Super Bowl LV Prediction

The NFL season will come to an end tonight as the Kansas City Chiefs visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to compete for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LV. Only one team will emerge victorious, and on paper, this is one of the most exciting match-ups in recent history. The greatest of all-time Tom Brady returns to the biggest stage for the tenth time against heir apparent Patrick Mahomes who hopes to lead his team to a repeat of last year’s Super Bowl victory. Besides the snacks, funny commercials, and what will likely be a spectacular halftime show from The Weeknd, I think this is going to be a great game. Now let’s get into my predictions.

After early indications of bad weather in Tampa Bay for this evening, where the Buccaneers will become the first team in Super Bowl history to host in their home stadium, the forecast now shows clear skies and ideal temperatures. I don’t think weather will impact this game. There will be another NFL history first tonight, as the big game will feature the two top passing offenses in the league, which has never happened before. I expect Andy Reid and Bruce Arians to dial up some creative passing plays and for both quarterbacks to break 300 yards through the air.

The Kansas City offense will need to be careful not to turn over the football, as the Buccaneers defense is one of the best in the league at creating takeaways. Mahomes is usually pretty reliably efficient and protective of the ball, though, so I don’t see the Buccaneers forcing more than one turnover tonight. A banged-up Kansas City offensive line may become the deciding factor because the Chiefs will be in trouble if Patrick Mahomes is constantly under pressure.

If this season has proven anything, it’s that these two teams are both completely worthy of making it to the biggest stage. Kansas City only lost one game with a majority of its starters in, and Tom Brady has proven his excellency by bringing his new team to the Super Bowl in his first season in Tampa Bay. Betting markets have the Chiefs as the narrow favorite -3, so it really does feel like a toss-up going into tonight.

Conventional wisdom tells me never to bet against Tom Brady, and I may be burned by that yet again this year, but I think the Chiefs find a way to get the win tonight. They are an offensive juggernaut hungry to prove that they are the next dynasty that will replace the incredible legacy that Tom Brady has established. I’m looking forward to every aspect of the game tonight, and my official prediction is that the Chiefs win 34-30. Who do you think gets the W tonight?

Album Review: OK Human - Weezer

Los Angeles-based rock band Weezer has returned with the released of their fourteenth studio album OK Human. The first of two album releases scheduled for this year, OK Human continues Weezer’s tradition of continual evolution and transformation. The group has phased through many identities throughout its length discography; some great, and some leaving much to be desired. Luckily, lead singer Rivers Cuomo and company’s efforts here pay off, as OK Human is a short-lived but very enjoyable bunch of tracks.

The project’s opening lead single “All My Favorite Songs” can only be described as ridiculously catchy. On this track, Rivers Cuomo cleverly discusses the sadnesses he faces in various aspects of his life. These dichotomies are delivered elegantly, culminating in a strikingly relatable chorus. The orchestral instrumentation throughout this project, like on this track, bring the band back to its fantastic roots. The second track, “Aloo Gobi”, is much more effective when its context is understood. Cuomo wrote this track in 2017 when reflecting on the mundanity of the routines in his life and a lack of enjoyment from what used to make him happy. Now though, in a post-COVID-19 world, this track is granted a layer of irony, because those “dull routines” Cuomo once decried are now the same ones he desperately wants to return to. Clever.

“Grapes Of Wrath” tells the story of Cuomo’s experiences with insomnia and eventually resorting to audiobooks in an effort to get to sleep. Cuomo has described half-sleeping states as mystical, because he is more easily able to imagine fictional worlds like those from 1984 and The Lord of the Rings, among others. The instrumentation is strong here, and so far, this is a solid Weezer album. It’s about time.

“Numbers” is a technological track one would expect featured on an album whose title references Radiohead’s 1997 classic OK Computer. Here, Cuomo reflects on his tendency to seek validation through intangible methods like social media likes. By the end, he suggests that the discomfort this brings can be combatted when we join together and seek meaningful relationships with others. The orchestral instrumental works yet again, and Rivers’ voice never gets old.

“Playing My Piano” allows Rivers to communicate the passion he still feels, all these years later, when doing his favorite activity. At under three minutes, this track certainly doesn’t overstay its welcome, but I almost wish there was another layer of complexity here to increase the track’s memorability. Overall, not bad. “Mirror Image” faces the same criticism from me, as it comes in at just over a minute long. Although it’s a heartfelt message about his wife Kyoto’s love, the track is too short to grow a strong connection with.

“Screens” is another direct critique of the role of technology in our modern lives. Cuomo is describing our overreliance on instant gratification delivered by social media, which is terrifying when analyzed too closely. He asks the question “Where will we be 21 years from now?”, which may live on as a haunting and prophetic lyric. I love the drums on this short track. “Bird With A Broken Wing” is one of my favorite tracks here, as it beautifully communicates finding contentment despite obstacles in life. This song can be interpreted in many ways, but I see it as the inevitability of us all coming to reality in relation to our dreams and finding beauty in our ability to contribute to the world around us. “I’m just a bird with a broken wing, and this beautiful song to sing / Don’t feel sad for me, I’m right where I want to be” is just incredible writing.

“Dead Roses” is one of the eeriest tracks on the album with a Beatles-like influence to my ears. I don’t have anything deep to say about this track besides that I enjoyed it very much. “Everything Happens For A Reason” is a quick instrumental bridge that transitions seamlessly into “Here Comes The Rain”, a clear play on The Beatles’ “Here Comes The Sun.” This track was apparently written for political commentator Sam Harris, whose opinions often vary from mine, but overall I appreciate this track for what it is. I certainly enjoy it more when the external context is removed. “La Brea Tar Pits” closes things out nicely and introspectively, as Cuomo finds himself sinking into the title tar pits and clamoring that there is so much more to live for despite all of the negatives this album has circled. Solid ending to a solid album.

While not as thematically cohesive as would have been ideal, and underdeveloped at times, this is one of Weezer’s best albums in some time. OK Human flows almost as one continuous song that covers a range of thought-provoking subjects in a sonically-pleasing manner. One of my favorite albums of 2021 so far, this record leaves me excited for the band’s upcoming album Van Weezer. Go give this a listen.

Favorite tracks: “All My Favorite Songs”, “Aloo Gobi”, “Grapes Of Wrath”, “Numbers”, “Screens”, “Bird With A Broken Wing”, “Dead Roses”, “La Brea Tar Pits”

SCORE: Light 7/10

Biden Announces COVID-19 Relief Plan

Yesterday, President-elect Joe Biden unveiled his COVID-19 relief plan. Costing around $1,900,000,000,000, this plan would approve another round of stimulus checks, raise the national minimum wage to $15 an hour, increase unemployment support, and more. While some on the left are already criticizing Biden’s plan, I’m thoroughly impressed with the proposed relief package that will help millions of Americans through this seemingly never-ending health crisis.

One of the biggest points of criticism Biden is receiving is his proposed $1,400 checks, which would complement the previous $600 stimulus payments to bring the grand total to $2,000. It seems that some were expecting a new set of $2,000 checks, but I never interpreted the proposed plans that way. Additionally, adult dependents will receive this payment, unlike previously. A large group of people previously forgotten will be assisted by this plan assuming it passes the Senate.

Biden’s plan will also provide $400 of unemployment insurance to Americans through September, which is roughly around the time I imagine enough Americans will be vaccinated to bring things back to a semblance of normalcy. If things go in the Democrats’ favor, which they should because they will have full government control, the federal minimum wage will be increased to $15 an hour. Finally, the minimum wage on a full-time schedule will be above the poverty line.

Importantly, the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums will be extended until September, ensuring that individuals and families struggling to make end’s meet won’t face the grim reality of homelessness in the coming months. A combined $70,000,000 will be spent on testing and vaccine funding, which will help mitigate further spread when paired with mask wearing, social distancing, and constant sanitization.

President-elect Biden is showing initiative early-on by announcing these proposals and his cabinet selections prior to even being inaugurated. I voted for Joe Biden because he was clearly the favorable choice when compared to Donald Trump, but I am now excited that Biden’s plans, including this one, are far more progressive and ambitious than I expected. Hopefully this plan does in fact bring relief to the millions of Americans desperate for help from their government.

Democracy's Darkest Day

Democracy had its darkest day yesterday. After Donald Trump incited violence by encouraging his supporters to head to the Capitol building after his misinformation rally, they did just that. Thousands of deplorable individuals were able to make their way inside the halls of Congress, which led to multiple gunfights and panic. This vitriolic attack took place while the House Of Representatives and Senate were counting the state-certified electoral college votes for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Although the Capitol was eventually cleared, four individuals died and more than fifty arrests were made. Meanwhile, Donald Trump took to video from the White House and unenthusiastically called for “peace” while simultaneously telling the individuals who partook in these demonstrations that he “loved them” and that they were “special.” Twitter has since removed these posts and locked his account for twelve hours, while Facebook and Instagram have banned him indefinitely. There are few dates that live in infamy in the United States, and unfortunately, 01/06/2021 is now one of them.

Although democracy had its darkest day yesterday, it also had one of its strongest nights last night. After the Capitol was cleared as safe, Congress resumed the procedural and necessary process of counting electoral votes on the same day that they were attacked by anti-American Trump supporters. A good portion of the Republican elected officials who were originally going to object to this process decided that because of the day’s events, that action was inappropriate. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s electoral votes have now been officially counted, which was the final step required by the United States Constitution before their inauguration later this month.

While I choose to believe that a majority of Americans stand strongly against yesterday’s domestic terrorism, I am disheartened to see ultra-conservative responses on social media today. These airheaded individuals are likening breaking and entering into the U.S. Capitol building based on unfounded claims of voter fraud to the Black Lives Matter protest that took place over the summer. The key difference is that one group (BLM) was protesting because members of their community were being unjustly murdered, and the other (Trump supporters) attacked one of the most sacred buildings in the country because their candidate lost a fair election that has been under scrutiny from election experts from both parties for months. It’s also worth noting that the individuals who stormed the Capitol were in large part allowed to leave freely after entering fairly easily, which definitely wouldn’t have been the case if they had different skin color. Once again, the systemic racism that defines our country has shown its ugly teeth.

If there was any doubt as to what we warned against when Donald Trump was elected, this is it. An egomaniac too self-absorbed and narcissistic to accept defeat has brainwashed some of his most loyal supporters into attacking their own country. There’s no wonder why so many of them also tout the Confederate flag - they are anti-American. It’s horrible that anyone died yesterday. That being said, those individuals shouldn’t have done what they did, because they crossed the line of protest into acts of sedition the second they stepped into the Capitol building and sought violence against American representatives. I sincerely hope that Donald Trump is removed before the end of his term by way of either a second impeachment or the 25th amendment, because he has proven himself a traitor to this country willing to attack our democracy for what he views as personal gain. His supporters the same for emboldening it. We need to be better than this. We need a better tomorrow.

Ossoff & Warnock Win Runoff Elections, Secure Democratic Senate

The world turned upside down. Last night, the polls closed for the 2021 Senate runoff elections here in Georgia. Incumbents David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler attempted to fend off challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, respectively. After months of anticipation, polling, and campaigning, we finally have a definitive result and outcome for this all-important election. Both Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock have been declared victors by Decision Desk HQ, securing a 50-50 Senate with Kamala Harris’s tiebreaking vote and a Democratic majority in the Senate. It feels like a dream.

Watching Georgia shift left over the years has been satisfying and inspiring. I never would have thought four or eight years ago that a Democratic presidential candidate would win this state, let alone win two Senate elections in the process. While I believe that time moves the country in the direction of progress, it’s interesting to try to unambiguously determine the factors that helped decide this election in favor of the Democratic candidates. I believe this can be credited to President Trump’s attacks on democracy, two largely unpopular Republican candidates in Perdue and Loeffler (especially the latter), and Stacey Abrams’ support of two solid candidates.

Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the 2020 Presidential election was rigged in Joe Biden’s favor. In doing so, he has delegitimized and negated the importance of each individual vote. Many of his supporters believed that their vote held no significance, and decided not to vote altogether. The rallies he held prior to the election, which were supposed to show support for the Republican candidates, wound up being complaining fests as Trump reflected on what he delusionally believes was a stolen election. That being said, even if he had shown more support for Perdue and Loeffler, it might not have made a difference.

Polls prior to the election showed that Perdue was trailing Ossoff less than Loeffler trailed Warnock. I credit this to Perdue’s actual incumbency, in that he had previously won an election to secure his seat in the Senate. Loeffler, on the other hand, was a Trump appointee who never won elected office, and instead was vying to secure her first victory in these runoffs. Both of these candidates made dubious and questionable decisions along the campaign trail, including when Loeffler likened herself to Atilla the Hun, when Perdue was photographed flashing a white power hand gesture, and when both candidates gave terrible debate performances and openly opposed further COVID-19 stimulus for Georgians, among many others. So the Republicans definitely messed things up for themselves, but how did Democrats break their runoff / mid-term dry spell habit of low voter turnout? Simple. Stacey Abrams.

The woman is a national treasure. Her ability to build a network of organizations dedicated to registering new voters from underrepresented communities ensured that over 800,000 Georgia residents were going to vote in these elections. With margins as small as the ones seen in Biden’s, Ossoff’s, and Warnock’s victories, it’s hard not to say that Abrams was a deciding factor. I hope that she decides to run for governor again in 2022 against Brian Kemp, and if she does, I like her odds. Georgia could be the next Virginia.

After growing up in Illinois and living in Georgia for the past eight or so years, it feels good to say I live in a blue state again. Attacks on Democracy, minorities, and common sense legislation just don’t work on an increasingly left-leaning population in Georgia anymore. I sincerely hope that a Democratic trifecta leads to the passing of meaningful and substantial legislation, and as a progressive, I won’t be afraid to call out the Democratic party if they stall on getting things done. For now, though, let’s celebrate the fact that Democrats took all three branches of government, and that they will take things over in just a couple weeks. Light at the end of the tunnel… finally.