Punt, Pass and Politics

Next weekend's Super Bowl doesn't excite me all that much. The Colts are a fine team, and I guess it's cool to see Peyton Manning finally make it after years of stellar play. But the Bears? Yeah, their defense is impressive, but the offense is boring. And Rex Grossman at QB is almost annoying. I don't know how a team with this guy at quarterback has made it this far. He's had flashes of brilliance, but he's very inconsistent and has had some atrocious games this season. But I guess if Trent Dilfer and the Ravens won a few years back, Grossman and the Bears have a shot. I still hope and believe the Colts will win this one, though. I was hoping the Chargers and Saints (or the Eagles, with the resurgent Jeff Garcia at QB) were going to make it, but it wasn't meant to be.

Speaking of competition on the national stage, the race for our next president is starting to heat up. The biggest names we're hearing of late are Hillary and Barack Obama. It's highly doubtful I'd vote for Obama, and it's certain I wouldn't vote for Hillary. For one thing, she comes across as so calculating and phony. At least Obama seems fresh and engaging.

It's early, but I can state now that I hope the Republican candidate will be Rudy Giuliani. Barring a highly-disagreeable running mate or unexpected scandal, I'd vote for this guy in a second. In my nearly 2 years living in New York City, I saw this guy in action and was extremely impressed. His extraordinary handling of 9/11 is what he's most famous for nationally, but it was his day-to-day work as mayor that I found so remarkable. This guy held a press conference every single day, stating his plans and priorities for the city, commenting on progress, and deftly fielding tough questions. He was largely responsible for the huge drop in crime New York experienced under his leadership, and contributed greatly to New York's economic and cultural renaissance. He even made a believer of one of the most liberal cities in the country, being elected to multiple terms. His assertive, common-sensical and fearless leadership was really something to see, and there's no doubt in my mind it would function just as well in the White House. Being mayor of NYC is similar to running a country, it's so vital and complex. I think Giuliani has a great grasp of what's most important for the people he leads, and he's got the ability to execute his effective plans with great confidence.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure he's got a real shot at the candidacy. He's not conservative enough for the hard right-wingers (ie: religious zealots), which may prevent him from receiving enough support. I think that would be a shame, because I believe he's one of the great leaders of our time.

I'll end with a few quotes from the man himself...

"When you confront a problem, you begin to solve it."

"It's not astrophysics. It's called The Law. And the law is about to become a stark, concrete reality for those who would break it."

“In choosing a president, we really don't choose a Republican or Democrat, a conservative or liberal. We choose a leader.”

Road Trip

Not having taken a typically longer trip this holiday break, I wanted to at least take a short road trip and see something new. I decided to check out Zion National Park in Utah, and visit friends Mark and Jade in Vegas along the way.

TUESDAY, 1/2/07


Starting out: 91 East




15 North, nearing Baker, CA

Tuesday night was spent with Mark and Jade catching up on what had been happening in the year since I'd seen them last. Not only do they have a great property development project called The Mercer, they are expecting their first kid.


WEDNESDAY, 1/3/07

Mark informed me Wednesday morning that a photo assistant of his flaked on a morning shoot, so I filled in...


Promotional photo shoot at The Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas







We later had lunch and checked out the offices of Detail Group, Mark and Jade's workplace.






I then drove to St. George Utah, about 2 hours north of Vegas.


Nightfall in St. George

After chicken-and-dumplings dinner at the Cracker Barrel, it was time to find a makeshift campsite. I found a nice spot off a residential road, and settled in for what turned out to be the coldest night I've ever experienced.


THURSDAY, 1/4/07


Morning at my freezing campsite, St. George


My car's windshield in the morning

I then headed for Zion National Park, about an hour from St. George.


Approaching Zion National Park, Utah


Inside Zion

























































































As you can see, it's a beautiful place, and it was great day. Although it was cold, the lack of tourists at this time of year made it a great experience. Next time, I'd like to visit Bryce Canyon, which is about 2 hours from Zion.

In need of some real rest, I decided to splurge on hotel room in Mesquite, Nevada, about an hour or so north of Vegas. The Oasis Hotel seemed like a good choice at $29...

FRIDAY, 1/5/07




Mesquite, NV

After a good night's sleep, I started on the very long and wind-plagued road home.


High winds in Baker, CA

After 972 miles of driving in 3 days, it was nice to be home.