Oakmont, PA
I did not pick a particularly good time to come home. Most of my friends left for college the same weekend I got home and are busy, so I spend a lot of time sitting here bored. My good friend in the Marine Corps had his orders changed, so there's really no telling when (or if) I'll be able to see him before I head back. Curses.
Has anybody else noticed how shitty of a week the aviation industry is having? Plane crashes in Spain, Kazakhstan (yes I did spell that correctly), Utah, California, Canada...what the fuck? Keep the damn things in the air. I'm catching a flight back to Denver on Monday morning, and I would like this trend to cease immediately.
The start of the NFL Regular Season is approaching, and I am growing more and more excited. The preseason is mildly intriguing in that you get a chance to take a look at your rookies and backups, but that's balanced against the possibility of losing a star player for the season in what amounts to a scrimmage (see: New York Giants DE Osi Umenyiora). Some interesting things of late:
-Cardinals fans and coaches might have to accept the fact that the Matt Leinart project might not be a success. Leinart was drafted in the first round as the unquestioned franchise quarterback. After three years, however, he has shown little in the way of development. Veteran Kurt Warner was named the starter, and Cards fans have to be wondering: what is Leinart doing?
-The Atlanta Falcons have named rookie Matt Ryan the starting quarterback. This does two things. First, it writes off Atlanta's season. There is little in the way of talent besides Michael Turner around him, and first-year QBs rarely meet with success. However, it also gives the Falcons an undoubted new start after the Bobby Petrino and Mike Vick fiascos.
-My Steelers have GOT to shore up that offensive line, but Rashard Mendenhall looks GOOD.
Hey Hillary fans, please shut the fuck up. Hillary lost. It happened. You can't change it. Being bitter as hell because Obama didn't pick her as his VP is pointless. She is a terrible candidate, and if Obama had picked her, they would have lost in the general election. The era of the Clintons is over; it is time for Bill and Hillary to save themselves any further embarrassment and begin withdrawing from the public eye.
26 August 2008
23 August 2008
The Road Not Taken?
Denver International Airport
As a preface, I would just like to make it known that as early as February 2008, I had predicted that Joe Biden would be Barack Obama's running mate. Even when the media was hyped for Tim Kaine or Evan Bayh, I stuck with my Biden prediction for one reason: he fills the holes in Obama's resume. The two major criticisms leveled against the Democratic nominee are that he is inexperienced and that he has little in the way of foreign policy credentials. Biden is serving his 36th year in the Senate and is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, making him far more qualified than many of the other proposed contenders.
Yesterday the newly reunited Sun Four traveled up to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs for a day of obstacle courses and leadership training. It was thought-provoking for me, because it made me wonder where I would be if not for Americorps. Some background is needed. I have a 5-year-old-boy-esque fascination with aircraft. From the time I knew what the Air Force Academy was, it became my dream school. I thought (and still do) that being a combat pilot is about the coolest job out there, short of a double-O agent or a vampire hunter or something, and thus I was convinced that I would go through the Academy and end up flying some absurdly fast and powerful fighter as a career.
It was about this point, however, that my eyesight began going to shit. One of the worst days of my life to that point (age 11 or so) was when I learned that I would never be able to do that kind of flying, even if I got contacts or corrective surgery. From that point, my interest in the Academy waned; I could still get flight training, but I would be restricted to transports and the like. Not that those aren't vital to the logistics of the military, but that wasn't the kind of flying I wanted to do and thus another dream fell by the wayside. Watching cadet-piloted gliders soar overhead yesterday made me remember that particular ambition, and from that point my thoughts drifted to what I would be doing if I had not joined Americorps.
Most likely I would be going to school (though NOT at Catholic University...one year of that shit was enough), probably working (and making FAR more money than I do now, but I digress) and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life (making just as much progress...none...as I have thus far). This kind of what-if game is not, however, helpful. I need to learn to just accept where I am and what I'm doing.
As a preface, I would just like to make it known that as early as February 2008, I had predicted that Joe Biden would be Barack Obama's running mate. Even when the media was hyped for Tim Kaine or Evan Bayh, I stuck with my Biden prediction for one reason: he fills the holes in Obama's resume. The two major criticisms leveled against the Democratic nominee are that he is inexperienced and that he has little in the way of foreign policy credentials. Biden is serving his 36th year in the Senate and is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, making him far more qualified than many of the other proposed contenders.
Yesterday the newly reunited Sun Four traveled up to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs for a day of obstacle courses and leadership training. It was thought-provoking for me, because it made me wonder where I would be if not for Americorps. Some background is needed. I have a 5-year-old-boy-esque fascination with aircraft. From the time I knew what the Air Force Academy was, it became my dream school. I thought (and still do) that being a combat pilot is about the coolest job out there, short of a double-O agent or a vampire hunter or something, and thus I was convinced that I would go through the Academy and end up flying some absurdly fast and powerful fighter as a career.
It was about this point, however, that my eyesight began going to shit. One of the worst days of my life to that point (age 11 or so) was when I learned that I would never be able to do that kind of flying, even if I got contacts or corrective surgery. From that point, my interest in the Academy waned; I could still get flight training, but I would be restricted to transports and the like. Not that those aren't vital to the logistics of the military, but that wasn't the kind of flying I wanted to do and thus another dream fell by the wayside. Watching cadet-piloted gliders soar overhead yesterday made me remember that particular ambition, and from that point my thoughts drifted to what I would be doing if I had not joined Americorps.
Most likely I would be going to school (though NOT at Catholic University...one year of that shit was enough), probably working (and making FAR more money than I do now, but I digress) and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life (making just as much progress...none...as I have thus far). This kind of what-if game is not, however, helpful. I need to learn to just accept where I am and what I'm doing.
15 August 2008
Well, Damn
Grand Island, NE
If any of my VAST readership hails from the great state of Iowa, I would like to reassure you tonight: you are safe. Your tax dollars are being well-spent by the Iowa State Police to mount massive, coordinated efforts to halt what most would agree is the most ominous threat facing the Hawkeye State. Yes, you guessed it: speeders. The Iowa State Police put on a magnificent display this morning, using two spotter aircraft and no less than eight cruisers to pull over motorists on Interstate 35, including two large vans with government plates. I was behind the wheel of one of those vans, and I have to say that the effort expended was well-worth stopping us dangerous scofflaws, who showed a blatant disregard for the law and the posted speed limit of 70 mph. The fact that we were keeping pace with traffic at 80 mph is irrelevant, as is the fact that traveling slower than the flow of traffic is a nuisance at best and dangerous at worst. What IS relevant is that a major victory was scored for law and order today in Iowa. Thank you, state troopers of that wonderful, flat state.
Now sod off.
If any of my VAST readership hails from the great state of Iowa, I would like to reassure you tonight: you are safe. Your tax dollars are being well-spent by the Iowa State Police to mount massive, coordinated efforts to halt what most would agree is the most ominous threat facing the Hawkeye State. Yes, you guessed it: speeders. The Iowa State Police put on a magnificent display this morning, using two spotter aircraft and no less than eight cruisers to pull over motorists on Interstate 35, including two large vans with government plates. I was behind the wheel of one of those vans, and I have to say that the effort expended was well-worth stopping us dangerous scofflaws, who showed a blatant disregard for the law and the posted speed limit of 70 mph. The fact that we were keeping pace with traffic at 80 mph is irrelevant, as is the fact that traveling slower than the flow of traffic is a nuisance at best and dangerous at worst. What IS relevant is that a major victory was scored for law and order today in Iowa. Thank you, state troopers of that wonderful, flat state.
Now sod off.
14 August 2008
Disdain
Michael Phelps has, for the second Summer Olympiad in a row, proved his utter dominance over the sport of swimming by absolutely crushing his opponents. It's not even close, really. Phelps could spend the first ten seconds of each race sitting on the pool deck eating a sandwich, then casually climb down the ladder into the water, lazily swim over to his lane, and STILL end up leaving the rest of the competitors choking in his wake. This guy is one of the greatest athletes ever, and will easily (and deservedly) break Mark Spitz's gold-medal record. Way to go, man.
While we're on the topic of the Olympics, I have to admit that, despite my early reservations, I am glad that the games are being held in China. Not because of its history or place in the world, mind you. Rather, I'm glad that the world as a whole has a chance to see how intolerant, dishonest, and generally ratty the country is. From using 13-year-old gymnasts (the age limit for the Olympics is 16) to incredible levels of censorship on the internet and in the media, to brutally suppressing those who advocate (and rightfully so) Tibetan and Taiwanese independence, to allowing their capital to become so polluted that it makes Mexico City look clean by comparison...gotta love socialism. Thanks for nothing, you vicious bastards.
While we're on the topic of the Olympics, I have to admit that, despite my early reservations, I am glad that the games are being held in China. Not because of its history or place in the world, mind you. Rather, I'm glad that the world as a whole has a chance to see how intolerant, dishonest, and generally ratty the country is. From using 13-year-old gymnasts (the age limit for the Olympics is 16) to incredible levels of censorship on the internet and in the media, to brutally suppressing those who advocate (and rightfully so) Tibetan and Taiwanese independence, to allowing their capital to become so polluted that it makes Mexico City look clean by comparison...gotta love socialism. Thanks for nothing, you vicious bastards.
09 August 2008
Quick Points
-Anthony Smith is a classless little bastard. High-stepping on an interception return as a rookie, smugly predicting a victory against the New England Patriots last year (and subsequently getting treated like a refugee), and now leveling Hines Ward with a cheap shot in practice. I don't care who we need to sign to replace him, this guy has GOT to go.
-Charlie Batch's broken collarbone is not good. He's one of the best backups in the league, and with his loss the Steelers are one play away from having to throw rookie Dennis Dixon to the wolves. Dixon has potential, but he's an unpolished product at this point. If we have to rely on him this year, it will be a long season.
-'Jet Favre'? What the hell? Bad news for my Bills-obsessed friend Joe: it looks like the Jets are no longer keeping the Dolphins company as the AFC East doormats. With the addition of Favre, that team could definitely compete.
-Speaking of the Dolphins, I wonder if they'll have any more success with Chad Pennington and his candy arm than the Jets...
-The Vikings could make it to the NFC Championship game for sure if they had somebody other than Tavaris Jackson under center.
-Rashard Mendenhall is looking more and more like another solid pick.
-Charlie Batch's broken collarbone is not good. He's one of the best backups in the league, and with his loss the Steelers are one play away from having to throw rookie Dennis Dixon to the wolves. Dixon has potential, but he's an unpolished product at this point. If we have to rely on him this year, it will be a long season.
-'Jet Favre'? What the hell? Bad news for my Bills-obsessed friend Joe: it looks like the Jets are no longer keeping the Dolphins company as the AFC East doormats. With the addition of Favre, that team could definitely compete.
-Speaking of the Dolphins, I wonder if they'll have any more success with Chad Pennington and his candy arm than the Jets...
-The Vikings could make it to the NFC Championship game for sure if they had somebody other than Tavaris Jackson under center.
-Rashard Mendenhall is looking more and more like another solid pick.
02 August 2008
Assumption
Right, well for once I've decided that I will do my best to look to the future and actually make some kind of plan for the months and years after Americorps. Thus, I have decided to put in my application to be a Team Leader for Americorps NCCC for 2009. Make no mistake...even if I'm accepted, I have yet to decide whether or not I'll take the job. Assuming I do, I will be working out of the Biloxi, MS campus, which will open its doors for the first time in January 2009. I would be part of Class 15, Southeast Region, at the newest of a total of five campuses. (Denver, Perry Point MD, Sacramento, Vinton IA, and Biloxi MS) The way I figure it, it can't hurt to apply, see if I make the cut; if I decide I don't want the job, it would be simple to turn it down and allow one of the waiting-list candidates to take the position. I was hoping to finish the application today, but thanks to Americorps' slightly outdated website, I have met with limited success. Ah, suppose that's what the weekend is for.
Speaking of that...four work days left before we leave Copper Harbor. I cannot wait. I have learned over the past several weeks that trail work is not my forte; while it is undoubtedly a boon to the region, I find the work itself to be mindless, repetitive, and menial. To the staff of the Copper Harbor Trails Club, I extend my sincere amazement. I have no idea how people like Aaron (our site supervisor) can do it 6-7 days a week, spring to fall. Give me construction any day.
And my plans for the immediate future: we will be leaving Copper Harbor on August 14th and arriving back in Denver on the 16th after two days on the road. Our team will experience its first transition week back in Denver, packed full of informative, relevant meetings and enjoyable team-building activities (sarcasm in italics, people) then on the 23rd I will be boarding an (early, grrr) flight back to Pittsburgh for a week! Cannot wait.
Speaking of that...four work days left before we leave Copper Harbor. I cannot wait. I have learned over the past several weeks that trail work is not my forte; while it is undoubtedly a boon to the region, I find the work itself to be mindless, repetitive, and menial. To the staff of the Copper Harbor Trails Club, I extend my sincere amazement. I have no idea how people like Aaron (our site supervisor) can do it 6-7 days a week, spring to fall. Give me construction any day.
And my plans for the immediate future: we will be leaving Copper Harbor on August 14th and arriving back in Denver on the 16th after two days on the road. Our team will experience its first transition week back in Denver, packed full of informative, relevant meetings and enjoyable team-building activities (sarcasm in italics, people) then on the 23rd I will be boarding an (early, grrr) flight back to Pittsburgh for a week! Cannot wait.
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