McCain signs in Chapel Hill

Man, those Southerns train their criminals young. And then they're dumb enough to get caught on camera. Thankfully, there is a precedence for Southern Democrats getting pwned.

1861-1865: North 1, South 0.

Frankly, I remember Chapel Hill being more about Players than presidential politics (or going to class). Enjoy.

Kirtland + Weed = Fun with kids

No commentary necessary:

Employees cited for pot at Kirtland daycare

The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Oct 30, 2008 15:57:22 EDT

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — The Shandiin Child Development Center at Kirtland Air Force Base has been temporarily closed after three employees were cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Col. Michael Duvall, 377th Air Base Wing commander, and representatives from the National Nuclear Security Administration Service Center decided to temporarily suspended operations at the child-care center after the workers were cited Tuesday.
(more here)

The Sack Lunches

Got this story in an email today. I have to admit that I wanted to hate this, and still doubt the authenticity of this story. That said, I found myself getting choked up reading it.

There are many of us in uniform that have been the beneficiary of a free lunch or free drink. As vets, there's little more rewarding than paying that back. Being the both the donor and beneficiary of these random acts of kindness are terrific feelings.

Veterans Day is fast approaching. Remember those who served.

-----
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me.

' Chicago - to Great Lakes Base. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Iraq '

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached Chicago, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time.

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to Chicago '

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand, an
said, 'I want to shake your hand.'

Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.'

I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed in Chicago I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about
time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals.

It seemed so little...
----

And with that, here's a freaking awesome commercial:

Look Who's Courtside

Opening night, the champs raise the banner...
Bottom right-hand corner...
To the right of KG and referee Olandis Poole...
Click on the picture and zoom in.

Red Lobster's Endless Shrimp

Took my special lady, Mrs. Morganobrien.com, out to a first-class meal the other night, at Copaigue's fine dining establishment, Red Lobster. Dear readers, we are in the midst of Endless Shrimp, an event I freaking love.

My relationship with Red Lobster began in Dayton, Ohio, during the 2002 Endless Shrimp event. In Albuquerque, we took things to the next level and virtually every Saturday night included a dinner on the West Side with Casey, David, Mario and the rest of the gang. It pays to be married to me.

(Note to my Albuquerque readers: the lines at the East Side Red Lobster on Menaul are borderline offensive, and they don't have nearly the bar space as the West Side. Always eat at the bar on the West Side).

Finding a suitable replacement on Long Island was a challenge and a half, with Baldwin closing, me having no interest in going to Green Acres, and Carle Place having horrible service and cold mozzarella sticks. Don't get me started on Times Square, the memories are still painful. I haven't even attempted to dine at Ronkonkoma because that would be a ridiculous distance to travel for Red Lobster. And who the Hell goes to Ronkonkoma for a meal? What, did I go to Sachem and have a goatee?

After all that, we settled on Copaigue (13 miles away) because they have the best service and the warmest food.

And now a note on Red Lobster service. In researching Endless Shrimp, I came across this blog (which I love) written by a Red Lobster server. The only thing I can't stand about this, is that the anonymous author fraking nails all the talent you find in your run of the mill Red Lobster:

"Do your customers ever do gross things at your tables (or where you work)? Here's a few stories from my long list.

Guy scratching incessantly at his balls. You're in public. I don't care if your d*ck is literally on fire, you don't have to touch it this much. And if you put your hands inside your pants to do the "itching", I'm calling the cops...


Eating food off the floor. You'd be less likely to get a disease if you ate your food off the ground in an alley in the poor section of Calcutta. Restaurant floors (where carpeted) under booths and tables are some of the most filthy places on the earth. Further, why anyone would think it is a good idea to let your kids crawl around under there is beyond my comprehension. The booger picker, pukey kid and the crotch itcher sat there earlier. And all the old lady's used tissues end up here too. And if you live near a farming area, whatever sorts of manuer is available will be found here as well. And maybe Ebola too."

And it goes on and on, more here: Red Lobster Blog (link)

On the Red Lobster Blog, the one blog post that stood out was Lobsterboy's missive on how annoying Endless Shrimp can be for the service staff; in fact he calls it "The Worst Promotion of the Year"

This means we triple the amount of work we have to do for a lot less money. Our clientèle does not improve with this promotion. Our better customers aren't all that interested in gorging themselves past the limits of normal humans. In fact, this promotion scares off some of our good customers for a while.

Lobsterboy channels his inner David Foster Wallace here, making me rethink my love of seafood almost as long as I did after reading Consider the Lobster.

Alas, nothing can make me change my mind about loving some Red Lobster.

Here's all the important info:

Right now at Red Lobster you can enjoy an Endless amount of new and classic shrimp preparations. Start with our NEW Cajun Shrimp, tossed with a spicy Cajun butter sauce, and pair it with one of your favorite shrimp preparations like tender Garlic Shrimp Scampi or savory Hand-Breaded Shrimp. Then choose another preparation like creamy Shrimp Linguini Alfredo or crunchy Coconut Shrimp Bites.

Don't get the pasta first, the carbs fill you up and gyp you out of some necessary tummy space. Try the cajun shrimp and remember that this won't last forever. Just make sure you tip well, you fat slob :)

RIP Tony Hillerman

Morganobrien.com was said to learn of the passing of best-selling author Tony Hillerman last weekend in Albuquerque. The war hero former newspaperman, college professor and champion of the Navajo people was 83.

I regret never having the opportunity to meet Mr. Hillerman while we were neighbors in the Land of Enchantment, and am upset that I never went to a reading of his while I was there. While his ability to craft a heck of a mystery is unchallenged, Mr. Hillerman's personal story is every bit as compelling. Rather than memorialize him and come up short, I'll defer to the NY Times, which did its typical phenomenal job (I've linked it below).

I love that he was a war hero that came home, got into newspapers and didn't begin writing books until later on in life. It's refreshing to see people don't need to find their niche by 30.

I also love how he viewed the Native American people, specifically the Navajo. During a ceremony where the tribe honored one of their own returning from war, Hillerman was mesmerized by their warrior ethos and sense of community and took it upon himself to celebrate these forgotten people in his work.

Tony Hillerman, Novelist, Dies at 83
By MARILYN STASIO
Published: October 28, 2008
Mr. Hillerman’s evocative novels, which describe people struggling to maintain ancient traditions in the modern world, touched millions of readers, who made them best sellers.
(link)

Love Lockdown Video

Just when I thought there weren't enough music videos featuring Patrick Bateman's apartment from American Psycho and African tribal dancers, Kanye comes out and blesses us with Love Lockdown:

A video 'thank you' to my readers

Dear readers, I love you all so much and feel connected with y'all. So I shot this video of myself to thank you for your support!

And to all you haterz, I ain't mad at ya!



Video courtesy hotchickswithdouchebags.com

American Muslim, American Hero

Whatever you think about Colin Powell's endorsement of Obama this weekend, these should be no disagreement regarding the power of this shot.

More on Cpl. Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan here (link).

Update: Perrys Trial Moved

An update to yesterday's story regarding the early leader in the search forWorld's Biggest (alleged) Creep/Scumbag 2008, former Air Force captain and bomber pilot John C. Perrys.


It was a pain in the ass finding a picture of this guy

(Gratuitous Ed.'s note: Perrys was a big search item driving traffic to morganobrien.com today, so I'm pandering for pageviews)

It seems that the Florida Panhandle's gossip mill couldn't keep quiet enough to merit keeping the case in Gulf County:

Judge to move Perrys trial out of Gulf County

PORT ST. JOE — Circuit Judge Keith Brace said Wednesday that Air Force Capt. John C. Perrys could not receive a fair trial in Gulf County.

"There's no way that I can, in good conscience, proceed further in an effort to seat a jury in this county," Brace said. He said he had a duty to the state and Perrys to ensure a fair trial. "That can't be accomplished here."

In this guy's defense, it appears that he's been waiting FOR-ever for a trial, which is kind of guaranteed under the constitution.

Perrys is accused of forcing his way into Gulf County Judge Fred Witten's home the morning of April 12, 2005, and attacking Witten's stepdaughter, Caroline Lister, with a metal baton.

That's three and a half years! And this should only add time to the guy's wait for a trial. Rest assured, dear readers, morganobrien.com will stay on the case.

One other aspect related to this case, but not the fault of Mr. Perrys is the media's inaccuracy in reporting the facts.

For instance, according to the media:

Mr. Perrys is either 32 or 33 (hint, he's 33).

But wait, there's more!

Mr. Perrys is either an Air Force captain and bomber pilot or former Air Force captain and bomber pilot (hint, he's a former AF captain).

While this is an incredibly serious issue, in an effort to bring some levity, I'll close this with a funny post I grabbed from the Military Times message board. I think it explains it all:

Shrike
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,928

Re: Capt. accused of attacking Ex-girlfriend

Let's get some of the moronic statements out of the way:

This happened under the fighter-pilot mafia; General Moseley was probably covering for this guy.

Did he ask for permission from a SNCO before assaulting the girl, because officers don't have any authority, they have to ask SNCOs before doing anything.

He must have been mentored by an NCO/SNCO, becuase an officer mentored by an officer would never do anything like this.

Sure, this guy gets thrown to the wolves while fancy-pants JILL METZGER is walking around FREE AS A BIRD!!!

Morgan O'Brien's WiGO 10.22.08

Sam Bradford: He's no Sonny Sixkiller

Native American Athlete Update

Had the chance to read another great article on a Native American athlete starring on the national level, this time Oklahoma stud soph QB Sam Bradford is in the spotlight, and is proving to be a huge hit within the Cherokee community:

Sooners’ Bradford Is Accidental Cherokee Hero
By THAYER EVANS
Published: October 11, 2008
Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, who is one-sixteenth Cherokee, is at the forefront of the Heisman Trophy conversation, but he finds his role as the tribe’s hero somewhat awkward.

It looks like Nassau may have to halt the Wall of Shame:

Nassau removes Wall of Shame, Suozzi vows to appeal
BY ANN GIVENS | ann.givens@newsday.com
9:49 PM EDT, October 21, 2008
Nassau County took down its online "Wall of Shame" Tuesday, and from now on will post only the names and photos of those who are convicted of drunken driving, said County Executive Thomas Suozzi.

That's probably fair, considering the whole innocent until proven guitly thing the nation's built upon. I had a feeling that this was coming because 'Wall of Shame' + the name of the lady taking up the case was gettin a ton of hits on morganobrien.com. I figure council was doing research to see how her name was being used in light of her posting on the Wall.


I Hate Your Guts, Jim Norton

I'm excited about Jimmy Norton's new book, I Hate Your Guts, due out Election Day, Nov. Jimmy is an incredible comedian and was very gracious when he met me and Officer O'Brien after we caught a set at the Comedy Cellar. If I can find it, I'll post the photo he took with us.


In closing, a couple of notes for the dogs:

'Walter Reed' for combat dogs opens at Texas base
By MICHELLE ROBERTS – 10 hours ago

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — A new $15 million veterinary hospital for four-legged military personnel opened Tuesday at Lackland Air Force Base, offering a long overdue facility that gives advanced medical treatment for combat-wounded dogs.

And then there's this: further proof that when the chain of command fails, there's always the power of the press:

Sunday: Minnesota soldier's dog headed here from Iraq
Ratchet is finally headed to Spring Lake Park after three attempts to spring him from Iraq. Army Specialist Gwen Beberg found the mutt in a trash heap there in May.

We should give them Homer as a fair trade

And of course this, my favorite Web video of all time. Apparently, this is the welcome home received by a Tech. Sgt. who just spent the last fourteen months deployed:



As always,
With my greatest respect,
Morgan

I think this guy was my bunk mate at field training

But seriously, you have to love the headline of the story below--this dude's in the Air Force just as much as I am (they don't mention that until the last graf, of course).

However, violence against women maintains horrific levels for the military--a profession that provides itself on protecting people. So I don't mind stories like this falling under alarmist headlines, because it brings much needed attention to an unacceptable series of circumstances:

(Ed's Note: Typically, I won't name the accused, but this guy takes things to the next level in being a scumbag, so I'm making an exception)

Capt. accused of attacking ex-girlfriend

By Sam LaGrone - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 21, 2008 12:02:36 EDT

An Air Force officer accused of hitting his ex with a collapsible baton and trying to shock her with a stun gun is awaiting jury selection for his trial in North Florida.

Capt. John C. Perrys, now 33, was arrested in 2005 for allegedly breaking into the home of Gulf County Judge Fred Witten and assaulting his step-daughter, Caroline Lister, when she stepped out of an afternoon shower.

According to police reports, Perrys was armed with a collapsible baton and a stun gun when he broke into the Port St. Joe house after cutting the brake lines to Lister’s car.

(Ed's note: Cutting the brake lines? How hack a scumbag is this guy?)

According to the affidavit from the police officer who responded to the call:

* Lister told police she had once dated Perrys, but they had broken up and he had been stalking her.

* A mask-clad Perrys burst into the bathroom wielding a baton and began hitting Lister.

* She screamed and ran from the house before Perrys could hit her with the stun gun.

(Ed Note: Come on dude, you need a freaking stun gun to take down a chick? You already beat her with a baton--this is not a guy I'd want next to me in a foxhole...Oh, wait, he was a pilot.)

* Lister’s cries alerted a neighbor who scared Perrys off with a shotgun blast in the air.

(Ed's Note: Checking dateline...North Florida...that explains the neighbor with the shotgun.)

* Perrys ran and chucked the baton in a garbage can before driving away.

Witnesses described the car to the police and Perrys was arrested at the gate of nearby Tyndall Air Force Base.

Perrys was wearing the same clothes he had during the alleged assault, blue jogging pants with white stripes, a camouflage shirt and white tennis shoes, according to authorities.

He was charged with one count of burglary, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief.

Perrys is currently in the inactive reserve (emphasis mine), according to records at the Air Force Personnel Center. At the time of the alleged attack, Perrys was assigned to Barksdale AFB in Louisiana.

Blue Ash is Gangster, or...

...Ohioans take football Way too seriously:

Ohio woman, 89, accused of keeping kids' football

BLUE ASH, Ohio (AP) — Police in Ohio say an 89-year-old woman was facing a charge of petty theft because neighborhood children accused her of refusing to give back their football. Edna Jester was arrested last week in the Cincinnati suburb of Blue Ash.

Police said one child's father complained that Jester kept the youngsters' ball after it landed in her yard. Police Capt. James Schaffer said there has been an ongoing dispute in the neighborhood over kids' balls landing in the woman's yard.

Jester said Monday she has received many calls and didn't have time to discuss the matter any more.

Jester is to appear in court next month. The maximum penalty for a petty theft conviction in Ohio is six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com

Hook 'em Horns!

As a Notre Dame fan, I haven't had much to care about in recent years upon the announcement of BCS rankings. However, this year, I'm excited to see Texas at the top of the list (released today):

Poll Positions

The top five of the BCS standings released Sunday:
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.



For complete BCS standings, and AP and USA Today polls, click here.


In related news, I caught a little of the Texas-Missou butt whoopin' last night and was reminded of my favorite Longhorn, Defensive End Aaron Lewis. I had the pleasure of serving with Aaron's dad, Chaplain (Col.) Jerry Lewis, at Kirtland and wrote one of my favorite pieces on Aaron and his unique challenges faced as an elite athlete/military brat.

Ed's note: I have it on good authority that I'm not the only Catholic who held Chaplain Lewis in high regard...in fact, a certain priest I know still gushes over him to this day!



One of the neatest things I got to do in researching the article was interview former fighter pilot and Dallas Cowboy's defensive lineman Chad Hennings, who served as a mentor for Aaron. I just finished reading Jeff Pearlman's Boys Will be Boys, a startling account of the Dallas Cowboys of the early '90s. Pearlman singles out Hennings as one of the God-fearing good guys on a number of teams marked by debauchery.

From what I recall, he was incredibly gracious with me and happy to talk about Aaron. He lived up to the hype, and besides, I'll always be a fan of athletes who served.

I'll keep pulling for Aaron, who's a starter on Mack Brown's squad, and hope that they can pull it out over the coming months.

Anyway, here's my award-winning* piece:

Gridiron Glory and Praise
Faith, Family Drive Football Star

Decked out in his navy blue number 66 jersey, in hot pursuit of the quarterback, the defensive end busts through a futile attempt at a double team by the opposing offensive line.

The defensive end is Aaron Lewis, a senior at Albuquerque's La Cueva High School, a young man used to overcoming obstacles to not only reach opposing quarterbacks but to accomplish a host of lofty goals.

On Wednesday, the prestigious 2005 U.S. Army All American Bowl announced Aaron selection to the team.

As if punching his ticket to San Antonio for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl isn't challenging enough on its own- the game is considered the pinnacle of honors for high school football players- Aaron has overcome many obstacles as a "military brat."

Thanks to the career of Aaron's father, Chaplain, Lt. Col. Jerry Lewis, Aaron covers both the field and the map. Aaron has lived in 7 different places starting in Homestead, Fla.; with stops in Bentwaters, England; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Montgomery, Ala.; San Antonio, Texas before settling in his current home in Albuquerque.

When legs that squat 475 pounds and arms that dead lift 525 are coupled with the 4.6-second forty-yard dash closing speed of a sprinter and the sheer power of a 6'4", 260-pound frame, the defensive end has the God-given talents designed for catching quarterbacks-as he's done 46.5 times during his career.

The younger Lewis' physique isn't the only thing he considers God-given. Known for his pew-rattling sermons that drum up a chorus of "amens," Chaplain Lewis, a military brat himself, and understood the challenges his son faced. "Compared to Alabama and Texas, New Mexico is not exactly known for its football," said Chaplain Lewis. "Thankfully, God took care of all my concerns."

Chaplain Lewis is no stranger to athletic success, having played college soccer, basketball and track at Methodist College in Fayetteville, N.C. Methodist is where Chaplain Lewis met his wife and Aaron's mom, Debby-also a military brat.

Aaron credits his Christian faith as the key to his good fortunes on the gridiron. "When I found out that we were moving from Texas to NM, I relied upon faith," said Aaron. "My dad sat down with me and said, 'The lord has a plan for you, just go with it and everything will work out."

"That's the special thing about faith," said Aaron, "You believe in faith, you don't see it."

In an era where high school athletics are the end result of years of youth football and growing up in a system, Aaron moved to Albuquerque before his sophomore season, and was forced to play catch up.

Not only did he catch up, he quickly moved to the head of the pack, and has a strong support group at home that helped him make it happen.

While New Mexico may not be a high school football powerhouse, Aaron's La Cueva Bears team won the 2003 state championship with a 13-0 campaign, and looks likely to do the same in 2004 (the team is 12-0 heading into the state championship against Clovis tomorrow).

Running back to the sideline, number 66 doffs his silver helmet with interlocking "LC" on the sides, and turns to the crowd, searching for his mother. He finds her, and extends his pinky, index finger and thumb, sign language for "I love you," then he bends his thumb in, and flashes the "Hook 'em Horns" sign.

In addition to his faith, Aaron cites his family as the key to his success.

"Aaron has always set goals for himself," said Debby Lewis. "A division one scholarship was one of those goals."

While Aaron's size is currently a huge blessing, it hasn't always been-especially when he was a fourth grader forced to play with kids three to five years older than him in a weight-based Pop Warner football league.

One of Aaron's more recent goals has been selection to the Army All American Game, in which he wanted to play after seeing it on television (this year's game will be played on January 15 and will be aired on NBC).

"I'm so honored to be selected to the game," said Aaron. "There are lots of guys who bust their butts as hard as I do, when you realize that there are 1200 schools in Texas, that's at least 2,400 defensive ends in one state!"
"Some of (the moving) has been challenging, it's tough to enter a group of players who have spent years together. For the most part, I've enjoyed seeing new places and making new friends."

Sans helmet, his head covered by a navy blue 'do rag and his breath visible in the cool autumn air, the defensive end watches the fourth quarter from the sideline-his team pitching the ninth shutout of the season-shouting encouragement to his teammates and enjoying the fruits of his hard work.
Thanks to their travels, the Lewis family has surrounded Aaron with many strong role models.

"Aaron's a leader, and a great role model for a lot of young kids to look up to," said Chad Hennings, a former Air Force fighter pilot and Dallas Cowboy. "I talked with him about the importance of education, to go to a school where you're going to get the best education possible.

Hennings spent time with Aaron after meeting Chaplain Lewis "(U.S. Air Force Academy head football coach) Fisher DeBerry was also a tremendous influence on my football career," said Aaron. "He would let me hang around the team when I was younger and would always take the time to talk to me about my football career."
The elder Lewis became friends with DeBerry when he was the team Chaplain for the Air Force Academy Falcons.

"I also told him to trust the coaching staff-because that coach and that coaching staff is going to be your surrogate parents when your away from home, they're going to have to be of the same moral fiber of your parents."

When the defensive end returns home from the field, he does what every other red-blooded teenage boy does, turns on X-Box and plays the standards: Halo and Halo 2.

For now, Aaron looks forward to playing the game, "I'm excited to go and prove why I'm there. I feel like I have a lot to prove to the fans and people of Texas, and show that I'm ready to be a Longhorn"

-----
*2004 AFMC Best Sports Article

Come on, Joba!

Considering how hard Morganobrien.com is on drunk drivers, I was troubled by reading of this news about one of my favorite Yanks today:

Yankees' pitcher Joba Chamberlain arrested in Nebraska on DUI charge
BY DORIAN BLOCK
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Gutierrez/AP

Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain was arrested early Saturday morning in Nebraska for driving under the influence of alcohol, the state patrol said.

The 23-year-old starter - with a wholesome reputation - was driving southbound on Highway 77 in Lincoln, Neb., his hometown, at 1 a.m. when a trooper pulled over his dark-colored 2006 BMW for speeding, said Deb Collins, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska State Patrol.

Before I go on: he's innocent until proven guilty, but it is noteworthy that he's already apologized for his error in judgment.

Moreso than his beloved status as an on-field standout for the pinstripes, I admire Joba as a role model for the Native American community.

Native Americans are an incredibly underrepresented--damn near forgotten--ethnic group. For every success story coming out of the reservations, there seems to be dozens of tales of woe and misery.

The hardscrabble lifestyle that comes with tribal life is only underscored by the challenges of alcohol that American Indians face. Just this summer, USA Today reported that nearly 12 percent of Indian deaths are alcohol related. Compare that to about 3.3 percent of all Americans. While there is no evidence of a universal genetic predisposition of American Indians to alcoholism, there at least exists some significant research into the the issue.

In recent years, prominent Native Americans like Chamberlain, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and golfer Notah Begay have earned a national profile thanks to their respective athletic prowess. Begay and now Joba have both run afould of the law thanks to alcohol-related incidents, with Begay serving significant jail time as a consequence.

And if you don't think that American Indians can use role models, take a look at this profile about Ellsbury's heroic return home after winning a world championship with the Sawx in 2007:

Ellsbury, widely believed to be the first Navajo player in major league history, was born and raised in this small farming town in the Oregon high desert. His mother, Marjorie Ellsbury, moved here from her home in Arizona to become a special education teacher for the nearby Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs.

Here she met Jim Ellsbury, a forester for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, and they raised four sons, of which Jacoby is the oldest. He is an enrolled member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes in Arizona.



"I'm really proud of Jacoby, coming out of the Navajo Nation," said Ken Man, a member of the Warm Springs tribes who called the radio play-by-play of Ellsbury's high school basketball games. "He could have been in the NBA, too, he's that good." (more)

Charles Barkley talked about never asking to be a role model, and in the vein, Joba may not have asked for that status, but he's inextricably tied to his heritage (any Yankee fan worth their salt can tell you about Joba's dad, Harlan and the tough road he's hoed). And while he's in his early 20's (23) and bound to commit typical youthful transgressions, here's hoping that he can find the silver lining from this experience and use his example so that others--specifically those that look up to him--don't fall down this path.


Joba and dad, Harlan
The New York Times did a nice piece on this very issue, highlighting what Joba means to his fellow Winnebagos:

In his flat-billed Yankees cap that always seems a half size too big, with an arm already rated somewhere between fable and holy, Joba Chamberlain has all but passed through a dream catcher. In essence, he is a dream come true for American Indians who have been forever marginalized by cultural fatalism and outside bias, forever freighted by historic atrocities and benign neglect.

To watch Chamberlain is to spy on hope, to witness a revolution in belief among his Winnebago tribe.

“I think he shows that everyone can do it — even if you’re from around here,” said Aaron Lapointe, 16, a high school sophomore on the reservation. “It’s good just to see that he is a Native American, that he is the same as me(emphasis mine).”

In light of his arrest, Joba's boss Hank Steinbrenner has offered to provide any support that Joba needs. Lord knows that there are too many other Native Americans without the benefit of the same benefactor. By shining light on this, Joba's terrible error in judgment might have a silver lining and benefit a community terribly in need of a high-profile champion of this issue.

Why Lee Zeldin

For more than a year, I've worked alongside Lee Zeldin as he's put together a valiant effort t sto defeat an incumbent and earn a seat as Eastern Long Island's representative to the United States Congress.

Before I continue, it's important to note that I don't throw around the word 'valiant' without qualification, and I'll explain why I describe Lee's efforts in this way below. But first, a word about the incumbent, Tim Bishop.

Despite having worked hard to unseat him over the past 12 months, I don't dislike Tim Bishop. In fact, I respect him and the office that he holds. Having never actually met him, all indications cast him as a caring family man and a concerned American who's committed to serving his community. No doubt, these are the qualities of an upstanding citizen.

However, his six years of Congressional service are best described as unremarkable. You'll never see Tim Bishop on Meet the Press and cannot name a notable piece of legislation he's led on his own (anyone can sign on as a cosponsor of strong legislation). And while that's fine for most other Congressional Districts, considering New York's position of leadership for the the nation, our penchant for excellence and Suffolk County's high taxes, I think we deserve better.

I'm sure that there are plenty of arguments that Bishop supporters could give me in regarding the track record of their candidate (eg. regarding the environment and education); and I might even accept some of those positions. But perception is reality.

In Congress and within his own party, Tim Bishop is a back bencher, not on par with Peter King, Gary Ackerman, Steve Israel or Carolyn McCarthy, all of whom possess more notoriety and clout on the Hill. If pressed, I think even Tim Bishop would have to admit that. Unfortunately for us, he's First on Long Island in District only.

As a government employee myself, I expect more of my colleagues. And as an Air Force veteran, I will always adhere to the core value of Excellence in All We Do. After a year of working alongside Lee Zeldin, I've seen firsthand how (even for a soldier) he embodies this core value and as I write this, I'm more convinced today that he's the right man for this position than I was when I committed to support him.

In the summer of 2007, I was excited about the prospect helping a fellow young veteran get elected. As we've publicized in virtually every release, Lee served as an Army JAG in a variety of locations including a stint with the 82nd Airborne in Iraq. In my book, that alone serves as a huge qualifier for public office. I am a champion of getting more veterans into Congress (our numbers are dwindling on the Hill), and if I can help a fellow OIF vet punch his ticket, all the better for our troops on the ground. But Lee's depth extends beyond his uniformed service.

When it came to campaigning, Lee went all in. Blessed with a wonderful, understanding wife, he's been able to commit his heart and soul to the stump. While his wife has watched his beautiful twin girls and worked an unthinkable schedule to make ends meet, Lee's not only shown how much he cares about where he came from but more importantly, where he wants to take his community.

Of all the places a lawyer with Lee's bona fides could choose to live, Lee wanted to return to Shirley. While anyone like Lee with a law degree, military service and significant courtroom experience is marketable in so many places--even in this economy; especially in this economy--Lee took the road less traveled. Instead of finding a gated community in North Carolina or a politically ripe district in Arizona--both places he's lived, and many of his Long Island contemporaries have moved--Lee chose to buy a home in Shirley.

Sidenote: Considering Lee's relatively young age, I've heard a number of folks comment on how this campaign will help prepare him for the future, as if he's only doing this half-heartedly. Unequivocally, nothing could be further from the truth. Lee's in this to win. At the same time, if he is unsuccessful, I'm sure he'll get on with changing the world through other means. The people of the First CD have one shot at locking Lee in, I'm writing this in hopes that they do not miss this golden opportunity.

Further, on the topic of age, no one cared how old he was when they sent him to Baghdad--why should Washington be any different?

For all the challenges posed by life in the Mastic-Shirley area, Lee seeks to do the noble thing, to make it better.

Therein lies the reality of the type of man Lee Zeldin is. To paraphrase one of my personal heroes, Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, "his audio matches his visual." It's one thing to say you want Mastic-Shirley to get better, it's another when you devote your life to make it happen.

Throughout this crusade, I've often been impressed by Lee's deft organizational skill. In times that are defined by economic hardship, he's never made excuses en route to building an impressive campaign machine that rivals anything the First CD has seen from a challenger in recent years. From the thousands of small donations his supporters could afford, Lee has squeezed progress out of every nickle. A fantastic motivator, Lee has some of the most dedicated volunteers you'll find anywhere in the 2008 race.

In the last year, he has exhibited the leadership, commitment and ability that we deserve. Because of these characteristics, there isn't a doubt in my mind that Lee Zeldin is the right man at the right time to represent New York's First Congressional District.

As our nation faces unprecedented national security challenges and some of deepest depths of economic hardship, we could use his steady hand. We would do well to have a man like him represent us in Washington.

So on an Election Day where the concept of 'change' will reach unprecedented heights, here's hoping that hardworking men and women of the First CD recognize the positive change Lee Zeldin will bring to Eastern Long Island as their next Congressman.
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Notes: Lee does not know that I wrote this, although I suspect he'll find out about it via a blogsearch the campaign has set up. At the same time, I expect Bishop to find out in much the same way (I have it on record that members of his staff are among my most loyal readers).

Vote for Jane Slater in '08

This Election Season, morganobrien.com endorses KMGH News 7 News' Jane Slater in the great 2008 Denver News Hotties (link).



Slater, recently seen canoodling around the Mile High City with Deloitte numbers whiz Dash Victor, faces stiff competition against station mate Christine Chang, Brooke Thacker (9) and Audra Ensign (CW 2), so every vote counts.

No idea when winners will be announced so check back often.

About Jane:

Jane joined the 7NEWS team in May 2007 as a general assignment reporter and special projects producer.

She arrived in the Mile High City in December 2006, signing on at the station first as a freelancer. The newsroom immediately put her to work. Jane's first assignment turned her knuckles white and it wasn't new market jitters rather the freezing temperatures...

Jane attended the University of Texas at Austin where she double majored in Broadcast Journalism and Government. Needless to say, she is a very proud Texas Longhorn and native Texan.

Morgan O'Brien's WiGO 10.14.08

Nassau is going to keep the Wall of Shame!

Nassau to Keep Posting D.W.I. Suspects’ Photos
By DERRICK HENRY
Published: October 12, 2008
Critics say it may be better to use a Web page intended to identify drunken drivers upon conviction, not arrest, suggesting the way it’s done now strips suspects of the presumption of innocence.

I think that this is a great tool, and any move designed to deter this behavior is fine with me. Anyone that gets on the road under the influence puts me in danger and that's not cool. That said, I feel for anyone that was wrongly arrested, and see the value in waiting until a conviction gained before posting.

Great to see that Bengal fans are not of the fair-weather variety

CINCINNATI -- Disappointed fans of the winless Cincinnati Bengals are trying to unload thousands of tickets for remaining home games, many of them well below face value.

The online ticket agency StubHub.com has 3,000 tickets for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At least 4,000 tickets are available for each of the remaining games.

Some sellers don't care about making a profit. There are $64 tickets priced as low as $24.

Bootsy!

Personnel Shortfall Slows State Department

As if morganobrien.com didn't admire and respect the work of Defense Secretary Bob Gates enough, he goes and gets quoted in an article saying stuff like this:

Perhaps contrary to conventional wisdom, this is not a turf war the current defense secretary wants to win. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates favors stronger State Department funding.

State Department "programs are not well understood or appreciated by the wider American public, and do not have a ready-made political constituency that major weapons systems or public works projects enjoy," he said. "As a result, the slashing of the president's international affairs budget request has too often become an annual Washington ritual -- right up there with the blooming of the cherry blossoms and the Redskin's opening game."

Basically, he's saying that compared with the Pentagon, State is the Rodney Dangerfield in international matters -- it gets no, or certainly too little, respect.

The article goes on to hilight an impressive stat: "If just one war per generation is avoided because of effective diplomacy, think of the savings it brings to the nation."

It's a diplomatic victory -- and not a military victory that could only be gained by the spilling of much blood.

Yet, at the same time, the Department of Defense has played an ever-increasing role in diplomacy, much to the dismay of diplomats.

"The 'militarization of diplomacy' is noticeably expanding as DOD personnel assume public diplomacy and assistance responsibilities that the civilian agencies do not have the trained staff to fill," the report says.

Now, if only we could ensure that guys who never deployed never wore stars...

Cowboys now have two Roy Williamses

Now, all they need is Carolina's head baseketball coach to complete the set!

And here's a neat article about the two from their college days on the warring sides of the Red River Rivalry (link).

And finally, please tell me you dig Nike's new LT/Polamalu Ecstasy of Gold commercial:

As always,

With my Greatest Respect,
Morgan

Return to Chapel Hill

Had the opportunity to return to Blue Heaven over the weekend to see the Notre Dame Fighting Irish square off against the Tar Heels of my alma mater, the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

In an exciting matchup, the Heels ended up edging the Irish by a 29-24 margin that came down to the final whistle.

As great as the game was, it was secondary to the sights and sounds of the game in making this a fulfilling experience.

The Kenan Stadium PA announcer, "The Voice of the Tar Heels" needs to buy professional strength afrin. His nasal intonations grated on my nerves. I wanted to stab my eardrums with a pen when he would say "First DOOOOOOWOWOWOWOWOWOWO
WOWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
CaroLIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINAAAAAAAAAAA"

There is nothing freakier than seeing fans decked out in Notre Dame gear and striking up a conversation with them only to get an answer in an accent straight out of Deliverance. "I'm from Albermarle...Some call it a sling blade, um huh. I like Jimmy Claussen."

Carolina football fans are a bigger wine and cheese crowd than our basketball fans. Seriously, we're the JV SEC when it comes to Southern football. Throughout the game, their ignorance of college football was readily apparent. Like when they demanded a roughing the kicker call when a Tar Heel player ran into their own kicker. Nice job.

Some gems from the obnoxious Carolina fan behind me:

1. "Go back to Raleigh!" To the ACC refs working the game, apparently they weren't partisan enough.
2. "And the Oscar goes to..." To the ND punter on a roughing the kicker call.
3. "Back to the North!" Anytime the 'Let's go Irish' chant started (get it? Let's go Irish... back to the North.)
4. "1861-1865; North 1, South 0" That was what Officer O'Brien said about the Carolina fan behind us.

Putting the exclamation point on Tar Heel Nation's poor performance was when fans threw lemons on the field as the last play of the game was being reviewed. Real classy.

GAME NOTES: Notre Dame integrated Kenan Stadium in 1953, it took the South a few years to catch up...I saw Hansbrough at Players Dance Club, but for some reason he wouldn't take a picture of me and the Victor brothers...Some girl on the line at Players thought Dash Victor (aka Mr. Jane Slater) was Spencer Pratt and asked for a photo with him:

Spencer!

In what happens to be the shock of the century, they closed BW-3 on Franklin Street...Blue Cups at He's Not Here are freaking big...The game started with a B-2 Flyover (probably piloted by an ND alum):

Neat Idea: Navyformoms.com

Visit Navy For Moms


In the last week, after walking off the 7 into Grand Central, I've seen a series of terriffic billboards touting www.NavyForMoms.com (I'll see if I can get some pictures). Later in the week, there were volunteers handing out postcards highlighting the site. While I don't think that this initiative is going to drive Navy recruiting through the roof, I realy like the concept and think it can only help.

As a former Ops Officer at the Albuquerque MEPS, I saw firsthand how hard recruiters work and the challenges the military faces in pitching the service to civilians (and by extension, parents of civilians). To help bridge this knowledge gap, the site has message boards to share information--there are common challenges that all military parents face--and room for blogs and online groups.

I enjoy the Navyformoms.com feature that provides some neat widgets (see above and below) you can download for Facebook or even your blog (like www.morganobrien.com !) and in that vein, I love how the Armed Forces are venturing into Web 2.0 and taking some chances with the Web.

(Although the Air Force's half-hearted, dip-the-toe-in-the-water ventures with their youtube.com/Airforcebluetube and official blog fall unfortunately fall way short of 'excellence in all we do'. The AF let's 22-year-olds fly F-15s, they shouldn't worry about Airmen use the Web.)

I know my parents didn't have any military experience before we joined and I've met my fair share of parents that are hesitant about sending their kids into a war-time military without fully understanding the warrior culture. Kudos to the Navy for scratching this itch. I'll be interested to see if it takes off--they're at 5,000 and counting--it was certainly worth trying.


Find more photos like this on Navy For Moms

CJ Grad Javon Ringer in SI

Javon giving it to Alter

This week, Sports Illustrated did a nice job covering Heisman hopeful, Michigan State Running Back, Notre Dame-killer and Dayton Chaminade-Julienne alumni Javon Ringer in a piece in the magazine. I couldn't find the article online, so pick up the latest issue (the one with Manny on the cover) for details.

Ringer's been a workhorse for the Spartans, and his propensity to carry the football 35-40 times a game has some questioning whether he can keep it up over the grind of the Big 10 schedule. I, for one, am hoping he does, despite his 201 yard, 2-TD gem of a game against the Fighting Irish.

While I was a wrestling coach at CJ, I had the opportunity to meet Javon in the weight room, and he was a nice kid and had a great head on his shoulders for a 17-year-old that had the Big 10 knocking down his door. (Even if there was some controversy about where he'd end up)


Graduation Night with my Guys

Speaking of nice kids at CJ, Javon's story gives me a great opportunity to brag on a couple of my wrestlers that done good. This summer, I had the opportunity to attend graduations at Brown University and The Ohio State University to see Joe Walton and Tim Schirmer graduate from those respective institutions of higher learning.

Joe graduated with a degree in psychology from Brown, and is currently working towards his doctorate in psychology in Chicago.


Me and Walton, looking very Ivy League

Timmy graduated from tOSU with like 7 degrees in business and Hindi Literature. He's at law school in Columbus now, which I can forgive him for.


Me and Timmy, it was like 300 degrees and we're hung over

As I search for what's next, I cant help but think of how rewarding the opportunity to coach wrestling while I was stationed in Dayton. These guys clearly earned their degrees and worked their asses off to succeed, and I'm thrilled they let me come along for the ride!

Resisting the Temptation...

The picture, complete with half the rocket bearing "U.S. Air Force" markings, makes this story so much more enjoyable.

(Editor's note: I'm trying so hard not to make the obvious jokes here...I can only say that this reminded me of a certain commander that spoke of his certain "male" surgery in front of a wing officers call. I couldn't eat for the subsequent three days.)

Man's 'Viva Viagra' missile misfires in NYC court
NEW YORK (AP) — A court says a man's escapade in New York with a decommissioned missile emblazoned with "Viva Viagra" is a dud.

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Arye Sachs' antics infringe on a trademark held by Pfizer Inc.

Sachs was ordered to stop displaying anything with Viagra logos.

He towed the 25-foot rocket last month to various spots in Manhattan, including Pfizer's headquarters.

His plan was to invoke Viagra while distributing politically themed condoms. The judge worried people would mistake the missile for a Pfizer-approved ad.

Sachs' phone rang unanswered Wednesday, and lawyers for Pfizer didn't return phone calls.

And here I am thinking Roger Clemens had the corner on being New York's Viagra Rocket.

Oh, and another great aspect of the story: the dude wears a flight suit:



Only in New York, kiddies. Only in New York.

Ambassador Khalilizad introduces Jay-Z

Jay-Z makes it to the top from the Marcy Projects to receive an award from the UN Association at their 50th Anniversary Gala.

And the man presenting the honor? Zalmay Khalilzad, an immigrant who rose to the lofty position of America's Ambassador to the United Nations.

If that's not the American dream manifest on the stage...What a country!

No Way

Air Force launches 'BlueTube' site for online videos

0/2/2008 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- When you get an interesting or funny Air Force video in your e-mail, do you ever send it out to family, friends and co-workers?

Now the Air Force has its own channel, called AirForceBlueTube, for those videos on the popular video-sharing site YouTube.com.

"We wanted to have a one-stop shop to host those interesting or compelling clips people were making and sharing about the Air Force," said Paul Bove, the site administrator for AirForceBlueTube. "The site is a great way to share them with relatives, friends and co-workers. It also provides a new way to tell the Air Force story to the public."

Because videos are often large they can eat up a lot of valuable bandwidth, especially when they get forwarded to others, Mr. Bove said.

I love the idea, but would have recommended a different name. When I saw that they're calling the channel "BlueTube," I couldn't help but think that legendary gay porn director Blue Blake is pissed he didn't claim the name for his own use.

I was also upset by this:

"If anyone has a video they'd like to share with other people, all they have to do is send it to our office. If it's compelling, informative or funny without being unprofessional, we'll post it," Mr. Bove said.

If any of my dear leaders find their videos rejected (or deemed "unprofessional"), send them my way, and I'll post them on my own youtube channel, which heretofore has only hosted videos of Kid Rock and a possum I found on Rockaway Ave. (note: I'll also exercise some censorship here, I'm not going to post anything that's morally offensive, and reserve the right to define that however I wish.)

Fair Weather Fan

I got the Dodger Blues. Lets go Bums--were up 2-0 on the Cubs!

Now excuse me while I listen to Ice Cube and Randy Newman. WEST SIDE!!!!

Sarah and Manny

As a huge fan of baseball and politics, I was thrilled to read on the Freakonomics blog of Nate Silver, a guy who makes a living following both! It's nice to know I'm not alone. So as I watch tonight's VP debate and prepare to catch the Dodgers face off with the Cubbies, I can't help but think of the two marquis names in tonight's matchups--Sarah Palin and Manny Ramirez--and their respective paths to October under the national spotlight.

As a Yankee fan, I was thrilled when the Red Sox had enough of Manny's antics and traded him. He was a Yankee killer, with 55 lifetime dingers against the pinstripes. While Jason Bay--the player the Chowderheads received in return for Manny--is a nice ballplayer, he's a step down from Ramirez and even the most devoted Sawx fan would admit that.

And this is where I'm curious about the extreme left's hysteria regarding Sarah Palin.

I can't get over how devoted partisans like Maureen Dowd and Slate's Emily Bazelon are so adamantly opposed to McCain's choice of Palin as his running mate. Dowd (Pulitzer winner) and Bazelon (two-time Yale grad)--for the sake of this argument, we'll compare them to fans of the Yanks--are both brilliant enough and should be thrilled at the gaffes and missteps of Palin that have put John McCain in a ten-point national hole. I mean, when your enemy's diging a hole, don't stand there and critique the process--hand him a shovel.

I consider myself a moderate libertarian, but I can't get over this nasty vitriol from the media on this issue. Dowd compares Sarah Palin's rise to national prominence to a chick flick that offends her and Bazelon writes of the shame she experiences in watching Palin interview. There's criticism and then there's anger. These opinions venture awfully close to anger, and that's just not healthy.

When Jason Bay arrived in Boston, if I were to follow the Dowd-Bazelon tact, I'd go on and on about how ridiculous it was that this imposter was now roaming the sacred field of Williams, Yaz, Greenwell (who should have been the 1988 MVP) and Manny. But as a partisan Yankee fan, it would take a reincarnation of Ted Williams replacing Manny to send me into these hysterics. (I know Ted Williams, Ted Williams is a friend of mine, and Sarah Palin is no Ted Williams.)

In conclusion, I'll stick with the Yanks-Sox rivalry. I'll never forget the Yankees-Sawx game I attended July 1, 2004 (the Jeter dive game) where the Yanks mounted an incredible comeback to beat their hated enemies in 13 innings at the Stadium.

As the Yanks mounted their comeback, I'll always remember the look on the faces of the Boston fans in attendance that night. It's like they expected to lose. (Note: This was before Red Sox nation captured their first World Series in 86 years, and this is probably the last time New England experienced this emotion.)

And maybe that's why it's not a stretch to compare those that are nervous about Sarah Palin to those pre-world championship Red Sox followers. Maybe it would take an Obama-Biden victory to wipe this defeatist attitude from their collective mindset. And you know what, if this vitriol would cease because of it, that might not be the worst thing (although knowing the media and seeing were it's headed, this unfortunately is highly unlikely). And if the Red Sox can win two world titles in four years, I guess anything's possible.

Why the long face?

One would imagine that the life-altering promotion from colonel to brigadier general would inspire joy and cheer. According to these photos, that's apparently not the case.

I wonder why as a colonel, Voldemort was all smiles and contact lenses while as general, he's a more demure, bespectacled Voldemort. Either way, I hope he cheers up...it's not like he's ever had to leave his family for the desert en route to 'earning' those stars (in this wartime military). So he's got that going for him.