We're taking bets that the Oscar goes to...

Congrats to Colin Firth and Natalie Portman. They rocked out getting the Best Actor and Best Actress Awards. Here is a cool pic from msnbc.com.

We're taking bets that sometimes you need a vacation...

I will be gone for the next few days, but I will be back to blog for everyone on Saturday. I hope you have a fun week!!!

WTBT Volume 19, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* "Naked sausage stealer caught on tape" is one of the best headlines ever.
* you have to love that he chose to air dry.
* waiting in a virtual waiting room is lonely when no one else is home.
* if Wisconsin succeeds in its anti-union bill we could be in for riots at home.
* Bruno Mars "Lazy Day" is a great song especially for college students.
* I still don't think Carmelo Anthony will ever be a Net.
* most of you don't know how to dougie.
* the more you watch Lady Gaga interview the more you are impressed with her.
* it is fun to forbade things.
* when you steal 725,000 condoms it has to be a inside job, though I bet they used the back door.
* most of the time the things I write are only funny to me.

We're taking bets that you are not celebrating your favorite president this weekend.

Here are my top ten movies with a president in them.

10. Murder at 1600 - When Wesley Snipes was actually fun in movies.
9. Dr. Strangelove - One of the craziest movies I have ever seen.
8. Dave - Really a fun movie and they balanced the budget.

7. Independence Day - Bill Pullman gives one of the better speeches.

6. Absolute Power - What a great thriller
5. Armageddon - Only a brief appearance of a president, but good enough
4. The Pelican Brief - Denzel and Julia - Probably the best combination of actor/actress in the 90's.
3. Love Actually - Although Billy Bob was an ass.
2. The Fifth Element - I love watching this movie. Probably because of Chris Tucker.
1. The American President - I had a huge crush on Annette Bening. Probably the quintessential president movie.

BTW - Lincoln is my favorite president overall followed by Kennedy, T. Roosevelt, FDR, J. Adams and Clinton.

We're taking bet that sports nuts are sometimes actually crazy...

Here are a few observations that I have over the last few days. Enjoy.

* Did you hear about the imbecile from Alabama who killed some trees at Auburn University because he hates them? Thankfully he was caught because he bragged about it on sports radio. Why does sports make people do evil things? I support though I don't completely understand ultimate passion for your team that makes you paint your chest in 4 degree weather. I love the Boston Red Sox and own an amazing amount of Red Sox apparel, but I never want to get arrested for my love of them. I will argue with James Lipscomb about why Louisville stinks and UConn is better for five hours and never come even think of slashing his tires. This guy killed two 130 year old trees and he was 62 years old. I mean if this was a fraternity prank, while not okay, would have made me feel better. We need some serious reality checks here in the United States. We don't live in Egypt or Bahrain. We don't have any reason to harbor the amount of hate this man had. Please stop the insanity over you favorite sports teams.

* To say that I am confused by the protesting in Bahrain is a complete understatement. Now most people don't even now where Bahrain is or that it is an island nation, but it has been another one of our allies. The kingdom (yes it is considered a kingdom) is ruled by King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah who, in March 1999, succeeded his father as head of state and instituted elections for parliament, gave women the right to vote, and released all political prisoners.Now there is two parliaments and the Upper House is appointed by the King and the lower house is elected by the people. The biggest problem is the fact that the Shiite's and Sunni's islamists cannot get along. The Sunni's control the lower house by a 22 to 18 margin and the Shiite's are leading these protests. The weirdest thing is that the King has made tons of moves to "Westernize" his country to give women more rights and unemployment is only at 4%. (Which if this was the US, no one would be complain and we actually might be dancing in the streets.) He actually seems like the opposite of Mubarak except for the not giving oil money to his people. I have a strange feeling that each of these country protests are going to seem the same, but have very different reasons and outcomes. The Bahrain military is completely behind the King in this instance and he is going to keep power. I for one am scared for the protesters because it looks like many are going to die for their cause.

* It is sad, but Uncle Leo from Seinfeld died at age 88 yesterday. He was one of the best characters on that show and had great comedic timing. Go to Youtube and watch him say "Jerry!" one last time.

* American Idol has actually been pretty good lately. I think the show is going to have a huge comeback. (Yes I know the ratings are still huge) They have done a good job of focusing on more positive things than bad and there are some very likable contestants. If you stopped watching I think you should give it a try, because I think there is going to be some excellent singing and so very good drama.

WTBT Volume 18, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* the GOP should give Obama's budget a chance instead of automatically bashing it.
* you think it is about time that BoyzIIMen has a huge comeback.
* I feel like this kid will always have amazing things within her reach.
* she probably will just grab any opportunity that comes by with her toes.
* Lance Armstrong better be retired for good or we should get Brett Favre to start texting him.
* Albert Pujols will be a St. Louis Cardinal in 2012.
* I would be interested to know what you all think about the teacher blogger who was suspended for posting anonymously mean things about her students.
* I don't think public education should be a "customer is always right" industry.
* UConn basketball could be in trouble in the tournament if they don't start winning some games.
* it is pretty obvious I mean the men's team as the women are just fine.
* Fizbo maybe one of the greatest TV characters ever after Clive Bixby of course.
* unrest in Africa and the Middle East is going to dominate the next three months of news.
* even if you like Justin Bieber you are kind of getting sick of him.
* it is weird when thieves steal things that are hard to hide from authorities.
* when those robbers do get caught the newspaper will have a headline that refers to a "Prickly situation."
* I have been a reading fiend lately and might complete my 12th book of 2011 by the end of the month.
* you are getting old if you remember when I work some sort of plaid shirt almost everyday for the entire winter.
* I still don't have good fashion sense.

We're taking bets that knowledge is some sort of power...

Hey everyone!!! I just wanted to give a little update on the books I am reading or have just recently read. You should definitely check them out.

Books I have finished
Secrets of a Buccaneer Scholar by James Marcus Bach
- This book has changed how I view the way I educate myself. Not everyone is cut out to learn though traditional schooling. If it works for you then please continue, but if you struggle maybe you are a Buccaneer Scholar too.

Nine Dragons by Michael Connolly
- Another great Harry Bosch mystery novel. This one shocked me at the end. The things some people do for their families is amazing.

The Book of Dead Philosophers by Simon Critchley
- This was not really the book I was expecting. It basically talked about how each of the great philosophers in the world died. It does give some brief insight on what each of them believed in and is actually kind of funny.

Books I am currently reading:

Just Listen - Mark Goulston
The Maze Runner - James Dashner

WTBT Volume 17, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* you are glad this lady is now okay, but you really wonder what the heck happened.
* Christina Aguilera must have some bad karma because even though she got the lyrics right she fell at the Grammy's.
* despite Albert Pujols having a deadline so his contract won't be a distraction all season, it will still be a distraction all season.
* having something burnt in your oven literally stinks.
* turning on the self cleaning part of your oven is almost worse.
* Lady Gaga's egg appearance was actually kind of cool considering it related to her song.
* the Tiger Woods spitting debacle seems kind of weird.
* you are getting old if you remember when John Travolta was the hottest actor for the second time in his career.
* my favorite movie for Valentine's Day is Notting Hill.
* the "I'm just a girl asking a boy to love her" line gets you every time.
* without all of the crazy weather in the US people are starting to talk to each other about real things again.

We're taking bets that you need to love what you do...

Many people who read my blog know that I am currently unemployed. I decided that my time as a Residence Hall Director was up and I needed to move to a position that would be a promotion. I finally had my master's degree (Which I struggled to get because I was stubborn and have a buccanneer type learning style.) and know I could be an asset on a larger level at any college or University.

Now I loved being a Hall Director and was in the job for longer than anyone would have expected. Most people thought I was crazy continuing to live with college students, but it really was an amazing experience. I was able to end having one of the most incredible staffs I had ever had. (They might think they were the best, but there was no such thing.) I was able to meet and hopefully help thousands of students. I definitely had closer relationships with some as I am friends with many of them still today, but I really enjoyed all my students. Some of my favorites were the one's who got in trouble, met with me a number of times, finally got it and ended up graduating. There were definitely some trying times including a stabbing, a hate crime and other racial issues, baseball riots, 9/11, threats of violence, fights, and a bunch of students who died over the years. I always hope that we handled those issues and help the students to become stronger adults. So now it is time for something new.

I have applied to 64 different jobs at 58 different institutions in higher education. Most of these jobs I have not heard even one word from. I've had a few phone interviews and some on campus interivews and the right fit never happened. With one school I still haven't even been contacted about the job even though it has been 2 months since my last on campus interview. It is tough, especially since I know that I was very qualified for at least 80% of those jobs and some of them I was probably over qualified. Not all of them were in Residence Life, but that is where my passion lies. Additionally, I have applied for numerous jobs outside of higher education and have not even got a sniff of a job from any of those places. It is tough, but I am hopeful every day and know I have to keep trying.

That leads me to the point of today's blog. If I don't get a job in the next six months I probably will have to give up what I love to do and find a completely new path for my life. It pains me to think about it, but it definitely could be a reality. The funniest thing is that I never intended a path of higher education administrator, but I loved my college experience and had someone (Dean Ted Zern) who recognized I might be good in this field. I never was interested in Residence Life, but after my first couple of years I really couldn't imagine leaving it. I know that you are never to old to reinvent yourself, but I am definitely scared about it. I need to work my ass off the next six months and make sure I leave it all on the field because if it is the end I will go down swinging. Regardless it makes me feel better to have put it out there. Wish me luck because it is going to be fun.

WTBT Volume 16, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* it official Parks and Recreation is one of the funniest shows on TV.
* you have to believe that the Egyptians are going to be better off without Mubarak.
* this guy must of paid a ton in luggage fees.
* Clive Bixby is one of my favorite spies.
* Elton John and Billy Joel are in the girliest fight/argument ever.
* it is fitting that Dennis Rodman's jersey is going to be retired by the Pistons on April Fools Day.
* you have no desire to see the Spider-Man musical.
* the Swedes need to work on their bully prevention.
* you should being saying prayers tonight for the Chileans that just had another earthquake.
* if you are looking to get excited about summer movies you need to see the X-Men: First Class trailer.

We're taking bets that Mubarak will fair alright...

Here are a few observations I have over the last few days or so. I hope you enjoy.

* Hosni Mubarak is going to be leaving Egypt with a ton of money. He is 82 years old and probably will be stricken with a very painful cancer in the next few years. (Mainly because I believe in karma) I am surprised that Hosni didn't realize that once he tried to have democratic elections then rigged them that he was not going to have a happy ending. When has rigging a democratic election ever worked out in the long run. I mean even JFK was assassinated. (If you believe the Chicago Mob and Frank Sinatra helped him win.) Someday people will actually study history so they don't repeat it, but until then things like this will continue to happen. Thankfully I think that the Egyptians will be better off for the next 50 years. Only time will tell.

* I am very dismayed at the fact that Jerry Sloan is resigning/being forced out as the coach of the Utah Jazz. He has been a great coach and probably the greatest coach to never win a championship. The problem I have is that players completely control the game and if your star doesn't get along with the coach than the coach is out. We used to respect our coaches. It seems like that has completely gone out the window. Now I do agree that coaches can get out of touch with their player and Jerry is 68, but all he has done is get his team to the playoffs every year. He made the playoffs 20 out of 23 years with Utah and won the division seven times. This should be a sad day for Utah because they will never have a better coach.

* I know that we don't necessarily think that our politicians have a lot of common sense, but can you believe the Craigslist guy? How could he have thought this was a good idea and he would not get found out? You have to love his flexing picture. We live in an age where there is a good chance if you fart in church it is going to be national news. I would love for us to have a year where no congressman or congresswoman has a scandal that causes more embarrassment to our government. Is that possible? Probably not, but you could say I'm a dreamer.

* I know everyone has seen the Darth Vader commercial by now, but here is a little bonus that makes the commercial even better. This kid could not get any cooler or cuter in my book. I hope you enjoy it.

WTBT Volume 15, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* when you are in a relationship it is easy to get sucked into bad television.
* the Chrysler Eminem commercial and the E-Trade Bless You Peppers were the two best commercials of the Super Bowl.
* you are much more excited about Captain America after seeing the trailer.
* it's sad Marc Savard might not play hockey again due to concussions.
* his concussions make Colin Campbell seem like even more on an asshole.
* Cameron Diaz feeding A-Rod at the Super Bowl kind of made me hate him even more.
* Obama definitely did a good job in his interview with Bill O'Reilly.
* you like Bill O'Reilly more than you want to admit.
* Glee writers really have it out for the Lohan's and it is kind of funny.
* sometimes guys are just clueless and that definitely includes me.

WTBT Volume 14, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* there are five movies that I will stop what I am doing to watch when they come on TV.
- Shawshank Redemption
- Say Anything
- LOTR: Fellowship of the Ring
- Star Wars
- Good Will Hunting
* you can't believe that Phil Simms tried to punch Desmond Howard.
* it's one thing to defend your son; it is another thing to start a fight over words.
* you have no interest in any of the movies currently headlining theaters today.
* this is a fun way to raise money and might actually get me to start jogging.
* the Pittsburgh Penguins will have a tough time making the playoffs now that Malkin is out for the season.
* you are looking forward to Dana Carvey on SNL tonight.
* if they have one more city after Miami for the Real Housewives they will have jumped the shark.
* you are probably right and they probably already have.
* the Green Bay Packers are going to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 37-31.
* you know you are broken when you drop a penny and frantically look for it on the ground.
* making prop bets on the Super Bowl with friends is kind of fun.
* being the best among your friends at something is cool, but when you realize you are not even close to the best in the world it can humble you.
* you have to love when someone totally overreacts to something and only hurts them self.
* we should start calling that "Phil Simmsing It."
* some of the ads on the side of your Facebook page kind of scare you.
* this guy does not feel good.
* you are getting old if you actually understand that joke.
* sometimes you have to give up a dream to try and develop another.

We're taking bets that pot heads are the smartest people I know...

Here are a few observations I have had over the past few days. I hope that you enjoy them.

* I know a lot of people support the use of marijuana and think it should be legalized. I am not one of those people because I have seen the damage it can cause. Now I will agree that typically when dealing with pot heads you do not have to deal with a lot of violence that you do with drunks, but I don't think that makes it okay. Every time I hear that pot is not so bad I look at stories like Robert Michelson in Farmington, CT. He called 911 to ask what kind of trouble he would get in for growing marijuana. Predictably he was arrested and charge with various crimes. People who are not smoking pot do not do things like this. At the very least the one thing I think pot gives us is great stories to tell from the people who deal with pot heads and other various pot people. Now I will get off my high horse.

* I think that Mother Nature really wants the Super Bowl to be in a cold weather stadium. She is doing her best to freeze everyone in North Texas with ice and snow. I know that they will close the roof and it will be an indoor game, but maybe it would be good for the teams to weather the elements. I think that the Super Bowl XLVIII in Jersey will be all kinds of awesome in 2014. Just stay away from the sides of the stadium as there probably will be some falling ice.

* Can more people please watch Detroit 1-8-7 or at the very least TiVo it? It is an excellent show with perhaps on of the best TV actors around in Michael Imperioli. He is Awesome times 1,000. The more you learn about his past the more you like and dislike the guy. The show is actually filmed in Detroit and it is helping the economy there. Michigan has had enough bad luck with the Lions, Michigan football and basketball and the fact that Chris Rader no longer lives there. It has to catch a break at sometime.

* I need someone to explain to me why San Diego State University is not good in every sport it plays. This year they are finally getting some recognition in basketball, but shouldn't this school be at the top of everyone's list. It has a beautiful campus in one of the best cities in the world. You cannot get much better weather than San Diego. Recruits from all sports should be begging to go there. I am just shocked it has not become a national power in every sport yet. Tony Gwynn knew what he was doing when he went to school there.

* Facebook turns seven years old today. It is amazing that the company is now worth $63 billion. I remember telling my classmates in Current Events in Higher Education in April 2005 that they should pay attention to Facebook and most people didn't know what I was talking about and thought I was crazy. Now just about every college student uses FB at least once a day if not much much more. I for one am glad FB is around and hope it is around for a long long time. So Happy Birthday Facebook. Your teenage years will be here before you konw it.

We're taking bets that Lil Wayne is a Green & Yellow genius...

I really have to ask how anyone could not like this song. Even if you are a Steelers fan you have to appreciate the genius of the lyrics and the song. Well maybe not. Steeler fans are pretty passionate about their team, but I think it is amazing.

WTBT Volume 13, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* the Year of the Rabbit is going to lead to a new baby boom.
* I don't believe the Black Eyed Peas will make the Super Bowl Halftime worth watching.
* it is awesome that the spirit of Ted Kennedy is now in a turkey.
* you think it is awesome that he is attacking a federal vehicle.
* a car commercial will be the best Super Bowl commercial this year.
* Andy Pettitte is going to have an exciting time being retired especially after he testifies against Roger "The Dope Dodger" Clemens.
* this is why I think smokers are not always the smartest people.
* it is fun playing Sporcle in a group.
* I am Number Four is going to be the most fun movie of February.
* you are getting old if you remember George Clooney with a mullet.
* the Egyptians that attacked Anderson Cooper probably have a hit put on them by Kathi Griffin.

WTBT Volume 12, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* it is hard to see your shadow in the middle of a snow/ice storm.
* if this was not on video you would not believe it was real.
* you wonder how no one was hurt in that car.
* not having insurance is scary, but it sounds funny when millionaire football players are complaining about not having insurance.
* Mubarak won't make it to September as Egyptian president.
* college football recruiting day as gotten a little out of hand.
* you can have too many animals.
* Happy Gilmore is Adam Sandler's best comedy.
* you are getting old if you remember when Burt Reynolds was the coolest actor on the planet.
* the new American Idol is getting better each week.