Casey Anthony in Columbus?

Casey Anthony in Columbus?

Apparently Casey Anthony was photographed in Columbus yesterday afternoon. She was found wearing an OSU hat and traversing around the Lennox Shopping center.

This isn’t surprising because the troubled woman has a few family members who live in the area. And as we all know, OSU garb is local uniform so donning a Bucks hat may have been an attempt to blend into a weekday crowd.

Her attempt to escape the media was foiled before when media personnel reported that she boarded a small plane to Port Columbus immediately after her sentencing hearing ended. Why she did not leave after that first media report was released, I cannot say.

One thing is for certain, she has to be back in Orlando to meet her parole officer from a previous encounter with the law. Maybe she will stay down in the Sunshine state, and Ohioans can go back to allowing Casey to fade in our collective memory.

Jeff with current events

Images from:
http://www.tmz.com/2011/08/02/casey-anthony-photos-ohio-pictures-video-murder-caylee-anthony-ohio-state-university-old-navy-disguise-baseball-cap-glasses-shopping/

Big 10 Football Predictions

It’s one month away. Fans will pack the stadiums for the new and improved Big 10. With the Leaders and Legends, the Big 10 conference invites the Nebraska Cornhuskers from the Big 12. This year’s Big 10 has new coaches, new rivalries and, as always, new kids ready to play football.

I am going to analyze each team and try to determine who will be in the Big 10 Championship game.

Leaders

Illinois: They are the team to keep an eye on, but they are in need of some sort of power in their offense like they had in Leshore last year. Their defense is still nowhere near ready for them to be a contender in the Leaders. They will start off the Big 10 with a rough stetch but end nicely. Predicted record: 6-6

Indiana: Their quick offense keeps them interesting in the Leaders. However, they won’t cause too much havoc and won’t stand a chance overall. Luckily they have a good out-of-conference schedule. Predicted record: 4-8

Ohio State: It all depends on if they receive a bowl ban. If Ohio State receives a bowl ban, then they may end up 3rd in the Leaders. But if they don't get a bowl ban… the Buckeyes are coming. If Ohio State can show up against Wisconsin and shut them out, look for them to go undefeated. But keep in mind this is interim Coach Fickell’s first year as a head coach. Predicted record: 9-3

Penn State: Returning 17 starters from last year and their young quarterback, they stand a chance to win the Leaders side. If the Lions mature, look for them to win the Big 10 too. Their performance last year against Florida gave fans something positive to look forward to. Their schedule gets tougher right at the end of their season, however. They play Alabama, at Ohio State, Nebraska and at Wisconsin this season. If they gain enough momentum to end their season strong, look for them to win the Leaders. I really like this team this year. Predicted record: 8-4

Purdue: This team isn’t the hottest in the Big Ten but they have the potential to make a good team scared. Don't worry too much, they aren't that good. They have a rough mid-season run with games at Michigan, at Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Iowa. They need to work hard to get to a bowl. I believe they could do it. Predicted record: 6-6

Wisconsin: The team to beat. Montee Ball and James White behind that gigantic offensive line is the scariest combo in the Big 10. The emotional game between Ohio State and Wisconsin (the new created rivalry in the Big 10, along with Iowa and Nebraska) will make for a national thriller if both teams come in undefeated. Predicted record: 10-2

Legends

Iowa: This is a rebuilding year for Iowa. They still have their running back in the sophomore, Coker, but the team is young and inexperienced. Don't look for them to be the same Iowa team you usually see. With their new rivalry with Nebraska, Iowa is still going to show up for their final game. Predicted record: 7-5

Michigan: The Michigan man is in with Brady Hoke. People say this is a rebuilding year. He just says there isn't any rebuilding with Michigan. I’m afraid this is not the case. Hoke has a lot to prove. He is going to give it everything he’s got. Bringing back the most starters in the Big 10 with 20 and bringing back Denard Robinson, they will make a run for the championship. But they won’t do it this year. Maybe next year. Predicted record: 7-5

Michigan State: This team is bringing back a lot of their starters but their top player was their middle linebacker in Greg Jones, the key part in their defense. They are still a good team and will be one of the scariest teams in the Big 10. A lot of their offense returns with positives. Teams know they cannot mess around with Michigan State anymore. Predicted record: 8-4

Minnesota: Oh god… what do I even say… they need a lot of help. They have a new quarterback and a basically new offensive line. Their defense is terrible. There is not a lot going for them next year and well… they’re gonna stink. Predicted record: 3-9

Nebraska: They are on everyone’s radar as the team to beat. They have Taylor Martinez as one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in college football. They are going to be the winners of this side, no questions about it. I do have a feeling Iowa will upset them because Bo Pelini always has one poor game, and I feel as though that will be with their new rivals. Predicted record: 10-2

Northwestern: I believe this is the sleeper team in the Big 10. The one team everyone will overlook, Northwestern will give them a run for their money. I honestly can see Northwestern end 2nd in this division returning most of their high scoring offense. Predicted record: 8-4

The first ever big 10 championship game will be between:

The Wisconsin Badgers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers

The winner is...............

Photo from sportsapparelsuperstore.com

Alex with sports

Apollo's

I’m a relatively new Greek food fan having only eaten Greek food from three different places during my life. I’ve tried gyros from each restaurant and only one gyro really stood out from the rest—Apollo’s. Located just across the street from The Ohio State University, Apollo’s has a steady flow of traffic at all hours of the day regardless of its physical condition.

From the outside, it looks like a one way ticket to food poisoning or a gastrointestinal infection (it just looks that way, it actually isn’t) and once inside, it improves slightly, but not drastically. However, the fact that it is slightly run down shows just how long the restaurant has been able to stay in business, so they must be doing something right inside even though it doesn’t appear that way on the outside.

Though specializing in Greek food, Apollo’s offers a little bit of everything. They have a wide variety of subs, gyros, salads, and dips to choose from with some being typical Greek cuisine and others that have been Americanized. Being a college student, my favorite thing about Apollo’s is the prices. Spreads and dips are no more than $3 while gyros are around $5, depending upon which gyro you choose. The best deal by far is the lunch combo (though you can actually order it anytime) which includes a gyro, fries, and fountain drink for $5.

Every time I go to Apollo’s, I order the exact same thing. I get the lunch combo and split the spicy feta cheese dip with my boyfriend. The gyro has a thick layer of moist lamb and beef topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce all piled on a fresh piece of pita. I tried tzatziki sauce the first time I had a gyro and it just wasn’t for me, so I go sans sauce now. Even without the tzatziki sauce, the gyro is still flavorful and juicy.

The fries are cut thick and are better than most fries I’ve received at other gyro shops, though they can be a bit too thick and thus mushy at times. To accompany the gyro, I would highly recommend the spicy feta cheese dip. With it you get two pieces of warm, soft pita bread that you can layer the spread onto. Though the dip is called spicy feta cheese dip, it is not that spicy and that’s coming from someone who could barely eat Chipotle chicken at first, so don’t let the name deter you if you don’t usually like spicy food. In fact, I find it somewhat refreshing and cooling especially in contrast with the warm pita. The spread is also decently sized and has never been finished every time it has been ordered, so it’s definitely worth the $3.

Apollo’s is a great family owned restaurant to have a quick lunch or dinner at. I’ve been there on several occasions and have yet to be disappointed (they have even been known to throw in a free gyro on occasion). For the price, you get decent-quality food that’s both filling and satisfying. Don’t let the appearance of Apollo’s keep you from going inside because they have lots to offer at college student prices.

Location: 1758 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

Erin with Restaurants



Images from:
www.yelp.com
chefmoz.org

Winners and Losers

Winners and Losers

(To preface, I lean center-right. Pictures are intended to be humorous, not offensive.)
President Obama signed into law today a compromise deal that both raises the debt ceiling and slashes government spending. The bill agrees upon a $2.4 trillion raise in the debt ceiling, $2.1 trillion in spending cuts over the next 10 years, with a bipartisan committee to decide what to axe.

However, the American public watched intently as Congress and the President joined in a nationally covered battle over the government’s fiscal health and needs. How did the national players fare after this final legislation?

The Obama administration: The president got the raise in the debt ceiling that he wanted that should last him until after the 2012 election. He will not have to have another public fight in which he calls upon tax raises on the American public when he goes up for re-election. He also can press for more governmental spending and programs up to the 2012 election with the raise in the debt ceiling. However, he seemed stubborn during the debates and was even pushed out of the deal making by his own party leaders. His lack of leadership shown through, which could hurt his image domestically.

Democratic Congressional Leaders: They got a deal which they promised. However, they did not get significant tax increases on the top income earners in the US. This was a major blow for them. Coupled with their slashed federal spending, they would seem to have lost in every aspect. Their one victory would be their securement of seats in the spending cut committee.

Democrat Lawmakers: The congressional members facing tough re-elections could vote for the bill, assuring their constituents that they are for fiscal responsibility in Washington. The hard left-wingers could vote in opposition to the bill and pander to their supporters. Either way, the Democratic lawmakers got a great deal.

GOP Congressional Leaders: These top Republicans won on most counts. Boehner and other lawmakers saw their plans, such as “Cap, Cut, and Balance”, pass the House and fail in the Senate. However, they were the only leaders to pass legislation in the House of Congress in which they controlled (although with difficulty). This helped them retain images of power and stability. These lawmakers successfully got massive budget cuts without tax hikes; along with making the president look irrelevant to the proceedings.

The Tea Party: Difficult to assess easily. The public is polling against them during the debate, but the Tea Party has never defined itself by the public’s attitude towards them. They also successfully slashed the government’s ability to spend, but the debt ceiling was raised. I would say they lost, they would content, and they probably won’t change course because of the outcome. Expect more demands for lower taxes and spending from these right-wingers.

Federal Government and National Economy: Depends on your political views. I personally think they both came out neutral form the bill. Others will definitely argue.

The public: We can stop hearing from both sides that the country will fall into a boiling lake of fascism/communism with/without the passage of the bill that was too compromising/not compromising/ or as Nancy Pelosi said “A Satan Sandwich with Satan Fries on the side”.

PS don’t go to lunch with the ex-Speaker. She listens to Leonidas for restaurant reviews.

Jeff with politics


Images from:
http://www.adsavvy.org/obama-wins-ad-ages-marketer-of-the-year/
http://theteapartyblog.com/2010/03/passing-health-care-without-voting-on-it/
http://www.majorityap.com/democratic-party.htmlhttp://pajamasmedia.com/tatler/2011/04/14/nancy-pelosi-is-now-the-invisible-lady-in-washington/
http://www.thepartyanimal-blog.org/alice-wonderland-birthday-party-game-ideas/
http://www.putthatshitonthelist.com/
http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/38234201
http://www.mostlyposters.com/product/id/104740/300

Andrew's Movie Quote of The Day

"There's no reason to become alarmed, and we hope you'll enjoy the rest of your flight. By the way, is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?" Julie Hagerty in "Airplane!"

your general writer,

Andrew

Image from: gabtor.wordpress.com

Google Plus and Why it’s Awesome

I’m sure some of you have heard of Google Plus, and you may be thinking, “I already have Facebook. Why do I need another Social network service?” I’m going to go out on a limb and make the argument that Google+ may be better for Google than the creation of Android, and I’m sure a lot of you have Android phones (and maybe you even like them). I was invited to try out Google+ a few weeks ago, and I decided to set up an account just to see what it’s all about, figuring I’d never go back and check since I have Facebook.

It turns out Google+ is really awesome, and once it’s out of testing phase it will be even better. As of July 20, Google+ had 18 million users versus Facebook’s 750 million users, although once it goes public, the numbers will continue to rise exponentially, meaning more content will be accessible and the entire experience will be better than it is now. But why is it so great? Its best quality is its simplicity. You drag people you want to follow into circles, and they don’t necessarily have to add you. You can then see what they post depending on whether they make it public or private. The circles allow you to visualize your different groups of friends or colleagues, and you can share different information depending on which circles you want to share with.

So how can this benefit the music industry? First and foremost, it is very easy to post media content to Google+, although there is a better chance that people will view that content compared to content posted on Facebook, due to the organization of the service. If you are a famous musician, fans could make a “favorite artists” circle and then choose to look only at that group’s content/posts. This is similar to Facebook groups, although Google has done a great job simplifying and organizing this system.

Essentially, you will be able to follow your favorite artists like you would on Twitter, but all of the content (videos, pictures, songs, etc.) will be easily visible in the news feed. This is especially helpful for new artists who want to be recognized. Anyone can view their content without having to go through the friend request process and thus artists can be followed by many people without having to look at everyone else’s content. Now artists can keep their profile nice and clean while still having a better chance of reaching more potential fans. It’s brilliant!

If you haven’t already, you should request to be invited on Google+ and start following your favorite people. Even if you find it boring at first, remember, it’s going to go public soon enough, and once that happens, it would be extremely beneficial to have a profile already set up along with media content so that people who want to follow you will be successful in searching for you the first time. Plus they’ll actually have something to look at. This is a great new marketing strategy that can greatly benefit those who take advantage of it early on. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for Google+ now!

Images courtesy of:
impactlab.net
drivingtraffic.com


Carlin with Music and Technology

Andrew's Funny movie moments

In the third Star Wars "A New Hope"(the first one aired) you can see a storm trooper smash his head on the blast door making a solid thunk as he walks into the control room where C-3PO and R2D2 are hiding.

your general writer,


Andrew

Picture from: whatculture.com

First Originals

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Andrew's Movie Quote of The Day

"you got a dream... you gotta protect it. People can't do somethin' themselves, they wanna tell you, you can't do it. If you want somethin', go get it. Period" - Will Smith in the Pursuit of Happyness

your general writer,

Andrew.

Image from: josephthomassantos.buzznet.com

Modern Day Gladiators

Tupac. Biggie. Michael Jackson. Amy Winehouse. What do all of these artists have in common? Obviously, they’re dead, but they also all gained popularity following their death. And these are just a few of the many artists who followed the same path. Start out hot, dwindle out of favor with the public, and then have a dramatic death which puts them right back in the spotlight.

Here’s my question. Why is it that it takes someone’s death for the majority of the public to remember these artists? If they were so great, why do we just forget about them, and then suddenly, when they die, we rush out to buy as many copies of their music as possible? Even I will admit, when the news about Amy Winehouse came out, I searched her music online, mainly because I couldn’t think of any of her songs. I was actually surprised, because she had a great voice, and even if you don’t like her style, I think most people would agree that she was far more talented than the likes of Britney Spears or Kesha.

So was it my fault that I couldn’t remember any of her music? I would have to say no. Unfortunately, I can’t follow every artist I’ve ever listened to, so I focus on a few of my favorites and I rely on the media to inform me about the others. And this is where the first main issue comes into play: the media. The media is notoriously bad at judging good music, and that’s not what their goal is anyways. Their job is to sell and get people to stop, look, and listen to them. Thus, they flood the market with “artists” like Rebecca Black, and people like Amy Winehouse or Michael Jackson are swept under the rug. And when overdose is the cause of death, it’s evident that the artist is having some major issues in their life. Could this be a result of being put into the spotlight, and then pulled right back out of it? I’m not trying to prove some conspiracy that the media is killing off famous artists; I’m simply raising the question as to whether the actions of producers, radio, and television programs are contributing to the notoriously terrible lifestyle of celebrities, which in some cases leads to their early death.

Perhaps even worse than the artists’ death, however, is our fascination with it. To this day, it’s a common gimmick to hear Tupac, Biggie, or Eazy-E mentioned in rap songs, even if the artist had no relation to them whatsoever. And I’m not even considering how many rap songs are based around murder in general. In addition, people are always ready to argue that Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn were the greatest guitarists ever, but I wonder if they were still alive and writing music, would people still make these claims? Neil Young even said, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away”. In reality, we haven’t changed much since the good old days, when Romans watched Gladiators fight to the death. People are fascinated by death, and being as competitive and capitalistic in nature as it is, the music industry has been able to take advantage of this human trait (with the help of mass media).

In conclusion, I’m not telling you to stop purchasing Amy Winehouse CD’s, or to stop putting Tupac in your freestyles, or to stop playing Jimi Hendrix songs on your guitar. I just think people should assess what they really like, and people should enjoy these artists while they’re alive, because there’s no guarantee that they’ll be around tomorrow. Unless it’s the Rolling Stones, in which case you can be sure they’ll be back.

Carlin with Music
Images courtesy of:
http://poponthepop.com
http://johnberretmusic.blogspot.com