When to say “Uncle”
By Alex Barrett
It almost seems like being an NFL Commissioner would be an awesome job, right?
Regulating the league, making important decisions, like weather to increase the season at the cost of preseason games, if we should play more games abroad, and there’s that $11.2 million he makes a year in salary which doesn’t hurt the pocket any.
It would seem like you have a lot on your plate, but it would also seem like you would be completely involved in your work; just ask late commissioner Paul Tagliabue, whom served the NFL for 16 years. Tagliabue was responsible for 16 years without a strike or a lockout, had a huge hand in the collective bargaining agreements, brought in major endorsements and exclusivity deals, strengthened revenue sharing, and saw to massive internal expansion, including NFL Europe, several new expansion teams, and 17 new stadiums during his tenure, which shows his uncanny ability to get government backing for such undertakings.
Goodell, surely has some big shoes to fill, and it seems like he may never come close. As we look at Goodell’s performance so far, all we see is mistakes and confusion. First, there was Adam “Pac-Man” Jones and his antics. Jones was arrested more times than years Tagliabue served in office, and that is only in his first 3 years as a member of the Tennessee Titans. Because of these arrests, we have seen Jones more or less not able to stay away from the gentleman’s clubs, and for some strange reason, he likes to pick fights with bouncers and encourage other people to shoot their guns. Because of his off-field involvement, Goodell suspended Jones for the entire 2007 season, which seemed like an appropriate penalty, and then informed Jones that there was “zero-tolerance” for any more off field issues. Last month, after being re-instated earlier this season, Jones got in a fight with a bodyguard at a hotel. That was it for Jones’ career, right? Apparently not. Goodell suspended Jones for 4 more games and recently reinstated him this week. Note to the Commish: If you can’t make “Good-ell” on your promises, these guys are going to walk all over you.
Lets look at another issue with Goodell in office, the whole “Spy-Gate” issue revolving around the New England Patriots. The Pats were accused of, and found to be recording sessions of practices and games in which they had a member of their staff on the opposing sideline stealing signs and recording classified material. Having been found doing this at least twice before, this was the end of the road for Bill Belichick, right? Apparently not. The Patriots and Belichick were docked a mediocre 5th round draft pick, and fined a total of $750 thousand dollars in pocket change. The assumption around the league was, if you get caught cheating, you’re disqualified; one of those foundation rules you learn in little league. Goodell let the Patriots off easy, and their subsequent season they posted an 18-1 record, losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. Karma?
It almost seems like Goodell would have suspended Michael Vick, whom was indicted for dog fighting charges earlier this year, for 4 games and fined him a measly $100k if he wasn’t in jail and unable to play. It remains to be seen if Goodell will reinstate Vick after his 2-year prison sentence has been carried out, but hasn’t it already tarnished the league?
Roger Goodell has been given the office of a $30.6 billion dollar conglomerate, and seems as though he is making it out to be a circus. Non-conforming suspensions, fines and penalties aside, his face time with the media is always teased and made to be a farce as he simply repeats his previous words when asked about controversial issues. Tagliabue may have cast a big shadow, one that is far too large for Goodell to even think about leaving for his successor. Only time will tell if Goodell will shake off his ill-advised decisions and return the league to it’s well-oiled machine ways.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Movie Review: "Quantum of Solace"
"Quantum" Needs More Bond, Less Solace.
007 does it again; but this time, he has his work cut out for him.
In Quantum of Solace, an ailing James Bond is struck between exacting revenge on those who have hurt him from Casino Royale, and saving a country’s water supply from a greedy environmentalist. While this seems like a good plot, it skews what makes Bond movies great. We can all admit that 007 has never really been a box-office favorite, but the movies are always fun to watch with their amazing gadgets and explosions, beautiful women and impossible situations.
The explosions and women are here in Solace, but the others are gone. No more crazy contraptions, not even an appearance by a “Q” of any sort to give Bond cool things to tinker with. There’s about 5 minutes of James’ Aston Martin speeding around, and that as well is pretty sad. The movie had an overbearing feel to it, and a darkness that was felt through the flick, which is great, but I miss my old Bond.
Director Mark Forster obviously wanted this movie to be a hit with critics, and strayed away from the closet humor used in previous movies, and went with more periods of speaking between off characters that made the movie not only drag, but make little sense at some junctures as well. As far as acting goes, Daniel Craig (Bond) did a great job yet again; He’s no Sean Connery, but he is probably the best since then, and his intensity and charm are a good fit for Bond’s overwhelming persona. M is again played by Judi Dench, and I don’t really think it should be otherwise, she has done a fantastic job in her roles as the leader of MI6 to this point.
Overall, it was a good showing, but I expected more. If Forster can somehow combine this movie and Casino Royale for the next installment, it will be a blockbuster, But for now, the lack of historical Bond elements combined with shoddy acting by those other than who is listed above, and the loss of an upbeat, happy and funny action movie has made me somewhat disappointed. I may watch it again, but I would be happier popping in just about any other movie just as much. I give it a 6 out of a possible 10. It is worth a view at the theaters simply for the explosions and overall feel, but unless you’re a Bond maniac, saving this one for a rainy day at home will make for a much better showing.
007 does it again; but this time, he has his work cut out for him.
In Quantum of Solace, an ailing James Bond is struck between exacting revenge on those who have hurt him from Casino Royale, and saving a country’s water supply from a greedy environmentalist. While this seems like a good plot, it skews what makes Bond movies great. We can all admit that 007 has never really been a box-office favorite, but the movies are always fun to watch with their amazing gadgets and explosions, beautiful women and impossible situations.
The explosions and women are here in Solace, but the others are gone. No more crazy contraptions, not even an appearance by a “Q” of any sort to give Bond cool things to tinker with. There’s about 5 minutes of James’ Aston Martin speeding around, and that as well is pretty sad. The movie had an overbearing feel to it, and a darkness that was felt through the flick, which is great, but I miss my old Bond.
Director Mark Forster obviously wanted this movie to be a hit with critics, and strayed away from the closet humor used in previous movies, and went with more periods of speaking between off characters that made the movie not only drag, but make little sense at some junctures as well. As far as acting goes, Daniel Craig (Bond) did a great job yet again; He’s no Sean Connery, but he is probably the best since then, and his intensity and charm are a good fit for Bond’s overwhelming persona. M is again played by Judi Dench, and I don’t really think it should be otherwise, she has done a fantastic job in her roles as the leader of MI6 to this point.
Overall, it was a good showing, but I expected more. If Forster can somehow combine this movie and Casino Royale for the next installment, it will be a blockbuster, But for now, the lack of historical Bond elements combined with shoddy acting by those other than who is listed above, and the loss of an upbeat, happy and funny action movie has made me somewhat disappointed. I may watch it again, but I would be happier popping in just about any other movie just as much. I give it a 6 out of a possible 10. It is worth a view at the theaters simply for the explosions and overall feel, but unless you’re a Bond maniac, saving this one for a rainy day at home will make for a much better showing.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Perfect Halfway.
Remember These Titans
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO, Fla. - The 2008 Tennessee Titans aren’t a glamorous team; they don’t score a ton of points, don’t throw the ball 50 yards down the field, and haven’t had a win margin this season over 24 points. They do, however, have the league’s top three interceptors on defense, a defensive line that could send all 4 members to the pro bowl, a grizzly veteran quarterback, and a rookie running back that is in the tops of rushing in the NFL.
Let’s throw some names out there… Berman. Young. Aikman. Collinsworth. Madden. All analysts for the NFL and their perspective companies; all of them, and others as well, picked the Titans to finish dead last in the AFC South division race this year. Not many Titans fans chose their team to be atop one of the notoriously toughest divisions in football at the midway point of the season. Even the die-hard fans that could have predicted this in a clear conscious would have retracted their thoughts after the Titans chose not to address their receiving corps in the draft, and felt even more worrisome after Vince Young, the future of the franchise, succumbed to injury in week 1. The only bright spot, it seemed, was the first-round pick they would receive at the beginning of next year. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, the 2008 Tennessee “Tyrants” have gone on the warpath. They lead almost every statistical category defensively in the NFL, and the ones they’re not on the top of the list for, they are at a very close second. The Titans have defeated all members of their division already once this year, and because of the Titan’s dominance, the league is seeing something rather odd this year, The Colts, normally a powerhouse in the division, has lost it’s stranglehold. The Jaguars have been wallowing in mediocrity all season, and the Texans are again bringing up the rear.
To have the NFL’s top rushing offense and stingiest defense are luxuries 14-year head coach Jeff Fisher has dreamt of ever since the 1999 Super Bowl loss to the Rams. Remind you of another team that won games with this same scheme? How about the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, with an emerging Jamal Lewis, a cruddy quarterback in Trent Dilfer, and a downright scary defense featuring MLB Ray Lewis. Replace cruddy quarterback with Kerry Collins, who’s consistency hasn’t put up fascinating numbers, but has delivered when necessary, and change Ray Lewis to Albert Haynesworth, whom is making his MVP of the league bid this season, and you have essentially the same championship makeup.
Tennessee hasn’t been winning huge, but they have been winning strong, forcing opponents to try whatever they can to shut down the “Smash and Dash” combo of LenDale White and Chris Johnson, and no one has been effective. The best statistic of them all? The Titans are a staggering 100% in Red Zone offense. If they've made it to your 20 yard line, you might as well go ahead and put some digits on the scoreboard. After 8 weeks of the regular season, you can make comparisons to the last two teams to start 8-0 - the Patriots, and Colts. Both went on to win Super Bowls. In fact, of the last 8 teams to start the first half of the season undefeated, half of them have won the big game. It is because of this tight-knit group of players, who were cast aside as cellar-dwellers, that the Titans have been able to dominate the league to this point. If these figures continue, with the momentum the Titans have built, it’s now difficult to look at the second half of the season and imagine those prominent analysts from above, continuing to predict the Titans to finish last. Unless, of course, by last you mean the last team standing. Now when you get asked the question; “Do you remember the Titans?” It isn’t the feel-good movie with Denzel Wahington, it’s the real-life story of the 2008 shouldn’t-have-been’s, the 2008 Tennessee Titans.
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO, Fla. - The 2008 Tennessee Titans aren’t a glamorous team; they don’t score a ton of points, don’t throw the ball 50 yards down the field, and haven’t had a win margin this season over 24 points. They do, however, have the league’s top three interceptors on defense, a defensive line that could send all 4 members to the pro bowl, a grizzly veteran quarterback, and a rookie running back that is in the tops of rushing in the NFL.
Let’s throw some names out there… Berman. Young. Aikman. Collinsworth. Madden. All analysts for the NFL and their perspective companies; all of them, and others as well, picked the Titans to finish dead last in the AFC South division race this year. Not many Titans fans chose their team to be atop one of the notoriously toughest divisions in football at the midway point of the season. Even the die-hard fans that could have predicted this in a clear conscious would have retracted their thoughts after the Titans chose not to address their receiving corps in the draft, and felt even more worrisome after Vince Young, the future of the franchise, succumbed to injury in week 1. The only bright spot, it seemed, was the first-round pick they would receive at the beginning of next year. Nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, the 2008 Tennessee “Tyrants” have gone on the warpath. They lead almost every statistical category defensively in the NFL, and the ones they’re not on the top of the list for, they are at a very close second. The Titans have defeated all members of their division already once this year, and because of the Titan’s dominance, the league is seeing something rather odd this year, The Colts, normally a powerhouse in the division, has lost it’s stranglehold. The Jaguars have been wallowing in mediocrity all season, and the Texans are again bringing up the rear.
To have the NFL’s top rushing offense and stingiest defense are luxuries 14-year head coach Jeff Fisher has dreamt of ever since the 1999 Super Bowl loss to the Rams. Remind you of another team that won games with this same scheme? How about the 2000 Baltimore Ravens, with an emerging Jamal Lewis, a cruddy quarterback in Trent Dilfer, and a downright scary defense featuring MLB Ray Lewis. Replace cruddy quarterback with Kerry Collins, who’s consistency hasn’t put up fascinating numbers, but has delivered when necessary, and change Ray Lewis to Albert Haynesworth, whom is making his MVP of the league bid this season, and you have essentially the same championship makeup.
Tennessee hasn’t been winning huge, but they have been winning strong, forcing opponents to try whatever they can to shut down the “Smash and Dash” combo of LenDale White and Chris Johnson, and no one has been effective. The best statistic of them all? The Titans are a staggering 100% in Red Zone offense. If they've made it to your 20 yard line, you might as well go ahead and put some digits on the scoreboard. After 8 weeks of the regular season, you can make comparisons to the last two teams to start 8-0 - the Patriots, and Colts. Both went on to win Super Bowls. In fact, of the last 8 teams to start the first half of the season undefeated, half of them have won the big game. It is because of this tight-knit group of players, who were cast aside as cellar-dwellers, that the Titans have been able to dominate the league to this point. If these figures continue, with the momentum the Titans have built, it’s now difficult to look at the second half of the season and imagine those prominent analysts from above, continuing to predict the Titans to finish last. Unless, of course, by last you mean the last team standing. Now when you get asked the question; “Do you remember the Titans?” It isn’t the feel-good movie with Denzel Wahington, it’s the real-life story of the 2008 shouldn’t-have-been’s, the 2008 Tennessee Titans.
Front Page, "McCain Ba-racked!"
By Kyle Beard and Alex Barrett
Valencia Voice
The crowd was a mixture of tears and cheers as an announcement naming the 44th President of the United States boomed from the speakers. At approximately 11 o’clock, Sen. Barack Obama was announced the projected victor against opponent Sen. John McCain after 21 long months of campaigning. Hundreds of cheering supporters and volunteers gathered together to celebrate a historic victory in downtown Orlando at the Orange County Regional History Center. The evening kicked off with several local Democrats rallying together to offer their support and endorsements in favor of Obama. The first speaker was Senator Bill Nelson who, having nothing at stake during the Election Day race, spoke words of encouragement and gave thanks to all the volunteers and supporters of the Obama campaign. Following Nelson and declaring victories were Alan Grayson and Darren Soto respectively. Mayor Buddy Dyer also made an appearance to announce a new Sheriff, Jerry Demings. The festivities continued inside the museum where Obama supporters partook in the drinking of spirits and hors d’oeuvres while viewing exhibits and discussing the coming victory. “I’m very excited to be part of history,” said Orlando Army veteran, Sergio Tuifarro. “I was amazed by McCain’s voting in the Senate concerning veteran benefits,” Tuifarro explained, mentioning in particular McCain’s opinion of the Montgomery G.I.
Bill, a bill that pays veterans of the armed services and their families seeking to further
their education. The trend continued throughout the night as individuals who could be considered “typical” McCain supporters raised their voice in support of Obama. Some of the groups included Republicans for Obama and Veterans for Obama. Ironically, the theme of the night was not “Change,” but equality. Voters of all colors, creeds and affiliations gathered together, seemingly oblivious of their differences in the spirit of the campaign. “Simply historical,
monumental… powerful,” said Angelica Pineiro. “You feel that you’re a part of a major
movement.” Later, the crowd moved outside as the results began to pour in. Nancy Warlick, who
first voted in 1960 for John F. Kennedy was thrilled by the hype. “I think there’s a great excitement around Barack Obama, just in the same way there was with JFK” Warlick explained when comparing the campaigns. “My husband and I spent 27 years in Africa, so this is particularly an exciting night and our friends there are really thrilled.” The
feeling was mutual among the crowd as supporters around her wholeheartedly agreed.
As the evening drew to a crescendo, the crowd turned its attention to the stage, where
a huge television screen showed a broadcast of McCain delivering his concession speech. In a honorable and sportsmanlike manner, McCain announced his dropping from the
race to a deafening cry of victory as the attendees stomped, shouted and whistled. “We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly,” he announced. “A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him. To congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.” McCain continued on to thank all of his supporters and colleagues with the mention of Sarah Palin drawing boos from the Orlando crowd. Shortly after, as the party organizers’ allotted time at the historic center expired,the party moved on to Wall Street to watch Obama deliver his victory speech on the Wachovia Bank Building jumbotron. Orlando
police quickly moved in to block the intersection at Jefferson and Orange in order to support the massive throng of celebrators, trapping a few unfortunate cars in the middle. Though stuck in a gridlock, many drivers left their vehicles and joined the celebration —one woman even getting out to dance on the hood of her minivan. As though not even phased by the hours of waiting and celebrating earlier in the evening, the crowd once again roared as the image of Obama appeared on the screen. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” Obama stated to tumultuous
applause. He continued to thank supporters, family members, volunteers and colleagues all, but most of all adding his gratitude to the American people. “This is our chance to answer that call.
This is our moment. This is our time to put our people back to work and open doors of
opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim
the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth —that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: ‘Yes We Can.’” Think the election this year was close? Take another look at the local results.
On Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama made a huge push in Florida, and Orange County gave him a rather large boost as well. In the tight Florida Presidential race, Orange County was a convincing win for Obama. How convincing? How about 60/40 in support of Obama, beating Sen. John McCain by well over 100,000 votes and sealing a Democratic victory in one of the highest populated areas of Florida. Winning the populous areas of the states is vital to winning the state itself, especially when 27 electoral votes are on the line. The rest of the state was divided almost evenly, with Obama or McCain leading by only a few percentage points, with the exception
of our backyard. If you were to glance at the map of Florida last night, you would have noticed a lot of GOP red splattered across the map, but it was the blue areas that sealed the deal for Obama. Areas such as Orlando, including Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties, and other major metropolitan areas such as Tallahassee, Miami, and Tampa posted a huge disparity between the
parties, all leaning towards Obama. In other states, it seems the same can be said. New York, for example, looks like it has chicken pox with all of its red blotches, but it was an Obama state when it was all said and done simply because New York City and other large cities were so swung to the Democratic side, it completely nullified the GOP-controlled outskirts. These statistics can also be used when you look at states such as New Mexico, Ohio, and Iowa, all of which, coincidently, voted strongly for George W. Bush in the last two elections. They are among the states that swung from the GOP over to the Democratic side, presumably seeking that everawaited change that Obama has used to fuel his campaign. While America has swung to
the left, only time will tell if was in the right direction.
Valencia Voice
The crowd was a mixture of tears and cheers as an announcement naming the 44th President of the United States boomed from the speakers. At approximately 11 o’clock, Sen. Barack Obama was announced the projected victor against opponent Sen. John McCain after 21 long months of campaigning. Hundreds of cheering supporters and volunteers gathered together to celebrate a historic victory in downtown Orlando at the Orange County Regional History Center. The evening kicked off with several local Democrats rallying together to offer their support and endorsements in favor of Obama. The first speaker was Senator Bill Nelson who, having nothing at stake during the Election Day race, spoke words of encouragement and gave thanks to all the volunteers and supporters of the Obama campaign. Following Nelson and declaring victories were Alan Grayson and Darren Soto respectively. Mayor Buddy Dyer also made an appearance to announce a new Sheriff, Jerry Demings. The festivities continued inside the museum where Obama supporters partook in the drinking of spirits and hors d’oeuvres while viewing exhibits and discussing the coming victory. “I’m very excited to be part of history,” said Orlando Army veteran, Sergio Tuifarro. “I was amazed by McCain’s voting in the Senate concerning veteran benefits,” Tuifarro explained, mentioning in particular McCain’s opinion of the Montgomery G.I.
Bill, a bill that pays veterans of the armed services and their families seeking to further
their education. The trend continued throughout the night as individuals who could be considered “typical” McCain supporters raised their voice in support of Obama. Some of the groups included Republicans for Obama and Veterans for Obama. Ironically, the theme of the night was not “Change,” but equality. Voters of all colors, creeds and affiliations gathered together, seemingly oblivious of their differences in the spirit of the campaign. “Simply historical,
monumental… powerful,” said Angelica Pineiro. “You feel that you’re a part of a major
movement.” Later, the crowd moved outside as the results began to pour in. Nancy Warlick, who
first voted in 1960 for John F. Kennedy was thrilled by the hype. “I think there’s a great excitement around Barack Obama, just in the same way there was with JFK” Warlick explained when comparing the campaigns. “My husband and I spent 27 years in Africa, so this is particularly an exciting night and our friends there are really thrilled.” The
feeling was mutual among the crowd as supporters around her wholeheartedly agreed.
As the evening drew to a crescendo, the crowd turned its attention to the stage, where
a huge television screen showed a broadcast of McCain delivering his concession speech. In a honorable and sportsmanlike manner, McCain announced his dropping from the
race to a deafening cry of victory as the attendees stomped, shouted and whistled. “We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly,” he announced. “A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him. To congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.” McCain continued on to thank all of his supporters and colleagues with the mention of Sarah Palin drawing boos from the Orlando crowd. Shortly after, as the party organizers’ allotted time at the historic center expired,the party moved on to Wall Street to watch Obama deliver his victory speech on the Wachovia Bank Building jumbotron. Orlando
police quickly moved in to block the intersection at Jefferson and Orange in order to support the massive throng of celebrators, trapping a few unfortunate cars in the middle. Though stuck in a gridlock, many drivers left their vehicles and joined the celebration —one woman even getting out to dance on the hood of her minivan. As though not even phased by the hours of waiting and celebrating earlier in the evening, the crowd once again roared as the image of Obama appeared on the screen. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” Obama stated to tumultuous
applause. He continued to thank supporters, family members, volunteers and colleagues all, but most of all adding his gratitude to the American people. “This is our chance to answer that call.
This is our moment. This is our time to put our people back to work and open doors of
opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim
the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth —that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: ‘Yes We Can.’” Think the election this year was close? Take another look at the local results.
On Tuesday, Sen. Barack Obama made a huge push in Florida, and Orange County gave him a rather large boost as well. In the tight Florida Presidential race, Orange County was a convincing win for Obama. How convincing? How about 60/40 in support of Obama, beating Sen. John McCain by well over 100,000 votes and sealing a Democratic victory in one of the highest populated areas of Florida. Winning the populous areas of the states is vital to winning the state itself, especially when 27 electoral votes are on the line. The rest of the state was divided almost evenly, with Obama or McCain leading by only a few percentage points, with the exception
of our backyard. If you were to glance at the map of Florida last night, you would have noticed a lot of GOP red splattered across the map, but it was the blue areas that sealed the deal for Obama. Areas such as Orlando, including Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties, and other major metropolitan areas such as Tallahassee, Miami, and Tampa posted a huge disparity between the
parties, all leaning towards Obama. In other states, it seems the same can be said. New York, for example, looks like it has chicken pox with all of its red blotches, but it was an Obama state when it was all said and done simply because New York City and other large cities were so swung to the Democratic side, it completely nullified the GOP-controlled outskirts. These statistics can also be used when you look at states such as New Mexico, Ohio, and Iowa, all of which, coincidently, voted strongly for George W. Bush in the last two elections. They are among the states that swung from the GOP over to the Democratic side, presumably seeking that everawaited change that Obama has used to fuel his campaign. While America has swung to
the left, only time will tell if was in the right direction.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Obama in Central Florida
Central Florida for Obama
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO, Fla. – Think the election this year was close? Take another look at the local results.
On Tuesday, Barack Obama made a huge push in Florida, and Orange County gave him a rather large boost as well. In the tight Florida Presidential race, Orange County was a convincing win for Obama.
How convincing? How about 60/40 in support of Obama, beating McCain by well over 100,000 votes and sealing away a democratic victory in one of the highest populated areas of Florida. Winning the populous areas of the states is vital to winning the state itself, especially when 27 electoral votes are on the line.
The rest of the state was divided almost evenly, with Obama or McCain leading by only a few percent, with the exception of our backyard. If you were to glance at the map of Florida last night, you would have noticed a lot of GOP red splattered across the map, but it was the blue areas that sealed the deal for Obama. Areas such as Orlando, including Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties, and other main city areas such as Tallahassee, Miami, and Tampa posted huge disparity between the parties, all leaning towards Obama.
In other states, it seems the same can be said; New York, for example, looks like it has the chicken pox with all of it’s red blotches, but it was an Obama state when it was all said and done simply because the major metropolitan areas were so swung to the democratic side, it completely nullified the GOP controlled outskirts.
These statistics can also be used when you look at states such as New Mexico, Ohio, and Iowa, all of which, coincidently, voted strongly for Bush in the past few elections. They are among the states that swung from the GOP over to the democratic side, presumably seeking that ever-awaited change that Obama has used to fuel his campaign. Only time will tell if their swing was in the right direction.
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO, Fla. – Think the election this year was close? Take another look at the local results.
On Tuesday, Barack Obama made a huge push in Florida, and Orange County gave him a rather large boost as well. In the tight Florida Presidential race, Orange County was a convincing win for Obama.
How convincing? How about 60/40 in support of Obama, beating McCain by well over 100,000 votes and sealing away a democratic victory in one of the highest populated areas of Florida. Winning the populous areas of the states is vital to winning the state itself, especially when 27 electoral votes are on the line.
The rest of the state was divided almost evenly, with Obama or McCain leading by only a few percent, with the exception of our backyard. If you were to glance at the map of Florida last night, you would have noticed a lot of GOP red splattered across the map, but it was the blue areas that sealed the deal for Obama. Areas such as Orlando, including Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties, and other main city areas such as Tallahassee, Miami, and Tampa posted huge disparity between the parties, all leaning towards Obama.
In other states, it seems the same can be said; New York, for example, looks like it has the chicken pox with all of it’s red blotches, but it was an Obama state when it was all said and done simply because the major metropolitan areas were so swung to the democratic side, it completely nullified the GOP controlled outskirts.
These statistics can also be used when you look at states such as New Mexico, Ohio, and Iowa, all of which, coincidently, voted strongly for Bush in the past few elections. They are among the states that swung from the GOP over to the democratic side, presumably seeking that ever-awaited change that Obama has used to fuel his campaign. Only time will tell if their swing was in the right direction.
Alan Grayson; Congress-elect
Alan Grayson Represents Central Florida Proudly
By Alex Barrett
ORLANDO, Fla. – Right now, incumbent congressman Ric Keller is hoping Central Floridians will keep him in office for a fifth consecutive term. The man he is running against, Alan Grayson, Is looking to end that streak.
In today’s election, the race for District 8 will be tightly contested between these two men, and to this point it has been an ugly race in which both sides have had to dig deep to persevere. Alan Grayson is looking for the upset, and promises to serve all members of Central Florida, but his quest does not end there.
You may remember Grayson from his television ads, speaking of how he has fought to recover millions of ill-gotten money from companies seeking to profit illegally off of the war in Iraq. Grayson earned his law degree from Harvard, and has put his papers to good use thus far. Now, he seeks to take the District 8 seat away from Keller, and his campaigning has not gone un-noticed.
“We’re very excited,” said Darren Vierday, the Grayson campaign spokesperson. Vierday was available to answer questions about the campaign Tuesday afternoon from the campaign headquarters. “We’re looking to regroup Central Florida as a whole, and welcome the new change in which all the classes not only here, but across the country are equaled, and no one will be able to throw their weight around. Alan Grayson looks out for all of the people.”
The overall mood of the Grayson campaign is positive, which is great in a time where we as a country have been having problems getting individuals out of the house to vote. This year is much different; record numbers of early polling have been confirmed, and as more and more people turn out at voting centers all over the country, we are most likely looking at a record setting voter turnout. Vierday is very pleased with seeing these results, and even remarked about the absentee ballots tripling this year, and attributes it to Americans, and Central Floridians, being ready for a change.
Reporters were able to touch on a few issues in their conversations with Vierday, and a few concerning collegiate students that may shine a light through some cloudy weather. With the cost of tuition rising every semester, not to mention the cost of about everything else, it is getting harder and harder to pay for college. This is even more disturbing considering the masses had begun to assume that the value of a degree is dropping rapidly. Vierday was very interested in this topic, especially since Grayson has put addressing Federal Aid increases near the top of his “To-Do” list. “We need to help the people want to help themselves. We can do this by assisting high-schoolers more efficiently, and by building more comprehensive student loans. It’s the up and comers that need to be helped in this situation, not the already wealthy, larger corporations. We want more people to be able to better themselves.”
Vierday also touched on raising minimum wages across Central Florida; stating that it is common sense to look at the economy and realize “more money in people’s pockets means more money to be spent. It all goes around and around to different places, but the end result is the same; we all spend money.” Grayson also believes in monetary relief for tipped employees as well, such as servers and bartenders whom only make around 3 dollars an hour. “It is chilling to look at the wages for tipped employees and see they haven’t risen to a competitive rate in some time. They (tipped employees) should not have to rely on random tips as has been expected of them thus far."
As the race got closer here in Central Florida, it took a few rough turns and “a lot of dust has been kicked up,” said Vierday. “We need to unite this country again, and that starts locally. We expect Grayson to be elected term after term, and Alan is a great man who is willing and able to address our problems and help to solve them. He is the right man for the job.”
(#1 for Reporting)
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