I thought there was enough commentary about the Gates v Crowley debacle last week, and I didn’t think that anyone really knew enough about it to write about it myself. But today’s report that the two of them were actually going to sit down with Obama seemed too good to pass up.
I could write about how crazy it is that Obama is involved in this incident to begin with, or how twisted it may be that people are taking sides on what seems to just be a huge misunderstanding, but I’ll spare you. Instead I’m going to address how lame it is that Obama chose Budwiser as his beer! It may be the safe bet, ‘America’s Beer’ or the ‘beer of the people,’ but really? When did the President start drinking like a frat boy? More importantly, doesn’t he remember that Anheuser-Busch was purchased by the non-American owned InBev?
This seems like the perfect opportunity to relate to those liberal, beer loving supporters, like me and find some micro-brew located in a swing state. Even better, what about a DC area Flying Dog or Starr Hill? Local appeal, minimal impact on the environment, supporting a small business, hand crafted, and WAY more delicious.
The bottom line is that if there is one thing that I can count on with Obama, it is that he will be cool. Obama, Budwiser isn’t cool. You may wish to rethink.
Roommate and I have decided to take on a new blog dedicated solely to marathoning and running in the district. We are calling it “Running Northwest” as it will chronicle the pains and triumphs of training through Northwest, DC.
Don’t worry, I’m in no way giving up The Hay Say, but I wanted to keep this site from becoming my running blog. Running Northwest will be a completely joint effort between Roommate and Myself.
I hope that you will check it out and follow along as we approach 26.2.
I don’t get out to organized races very often. In fact this is the first one I’ve run in several years. But as part of the marathon training, Roommate and I are trying to get out to as many as we can. Race #1 came last Saturday at the Rockville Twilight 8k Runfest. We had heard of horrible humidity and tough racing conditions, but this year couldn’t have been better. With clear skies and about 75 degrees, it was a perfect evening to lace up our Asics and hit the road.
I was really impressed with the organization of the race, and all the excitement surrounding it. About 2000 people showed up in ready to run. There were people cheering at nearly every corner, families out in their front yards, a guy dressed up in a banana suit, and even a jazz band that popped up a few times. The course itself showed us a few hills, keeping the runners challenged and reminding them to push themselves. I was lucky enough to have a pretty large crowd armed with cowbells, making it impossible to miss them even in the dark.
The post race festivities were just as good as the race itself. With registration came 4 free beers and band. My group closed down the party, sticking around until after the stage was torn down and the lights off. It was a great night, making me excited about the many races to come.
This weekend brings the Crystal City Twilight 5k. They have big Twilight shoes to fill, let’s see how it goes.
Green (most happy), Blue, Purple, Orange, Red (least happy)
When someone says, “I just got back from the happiest place on Earth,” what usually comes to mind is a sweet dream about candyland or Disney World. Maybe not anymore. According to the New Economics Foundation, a British independent “think-and-do” tank, Costa Rica turns out to be this planet’s nirvana. The Happy Planet Index measure not the value of a country in dollar amounts, but rather the greater well being, happiness, and healthiness of the country. In addition it measures the sustainable development footprint, which will improve the lives in the future.
This challenges the thought that countries with higher GDPs and HDIs live happier lives, as the study doesn’t even take those measures into account. In a world where we think of development as a form of government, pumping money into projects, and driving fancy cars, this has to make you think. Central America pretty much swept the top. Following Costa Rica in happiness was the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala and Vietnam. Out of the 143 countries in the study, the US ranked a pitiful 114. That may come as no surprise considering 1 in 10 women in the U.S. are on antidepressants, with men just slightly behind. On top of that, our sustainability footprint is one of the worst in the world, bringing down our grade for the future.
Developed nations are so quick to judge our less developed neighbors, and seem to have all the right answers for them. We tell them how to run their countries, plant their crops, build their homes and drive their cars. We tell them where money should go and who shouldn’t have any. We support military coups and fund military operations. We teach their children that our way is the right way. But the right way to what? Hot water and clean cloths? Maybe it is. Happiness? Probably not.
I think this just goes to show that we too have a lot to learn. The ‘Pura Vida‘ lifestyle seems to be working, what is holding us back from embracing it? Or maybe we just need monkeys, beautiful beaches and tasty food.
I feel like I’m one of the lucky Nationals fan who has actually seen them win, at home, at the stadium. I’ve tried to go to as many games this year that I can, but I have yet to see them win. I have to tell you, watching a winning game is much more enjoyable than another loss. To have the crowd on their feet for the last out is a great feeling.
This weekend brought two out of three victories over the Braves. In addition, Dunn crushed his 300th homer on Saturday. All in all a great weekend for the worst team in the MLB.
Posted by thehaysay 
Posted by thehaysay 
Posted by thehaysay 
