We're taking bets that I have some favorites this year....

Here are my favorite Big Budget movies of 2011:

10. Transformers
9. The Help
8. Paul
7. Super 8
6. X-Men: First Class
5. Crazy, Sexy, Love
4. Moneyball
3. Bridesmaids
2. Harry Potter 7 pt. 2
1. The Muppets

We're taking bets that predictions need to be adjusted...

With the Peyton Manning injury news I needed to make some adjustments.

AFC East
Patriots 13-3 (Champion)
Jets 10-6 (Wild Card)
Bills 8-8
Dolphins 2-14

AFC North
Ravens 12-6 (Champion)
Steelers 11-5 (Wild Card)
Browns 11-5
Bengals 3-13

AFC South
Texans 12-4 (Champion)
Colts 6-10
Titans 6-10
Jaguars 2-14

AFC West
Chargers 10-6 (Champion)
Chiefs 8-8
Raiders 4-12
Broncos 3-13

NFC East
Eagles 13-3 (Champion)
Cowboys 9-7
Redskins 8-8
Giants 7-9

NFC North
Packers 13-3 (Champion)
Lions 11-5 (Wild Card)
Bears 8-8
Vikings 3-13

NFC South
Falcons 12-4 (Champion)
Saints 12-4 (Wild Card)
Bucs 12-4
Panthers 2-14

NFC West
Cardinals 10-6 (Champion)
49ers 7-9
Rams 7-9
Seahawks 4-12

We're taking bets that it is prediction time...

So here are my predictions for the NFL Season. I hope you enjoy.

AFC East
Patriots 13-3 (Champion)
Jets 10-6 (Wild Card)
Bills 8-8
Dolphins 2-14

AFC North
Steelers 11-5 (Champion)
Ravens 11-5 (Wild Card)
Browns 10-6
Bengals 3-13

AFC South
Texans 12-4 (Champion)
Colts 10-6
Titans 5-11
Jaguars 2-14

AFC West
Chargers 10-6 (Champion)
Chiefs 8-8
Raiders 4-12
Broncos 3-13

NFC East
Eagles 13-3 (Champion)
Cowboys 9-7
Redskins 8-8
Giants 7-9

NFC North
Packers 13-3 (Champion)
Lions 11-5 (Wild Card)
Bears 8-8
Vikings 3-13

NFC South
Falcons 12-4 (Champion)
Saints 12-4 (Wild Card)
Bucs 11-5
Panthers 2-14

NFC West
Cardinals 10-6 (Champion)
49ers 7-9
Rams 7-9
Seahawks 4-12

NFC Championship Game: Eagles vs. Packers
AFC Championship Game: Patriots vs. Texans
Super Bowl: Patriots vs. Packers
SB Champion: Patriots

We're taking bets that some things hit you harder than others...

There is a lot of drama going on in the sports world today. The NFL and NBA are locked out, it's a year after Lebron's "Decision, and baseball is exciting with teams like the Pirates and Indians playing well. What really affected me the most is the tragedy at the Texas Rangers game last night. A man fell about 20 feet and eventually died because of head injuries. He was a 39 year old firefighter and father of a six year old boy named Cooper. I think this tragedy has hit me hard because Cooper was at the game with his dad. Just like millions of other kids going to the ball game with their father like I did when I was seven years old with my Dad. It is a horrible tragedy just like all accidents usually are and makes me again see some perspective in my life. As bad as things seem to be it could be worse and I need to continue to consider myself lucky. I know tonight I will be praying for Cooper and his family as they deal with this and thanking God for blessing me so far in my life.

We're taking bets that words are fun...

Over the last month I have read the following books. Some of them were really enjoyable and I hope you appreciate my thoughts.

Scorch Trials by James Dashner
* The sequel to the Maze Runner is as addicting as the first book. The concepts are very cool and you can really get invested in the characters. There is betrayal and a great mystery that still has not been revealed.

Old Ghosts of New England by C.J. Fusco
* A very cool book that lists tons of spooky sites in the Northeast. It is a cool traveler's guide that gives you some history of each place.

Worth Dying For by Lee Child
* Another Jack Reacher novel that keeps you guessing how he is going to get out of this one. It is an interesting story about the middle of nowhere Nebraska and what happens when power gets out of control.

George Washington's Leadership Lessons by James Reese and Stephen Spignesi
* A great look at one of the greatest leaders ever. You can learn a lot from the things George did and said. He truly understood what it meant to be great.

You're a Horrible Person, but I Like You by Believer Magazine
* This is a fun book of advice by celebrities to normal people with odd questions.

We're taking bets that times are a changing...

Here are a few of my observations and rants from the last few days.

* It is really nice when you get to have some one on one time with a grandparent. My grandfather and I spent most of yesterday together. He talked to me about his childhood, meeting my grandmother (whom I never met because she died 10 months before I was born), the birth of my father, meeting Errol Flynn, and going temporarily AWOL from the Air Force during WWII. It made me realize that I have never really had alone time with him, but rather it was always a family gathering. With the exception of his eyes and reluctance to always take his medicine he is in pretty good health (He's 85ish). I am lucky to have him still in my life. He talked a lot about needing to stay positive in life and being grateful for what you have. This was exactly the conversation I needed and know it will keep me going for quite a while.

* While I was having lunch at Friendly's with my grandfather I noticed three women eating lunch at the table next to us. They looked like colleagues, but also friends. They spent 75 to 80% of the time using their cell phones to text, check e-mails, play games and avoid each other. I am disgusted that we have reached this point in our society. I know technology is cool, but what about face to face time. Is it really going away? If I had a smart phone I probably never would have had such a great conversation with my grandfather. We are losing the ability to communicate face to face. It's amazing because a lot of times people don't even try to confront issues anymore they just avoid them by cutting off people using their technology. Something needs to change because our society is going to become worse for it.

* It is amazing how much you can be affected by bad weather. I feel like this rain is never going to end and the sun will never come out. It is nothing that has happened along the Mississippi River and in Louisiana, but it makes me tired. Annie sang that, "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" but she really is just a liar. Of course I am sure with a certain person's pact with the devil it will be gorgeous on Sunday. Not that I want it to rain for all of my favorite's but their luck is amazing.

* Here is a list of the movies I plan on seeing this summer with Ian and/or Theresa:
Thor (Seen)
Bridesmaids (Seen)
Pirates of the Caribbean 4
Hangover 2
Kung Fu Panda 2
X-Men: First Class
Super 8
Green Lantern
Bad Teacher
Cars 2
Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon
Larry Crowne
Zookeeper
Horrible Bosses
Harry Potter 7 pt. 2
Captain America: The First Avenger
Friends with Benefits
Cowboys vs. Aliens
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The Help
30 Minutes or Less
One Day

Care to join me/us?

WTBT Volume 28, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* Seasons come and go, but I will never change and I’m on my way," are really cool lyrics.
* the Memphis Grizzlies were not prepared for Game 7, but they will be in the conference finals soon.
* the flooding of the Mississippi River sounds like the scariest thing possible for Cajun country.
* I wonder what pro-life activists think about deer birth control.
* I would be surprised if Newt Gingrich is a viable presidential candidate, but stranger things have happened.
* in honor of Murray Handwerker you should have a hot dog this week.
* his name sounds like a male prostitute or gay porn star.
* the IMF chief is in a heap of trouble and I am not sure his French presidential campaign is going to survive.
* it's nice that an ass can retire to Nebraska and become a citizen. No really.
* even though Thor beat Bridesmaids at the box office it still was the best movie of the year so far.
* Ashton Kutcher might actually make Two and a half Men watchable.
* you don't know what movie this line is from, "I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should listen.
* Tomas Kaberle might be the worst defenseman that the Bruins have ever had.
* this wouldn't have happened if they had a beer closet.

We're taking bets that I want you to want me...

So I heard from two more schools this week that they were not going to continue to pursue my job candidacy. Sadly I have not been applying to jobs just in higher education, but I have also applied to about 75 non-higher ed jobs. At least most colleges and universities contact you some way or another. Not in other places.It is starting to get downright discouraging. I have been keeping my head up for 10 1/2 months, but I feel like dropping it. Now I can already hear what most people I know are going to say:

"It will work out soon."
"Everything happens for a reason."
"They're fools if they don't want to work with you."
"It's their loss."
"You'll find something. You just have to be patient."
"It will be alright."
"You are an idiot to have left your job in this economy. What were you thinking?"(Okay no one has actually said that, but they think it.)

I do really appreciate it, but it is starting to get real old. I just don't get it. I am a very hard worker. I am intelligent, sometimes charismatic, thoughtful, and a little bit funny. I was very good at my job. I understand college students and they appreciate my willingness to listen. Heck parents even like me for the most part. I am creative and have been on the forefront of many technology advances in student affairs. I am willing to learn, take criticism, keep up with the latest in higher education and strive to be better every single day. I know the right answers when I interview. I would be a very good supervisor for professional staff. I finally have my master's degree and I know it took forever, but I liked being a Hall Director. I know I am outspoken at times, but I think we always need to challenge each other. I don't always have the cleanest office, but I work on it. I know I can be a little arrogant at times because I know I am good at what I do. I am not perfect by any means, but I would work my tail off for anyone that would give me the opportunity. I just need to get a chance.

I am starting to understand how people turn to negative vices in these trying times. Thankfully I have a great support system starting with Theresa, my family and Ian. I know that things will get better. It's time for the pity party to end. Some fun times tonight, Tuesday and Thursday at midnight will make things better. Thanks for indulging my need to get things off my chest. I appreciate every one who cares about me and reads this blog. Thanks. Every minute can be a new beginning and mine starts now.

WTBT Volume 28, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* sometimes being who you are just gets you in trouble.
* Tiger Woods may never win another major championship.
* Big Papi's video with Yankees fans is fun and funny.
* John Stewart will be awesome in his debate with Bill O'Reilly on Monday.
* the far left and the far right scare me and this group is one of the reasons why.
* it might actually be the Bruins time to win the Stanley Cup.
* I am amazed that the Shelton school system is still not letting that kid go to the prom.
* this incident seems like it was brought to you by the Colors of Benetton.
* you can't get much older than my previous reference.
* if you want to laugh before you see Hangover 2 you have to see Bridesmaids.
* Melissa McCarthy is my new favorite funny person.
* my parents need a cool name for their new boat. Any ideas?

WTBT Volume 27, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* sometimes you feel like a blogger, sometimes you don't.
* now that I can only get AM in my car and basically only hear the Yankees games I have decided they have the worst radio announcers ever.
* it is sad that there are people that make me hate them because of their stupidity and bigotry like Alan Chambers.
*I am proud to be a huge Disney fan even though they probably do something wrong to make a buck.
* now that the Red Sox are finally starting to hit I think they will ascend to the top of the AL East.
* Beyonce's new song isn't as great as I thought it would be.
* currently the biggest punk in the NBA is Andrew Bynum and I would be hard pressed to change my mind.
* Tina Fey on SNL this week was kind of disappointing.
* although many people have made shots like this Rafael Nadal's was pretty damn cool.
* you probably didn't notice that happened at the Madrid Open.
* I think that Donald Trump would be awesome to see in a Republican presidential candidate debate at least once.
* "Do you want to see my alligator?" is a pretty creepy pick-up line.
* it is nice to know the LA Lakers are going to be in the middle of the pack for the next few years.

We're taking bets that I am a good reader...

So here are the books I have read over the last 6 weeks. I hope you enjoy my reviews. I am back to blogging. Back to having my opinion heard again.

Race Matters by Cornell West
* What a great book on race relations. Cornell West is an extremely interesting man and I think I would of loved to have been a student of his. If you are interested in diversity specifically pertaining towards race then you should read this book.

The Last Apprentice: The Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney
* The second book of the Last Apprentice series. They are very entertaining and the villain in this book is quite interesting. If you have kids 10 to 13 they will probably like this series.

Keep Going: The Art of Perserverance by Joseph M. Marshall III
* A nice book on keeping your chin up when things knock you down. Told through the tales of Native Americans it is a great read about leadership.

DIY U by Anya Kamenetz
* This is a must read for anyone in higher education today. It discusses the history of higher education as it relates to today. It is amazing how quickly education is changing and how different college life will be in the next 25 to 30 years.

Bossypants by Tina Fey
* What a great book!!! I could not put this book down. Very funny from beginning to end with some great inside stories about SNL, 30 Rock and Tina Fey's childhood. I would recommend this to anyone especially working mothers.

Fair Ball by Bob Costas
* One of my favorite sportscasters of all time. He knows his baseball better than just about anyone this side of Peter Gammons. The book is a little dated, but it is amazing to read his insight.

We're taking bets that music is fun...

Here is my thoughts on tonight's American Idol. I was perfect in choosing my bottom three and I hope I am right this week too.
Jacob Luck
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
- While I would have loved his version of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" he did a great job. He was truly feeling the music and he is probably going to be top five at least.

Haley Reinhart
Little Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin
- She definitely has the voice for it. While I don't think she was as great as Pink's version, she was excellent. I think she has surprised some people and might be jumping ahead of some of the rest.

Casey Abrams
Have You Ever Seen the Rain by CCR
- I wasn't super impressed. I think he was really cool with the stand-up bass, but this week he might not have done as well as he could have.

Lauren Alaina
Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin
- She did a good job, but so many other Idol contestants killed it. She just didn't do it as well as some others have. I think she might be in the bottom three.

James Durbin
While My Guitar Gently Weeps by the Beatles
- He is officially the front runner in my book. He was awesome in a song that showed he is not just a hard rocker. I get more impressed every single week.

Scott McCreery
That's Alright Mama by Elvis Presley
- This was probably Scott's worst performance in my book, but everyone loved him. I know he is going to be in the top three. The girls absolutely love him.

Pia Toscano
River Deep, Mountain High by Tina Turner
- She absolutely incredible. She can sing. I cannot wait until she puts out her first album because it will be amazing. I am not sure she is going to win, because Idol seems to be skewed towards the men. She is definitely in the Top three though.

Stefano Langone
When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge
- I think that he did alright, but I think he is going to be in the bottom three. There was nothing memorable about it. The girls love him though. So we will see.

Paul McDonald
Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash
- I really liked his performance and think he is going to have a great career, but he is not going to succeed at American Idol past this week. I think if he write great songs like Ray Lamontagne he will be awesome someday.

I think that Stefano, Lauren and Paul are going to be in the bottom three. Paul is probably going home this week. We will see what happens tomorrow.

We're taking bets that I have been lucky with my teams...

Well UConn won the national championship in men's basketball for the third time. It is pretty impressive that Jim Calhoun has been the coach for all three. I think about my grandmother and Great Uncle. They were both sports fans, although their passion was really only baseball and whatever game I was playing. They both died before they got to see the Red Sox win a World Series. Actually my grandmother was 4 months old when the Sox won in 1918. Here is how I have been blessed throughout my lifetime. These are the teams I have rooted for:

Boston Red Sox: 2004, 2007
New England Patriots: 2001, 2003, 2004
UConn Husky Women's Basketball: 1995, 2000, 2002-'04, 2009-'10
UConn Husky Men's Basketball: 1999, 2004, 2011
Los Angeles Lakers: 1980, '82, '85, '87-'88, 2000 -'02 (Then Kobe ran out Shaq and I defected.)
Boston Celtics: 2008
Hartford Whalers: Adams Division Champions 1986-'87

I hope my luck continues. I know that I could have grown up someone where else, but thankfully I grew up in New England.

We're taking bets that Lou Gorman never really got his due...

Today is a sad day and not because someone April Fool's Day pranked me. Old Red Sox GM Lou Gorman passed away at the age of 82. He did a great job of assembling one of the Red Sox best teams in 1986 and helped them to the play-offs two other times. His most genius moves were getting Dave Henderson and Spike Owen for the '86 play-off run, drafted Curt Schilling, John Valentin, Mo Vaughn, Jeff Bagwell and Trot Nixon, and brilliantly hired snow plow driver Joe Morgan to resurrect a falling team. Sadly he did trade away Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson in one of the worst trades ever, but we will forgive him for that. In fact if he hadn't gotten Trot Nixon the Sox would have never won the World Series in 2004. Thanks for everything Lou Gorman I tip my cap to you.















photo courtesy of the Boston Globe

WTBT Volume 26, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...
* you are glad it is Opening Day in Baseball today.
* Opening Day in Baseball is kind of boring though because not every team plays.
* when a size 6 is too big something is wrong with the world.
* my favorite April storm was in 1997 when a blizzard shut down Boston.
* the guy who did the Bronx Cobra twitter account is a comedic genius.
* today's Google design dedicated to the Bunsen guy was pretty cool.
* the greatest thing about this goat story was the fact that police think the goats might have been for a sacrifice.
* we really don't do a lot of sacrifices these days.
* it doesn't make sense that the World Series champions are opening at their arch rivals the Dodgers.
* no matter how hard you try you just can't please everyone.
* Montana State Rep. Alan Hale is my vote for the dumbest politician of March 2011.

We're taking bets that someone needs to judge these Idols...

Alright so American Idol has some great singers. The problem is no one on the judges panel is really giving any serious feedback. Everyone cannot be perfect each week. So here is my tone deaf opinions about tonight's performances of Elton John songs.

Scott McCreery - Country Comfort
Scott did his normal self. He wasn't too flashy nor did he make any mistakes. He is all around good, but needs some more songs that fit his voice. He will be one of the next great male country singers.
Grade: B

Naima Adedapo - Still Standing
She decided to take this song reggae which I happen to love, but she murdered it. It wasn't as funky as she can be and I just didn't like it. I think that she will have trouble because she is so unique. We already have an india.arie and Eryka Badu so I am not sure she will make it.
Grade: D

Paul McDonald - Rocket Man
Paul has such a unique voice. He is the new Rod Stewart without the creepiness. (Except his rose suit) I just didn't believe him in this song. It made me not like the song anymore. He did have some good moments, but this wasn't a song he should have fooled with.
Grade: C

Pia Toscano - Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
Pia might be the most polished singer. She was Whitney and Mariah before they both were crazy. She is easily the frontrunner and I think she will probably win it all. WOW!!!
Grade: A

Stefano Langone - Tiny Dancer
Now this might be Elton's most recognized song because of all the commercials and movies it have been in. Stefano did a good job and really sucked up to the judges. I feel like he missed a bunch of notes and really didn't deliver like this song needed.
Grade: B-

Lauren Alaina - Candle in the Wind
Oops. She definitely screwed up the lyrics. She seemed very distracted but she sounded beautiful. She has some serious talent, but I am not sure what was up with her tonight. There is no way she goes home tomorrow, but she definitely has potential to drop a major dookie on live television.
Grade: B+

James Durbin - Saturday Night's Alright
Unfreaking believable. James might actually be might favorite. I am not so sure that mid America will be able to vote for him in the later rounds, but he was amazing. He has a great voice and is an exciting performer. He killed it tonight.
Grade: A

Thia Megia - Daniel
She did a good job from the emotional side. She was connected to the song, but she didn't excite me at all. She has a great voice, but she is too young for this competition. She just doesn't have the maturity to win. I think she goes home this week.
Grade: C

Casey Abrams - Your Song
Well the guy who was saved last week absolutely knocked it out of the park this week. The song fit him perfectly. I cannot imagine America not voting for him this week. If he goes home I will be very very disappointed. Top Notch!
Grade: A-

Jacob Lusk - Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word
Well he is easily my Theresa's favorite. He was close to perfect this week. Jacob always has one over done note, but he was pretty toned down this week. I thought it was a great arrangement to showcase his voice and I think he is a serious contender Grade: A-

Haley Reinhart - Bennie and the Jets
She was easily the best performance of the night. She was actually having fun while she was singing and you could tell. It was very impressive and I think she staved off elimination.
Grade: A+

Recap: Naima, Thia, Paul and Stefano are all in trouble this week. I can't imagine anyone else being in the bottom, but America votes and usually we screw it up at least a few times.

WTBT Volume 25, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* Mother Nature is probably one of the best April Fool's pranksters.
* the UConn women are going to have their hardest time winning a National Championship this year.
* you will be shocked if Gadhfi makes it out of Libya alive.
* it's that sometimes a K-Mart blue light special is a guy masturbating.
* Jimmy Kimmel is probably one of the best at creative celebrity viral videos.
* it's odd Sheryl Swoopes is going back to the WNBA a 40, but more power to her.
* you should know the difference between the words skirmish and squirmish.
* you are not quite sure squirmish is even a word.
* sometimes good can come out of an accident.
* listening to the Freelance Whales makes you smile.
* doing the right thing gets easier when that is how you live your life.
*

WTBT Winter Crush...

Each season I am going to be crushing on someone famous. It could be anyone; male, female, cartoon, etc. I hope you enjoy my winter crush.

I love the show Detroit 1-8-7 and think that it would be a shame if it is canceled. Especially because of Natalie Martinez as Det. Ariana Sanchez. She is a tough cop from the streets of Detroit and beautiful to boot. She has really interesting chemistry with Det. Finch (Michael Imperioli) that makes her even more enchanting. I love her smile (You know how I love smiles) and I hope she gets to stay on TV one way or another. Check her out.

We're taking bets that this is absolutely insane...

I need all of you to read this article before you read my commentary. I am not sure what world we have created that allowed this girl to think her actions against her mother were okay. There has to be something seriously wrong with her because if there is not I think I may have to hide in my basement for the next 60+ years. When I was two my father told me I could not do or have something and I got so angry that I actually passed out. Now I am sure that was a little extreme and I can't really remember what I was thinking, but even that behavior was wrong. (Funny side note: My Dad didn't really know what to do and picked up my lifeless like body and took me to my mother. I awoke in his arms while they were figuring out what to do. Though they probably should have noticed that I was still breathing I now think the situation is hysterical.) This situation blows my mind. She first threatened to kill her mother on the phone, which probably was heard by others in the car dealership. While I am sure many people have threatened to kill family members before while angry this seems like an odd reaction. She then obtained a gun. Is it really that easy? Can any 17 year old girl get a gun in less than an hour? If this isn't a reason for stronger gun laws I don't know what is. She then pistol whips her mother and takes her to sign the car loan. This is not a hostage/extortion situation. Not typical of a 17 year old honor student. What is typical is the mother even after calling the police to report decided she didn't want her daughter to get in trouble. HELLO!!!!!!!! I know that we need to protect our children, but once they have pulled a gun on me all bets are off. They need help and getting them arrested is the first step. I, as a parent, obviously can't handle the situation and that is okay. Why do so many parents deny doing the right thing for our children when they make a major mistake. I know I am not a parent and can't understand, but I have parents who let me take consequences when I was an idiot. I didn't graduate in four years because I made some mistakes sophomore year and then never made up the work. They didn't offer me money or call the school. They told me that I would have to find a way to pay for all the costs if I still wanted to graduate. I lived off campus, worked 40 hours a week and took my classes. What would have I have learned from them bailing me out? We need to protect our children, but we need to start teaching them responsibility better as well as right from wrong. Maybe a story like this will actually shock people or maybe we have all become desensitized to it. I hope the latter.

We're taking bets that 2011 is the year of the underdog...

It really has been a great year for underdogs. No one thought Green Bay was going to win the Super Bowl when the play-offs started. Not many people expected the people of Egypt to overtake Mubarak. Esperanza Spalding won Best New Artist at the Grammy's. No #1 seeds made it to the Final Four this year. What a great year!!!

Perseverance and determination pay off. Of course you need some talent or a idea people can get behind, but you have to work hard to get good things. I for one am really glad that people are getting to see this. So often I hear about the "millennial" generation not understanding you have to earn things before you get them. Well society is going out of its way to show them that if you put hard work in you can get positive results. We all need to look at why underdogs are so exciting and why we love them so much. I think it is because many of us wish we could do what they have done. The problem I have with that is we still can no matter how old we are.

We all need to persevere and stayed determined. We need to be judged on our actions and not on what we say we are going to do. Do you notice that we used to chose leaders who had done something before they were elected like George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, and Theodore Roosevelt? Maybe we need to look to that model again. We all need to be judged by what we do and not our promises. Our leaders need to have accomplished something positive just like all of these underdogs. I am glad all of the underdogs have won this year and I hope my UConn Huskies who were supposed to be too tired to win this tournament can go the distance. I hope we all find the strength to go the distance that we need in our lives.

WTBT Volume 24, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* it would be awesome seeing Richard Blais vs. Michael Voltaggio in a Top Chef throwdown.
* Geraldine Ferraro does not get the credit she deserves being a pioneer for women's equality.
* I would love to see VCU beat Kansas.
* protesting in foreign countries seems to be the newest fad.
* it seems really weird that Bret Michaels thinks it is the Tony Award's fault he walked into a closing part of the stage.
* it is great to see Merrimack College in the hockey NCAA tournament.
* Earth Hour should be expanded to Earth 12 Hours.
* you should try going a week without your cell phone and see if you life was less stressful or more stressful.
* it is a sad day when OMG and LOL are now approved words in the Oxford Dictionary.
* Samuel L. Jackson would have been pissed at these muthaeffers.

We're taking bets that I have been a pondering...

Here are a few of my observations over the last week. Some of them might even be profound, but I am not sure.

* American Idol definitely has the best talent since Carrie Underwood won the title, but I think the judges are getting a little soft. They praised every single person this week even though there was definitely some down performances. I know Jennifer and Steven don't want to be downers, but it is getting a little ridiculous. I really think that this show is going to decline very fast once Simon comes out with his X-Factor show. He is the only one that is consistently honest. Randy has tried this season, but you can tell he doesn't like the boos. I hope they get tougher once they get down to the top 5 because they need to give them criticism that will help them get better.

* I cannot stop listening to Adele's new CD. It is like heaven on my ears. She is amazing. You all should go out and buy it or at least steal it from the internet. I will at least use my Rhapsody. Check out Jennifer Hudson's new one as well. Not quite Adele, but damn good.

* There has been a lot of heavy events in the last few weeks. No matter what happens we (By we I mean citizens of the United States on both sides of the political aisle and definitely the middle too) seem to be throwing blame on everyone we can rather than take positive action. Now I know many of you have donated money to Japan to help them during their tragedy. More of you have probably blogged about the dictatorships in Libya, Saudi Arabia, China and any other place you can think isn't democratic. Many of you have been appalled by Charlie Sheen and his antics, but it has made for great water cooler conversation. How many of us have taken truly positive action? I believe that Obama screwed up with his handling of Libya and instead of standing by his decision he hasn't said much other than he is going to come up with a comprehensive plan with the Middle East. (BTW Libya isn't in the Middle East. No really check a map.) I guess it makes me wonder where all of our inspirational leaders have gone? Has technology really made us a passive society that would rather Twitter about issues than come up with solutions? I know tons of people protested in Wisconsin, but I watched a lot of TV on the issue from both sides. Sadly, Governor Walker not matter how flawed I think his plan was actually had a plan. I am becoming a little disenfranchised in my fellow citizens right now. We seem to have lost the way the United States used to do things. We used to come up with solutions that worked for most of the people. There were always flaws, but in general we did good things. It seems like we are not doing anything really today. It makes me wonder if I am doing enough. Maybe I need to look at myself first before I criticize or get upset. At least I know tomorrow will come and I control my attitude. Hmmm.

* I saw the movie "Paul" with my best friend Ian yesterday. It was a sci-fi geeks dream movie that included some really good messages about friendship. The movie made me happy and lucky to have a best friend who always has my back even if he doesn't always agree with me or like all of my choices. We had a great conversation at dinner where we definitely were not seeing eye to eye, but we listened to each other. It was really good and made me enjoy our friendship even more. Now if I could just convince him to get rid of his cell phone. :)

We're taking bets that you need some Pop...

Here are a few books that I have read over the last few weeks.

Pop by Gordon Korman
* This was a great young adult book about football, concussions, and Alzheimer's. It really made me think about my grandmother and her memory loss. Definitely a must read for families who have someone experiencing memory loss.

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
* A really cool opening book about Spooks in the 18th century. They are talking about turning this book series into a movie. Could be very cool especially with a villian like Mother Malkin.

The Difference Maker by John C. Maxwell
* I had always wanted to read a Maxwell book and found this on my library's shelves. It was an inspiring book that confirms my belief that my positive attitude will get me through this time of unemployment. Attitude isn't everything, but it certainly helps.

Books that I am currently reading:

Race Matters by Cornell West
The Last Apprentice: The Curse of the Bane by Joseph Delaney
Keep Going: The Art of Perserverance by Joseph M. Marshall III
DIY U by Anya Kamenetz

WTBT Volume 23, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* snow in New England in March really isn't that surprising.
* it seems like every time the Daily Show has a week off crazy amounts of world happenings occur.
* Gadhafi seems like his reluctance to accept reality is going to get him killed.
* Obama definitely could have handled getting into Libya a little bit better.
* this proves alcohol can effect brain cells.
* you didn't know Richmond, VA was the new hotbed for college basketball.
* as sad as it is Charlie Sheen is probably going to land on his feet.
* I don't know what is funnier Rebecca Black's Friday song or Conan O'Brien's Thursday song.
* you are pretty sure the Knicks are going to get bounced out of the playoffs in the first round.
* if you know how to spell you probably are going to live a long time.
* it's sad that most of us don't even know what a "gladiolus" is than even spelling it correctly.
* you don't know who you can find in this movie quote, "Wherever there is injustice, you will find us. Wherever there is suffering, we'll be there. Wherever liberty is threatened, you will find..."
* the Shamrock shake might be the best thing McDonald's ever invented.
* you are getting old if you remember when the earth only had 5 billion people.

We're taking bets that stories need to be written down...

This weekend I had a great conversation about stories and the fact that we love to tell them, but we rarely write them down. Throughout my time blogging I have written many of my stories like the time the guy walked into my house and many more. I would now like to share a few of grandmother's stories. Each week I will tell a fun and quirky story that involved my grandmother. She was one of my favorite people ever and even though she was stubborn, sometimes mean, and a little nutso I loved her with all my heart. She died in February of 2003 and suffered from Alzheimer's/Dementia (It came on so rapidly the doctor's didn't know for sure.). She lived alone from 1989 (when her brother died) until she was 84 (in 2002) even though she was legally blind and generally crabby. Here is one of my favorite stories:

Not My Leaves

As my grandmother got older she decided that she had enough with nature. She used to have an enormous garden, 3 cherry trees, a couple of pear trees, a couple of sycamore trees (I think), six large beds for flowers and a crab apple tree. While I have never understood the crab apple tree, the rest of the trees were pretty cool and they were great to climb. My grandmother began her assault on the trees first because they came with one of the most evil inventions: Leaves. She did not want to rake leaves anymore or pick up the fruit that they produced. Now she was in her late sixties so I can understand her not wanting to do the work, but she probably could have hired someone to rake the yard a couple of times a year. Though since she was a depression era baby that would have never worked because she was cheap and she would probably accuse the person of stealing from her.

So my grandmother cut down everyone one of the trees in her yard over the course of a few years. Now this wasn't done very professionally so there were awkward stumps all over that a certain person who would mow her lawn would twist an ankle on at least once a mowing. Her yard went from being beautifully shaded and green to sun-drenched and slightly burned. So you think that my grandmother would be satisfied, but Mother Nature was not finished with my grandmother. She still had the power of wind and leaves on her side. You see my grandmother never really thought about her backyard neighbor who had three 60 maple trees that towered just three feet from the backyard fence. Every fall they would unleash a torrent of leaves that would get caught in my grandmother's yard since three sides were fenced. So she would have to pick up the leaves and do all the work even though she didn't technically own any of the leaves.

Many years pasted and my grandmother became very upset about the leaf situation. She had known this neighbor for over forty years, but talking wasn't something her generation did. So she decided that she was going to start returning the leaves to sender. So one fall she collected all of the leaves in bags and tossed them over the fence to the neighbors yard. If she was going to have trees then she was going to have leaves. Now most of you probably are cheering for my grandmother because she took matters into her own hand and really wasn't that malicious. Though I would argue she already did the work, why not just bring them to the street. Well the story does not end here as the backyard neighbor did not like this one bit. So this 65+ year old woman called the police on the almost 75+ year old woman.

The police responded and had to ask my grandmother to stop. Now I would have loved to see this personally because my grandmother could argue with the best of them and whenever she had the truth on her side she was not to be denied. (Her truth was they were not her leaves so she was just returning them to their owner.) The policeman convinced her to stop but only after threat of arrest if it happened again. I am pretty sure that every year after that though she would drop on bag in the neighbor's yard in the middle of the night because there always seemed to be more leaves at one part of the fence then the rest of the fence.

My grandmother loved to tell me that story almost every time I visited her in the fall. She would get so worked up like it happened yesterday and she would always shake her fist at least once during the story. One of the reasons I loved my grandmother so much was because of her passion. She might not have had the most rationale sense, but by the facts she was usually correct. So now every time I pick up leaves I always throw a couple of pine cones or small sticks in one of the neighbors yard in honor of my grandmother. I hope you enjoyed the story.

We're taking bets that this would be an awesome movie...

Since I love Boston I figured I should share the best movie trailer dealing with Boston ever.

Boston Movie Trailer - watch more funny videos

Wouldn't it be awesome???

We're taking bets that this is how you respond to stupid comments...

Many of you probably didn't watch the ESPN documentary "Fab Five". It was actually very good, but had some really sad moments. One of the worst moments was when Jalen Rose called black player's at Duke "Uncle Toms". It is understandable that the Fab Five was bitter towards Duke as they never beat them and never won anything as a group, but those comments were uncalled for. One of the classiest people in all of sports is Grant Hill who attended Duke and was a winner in every sense of the word. He responded to Jalen's comments in a very professional and direct way in the NY Times. I am including his entire response below. You can also read it at the NY Times. While I have never met Grant I hope one day I can thank him for putting such eloquent and important words on paper.

TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES:

“The Fab Five,” an ESPN film about the Michigan basketball careers of Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson from 1991 to 1993, was broadcast for the first time Sunday night. In the show, Rose, the show’s executive producer, stated that Duke recruited only black players he considered to be “Uncle Toms.” Grant Hill, a player on the Duke team that beat Michigan in the 1992 Final Four, reflected on Rose’s comments.

I am a fan, friend and longtime competitor of the Fab Five. I have competed against Jalen Rose and Chris Webber since the age of 13. At Michigan, the Fab Five represented a cultural phenomenon that impacted the country in a permanent and positive way. The very idea of the Fab Five elicited pride and promise in much the same way the Georgetown teams did in the mid-1980s when I was in high school and idolized them. Their journey from youthful icons to successful men today is a road map for so many young, black men (and women) who saw their journey through the powerful documentary, “The Fab Five.”

It was a sad and somewhat pathetic turn of events, therefore, to see friends narrating this interesting documentary about their moment in time and calling me a bitch and worse, calling all black players at Duke “Uncle Toms” and, to some degree, disparaging my parents for their education, work ethic and commitment to each other and to me. I should have guessed there was something regrettable in the documentary when I received a Twitter apology from Jalen before its premiere. I am aware Jalen has gone to some length to explain his remarks about my family in numerous interviews, so I believe he has some admiration for them.

In his garbled but sweeping comment that Duke recruits only “black players that were ‘Uncle Toms,’ ” Jalen seems to change the usual meaning of those very vitriolic words into his own meaning, i.e., blacks from two-parent, middle-class families. He leaves us all guessing exactly what he believes today.

I am beyond fortunate to have two parents who are still working well into their 60s. They received great educations and use them every day. My parents taught me a personal ethic I try to live by and pass on to my children.

I come from a strong legacy of black Americans. My namesake, Henry Hill, my father’s father, was a day laborer in Baltimore. He could not read or write until he was taught to do so by my grandmother. His first present to my dad was a set of encyclopedias, which I now have. He wanted his only child, my father, to have a good education, so he made numerous sacrifices to see that he got an education, including attending Yale.

This is part of our great tradition as black Americans. We aspire for the best or better for our children and work hard to make that happen for them. Jalen’s mother is part of our great black tradition and made the same sacrifices for him.

My teammates at Duke — all of them, black and white — were a band of brothers who came together to play at the highest level for the best coach in basketball. I know most of the black players who preceded and followed me at Duke. They all contribute to our tradition of excellence on the court.

It is insulting and ignorant to suggest that men like Johnny Dawkins (coach at Stanford), Tommy Amaker (coach at Harvard), Billy King (general manager of the Nets), Tony Lang (coach of the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins in Japan), Thomas Hill (small-business owner in Texas), Jeff Capel (former coach at Oklahoma and Virginia Commonwealth), Kenny Blakeney (assistant coach at Harvard), Jay Williams (ESPN analyst), Shane Battier (Memphis Grizzlies) and Chris Duhon (Orlando Magic) ever sold out their race.

To hint that those who grew up in a household with a mother and father are somehow less black than those who did not is beyond ridiculous. All of us are extremely proud of the current Duke team, especially Nolan Smith. He was raised by his mother, plays in memory of his late father and carries himself with the pride and confidence that they instilled in him.

The sacrifice, the effort, the education and the friendships I experienced in my four years are cherished. The many Duke graduates I have met around the world are also my “family,” and they are a special group of people. A good education is a privilege.

Just as Jalen has founded a charter school in Michigan, we are expected to use our education to help others, to improve life for those who need our assistance and to use the excellent education we have received to better the world.

A highlight of my time at Duke was getting to know the great John Hope Franklin, James B. Duke Professor of History and the leading scholar of the last century on the total history of African-Americans in this country. His insights and perspectives contributed significantly to my overall development and helped me understand myself, my forefathers and my place in the world.

Ad ingenium faciendum, toward the building of character, is a phrase I recently heard. To me, it is the essence of an educational experience. Struggling, succeeding, trying again and having fun within a nurturing but competitive environment built character in all of us, including every black graduate of Duke.

My mother always says, “You can live without Chaucer and you can live without calculus, but you cannot make it in the wide, wide world without common sense.” As we get older, we understand the importance of these words. Adulthood is nothing but a series of choices: you can say yes or no, but you cannot avoid saying one or the other. In the end, those who are successful are those who adjust and adapt to the decisions they have made and make the best of them.

I caution my fabulous five friends to avoid stereotyping me and others they do not know in much the same way so many people stereotyped them back then for their appearance and swagger. I wish for you the restoration of the bond that made you friends, brothers and icons.

I am proud of my family. I am proud of my Duke championships and all my Duke teammates. And, I am proud I never lost a game against the Fab Five.

Grant Henry Hill
Phoenix Suns
Duke ‘94

We're taking bets that it is job hunting time...

I will be away for the next five days at NASPA Placement Exchange in Philadelphia trying to secure that elusive job. Wish me luck!

WTBT Volume 22, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* I am pretty sure that Glee is trying to push boundaries with every episode.
* Kurt and his Dad's conversation about sex was pretty awesome though.
* it sucks that money is an issue in life and at every turn you need to shell out tons of money for basic things like parking.
* out of tragedy comes togetherness.
* getting positive medical news, even if it is not your own makes for an awesome day.
* it's good the Miami Heat do not play baseball because there's no crying in baseball.
* the newly released 9/11 video just makes me scared that someday something like this will happen again.
* sadly this lady's idea of a designated driver means we are going to start seeing billboards that say "Have a Licensed Designated Driver".
* it always makes me laugh when I hear a car hit a house.
* only when a volcano erupts can you use the word "spew" and not get the giggles.
* having a good luck charm only does so much and then it is up to you.

WTBT Volume 21, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* I am really getting excited about the BoSox in 2011.
* Miley Cyrus was actually funny last night on SNL.
* Burger King must really piss off these restaurants.
* telling a friend the truth is very hard to do, but sometimes has to be done.
* all this protesting/violence in the Middle East and Africa is getting scarier every day.
* we really need to look deeper into the work that teacher's do and find more ways to respect them.
* playing games with balls is not always fun.
* the only way Charlie Sheen will go away is if we stop giving him attention.
* the Miami Heat are going to lose in the first round of the NBA play-offs and you heard it here first.
* when it comes to patience some women can be a little lacking.
* you probably don't know that Lindsay Vonn is kicking ass currently in international skiing.
* it is so nice the weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer.

We're taking bets that listening is important...

Here are a few of the books I have read over the last few weeks.

Just Listen by Mark Goulston
* This was a paradigm changing book that I think everyone should read. It is how we don't really listen to others for understanding. We need to be more attentive and we would get much more satisfaction out of our relationships. If you have teenagers this book should be a must read.

Maze Runner by James Dashner
* An absolutely fascinating book about a future Earth. Almost like Lord of the Flies, but in a eerie controlled setting. This book sets you on an adventure and once you think you have figured it out the floor drops out and there is a whole new reality. Amazing book.

On the Bright Side: Finding Hope in Every Today by Jim Howard
* A cute little book that gets you to remember the importance of being happy.

Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner
* A scary tale about child mental illness and murder. Another D.D. Warren detective novel set in Boston. There are always great twists and it keeps you guessing until the end.

Simplify Your Work Life by Elaine St. James
* Although I don't have a job I am trying to make sure I do things better. This book is a little old and might be out of touch with how things are today rather than 2000, but there are some neat ideas and tips to be better.

Other books I have started:

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch - Joseph Delaney
The Difference Maker - John C. Maxwell

We're taking bets that you are lucky every day you get to breath...

Many of you have probably already heard about Wes Leonard, the high school basketball player who died minutes after hitting a game winning shot. This is the second tragic story that has hit me pretty hard lately. My next door neighbor Ralph Melillo has lived his life to the fullest. He is only 51 and was just diagnosed with a degenerative condition called cervical myelopathy. There is a good chance he isn't going to see 2012. Ralph is an amazing man who throws a huge July 4th party and Halloween party for the neighborhood. Ralph always has a smile and a story that makes you smile. He would give up his right arm for anyone who needed it. It is amazing how many people he has had a positive effect on in only half a lifetime.

These amazingly sad stories that makes me think about my priorities. I have not had the best 8 months on the job front, but I am working hard to stay positive. I am blessed with many great things in my life. My family and Theresa are right at the top, with my best friend Ian next in line of the things that make me a lucky man. Then I have all my other friends (like Johnny S., Chris R, Tiffany G. & many more) and past students who continue to enrich my life. I am lucky for having each and everyone of them. I know that each day I get closer to the perfect job and the perfect life

You have to remember we all have a precious few amount of days to live. Most of us complain so much about our lives that we often forget to live them. Most of you that know me understand I am not much of a complainer, but rather a searcher for solutions. I hope that all of you look at life as a gift that it is and think twice before you complain about something ridiculous. You're days are numbered; though hopefully the number is above 30,000. You are all blessed and lucky to be alive. May each day you live be better than the last.

WTBT Volume 20, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* Charlie Sheen is getting speaking advice from Gary Busey.
* it makes you happy to see baseball on ESPN again.
* this guy's sideburns took over his brain.
* whether you agree with their policies or not BYU is doing something positive by sticking to it's morals.
* when you were in high school and college it wasn't called a comeback but a lifelong drought.
* maybe I shared a little too much with that last one.
* American Idol should keep more women than men this year.
* Steven Tyler is still funny although he has been kind of a wimp on live tv.
* BYU will get knocked out in the second round of the NCAA's.
* this never happened when you were in college.
* I would be shocked if any guys turned down the opportunity to see the after class demonstration.
* looking for a miracle is not a bad thing.
* Libya is getting scarier every single day.
* you are gettin old if you remember when Joey Lawrence was a cute kid.

We're taking bets that there are some mixed messages...

Here are a couple observations from the last week or so. Sorry it's been a while.

* Glee last week definitely sent mixed messages to its audience. I know the show is not supposed to be for teenagers, (even though it is on at 8 pm.) but this week really did nothing to making drinking look like something that should not be done in high school. While I am not sure that 21 is the best drinking age, I know it shouldn't be 16. Glee really dropped the ball when it is sending so many positive messages to kids and fighting for acceptance. So many more messages about responsibility could have been out there. I was very disappointed.

* There are a ton of signs on the highway that really make me laugh. On my trip to South Carolina I saw three different signs that are very weird. First there is the thousands of signs telling people that bridges freeze before the road. Doesn't that make sense? There is no insulation on a bridge and there is no dirt underneath it to slow the freeze. The fact that these signs are in Jersey was the most confusing to me, because I figured Jersey is in the northeast and would easily no this. I guess not.

The second crazy sign was for the highway safety areas. These seem to be areas where they can make moving violations more expensive. Shouldn't all parts of the highway be safe? Do we have to have signs like this. I mean I-84 in Connecticut is one of the most dangerous highways I have ever travelled on and no one needs to tell me to be safe.

The last sign was in Washington, D.C. for the DUI Enforcement Area. Um... I think that everywhere should be the DUI Enforcement Area. First off the drunks probably can't read that sign and secondly if I was going to drive drunk (Which might be the absolute dumbest thing anyone can do) I would avoid that area. Can anyone help me to understand this sign?

* Charlie Sheen has officially cross the line from an addict to a crazy person who is also an addict. He doesn't care what he says or who he hurts. This is the most surreal thing I have seen since OJ was being driven through LA. You don't really want to watch, but you have to. It is sad that this is what our society accepts and allows to be on TV. News stations no less. Ugh.

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.

WTBT Volume 11, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* I have made my first goal of 20 posts a month.
* even moving slowly on my weight goal is at least an accomplishment.
* I have a strange feeling there is going to be something awesome at this Super Bowl.
* the NHL All-Star game is so much more fun than the NFL Pro Bowl.
* if you like porn stars you better get on Twitter.
* after January Jones' Golden Globes outfit you were really disappointed by her SAG dress.
* SAG dress sounds kind of funny.
* any NBA back door action is fun.
* it so effing on right now.
* only drug dealers are going to go medieval in trying to beat the US.
* Amos Lee is a pretty bad ass singer and if you don't believe me you haven't heard his new album Mission Bell.
* you don't know what movie this quote is from, "What? I didn't *break* it, I was just testing its durability, and then I *placed* it in the woods because it's made of wood and I just thought he should be with his family."
* it is important to take a grease fire seriously.
* strife in Egypt is going to lead to a tumultuous 2011.

We're taking bets that I've been doing some reading...

Here are the books I have read so far in 2011.

* The Unbelievers by Alastair Sim - A neat book about a Victorian era detective in Scotland. It has a really twisted ending that made the book a little weird, but it was enjoyable.
* Warlord by Ted Bell - Another great Alexander Hawke adventure. He is a cool James Bond type, but he has cooler friends.
* Squirrel seeking Chipmunk by David Sedaris - Fun little short stories using animals to tell the tales. Kind of a modern day Aesop's Fables.
* Shoot to Thrill by P.J. Tracy - The Monkeewrench crew is back for another adventure into murder and computers.
* City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - The completion of the Mortal Instruments trilogy. It has some cool characters and will probably be a neat movie.

In the process of reading:

Secrets of a Buccaneer Scholar by James Marcus Bach
Best American Non-Required Reading 2011 edited by David Eggers
Nine Dragons by Michael Connolly

We're taking bets that you can have an impact...

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

* One of my favorite teachers in college passed away today. Dr. Peter Hess of Western New England College was more than just a professor. He was a mentor, a great basketball player, a friend and from what I heard and believed an unbelievable family man. It is amazing how much a professor/administrator from college can impact your life. I am glad that I got to spend some time with him and every time I came back to WNEC he always said hello when he saw me and talked to me for a little while. Thanks for everything Professor Hess and I hope heaven is treating you well.

* The unrest in Tunisia and Egypt is kind of scary. While I completely support these countries right to democracy and freedom, a lot of people are going to get hurt. I think what scares me most is revolutions will probably never stop. There will always be oppressors and people standing up to them. Peace on earth is something I do not believe we will ever see no matter how much beauty pageant contests wish for it. I think that is why I believe more Americans need to pay attention to politics and get involved. We have a pretty good system in the United States, but we are only getting involved every four years. Things happen all the time and not just every four years. I just hope that the people of Tunisia get what they want and more importantly what they deserve.

* On a more fun note I am really impressed with the NHL All-Star game draft. I think that is a really cool way to get more interest in the game. I remember playing NHL '94 and trying to put together an all star roster. This is a great way to get to see your dream line-ups. I think that all sports should do this. It would really spice things up and definitely make me more interested in the games.

* I watched Kevin Hart on Comedy Central again tonight. I really enjoy his comedy. He is just hilarious. I still think his ostrich bit is his best, but everything is funny. Hopefully this will make you laugh again.

WTBT Volume 10, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* it is sometimes better to just agree then go back and forth.
* I didn't always agree with that statement in the past.
* "Soda Pot" definitely could be the next college craze.
* there is no way that could taste good.
* the Patriots will be in the AFC Championship game next year.
* the TV shows Hoarders and Hoarding: Buried Alive freak you out, but if you see they are on you want to watch.
* just because it is free to get books from the library doesn't mean you can keep them forever.
* I understand that Jay Cutler was hurt, but can't the guy have any emotion trying to root his team to victory?
* it is a sad state of affairs when more people are going to be pissed tomorrow that their tv shows are preempted for the State of the Union address than people who actually want to hear what the president says.
* I am not a big fan of dressing up your dogs, but this Che Guevara dog is kind of neat.
* if people did not have weather, sports or causes to talk about no one would put up anything on Facebook.
* is a little bit of an exaggeration, but check your last fifty posts and see how many of them were about one of those things.

WTBT Volume 9, Series 2011...

We're taking bets that...

* I am awful at predictions, but I have two more. Packers over Bears 34 -21, Steelers over Jets 28-24
* you are getting old if you remember when St. John's was a very good basketball team.
* Obama's state of the union address will uplift him to a successful two years until his next term.
* "Off the Map" is a pretty good show, but I worry like Grey's Anatomy Shonda Rimes is going to ruin it with stupid forced love drama.
* if you didn't see the dead spot at the Australian Open you are going to be amazed to watch this video.
* even if you are a super liberal you don't really care that Keith Olbermann is no longer on MSNBC and you don't care why.
* there is such thing as too far on both sides of the political aisle.
* snow terrorists are happening and I bet many people in the Northeast think this would be a good idea.
* the teacher that let two second graders perform oral sex on each other might be the sickest person in America.
* you didn't even play doctor in second grade.
* what makes college basketball so much fun is that being ranked number one usually means you are going to lose in your next two or three games.
* you are getting old if you remember when pencil wars was cool.
* I really like the new Snickers commercial with the sharks in a focus group.