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...