2008: By The Numbers

Week 10 in Review

Week 9: March 4-10

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 1
Miles Run: 20.5

News of the World:

The longest Presidential primary in a long time just got longer.  Sen. Clinton won Tuesday's primaries in Rhode Island, Ohio and Texas (although the final results of Texas caucuses won't be announced until the end of the month). Sen. Obama won Vermont and, later in the week, Wyoming. Sen. McCain tries to stay in the news now that he lacks a GOP nomination rival.

In New York's Times Square Thursday morning, a small bomb detonated outside a National Guard recruiting station, injuring no one but keeping bomb squads and the police busy.

Israeli and Palestinian officials resume peace talks despite recent violence in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

Beloved Packer quarterback and future-Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre announces his retirement after 16 seasons with the same team.

Week 9 in Review

Week 9: February 26-March 3

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 1
Miles Run: 19.5

News of the World:

GOP nomination virtually in hand, Sen. McCain starts attacking Obama as all hope and no delivery, but apologizes when one of his surrogates goes too far. Clinton joins in with the now infamous "3 a.m. ad" and some crazy story about an Obama advisor assuring Canada that his tough talk on NAFTA is just posturing. Clearly we have nothing substantial left to talk about.

Violence between Israel and the Palestinians escalates, more than 100 are killed, prompting an angry Mahmoud Abbas to call off peace talks.

Dmitry Medvedev wins the Russian Presidential election. Citizens take to the street to protest Putin's hand in a flawed or possibly rigged election.

On the 46th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s record-setting 100 point game, the L.A. Lakers’ Kobe Bryant scores 52 points, largest tally of the season to date, in an overtime win vs. the Dallas Mavericks.

 

Links of the Week:

(This recap's later than usual so here's two.)

The greatest hits of the 80s, 90s and today... in PowerPoint!

Why do pro basketball players, past and present, all-star and reserve alike, love the Cheesecake Factory?

 

 

 

 

 

Week 8 in Review

Week 8: February 19-25

Books Read: 1/2
Shows Seen: 3
Miles Run: 20.5

News of the World:

John McCain has all but clinched the Republican nomination after victories in the Hawaii, Washington and Wisconsin primaries.  A New York Times article alleging his improper relationship with a lobbyist unites the conservative establishment against the "liberal paper."  Sen. Obama wins all three primaries decisively over Sen. Clinton, prompting talk of a campaign on the ropes.

After 54 years in power, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro hands the reins of power to his brother Raul. The mood 90 miles away is complicated and cautiously optimistic.

The 80th Academy Awards may have been the least watched ever, but it was mighty inclusive. The four major acting awards go to foreigners: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis, Actress Marion Cotillard, Supporting Actor Javier Bardem, and Supporting Actress Tilda Swinton. No Country For Old Men is the big winner, nabbing Best Picture and three other statues.

Link of the week:

Jimmy Kimmel takes a joke too far... hilariously too far. (Note: NSFW)

 

 

Week 8: February 19-25

Books Read: 1/2
Shows Seen: 3
Miles Run: 20.5

News of the World:

John McCain has all but clinched the Republican nomination after victories in the Hawaii, Washington and Wisconsin primaries.  A New York Times article alleging his improper relationship with a lobbyist unites the conservative establishment against the "liberal paper."  Sen. Obama wins all three primaries decisively over Sen. Clinton, prompting talk of a campaign on the ropes.

After 54 years in power, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro hands the reins of power to his brother Raul. The mood 90 miles away is complicated and cautiously optimistic.

The 80th Academy Awards may have been the least watched ever, but it was mighty inclusive. The four major acting awards go to foreigners: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis, Actress Marion Cotillard, Supporting Actor Javier Bardem, and Supporting Actress Tilda Swinton. No Country For Old Men is the big winner, nabbing Best Picture and three other statues.

Link of the week:

Jimmy Kimmel takes a joke too far... hilariously too far. (Note: NSFW)

 

 

Week 8: February 19-25

Books Read: 1/2
Shows Seen: 3
Miles Run: 20.5

News of the World:

John McCain has all but clinched the Republican nomination after victories in the Hawaii, Washington and Wisconsin primaries.  A New York Times article alleging his improper relationship with a lobbyist unites the conservative establishment against the "liberal paper."  Sen. Obama wins all three primaries decisively over Sen. Clinton, prompting talk of a campaign on the ropes.

After 54 years in power, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro hands the reins of power to his brother Raul. The mood 90 miles away is complicated and cautiously optimistic.

The 80th Academy Awards may have been the least watched ever, but it was mighty inclusive. The four major acting awards go to foreigners: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis, Actress Marion Cotillard, Supporting Actor Javier Bardem, and Supporting Actress Tilda Swinton. No Country For Old Men is the big winner, nabbing Best Picture and three other statues.

Link of the week:

Jimmy Kimmel takes a joke too far... hilariously too far. (Note: NSFW)

 

 

Week 7 in Review

Week 7: February 12-18

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 3
Miles Run: 20

News of the World:

Obama and McCain sweep the “Potomac Primaries” (MD, VA, DC). Mitt Romney and George H.W. Bush endorse McCain, making his nomination all but official. Obama overtakes Clinton in the delegate count for the first time.

The economic stimulus bill becomes law, so file your taxes and get ready for those checks!

Two days of violence in Afghanistan, an insurgent attack and pair of suicide bombings at a dogfight and a crowded market, leave around 140 dead, renewing fears that the country is turning more lawless and violent.

Hall of Fame-worthy pitcher Roger Clemens and trainer Roger McNamee’s testimonies before Congress concerning steroid allegations contradict. And we’re left wondering why Mrs. Clemens needed growth hormones.

Link of the week:

Are you kidding me??? Dwight Howard (a.k.a. Superman) wins the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Slam Dunk Contest.

 

 

Week 7: February 12-18

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 3
Miles Run: 20

News of the World:

Obama and McCain sweep the “Potomac Primaries” (MD, VA, DC). Mitt Romney and George H.W. Bush endorse McCain, making his nomination all but official. Obama overtakes Clinton in the delegate count for the first time.

The economic stimulus bill becomes law, so file your taxes and get ready for those checks!

Two days of violence in Afghanistan, an insurgent attack and pair of suicide bombings at a dogfight and a crowded market, leave around 140 dead, renewing fears that the country is turning more lawless and violent.

Hall of Fame-worthy pitcher Roger Clemens and trainer Roger McNamee’s testimonies before Congress concerning steroid allegations contradict. And we’re left wondering why Mrs. Clemens needed growth hormones.

Link of the week:

Are you kidding me??? Dwight Howard (a.k.a. Superman) wins the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Slam Dunk Contest.

 

 

Week 7: February 12-18

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 3
Miles Run: 20

News of the World:

Obama and McCain sweep the “Potomac Primaries” (MD, VA, DC). Mitt Romney and George H.W. Bush endorse McCain, making his nomination all but official. Obama overtakes Clinton in the delegate count for the first time.

The economic stimulus bill becomes law, so file your taxes and get ready for those checks!

Two days of violence in Afghanistan, an insurgent attack and pair of suicide bombings at a dogfight and a crowded market, leave around 140 dead, renewing fears that the country is turning more lawless and violent.

Hall of Fame-worthy pitcher Roger Clemens and trainer Roger McNamee’s testimonies before Congress concerning steroid allegations contradict. And we’re left wondering why Mrs. Clemens needed growth hormones.

Link of the week:

Are you kidding me??? Dwight Howard (a.k.a. Superman) wins the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Slam Dunk Contest.

 

 

Week 6 In Review

Week 6: February 5-11

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 0
Miles Run: 19.5

News of the World:

Sen. McCain takes a commanding lead in the GOP nomination race following Super Tuesday; Mitt Romney quits the race while Mike Huckabee vows to remain. Clinton and Obama's Feb 5 ends in a virtual tie, a razor thin difference in the popular vote translates to a nail-biting difference in delegates.

The Pentagon charges six Guantanamo detainees as conspirators in the 9/11 attacks. Trial will be seen as a test of Guantanamo's relevance and a key measure of the efficacy of the Bush administration's War on Terror.

Wednesday saw the NBA's blockbuster trade of the year: Miami trades future Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix for All Star Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Heat and Suns each lose their first post-trade game.

 

Link of the Week:

What if McCain's supporters were as frenzied as "Obama-niacs"? Second City comics' spoof ad lays it all out.

Week 6: February 5-11

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 0
Miles Run: 19.5

News of the World:

Sen. McCain takes a commanding lead in the GOP nomination race following Super Tuesday; Mitt Romney quits the race while Mike Huckabee vows to remain. Clinton and Obama's Feb 5 ends in a virtual tie, a razor thin difference in the popular vote translates to a nail-biting difference in delegates.

The Pentagon charges six Guantanamo detainees as conspirators in the 9/11 attacks. Trial will be seen as a test of Guantanamo's relevance and a key measure of the efficacy of the Bush administration's War on Terror.

Wednesday saw the NBA's blockbuster trade of the year: Miami trades future Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix for All Star Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Heat and Suns each lose their first post-trade game.

 

Link of the Week:

What if McCain's supporters were as frenzied as "Obama-niacs"? Second City comics' spoof ad lays it all out.

Week 5 in Review

Week 5: January 22-29

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 2
Miles Run: 20

News of the World:

Primary candidates cash in those frequent-flier miles, criss-crossing the country in the run up to Super Tuesday, the largest U.S. presidential primary ever. They meet in SoCal to debate, the GOPers summoning Reagan's spirit while Clinton & Obama play nice.

Al-Qaeda in Iraq send two mentally disabled women into Baghdad animal markets, detonate the bombs strapped to them, and kill more than 70, the country's deadliest incident in months.

The 2007-08 New England Patriots are perfect no more, falling to the NY Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. QB Eli Manning is the MVP, 1 year after his bro Peyton did the same.

 

Link of the Week:

Dreaming of summer, crutch skateboarding season.

Week 5: January 22-29

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 2
Miles Run: 20

News of the World:

Primary candidates cash in those frequent-flier miles, criss-crossing the country in the run up to Super Tuesday, the largest U.S. presidential primary ever. They meet in SoCal to debate, the GOPers summoning Reagan's spirit while Clinton & Obama play nice.

Al-Qaeda in Iraq send two mentally disabled women into Baghdad animal markets, detonate the bombs strapped to them, and kill more than 70, the country's deadliest incident in months.

The 2007-08 New England Patriots are perfect no more, falling to the NY Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. QB Eli Manning is the MVP, 1 year after his bro Peyton did the same.

 

Link of the Week:

Dreaming of summer, crutch skateboarding season.

Week 4 in Review

Week 3: January 22-29

Books Read: 1/2 (the last 2 of a 4-part series)
Shows Seen: 1
Miles Run: 19.5

News of the World:

Obama wins big in South Carolina. Floridians get a good look at the Republican candidates and whine about the big meanies running the Democratic Party.

Stimulus package details emerge... we could get $300-1,200 from Uncle Sam. Jim Cramer (MSNBC's hyperactive financial advisor) has a better idea.

Palestinians flooded into Egypt after Hamas destroyed parts of Gaza border fence.

The world's greatest golfer lapped the field in San Diego.  The world's greatest tennis player was upset in the Australian Open semis by Novak Djokovic, who took home the trophy.

 

Link of the Week:

Stand-up comedian laughs at firemen.  Fire Department makes bizzare mash-up of his routine.

Week 3 in Review

Week 3: January 15-21

Books Read: 1/2 (actually 2 of a 4-part series)
Shows Seen: 2
Miles Run: 19

News of the World:

More primaries: Mitt Romney wins in Michigan; McCain triumphs and Clinton edges Obama in Nevada. Blue America's still focused on the two frontrunners while Red America contemplates life under a Mormon commander in chief.

Pres. Bush and Congressional leaders have a sit down to craft an economic stimulus package that responds to wobbly real estate markets, economic slowdown and fears that America's losing its bling. Presumably a "Sense of the Congress" resolution ain't gonna cut it.

The big winners on NFL's Championship Sunday are the New England Patriots, New York Giants, and everyone betting on them.  These northeastern titans will clash once more in Super Bowl XLII, Feb 2.

Link of the Week:

Ladies with boyfriends, spouses or significant others, please remember The Seven Minute Rule.

 

Week 2 in Review

Week 2: January 8-14

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 3
Miles Run: 18

News of the World:

Clinton and McCain win NH presidential primaries. Democratic race now framed as Clinton v. Obama with Edwards the long shot. Republican race more wide open and confusing than before.

President Bush acknowledges strain in the national economy (no time like the present, right?) and, in a bid to enhance his legacy, travels to the Middle East to promote the peace thing.

The NBA grants a do-over for the first time in 25 years, upholding the Miami Heat's protest of a game where officials miscounted Shaq's fouls so he'd foul out prematurely. The Heat & Atlanta Hawks will replay the final 51.9 seconds on March 8 before their next regular season meeting. (Let's play two!!)

Link of the Week:

Chicago rapper Rhymefest releases "Man in the Mirror" mixtape, a tribute to the King of Pop-- free download!

Week 1 in Review

Week 1: January 1-7**

Books Read: 1
Shows Seen: 1
Miles Run: 15

News of the World:
The Iowa caucuses kick off Presidential primary season. Obama and Huckabee win their respective contests. But the delegate count isn't too clear.

Pakistan President Perez Musharraf denies his government's involvement in the December 28 assassination of his political rival Benazir Bhutto, enlisting Scotland Yard to investigate.

LSU defeats Ohio State in college football's BCS Championship bowl, capping a wild season in which the computerized ranking system was further called into question.

** Yes, this is very late but I couldn't log onto Typepad yesterday.