I Love it, I Love it, I Love IT!

Those are the famous words of Jim Zabel, the former legendary broadcaster of the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was most definately shouting them yesterday on his sports call-in show on WHO after the Hawkeyes defeated Wisconsin 30-7 and (with a Michigan loss) won a share of the Big Ten title! So I join Zabel in echoing his famous words because the Hawkeyes are champions two out of the past three years and did it with smoke and mirrors (and no running game) this year!

The question I have for "Z" and other Hawkeye fans is what is the "it" that we love so much? Obviously, "it" has to be the outcome of the game and the season, but there has to be something more. There has to be a reason that I follow this team so much, that my weekend moods are determined by the outcome of the games. So here are the "its" I love so much about the Hawkeyes...

I love Matt Roth and his intensity and fire. I love Jonathon Babineaux and how he quietly goes about his business. I love David Bradley (the often criticized punter) for his heart- he lost both of his parents to sickness during his senior year of high school and Iowa has become his "family." I love Kyle Schlicher for making me forget (kinda) about Nate Kaeding. I love Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge- Iowa's odd couple. I love Tyler Luebke for his hardwork, high school swimmer who walked on at Iowa to a Big Ten starter. I love Drew Tate and his excitement and passion. I love Sam Brownlee, the walk on fifth string running back who was forced to start because of injury, for his guts. I love Clinton Solomon for his dedication to the team- he ran into academic trouble and worked hard at Iowa Central CC in order to come back. I love Ed Hinkel for playing above his talent level week after week and amazing me with some of his grabs. I love Pete McMahon, the quiet, gentle giant of the offensive line. I love Norm Parker, the defense coordinator who lost his son this past summer and also had a toe amputated after an accident and couldn't be on the sidelines. I love Ken O'Keefe for not listening to fans who complain about his playcalling. I love Kirk Ferentz for being the kind of man I would like to be. I love Kinnick Stadium and the 18 game home winning streak. I love all my fellow fans for their loyalty. I love a team winning when it isn't "supposed" to, through injuries and demoralizing losses. Most importantly, I love seeing the Big Ten Trophy being hoisted to the throngs of fans celebrating!!! Way to Go Hawks!!!

I Don't Believe it!!! (But I do)

Swept under the news of a) Bill Clinton's Presidential Library opening and b) this soldier shooting a wounded Iraqi is the tale of Mr. Tom DeLay.

Yes, I've already picked on Tommy Boy already in my blog, but what is going on now deserves a second look. Tom DeLay is a Republican U.S. Representative from Texas. He has gotten himself stuck in a tiny situation concerning a company's illegal contributions to a PAC associated with DeLay. Some of DeLay's business associates have already been indicted by an Austin, TX court. He may be himself shortly. His punishment so far has been a couple wrist slaps in the House.

Here is the funny part. 10 years ago, the Republican party made a party rule that stated if a party leader or a committee chairperson (in either the House or Senate) were to be indicted of a crime, they would have to step down. This rule was made in order to make the Democrats look bad because at the time they had two party members in high positions who were in trouble and did not step down. Fair enough.

Wait...it gets better though. Now that DeLay, one of the Republican party's leaders in the House may be indicted....yes you guessed it....THEY CHANGED THE RULE!!! I'm shocked! Okay, I'm not really. Way to set a moral example Mr. DeLay and Republicans of the House.

Okay, other thoughts..."Everybody Loves Raymond" is one of the funniest shows ever. I watch it everyday for an hour and yes, even I now "love Raymond" (not in that way). I also really enjoy the movie "Bruce Almighty." It was on HBO again tonight and I again watched. It has a good message that always makes me feel better about things. Finally...calling all Hawkeye fans...Saturday at 3:30, drop what you are doing and yell like you are at Kinnick Stadium. If you are at Kinnick Stadium, yell even louder (and grab me some turf at the end of the game when you rush the field)!!! My beloved Hawkeyes go for their seventh straight win playing on all heart, and riding the shoulders of Drew Tate. So...GO HAWKS!

it's been a long time

Hello again everyone...I checked out my own blog tonight and realized it has been since last Thursday that I posted. So here we go...

First, I was way hungry tonight so I not only made some ramen noodles here, but also went and got me a toasted sub at Subway. The Subway in Chariton is like the 8th wonder of the world to me. I love Subway and I know they are a very popular restaurant, but this one is ALWAYS busy! Tonight I went at 5:15 thinking "most people eat at 6, I've been there at 6 before and it was busy and I want to avoid that." So I pull up at 5:15 to a crowded parking lot and a line 5 deep when I walk in. I think if I tried to go at 9:30 some night, right before they close, I would still end up in a busy rush. I cannot figure out for the life of me whether it is something that just happens when I show up or if they are the most constantly busy Subway in the world.

Secondly, and more seriously, is anyone else here going through the same "quarter-life crisis" that I seem to have found myself in? Let me first say that you don't have to worry about my mental well-being or anything, just that I find myself wanting more out of life. I have always loved small town Iowa, I do enjoy teaching, but I sit around thinking that I want something more exciting or more "action packed." I guess I can't exactly put my finger on what I want or how I plan on going about change so that doesn't help the matter any. I guess the best way to sum it up is that I feel as if something is missing...hopefully I will be led to my answers soon. Let me know if any of you feel the same though, then we can talk about it more via phone or something. Later.

Remember

Is it wrong of me to be "blogging" at school? Well, considering this is my prep/lunch time, I think I'm okay. This will be short anyways. I'm reminding all of you that today is Veteran's Day. So if you know a veteran tell them "thanks" or give them a hug or something. What they did is often far overlooked. It took darn near 60 years for a World War II memorial to be built, that was way too long. Those who served in Vietnam are sometimes slighted because the war was controverisal. That doesn't take away from the sacrifices they made or the danger they put themselves into. So in conclusion, take the time to remember the Vets or thank one personally. Later.

many thoughts...

Okay, I apologize in advance if this gets long but there is a lot to talk about. First, let's start with school. Today we had an early out for inservice. That meant sixth hour class was only 10 minutes long, so the Junior high kids came in and I had told them to come with some homework/something to read and be ready to go (no going to lockers) because we weren't going to start anything for 10 minutes. Anyways, I was sitting at my desk and one of the girls got up and went over to another girl to have her sign something, I just saw this out of the corner of my eye and wasn't really paying attention. Anyways, what was being signed was the children's book "Duck For President" that they signed and gave me. I was truly touched. I can't really explain how I felt other than to say that is why we teach.

Next, as I was driving home I was thinking about the Hawkeyes. I know, its weird, but it is what I do. My thoughts were "how can anyone not like the Hawkeyes?" Over the Kirk Ferentz years we've seen "no-name" teams with star players who were either passed up by other programs or walk-ons and these "no-name" teams just win. They play hard, they obviously practice hard, and they flat out outplay the other team. Or look at this year's team. They have lost their top four running backs and a walk-on from Emmetsburg, Sam Brownlee has stepped up. His stats aren't good and the running game is poor, but you cannot fault the effort. Brownlee keeps chugging away, keeps fighting, and the team keeps winning. The best part of the season so far was the Penn St. game. 6-4 is an ugly score and the game wasn't pretty, but Kirk Ferentz's dad had passed away that week and you could tell the players were going to win no matter what for Coach. Then when Ferentz broke down and cried on the sideline...it just cemented more in mind what a guy Ferentz is. I love the relationship between the fans and the team too. Any road game the team goes and celebrates and high fives the fans who have traveled and the home winning streak is up to 17. It truly is great to be a Hawkeye!!!

Finally, tonight is Wednesday and that means church choir. I sing in a church choir here in Chariton and love it. The people are great and I look forward to Wednesday nights. They are kinda my lifeline as I learn to live on my own. They don't read this board, but thanks for letting me come sing with you! That's all for now.

a happy state

So, I've been told that people actually waste part of their day reading my random thoughts. So there a couple things I want to say about that...first, I will try to post as much as I can then and second, there is nothing more constructive to do with your time?

So the weather in Iowa this past weekend was AWESOME, especially for Nov. 6/7. That doesn't even begin to describe the overall climate going on in this state right now. I'm talking of course about the climate of college football.

The Hawkeyes (I've realized that I have spent 23 years of my life cheering for this team, from the bottle to living on my own in Chariton) have run off 5 straight victories and stand at 7-2, 5-1 in the Big Ten. Somehow, someway losing their top 4 running backs, their top 2 fullbacks, a first year starter quarterback, and having to completely revamp the offense because of no running game whatsoever, they can still end up with a tie of the Big Ten title. This is easily Kirk Ferentz's best coaching job. I've also decided to donate my January and February paychecks to keeping him at Iowa (oh yeah, like my measly teacher's paychecks would make a difference). To be put simply, KF is the MAN.

Now the Cyclones, whom I don't dislike, just don't cheer for often are also winning and currently tied for first in the Big XII North. Also, Drake is playing excellent football and UNI seems to have found their winning ways. So here is the thing that I've noticed with all this winning...the fans are nicer, cheerier, etc. When you listen to Sports call in shows, it isn't "The Hawkeyes stink" or "Cyclones blow!" It is "Way to go teams!" Here is the thought process behind this cheeriness. A Cyclone fan for instance has his/her team win. They want to celebrate by rubbing it in the Hawkeye's face, but they are winning too. Had they lost, the Hawkeye fans could rub it in, but ISU isn't losing either. So both sides just say "what the heck! Go State of Iowa!" What a phenomenon, this niceness and cohesiveness. Enjoy it while it lasts though, basketball season is just around the bend.

The Aftermath...

Well it is the day after the election. The good news is that they system worked. We had a candidate win fair and square, both popular and electoral votes. I can't imagine what would have happened had we had another result just like last time. Everything would have been a mess and a call for the end of the Electoral College has we know it would be made. This goes for both sides. Also, kudos for John Kerry for his very well-spoken concession speech and for the decision to concede rather than draw out the recounts, litigation, etc. forever.

The sad news, for me and other Democrats though, is that President Bush won re-election. The thing with Bush is that he seems like a good guy and all and maybe it is just cynicism about leaders, but I do not believe he is as "clean-cut" as everyone thinks. He is a faithful guy and that is excellent, I really do admire it, I just sometimes thinks he puts himself on a pedestal too much or uses his faith as a campaigning tool. Here is what really gets under my skin though. His campaign team is so darn good that they use dirty tricks galore and get away with it spot clean. Let's try the 2000 campaign. Bush's team painted John McCain (his counterpart during the Republican nomination process) as being anti-military and questioned his record on items dealing with military/missile defense/etc. McCain served in Vietnam and was held as a prisoner of war for something like nine months, and you question his record? This year, the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth were out to get Kerry and ties could be made to this group and the Bush campaign. In fact, some were the same people who questioned McCain. Questionable indeed, but covered up the the right-wing media.

Yes, I did just say "right-wing" media. Hey, I'm not defending CNN or CBS, I don't even watch them. But people like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh though won this election for Bush. Hannity gets to be on Fox News every night (a media outlet) but because he is a "pundit" he gets to say whatever he wants and even hit the campaign trail. He argues that the questions asked by the media to Kerry, etc. are bogus and then he has the opportunity to interview the President. So what questions did he ask? "Mr. President, do you really think Kerry knows he is lying when he talks?" Nice Sean, but I guess because he is a "pundit" and not a "journalist" he gets away with it.

Okay, enough whining. The system works and Bush is president. I'm not leaving the country. I love America too much. So where do the Democrats go from here? Well first, they need to fight back against charges by the right that they are "weak" and "un-American" or "unpatriotic." The last two really get me. If you really know me, you know I love the Fourth of July more than Christmas. I felt so much pride going to vote last night. Yet, because I'm a Democrat and think Bush didn't choose wisely in the War with Iraq I'm not a "great American" as Sean Hannity would say? That is totally bogus and everyone here knows it. Yet the Democrats seem to cower when these words are spoken. Stand up for yourself. Democrats don't have "values," also a myth. What really defines values too? Tom Delay, a high ranking Republican has been censured twice in the last two months for questionable tactics with donors, etc. But he's a family guy! Also, and this goes with both sides, but their values contradict each other. Republicans are anti-abortion (which I agree, except in extreme cases) but pro-death penalty. Does that makes sense. You want life, yet you take it. Democrats are no better. Most say "women's right to choose" but anti-death penalty. So you want to take one life but save another?

The Democrats just need to get their heads screwed on straight and fight back against these charges. It may also be better to have a small town, country Democrat take charge of the party to reach out to the "commoners." Anyways, this is long. Just my thoughts, congrats to G.W. Bush and good luck to John Kerry in future endeavors.

Indecision 2004...What has changed in four years

No this post is not going to be about jobs lost or the fact we are now in a global war on terror. This is more personal. The biggest thing that has changed in four years is that I now have a real job. I gotta go to bed. I remember vividly staying up late with Townsley and others in 2000. Townsley got mad at me and he uttered a certain word which I probably deserved...good times! But now work calls. I must go to bed not having a clue who will lead the country for the next four years. Since my job is teaching social studies and history, I guess I could get away with staying up all night for the purposes of class. I don't know if I can do it though. My eyes are hurting already. So this is it for now. A complete report and breakdown can be read tomorrow. Later.

Indecision 2004...What a night

Well, my brain is becoming numb due to the coverage. I do have a couple serious thoughts on my mind though right now.

First, I would like to brag about my senior government class at Lineville-Clio. We ran an all-school election. The students created a registration form and registered students (grades 1-12) and faculty/staff. They also created a ballot, and created voting booths. Then today we ran our election. The other teachers were quite impressed and told me it was a lot of fun. The results in case you were wondering. Kerry won 42 to 38 over Bush. Nader did gain 5 votes (one of the teachers was campaigning for Nader inside my room, so I promptly kicked her out- no campaigning within 50 ft. of the voting place). The Libertarian party candidate also gained one vote. So a close election indeed.

Second, let's not forget that tonight we are also electing 1/3 of our Senators and all of our U.S. Representatives. What makes me sick is the length of campaigns. Kerry has now been running for about 2 years. First to get the nomination, then the actual campaign. Bush has been campaigning for about nine months or so. That is too long in my opinion when they have jobs to do, like make decisions and run the country. What is worse though is that if you are a U.S. Representative, you serve only a two year term. Which means you are elected, sworn in, do work for your constituents for about 6 months and then your first term is over with. Now your focus turns to your re-election bid. You still have a year and a half to serve, but they need to be re-elected, so issues are pushed to the side for campaigning! We need laws and regulations that say "campaigns can last no longer than 3 months" or something much shorter than it is now. Too much money is being spent on campaigns and too many important pieces of legislation are voted on just for re-election purposes or passed up because campaigning is too important.

Okay, there is my soapbox on what I hate about campaigns. I'm off it now.

Indecision 2004...What the heck is going on?

Okay, here is a little Government lesson for you. If a state does not have 50% of its voting population vote in a election, the federal government gets to go over that state's voting laws and figure out why people are not voting. It is called preclearance. I have a new idea...if for two elections in a row, your state doesn't seem to understand voting, you just lose your right altogether. Florida, I'm talking about you.

What is so hard about voting? Seriously...I am ashamed to say that I have an aunt and uncle who live there. A cousin and her husband too. From all accounts they know how to vote, so I wish they would just move to Iowa like regular smart voters. Apparently, some Floridians have moved since 2000 and now live in Ohio, cause they are next in line for losing their voting rights. The insanity always has to take place in a key state. Let's say that North Dakota was all screwed up...would anyone care? No. Would we know who wins tonight? Yes. But nooo...it has to be Ohio and Florida. Meaning a winner won't be determined until much later.

Also, new numbers show from exit polls that the 18-24 voter turnout is NOT higher than it was in 2000. That is bad news for Democrats, but also bad news for P. Diddy. His "Vote or Die" campaign may have been a little over the top.

I am so jealous of Tim Russert's electronic greaseboard as Brokaw calls it. I want one. By the way, this is Brokaw's last election, he retires at the end of this year. I like him, but did you hear John McCain say "thanks for the memories of your election coverage" to Brokaw? Ahh, yes the memories. Remember that one time in 1988 when Tom triumphantly projected the state of Massachusetts for Dukakis? That was awesome! (Note: Sarcasm levels have reached deadly proportions)

Indecision 2004...the closest election in four years

Okay, I just had to post a little sooner. Big news...Chuck Grassley retains his Senate seat in Iowa. It was so close that they projected it one second after the polls close. Seriously, who is Art Small and did he even have a snowball's chance in heck of winning? I bet all my students at Lineville-Clio...all 30 of them...a pop if Art Small beat Grassley. Guess I'm saving some money, way to go Grassley!

I've now also turned to a new news source. The most comprehensive name in news...the Daily Show. Good stuff.

Wow...Bush won Texas and Kerry won Massachusetts. Why did they even waste our time telling us that?

A couple quick stories...first I took forever to vote tonight. Like I said the wait wasn't bad, but when I went into the booth, it was a weird set up that I haven't seen before. The ballot was inside a table and you pressed the button next to the candidate's name. A light went on by it then. There were a lot of buttons and they all didn't quite line up right. You then could go to the next page and once done review your pages. Finally, you hit the big red button for your votes to be counted. I made sure I double checked and took my time. My votes were correct, but I can see how people get confused.

Second, for future reference I will be 35 in 2016. Just in time for the 2016 Presidential election! Guess who is putting their name in early?

Where would we be without the Daily Show. We would all be worried and flustered about another close election and the possible recounts/trials/hysteria that may follow. Now we can just laugh it off.

Indecision 2004...Return of the Jedi

Okay, I'm back. Not much going on. Bush is currently leading 171-112. You need to hit the 270 mark to win. The big states like Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio are counting now and too close to call. Iowa polls are still open for 15 minutes.

I just did spot a younger than 65 reporter on CBS. I thought for a bit that I was on the wrong channel.

Barack Obama won in Illinois. He is a Democratic rising star. 2008 presidential candidate? That is if Kerry loses.

On NBC...we get to watch the Bush family play with Barney...great. You gotta love these last minute appeals for west coast voters. I can't wait to see Kerry playing with his cat or something. You know if Bush is a dog guy, then Kerry has to love cats. I may have to go switch my vote based on this new information.

Quick...if you live in Iowa you have 8 minutes to get to the polls. If you are just in line at 9 pm, you can vote. I should've just tried to push the clock. That would have been fun. Running in a haste up to the senior citizen center and pounding on the door. What was I thinking?

More later.

Indecision 2004..Part Deux

Okay, I'm back. If one of the candidates had promised a dishwasher be mandatory in all apartments, then I would have voted for him. I hate doing dishes!

Anyways, back to the task at hand...NBC interviewd Vanessa Kerry, John's oldest daughter. She is getting ready to go back to the books at Harvard Medical currently. I didn't hear all she said though because all I was thinking was "am I the only one who thinks she looks eerily similar to the she-devil Ann Coulter (radical Republican columnist)." It kinda scared me. Brokaw asked Kerry at the end if her and the Bush daughters were going to all get together for margaritas after this is all over with. Haha, funny Brokaw. First, what kind of question is that? Second, don't mention drinking around the Bush girls. Not a good idea.

I flipped through some of the other channels too. CBS, does anyone watch Rather anymore? More importantly, do they have anyone younger than 65 on their news staff?

Fox News...Brit Hume I've always thought is kinda a tool shed. Proves me right again. He called Susan Estrich (an anaylst) a "know-it-all" and it just didn't come out right. He then proceded to agrue with her about poll numbers, then had to apologize in a round about way for calling her a know-it-all. Good stuff.

It feels like I'm watching College Gameday on MSNBC, the crowd behind them are cheering like they are outside waiting for a college football game to start. A first has just happened too. I agreed with Joe Scarborough on something. We live in America, in the 21st century and we don't have a solid, uniform system of voting? What is wrong with us? Some counties have touch screens, some have electronic read papers, some seem to have a tablet and a chisel. I love voting, but it can be a mess. Good thing I live in Iowa. Hats off to Chet Culver. Like him or not, we don't seem to have the crazy problems like other states.

One final thought for Part Deux, I wonder how much commerical time costs tonight for companies. This is bigger than the Super Bowl. Everyone has to be watching this tonight, because there is nothing else to watch!

To quote Govenor Ah-nold..."I'll be back"

Indecision 2004

Live from my spacious penthouse apartment, I bring you a competition full of ups and downs, victories and defeats and it only happens every four years...no, not the Olympics, the 2004 Presidential Election!!! Sorry I have not posted for a few days, but that is because I was resting my fingers for tonight.

I have just returned myself from voting this evening, and to be all sentimental and patriotic for a second...I love this night. I remember going as a little kid with my parents when they voted. I have always voted in every election I can. There is absolutely nothing more American then letting your voice be heard. I was so pumped to go tonight and even more excited when I had to wait about 10-15 minutes. That is the way it should be. Awesome to see everyone getting involved. America rocks!!!

Anyways, this will be a running journal of my thoughts from time to time. I got a 20 oz. of Pepsi and even sprung from some ice cream. I spent all day at school getting prepared for tomorrow that way I don't have to do anywork tonight. So Tom Brokaw and Tim Russert, here I come!

I see ole Russert has a new and improved "white board." Remember in 2000 when his trusty handheld whiteboard was all the rage and even went into the Smithsonian. Well, now he is trying to show how far we've come in 4 years by sporting one of those computer tablets things you can write on with a special pen. Ohh, I'm also impressed with NBC's big electoral vote counter that is a huge flip scoreboard and a large piece of cloth rising up the side of the NBC building. Quite impressive I must say. If you don't understand what I'm talking about, watch NBC for a bit. You'll get a chuckle out of the cheesyness of it.