee. Gore was against the war from the very beginning, while becoming the foremost figurehead in the fight against Global Warning. That’s right, it is ok to not use Prince Bush's term “Climate Change”. Thank You Mr. Gore. We will keep the lock box key ready if you run.

Another name that kept coming up was John Edwards. I was impressed by his discussion with Chris Matthews on the Hardball College Tour. He has so much going for him, but his lack of experience was seen as delightful by Dan, who envisioned a McCain vs. Edwards match up and became excited. So maybe Edwards is better off recognizing that his time may be farther down the road.

Hilary Clinton’s named was bandied about for a few minutes. The group seemed to take her more seriously then I do. She still strikes that whole “She is the Anti-Christ” vibe with the Republicans. Many think I should see this as a positive, but I think they may be right. Running a women for the top spot would be unprecedented. However, she is the Steinbrenner of the Democratic Party.

That makes Barack Obama the Red Sox. Obama Nation has received mad props by the liberal ans centrist media. He is right now seen as the biggest challenger to Hilary, and has shaken Republicans everywhere. His total lack of experience seemed to actually be seen as benefit in New Hampshire..... aka “The salty balls of New England”. I love Obama’s optimism. But I also love Egg Nog. However, Like Obama’s message, too much egg nog makes me violently ill. The elephant in the room is obviously the fact he is a black man. Jake, a member of the College Republicans at Wesleyan, was drinking a Harpoon IPA when he said “Look at Harold Ford Jr., a black guy will never be able to be President now. People are too scared”. I concur unfortunately.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5UHs_6qhmc

I brought up Gen. Wesley Clark, who has disappeared. As many you know, I would love for him to emerge for the darkness, but the Republicans were not interested in him. They were sober enough to laugh off Kucinich, but I stood firmly by the diminutive progressive from Ohio. I even referenced Pulp Fiction, believing him actually to be a stealthy Winston Wolf type character who solves problems for the thugs that cause them. Al Sharpton should run as the Green Party Candidate. That’s right, I said it.More on this in the future. I mentioned Chris Dodd for effect. Despite having a house 20 minutes away, some had to be reminded of who he was. Not a good sign.

Sexy Jessica mentioned Lieberman. They love him. From his stance on he war to pornography, they see him as a symbol of something that is ok. They even look beyond the fact he is Jewish. Interesting for a group of pretty religious folks. This was never an issue for me before I moved to what can be considered Western Connecticut, were there is a definite increase in Anti-Semitism in the more rural communities thenin Eastern CT. Very disturbing. The group realized that as diverse as this election could/should be, American idealism is tempered in the face of instability and crushed in the face of reactionary fear . This coming from a group of people whose party’s ideology promotes a porfitable reactionary based brand of fear.

“...With My Mind on My Money and My Money on My Mind”

So the Democrats of most Republican interest came down to a combination of Gore/Rodham-Clinton/Edwards/Obama. Pretty typical in nature. Of this motley crew, the finely toasted group of Republicans agreed a Gore/Obama ticket was the team that would defeat the Republicans in 2008. I liked it. I was satisfied. I would hear it again.

The next day Hardball had the same discussion, but with no booze, and established the same conclusion. It was Déjà Vu without Denzel Washington (good, but not wonderful). My unique inquiry method, couple with the Republican “Committee of Nine” had constructed a piece of independent research whose results could stand strong.

Now on the surface, for such a team to be created, both would have to be brought together by a higher power. Paging George Soros….

It takes billions of man/women hours to run and win a Presidential Election. It helps to spend tens of millions of dollars. You have to whore yourself out to special interests and Big Militarism (Business, Oil, Unions, Defense, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Playstation 3). Beyond that it takes an unnatural thirst for power, and knowing the supreme mantra of the world, “Don’t Think You Are, Know You Are”.

“This is a time for American heroes, and we reach for the stars”.

Only in a world with a fake President can such words be taken seriously. They are without cynicism. But that is what this next presidential elections can be about. A McCain/Guliani vs. Gore/Obama match up would be incredible theater. Itwould be the most centrist campaign in over 180 years. It would enable tens of millions of American voters to see beyond the bullshit and recognize the role of ideas in our real world. That in reality, there is no spoon, possibilities do exist, and solutions can be created. All is takes it a few Progressive Liberals , a few Conservatives, festive holiday décor, and plenty of Gin and Juice to make it happen….
Hows that for optimism?

Strength and Honor Comrades....

You just got served ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iePnG2ZtEbU&mode=related&search=

oh yeah, Its On....

Dennis Kucinich is officially running for President in 2008!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pay6Uw4-GVY

Why I hate Chelsea...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK2S_0baOJw

We are 8 points up...but my word, Essien is sick.

Oh yeah, so is the new Nas joint..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO9AS5-D1Dw

I'm Bringing Sexy Back....

The Alternative Rock Stylie of the week:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_O2L7NZm6o

First, a few thoughts on The General's wedding and Southern California.

The ceremony was awesome. We brought some shitty weather (for SoCal standards) with us, but it didn't really dampen any spirits. Like any time I travel, I was apparently a huge dick to everyone around me, but I didn't really care. Plus, everyone survived, so the rest is lost to history. It turns out that the 619 has awesome breakfast spots, and any time you stop at an In and Out Burger after some Gin and Juice at the pub in Little Itay, all is right with the world. With that said, driving in San Diego is a joke. It is no wonder they elected a jackass hack to run the state, everyone is more worried about dying on the interstate. I got lost with natives and tourists alike. The only real disappointment was that I ate no Mexican food this time around. Next time, I invade Mexico and play some golf at the San Diego Golf Institute. Good Luck to the bride and groom......Oh yeah, only one of my students was taken out of school in cuffs for freaking out on the first day I was in Cali. I guess I could be flattered, but apparently the events are unrelated.

On to the Trivial Rant....

One December 30th, CBS will air the World Video Game Championships. I for one, feel that this is a step in the right direction......toward the genetic evolution of humanity as we know it. Can Championship Masturbation be far away? I think (hope) not.

In related news, having the Victoria’s Secret Fashion show on CBS rules. God Bless America. I was going to go with a running commentary, but I’ve got...…work…..to do.

People call me cynical. Me!?

It is holiday season again, and the saving grace for us all will again be the annual “Christmas Story” marathon on TNT.

The IPod Nano will enable me to smuggle radical leftist music and South Park into my classroom every day.

That Studio 60 show could not be less relevant. Simply awful. The genius that is Nate Cordry is being wasted.

Time to Play Odds Makers…

What are the Odds of that Britney Spears and Paris Hilton double team some dude this week? The Prez is going with a solid 95%.

What are the Odds I get my a Victoria’s Secret Gift Card for someone this Christmas? I am going on record, 25%.

What are the Odds Chinese Democracy comes out before Christmas? I am going with 65%. It’s been well over a decade, and Axl Rose is totally freaking crazy. However, he has to recoup the 20 million bucks some how. A Christmas release would send it on its way.

What are the Odds Manny Ramirez gets dealt before Spring Training? 0% …..Thats right, The Big Squaduush. Now that J.D. Drew is on board(Ughhh), the only way to salvage the situation is to move Willi Mo to first base and have an order in the middle of Ortiz, Manny, Drew, and Willi Mo. We must then hope against hope Drew stays healthy and is not the malcontent the media has made him out to be.

What are the Odds that Rocky Six is worse then Rocky Five? You idiots, Rocky Five never happened…..

Strength and Honor Comrades….Viva La Résistance….