My What a Year, But What Will '08 Bring?

2007 has been an incredible year for me spanning a multitude of settings and events each of which left an indelible mark on myself. In fact its a ton to think about when you consider I was a wise-eyed college freshman trying to master Malibu at the start and now I'm (at least in my own mind) somewhat savvy of not only my school, but a little bit of my own life in general. I've seen and done much and I'm so thankful for every opportunity, but there is more. Much more. Next semester I'll be in London and from there who knows? And what's it all mean? Nothing if I can't incorporate my experiences into some modicum of understanding and perspective. Throughout these adventurous months, I've been trying to keep that in mind. I'll be looking to have fun and make the most of my time abroad, but I'll also be looking to grow as a person. Cheesy? You betcha, but I'm a sucker for that kind've stuff. It happens.
Anyways, beyond my own life 2007 was VERY eventful and 2008 should be even more so, with the host of primaries and the general election itself coming up as well as a critical stage of the Iraq War and perhaps most of all another Red Sox season. The important thing is to take it in stride, but if 2007 was any indication, these strides are going to be of the Carl Lewis variety. And I can't wait.

As they say in some places: Go big or go home.

Perfection!

Last night I was lucky enough to go to the Patriots-Giants game at the Meadowlands and I was fortunate enough to witness history. As a Patriots fan, the win was gratifying enough, but with so many additional circumstances surrounding the game it was that much more of a boost. My dad's side of the family has had Giants season tickets since the days they played at Yankee Stadium and my brother and I have got to spend some valuable father-son time with my dad at some pretty exciting games (my brother's first game there when he was just a kid was against the Cowboys and after the Cowboys blew them out my dad lost my brother to Cowboy fandom forever).
It's always an experience at Giants Stadium and this was no different. Usually I root for the Giants (especially when they play the Patriots' division rivals like the Jets or Bills), so the other usual suspects in our section I think recognized me as a Giants fan. But beneath my Columbia snow jacket was a Red Sox sweatshirt I had planned on unveiling, but reconsidered upon arrival. Good thing. While there were a ton of Pats fans at the game, there were only a few families in our section that were being mercilessly heckled for most of the game by the meatheads in our section. That is, until the Patriots pulled ahead. Then the long, shameful exodus of fans began, even as the Giants showed a spark of life. The realization of inevitable New England victory was too much for some fans to deal with, even the grizzled stadium veterans.
Eli Manning and the Giants played well... actually they played great. Against any other team they would have won. But they weren't playing any other team, they were playing the Patriots and the New England offense was clicking on all cylinders. Brady and Moss set individual records while the team's victory guaranteed regular-season perfection. 16-0. Unbelievable.
Congratulations Patriots on a well-played season, but now comes the playoffs... the second season. New England fans are looking for another championship to go along with the Red Sox earlier in the fall. Let's have some more victory parties, eh?

RIP Benazir Bhutto

Early yesterday, reports from Pakistan alerted the world to the horrific turn of events in Pakistan. Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan and the first woman leader in the Middle East, had returned from exile to run against military head of state Gen. Pervez Musharref. Musharref has been an ally of the United States' in the region and a leader in the War on Terror. But in Pakistan, stability has been "achieved" through trampling of rights. Bhutto's assassination is terrible, terrible news as Bhutto represented a lot in the way of hope and progress in the Islamic world and for us here in the States. I know the Bush administration had a lot invested in making a reconciliation between her and Musharref, but there was just that sinking feeling after her return that she was in incredible danger. Even after the first assassination attempt in October, she showed remarkable courage in pressing on to campaign further. A terrible loss for everyone in Pakistan and in their government, even Musharref who needed Bhutto and her Party to lend credence to elections, our government and the populace.
What the region needs is stability along with respect for human rights and this tragic event flies right in the face of that pursuit. Such a shame.

Merry Christmas!

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;



The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;



The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,



But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.



And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.



But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

In a Season of Giving, He Gives Thanks

Below is the article published today in the CT Post. Enjoy.

In a season of giving, he gives thanks

THOMAS LAMBERT

Article Last Updated: 12/21/2007 06:38:40 PM EST

In the season of giving, I'd like to take this time to acknowledge some of my most special memories from this past year.

First of all, what better present to a New Englander like myself than another Red Sox World Series championship? It was an epic 86-year drought that plagued Red Sox nation before they achieved their title in 2004. That championship was for all those who had waited so long, and those who never got to see a Sox championship in their lifetime. Winning it all in 2007 was for us, for the generation of Sox fans spoiled with boundless talent and competent management. And for all those who think New England's Fenway Park will still sell out next year as a new baseball dynasty is established. depended on misery, let's see if the numbers back that up; for some reason I think * I accomplished a dream of mine and worked in Washington, D.C. for Congressman Christopher Shays, R-4. Ever since high school, I've had an interest in government and public service, so working in the Capitol and observing government in action was a treat for any wide-eyed political science major. There are still things I like and dislike about the federal government, but seeing how government can bring out the best and worst in people is a lesson I intend on holding onto forever.

Most importantly, the continued safety of my cousin Josh who is currently stationed in Iraq is something I'm especially grateful for during the Christmas season. Both Josh and his brother Luke enlisted in the Marines with the intention of serving our country. No matter what I have done and what I will do in life, none of it will compare to the selflessness and sacrifice displayed by my cousins. They are role models in my life and a source of inspiration as to why we should continue to support our troops.

Of course there are many other things I'm thankful for over the past year, but I can only hope I'll be as blessed in the upcoming year. So during this holiday season, take some time out of your day and reflect on all that you've been given. I guarantee that we can all find something for which we should give thanks.

Thomas Lambert, of Fairfield, is a sophomore at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., and a former editor of CTTeens. You may reach him at ctteens@ctpost.com.

Forgive Me

OK, this one slayed me. I couldn't resist lifting this from The Politico and posting it here. Pure gold.

Trying Something New... Work

It never ends. Ever since I got home from freshman year at Pepperdine this April, I've been at work. I'm an intern at the Fairfield Probate Court over the summers and breaks, and of course I'm recently retired from my internship on Capitol Hill working for Congressman Christopher Shays (CT-4). And so it is, back to work in the Probate Court until I off for London after the start of the new year. While I'm not shedding any tears over the decline in value of the Dollar (as i hope to post about later on - Oh goody, a blog post about the ECONOMY! Whooopeee!), it's going to make things difficult for lads and lasses like myself studying abroad. Hence the dire need to put in as many hours as possible before I go broke over there. Seriously, I have visions of begging for food money in Hyde Park this time next month.
I love the Probate Court as it's staffed by good folks and a fantastic boss in Judge Dan Caruso. Its just I may find the working lifestyle easy to give up when I go abroad. I almost forgot I'm at college... to study. Isn't that like practice for the real deal, not actually DOING? I kid. But seriously, I wonder what it's like not to worry about walking the fine line between business formal and business casual. I guess we'll find out. It's going to take some transition time to remember what it's like to be a student again.

My Christmas List*

*No, not an actual list of items I want (though tickets to any of the shows put on by any of these musicians would cause me to be indebted to you [And yeah, I know, a lot of these guys are dead/don't have "it" anymore. I was born 30 years late.]). I'm trying to put together a list of seasonal songs that don't suck. I can go either way on Christmas music in general, but 'tis the season and everything, right? So I've compiled (and burned) the following as the best I can come up with thus far. And yes, there is a clear Rock bend to this list. That's the point, duh.


1. Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney & Wings (This really isn't all that great of a song... and I'm a big Macca fan, too. I put this song here more out of respect, though I think a Beatle could do better...)
2. Come On Christmas, Christmas Come On - Ringo Starr (... and here it is. Yay. Way to go Ringo. This song was buried in all of the best Christmas music lists I've pursued. But I think it's tremendous.)
3. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon (I'm not a fan of taking the "Christ" out of Christmas, but the song is solid. Plus it gives you something to think about... or something.)
4. Ding Dong, Ding Dong - George Harrison (OK, not Christmas, but this is seasonal remember. Would've been an even better tune had Harrison not been hoarse during the recording. Oh well.)
5. Jingle Bell Rock - Daryl Hall & John Oates (Now back to your regularly scheduled, non-Beatles Christmas party. Hall & Oates have a decent Christmas album and their rendition of Jingle Bell Rock holds up to the rest of what I was looking for here.)
6. Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys (A Christmas time staple. Any respectable Christmas collection has this on it. Whether or not you like the Beach Boys is irrelevant. Leaving this song out is like having cereal for Thanksgiving dinner.)
7. Back Door Santa - Jet (I'll admit it: I love Jet. Sure, they may be knock-offs of the rock bands of yesteryear, but I dig that. A lot.)
8. Please Come Home for Christmas - The Eagles (Of all the songs on here, this is probably my favorite "moody" Christmas song. If you're blue this holiday season or long for the love of one who is not by your side, play this song on repeat. Even if you're perfectly happy, keep playing this song. I love this song, but then again I don't hate the Eagles like some do.)
9. Merry Christmas, Darling - The Carpenters (When I was a lad, my mom would have 3 CD's in her car to listen to: The Grease Soundtrack, Creedence Clearwater Revival's Willy and the Poor Boys, and The Carpenters' Gold Collection. Thus, I have an irrational love for all three. And yes, I know all the words.)
10. Step Into Christmas - Elton John (I don't feel bad one bit for loving Elton John's music, especially this Christmas tune. It's really good, actually.)
11. Christmas All Over Again - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (To tell you the truth, I don't really like Tom Petty all that much. At least not as much as one would expect. But this is THE CHRISTMAS SONG... or at least a close second to the Kinks. Seriously, this track alone makes any Christmas mix passable.)
12. I Believe in Father Christmas - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Probably the most underrated Christmas song in my humble opinion. The band wasn't as special as it could've been, but the song is quality all around.)
13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings - Barenaked Ladies (I don't like Barenaked Ladies, nor do I like the way they play this suite. So chalk this one up as a reach, a space-filler. But I do love God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen in general - it's probably my favorite traditional Christmas hymn. Suggestions for any better versions of this song are appreciated.)
14. Santa's Messin' With The Kid - Lynyrd Skynyrd (I love Lynyrd Skynyrd, but this song leaves something to be desired. Filler/respect placement.)
15. Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry (Yes. The man himself, Chuck Berry delivers on this classic. See above, re: Little Saint Nick.)
16. Father Christmas - The Kinks (I keep going back and forth whether this or Tom Petty's tune are the best Christmas rock song. Going solely by the numbers, The Kinks have far more plays on my iTunes than any other Christmas song. For that reason, I'll give Father Christmas the crown, but both songs are a treat. Listen to them. Embrace them. Let them be your friend.)
17. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2 (A solid, albeit short tune. A little more meat, and this song could've been a contender.)
18. Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End) - The Darkness (I kinda, sorta like The Darkness but this song fulfills all that I wanted in my list. I needed something contemporary to remind me rock isn't *completely* dead. Plus The Darkness does a good job here. A worthy addition to the mix.)
19. Lonely Without You (This Christmas) - Mick Jagger (Another one for the blue-hearted. Very well done and a nod to Sir Strutshisstuff.)
20. The Night Before Christmas - Carly Simon (Laugh all you want, Carly Simon is talented and this song delivers. Prove me wrong, I dare you.)
21. Thank God It's Christmas - Queen (Sure, at this point I was just looking for classic rock bands with Christmas selections. But thats fine in this case, because Queen is always a good call. And who can't relate? Thank God it's Christmas. Amen.)
22. Christmas - The Who (Not sure if it qualifies as only parts of the song actually deal with Christmas. Still, the song is one of the best on one of the greatest, if not THE GREATEST, album of all time. Points awarded for sheer awesomeness.)
23. Little Drummer Boy / Silent Night / Auld Lang Syne - Jimi Hendrix (The best way to end any Christmas rock collection. Jimi always comes on strong and this holiday treat just reminds us of his talent on guitar. It's almost unfair.)


So there you have it. The Beatles at the top and the rest follow, as it should be. All at under 80 minutes by my count, making it nice and burnable. That's what I'll be listening to for the rest of the season until I get sick of it again... and then ready to listen next December. It's a love-hate thing. Right now, I love it...

Upcoming Column

I just penned a column for the Post about being thankful for certain things around the holidays. Unfortunately it has to follow the 405 word limit, so it'll be on the shorter side. Look for it to run around Christmas weekend.

Cover boy

If you log on to www.pepperdine.edu, my mug shot should appear right on the home page (you may need to refresh the home page a few times). Pepperdine did a student spotlight on me and here is the piece, as written by Lyric Hassler:

Student Spotlight: Thomas Lambert

School: Seaver College
Year: Sophomore
Major: Political Science
Career Goal: To work in public service or Constitutional law
Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut
Unique Interests: The Boston Red Sox, classic rock bands, and Guitar Hero

Thomas Lambert approaches life with a pen in hand and politics in mind. The Seaver College sophomore contributes articles and op-eds to the Connecticut Post and recently completed a semester in Pepperdine’s Washington, D.C. internship program. There he worked for his home-state Representative Christopher Shays and learned a few things about life in the Beltway. Before heading off to his next adventure (a semester in Pepperdine’s London program), Lambert took some time to describe how his time in Washington impacted his life, and how he's taking the reins in his education.

Tell us about your experience in the Washington, D.C. internship program.

I was fortunate to work for an amazing Congressman who represents my home district. Every day I saw him pour his heart and soul into his job to best represent the people of our district. It was really important for me, personally, considering the people I was working to help are my neighbors and friends.

In my internship, I had significant interaction with people from my community. No one realizes his duty to that community more than Congressman Shays, it seems to me. He squeezes the most out of every moment of his day for the benefit of his constituents. I’m really in awe of him and what he does.

It sounds like you had a great experience in your congressional office. What are your impressions of Washington, D.C.?

Before I got to Washington, there were aspects I liked and disliked about the city. After being there for a semester, that is still the case. Perhaps what I found most disappointing is how bureaucracy and politics create a divisive climate. Power can bring out the best and the worst in people, and that’s a lesson I intend on remembering for the rest of my life.

But Washington can be about so much more than politics. Not only is it the center of the political world, but major corporations, learning institutions, and non-government organizations all have an essential role in the make-up of the city. Washington is an incredibly active city that houses a tremendous potential for the achievement of so much good.

In my Pepperdine group, there were interns working for TV networks, the One Campaign, and communication firms. The spectrum of opportunity is so vast, it’s impossible not to find a niche there.

In addition to politics, you've found your niche as a writer for the Connecticut Post. How did your work in that field begin?

There is no doubt in my mind that I inherited my writing addiction from my mother. She worked as the assistant managing editor of the Connecticut Post and is now a journalism professor. She first got me involved in the Post’s teen publication program. The next thing I knew I was interning in the Post’s editorial desk, sitting in on editorial board meetings with local politicians, and asking questions of distinguished public servants.

Then I started writing featured columns about my life as a high school student and, later, college, as well as opinion columns about my views on political issues. I know I’m incredibly blessed to have these opportunities and I constantly look for ways to use them to reach my fullest potential and to inform my peers.

You obviously care a lot about politics. What do you say to your peers who don’t?

I’m of the belief that no one has to like or even care about politics because, ultimately, it is a free country. But, I like to say, don’t expect to be disconnected from politics and then be happy with the results because, like it or not, politics run everything!

The laws of this country affect every aspect of our lives to varying degrees, and when citizens become politically conscious, they can understand just how to make our laws work better for us.

You'll learn about the laws of a different country in your next stop: London. What motivates you to spend a semester there?

College to me wasn’t ever about spending four years on one plot of land in Malibu, or anywhere else for that matter. College is about perspective. It’s about learning. And, ultimately, it is about creating more opportunities for later on in life.

For me, the best way to accomplish these goals was to make the most of what Pepperdine has to offer, both on campus and around the world. The D.C. program helped me understand my major beyond the textbook. I am hoping that London will give me a greater perspective of how our world functions. I hope the London experience strengthens my understanding of politics, and also helps me get perspective on my own life.

I won’t say that I don’t miss Malibu. I had an incredible group of friends last year from my dorm, Peppers Hall, who are now spread across the globe. I look forward to returning junior year and seeing everybody again and continuing to have more fun and learning about each other's experiences.

Reporting by Lyric Hassler

Chris Shays Sighting!

This one made me proud. *Sniff* a perfect end to the semester.

Christopher Shays describes himself as a casual baseball fan. He's the kind of guy who tracks the Red Sox and Yankees hardball rivalry from a distance but would never be caught dissecting box scores in the morning's Washington Post. Actually, after coming face-to-face with some of the leading characters -- namely a handful of players, commissioner Bud Selig and union leader Don Fehr -- during Congressional steroid hearings in 2005, the Connecticut lawmaker has a somewhat more jaded perspective on the game.

Rep. Shays smiles thinking back on the likes of Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro parading before the House Committee on Government Reform -- the sense of entitlement they carried on their broad shoulders, the way they dismissed allegations of widespread steroid use in the game, even though committee members suspected otherwise.

"Let me just say that they were deceitful,'' Shays, a Republican, said of the collective baseball group. "They weren't cooperative. And they were arrogant. And they were like, 'How dare you question us,' kind of attitude. And I want you to know I don't take offense at that. There are certain things as a member of Congress I don't like. But personally, I was just stunned by it because I haven't see worse behavior in anyone in my 20 years in public life in Congress.''

And so, Shays believes baseball has only itself to blame for the PR mess it's in today.

"The union is extraordinarily powerful and the commissioner doesn't run it,'' he said. "It is run by some of the major teams, as far as I can tell. You need someone who really has the [will] to do some really tough things . . . It has just been a long tradition of tolerance. The irony sometimes is people cover up in order not to give baseball a bad name, but in the process everything just ferments. It gets worse. And in the end the name suffers even more. So it is a commissioner who is not willing to take decisive action and it is a players' union that feels very privileged.''

Led Zeppelin Reunion!

Led Zeppelin came together for a one-night only concert the other night in London and the reviews have been spectacular. Talks of a full fledged tour have been circulating too. Just to hype this incredible act even more, enjoy these clips soon as their likely to be taken down by Youtube. Still, you won't regret watching. Somehow, these guys can still rock. As someone who was never fortunate enough to see Zep or any of the other great bands perform live in their heyday, it's pretty encouraging to see some of these guys still have it in them. I'm struggling to think of a price that would be too high for me to see them in concert; I may just blow my whole life's savings.

NEWS REPORT- Black Dog


KASHMIR


Stairway to Heaven


Good Times, Bad Times

Surfs Up

The Pepperdine Men's basketball team just completed an 83-65 victory over the perennial NCAA tourney team Pacific last night. The win is significant because it brings the Waves to 5-6 thus far this season, just three wins shy of their total from all of last year. Pepperdine is clearly a team on the rise after some pretty fallow years. New coach Vance Walberg, a success on the JUCO circuit and responsible for showing Memphis coach Jim Calapari the system he now uses, has a distinctive way to run his team that requires certain players. Simply put, the player he inherited last year were not the right fit. This year, though, the stellar recruits Walberg landed are living up to the hype. Granted they are freshman and inexperience has dealt numerous blows to the team, but with the expected maturity, this team should be fun to watch. That includes the recruits coming in next year which by all accounts seem great in and of themselves.
So as the schedule increases in difficulty, including a big game at Memphis, look for the team to make some news and play some competitive ball.

A Whole Lotta Dome

Congressman Shays was kind enough to bring us interns up to the top of the Capitol dome for a tour on this snowy Wednesday. Enjoy some of the pics:

Before going on the tour, a candid view of the office.

Interns Brian and Chris outside the office.

I'm all about the Connecticut pride.

Me posing with my favorite statue in the Capitol.

Congressman Shays pointing out some of the details of Brumidi's work.

The men of the office atop the Capitol Dome.

Look at that talent.

View of Longworth from outside the Dome.

View of the Mall from outside the Dome.

Me with the Mall in the background.

Goofing off atop the Capitol Dome.

Conquering the District.

Hope you enjoyed. This really was a treat for the rest of the interns and I as it's quite an honor to go to the Capitol Dome. This is the last week of my internship so I'm really trying to treasure these moments while at the same time getting as much work out of the way as possible. This has been an incredible semester to say the least with so much learned. I hope to better encapsulate my thoughts later on in the blog. But for now, I offer some images of my last week.

SWAMPED!

I had a fantastic weekend at home and in the city this weekend, but I now have to deal with the inevitible crush of work that's been building up. I'll try to resurface soon, hopefully with some good news that's in the works (possibly more media profiles of me or the like). Until then, keep me and all other interns and sutdents in your thoughts as this crucial time for work comes to a close!