Thursday following another exciting day of season-end inventory and tape boxing, I went to the Borders in Westwood (near UCLA).  They were hosting a discussion/signing  of Reza Aslan’s new book, How To Win A Cosmic War: God, Globalization, and the end of the War on Terror.  Aslan was a guest on The Daily Show a few weeks ago, and was pleased to see that he had scheduled a few book tour dates in LA.  First things first, I must say he is cuter in person.

I thoroughly enjoyed this event.  Aslan read a few pages from the first chapter of his book, and then opened the floor up for questions.  What followed was an hour long conversation about Iran, Israel, Palestine, the difference between Jihadists and Islamists, among many other things.

Impressed by his knowledge, listening to him speak was extremely refreshing.  It gave me flash backs of college.  I miss learning so much.  I mean, of course I’m learning a ton out here, but it’s just different.  It was absolutely satisfying to listen to a man with such fluent and passionate discourse.

While it’s fresh in my mind, here is a brief recap of some of the topics he discussed:

Q: Can Islam and Democracy Coexist?

• Of course they can.  Look at Indonesia.  Look at Turkey.  Malaysia.  India.  Pakistan.  The world’s most populous Muslim nations are democratic.
• The question really is, can Arab culture and democracy coexist?

Q: Is Iran a Nuclear Threat?

• He claims Iran as a threat is a joke.  They are a third world country with a terrible army.
• They recently figured out how to launch a rocket at a minimal distance without a payload.  Good job. (sarcasm)
• In terms of Israel, Iran as a threat is a purely political tactic.  Israel is a first world nation, has one of the best armies in the world, and has far more superior weapons.
• In terms of a threat to the U.S., look at the map.  We have troops surrounding the entire country.
• We need to start rethinking how we look at Iran.

There was more, but that’s about all I can regurgitate at the moment.

Unrelated, I saw Ben Folds last night and it was pretty sweet.   Gave me another Oswego flashback.  And again, being in LA is awesome.  You never know what extra treat will be at the show.  Ben brought out Sarah Barellies for a song, and then during the encore brought out Josh Groban.  Yep, that’s right.  Josh Groban!! I got chills!

Personal, Political

So, I got moved back onto the day shift this week!  (I have been working nights since September) For the most part, I think the transition has gone over pretty well.  The first few days were tough, but I’m back into the swing of things.

Working the day shift is advantageous because it enables me to attend evening events.  On Thursday, I was able to venture off to the Troubadour.  The “Troub” is one of my favorite concert venues in LA.  You are so close to the stage its unbelievable.   I went with my good friend Aaron to see one of our favorite band’s lead singer’s side project band Person L (is there an easier way to say that?!).  I’m not too much into Person L, but it was great seeing Kenny (the aforementioned lead singer).  Anyway, at the end of the concert we figured out that one of our mutual colleagues has been dating this lead singer for years.  And just like that, we have a connection to one of our heroes.  We listened his band (The Starting Line) growing up, and have been guided by it’s music for most of our lives.  Now here we are, ‘grown-up’, and somehow connected to him for real.   I was in a state of hysteria for the rest of the night!  Next week I’m seeing Telekinesis at the Troub as well.  I love music!

In other news, tonight is The Celebrity Apprentice Live 3-Hour Season Finale!  Joan Rivers vs. Annie Duke.  Holla!  It’s been great working on this show and I have learned SO MUCH about television, production, editing, and it’s corny, but myself as well.  Not to mention, I love my colleagues, from top to bottom.  I’m looking forward to moving onto something else, but am simultaneously sad to see it end as well.  I’m coming up on ONE YEAR in Los Angeles.  Incredibly hard to believe.  And here I am, ready to again plunge into the deep unknown.  A storm of change is brewing on the horizon, I wonder what it will bring this time.

And last but certainly not least, today is Mother’s Day.  Another stupid Hallmark holiday.  I truly mean this: every day is Mother’s day.  NOT A DAY goes by without thinking about how much my Mom has sacrificed and worked for me.  That woman has NEVER put herself in front of her kids a single day in her life.  That, my friends, is also unbelievable…but oh so very true.

Music, Personal