Today will be a great day...

*iLife 09 will arrive today
*GF's bday gift will arrive today
*Last day of my "Jewish Experience Through Music" class, which means that we're just going to sing and listen to the best music from the class
*GF's advancements are today...she'll be great!
*I pick up two more final drafts from my producer (picked up Adon Olam & By A River last night, and while they need a few minor changes, they sound AMAZING)

Hooray!

Food related post to come later today...or tomorrow...

Highlights from "The Speech"

These are lines that may, or may not, be remembered as the highlight catch phrases of President Obama's (I can't believe I can actually say that now!) inaugural speech. Enjoy!

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned.

Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.

To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.

To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.

What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

What if...

...John McCain had won the election? Would there be the same number of people marching on the capital? Or would the vast majority be there, but protesting the results?

...John McCain had won the election, and then died because of some health issue? Sarah Palin would have been inaugurated today. I just don't want to think of that.

...Dick Cheney had not pulled a muscle in his back and was confined to a wheelchair today?

There are plenty of "what if's" and even more "what now's." One thing is certain, though:

Barack Obama is our next President. And I couldn't be more proud.

the end of me

there may or may not be a wii in the living room.

"Inauguration Survival Guide"

Something rubs me the wrong way about how the Washington Post's inauguration guide (i.e.: where to go, how to get to the ceremonies in the quickest way, etc.) is called:

The Inauguration Survival Guide

Are there threats people should know about? Oy.

I hate to say it, but if Obama goes his entire presidency without an assassination attempt, it could be a miracle. And I don't mean a miracle in the sense of "oh wow, I was able to get the lid off the pickle jar!" I mean it in the sense of "dude, if this happens, the head of the secret service could be up for saint-hood. Ya know, assuming he's Catholic."

Apple Releases two new SWEETS

Yeah, I went there.

iWork looks awesome, but iLife is even better!
I am so excited to integrate the new version of iWeb in my website, and the "faces" trick in iPhoto looks downright awesome.
Check it out at apple.com/ilife

Two Events, Same Reaction: Kachow!

Event #1 - I finally saw Cars. Great movie with incredible referential humor. Kachow!

Event #2 - The Chargers beat the Colts! Kachow!

A Restart

Well, there's a reason this blog is called "an attempt." I stopped posting a few years ago, but I think it's time to restart. Get ready for some thoughts on life and times, food, Judaism, music, sports (watching, not playing).

So, what's up today?
1) News: "Israeli ground troops have begun moving into Gaza." There are lots of people that have VERY impassioned thoughts about Operation Cast Lead. I will leave other bloggers to write their thoughts. For example, check out J. Fro in J. Lem, Just Another MOT, or Social Jewstice, amongst others.

2) Sports: I'm not usually a betting man, unless you're talking about the amazing free sports betting site, cent sports. Here's how it works: They give you 10 free fake cents with which to bet. You can make bets and win and lose the money. If you drop below 10 cents, they bump you back up to 10 for free. If you win and keep winning until your dollar level is above 10 dollars, you can cash out and they'll send you a real check! No joke! They cover their expenses through advertisements. If you are going to sign up, though, become my crony so you can get a portion of my winnings and vice-versa.
Anywho, I bring it up because the Chargers are playing today, and I don't expect them to win. LT and Gates are pretty banged up (bung up?), despite both teams coming into this game with a lot of momentum. Don't get me wrong, I am a San Diego fan. But being a true San Diego fan means that you expect your teams to lose, unless, of course, they are playing indoor soccer (soccers) or minor league hockey (gulls). Then, you expect them to win some obscure title or trophey (Taylor cup?). Nevertheless, when the San Diego sports teams win, the thrill of victory is compounded as we also celebrate the lack of another loss. I started a Facebook group about this a few years ago called "The San Diego Sports Curse." Check it out if you'd like the full history of San Diego professional sports losses. The spread is Chargers +2, and that's where my money is. This means that the Bolts can lose by up to two points for the bet to win. Hooray!

3) I get to sit with two great souls today and just hang on the couch. It will be a great day.