Saturday, November 23, 2013

WTBT Volume 16 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* Catching Fire was a really great sequel to the Hunger Games.
* no one really thought this was possible.
* some scientists have really too much time and grant money on their hands.
* if a blog is written in the technology world and no one is reading it, it might not exist.
* the Broncos/Patriots game will be the most exciting of the NFL season thus far.
* holding is holding is holding.
* stealing a million dollar scratch ticket is pretty awful.
* you can't wait for Thanksgiving Day.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

We're taking bets that Marvel is good for entertainment...

I have really enjoyed the last Marvel outing of Thor: The Dark World. It was an interesting tale with lots of action, humor and intrigue. Thor also had a great message about power and how it can blind you from doing the right thing.

Additionally, I have been enjoying the new TV show Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. It stars Clark Gregg as good old Agent Coulson from all of the Marvel movies. He has a fun group of agents that seemed mismatched, but work together. The stories are starting to get very interesting now that they have moved on from the introductions. I think that if they get a minor Marvel villain as the season's foil it will become an even better show. Though you have to have faith in Joss Whedon.

Marvel is in the news everywhere with it's deal with Netflix that will produce four TV shows and the new X-Men and Captain America movies. It is bringing one of the most creative story telling to the mainstream world. Comics might seem stupid to a lot of people, but there is a ton of creativity in the story telling. Yes, they are not based in reality, but what is? I am glad that I am a small fan of comics. I think that we need more heroes in our lives. Tragedies like Sandy Hook and the disaster in the Philippines show us that we need more heroes in our world.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

WTBT Volume 15 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* I love that Dirty Water.
* Big Papi is amazing and anyone who disparages him is just jealous.
* you can't figure out if Emma Stone is actually hot or not.
* it is hard to stop loving the dog in the Darth Vader costume.
* you are relieved that you can finally use electronic devices on airplanes.
* this may be the grossest story I have shared in a long time with my reader.
* 10 year old Boston fans only know of winning Boston teams.
* Beyonce is one of the coolest people alive and this is why.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

WTBT Volume 14 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* not tipping your waiter because you think he is gay is probably one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.
* hatred comes in all forms, but sometimes it is so baffling you just have to shake your head.
* if the Sox win tonight they will probably win the World Series.
* Boston fans born in 1991 and later are spoiled regarding Boston sports.
* sometimes you need to plan your catchphrases.
* most of the phone tapping NSA scandal stuff started in the Bush administration, but Obama is going to take the blame.
* if you are not listening to Aloe Blacc, you are missing out on a future legend.

Friday, October 25, 2013

WTBT Volume 13 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* some people actually can't be replaced and you just need to go a different direction in hiring someone new.
* this photo is actually amazing and I don't think it could be duplicated.
* the World Series is going to go seven games.
* we need to find a way for our youth to understand that teachers are people to be revered, not hated or disrespected.
* candy factories should not have the ability to explode.
* you cannot wait for the next XMen trailer.
* the Kansas City Chiefs will not win a play-off game this year and you heard it here first.
* even when you are right you can be wrong.
* if you do not watch SyFy's Haven you are missing excellent television.
* David Ortiz will hit 5 home runs during this World Series.

Wednesday, October 09, 2013

WTBT Volume 12 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* unless I ask no one is reading this blog.
* it makes it harder to write when no one is reading.
* you are struggling with understand how our government is still shut down.
* the MLB playoffs are much more exciting when you team is in it.
* only Jimmy Fallon could make you like Miley Cyrus again.
* you forgot Miley Cyrus was actually talented.
* defaulting on the governments debt will only hurt the United States no matter what you hear from some politicians.
* doing this blog during the work day is not a smart thing because getting sidetracked is very easy.

Friday, September 27, 2013

WTBT Volume 11 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* Jimmy Fallon, The Roots, and the Sesame Street gang is one of the greatest viral videos ever.
* it is disapointing that Cookie Monster eats a banana and not a cookie though.
* the rap in the song elevated it to amazing heights.
* Joe Giarardi did an amazing thing by having Andy Pettite and Derek Jeter take Mariano off the mound at Yankee Stadium for the last time.
* rubbernecking is a serious problem on our roads today and it needs to stop.
* getting college students to do something they don't want to do is harder than convincing a three year old broccoli is good for them.
* the Big E is amazing and I can't wait to go down the big yellow slide tonight.
* most of the United States thinks the Senate and House of Representatives needs a time out to learn how to play nice.
* you should boycott Barilla pasta.
* if you don't know where this movie line is from you need to figure out where your life went wrong, "Human Sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria..."
* you are getting old if you remember Mariano Rivera with hair.

Monday, September 23, 2013

WTBT Volume 10 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* the Kenya mall attack has kind of freaked you out.
* it amazes me that this could happen to such a huge company.
* Mariano Rivera will still be a better closer than 75% of the relief pitchers who play next year.
* Will Ferrell's kids were one of the best parts of the Emmy's last night.
* Dexter had probably the worst ending for a cable TV show ever.
* you need to know when to hold em.
* the New England Patriots are going to quietly become the best team in the AFC as the season progresses.
* you are really excited for HIMYM season premier tonight.
* it still makes you sad that Hostess has gone out of business.
* it might be the Oakland A's year to win a World Series.
* you need to know when to walk away.
* you probably don't know what the "Y" word is, but this article will teach you something.
* Angela Merkel might be the most badass world leader currently.
* although Carrie Underwood was kind of dull in her performance of the Beatles "Yesterday", she was super hot in that dress.
* you have to know when to run.
* I am getting old because I officially don't think I can physically twerk.
* small dogs have the smelliest farts of any dogs.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

WTBT Volume 9 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* you are shocked the Dolphins are 3-0 and the NY Giants are 0-3.
* Sen. Ted Cruz is betting the house with money he doesn't have on the Obamacare issue.
* people are getting real tired of these mass shootings.
* writing a blog that only you read regularly is therapeutic, but a little disheartening.
* my niece is officially the cutest person on the planet.
* uncles are allowed to make crazy statements like the one above.
* you hope Louie C.K. wins an Emmy tonight.
* this story reminds me of TommyBoy.
* you are getting old if you actually read a "We're taking bets that..." in paper form.
* I am going out on a limb here, but jeans are more flattering for women's butts than yoga pants.
* you can't wait for Anchorman 2.

Monday, September 16, 2013

WTBT Volume 8 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* it's nice to know the Yankees won't be winning the AL East this year.
* Kevin Hart might be the funniest stand-up comedian out currently.
* it was very surprising to see Miss New York win again even though she was very beautiful and articulate.
* it makes you wonder if she really said that, "fat as f@#k" comment.
* you blown away by all of the racist comments on Twitter/FB/etc. after her win and then again maybe you are not.
* if you don't know what the Big E is you are really missing out.
* this headline will make you giggle a little.
* no one is shocked that Miley and Liam broke up.

Friday, September 13, 2013

We're taking bets that WNEC will never be the same...

I do try my best not to get on my soapbox about every single topic that comes to my mind. Today is a special day to recognize a special person. Many of you are probably wondering what is so special about Friday September 13th. Although it is a Friday the 13th and Yom Kippur starts at sunset, something bigger is going on that will have ripple effects for generations of college students in Springfield, MA. Ian Martin last day as the Senior Associate Director for Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development at Western New England College. Oops University though for my purposes today I am going to keep using the old name of WNEC. (Prerogative of an Alum)

Many of my readers hopefully already know Ian. He is my best friend and was my best man at my wedding. Our friendship goes back decades (as students of WNEC), but that is not why I am writing this blog today. I am writing it because I am consistently in awe of his talent as a student affairs professional, especially the work he has done at WNEC. I know that no matter what WNEC does to recognize it will pale in comparison to his achievements there.

Ian has had a lasting impact on a generation of students at Western New England. He has brought countless events to WNEC that they had never experienced before. WNEC-pallooza on Labor Day is an annual event that most students take for granted now a days. He elevated the professionalism and work ethic of the students in the Campus Activities Board (CAB), the Westerner newspaper and WNEK radio station. The concerts, comedians, late night weekend programming and other activities he supported brought life to the campus. I am sure that retention numbers were higher because he helped to make WNEC the vibrant campus it is.

He was able to empower leaders to reach heights they never thought they could achieve. As an outsider watching the organization work you would think they were the professionals running events, only using Ian as a resource in complicated situations. It is a skill most student affairs professionals have a hard time doing; letting our students do the hard work so they can grow.  From his CAB leadership retreat to open, honest and direct feedback to an ear to listen his students continued to gain valuable skills that they will use throughout their adult life. I know first hand the pride and dedication he had with the students he advised.

Ian has enhanced the lives of many students whether they knew him or not. Many of them might have taken his efforts for granted, but a large number of students were directly effectived by Ian. For many students Ian was a household name that they shared with their families as someone who had such a positive affect on them.  Ian was also instrumental in changing the negative trajectory of a number of students who would have left WNEC without his help or gone down even worse paths. He was always there for his students and colleagues even at the sacrifice of some of his own personal time.

Ian was also a champion of diversity efforts at WNEC. While WNEC is not the most diverse college in the world, Ian would work hard to make sure his students were expanding their horizons and getting not only tolerance, but understanding of differences.  He was a strong voice in many meetings getting administrators to see the bigger picture when it came to diversity and how it was affecting the students.

He is an great colleague, who is always willing to help. While you might not always agree with his methods he definitely had both WNEC and the person he was helping in mind. Ian specializes in finding ways to be in "win-win" situations. Countless people learned how to be the great professionals they are from Ian's role modeling and advice. He always made time to talk with young professionals and was ready with a joke or just an ear to listen.

I was lucky enough to work with Ian for a full year at WNEC. I was continually in awe of the dedication he has to students and WNEC in general. He would hours of behind the scenes work that so many people never saw. Ian has an amazing ability to navigate the sometimes crazy politics that come up in a small college. With all of the craziness I experienced that year I am not sure I would have been as successful without his help. From students to colleagues to upper administrators Ian was always able to make a positive impact. I know that he will be able to look back and say that he left WNEC a better place than when he arrived.

We work a job where we get thanks, but at times it is sparingly. All Golden Bears (staff, faculty, and students) should be thanking him for his time. Johnson & Wales does not even know how lucky they are to be getting an amazing Student Affairs professional. Ian will be impacting the lives of another generation of students in another New England state.  WNEC will have a new Student Activities person, who I am sure will do a great job and help students, but I am positive that WNEC never ever be the same because Ian Mrtin has left. Please join me in recognizing Ian Martin and his work at Western New England College/University. Share your stories on Facebook, this comment thread or to him directly.

Thanks Ian and I am proud to be your best friend.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

WTBT Volume 7 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* the 49ers/Seahawks might be the best new rivalry in sports.
* the storms tonight in CT/NY area are super scary.
* you need to say things exactly as they are sometimes no matter who doesn't like what you say.
* melted wax is sticky so this story makes no sense.
* choosing to be kind is the right thing to do.
* President Obama definitely has handled the Syria thing badly, but no one would have done any better.
* the more you see commercials for the movie Gravity the more you want to see it.
* this is one of those only in America stories.
* you cannot believe that New Girl comes back next week.
* millenials parents are probably the most irrational people when it comes to their children.
* I love my parents, but they would call today's college parents crazy.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

WTBT Volume 6 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* if you haven't seen Jimmy Kimmel's Twerking prank you should.
* since you have now probably seen Kimmel's prank you probably saw it the first time and didn't know it was a prank.
* it is time to revamp your fantasy football roster after a devastating week one for everyone except the people who had Payton as their QB.
* sometimes people just don't get it and never will.
* peach pie is always going to be more popular than tomato cobbler.
* sweet potato pie might be the best, but I will never know.
* Clay Buchholz return might be the key to Boston's championship hopes.
* Buchholz just looks like it is spelled wrong.
* you can't believe it has been 12 years since the tragedy on 9/11.
* Miley Cyrus really knows how to debut a music video.
* you are really excited that the fall shows are starting soon.
* if a stray dog is showing you it's teeth it is not your friend.
* you are getting old if you remember when Zac, Slater and Screech were household names.

Sunday, September 08, 2013

We're taking bets that even though they are awful paying attention to politics is important...

I know that most people do not like politics, but I think they are important. We need to pay more attention. What is going on in Washington or even your hometown is important. Decisions about your lives are being made all of the time.

I know that many people do not want us to get involved in Syria and I understand why, but how many of us know any true information. I have tried to read every article I can get my hands on to figure out if a missile attack is the right thing to do. A big part of me is leaning toward yes.  The problem I see is that so many people are just screaming "No" without any real facts. We all are entitled to our opinions, but the mean stuff people say is borderline crazy. You don't have to like Barack Obama, but he does deserve a bit of respect. He is trying to do what he thinks is best for our country. If any of us were in the role of POTUS we would probably have quit after 12 hours. I have read awful things on Twitter, Facebook, Blog post and on the comments of articles. Do people really think and want those things to happen to another United States citizen who is working for us? Maybe some of us do and that saddens me.

My "new" town of East Haven has a mayoral race going on. Currently, there is a Democratic primary, which is very heated. I support one of the candidates more than the other, but I really don't care as long as the current mayor doesn't win. I think he does what is in the best interest for him and his friends. We are in national news for bad things at least every 3 months and as a small town that should never happen. Again I think he probably will win because the fighting in the Democratic party will probably lead to his winning.  It's funny because no one is having a debate and no one is talking about issues. This needs to stop. We need to talk about issues and not partisan crap.

We the people of the United States need to start making a stand. We need to start becoming informed and not just a sound byte people. The activism of the 60's needs to make a peaceful comeback. I love my country and thank God every single day that I get to be a part of the greatest nation on the planet. I hope that we have the right leaders to make the stands that need to be made. I never thought of myself as someone who wanted to get into politics, but I wonder what type of leader would I be. I can lead college students with pretty good results. I know I have the ability to inspire. Martin Luther King Jr. never held a public office and inspires millions even today. Maybe that is what I can be. Maybe that is what you can be. Think about it. I will.


Saturday, September 07, 2013

WTBT Volume 5 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* letting someone go from a job is one of the hardest things to do.
* only adults should see this and it is hysterical while being disturbing at the same time.
* I am pretty sure it is going to take the Yankees a couple of years to come back from the last two nights against the Red Sox.
* Michael Kors makes Project Runway an amazing show, but he needs to be on full time.
* you don't know how Honey Boo Boo is a household name.
* if UConn Football loses today they might not win a game all season.
* blogging every day is harder than it was a few years ago.
* anyone who doesn't like a little yard work is crazy.

Friday, September 06, 2013

WTBT Volume 4 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* the Ravens might be in trouble if most QBs can slice through their secondary like Payton did last night.
* throwing your cigarette butt out of your car window is still littering and you can't argue it isn't.
* even though John Oliver was funny, Jon Stewart makes The Daily Show what it is.
* if you don't know about Syria you should check out Alyssa Milano's special tape.
* John Legend's new album is pretty amazing.
* you have bigger problems than peeing straight if you need this contraption.
* smartphones might be the devil's work.
* while I have a cell phone for work and pay for my wife's cell phone I refuse to pay for one myself.
* you are getting old if you know who "a righteous dude" is.
* most millenials have no idea about the above movie.
* this Red Sox team is as exciting as the 2004 and 2007 teams.
* some people just have a first class ticket to nowhere.
* I actually have other posts coming that are not in the WTBT format, but should be fun.

Thursday, September 05, 2013

WTBT Volume 3 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* no matter what you do with your laundry one of your dress shirt arms is going to be inside out when you take it out of the dryer.
* the Sox putting up 20 on the Detroit Tigers might be more points than the Lions score this weekend.
* repeating a joke to a new audience is always thrilling if you get laughter.
* writing a blog no one is reading is kind of fun.
* I think Syria is going to divide this country more than Vietnam did.
* I am ready for some football.
* pumpkin items returning to stores is one of your favorite things about the start of September.
* it still seems a little early for Halloween stuff though.
* you are getting old if you remember Western New England without Ian Martin running CAB.
* Earth, Wind, and Fire's September is one of the greatest songs of all time.
* you cannot wait for Catching Fire to come out in November.
* the Patriots will win by two touchdowns on Sunday.

Sunday, September 01, 2013

We're taking bets that it is time to make some predictions...

Here are my NFL predictions for the 2013-14 Season:

AFC East
New England 13-3
Miami 5-11
Buffalo 5-11
NY Jets 2-14

AFC Central
Cincinnati 10-6
Baltimore 9-7
Pittsburgh 9-7
Cleveland 4-12

AFC South
Houston 14-2
Indianapolis 9-7
Tennessee 4-12
Jacksonville 4-12

AFC West
Denver 12-4
Kansas City 11-5
San Diego 5-11
Oakland 2-14

NFC East
Washington 10-6
NY Giants 9-7
Dallas 8-8
Philadelphia 4-12

NFC Central
Detroit 12-4
Green Bay 12-4
Minnesota 10-6
Chicago 3-13

NFC South
Atlanta 13-3
New Orleans 12-4
Carolina 8-8
Tampa Bay 5-11

NFC West
San Francisco 13-3
Seattle 9-7
Arizona 7-9
St. Louis 3-13

AFC Division Winners: NE, Hou, Cin, Den
AFC Wild Card: KC, Balt

NFC Division Winners: Wash, GB, Atl, SF
AFC Wild Card: Det, NO

AFC Championship: NE vs. Den
NFC Championship: GB vs. Atl

Super Bowl: New England vs. Atlanta
Super Bowl Winner: New England

Saturday, August 31, 2013

WTBT Volume 2 - 2013

We're taking bets that...
* it is a lot harder to blog when you are busy.
* sometimes when people surprise you it means you weren't paying attention.
* the Yankees are still not going to make the play-offs.
* this Syria thing is going to make or break US happiness over the next two years.
* being irrational doesn't allow you to get things and when it does it makes me mad.
* ESPN the Mag is crazy predicting that the Pats are not going to make the Play-offs.
* Tom Brady is still an amazing QB and he will get 10 wins on his own.
* high wasted shorts on a bizarre trend that this younger generation needs to lose real quick.
* you are getting old if you remember when BoyzIIMen was relevant.

Friday, August 09, 2013

WTBT Volume 1 - 2013

We're taking bets that...

* you never thought this blog would make a comeback.
* smokers who throw their cigarettes out of their car are worse than someone who misses the trash can and doesn't go back and pick it up.
* the Pats have to reach the Super Bowl this year or it will be at least 5 years before our next visit.
* having a bad day does not mean it has to turn into a bad week.
* it is crazy how much East Haven has been in the news since I have moved here.
* the Red Sox might not be the best team in baseball, but they might be the most exciting.
* Michael Franti's new CD is amazing.