florida.

Luck was on my side with yesterday's trip to Florida (where I'm spending time with some family). No less than a few hours after I got out of Des Moines, sleet apparently overtook the roads and made everything icy. I feel guilty to be in 85-degree weather, but hot damn, it feels good.

I've been trying to keep a travel journal with some consistency (no promises). I'll convert it from handwriting to typing and I hope to get some of it posted up here in the next week or so.

Two more things:
1) Saw "The Spirit." Awesome, bizarre movie. Think of it as a less violent, more detective-like "Sin City." Samuel L. delivers some great lines and Scarlett Johannson steals the show for a bit. Solid "A-" movie.
2) Futureme.org. Before the new year, take a visit to this site. It allows you to draft an email that will be stored and sent to you at a date of your choice in the future. The really neat thing is to see what some other people have written to themselves (you can choose to draft a private email or a public, but anonymous, email). Neat stuff and kind of a cool alternative to new year's resolutions if you're into that sort of thing.

much respect,
josh

EDIT: also, I'm told another plane slid off the runway at O'Hare the day before last (just after my last post). Hey, if it's good for the economy... (thanks, Tim)

Inadvertent hiatus

Holy damn, I forgot to update this thing for a whole ten days! Sorry, kids. Finals week was bönanas. It was filled with cold weather, praying to the grading gods (AKA my instructors and TAs), and making up words when I got bored with studying (see above).

I always like these points of the year, especially when things like finals are already out of the way, as it really provides a good time to look back upon the year that was. For a writer, it's usually a good way to get some ideas flowing, so I may turn my attention to developing something of substance over break.

This year hasn't had a whole ton of ups and downs, but the ups were typically really good (graduating, meeting my current girlfriend) and the downs were really bad (unexpected death of my uncle, etc.). On the whole, it's been an unbelievably cool year and I've got a hell of a lot of blessings to count.

-----

Also, what the hell is it with airplanes skidding off of runways at major American airports around the holiday season? I blame the economy... everybody knows it's cheaper just to crash the damn plane than land it normally with, you know, wheels and landing gears and stuff. I mean, come on, it just makes sense (cents?).

much respect,

josh

Hay babay...

Long time no see and all that. Finals week has arrived at the University of Iowa and the temperature is somewhere between uncontrollable swearing and involuntary body spasms. Studying has of course taken precedence over posting recently, but there has been some decent news recently, especially with the recent scandal concerning Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. 

As most readers of this blog might be able to guess, the UI is composed mostly of people from "a suburb of Des Moines," or "a suburb of Chicago." I would venture so far as to say that we Iowans are the minority at the UI. Having spoken with my friends about the Blagojevich scandal, not one of them is at all surprised. Allow me to repeat that: no one from Illinois is surprised that their governor allegedly attempted to commit fraud. 

Furthermore, no one seems to be surprised that Blagojevich is refusing to resign. It would be one thing if this case were unfounded, but tapes of Blagojevich have been released where he explicitly states that he is selling Barack Obama's senate seat. I have never been this confused with how someone could possibly belive that they'll keep their job having been caught ON TAPE plotting to commit a felony. 

And I thought Chet Culver was dumb. Thank God for the Big Lug, I guess.

much repect,

josh 

Oh good.

You know it's going to be a great day when the driver of the bus you take to your morning class tells the passengers to hang on "for dear life" in the event that he loses control of the bus in the icy conditions. Six Flags has nothing on the UI Cambus system (except safety, perhaps).

much respect,

josh

Let me sing you the songs of my people.

So I went to the library the other day with a friend to do some studying and research for a speech. I brought my trusty MacBook Pro along with me, and for whatever reason, going to the library caused the WiFi system on the computer to stop working.

Completely.

So I ran diagnostics and every trick in the book to no avail before taking it into the campus tech support people. They identified the problem as a glitch in the software update for AirPort (the Mac program which regulates a computer's WiFi connectivity). Their solution, and I'm not joking, was this:

Tech Support Guy: So, there's a problem with AirPort, basically.

Me: Ok, that sucks. What should I do? Can I revert to a previous version of AirPort?

Tech Support Guy: No, actually, our Apple-certified expert recommends that you re-format your hard drive.

Me: Wait, what do you mean by re-format my hard drive? Are you suggesting that I erase everything on my 160gb hard drive?

Tech Support Guy: Yes, but back everything up first of course.

Me: (contemptuous stare)

Yeah. Way to go Apple. You certified someone who rather than going online to find a solution, suggested REMOVING EVERYTHING FROM MY COMPUTER. Speaking of going online to find a solution, I did just that after I got back to my dorm. Apparently this is a fairly common problem and therefore decently documented. I fixed the problem in 10 minutes, with no effect on my hard drive. 

Long story short, UI Tech Support is stupid. Don't let them within 50 feet of any electronic item that you value.

much respect,

josh

PS: Just a little PSA here: what happened to my computer is apparently a glitch with the most recent update for AirPort that causes any computer that operates in a large WiFi network (such as one that might exist on a college campus) to lose wireless internet connectivity. If you have a MacBook or MacBook Pro and you go to college, it's probably a good idea to avoid the update. If you should somehow accidentally install it, simply restart your computer in "Safe Boot" mode and then restart it again to fix the problem.

Step aside, Peter Jackson

...There's a new Aussie in town, and his name is Baz Luhrman.

Perhaps best known for his glitzy rendition of "Moulin Rouge," Luhrman's most recent work, "Australia," has single-handedly re-written what an "epic" film should be.

I don't even know where to begin with "Australia." Even summarizing the film is a tad daunting, simply because the film's narrative is so long and meandering. That being said, this hardly feels like a three-hour movie. Luhrman's sharp style of directing, when paired with the classic elements of westerns and similar pictures of grand proportions, proves perfect. 

While many are quick to label "Australia" as one of those love it or hate it movies, it is nearly impossible to deny that it is a fine example of what a three-hour epic movie ought to be. Luhrman has not only one-upped fellow Australian director Peter Jackson (who has no less than 4 such "epics" to his name) in this department, but he has simply blown him out of the water. The film is built in distinct pieces that are tied together by recurring themes and motifs, a practice that seems missing from most of Jackson's 3+ hour films.

To put it simply, this film is Luhrman's crowning achievement and one of the best films of the new millennium. See this movie while it's in theaters, you'll thank yourself later. 

Bottom line: 5/5 and a sure-fire contender for Best Picture at the '09 Oscars.

PS: I also saw "Role Models" this weekend. Not a whole lot to be said about that movie, other than it's completely unrealistic and I couldn't possibly care less. Check your brain at the door and go see it. 

3.5/5

much respect,

josh

Happy Thanksgiving

In lieu of a real post, I'll just repost something that's been going around on facebook. It's cool, I can do this; it's Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has a great holiday!!
-----------------------------------------------

This is what the cool kids are doing these days...

Here's what to do:
1. Put your iTunes on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds! And the artist!
4. Tag some friends
5. Anyone tagged has to do the same, because fun pointlessness spreads like a virus.

YAY fun.

If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say?
Television Rules the Nation- Daft Punk

How Would You Describe Yourself?
Burnin'- Daft Punk (lolz hardly)

What Do You Like in a Boy/Girl?
Pulsewidth- Aphex Twin (sounds dirty :)

What is Your Life's Purpose?
Farewell- Boris (how cryptic)

What is Your Motto?
Kids with Guns- Gorillaz

What Do Your Friends Think of You?
Raw- Scanners (harsh)

What Do You Think of Your Parents?
Go-Go Gadget Gospel- Gnarls Barkely (huh?)

What Do You Often Find Yourself Thinking About?
There's Always Someone Cooler than You- Ben Folds

What is 2+2?
November has Come- Gorillaz

What Do You Think of Your Best Friend?
Code Monkey- Some guy

What Do You Think of the Person You Like?
Hell Yes- Beck (lol nice work, iPod.)

What Is Your Life Story?
Cringe- Alkaline Trio (how emo)

What do you want to be when you grow up?
Let There Be Light- Justice

What do you think of when you see the person you like?
Let Down- Radiohead (the exact opposite, actually)

What will you dance to at your wedding?
Cult of Personality- In Living Color (oh God, no)

What will they play at your funeral?
I against I- Mos Def feat. Massive Attack (I'd be OK with this, actually)

What is your hobby/interest?
Shakin' All Over- Rose Hill Drive (I'm actually a crack addict)

What is your biggest fear?
96 Quite Bitter Beings- CKY (not that far off)

What is your biggest secret?
Testify- Rage Against the Machine (I think my iPod missed the point of the question)

What do you think of your friends?
Pretty Fly for a White Guy- Offspring (My friends are quite fly)

What will you post this as?
See You Soon- Coldplay ( :) )

much respect,
josh

Syn-a-whattie?

I went to see "Synecdoche, New York" last night down at the Fleur Cinema in Des Moines. For those of you who may not know, it is the directorial debut of acclaimed writer Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine, Adaptation, Being John Malkovich) and it couldn't have been stranger. Many would argue that Kaufman has completely fallen into self obsession with this latest effort, a rambling portrayal of a struggling playwright's final fifty years of life (yes, fifty. The movie takes place over a time span anywhere between 35-50 years). While it's hard to negate that argument, it is also hard to deny the legitimacy of the film itself, even if it is complicated in the way it establishes it's point. While it's hardly Kaufman's best work, fans of indie movies (and Phillip Seymour Hoffman) should check this one out while it's still in theaters, if nothing else than for the purpose of arguing about it's ambiguous meaning. I personally give it a B-, but most critic's have liked it a bit more than I.

much respect,

josh

This is cool.

These pictures are awesome. Even better, I don't think any of them (maybe one) are photoshopped in any way.

much respect
josh

PS: I realized that my last post had a few typographical errors. I went back and fixed 'em. Sorry if I offended any logophiles :)

Bad business model

Even though I voted for him, I knew there would eventually be an issue where I would completely disagree with Barack Obama. Luckily, I don't think this is all that divisive of an issue, but it is a vitally important one. I'm talking, of course, about the incessant whining coming from General Motors who now want congress to give them $25 billion dollars to help them stay afloat. Most Democrats (Obama included) support the bailout. Most Republicans (and a surprisingly low number of Democrats) don't support it. I identify with the latter.

GM has been teetering on bankruptcy for years and they've had this coming. They've had this coming and there isn't a person in the whole damn company who didn't know this. GM's financial woes are far from new and that hasn't stopped them (until very, very recently) from sparing no expense from developing gas-guzzling SUVs that nobody wants drive to beyond-extravagant presentations. All of the sudden, GM is realizing that their awful excuse for a major American business might actually be brought down by their shoddy practices. I'm not saying that the economic downturn isn't affecting GM, it is. I'm saying that maybe if GM hadn't hemmorraged money for the last 10 years, they wouldn't be in this position. They wouldn't even be close.

So for once, Democrats, let a business learn their lesson. We have other automobile suppliers, many of them with American ties (i.e. Toyota) to help our economy. Let GM suffer the downfall they've had coming for so long and let it be a lesson to every other corrupt business in America that the taxpayers don't exist to clean up their mess.

much respect,
josh

PS: On an unrelated note, I was informed that an old friend from high school died yesterday from an accidental drug overdose. This comes as particularly shocking, especially since he really had a lot going for him as of last year. I was only acquainted with him, and I can only imagine the pain his family and close friends are going through. I'm not going to go on an anti-drug tirade or anything, but his untimely passing has struck me as a reminder that few things are constant and we should really be thankful for the things that are. RIP, Ryan.

Overthinker...

I have this bad habit, it's been getting a lot worse as of lately, of over-thinking the most minor, insignificant things. I've always been one of the awkward, self-conscious types, but it really only comes through after I've made a slip-up or mistake of some sort. 

It's not the mistake itself that makes me feel so self conscious, rather it's the concept of what people may think of me. I just have a terrible habit of taking any minor slip I make and elevating it to the grandest of all proportions in my head. I may say something that was a tad bit too harsh or do something that comes off as a wee bit too stupid and end up fearing that whoever witnessed the event will suddenly feel compelled to end all contact with me. 

The last few days have been great to me, I've gotten a chance to do so much in such a short period of time, all while spending time getting to know people that I genuinely love to be around. Yet at the same moment, I feel nervous that I have made a mistake around them and don't know it yet. If I haven't yet, will I? When will I do it? And will it ('it' meaning the mistake or its possible consequences) really be as bad as my mind makes it out to be?

much respect,

josh

ps: On a COMPLETELY unrelated note, I've got a ticket for the Purdue v. Iowa game tomorrow at Kinnick Stadium. If you want it, send me an email (agentj28@aol.com).

A much needed explanation...

As many of you may know, I've always been a tad bit critical of the "To Write Love on Her Arms" anti-suicide movement. Today is actually the movement's anti-suicide holiday, for those of you who may not know. The basis of the group is the (rather novelized) story of a guy's effort to prevent a girl's suicide. Don't get me wrong, I fully support any effort to stem the suicide epidemic anywhere in the world, but I feel that certain aspects (particularly some of the followers) of the TWLOHA movement cheapens it a bit.

I won't deny that it spreads awareness, but excuse me if I feel that it only does so on a superficial level. I see bands wear the t-shirts and people walking around with 'love' literally written on their arms and I have to ask myself why people are doing this. I understand that many have had their lives affected first hand by those who have committed suicide, which is a horrible tragedy, but I feel that more can be done to raise awareness than simply wearing a shirt or scribbling on one's arm. To put it simply, I (no longer) have any problem with TWLOHA, but I just wish that its less-informed supporters would take more than a superficial interest in the far from superficial matter of suicide. 

I've poked fun at the movement itself at times, and for that, I am really and truly sorry. Having had a chance to ruminate on my thoughts, that's a rather childish stand for me to take, especially on a matter that is so serious. While I am still upset by the superficiality of some TWLOHA supporters, I fully support the movement itself and have a great deal of admiration for its goals. Also, to any serious TWLOHA supporters who I may have pissed off, at any point, I apologize whole-heartedly for my actions.

TWLOHA Official Website

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) Website

I encourage everyone to take a moment and visit these websites. Suicide is a serious matter and education as to its apparent causes (as well as methods of prevention) is the best tool we have to combat it.

much respect,

josh

Partially blocked writer

So I'm not really feeling that creative writing I was talking about... I guess I just can't really get in to that story I was working on, my heart just isn't there at this point. It could certainly be worse (I could be having writer's block). I think I'll just take some time to brainstorm and work on a better, more sound idea when it comes to me.

In other news, I got a chance to see Jim Cramer tape his show "Mad Money" on the UI campus today. Earlier today, I even got the chance to aid in a student interview with him for SVP (I held the boom mic). Cramer's a really nice guy, shorter than I imagined. Really down to earth and passionate about helping people. Really one of the nicest people I've had the opportunity to meet. He also taped a really a great show. I'm on TV for a few fleeting moments, as the camera pans over the crowd (I'm last row on the floor, in the back, right by the middle aisle). It was a great show, and it'll be reaired at 11pm EST (about five minutes from now) on CNBC tonight. Watch it, if you can.

much respect,

josh

Remember, remember, the 5th of November...

I just happened to see "V for Vendetta" for the first time last night. I must say, it was positively awesome. If you are one of the few who have not seen it, I recommend checking it out when you get the chance. Although it may not be the truest adaptation of the book, it is really a beautiful film inside and out. Natalie Portman's acting is superb and Hugo Weaving gives one of the best voice acting jobs I've ever heard in any movie.

I may be taking a brief hiatus from frequent posts to work on some creative writing, but rest assured I won't stop posting altogether. Also, should anything come of this creative writing, you'll see it here first.

much respect,

josh

Wow.

it's great to be home.

Good for them.

While I won't deny that they have their fair share of sore losers, I have to commend the McCain campaign and their supporters in the wake of Mr. Obama's victory. A great deal of Republicans and McCain supporters, including the head of Iowa College Republicans Greg Baker, have expressed maturity and willingness to give Barack a chance. Baker also expressed in a letter to the editor of the Daily Iowan the need to reach across the aisle and put aside political differences. Regardless of political affiliations, it's time that we stand together as a country and find a way to put a stop to our economic crisis, among other things. Either way, let's put aside our political differences, if only for a few months, after this long build-up to the election. 

The one thing I still do wonder about (and I say this as an Obama supporter), is whether Democrats would have displayed the same level of maturity the Republicans have displayed if McCain had won the election. I hate to bring down my own party, but I have serious doubts that we would see that behavior.

Lastly, I don't know if any of you happened to be watching CNN for your election night coverage, but they unveiled the greatest invention in television history: the hologram. And since it's election night, who do they interview? Will.i.am of the Black-Eyed Peas, of course. I mean, duh, it's a no-brainer. 

much respect,

josh

A big step.

I think this is appropriate to play today...

much respect,

josh

I voted this morning...

did you?

The atmosphere is absolutely electric everywhere on campus right now. It's really neat being able to see this first hand. I'm also really excited to be a part of a media project tonight (I legally can't tell you what it is until tomorrow), but I can honestly say it's going to be huge.

No matter who you support (unless it's McCain), go out and vote today! In the words of a wise philosopher by the name of Sir Nike once said, "Just Do It."

viva la revolution,

josh

A few things....

Firstly, sorry for not posting sooner. I've been busy the past few days and the blog kind of takes a back seat to some other things....

Secondly, I'm still hoping to get a position as a production assistant on the CNBC taping of "Mad Money" when it comes to campus as part of the show's "Back To School" tour. If you aren't familiar with Jim Cramer, look him up on YouTube sometime to get a taste for the type of show Mad Money is.

Thirdly, I'm writing this post from a coffee shop that I frequent here on campus that happens to sit next to a small playground. Not five minutes earlier did a little kid just run up to the window and start smacking the hell out of it, apparently just for fun. God, I sometimes miss those days, especially now with the stresses of college life. Not that I'm complaining (with responsibility comes power, in the words of Peter Parker), but there's something to be said for naïvety.

Fourthly, a shameless plug. November is "No Shave November." There is no special cause. There is no real reason. Don't ask questions, odds are there isn't a damn person who can answer them. Don't shave, now until November 30th.

Fifthly, another shameless plug (or anti-plug). Don't vote for McCain-Palin tomorrow. Vote for Obama, Barr, Ron Paul, or Mickey Mouse, but for the love of all that is holy, don't vote for McCain. But seriously, by all means, go out and vote.

The Daily Iowan: useful after all!

It's an undeniable fact that the University of Iowa student-run paper The Daily Iowan is one of the more boring publications we students have access to here in Iowa City. That being said, my friend Doug and I have managed to find a use for them...

Big thanks to Doug for helping with the prank, Alan for getting us in the room, and Mark for having such a great sense of humor about it all.

much respect,

josh

Yes.

It's official. Tarantino is back.

Officially official.

I cannot wait.

\loves Tarantino

much respect,

josh

Creepy...

I'm currently sitting in the lobby of the journalism building at my college. Sitting about 5 feet to my left is a lady, probably in her late 50s or early 60s. 

She is humming incessantly and completely without melody. So it just sounds like she's babbling with her mouth closed. 

She is scaring the living hell out of me and I have no idea why.

much respect

josh

Sick people.

If you aren't already in college, know this: you will get sick when you get here.

A lot.

Like all the time. 

I'm now on my third illness/disorder (this time it's persistent sputtering cough) in about 8 weeks.

Wash your hands, kids. And don't go outside. Or talk to people. Or touch ANYTHING.

.          .          .          .          .

On a brighter note, I'm a fan of getting the vote out and encouraging us "younglings" to have a voice in the upcoming presidential election, but this has to be the best PSA I've seen in ages. There's another one here, as well.

And in case you don't remember, here's the original Terry Tate short from the 2003 Superbowl.

much respect,

josh

OH MY GOD HOW DID WE MISS THIS

YESTERDAY WAS INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY AND WE FORGOT TO CELEBRATE IT!! dammit!!!!!

THEY EVEN HAVE A WEBSITE FOR THE HOLIDAY.

YOU KNOW ITS LEGIT, BECAUSE THEY HAVE A PICTURE OF BLACK SANTA.

NO I CAIN'T STOP YELLING, 'CAUSE THATS HOW I TALK.

MUCH RESPECT,

JOSH

A few of my favorite things...

I'm an avid reader of the XKCD web-comic, as well as a casual fan and occasional reader of the New Yorker (their political cartoons are the best anywhere). 

With this in mind, it's easy to imagine my joy when I stumbled upon this little nugget of gold.

It's a cartoon-off between XKCD creator Randall Munroe and New Yorker cartoonist Farley Katz. Who is the winner? You decide.

much respect,

josh

God Awful.

If you want a good laugh, by all means, watch "The Happening." M. Night Shamalan fans beware... after seeing it, you won't be able to take him seriously as an actor ever again.

As a matter of fact, save your self the other 88 minutes, and just watch this video.

My favorite part of the video is around the two-minute mark, when Mark Wahlberg is trying to convince the old lady that he is not going to kill her. Keep in mind that his character is honestly trying to calm the old fart down, and is not trying to sound sarcastic.

much respect

josh

Is it wrong of me?

Is it silly or at all wrong of me to not want to vote early? I have no issue with those who do, but I have been confronted, three times in the past week, with perfect opportunities to cast my vote for President. All three of those times, I purposely chose to walk on by. 

It's not that I'm undecided (John McCain and Sarah Palin did a damn good job of convincing me NOT to vote for them) but I actually want to wait until election day. The signs outside the early voting stations proudly proclaim "get your vote counted FIRST on election day!!"

I've three qualms with this. 

One: We aren't stupid. All the votes are the same. It doesn't matter exactly when our vote is counted, just that it is counted. 

Two: Voting early seems too damn easy. I want to wait in line on election day. I want it to rain. I want it to be a moderate pain in the ass. Perhaps I'm romanticizing it, but I want to feel epic when I cast my vote for Barack.

Three: What if they lose the ballots? I know they won't, but by God, suppose I were to cast my vote early, the ballots would be incinerated in a freak accident later that day (my luck is poor). Irrational fear? Yes. Good enough to keep me from voting early? Yes.

much respect

josh 

I'm Gary f**king Barta.

So not more than 45 minutes ago, I happened to pass current UI Athletic Director Gary Barta on my way back to my dorm. 

It was strange, really. As I got close to him, my eyes lit up the way most people's do when they recognize someone but can't place quite how or why they know them. Without hesitation, Barta gave me a little smirk and a nod that came off as so smug, I had to fight myself not to mock him. He just had this "damn right, I'm Gary Barta, the Athletic Director who's wasting your tuition on Coach Ferentz" look on his face. 

What struck me as particularly funny is that he must flash this look 20 times a day. He's not exactly just another face on campus, especially after the recent ups and downs of Hawkeye athletics. He's probably used to random college kids walking by with that same "hey, I know you," look in their eyes.

Also, I couldn't help but think of this video when Barta hit me up with his smug fumes.

much respect,

josh

Oh, mid-terms, let me count the ways I hate thee

Sorry for the lack of posting goodness this week. I've been dealing with mid-terms and other college-related things this week and next week doesn't look that great either. I've got two mid-terms on Tuesday, but I'm not too worried.

I've been missing animals a lot lately. No one around here has pets (they aren't allowed in the dorms), which is really bizarre after always having a pet around at home. It's just something that you get so used to after a while. I think I really started to notice it this week after the stock market continued to tank. I've always admired the blissful ignorance of dogs and cats. They don't really care about the stock market. They just want their damn ball/cat-nip/food/attention/couch. 

These videos brightened my week...

Impatient Kitty

Hungry Cat

Burrito Dog

Evil Chihuahua

much respect,

josh

The Failure of the Fourth Estate

One of my favorite college courses so far is "Cultural History and Foundations of Journalism." It's a long complicated name for a class that basically focuses upon the American history of journalism, but that's neither here nor there. 

The class itself is based around the theory that American journalism acts as a so-called "fourth estate" to our government. While we've all been taught the three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial), journalism acts as a fourth branch in that it (when properly practiced) provides a source of oversight for the general public.

Yesterday our professor, Frank Durham, introduced us to another theory. It focused on how our press is, especially in times of crisis, manipulated and censored through "cycles of fear." The cycle has five points and all are scarily true. They were true when journalism was in it's infancy, they are true today, and chances are they'll be true twenty years from now. With no liberal or conservative bias in my statements today, this is what will kill the "free" mass media in the United States.

Point I of the cycle is the elimination/bowdlerization of the watchdog press by the unified action of a government. This doesn't apply to the absence of partisan differences (that will never go away), rather a universal action taken by the government. A prime example is the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, which the US has done several times during international conflicts, most recently with the Iraq war. The government gives a reason for their action that will sound so convincing and justifiable that any news source who dare criticize it can't help but sound daft for doing so.

Point II notes that the retraction of other civil liberties, once put in place, begin to affect our first amendment rights. While this isn't true in an extreme sense (after all we are discussing this issue right here and now), it does have some merit. If our mass media doesn't execute its role as a watchdog of the government, the vast majority of the public is therefore deprived of information and therefore unable to properly execute their ability to make a judgement of the situation. Long story short, when we suffer from a lack of information, we can't help but be deprived of our first amendment rights to an extent.

Point III reiterates Point II in that this loss of first amendment rights affects the Fourth Estate (journalism in our mass media). If there isn't any demand from the (now under-informed) public to know why the government suspended habeas corpus, the Fourth Estate won't provide it. In essence, a vicious circle is created. The more the public is deprived of information, the less they know to demand from the Fourth Estate.

Point IV further impairs the ability of the Fourth Estate by making the objective journalism harder to accomplish, via the construction of mythical others. This is the big one. In the 30s it was "communists," in the 40s it was "Nazi," these days its "terrorist." Side against the government, and you are a contributing member of one of these so-called "others," or at least a supporter of their cause.

Point V brings it full circle. It maintains that the watchdog function of the press is made far less likely, if not impaired, by making the practice itself "unpatriotic." Some good this whole "if you're not with us, you're against us" mentality has done us.

Now it is not hard to see that this "circle of fear" is in place today. You'd be blind if you thought it wasn't. This situation is different, however. The Iraq War is less comparable to the Red Scare than we might like to think. While comparisons exist, the media is exponentially stronger today than it was in the 1930s. While our media (our Fourth Estate) has failed us in many ways with their coverage of the Iraq War (and more recently the bailout initiative), we've failed them for not demanding more.

Why are we not mad as hell that our media is distorting the news? Every station is guilty of it. Fox News would make even W.R. Hearst sick to his stomach. CNN is not much better, and MSNBC has slipped recently as well. While the "circle of fear" is affecting our media today, we are affected even more. 

Today, I want you to turn off the TV if you aren't satisfied with the extent to which an event is being reported. I want you to not tolerate a mediocre news piece. I want you to get angry. I want you to go to your window, open it, and scream "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

whoo. i need a lozenge.

much respect,

josh

--------------

a big thanks to Prof. Frank Durham for the "Circle of Fear" theory/lecture and "Network" for the movie quote. :)

Oh internet, how I love thee...

Yesterday was bizarre in oh so many ways... Not only did the markets tank AFTER the bailout was passed, but there is still more partisan mud-slinging and mounting evidence that Sarah Palin has the functional capacity of a fifth-grader.

To top it all off, I woke up last night at 2am with the feeling that a bomb had gone off in my left ear. As I sat in my bed writhing around like a snake and moaning like a diseased cat, I contemplated the best course of action. I could call home, but that probably wouldn't have been the best course of action given the time of night. So, I got on google and searched "severe earache."

Sure enough, the first hit got me exactly what I needed. Utilizing some q-tips and a bit of mouthwash, the ear pain went away almost immediately. I was astonished for two reasons. One: Someone had figured out that mouthwash apparently relieves earaches. Two: The internet just saved me hours of pain.

Let me repeat that so you can take the trip with me: The INTERNET saved me from hours of pain. I came to the realization late last night that we entirely take the internet for granted anymore.

Think about the last time you were bored. What did you do to relieve said boredom? I'd be willing to bet at least 70% of the people reading this did something internet related (after all, how did you end up here?).

Our reliance on the internet in this day and age is simply incomprehensible. As I drifted off to sleep, I started thinking about how important the internet is to me on a daily basis. All of my classes have their syllabi posted online, I communicate with my friends and family back home almost exclusively through email/facebook, I pay my bills online, I even read all of my news online.

Television is no longer the ruler of our nation. The internet is here in all of it's intangible (think about it: where is the internet?) goodness. So give some thanks today, people. Think about the internet and all the neat things it does for you. Reach out and say hi to someone you haven't talked to in a while. Look something up on wikipedia. Learn something you didn't know at the beginning of the day. Whatever you do, don't take this excellent invention for granted, if only for today.

much respect

josh

Don't vote.

Seriously. Don't vote. Why should you?

Click the link.

Watch the video.

Tell five friends (immediately).

much respect

josh

"Way to Normal" is anything but...

Greetings, Mr. Folds. It's finally good to hear your story. Not that your fictional pieces aren't exceptional, but it's nice to hear another side of things.

Ben Folds' fifth solo album is distinct from his previous work, both as a solo artist and with Ben Folds Five. Gone are the fairy tale-esque ballads to imaginary characters (a la "Zak and Sara," "Annie Waits," "Fred Jones"), replaced with songs that seem to come from a much more personal place in Folds' heart.

I guess the key thing that is to be noted with this album is that Folds doesn't seem to even attempt to empathize with his listeners, in a good way. If one were to defamiliarize themselves with his work for a moment, his motivations for doing so are not that hard to understand. Folds has spent most of his career, especially with his work as a solo artist, singing the songs that his audience can't write themselves. It's only reasonable that Folds takes a moment to tell his stories.

This isn't to say that Ben has lost any of his edginess or his irreverent sense of humor. The album opens with "Hiroshima (b b b benny hit his head)," a chant-able anthem that Folds still has it, and then some. The true story of Ben's inadvertent stage dive at the opening of a show in Japan is almost as hilarious as Folds' rambling presentation of it.

Folds also opens himself up a bit more than usual with "You Don't Know Me," a chronicle of a falling out between significant others, which features Regina Spektor on backing vocals. I don't know what it is about this song that makes it so damn enticing. Perhaps it's the video, the sing-song nature of the track, Spektor's innocent tone, or the expression of blatant bitterness that we all feel after a break up. Whatever it is, it works, and it's no wonder that this is the first single released from the album.

On the same note, "Bitch Went Nuts," is one of those songs that every guy (and girl) who's been through a break-up can't help but smile every time they hear it. Although Folds tends to focus on slightly more melancholy subjects, he does so with the unbridled exuberance of Elton John, with a dab of Elvis Costello, in a way that is nothing short of captivating.

Ironically, the most poignant song of the album is the only song that tells a fictional story. Even the staunchest critics of Folds would have a hard time arguing against the placement of "Kylie from Connecticut" as the closing track on the album. The story of memories of a by-gone affair is so mesmerizing, you can't help but turn off your stereo after hearing it, simply to ruminate over it.

Pros:

-Same old Ben Folds, with a new twist

-Not only matches but exceeds some of his greatest efforts with "Way to Normal"

Cons:

-A tad too short. One or two more songs would have been nice.

-"Dr. Yang" should have been a B-side. It's a decent song, but it sticks out in comparison to the rest of the album.

Final Verdict: 4 out of 5

-Folds still has it. "Way to Normal" is a must for even the most casual of Folds' fans. If you don't feel like shelling out the $12 to download it from iTunes, you at least owe it to yourself to download "You Don't Know Me," "Effington," "Bitch Went Nuts," and "Kylie from Connecticut."

much respect

josh

Loooong day

Wow, what a day. Seems like I haven't stopped moving at all. I just finished some voice work on a few episodes for Wormhole Wastrels (our next new show is on the 22nd), I wrote one paper (I've got one more to write), and I'm having a meeting with my RA here any minute. It's been a crazy day, but I actually feel like stuff happened to me today (in a good way).

I've also had a chance to listen to the new Ben Folds album, "Way to Normal." I've been very impressed with the album as a whole so far, although it is a tad short. I'll probably post a full review in the next day or two.

much respect

josh

curses....

Thanks to the inherent laziness of FedEx and/or UPS, none of the record stores in Iowa City get their new releases on time :P

So I have no new Ben Folds to listen to tonight. Meh. I have it reserved and I'll pick it up tomorrow.

The next few days might be kind of silent around here. Things are picking up with some of my classes and I need to take care of some script writing for the tv shows that I'm working on. 

There's plenty of soda and snacks in the fridge and some money on the counter if you want to order some pizza later. Don't stay up too late or watch too much TV. If you need me call me (do not actually do this).

much respect

josh

injustices...

Although yesterday wasn't the best of days for me from a financial standpoint (today's not looking a whole hell of a lot better), some unfortunate happenings to those close to me really puts that stuff in perspective.

A friend of mine going to college near Boston managed to fall and split her head, for which she had to get stitches. The bad thing about her fall is that she is possibly the nicest person I've ever met. She worked tirelessly with my friends and I on the Des Moines 48-Hour Film Project, for which I am eternally grateful. Get well, Brianna.

Secondly, another student from SE Polk (a high school near Des Moines) was killed yesterday. It's been a hard year for that school. There were several suicides last year, one just a few weeks ago, and now this. In my experience, Southeast Polk students are perhaps the friendliest in the Metro area and it is a horrible shame that these kinds of things keep happening to them.

I hate to come off all morose and depressing, but I'm just grateful to have the people that I do surrounding me and for the support base that I have firmly in place.

The record store opens in about 45 minutes, so I think I'm going to go buy the new Ben Folds CD today. Keep your eyes open over the next few days for a review.

much respect

josh

A wonderful afternoon

A few days ago, a friend and I were talking about an article from a news journal that he had to read for his introductory "Film Survey" course here at the University of Iowa. The 20-page article argued and maintained that movies, television, and other entertainment media exist with the primary intent of not just distracting us from our surroundings, but distorting our surroundings. The argument claimed that it is a result of television and films that we act the way we do, profile others the way some do, and by the things that we so frequently buy.

He and I both took major exception to that, especially on the film side of the argument. While it certainly is true that said media shape our lives (in both positive and negative ways), the article insisted that such influence was a threat to the world's cultures. Such an argument is silly. If the nukes don't kill us, the hurricanes will, and if they don't, Sarah Palin will. Degradation of the world's cultures is relatively low on the list of "threats to our well-being." 

The funny thing is, I couldn't help but agree with certain points of the article today. I went over to my girlfriend's dorm this afternoon to watch "When Harry Met Sally," which is a magnificent movie. If you haven't seen it, you really ought to. It was really quite simple. We sat on her futon, ate popcorn and M&Ms and watched this great movie. And for that brief time, the world didn't matter. We just sat there holding each other. No distractions from the distraction.

When the movie ended, she turned off the DVD-player and switched the TV back over to cable. As she flipped through channels, she stumbled upon CNN, just as the stock markets were closing for the day. The ticker at the bottom of the screen prominently displayed "CONGRESS DOES NOT PASS $700bn BAILOUT, DOW JONES PLUMMETS 777 POINTS." And then reality came back.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the bailout initiative failed. I think there are better and more responsible ways to deal with our current economic crisis than cutting a blank check for the guys who run Wall Street, many of whom encouraged unbelievably risky investments.

Nevertheless, as a result of the failed initiative, the stock markets posted their largest single-day loss in years. I lost over $2,000 in stock money on this day alone. Others got it much worse. The US Dollar also took quite the hit, which should also present itself as bad news to the college kid trying to study abroad in England two years from now. This was a historical and disastrous day for our economy (we all knew it would be).

But forgive me if I don't really give a damn. I know I probably should. I did, after all, just lose $2,000 in college funds. But none of that mattered to me today. My primary concerns for the day were spending some quality time with my girlfriend, doing some laundry, and taking care of a few odds-and-ends with my writing. 

So maybe, in a limited sense, that article was right. Maybe movies and TV do distract us. Today made that abundantly clear to me. What was also made abundantly clear to me is that at times like these, those distractions are pretty nice. For a guy having just lost two grand and observing a collapse in my country's economy, I had one of the better days today than I've had in a long time.

much respect

josh

Some Nerve.

There's just one thing I've got to say to now former University of Iowa VP of Student Services Phillip Jones.

Mr. Jones, you have got some nerve.

For those who haven't followed the case, a female UI student was allegedly sexually assaulted by two Hawkeye football players on the night of October 14, 2007. Shortly after the incident, the victim reported the incident to her RA, who reported it to the office of Student Services (Jones' department). 

The logical thing for Jones and the Student Services Department to have done would have been to report the case to the police. For whatever reason (protecting the reputation of an already disreputable football team), the department deliberately chose not to involve either the Iowa City or the University Police.

This is only the first mistake Mr. Jones made. Between the time of the alleged assault and the reporting of the assault, the victim was confronted and threatened with violence or worse by two other UI football players. When Jones learned of this, he once again had the chance to introduce police involvement to the case. 

He did not.

The only action taken by Jones' against anyone involved in the incident was the sending of two letters to the football players who made threats against the alleged victim.

At least they were stern letters, right? Right, Jonesy?

Not so much. Jones' letters were nothing more than copies of the UI's anti-retaliation policy. Furthermore, there was no follow-up with the harassers or their family, in any form, written or otherwise.

When this was all revealed and mulled over before the Iowa State Board of Regents, it's no surprise that many were calling for the immediate ousting of Jones. 

What is a surprise is that Jones feels he's done nothing wrong. Not only did he turn down a chance to resign his post honorably, offered to him by UI President Mason, but he is now suing the university for wrongful termination.

As I was saying, Jonesy, you have some nerve.

Jones' argument for his unemployment stems from the fact that the entire case was handled informally, a decision that Jones himself may have had a part in. As such, Jones' actions were not subject to any standard guidelines usually in place for a sexual assault investigation. Therefore, Jones didn't break any rules. By his reasoning, he didn't do anything wrong.

It's obvious that Jones never intended to be a logician. Although it is true that the entire incident was handled unofficially and therefore was not subject to any strict guidelines, Jones can't seem to wrap his head around the fact that a woman was sexually assaulted and he, from a strictly moral standpoint, did not give her the justice she deserved.

He had a chance after he was told of the assault to involve the police.

He did not.

He had a chance to involve the police after learning of the victim's harassment at the hands of two other football players.

He sent the harassers a letter (and a far from stern one at that).

He had a chance to stand before the university, admit his wrongdoings, and leave his position with some remaining dignity.

He refused.

While Phillip Jones may have felt that he got the short end of the stick, I personally feel that he got off easy. His reaction to this case is scarily similar to several 2002 incidents, where Jones sent several stern letters to the parents of students found to be in possession of alcohol. 

So humor me, Jonesy, how is that even close to acceptable? 

Is it a mortal sin that college kids like to get drunk? Not really. Were Jones' actions over the line? Absolutely not. This is an example of a perfectly reasonable response.

The main difference is that no one had their lives drastically altered in those incidents. An innocent woman was sexually assaulted and threatened with further assault if she told anyone of her unfortunate encounter. A letter, stern or not, is not an acceptable form of punishment. 

So congratulations, Jones. You have successfully undone years of work to build up the reputation of this great university and its compassion for its students. You have acted in the most apathetic of manners to an innocent young woman who had her life drastically changed last October. You have shown no regard for what is expected of your position, the bare minimum apparently suffices in your opinion.

Good bye, Phillip Jones, former VP of Student Services for the University of Iowa. 

Good luck with that little lawsuit of yours.I'm sure the judge will agree that there wasn't a single damn thing you could have done. 

Furthermore, have fun explaining this situation to the other universities who are considering employing you, I'm sure this will be one hell of a story for them.

Finally, thank you for being such a wonderful representative of our university. Thanks to you, our administration has reached a new level of shameless.

You have some nerve, Phillip. Good bye and good riddance.

---

Thanks to the Daily Iowan for sources.

much respect

josh

Fight, Fight, Fight for Iowa

As a casual fan of football and sports in general, I went to the Iowa Hawkeyes v. Northwestern Panthers game today. Good God, what a depressing game. 

The hawks led for quite some time before blowing it, giving up three straight touchdowns to Northwestern and losing 22-17. :P Hopefully it'll get better as the season goes on, but I'm kind of mad that my tuition goes to pay Kirk Ferentz's salary (he's the second-highest paid coach in the Big Ten, behind only BCS Championship-winning Ohio State coach Jim Tressel). It's really a shame that he is so highly paid, considering he can't get his team to a bowl game as of recently... 

I might do some more research to figure out why Iowa is still so reluctant to fire a guy who runs a football team of drunkies and thieves (among other things) that couldn't get to a January bowl game if their life depended on it.

Oh well, though. C'est la vie, I guess.

SHAMELESS PLUG: Watch UITV tomorrow starting at 8pm to see the 2008 season premiere of SVP (Student Video Productions). A lot of my friends and I have been involved with this, so if you live in Iowa City, sit on your ass and watch some TV tomorrow night.

much respect

josh 

Firestarter (an attempt at creative writing)

this was already posted on my facebook, but here it is for enhanced reading pleasure (that sounds dirty).

Firestarter

Sprint.

Sprint from the scene like the coward you are.

Don't bother pulling the fire alarm or even turning out the lights as you leave.

For that matter, turn everything on.

Turn on the TV.

Turn on the radio.

Turn on the blender, vacuum cleaner, fans, iron, and furnace.

Turn on every goddamn light.

Let the cacophonous roar drown out everything.

Let the light grow so bright that you can't see your reflection anymore.

Let the sounds grow so loud, those lights so bright that you can't think,

you can't speak,

you

can't

even

breathe.

You remember.

It's obvious that you do.

You have chosen to forget.

Forget the words you said.

The words you thought you meant.

The promises you thought you would keep.

You set it aflame only to let it burn.

You have more than the means, motive, and opportunity to watch your work.

You have the temptation.

You turn away, however.

You run away, however.

You sprint.

So turn it all on.

Put the distortion on high.

Let the

TV,

radio,

blender,

vacuum cleaner,

fans,

iron,

furnace,

and every single one of those goddamn lights

Block.

It.

Out.

Let the flame from one of your little matches grow to the point of inferno. Pretend that you don't know it won't eventually burn you.

What would they think of you?

If they knew what you did.

If they knew you lit the match.

If they knew you burned it to the ground as you oh-so-deceitfully intended to do.

Good thing you will never know.

You will never know what they think.

Between the flame,

the cacophony,

the blinding light,

and your righteous self-satisfaction,

How could you?

--------------

Good? No Good? Please comment.

much respect,

josh