Wall Street Still Doesn't Get It

Apparently the financial crises do not really matter to Wall Street. The great investment banks of American no longer care if they make a profit because if they fail or go bankrupt the American people will be there to bail them out. At least that's the attitude they show. Even in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression (Hint: it's called Great for a reason)Wall Street Execs are still giving out substantial bonuses packages and the former head of Merrill Lynch redecorated his office for 1.2 million dollars. It appears that the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers has not scared these corporation enough and they are still not taking responsibility for their actions. Many are criticizing new Treasury Secretary Geithner for letting Lehman fail, but apparently he and the government should have let a couple more banks fail before the proposing a bailout. President Obama is correct, it is very shameful for these giants of industry to hand out handsome packages while the American people suffer in this time. They have shown no solidarity with America, deserve no more of the American peoples aid, and should face the wrath of the free market.

Daniel Albrecht Crashes in Training Run

As a former ski racer and a fan of ski racing this was scary. Daniel Albrecht a Swiss World Cup skier crashed today on the Kitzbuhel downhill Streif course during a practice run. He was airlifted to Innsbruck and placed in a medical induced coma.

A Review of The Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz is the first popular fiction book I have read in awhile. I decided to read it because every time I went into a bookstore I somehow found it in my hands. So, I finally decided to give it a shot. The book came well rated; I mean it won the Pulitzer so I expected it to be pretty good. I think what drew me the most the name Tolkien, whose work has played a big roll in my life, in other reviews.

The narrative is focused on Oscar Wao, his immediate family living in New Jersey during the 1980s and 90s, and his family’s past in the Dominican Republic. Oscar is obsessed with the Sci/Fi-Fantasy books, Anime, and role playing games, and some of these genres most famous works play significant roles throughout the novel (and the fact that I catch most of the references means that I to am a dork). Unfortunatly for Oscar, Dominican men are not suppose to be overweight nerds, they are so suppose to be suave players. The narrative around Oscar follows him through his attempts and failures at love yet stay true to his passions.

While the story of Oscar is the most interesting character for me, the narrative also follows the story of Oscar’s mother and her trials as a young woman in the Dominican Republic (probably the longest chapter in the book). This chapter along, with another based on Oscar’s family history in the DR, gives a great deal of history on the Dominican Republic under the dictator Rafael Trujillo (another interesting point because have no sense of DR history).

The hardest part for me in reading this boo is the interlaced Spanish throughout the work. With high school Spanish I deciphered a majority of it, but still needed to research some words and phrases and while not knowing Spanish may hurt your experience, it is still a great work. Also, if you are not a fan of vulgar language you should probably stay away as the curse words do add up. My only other compliant would be that I wish the narrative focused more on Oscar himself instead of his family, but I still found the work to be sehr gut!

With that said, I would recommend this book to most people I know. At first I was a little apprehensive in reading this book because I have never been too impressed with popular fiction, but I became hooked in the first morning I started. I found the author's style to be quick and witty and as I mentioned above his knowledge of all things nerd makes the book that much more interesting as allusions to Tolkien run rampant through out. I give this four and one half stars out of five.

Barack Obama Inaugurated as 44th President

Today, in comfort of my home, I watched Barack Obama's historical inauguration as the 44th president. Watching the massive crowds I felt a little resentful that I did not make the trip into DC, but knowing that the temperature was low and the nature of crowds I'm happy with my decision.

The taking of the oath of office, the most solemn part of the ceremony, was the only part of today that went wrong for the new president as Chief Justice Roberts, going without notes, mangled the wording. However, even with the slip up Barack's good humor showed through and he delivered a wonderful speech. There are many great lines, and some will be quoted throughout history, my favorite is

"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

This line just resounds with the me and those like me who believe in America and the unconquerable American spirit. It does not say that America is looking for a fight. It says, even with a new president, America will not waiver; we will defend any harm that comes to us and we will not be defeated.

Today also saw the departure of George Bush, and while he came in on a surge of excitement after eight years of Bill Clinton (I know and was at W's first inauguration), he squandered his goodwill on Iraq, Abu Gharib, Guantanamo Bay, and financial crises. And though I was young when he entered office, I believed that he would make America a better place, but he failed. He failed miserably. I can honestly say I am not sorry to see his departure.

Though with his departure it is now up to Mr. Obama to fulfill his promises, and though we do not expect miracles, we do expect him to fix the economy without protectionist inclinations and restore Americas reputation as the freest and greatest nation on God's earth today.

The American Spirit: The inguraution of Barack Obama

In fourteen short hours Barack Obama will be sworn in as the new President of United States. Being in Fairfax, VA, so close to DC, I do not plan on attending the inauguration festivities because I despise crowds. However, I am very excited about the regime change taking place in the US. I am one of those hopeful optimist that believe that beginning tomorrow, America will get a fresh start. And though we face enormous crises from the economy to social security, to health care, and to the military, the American spirit thrives under pressure and strives to conquer problems. Whether it's Lexington & Concord, Pearl Harbor, or September 11, the American spirit is unconquerable, and right now, with the coming of new administration the American spirit is soaring. Hopefully President Obama can take the enthusiasm and goodwill behind him, and make America the respectful and proud nation that it was, is, and ever shall be.

My new favorite Mashup

My new favorite mashup is Minty Fresh Beats Jaydiohead combing JayZ and Radiohead. Check it out now!

http://jaydiohead.com/