The Last One

Writing these blogs week after week has finally come to an end, and I can't say how stoked I am that it is over. While I enjoyed the POLS 100W class and writing the blogs every single week, it is about time that this experience come to an end. So the only thing left to do is write this last blog, but what do I write it on? Originally I had intended to do a "drunken princess" with this last blog, but now that I think about it I am going to pass on that idea. There is no creativity in that at all. Why would I want to copy someone's mistake? That is not a very good idea. For this last blog, I think I will just reflect on what is going on my life in general. Not a very creative idea, and it might not be that entertaining, but I'm feeling pretty reflective on this Saturday afternoon. The first thing I think I need to write about is my new job. Working as a bartender is not the easiest thing I have ever done. Sure I am pretty damn good at it, but I am unsure about my skills behind the bar. For so long I have been confident in anything I do, but when it comes to bartending I have become insecure. That is definitely something I need to work on. Next, my social life is something I need to address. Right now, there is not much of one going on. I personally think having solid relationships will do a lot for my life, but I am not doing anything about it. Looks-wise I know I can get anyone I want, but I am not puling the trigger. Adjustments needed. Finally, I need to stop being such a perfectionist. I am not happy unless everything is absolutely perfect. Whether it is school, work, or my looks, I am not satisfied unless there are no flaws. How will I become content with myself unless I back off. On the other hand, being a perfectionist makes me want to be the best at everything, which is not a bad thing in life. Ugh, I am so conflicted on this and have no idea what I am going to do.


Vocab Words

-Gamut- the entire scale or range.

-Askance- with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval.

The Stripclub Experience

Alright so before I start getting deep into this blog, I just want to say that this topic was inspired by overhearing a conversation in our class. After hearing what these people talking about their strip club experiences, I could not help but blog about it. So first and foremost, I just want to say that I have only been to a strip club one time and this blog will examine the interesting dynamic that I experienced while there. I was not one of those guys that went to the strip club right on his eighteenth birthday, actually the only time I went was last December when I was twenty. When I walked into the Kit Kat Club in Sunnyvale, I took tried to take in everything that was going on all at once. The stage is right in front when you walk in with the naked ladies doing their thing, the rather fat bouncers sitting by the dressing room trying to look all physically imposing, and the creeperish looking guys sitting around the stage with their bills in hand. Not gonna lie, I kinda felt like a loser and creeper by being there. One of the most interesting things I saw was the different kinds of people that frequent a strip club. For the most part you have your ugly Asian guys who probably don't speak English, to go along with the stereotypical old man who is the regular there. God when I am old I hope I am not that guy. So eventually I got up the nerve to sit around the stage with my one dollar bills in hand, and damn that is an awkward experience. The lady starts stripping in front of you, trying to be all hot and everything, also trying to whisper sexy things in the process. She told me I should smile more, but in all honesty I didn't really get anything out of it and I really felt sorry for her. To support themselves, these girls have to degrade themselves in front of people on a nightly basis. So my cousin decided to buy me a lap dance, and damn I got absolutely nothing out of it. It is essentially a dry hump. Woopty f***ing do. In no way did a dry hump give me any sense of arousal at all. I got nothing. Forty dollars for feeling as damn awkward as can be. Well I guess the strip club is an interesting experience as a one time event, but I do not understand anyone who enjoys going on a regular basis.

Vocab Words

Abet- to encourage, support, or countenance by aid or approval.

Ennui- a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest.

Massacre at Fort Hood

I had planned for this week's blog to be my chance to do a "drunken princess," but I think there are more important things for me to talk about. On November 5, 2009, Major Nidal Malik Hasan opened fired on his fellow servicemen in the Soldier Readiness Center at Fort Hood, killing thirteen people and wounding thirty others. On November 12, Major Hasan was charged with thirteen counts of premeditated murder, and may face additional charges for court martial. Hasan was a U.S. Army Psychiatrist, and practicing Muslim. Now that I have gone over some of the facts of the case I am just going to spill all the frustration I have built up for this incident. These types of events are always heartbreaking for the American people, but the circumstances in which this massacre occurred is a bit ridiculous and infuriating to me. How the hell does a member of our own military get away with doing something like this? We had the signs that this guy had ties to Jihad extremists. The military is currently investigating Major Hasan's involvement with radical Muslims, and all the warning signs that an events like this could occur. Why the hell was this guy still allowed to be in the military? With all the problems this country has had with radical Muslims, it is extremely important that we investigate Muslims more closely. I am not trying to be racist or discriminate against a large part of society, but history shows that we should be careful. Radical Jihadists have a long history of hating everything that America stands for, and acts of terrorism have been a result of this hatred. Whether President Obama wants to admit this was an act of terrorism means nothing to me, because that is exactly what this massacre was. It is finally time we start cracking down on the people who are liable to commit acts of terrorism, regardless of discrimination.

Vocab Words

Gainsay- to deny, dispute, or contradict.

Misogyny- hatred, dislike, or distrust of women.

Tim Lincecum and the 420

Last week I could not think of anything to blog about, so I just spewed out random thoughts to fill up space. While last week had no eventful moments, this week was the complete opposite. Some of the things I thought of harping on were the three hikers getting detained in Iran for espionage (which is a joke), or the 49ers losing their 4th straight. These subjects were interesting, and could have made a great blog, but I decided to write about Tim Lincecum getting arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Not gonna lie, this absolutely cracked me up (no pun intended). The Giants ace was arrested at 8 in the morning going 75 MPH in a 60, and the cop smelled weed on his breath and in his car. Timmy, were you craving the bud that much that you were forced to speed as fast as you could to get it? Not only did Lincecum go out and get it early in the morning, but he could not even wait till he got home to blaze it up. What a dumb thing to do. Lincecum is a guy that is up for arbitration this year, and could get a raise up to about 10 million per year, and now may not get that much. It is almost a certainty that the Giants will use this as a bargaining chip to not have to pay him so much money. It is no lie that baseball players have a long history of enjoying drugs of all kind. The steroid epidemic ran throughout baseball for about 25 years, and players today probably still use Human Growth Hormone to get an advantage. Players still take "greenies" on a daily basis, and these are amphetamines that give players a boost during the course of a game. Vida Blue was notorious throughout the game for doing cocaine before and after his starts. In no other sport to players need a drug fix so much. Timmy, I have a little advice for you: if you want to get high then go for it, but just wait till you get home to pull out the little baggie of 420 and get high as the sky.

Vocab Words

-Nadir- the lowest point; point of greatest adversity or despair

-Impugn- to challenge as false.

The Beauty of Halloween

Halloween is one of those advantages that gets taken for granted every single time it comes around. People just think that Halloween is one of the holidays that is just normal, and is definitely not as cool as Christmas or Thanksgiving. Well I have news for all the Halloween haters: If you don't like Halloween or don't think you have to take it seriously then don't come out and be a kill joy. Personally, I think that Halloween is one of those holidays that takes a lot of creativity and effort. One of the things that I think about Halloween is that costumes is a reflection of the personality of the person wearing it. Whatever state of mind you are in each year is directly represented in your costume. Let me take myself as an example. Last year I dressed up as Michael Phelps. Well my costume basically consisted of a swimming cap, fake gold medals, and a speedo. This costume says that I want to get drunk enough to not care about wearing a speedo in public, and that I want the ladies to see the "bod." So this year I was Iceman from Top Gun. BTW Top Gun is one of the greatest movies of all time and anyone who hates has no clue what they are talking about. So my Iceman outfit says that I don't mind being put in an uncomfortable flight suit because I want to look smooth and cool. Another aspect of my costume was my aviator sunglasses. For so long I wanted to be the person that wore sunglasses at night, and finally I was able to do it. I love Halloween for many reasons, and one of the main ones is that it is the one night that girls can dress as promiscuously as they want. As a 21 year old guy, I don't really mind that aspect. Well the one message I want to get across about Halloween is that people need to take it seriously and try to look awesome.

Vocab Words

-cruciverbalism- art of crossword compilation or being a fan of crossword puzzles.

-galimaufrey- large helping of hodgepodge consisting of leftovers, remnants, or simply scraps from the larder.

What to Blog About?

After being able to come up with different subjects to blog about week after week, I have definitely hit a wall this week. For the last hour I have been sitting here just thinking about what I want to write about, but nothing is coming to me. So instead of continuing to sit here, frustrated, because I cannot come up with a topic, I am just going to harp on some random issues that are decently prevalent today. First of all, I do not understand the fascination with this Twilight movie series. Personally, all I see is relatively good-looking people (not the girl) with too much make who are overacting. Vampires are supposed to be violent creatures who suck the blood out of their victims, but these movies are romantic. What the hell? And people who think this series will be as successful as the Harry Potter series are just morons. This type of person needs to get punched in the face. The next thing I am thinking about this morning is U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. All the major news organizations are debating whether President Obama will send more troops to fight that guerrilla war. If it were up to me, there would be more troops over there ASAP. We do not need another Vietnam on our hands, and it is imperative we do not give these terrorists the satisfaction of "beating" us. Finally, I am a huge Friends fan and I can't express how gorgeous Jennifer Aniston is. Ever since I started watching this show religiously, I have essentially been in love with her. What is the exact reason? Could it be the sense of humor she shows in the series? That may be. Could it be how she has dated younger men ever since she divorced Brad Pitt? That could also be the truth. Honestly, it's probably how damn hot she is. Just check out the recent cover she has for GQ. Well, that's all I want to harp on today, and maybe I can come up with something specific next time.

Vocab Words

-Voluble- characterized by a ready and continuous flow of words.

-Iconoclast- a person who attacks cherished beliefs.

Alex Rodriguez and his Playoff Struggles

Alright, so Alex Rodriguez is my favorite baseball player in today's age, and I always get hated on all over the place for liking this guy. So many people give me so much shit on being an A-Rod fan, and damn do they get to me sometimes. People say, "You are a front runner," or, "You only like him because he makes the most money," or, "He's just a pretty boy," or even, "He's only good because he used steroids." However, the one people rag me about is how A-Rod has always "shat the bed" in the playoffs. This is definitely a subject that gets to me every single time that someone brings it up. You know what, I'm not going to deny that he has sucked in the playoffs, because he has been god-awful. Back in 2004, he tried to knock the ball out of the first baseman's glove by slapping in away. When he did that I was like, "Dude what are you doing? Do you even know what sport you are playing?" Better yet, in 2007, he was dropped down to the eighth spot in the batting order because he was crapping all over himself every time he got into the box. This is a guy who may go down in history as the the greatest home run hitter of all time. Now, after all these playoff struggles A-Rod has finally told his doubters to go screw themselves after carrying the Yankees so far. Through his first five games this playoff season, A-Rod has hit for a .358 BA, with three home runs, and eight RBIS. The way he has turned himself around this postseason is almost miraculous, after all the drama that has gone on the last few years. This is a guy that has terrible moments in the late innings when the game matters most, and this October it is the total opposite. When things have mattered most, A-Rod has dropped bombs over the fence to tie games in the ninth innings against All-Star closers, Joe Nathan, and Brian Fuentes. People are still going to hate on this guy because he simply better than other players, but I am finally proud to say that I am an Alex Rodriguez fan.

Vocab Words

Rife- of common or frequent occurrence; prevalent; in widespread existence, activity, or use

Ebb- a flowing backward or away; decline or decay

The Big 21

On Wednesday, October 14 I finally turn the big 21. For years now I have pictured what my 21st birthday would be like, and all the crazy things that I would do. So what will I do on my birthday? Will it be as I have envisioned? Will I end up doing memorable things that I will probably not remember because of my drunken stupor? Will I end up having a drunken princess moment? Will I be waking up next to countless girls that I cannot name? Finally, will I be getting into stupid, drunken bar fights that are caused by a mix of liquor and testosterone? As much as I would love to have moments like these, the answer to these questions is that my life from 21 on will most likely not be what I have imagined. For the most part, people have told me that turning 21 is a bit of a letdown. Don't get me wrong, I plan on having someone memorable nights, but for the most part I won't be making a fool of myself in forgettable bars on a daily basis. From what I see, turning 21 is a just another birthday in a long line that are to come. Turning 21 does not make you an adult, the only thing it does do is allow you to go into places where they charge too much for a drink, and encourage you to make an ass out of yourself. Personally, turning 21 is just a little closer to 25, which is half way to 30, and which is the birthday that makes people finally feel old. I've seen my life flash by so quick that I cannot keep up, but I hope it will slow down soon. Getting old is not something I want to happen quickly, but I will accept it when it comes. For turning 21, I expect to have some fun nights and early afternoon hangovers, but I don't think it will be anything it is cracked up to be.

Vocab Words

Abase- to reduce or lower.

Anhydrous- with all water removed

Beginning of 49ers Season

For the last few years, I have not been too proud to be a San Francisco 49ers fan, but this year is a totally new story. Since Steve Young and Jerry Rice left the team, the 49ers have been a team without vision, but that all changed when Mike Singletary took the helm in the middle of last season. Every lesson he has tried to instill on the team have looked like they are being heard loud and clear. The players, from star linebacker Patrick Willis to aging receiver Issac Bruce, play with a new sense of intensity like never before. Mike Singletary explained his philosophy to the team when he said, "We go out and hit people in the mouth." This message was taken clearly obvious yesterday when the 49ers emphatically kicked the stuffing out of the Rams, bludgeoning them to a 35-0 defeat. It was a display of physicality that we only see out of dominating defensive teams like the Ravens, and Steelers. As good as the defense looks, it is pretty apparent that the offense has some work to do. Shaun Hill runs the team pretty well, with limiting turnovers, and making the routine throws. However, the play calling is extremely conservative, and it looks like the team gets complacent at times. Frank Gore is a budding star, but every year it seems like he gets hurt at one point or the other. At receiver, the 49ers could use a star, but it looks like the ego of Michael Crabtree will never allow him to put on the red and gold. After being banished to the locker room in Mike Singletary's first game, Vernon Davis looks like one of the best tight ends in the league. In the trenches, the offensive line needs some improvement. They show glimpses of brilliance at times, where Frank Gore gets a huge hole and runs for an eighty yard touchdown. Consistency is still not there. The 49ers look like one of the best teams in the league through four games, but we will see if they can pick up the pace. If it were not for a Brett Favre miracle, the team would be 4-0. Oh well, 3-1 is pretty damn good and the future looks bright.

Vocab Words

ossify- to convert into or cause to harden like bone.

quell- to suppress; put an end to; extinguish

The American Dream

One of the classes I am taking at San Jose State this semester is totally based off the concept of the American Dream. Ever since I can remember my parents have told me about the American Dream. They used to tell me that, in America, anyone can make something of themselves, regardless of the circumstances they are brought up in. In class today I was thinking about his topic, and if it is still readily accessible in today's society. Are people able to class jump the way that the American Dream claims they should be able to? If I had to think about it, I would say that the American Dream is very obtainable in today's society. There are so many opportunities accessible to the people of this country that many people would fight for. Not too many other countries see people hopping the border at such a pace the way we do. Almost all of the people that try to sneak into this country are attempting to obtain the great opportunities that we promise. One of the greatest examples of the American Dream is our president, Barack Obama. Here is a man that was raised by a single mother, with no advantages in life, and worked his way up to the highest office in the land. President Obama is the greatest example of how hard work, and determination can go a long way in giving someone a leg up in this world. People try to be pessimistic about the status of the economy in this country, and that people are oppressed in so many ways. This pessimism only hurts the people that spew it, and this country will always be a beacon of light that offers the American Dream.

Vocab Words

Apropos- fitting; at the right time

Hackneyed- made commonplace or trite; stale; banal

Politics in America Today

Personally, I believe being a Political Science major has made me more aware of the day-to-day interactions of what goes on between bureaucrats in Washington. Every time I watch what goes on between politicians I feel that I gain a greater understanding of how the system works. However, I become more and more frustrated every time I watch because these people are just so ignorant to what the people of this country truly want. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have such inflated egos that they have become completely out of touch to the wants and needs of the average American citizen. I definitely consider myself an average American citizen, and I want to map out what politicians need to do to attract voters. First of all, the partisan attacks by both sides need to stop. It is not respectable at all to see Republican Congressman Joe Wilson yell at President Obama "You Lie!", or to see ex-President Jimmy Carter criticize Republicans of being racists because they attack Obama's policies. We live in a civil society, and those displays of stupidity are not civil at all. Secondly, it is not acceptable to lie to constituents to get elected, or policy passed. Time, and time again we see people running for office make promises to the American people, and we are completely shocked when they don't come through. Finally, most Americans are have moderate views, and policy should represent that. I recall that John Stuart Mill once wrote that the best solutions come when two extremes come together, and meet in the middle. Did any of today's politicians ever read Mill? My guess is no. There are many more flaws to the system, but these are the main three I see. I don't expect any politicians to take advice from a twenty-year old who hasn't done anything in life, but I do expect them to reacquaint who voted them into office.

Vocab Words

Recidivist- repeated or habitual relapse.

Calumny-a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something.

Kanye West is an Idiot!!

If you've been living under a rock for the past three days, then you probably did not see Kanye West's tirade at the MTV Video Music Awards. Out of all the stupid things this guy has said and done, I personally believe this one takes the cake. After nice, sweet nineteen-year old Taylor Swift received her award for Best Female Pop Video, Kanye West hopped on stage and decided to make an ass out of himself. Furious that little Taylor Swift won the award, Kanye took the microphone from here and said that Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time, and deserved the award. Dude, what the hell were you thinking? Scratch that, this is not the only time you have something idiotic on national television that has created controversy. After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, and the U.S. government failed to react appropriately, Kanye said, "George Bush doesn't care about black people." Once again dude what the hell were you thinking? I do not care at all how you feel about the president's policies, but just because he is a affluent white man from Texas does not make him a racist. You blamed that hiccup on what you called "baby tourettes," and now you are blaming the fact that you humiliated a teenager in front of the whole world on the fact that you were drunk. Kanye let me put this politely, you are an arrogant pre-madonna who cares about no one but yourself. If your mother were still alive let's hope that she would chastise you, and never let you forget what you have done. Kanye, you are lucky that Beyonce Knowles is such a class act and shared the stage with Taylor Swift when she won Video of the Year. It is time for people to demand that Kanye West grow up a little bit, and stop making these types of mistakes.

Vocab Words

-adage- saying that sets forth a general truth and that has gained credit through long use.

-debase- to reduce in quality or value.

President Obama's Education Speech

Yesterday, President Barack Obama addressed the nation's youth by giving a speech on the importance of education. By streaming his speech to almost every classroom across the nation, the President hoped to instill the importance of education to the future leaders of the United States. Before President Obama even leaked the contents of his speech to the media, people were assuming that this speech had "socialist" ideas. Why not give the guy a chance before judging what he is going to say? Just because he is a liberal does not make everything he says have a hidden agenda. Did his words have some special message that was to brainwash America's youth? No. That type of assumption is absolutely absurd. I was completely unaware that liberal also meant brain washer. I guess I am out of the loop. Now, in all seriousness, my estimation is that the speech was very inspirational, and it is important that students listen intently to what he said. One of the most important messages that I saw was how the President told students to take their education by the horns, and to control their own destiny. In one instance the President said, "You make your own future." That sentiment does not hold more true in today's society where the demand for skilled workers is at all time high with a struggling economy. President Obama is the poster boy for someone who took his education in his own hands and directed his destiny. He is the best example for the possibilities in America, and he says all this can come with some hard work and focus. The controversy over this speech was ridiculous, and the message was an extremely important one that the students of America should pay attention to, and take to heart.

Vocab Words

-Panegyric- a lofty oration or writing in praise of a person or thing; eulogy.

-Effrontery- shameless or impudent boldness.

Dreaded Job Interview

Here we go with the second of about fifteen blogs I will be writing for my 100W class at SJSU, and I have just the right topic in mind for it. Tomorrow afternoon I will have a wonderful time experiencing one of the more dreaded things in life- The Job Interview. Every single time I go on a job interview I don't think it can get worse, but it never fails to disappoint. Before I get into the whole process sitting down with a complete stranger and talking about something I usually have no idea about, I want to address how to prepare for a job interview. Do you do research about the place you are interviewing at so you can have a little bit of small talk? How are you supposed to dress? Casual or Professional? If there are multiple people interviewing, do you dress to stand out, or to blend in? Is it serious enough of an interview to do a complete resume? The whole process is just so infuriating because there are a ton of different variables that go into the whole situation. Now let me get to the whole interview process itself. When you sit down with the interviewer, it is always so awkward to try and impress a person you don't even know based when, in this economy, getting a job is almost impossible. Another thing I always think about when I am there is if my latent psychic abilities will kick in and I will be able to read the interviewers mind. I always want to know what they are thinking, and if there is even the slightest chance I will be working there in the foreseeable future. Man, job interviews wrack my mind ridiculously, and make me question myself in whole new ways that I never thought possible. Thankfully, my job interview tomorrow if for a bartending position that I am almost guranteed to get. Maybe I won't have to think about all those things that I just addressed, but I probably will anyway.


Vocab Words (Week 2)

-neophyte- a beginner or novice.

-coalesce- to grow together or into one body.

State of the San Francisco Giants

My first blog!!! Woo Hoo Yipee!! Well after much thinking I have decided to kick-off my blogging career my talking about the State of the San Francisco Giants. For essentially all of my life I have been a Giants fan, and believe me I have stuck it through the good times and the bad with this team. I was at Candlestick when Brian Johnson hit a walk-off homer against the hated Dodgers to clinch the West and send the Giants to the playoffs. I also remember almost crying as a thirteen year old kid when the Giants blew game 6 of the World Series and ended up losing the entire series to the Angels. However, as I have grown up I have started to become more and more critical of this team. The way this team has played the second half of this season just frustrates me beyond belief. First of all I am going to start at the top with manager Bruce Bochy, and I have many thoughts on the incompetence of this man. His stupidity was clearly portrayed Sunday afternoon as ace Tim Lincecum was on the mound. With a runner on first and 1 out in the top of the seventh, Bochy left "his guy" in to face top pinch-hit man Seth Smith with top reliever Jeremy Affeldt greased up and ready to go in the pen. Smith then went to hit a 450 ft. homer off Lincecum and the Giants ended up losing the game that they desperately needed in the Wild Card race. Seriously Bochy, what in the hell were you thinking?? Lincecum was erratic all day long and tried to find some stability in his stuff by reverting to the stretch for the entire game, but that didn't help either. Take the guy out and be smart enough to play the match up properly. Now let me get to the offense... It almost hurts my eyes to watch these guys attempt to try and execute the way they are supposed to. Aaron Rowand basically refuses to bunt with a runner on second and no outs in a one run or tied game. Pablo Sandoval and Bengie Molina are so ridiculous as free swingers that it is very surprising when they don't see more than two or three pitches per AB. Fred Lewis may be the most talented athlete on the team but has no idea what he is doing on a baseball field, and the team should honestly just cut their ties with him and give him the "boot." Edgar Renteria was signed for $9 million per season in the off season and is hitting a measly .260 with like three homers. God this offense is hard to watch sometimes. Now let me assess how the defense is playing. I don't have too many complaints here, but playing Edgar Renteria and Fred Lewis is just hurting the team. Edgar has terrible range (basically because he is 35) and bone spurs in his elbow so he cannot play short anymore. Fred Lewis flies around the outfield on his heels, which causes his head to bob up and down, and this causes him to drop so many balls that would probably hit him in the face. Despite all these problems the Giants are still in the middle of the NL West race and the Wild Card hunt. The Pitching has carried them, and the trade deadline deals they made have given them a boost to hold their own in these battles. They honestly need to figure their problems out, or once again they will be on vacation in October watching the playoffs on TV.

Vocab Words (interesting words I have found)-
-juxtapose- to place close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast.

-mnemonic- assisting or intended to assist the memory.