North students Gopali and Neerali had their Arangetram this evening at the Diane Wortham Theater in Asheville. It is a sort of like a graduation recital for the classical style of dance, Bharatanatyam, that they have been studying and perfecting for years.
The performance was quite amazing and it was really neat to be invited to a special evening. The cousins had about 200 relatives in from all over the place so for me to be included meant a lot. I also got a yummy dinner of Indian food after the performance.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Can he do it?
Can Paul Johnson win at Tech the way he did at Georgia Southern and Navy? Only time will tell, but Thursday's debut was a good one. The offense was not exactly crisp, but it was effective. That triple option will work and I liked the passing game downfield. Nesbitt played smart. Not great, but smart. And man, I like Tech's defensive front. They're good!
Welcome to the Paul Johnson era at Georgia Tech...
Welcome to the Paul Johnson era at Georgia Tech...
Friday, August 29, 2008
Let's Get Political
Alright, now the election season is starting to get very exciting. John McCain announced Republican Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, making her the first woman vice-presidential candidate in Republican party history. It is a very bold move. It might also be a very dangerous move.
Before I chime in on Palin, let me make a few points about Joe Biden:
The Good:
- He has experience.
- He is pretty respected in political circles
- He is not Hillary
The Bad:
- He has experience
- He is pretty respected in political circles
- He is not Hillary
As someone who is campaigning as a candidate of change, Obama risks backfiring by choosing a running mate who has served as a US Senator since 1972 and is tangled with many political alliances. Some people were hoping for a "Super-ticket" of Obama and Hillary, but I understand why Obama did not do that. For most of GW Bush's presidency, I felt that he was sometimes overshadowed by Dick Cheney, that is was Cheney calling many of the shots. Had Obama nominated Hillary, I think people would have wondered who the real President was.
--------------------------------------
Now Sarah:
It seems like she has done a pretty good job of governor of Alaska. I got a good impression of her while I was in Alaska. She appears to be in touch with the constituents, personable, pretty and smart. She's advocated for Alaska and, for all my knowledge, seems like an effective governor. McCain is the maverick, the candidate not confined by the Beltway. To prove that, he chose a running mate from another country. Okay, I know, Alaska is not another country... but how many Americans know that (not my student who was arguing that there were 53 states in our country)?
McCain also knows that there are a lot of Clinton voters who are not happy with Obama and many of those voters are women. Here is a chance to steal some votes. Did you see the interviews of the Democrats that were still upset about Hillary losing in the primaries? They were all women. To me it means that: a) women are more passionate/opinionated or b) they're not mad their candidate lost, they are mad their WOMAN candidate lost. (btw, voting for Hillary because she is a woman is stupid. Or voting Republican because McCain brought a woman is stupid. Stupid is also voting for Obama because he is black. As is voting McCain because he is 80 and white)
How could this historic and bold pick hurt McCain and the Republicans? Off the top of my head, two things: Ted Stevens and experience. Ted Stevens is the Republican US Senator from Alaska who has been federally indicted for shady dealings with oil contractors. He is a mainstay of American politics as he is currently the longest serving US Senator, chaired the Senate Appropriations committee and is beloved by many Alaskans for his ability to bring beaucoup of federal money to Alaska (ex: the infamous Bridge to Nowhere). I don't think the Democrats need to necessarily smear Palin, they just have to make it known that Palin is the Republican Governor from a state whose senior Senator, a Republican, just got indicted and also has a host of other ethical issues. As an uniformed electorate, we won't want to know anything else. Why bother checking facts, the connection is enough. Amazingly, despite indictment, Stevens won the Republican primary in Alaska and will be on the ballot for re-election in November.
Experience is the other issue that has to concern the Republicans. For months, they have attacked Obama's experience in national and, especially international, politics because his only major political experience is 4 years in the US Senate (not including 8 years in Illinois State Senate) . And you know something, the campaign has been working as McCain has closed the gap considerably. But it's hard to criticize the Obama-Biden ticket now since Biden brings over a quarter century of US Senate experience and the McCain-Palin ticket includes a candidate, who despite being a star (sound familiar?), only has been elected to two offices: 6 years as Mayor of Wasilla (population 5,469 in 2000 Census) and Governor of Alaska (who's entire population is less than Brooklyn, NY) for 2 years. John McCain turned 72 today (29 Aug). I can see the commercial now... what if McCain's health took a turn for the worse? The next president would be a 44 year old lady (two years younger than Obama) with only 2 years of major office experience and no foreign policy experience (even though Alaska is a foreign country).
Before I chime in on Palin, let me make a few points about Joe Biden:
The Good:
- He has experience.
- He is pretty respected in political circles
- He is not Hillary
The Bad:
- He has experience
- He is pretty respected in political circles
- He is not Hillary
As someone who is campaigning as a candidate of change, Obama risks backfiring by choosing a running mate who has served as a US Senator since 1972 and is tangled with many political alliances. Some people were hoping for a "Super-ticket" of Obama and Hillary, but I understand why Obama did not do that. For most of GW Bush's presidency, I felt that he was sometimes overshadowed by Dick Cheney, that is was Cheney calling many of the shots. Had Obama nominated Hillary, I think people would have wondered who the real President was.
--------------------------------------
Now Sarah:
It seems like she has done a pretty good job of governor of Alaska. I got a good impression of her while I was in Alaska. She appears to be in touch with the constituents, personable, pretty and smart. She's advocated for Alaska and, for all my knowledge, seems like an effective governor. McCain is the maverick, the candidate not confined by the Beltway. To prove that, he chose a running mate from another country. Okay, I know, Alaska is not another country... but how many Americans know that (not my student who was arguing that there were 53 states in our country)?McCain also knows that there are a lot of Clinton voters who are not happy with Obama and many of those voters are women. Here is a chance to steal some votes. Did you see the interviews of the Democrats that were still upset about Hillary losing in the primaries? They were all women. To me it means that: a) women are more passionate/opinionated or b) they're not mad their candidate lost, they are mad their WOMAN candidate lost. (btw, voting for Hillary because she is a woman is stupid. Or voting Republican because McCain brought a woman is stupid. Stupid is also voting for Obama because he is black. As is voting McCain because he is 80 and white)
How could this historic and bold pick hurt McCain and the Republicans? Off the top of my head, two things: Ted Stevens and experience. Ted Stevens is the Republican US Senator from Alaska who has been federally indicted for shady dealings with oil contractors. He is a mainstay of American politics as he is currently the longest serving US Senator, chaired the Senate Appropriations committee and is beloved by many Alaskans for his ability to bring beaucoup of federal money to Alaska (ex: the infamous Bridge to Nowhere). I don't think the Democrats need to necessarily smear Palin, they just have to make it known that Palin is the Republican Governor from a state whose senior Senator, a Republican, just got indicted and also has a host of other ethical issues. As an uniformed electorate, we won't want to know anything else. Why bother checking facts, the connection is enough. Amazingly, despite indictment, Stevens won the Republican primary in Alaska and will be on the ballot for re-election in November.
Experience is the other issue that has to concern the Republicans. For months, they have attacked Obama's experience in national and, especially international, politics because his only major political experience is 4 years in the US Senate (not including 8 years in Illinois State Senate) . And you know something, the campaign has been working as McCain has closed the gap considerably. But it's hard to criticize the Obama-Biden ticket now since Biden brings over a quarter century of US Senate experience and the McCain-Palin ticket includes a candidate, who despite being a star (sound familiar?), only has been elected to two offices: 6 years as Mayor of Wasilla (population 5,469 in 2000 Census) and Governor of Alaska (who's entire population is less than Brooklyn, NY) for 2 years. John McCain turned 72 today (29 Aug). I can see the commercial now... what if McCain's health took a turn for the worse? The next president would be a 44 year old lady (two years younger than Obama) with only 2 years of major office experience and no foreign policy experience (even though Alaska is a foreign country).
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Gustav
Anybody seen this? For once, I hope the predictions are wrong. I fear that three years after Katrina, New Orleans still cannot take on a category 3 storm straight on. It's a tropical storm right now, but it's expected to strengthen as it moves off Haiti and into the warm waters of the Gulf.
Monday, August 25, 2008
New Year
We started our new school year today. I currently have 81 students in 3 classes. North Henderson is packed. Almost a thousand students. Overall, today was very smooth. It was also great to see a bunch of kids from last year.
On another note, it rained today. A nice, thorough shower which this drought stricken land needed. The only bad thing about the rain: can't ride my motorcycle to work.
On another note, it rained today. A nice, thorough shower which this drought stricken land needed. The only bad thing about the rain: can't ride my motorcycle to work.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Olympics Updates
With the closing ceremonies tomorrow, here is the review of my Olympics Previews on athletes I was watching and storylines to follow:
Athletes to watch:
Allyson Felix - Did not look like the Allyson Felix that won the last two world championships, but still finished with a silver in the 200m to a very fast Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica. Was still able to get gold as a member of the 4x400m relay team, running a fantastic leg (48.7 split!).
Taylor Phinney - I read that a writer called the "next Lance" a huge disappointment for not medaling. I think the kid, who took up competitive cycling just over a year ago, did great. One round from placing for an 18 year old kid. Great learning experience for Phinney, who might be the future of US Cycling.
Jake Deitcher - One match away from wrestling for bronze, he was a highlight of an otherwise dismal performance by the Americans in wrestling (amplified by NBC's lack of coverage). This guy is for real, I foresee a lot of wrestlers bumping weight classes next year to get away from the University of Minnesota's super freshman.
Ben Askren - He promised gold and failed to deliver. Miserably failed. He's going to be fine down the road and has a lot to learn but has a good future ahead of him.
Liu Xiang - Pulled up lame with achilles injury even before he left the blocks. As much hype was surroundng him, he was a huge disappointment. One has to wonder if the pressure of carrying China's track expectations on his shoulders finally got to him.
Storylines:
100m Showdown:
What showdown? Bolt set the world record while cruising the last 20 meters. He was so dominating. There was only a race for second. Ditto the 200m.
Fun in the Pool:
Phelps was amazing. The rest of the the American swim team, hyped to be so great, performed admirably, but not to the hype that preceded them into the Watercube. Natalie Coughlin had a very good Olympics, Katie Hoff underperformed, Dana Torres was impressive. Outside of Phelps, the men were only above average. Hero of swimming: Jason Lezak, who swam from behind to edge France in the 4x100 freestyle for the gold and perserve Phelps' quest for eight.
What will blow up in China's face:
Well organized and a grande opening ceremonies, but they could not escape controversy. The pollution was obviously there, though there were some good days. China at the last minute revoked many visas of lots of tourists, denying them entry. They did set up protest zones, but they were far from venues and the largest might hold 200 protesters. You had to apply for a permit to protest; no one who applied was granted a permit, some were arrest (for applying). There was the unfortunate murder of Todd Bachman, that in fairness to China, was out of their control. But they could control their image and lying about sold out venues, a lip synced opening ceremonies and questions about the age of their gymnasts haunted the image of the Chinese regime.
Athletes to watch:
Allyson Felix - Did not look like the Allyson Felix that won the last two world championships, but still finished with a silver in the 200m to a very fast Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica. Was still able to get gold as a member of the 4x400m relay team, running a fantastic leg (48.7 split!).
Taylor Phinney - I read that a writer called the "next Lance" a huge disappointment for not medaling. I think the kid, who took up competitive cycling just over a year ago, did great. One round from placing for an 18 year old kid. Great learning experience for Phinney, who might be the future of US Cycling.
Jake Deitcher - One match away from wrestling for bronze, he was a highlight of an otherwise dismal performance by the Americans in wrestling (amplified by NBC's lack of coverage). This guy is for real, I foresee a lot of wrestlers bumping weight classes next year to get away from the University of Minnesota's super freshman.
Ben Askren - He promised gold and failed to deliver. Miserably failed. He's going to be fine down the road and has a lot to learn but has a good future ahead of him.
Liu Xiang - Pulled up lame with achilles injury even before he left the blocks. As much hype was surroundng him, he was a huge disappointment. One has to wonder if the pressure of carrying China's track expectations on his shoulders finally got to him.
---------------------
Storylines:
100m Showdown:
What showdown? Bolt set the world record while cruising the last 20 meters. He was so dominating. There was only a race for second. Ditto the 200m.
Fun in the Pool:
Phelps was amazing. The rest of the the American swim team, hyped to be so great, performed admirably, but not to the hype that preceded them into the Watercube. Natalie Coughlin had a very good Olympics, Katie Hoff underperformed, Dana Torres was impressive. Outside of Phelps, the men were only above average. Hero of swimming: Jason Lezak, who swam from behind to edge France in the 4x100 freestyle for the gold and perserve Phelps' quest for eight.
What will blow up in China's face:
Well organized and a grande opening ceremonies, but they could not escape controversy. The pollution was obviously there, though there were some good days. China at the last minute revoked many visas of lots of tourists, denying them entry. They did set up protest zones, but they were far from venues and the largest might hold 200 protesters. You had to apply for a permit to protest; no one who applied was granted a permit, some were arrest (for applying). There was the unfortunate murder of Todd Bachman, that in fairness to China, was out of their control. But they could control their image and lying about sold out venues, a lip synced opening ceremonies and questions about the age of their gymnasts haunted the image of the Chinese regime.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
More Bumbling
As I posted yesterday, USA Track and Field has been seriously underachieving. The sprint relays seemed to sum up much of the Beijing Games for the Americans. Dropped passes in the men's AND women's 4x100 semis resulted in both teams being disqualified from an event which the Americans could have competed for gold (though I would have still bet on the Jamaicans even if both American squads advanced).
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