Was Sochi A Good Choice?

OK everyone, say it with me now...

REALLY, SOCHI?!?!

Where do I even start?

Photo courtesy: http://www.breakingnews.ie/media/images/s/
SochiGamesTwoToilets_large.jpg

It's funny, because every morning when I wake up and look at various social media outlets, I see throngs of posts from civilians, athletes, and journalists in Sochi who are having terrible experiences. From unfinished hotel rooms, gay rights issues, stray dogs, and communal toilets, it begs the question: Was Russia really ready for the world stage?

The answer should always be yes when speaking about the Olympic destination, but I'm going to have to scratch that and say "We'll see."

The thought of Russia is kind of nice. Vladimir Putin has tried his best to win over the hearts of politicians everywhere – including Syria, but we have to face the facts here -- Russia needed more time. Before the Olympics even got started, everyone was turning it into a big fat joke.

Blooper #1: Location. Choosing to hold the Winter Olympics in the warmest place of Russia – a village by the beach, the Olympic committee might as well have held the Winter games in San Diego. Russia is a place full of freezing, unbearable weather, so why is Olympic Park literally on the shores of the Black Sea? I stand befuddled. Not to mention I heard they've been storing snow just to guarantee there would be enough by the time the games rolled around.

Blooper #2: Russian PR. So, the big wigs over there in Eastern Europe tried to hide the fact that nothing was ready. Their controlled PR and lack of international travel is a great way to not let people know what's really going on in your country. Hey guys, did you not think that once all of us loud, opinionated Americans got over there that we wouldn't tweet, blog, report, and holler loudly about the fact that your hotels aren't done and you're painting the grass green (literally)? Come on.

Are you laughing yet? Because really, this is comical.

Here's a short list of issues people have been having with lodging:

• Hotel rooms trashed

• Beds covered in semen

• Construction workers sleeping in booked guestrooms

• Stray dogs all over the place, including in hotel rooms

• Unsafe drinking water, or using water to wash yourself

• Communal toilets, like group poop time

• Wi-Fi hanging from the ceiling

• Live wires in showers

• Hotel lobbies with no floor

Photo courtesy: http://tinyurl.com/luoen9j 

And believe me, there is so much more. If you click this link you will see I'm not joking around.

Blooper #3: During the opening ceremonies, the fifth ring did not turn from a snowflake into a ring.

Honestly, I don't really see this as Russia's fault, and for the most part people understand that things like that are bound to go wrong when you're trying to put on a big production. For example, what happened with the lights at the Super Bowl last year. People talk about it for awhile and then they get over it.

Here's where Russia went wrong: Before the opening ceremonies aired on Russian TV, they went in and photo-shopped the fifth ring morphing from snowflake to ring. No other TV station in the world did this. Russia, I can see at this point you are still continuing to do everything you can to save face, even calling the incident an "open secret," but it's not like the whole world agreed to do this too. The whole thing is silly. Admit the mistake and move on. It gives the production character, anyway.

Olympic rings aside, the rest of the opening ceremony was pretty good, the United States has already won some gold medals, and the Olympics themselves are going smooth thus far.

But man, Russia, don't do this to us again in 2018 when you host the World Cup.

On the bright side (like, as if the fifth ring had actually lit up), if the Olympics go well from here on out, Russia will ultimately consider this a win for the country. Who can blame them? Even though Bob Costas' eye swelled shut on the first day of broadcasting and U.S. Olympian Bobsledder Johnny Quinn had to literally break the door of his hotel room bathroom down just to get out when he was done taking a shower. Don't worry he posted a photo on Twitter.

Photo courtesy: http://tinyurl.com/n3l9dkj

I can truly say that the Olympic telecast of sports has been great to watch, even though I've fallen asleep two nights in a row trying to stay up watching it.

Guys, I'm sorry, but just reading this I laugh. For every good thing I try to say about The Games thus far I can backup with about 20 things that have gone wrong. It's become funny.

I want to root for Russia's success, I really do. Their athletes are killing it, too.

Sometimes I just think to myself, "Did you not think at some point everyone was going to put the situation on blast?"

If the Russians with all their technology and military might can't get the toilets to work, what will happen in 2016 in Rio, a place everyone is already afraid of? Prostitutes in the rooms? Pickpockets taking tickets? With recent Olympic luck, Rio might end up making us miss dirty water and stray dogs.

Despite all the flaws, my true hope is that the Olympics go smoothly and end on a high note not only for the U.S. and Russia, but for all of Russia, and the world.

But please, no more communal toilets.

Photo courtesy: http://tinyurl.com/lacq7q6

Uber vs. Taxi

In the last year, Uber has quickly taken over the business of taxi drivers in major cities and it's safe to say, cabbies are pissed.

Really pissed.

If you're not familiar, Uber is a company where you can request your own personal driver via phone app. It was created as a way for hired town car drivers to make extra money during the downtime of their originally paid hire for the day. The company started out with town cars but quickly evolved into UberX (hybrids) and suburbans for larger parties. Basically, it's a faster, fancier, and more enjoyable way for people to ride in a car with a stranger - and maybe getting a bottle of water or a good story instead of a cranky cabbie.

Photo courtesy: http://phillysportslive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/uber.jpg

I can totally understand why this whole ordeal upsets the cab companies. It takes away their business In a lot of cities where Uber has yet to launch, cab drivers are doing everything they can to keep them out. 

Personally, I prefer Uber if I need a ride. It's basically the same price as cabs (sometimes UberX is cheaper), the drivers are extremely professional, and the cars are much more comfortable and better taken care of. What's not to like? The last three or four cabs I have been in have been such awful experiences, from cranky drivers who don't want to take me where I want to go, or their credit card machines don't work - it's just miserable. If I have to tell them "You could be making money right now but instead you are arguing with me about why you won't take me where I want to go," then your customer service sucks.

But that's the thing - with Uber, they're professional and know the meaning of customer service. From request to destination it's seamless. Simply put your credit card information into the app, which also uses GPS to get a car to you, and you never have to pull out a credit card or a map. It's that simple. Not to mention a great way to catch a ride if your wallet got stolen at the club or you left your credit card at dinner. Just open your account, and Uber's got your back. 

Photo courtesy:http://blog.uber.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/mailchimp.png

My challenge to cab drivers is this: If you're upset about Uber, don't complain and moan about how they are ruining your business. Instead, challenge them - fix up your cars, make sure your machines work, know where you're going, and be the most customer service oriented driver in your city. Treat every customer like they are King. In this day and age, people don't have time for attitude, they want a nice, simple, pleasant ride.

Look at it this way: When FedEx burst onto the mail scene, the U.S. Postal Service was pissed. FedEx did everything the post office did but they did it better, faster, and more accurately. Their execution forced the postal service to step up their game if they wanted to even think about staying in the game.

If you haven't tried Uber and it's in your city, I highly recommend it. They also have a lot of promotions and great deals for first-time users. I even had ice cream delivered to my place once because of Uber - I can't say a taxi driver ever brought me ice cream. It's a cool company with a cool concept, and they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. 

They've revolutionized riding with strangers.

Try it, I dare you. 

If you don't try it, at least subscribe to my blog.

College Athletics Deserve Our Support, Not Negativity

Civil War week is upon us, and the Beavers and Ducks need our support more than ever this week.

With both teams losing in uncharacteristic fashion, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 was an ugly day of football for Oregon and Oregon State fans. 

Oregon and Oregon State football teams hadn't lost on the same day since  Sept. 3, 2011.

Neither team played great. All these things are obvious. So obvious that John Canzano, of The Oregonian, still felt like he needed to write a column expressing his opinion of how the day went.

The headline? 

"Call Off the Civil War: Oregon and Oregon State May Not Show Themselves"

Is that really how you feel, Canzano?

Notorious for stirring up controversy all over the state of Oregon, Canzano generally does a pretty good job. He's written several great columns and articles. Canzano gets people thinking, and times and also riled up. However, in my opinion, this time he's crossed the line.

Like I said, is that how you really feel, Canzano?

You state in your article, "...sell your Civil War tickets. Give them away. Burn them and instead spend your Black Friday standing in line at 5 a.m. in the Target parking lot..."

I get what you're trying to say. You have seen that both teams are capable of better playing and you expected more from both on Nov. 23 — we all did, but to tell Oregonian readers that they should "burn" their tickets and not even bother to go? What kind of message is that sending to the young men on these two football teams? 

Regardless of whether or not the players read your column or pay attention to any media, they can guess how people feel, and I'm sure they feel much worse than any fan.

What I'm trying to say here is that at the end of the day, these are student-athletes. Oregon and Oregon State football players are not professional football players, they are not untouchable, and they are not robots. They are young men, trying to get an education, perfect their craft, and find their way. They're not attached to big contracts and endorsement deals. They're kids, and they still need guidance and encouragement.

When it comes to games, college athletes need their fans as much as Lady Gaga needs her "monsters." A team is nothing without them. There are men and women at every university in the country who might not be in college if it weren't for athletics. For this reason, college athletics are very important, and they deserve our support. To discourage fans from supporting two teams, two universities and two athletic programs is just poor sportsmanship. 

The young men that play for Oregon and Oregon State, and every other student-athlete in the country for that matter, work insanely hard every single day for four or five years. Not only are they attending a full schedule of classes Monday through Friday, but they spend countless hours in the weight room, practicing, and performing for tons of people every season. Like I've already said, they aren't professionals, they aren't going to be perfect every week, but it doesn't mean they're not still trying every, single, day.

That being said, the 117th Civil War is just as important as ever. It's always competitive, it's always cutthroat, it's a rivalry every time.  To all Oregon and Oregon State football supporters, fans, friends, family, whatever you may be — support these young men, these programs, these universities on Friday, Nov. 29 at 4:00 p.m. 

Take Yourself Out of the Pressure Cooker

Last month I felt like I was on the verge of some kind of weird breakdown. I had gotten hung up on September 11, various conspiracy theories, the Syrian war, the Newsroom, and everything else the news had to offer. I wasn't just feeling down on myself, I was feeling down on the world, but that only made me feel worse about myself. Pathetic, I know.

But why?

Because here I sit, in fabulous Los Angeles with a college degree from Oregon State University, work experience in various areas of the entertainment industry, a worldly background, and charisma to boot, and I feel like I can't find a full-time job (that I like) to save my damn life.

I'm not talking part-time job, volunteer work, or internships, I'm talking a job. The 9-5 lifestyle that consists of a salary, benefits, company camaraderie, the whole lot. Sounds easy, right?

When I, and anyone else that was born anywhere from 1985-1992 were told that we would spend all this time in school, go to college, make lifelong friends, and graduate with the knowledge and opportunity to blast into the work force and find a great job paying $40k plus with benefits. We were lied to.

Is it the liars fault that we were lied to? Not at all. Even though we want to believe it, our parents can't predict the future. They couldn't predict that terror would strike us in ways we didn't think was possible. They had no idea the banks were full of terrible people doing selfish things. And they definitely didn't know that most of us would still be living with them at the age of 24 or 25, working part time at Starbucks and part time at Red Robin and living at home.

I visited home recently and realized how many people still live in the town I grew up in and they have part time, minimum wage jobs, and college degrees. See what's wrong with this picture? We are the milennials, we are supposed to be the ones that save the world. We're supposed to be the ones that put a stop to global warming and human rights issues, and vote for the first female president. But so far, we haven't figured much of that out because we are struggling to survive ourselves. Therefore, all the old farts think that we are lazy. HA.

As I sit and think about all of these things day in and day out - about how I can get better every day and how I am going to make a difference, I get frustrated. I know one day I will have a career I love, the family I want, and so on and so forth, but right now it all seems so far away. The milennials went through such a transition in history and we haven't completely made the switch yet. That part we are still trying to figure out.

When I thought I had reached my breaking point a few weeks ago, I finally got enough sleep to snap back into the glass half full skeptic that I am (sort of ironic, I know). And I realized this:

Working a minimum-wage job with a brand new shiny college degree isn't the depressing part. Living with your parents doesn't suck that bad (after all, you did it for the first 18 years or so of your life). But what does suck is giving up. Giving up on your peers, your country, and yourself. If you do all of that, you are sure to live a miserable life.

People have said we are the problem generation. With tattoos, piercings, truck driver mouths, and Miley Cyrus, but we still have many great qualities. Our generation elected the first African-American president. Our generation has brought you things like Tumblr and Facebook (and you're lying if you say you don't like them). And our generation brought you us - we are who we are and we're not really going to ever change no matter what you say, but be grateful, it will be a good thing one day. When the milennials are old and pooping in their adult Pampers, the young people are going to be grateful for us and what we accomplished.

What I'm really trying to say to the people my age (24 or around there) is don't put so much pressure on yourself that you give up completely. Don't crumble into a million pieces and work at 24 Hour Fitness for the next 10 years. Do what you want to do. Get your bills paid, of course, but don't give up what you're passionate about. If no one is going to offer you a real job anyway, make your own. Do it yourself.

I put all this pressure on myself that I have to find the perfect job tomorrow, I have to lose 15 lbs. this week, and that I have to find the man of my dreams and have a baby by next Friday.

That might sound really super crazy to some of you reading this, but believe me, there are a million other 20-somethings out there thinking the exact same thing. In so many ways I want so badly to be perfect that I almost feel like I'm nothing but a lazy piece of crap, but that's not the case! Not even close. I am worth a full-time job, the benefits, the husband, and the family. But Rome wasn't built in a day.

Moral of the story? Take your time. Pay your bills however you need to. Live your life one day at a time. When you lie down at night to fall asleep, think about each thing you did that day to accomplish one step closer to your ultimate goal.

For example:
-- Today I secured a part-time job
-- I started a new writing class
-- I rode my horse

Those are just three things I did today that helped me in various ways move closer to my ultimate goal. Life is supposed to ultimately be something of joy, laughter, and willingness to love.

Try it, I dare you.

Racism and 2014 Miss America Winner

I am proud to call myself an American. Although our country is not perfect, not now and not in the past, I still believe we live in one of the greatest countries in the world. We are a culture built on immigrants, built on diversity, and built on the idea that everyone can be their own person and live the American dream.

On Sunday night I watched as Miss New York won the Miss America pageant for the second year in a row. Last year, Miss New York was a Caucasian blonde. This year, Miss New York is an Indian-American. Last year, no one thought twice about the race of the newly crowned Miss America. This year, Twitter broke out into a verbal race war because Miss America wasn't "white."

Photo via http://media2.wptv.com//photo/2013/09/16/WPTV-Miss-
America-2013-Nina-Davuluri_20130916062722_320_240.JPG

Several websites started posting stories with screen shots of people's reactions to the new winner:

Photo via http://colorlines.com/archives/2013/09/new_miss_america_faces_harsh_racism.html

When this was brought to my attention, I was shocked. How can people honestly say these things and then go and publish them online? Not only is Miss New York NOT Middle Eastern, this woman is an American citizen. She has worked her tail off to try and get this far to earn a scholarship and the title of Miss America. What makes her less deserving of this award? Her skin color? You guys, it's almost 2014, and you still want to make race an issue?

Shame on you.

If you are human, chances are you have had challenges in your life. Someone has made fun of you. There isn't a single person on this planet who hasn't had someone say something bad about them at some point in their life. And when that person said that mean thing to you, about something you probably couldn't change, how did that make you feel?

Chances are, even if you are as strong as the Hulk, it made you feel sad, or worthless, or like you weren't good enough. I'd have a hard time believing it made you feel like a million bucks.

Now imagine if people were constantly cutting you down because of your skin color, or who you chose to love — two things that you can't change about yourself and leaving you to feel like you're never going to be good enough.

Do you really think that's fair?

If you think that's fair, then it's certainly fair for someone to come into your life, pick you apart like an onion, and point out everything they see as a flaw in your life or your appearance, and tell you you're not good enough, and never will be. You can handle it right? It won't make you mad?

Doubt it.

I don't believe in racism. I don't believe in homophobia. I don't believe in sexism. And I won't stand for discriminatory words towards anyone. I have friends of all backgrounds and each person is unique and has something special to offer. I never thought for a second because they looked different from one of my other friends that, that made them less of a friend to me.

Every child brought into this world deserves a fighting chance, regardless of who they are.

So next time you think about slamming someone for their race, or who they love, or where they come from, think about how you would feel if someone were to say that about you.

It probably wouldn't feel so good.

Miley Cyrus: Right or Wrong?

Everyone is talking about it, so I figure I might as well too.

Miley Cyrus.

Photo Credit: http://thebiglead.com/2013/08/26/
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Here are my top five reasons why her performance of "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke isn't really that big of a deal.

1.)  She is an entertainer and for years has attempted to shock the public, especially while on T.V. So nothing new there. You gotta give her credit for trying, because for now it's working.

2.) If men can be on stage with half naked women and Lady Gaga can show her entire rear at the same show without and repercussions, then no one can really be mad about Miley's outfit and dance moves.

3.) The overall performance was terrible, and not because of the way Miley acted. Neither her or Robin Thicke sounded good, nothing looked smooth, and as a whole it seemed like a giant effort to shock everyone, thus leaving people unimpressed.

4.) I had a couple people texting me that saw the performance before I did, saying "OMG wait till you see Miley's performance." Of course I saw it, and just really wasn't that shocked. She's put so much effort and time into being this crazy person and I just don't know if it's really working for her, or if it will last.

5.) Publicity. Whatever keeps people talking about celebrities keeps those celebrities making money. So the more we talk about her, the more money she makes. Yes, it sounds crazy...but if I had a dollar for every time I said that. Whether good or bad, talk is talk.

In the end, I just think that what Miley is trying to do, and everyone trying to help her do it, isn't going to last forever. She's either going to go bonkers (I would if I had giant teddy bears following me around everywhere), or she's going to change her entire look again, and again...and again. So if I were you, and you were bothered by what you saw at the VMA's, you might as well get over it, because it's not the last you're going to see of her, unless you turn off your T.V.

Follow Your Dreams, Go For Gold

When people tell you to follow your dreams, they should mean it. It's not like they are telling you some stupid cliche because they want you to be happy. They're telling you because at the bottom of every cliche is a truth. And the truth is, never stop doing what makes you happy. At the end of every day, all a person wants is happiness - at least that's what I want.

Lots of things make a person happy — money, family, a great job, friends, you name it. It's different for everyone, but when it comes to myself, I think I've finally figured out some key things that make me happy. The most recent? Horses.

Ivy
Photo Credit: Sarah Sellin-Eiler

It might sound childish, silly, or weird, but it's the truth. After spending countless hours on the back of a horse, weekends in cheap hotels, and winning boxes of ribbons I'll never know what to do with, quitting was probably not the best idea I ever had. I took a four year break and realized it was very silly, which is why I've picked it back up, and I won't be letting go for as long as I can. 

Riding horses isn't cheap, and it takes a lot of time, but so far in life I don't think I know of anything else that makes me happier. I'd rather go broke riding horses than seeing a therapist once a week for the rest of my life. It's an instant smile, a warm welcome, and a peaceful escape. I could never go on another vacation in my life and be totally happy just going to shows and being dirty all the time. 

That being said, I am still glad I have taken some time to try out new things. I enjoyed college, moved to California, and have tried many things in between. However, every time I realize I don't like something or I'm not happy, I compare it to my love of being an equestrian. That's generally when I realize "No, this just isn't for me".

Life is a funny journey and it's good to experience all kinds of different things. Living is how we find out what we like and don't like. One of the most important parts of finding those things is realizing that if we like it, to never let go, and if we don't, to wash it away like dirty dishes. That's the hard part.

Now I can say I have a horse, and am riding again. I smile easily. I am happy. 

I might go broke eventually, but I will always work towards doing the things I love. Everyone should follow their dreams. That's what leads to ultimate happiness. You might take detours, fall on your face a few times, or totally sh** the bed (excuse the expression), but at least you tried, and there is always something to be learned from that.

So folks, time to set your fear aside and go for gold. Whatever it is you quit or always wanted to try, do it! The only thing stopping you is yourself.