August 27th, 2008
And Now a Brief Intermission
By on August 27th, 2008
I went to breakfast with the Indiana delegation yesterday morning at the Sheraton Hotel outside of Denver. Senator Evan Bayh joined the group, posing for photos and accepting warm standing ovations from the delegates. It was easy to see the disappointment in the room; many of these intense political Hoosiers wanted Bayh to pave the way to the White House. Sen. Bayh, however, was not discouraged. Of the missed chance at the vice presidential nomination, he said, “I don’t suspect you make it to the final two or three unless you’ve got something going for you.” He also voiced his support for Sen. Obama and his opinion of the celebrity status with which Sen. Obama has been pegged. “I think it’s shameful of the Republicans to mock him for his ability to inspire young people,” he commented. By the end of his speech, the Indiana delegation seemed satisfied with Sen. Bayh’s cheerful comment that he’ll be ready in eight years, presumably to make a bid for the presidency.
After making my way back downtown, I headed to the Rock the Vote tent to volunteer for fieldwork hours. I was given a black tee shirt with a huge 13.3 on the front. I later learned that 13.3 is the number in millions of 19-29 year olds who do not have health insurance. Rock the Vote is continuing a numbers campaign all during the DNC to help get important facts out to potential voters and get them involved with the coming election. I handed out flyers and answered questions about Rock the Vote just outside of the Colorado Convention Center, a prime protest area since the Pepsi Center has such a large security perimeter. It was a collision of opposites: Planned Parenthood handing out condoms and anti-abortion vans with pictures of fetuses; McCain supporters, Obama supporters, and Clinton supporters, Iraq Veterans against the war and war advocates. The security was tight, though, and all in all the protests were peaceful, though the excitement building each night to Thursday’s acceptance speech may escalate the activity of street protests.
The second night of the DNC was just as highly attended as the first night, if not more. Crowds gathered early to get a seat in order to see Senator Clinton’s speech. She threw out some interesting soundbytes including, “No way. No how. No McCain,” and, “[…] it makes sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together next week in the Twin Cities. Because these days they’re awfully hard to tell apart.” Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana also made a speech that excited the crowd.
I watched part of the events from the watch party in the Wells Fargo Theater in the Colorado Convention Center and then headed back to Regis University to get ready for Wednesday’s events, which include speeches from former President Bill Clinton and vice presidential nominee Joe Biden as well as the roll call of delegates. The DNC is half over, and the intermission is drawing to a close; the next two days will be important for the success of the Democratic campaign for the White House.
August 26th, 2008
One Day Down, Three to Go
By on August 26th, 2008
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) kicked off last night at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. I am happy to say that I had access to the Club Level where many of the VIPs spend their time. Aside from seeing a few faces from MTV, Chevy Chase, and Fran Drescher, I wasn’t able to do much star-gazing. My duty from 12-9 was to act as access control for the level, which meant I checked credentials to make sure people were allowed to get on my level of the building. It wasn’t a completely thrilling job, especially when people got annoyed when seats filled. By 4:30PM seats were limited to the very top levels of the Pepsi Center.
It was fascinating to see the DNC opening ceremony as well as the gradual build-up to the key-note speeches. Governor Howard Dean opened the Convention, while Senator Ted Kennedy surprised many delegates, visitors, and members of the press by speaking at his tribute instead of showing a videotape as had been rumored earlier.
The most anticipation, however, was reserved for Michelle Obama and her speech regarding her husband’s background, purpose, and ability to lead the country. Michelle certainly delivered an incredible speech, and she received the adoration of the crowd for her efforts. I went to dinner after the session and was amazed to see the main strip in Denver, 16th street, filled with with signs from the event reading “One Nation,” “Common Values, Common Purpose,” . The city filled with commentary about the evening’s speakers. In the bathroom of Rock Bottom Brewery, a popular restaurant on 16th street, I hear three women discussing Michelle: the dress color suited her, she is so classy, she is such a regular person.
Even though I had great access to the event, I did not get to see and hear every speaker. I’m sure I’ll try to watch it online, though my days are busy. I’m on the lookout for some new volunteer fieldwork before Obama’s big speech on Thursday. I can’t believe this event is going so fast!
August 25th, 2008
Denver prepares for the Democratic National Convention
By on August 25th, 2008
I’ve been in Colorado for a week now, and I can honestly admit that I have never seen a town build up excitement and passion like Denver has this week. I arrived last Sunday as a participant in The Washington Center National Political Conventions Seminar for the Democratic National Convention (DNC). There are five of us from Indiana State, and close to 500 students total from all over the United States and the world.
Shortly after our arrival, we were greeted by The Washington Center (TWC) staff and the staff of Regis University, where all of us are living for these two weeks. I was a little stunned to hear that being confused was a normal part of being involved with a convention. Much of what goes on can be called “organized chaos” and the adjective is often questionable. The first night’s program left us all wondering what we would get out of this program and hoping for fantastic fieldwork to land a political dream job. No wonder we were warned to lower expectations and be flexible.
Throughout the past week I have listened to the following speakers:
Ricky Kirshner - Executive Producer of the DNC
Reverend Leah Daughtry - Chief Executive Officer, DNC Committee
Wally Podrazik (and other members of Convention logistics)
Governor Bill Ritter - Governor of Colorado
CSPAN Media Perspective Panel
Governor Howard Dean - Chairman of DNC
Though not all of us are networking with each speaker, the program has been thought-provoking so far, and I’m ready to see what will happen in Denver in the next few days. Last night I attended a media party at Elich Gardens with unofficial credentials, and as I savored the free food, drinks, and fireworks, I realized that a political convention is a big experience if you make it one. Meeting people around town, pretending like my credentials mean that I should have access to everything, and keeping my ears open have allowed me to be a pretty savvy figure in Denver, and I’m hoping that will give me access to events throughout the week.
Tonight the Colorado Convention Center (CCC), a venue that will be used for parties and caucuses this week, hosted a welcome event for the DNC and a tribute to Katrina relief organizations as well as some smaller parties and meetings. Tomorrow will undoubtedly be a busy day as delegates head to the CCC in the morning for caucus meetings and then move to the Pepsi Center for the opening speeches for the DNC. Denver has rolled out a welcome mat for these high-profile visitors; most of them are staying in hotels downtown so they can attend convention events easily and take advantage of the booming nightlife the city promises.
Not all of the action has been positive, however. I got my first taste of political protest up close yesterday when I saw a man sharing his views on Obama’s stance on Israel and PETA representatives holding signs and giving out “Tax Meat” buttons. The protests grew more intense today as anti-abortion groups used loudspeakers outside the CCC and even disturbed the Inter-faith gathering to shout their views.
Overall, it has been a great first week in Denver, and I’m really learning what it is like to be in the thick of a political event.
March 2nd, 2007
Sycamores Triumph Over Illinois State
By on March 2nd, 2007
Freshman guard Marico Stinson’s three-pointer with 14 seconds left in the game won the play-in game of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship for the Indiana State men’s basketball team.
The Sycamores will play the Creighton Bluejays in the second round of the tournament at 6 p.m. Friday.
After the first half, the Sycamores trailed by three points 34-31 to the Redbirds.
Freshman guard Osiris Eldridge led the Redbirds with 12 points and finished the game with a game-high 18 points.
Sophomore center Jay Tunnell led the Sycamores in the first half with 11 points aided by five-for-five shooting from the free throw line.
Tunnell said he was able to be effective in the first half due to the lack of double teaming by the Redbirds.
“They didn’t double as much and I got a couple of offensive rebounds, that always helps,” Tunnell said. “We’ve been making an effort to try to get it as deep as we can in the post and it’s been paying off for me and the rest of the guys getting easier buckets.”
Indiana State head coach Royce Waltman said he was pleased with the win because the Sycamores did not allow the Redbirds jump ahead in the second half after staying even in the first half.
“We did a good job of fighting back,” Waltman said.
In the second half, the Redbirds started with a nine to four run. Senior forward Greg Dilligard scored six points during that period. This put the Redbirds up by seven, 43-36.
The Sycamore trailed by 12 with 11:40 left in the second half after two free throws by Illinois State junior guard Boo Richardson.
The Redbirds then went on a cool streak and made only two of their next 12 field goals to end the game.
Sycamore senior forward Trent Wurtz sealed the deal by rebounding a missed Redbird field goal and then hitting one of his two free throws to put the Sycamores up by three with 1.3 seconds left.
Tunnell ended the game as the Sycamore high scorer with 16 points. He also led the team in rebounds with seven, four coming off the offensive glass.
Freshman guard Cole Holmstrom finished with 12 points and sophomore forward Adam Arnold and junior guard Gabe Moore each added 10 points.
Moore attributed the toughness of the team during the game to the fact it would be the last game of their season if they lose.
“Either you win or you go home,” Moore said. “Tonight, we didn’t want to go home.”
The Sycamores shot 43.8 percent from the field as opposed to Illinois State’s 42.6 percent.
Indiana State was able to convert on 77.3 percent of its free throw attempts, including a seven-for-eight effort in the first half.
The Sycamores shot 70 percent in the second half from behind the arc to make up for their 18.2 percent in the first half from downtown.
The 8,013 people in attendance at the game made up the highest total in Missouri Valley Conference Tournament history for an opening session crowd. The previous high was 7,343, which was set in 1998
February 5th, 2007
2-5-07 pregame men’s bball vs. Northern Iowa
By on February 5th, 2007
The Sycamores are desperately seeking a win after dropping seven straight games. ISU currently sits at 11-11 overall and 4-8 in the conference. Northern Iowa is 16-7 and 7-5 in the MVC.
ISU will need to stop the frontcourt tandem of Eric Coleman and Grant Stout. Coleman, who is short for a center at 6′6″ is still a good post presence who leads the Panthers with 13.6 points per game. Coleman is also a very strong rebounder who leads UNI with 9.5 rebounds per game. ISU will have to keep him off the boards.
Losing seven games in a row will hurt anyone’s confidence, but if the Sycamores can pull out a victory against the Panthers tonight, it will hopefully allow them to regain a little confidence and give them something to build off of as the end of the season is approaching.
Check back at halftime for another blog.
-Matt Douthett
February 2nd, 2007
The eSpot for Feb. 2
By on February 2nd, 2007
Readers of the sports web site Deadspin.com unite to clog the new “ESPN Conversation” feature at ESPN.com. It’s a little like the French Revolution. Alright, not that much like it, but it’s still pretty cool.
Aqua Teen Hunger Force responsible for bomb scare
Marketing devices for the “Adult Swim” cartoon are mistaken for weapons in Boston. In a related story, “The Drizzle” is still at large.
Facebook adds security questions
Now, when writing in for assistance, FBers will be asked to answer their security question to verify they are the owner of the account. Of course, the answer to “Who was your first kiss?” is already the subject of a note of half the community.
January 31st, 2007
The eSpot for Jan. 31
By on January 31st, 2007
Well, it’s been a spell since the eSpot showed its pretty little head. It’s back, and your life is once again complete
Results of ‘Top Chef’ finale leaked early
Spoilers abound as news breaks of one of the chefs quitting his day job before tonight’s denouement. We could tell you right now. Really.
The Associated Press’ cool younger sibling
This isn’t new, we think, but it’s the first we’ve stumbled across it.
Abso-frickin-amazing. Wire news for the short attention span set.
Rather adult pictures of Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays everyone’s favorite boy wizard, have found their way to the ‘Net. They’re not from a sex tape, but publicity stills from a play he’s doing in England. Women and horses are involved, though.
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