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Posts published in “Politics”

The Covid relief bill: Better than a spontaneous getaway to Mexico

The Covid relief bill: Better than a spontaneous getaway to Mexico

By David Kalan on March 13, 2021

Yeah, Ted. I know. Mexico is fun as long as you don’t get called home within 24 hours. Granted, I’ve never been to any of those resorts in Cabo or wherever – my spring breaks in undergrad were far more muted – but I’ve been to Mexico City and I’d go back for the tacos alone. Even so, if you told me I could choose between a weekend jaunt to Tulum or the federal government passing a massive relief bill that will change the fabric of this country for the better, I’m going for the latter.

Some of you are definitely thinking I only feel that way because I’m a wonky political nerd who can’t just kick it and have a good time at Senor Frogs.…

Are you not entertained? Perfect.

Are you not entertained? Perfect.

By David Kalan on February 8, 2021

As 2021 began, we found ourselves still grappling with a global pandemic, political division, and the psychological toll of riots on the Capitol. And then, my wife, a public school teacher, even in this time of remote learning, had a snow day. Two in fact.

Don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t good in this world.

That being said, while I truly believe snow days are one of childhood’s great rites of passage, I must admit I don’t love snow. It’s pretty for about 12 hours before the shoveling and slush make you wish you had a Space Laser to get rid of it all.…

I have never heard of Rochelle Walensky

I have never heard of Rochelle Walensky

By David Kalan on December 11, 2020

Have you? If you don’t work in the world of infectious disease my guess is, “no,” but you probably hadn’t heard of Anthony Fauci a year ago either. Global Pandemics will make celebrities of the most unexpected faces.

Walensky, who was recently tabbed by President-Elect Joe Biden to lead the CDC under his administration, seems to be quite the source of relief to many epidemiological experts. When announced, her appointment was celebrated by many in the field, whom, I must assume, were disappointed her predecessor provided only the C. Everett Koop beard without the super fun name.

Of course, Walensky has a reasonably normal name and no facial hair.…

Give me all the Kornacki my TV can handle

Give me all the Kornacki my TV can handle

By David Kalan on December 11, 2020

If you’ve been following my columns this year, (which I’m sure most of you haven’t, but hi, mom!) you’ve probably noticed I’m “the politics guy.” That is to say, I’m the Oppy staffer who got stuck with putting political opinions in a public space where they can do me only personal and professional harm. But did you know I’m into sports, too?

It’s true!

I’ve written about it for The Oppy once or twice, and would you believe I wrote about it professionally once upon a time? If you need any indication for how respected my critical eye was in the world of sports journalism, well, I’m in business school now.…

The Work Begins Now

The Work Begins Now

By David Kalan on November 13, 2020

I had quite the shock last week. After eight months of what I thought were MBA courses at NYU Stern, I discovered I’ve actually been attending online classes with Stern Lawn N’ Landscaping, the only place in Wausau, Wis., worth calling if your home needs more curb appeal. While the employees have surprisingly deep knowledge of forecasting models and the Cobb-Douglas function — I mean, how else would it have taken me this long to notice? — it is clear I’ve been made a fool.

That tuition better cover a whole lot of lawn care.

Luckily, I learned last Saturday that I was in good company, though I use the term “good” loosely.…

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