Legend of the “Daywalker”

“Daywalker” is what all the vampires called Blade in Wesley Snipes beloved (is that a stretch . . . how about well liked?) trilogy about a half-human/half-vampire vampire hunter who could walk around in the day light. I use this as a reference point because, as of late, I feel much like a vampire. I can walk around in the daylight, but all of my energy and strength is used up in my nighttime activities. Now, you might be saying, “That a way Andy, party it up!” Alas . . . not those type of night time activities. No, these are of the “class until 8 and 9 pm” variety.

The light, however, is at the end of the tunnel. After a weekend spent cooped up in a lecture hall, discussing joint venture and Chinese business strategies, my International Competitive Strategy class is finally over. What does that mean? It means no more class on Monday nights. That’s one more night back in my arsenal! That just leaves T and TH night Sex Discrimination classes that should only last until a few weeks into July.  Then maybe, just maybe, I’ll have an ounce of relaxation and, dare I say, fun, before the Fall Semester starts back.

And Iran, Iran so far away . . .

In the last week, as Iran has seen itself plunge into a pattern of protest marches and riot police push-backs, many have speculated that this is the beginning of the end for the Ayatollahs. I mean, this looks just like the Orange Revolution in the Ukraine, right? East Germany in 1989, as the wall fell? This is the beginning of the end, ain’t it?

It would be nice to know. Unfortunately, there is a a large degree of uncertainty and difference in the way these riots and protests should be viewed. First off, those revolutions were really about nationalistic pride going against continued dominance by foreign powers (in both of my examples, Russian interference to be exact). Here, though, there is no rally against another nation. This is purely an internal debate. As such, there is less international pressure than there were in the previous examples. In those situations, the world could say to Russia, “Listen to these people, you must respect their sovereignty”. Well, whose sovereignty is to be respected here? This is purely an Iranian issues. Some could argue it’s the sovereignty of the populace versus the religious elite, but to be fare, it was by every honest account the “populace” who put the religious elite in charge to begin with in 1979. In the end, I don’t see this being the birth of democracy that some are hoping for. But it is a start to something.

Onward to Boston

The plane tickets have been purchased. On July 24th, I will be heading to Boston for the 3rd Annual Cosa Nostra Summit. Last years was put on hold because of my travels to China and Kenya. This year, though, Patty, Patrick, Buckley, Match, and myself will be touring the mean streets of Boston, MA. Of course, there will be a trip to Fenway involved. There will be a ton of historical places to check out, museums to visit, and all around good times to be had. This is truly brotherhood as friendship of the highest calling.

Why can’t I just be in Cincinnati already?

We’re now getting close to one month in of the great Indy-Cinci experiment. It’s been ok so far, but now that Holly has officially started, it’s becoming a lot more apparent just how difficult this is going to be at times. It’s just a lot to juggle. I love this women, though, and I have no doubt we can make it work. I love our new house and our new neighborhood though, and frankly, this “bachelor” lifestyle that everyone keeps giving me the wink-and-the-gun about is getting old fairly quickly. I just want to mow my lawn and play fetch with my dogs already (mark it – that’s officially the point in my life when I turned 45).

Thoughts at the closing bell:

• Tigers are in first place, with a four game cushion over Minnesota. I have a good feeling about this season. Just looks like all the pieces could be there.
• Financial Tip – Schwab High Interest Checking accounts. Ditch your crappy bank and get yourself a No-Fee ATM card and a bank account that gives you interest. It’s how all the playa’s play.
• I feel more musically out of touch right now than I ever have in my life. I couldn’t BEGIN to tell you what artists or musicians are popular on the radio right now. (maybe THAT’s the statement where I officially turned 45).
• Jon and Kate had a “special announcement” tonight. Most bets are on divorce. I’m betting on a pony.

One love to you all. Holla atcha boy.