"Dukes" of Hazard

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.) resigned yesterday after admitting to taking bribes worth $2.4 million and evading taxes. Apparently the guy took bribes from at least 3 defense contractors to get them federal money. All of this started when he sold his home to to defense contractor Mitchell Wade, in 2003, for $1.8 million. Wade later sold the same home for $700,000 less. Many think it was a payback to Cunningham for contracts awarded to Wade. Easy to do when you serve on a defense appropriations subcommittee, responsible for spending approval on defense programs. The "Duke" faces a maximum of up to 10 years in prison (which he won't get) and $350,000 in fines.

Just another thorn added to Republican woes. Although Cunningham wasn't a big name politician, it adds to the growing worry for the GOP that, come election time next year, voters may turn the other cheek, especially in key swing states. Now, if the Dems can get their act together, maybe something good can come of all this mess.

In other news, citizens of Boulder, Colorado…beware. Michael Brown, former head of FEMA…yeah, that one, is setting up a disaster-preparidness consulting firm in your backyard. Apparently, he thinks he's learned from his Katrina mistakes and wants to share that knowledge with others. Hey, maybe he has…regardless, take it with a grain of salt. Talk to your local emergency responders to best deal with disasters. Not the guy that left New Orleans to rot and was president of the International Arabian Horse Association…sigh…

Thanksgiving Update

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I know, it's a bit late, but better late than never. It was a good holiday weekend. I got to sleep in a lot, eat good food, see a lot of family…good times. Thursday, the parents and one brother (the other, unfortunately, works at Wal-Mart and they, being evil, didn't give him the time off…though it's partially his fault) arrive early Thursday morning. It normally takes 8 hours to get from Cincinnati to Gaithersburg, but because of the weather (snow in Pennsylvania) and mad traffic…12 hours! Jersey clan arrived Thursday afternoon, sans father figure (he had to work, unfortunately). Mad credit goes to their mom and older sister, who just got in from Pakistan (17+ hour flight) and drove another 4 hours to come down.

Had fantastic turkey and many other dishes Thursday night. Slept quite well. The following morning, almost everyone decided to hit the early bird specials. It was a mad house. It wasn't as bad as news reports were showing, but man…it was crowded. I was paranoid the whole time about this pair of gloves I found…I thought someone kept taking them, only to find that I kept misplacing them. Sales overall were moderate, according to the financial gurus. It's not that people weren't buying, but a lot of electronic products had some drastic price drops. News reports showed people getting into fights, trampeling people over…chaos. The new Xbox didn't help matters either. Reports came in of some consumers having their's stolen right after purchasing them. Word to Microsoft…shortages of crappy products that people, for whatever reason, are demanding is a recipe for disaster, along with reports of technical difficulties. Bad launch. We'll see how it pans out.

Taxes…suck. Got the first paycheck from the new position…man taxes suck. I wish we could elect to choose how our money was spent, instead of blindly paying into it, but…c'est la vie. Didn't get to see the new Harry Potter flick this weekend, but in due time. It's opened to great reviews and killer box office sales. Nice time to premiere right before Thanksgiving. I think it's at over $200 million so far. Hollywood, take note…make good movies on known franchises…not sucky ones. Target is suffering from a type snaffu on their online December catalog. Savvy geeks (yours truly included) are taking advantage of the $99 Nintendo DS typo. Their December catalog (click here). Apparently, you can print the ad and Target will honor it. Some retailers are even price matching the ad, as it is in-store only, and selling it for 10% less. If you've wanted one, now's a good a time as any to get it. Pick up Mario Kart DS while you're at it…it's good.

Bengals beat the Ravens, 42-29…which should have been a shutout, but wasn't. A win is a win, but a 34-0 lead turning into a 42-29 victory is a tad disconserting. L.T. (LaDanian Tomlinson for the uninitiated) racked up 184 yards and the game-winning TD in an OT win against the Redskins…that's the 3rd straight the 'Skins have lost due to a 4th quarter collapse. Seahawks looked sharp, beating out the Giants in OT. Shaun Alexander is having a monster season. Jay Feely, on the other hand, has seen better days (3 missed field goals…all of which would have won the game for the Giants…that has to suck on the Monday after). Vikings win their 4th straight under QB Brad Johnson. The Bears (!!!) have won 7 straight and are playoff hopefuls! It's been a nutty season and it aims to get even crazier Monday night, when the Colts and Steelers duke it out. Next week, the Jungle heads to the Steel City in a game that decides the AFC North Division. Who-Dey!!

More stuff later...

Xbox 360 or bust?

Microsoft's gaming behemoth came out yesterday, getting the early jump on the next round of the console wars. Sony's Playstation 3 and Nintendo's Revolution are scheduled to debut next year. The X360 boasts more powerful hardward than its predecessor, wireless controllers, limited backwards compatability, and aims to serve as a multimedia center for your household. It'll play DVDs, mp3s, store photos, instant message, get you on to Xbox Live (Microsoft's online service for the machine), and a host of other things. All for the price of $299 for the core bundle (system and controller basically) or $399 for the premium package (system, controller, headset, harddrive, and I think some faceplates). The starting line up includes about 20 games. In the shooter category, we have Perfect Dark Zero and Call of Duty 2. For sports, we'll see the latest Madden, NBA and FIFA games (and maybe one or two more). Racing games include Project Gotham Racing 3, Ridge Racer 6, and Need for Speed Underground 2. And then there's Dead or Alive 4, Kameo 2, and some others to round out the opening lineup.

Is it worth $300-$400 plus? In my opinion, no. Not yet, anyway. I'm in the category of gamer that is getting tired of the same old stuff, over and over again. We're essentially paying for the same games with better graphics. I can now see the sweat pouring off of Donovan McNabb's face in Madden…oooh. Are you kidding me? Yes, in the last generation of console wars, I happily picked up a Gamecube (and later an Xbox) for the lastest graphics on the same ol' games. After awhile…it got old, fast. I basically stuck to the multiplayer games because at least I could let my brain rot with company.

Now…I'm an avid fan of Nintendo. Always have been. Love the games and gameplay designs they come up with…but even they are becoming repetitive. But wait! What's this I hear about a new console coming out next year that'll change the way we play video games?! Hark! It's the Nintendo Revolution! And let us all pray that it doesn't suck.

Why is Dance Dance Revolution so popular? Because everyone and anyone can jump onto the pad and play it. Why did my mom play Duck Hunt? Because it was a simple matter of picking up the light gun, taking aim and firing. Why doesn't she play Halo or Smash Brothers? Because the controls are so intimidating. Why is every FPS coming out becoming a drag? Because you've played them all the same way. New guns and prettier graphics only go so far. But a new control scheme could change what we know about video games.

I'm waiting for the Revolution because of this. It may not sport the prettiest graphics, but just looking at the controller alone warrants enough curiousity. It'll generate new gameplay on the games you've loved to play and new game styles that you've never even considered. It will be truly backwards compatible with a library of 4 generations of titles played on the various Nintendo home systems. It will be online. And it'll be cheaper than both the X360 and the PS3. Third-party developers are already salivating at the ideas the new control scheme can bring (if you don't know what it is, click here), which will definetly help. Rumor is the system may even support the highly-touted Unreal 3 engine for graphics, something the Xbox360 and PS3 have promoted considerably. So it may not be as wimpy as it seems.

To hold myself over, I think I'm going to treat myself to a Nintendo DS and hit the racetracks with Mario Kart DS. Supposedly it'll be $99 at Target in December. The Revolution is coming…and it's gonna rock!!

Jean Schmidt = new GOP thorn

Harsh lesson learned I hope. New Ohio Representative, Jean Schmidt (R-Oh), received a rude awakening in Washington as backlash against her remarks on Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa) came pouring in. In a brief speech last week countering Murtha's call to withdraw troops over a six month period from Iraq, Schmidt said the following: "A few minutes ago, I received a call from Colonel Danny Bubp. He asked me to send Congress a message: Stay the course. He also asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message: that cowards cut and run, Marines never do."

And the best part is that Col. Bubp is denying ever making those remarks.

Now…she says that wasn't aimed at Sen. Murtha. Yeah right. Read the sentence again…"…asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message…". Who else were those comments aimed at? Murtha has served in the House of Representative for 31 years and fought in both the Korean and Vietnam wars as a Marine and was decorated for his service. You don't call a man like that a coward, regardless of your political view. And on top of that, the statement is stupid and nothing but a passionate plea without backing. Anyway, almost immediately after the comment was made, Schmidt issued a written apology to Murtha, but still stands by her statement, sans mentioning Murtha.

Chalk up another issue the GOP has to deal with…at this rate, the party may self-implode before 2008 elections.

Change of pace?

Ariel Sharon was once a fierce opponent of the Palestinian Authority, hawkish in his methods to basically remove them from the Palestine/Israel region. But over the past couple of years, the Israeli Prime Minister has displayed a rather prominent turn-about. A man that, at one time, supported the establishments of Jewish settlements in Gaza, had them removed over the summer. Now, he's leaving his Likud party in efforts to form a more centrist party focused on the peace process.

I must say that I'm impressed. A man once hated by much of the Muslim world now seems to genuinely want peace. He's not making very many friends in Israeli politics or communities, but hey, it's a sound tradeoff I think. You can either keep your pride and ride out more years of war and hatred, or you can suck it up a bit and work towards generating a peace so current and future generations don't have to kill each other…

Take your pick.

A worthy effort

I have to say that I'm proud of our Bengals. This weekend, they engaged in a wild shootout against the undefeated Colts. The end result was the Colts winning, 45-37, but this is a Bengals loss that I am not at all mad about. This was one of those games that would test the Jungle and see if it could hold up against the big boys. And even in loss, I'd say that they did well and yes, they held up. If you bleed orange and black, you should be proud of what our boys accomplished this past Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts came into Paul Brown Stadium (PBS) at 9-0, sporting, in my opinion, the most well-rounded offense in the league, lead by the sly tactician, Peyton Manning. If you look at the offensive weapons the Colts have, any defense should be very afraid of what they can do. Peyton Manning is evil, in the way he picks apart defenses and keeps 'em guessing. Edgerrin James is having another 1000+ rushing yard season and Marvin Harrison has some sort of sick telepathic communication with Manning. Top that with underrated tight end Dallas Clark and the other receiver Reggie Wayne. It's sick what they can accomplish on offense. Just look at how they play. No-huddle offense. Peyton's calling changes until the last few seconds of the play clock…it's a nigh-unstoppable offense. There was a drive in which the Colts went 3 and out, as the Bengal's D brought fast pressure on Manning and caused him to throw early. It's about the only thing you can do against him. Catch him off balance. As far as E. James goes…stop the run! One of the Colts' drives was all James, a testament to an offense that can switch it up any way they want.

Anyway, enough Colts praise. Let's take a look at our boys. One thing I'll say is that the Bengals exposed the much-hyped Colts defense. We held them to a single sack and racked up 37 points on the 4th best defense in the league. Product of the schedule? I'm starting to think so. Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry had good rushing games. Chad Johnson had a monster game, with 8 receptions, 189 yards, one TD, and a faux-marriage proposal…the celebration for the week. Yes, he's untouchable. He disregards single coverage. Double-coverage is beatable and he makes amazing grabs when they matter. Best receiver in the league? Overall, yeah. He backs up the tongue-and-cheek talk and people love him. He's no T.O. Dwight Freeney of the Colts was held in check all day, in mostly single coverage by big ol' Willie Anderson (I think). The O-line did an amazing job of protecting Palmer. The other thing you have to realize is that Cincy is a young team. Just look at the QBs. Manning has 8 years, compared to Palmer's 2. Yeah, yeah, Cincy still can't handle the big games, say some analysts. Well, look at the overall age of the team. It's young. It's learning. And most importantly, it's getting better. I do think we need a new defensive coordinator, or let Marvin call the shots. I don't like our guy. We'll have a winning season, and I think we'll make the playoffs. And we'll win those big games eventually.

Build up the run defense, let Carson and the offense learn, and cut the penalties…most of that comes from experience…it'll happen.

Bengals fans, be proud of your team. They have nowhere to go but up. Who-Dey!!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...

Haven't updated this in awhile, I know…I'll work on it a bit over the weekend…

Bengals vs. Colts, Sunday - 4:05pm on CBS…game of the year? I think so :-) Who-Dey!!

And yes...that last post is way late...but I figured to post it anyway, at least for the effort that went into it :-p

First day on the new job...

So far, it's business as usual, although I have to sport a tie more often. Got a new photo taken. Everyone seems to think I've lost weight, based on my old photo (fasting could do that). I think it's the chin scruff throwing people off. Anyway, it was a busy but good weekend.

Took Friday off and celebrated Eid. Got dressed up in my fancy brown man clothes and ate a lot of food that day! Stomach paid for it the next day, but it was all good. Cousins from Jersey came to town Thursday, so it was cool to hang with 'em over the weekend. Saturday I had to work, but we went out to play Laser Tag that night. Way too many people for the space provided. Played a lot of Halo 2, studied, watched football on Sunday…Bengals are 7-2! Their 3 touchdowns up-ended the 3 field goals put up by the Ravens. And Chad Johnson had the best catch of the day. You had to see this thing to believe it. The ball's clearly going over his head, so he jumps, turns, catches the ball, secures it and lands flat on his back…oh how sweet it was! Both Johnsons (Rudi and Chad) had a decent game. Rudi had a TD. Tab Perry and Chris Henry both scored…all was well in the Jungle. Next week is their bye week, which is good…because they get Indianapolis next. In other NFL news: T.O. didn't play because he ran his mouth again…the man's an idiot and it would do well for the Eagles to cut him. I don't care how talented he is…if he's continually putting down his teammates and then criticizing the organization for not celebrating his 100th TD catch…no…shutup and leave. As of now, he's suspended indefinetly. Oh, apparently he got into a fight with someone in the locker room as well. Redskins held off the Eagles 17-10. L.T. was back in form as he ran for over 150 yards and had 4 TDs…which sucks for me b/c my fantasy football opponent this past week had him. Chiefs won an incredible game against the Raiders…credit Dick Vermeil for the confidence he has in his team. Colts vs. Patriots on Monday Night…could be the game of the season if the Patriots decide to suck it up and play like champions.

I'll get into news and other stuff later...

Eid Mubarak!!

Subject says it all :-)

Fear the power of LT!!

Whaccha gonna do when LT runs wild on you?!

Ok, ok…he's in a bit of a slump, but the man can still produce. This caught my eye at ESPN.com and I couldn't help but laugh:

LaDainian Tomlinson has as many TD passes (3) this season as the Jets do as a team.

That's just scary...

It's Official!!

I was extended an offer by my company today for the fulltime position I've wanted. As of November 7th, I'll be Project Manager of Professional Development! Huzzah! If I could, I'd celebrate with all of ya!

Thanks for the support (You know who you are)!!

-Omar

"Paheli" Impressions...

To satisfy my curiousity (and my brother), I'm watching the movie, "Paheli". Now, if you know anything about Indian movies, they are long…really long. I think they average around 3 hours, complete with intermissions. So this one we're watching over the next few nights, an hour at a time. So far, I like it. It's different. Yeah, there's a love triangle (a highly consistent theme with Bollywood flicks), but it's handled a bit differently than most. It's rather charming actually. Colors are bright and vivid, the actors are doing well (as much as I'm sick of seeing Shah Rukh Khan…he does well), and the songs are pretty good. It's pretty funny too. So far so good. I'll post a full review later…maybe.

In other news, Bush nominates conservative justice Samuel Alito to replace swing vote O'Connor (sooner than I thought, but I guess he wants to rebound after last week). He'll probably get confirmed. Bengals go 6-2 by beating Green Bay (idiotic fan disrupts GB's momentum, kinda sealing the deal). Brett Farve, as much as I love the guy, needs to probably retire. That man has taken more punishment than I care to remember. The Texans win one! Rosa Parks is honored at the Capitol over the weekend. More to come later...