Pres. Barack Obama gave a historic speech today — his first address to the UN General Assembly as a President. Obama did not mention plans about Afghanistan and his efforts to contain the Al-Qaeda terrorist network. Instead, he challenges world leaders to do their part in keeping world peace and security rather than rely solely on America. Is this a sign of Obama’s government wavering on its counterinsurgency campaign in the war-torn Afghanistan?

Here is Obama’s speech (full text), as prepared for delivery. Below is the video via MSNBC.

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, fellow delegates, ladies and gentleman: it is my honor to address you for the first time as the forty-fourth President of the United States. I come before you humbled by the responsibility that the American people have placed upon me; mindful of the enormous challenges of our moment in history; and determined to act boldly and collectively on behalf of justice and prosperity at home and abroad.

I have been in office for just nine months, though some days it seems a lot longer. I am well aware of the expectations that accompany my presidency around the world. These expectations are not about me. Rather, they are rooted – I believe – in a discontent with a status quo that has allowed us to be increasingly defined by our differences, and outpaced by our problems. But they are also rooted in hope – the hope that real change is possible, and the hope that America will be a leader in bringing about such change.

There is only one cinema in Brookings, South Dakota, the Showcase Cinema 5 or popularly called Brookings Cinema 5. The number five on its name probably came from the number of cinema screens the establishment contains. There are 5 small screening rooms with each having less than 100 seating capacity (I think).

Since I am a frequent movie goer, I visit Brookings Cinema 5 almost every week, regardless of the day. Tuesday night is usually a discount night — you pay like $2 less. For regular nights, adults pay $8 and children is charged $6. This is probably cheaper compared to other cinemas in big cities outside SD.

Here is my column for this week’s Collegian issue.

Studying overseas will open a new world outside the conventional quarters; a sphere from a completely new dimension will spring forth. The most austere of affairs will take on a new meaning when you are in a distant land. As you discover new things by living on your own and advance your intellectual capacities, you will also be so far away from your loved ones – families and friends would be missed constantly.

What do you think of the Jay Leno Show that premiered last night? I think it was just an old-same format and there were moments that I did not find Jay Leno funny at all.

I think most of the viewers watched the show last night because of the guest performer Kanye West, who was a jackass on MTV VMAs (by the way, jackass is how Pres. Obama described Kanye West.)

The Jay Leno Show Monologue

These are the top Universities and Colleges in South Dakota based on the 2009 web popularity ranking or the popularity of their websites.

Menu no. 7 please. That’s the number of Quesadilla EZ combo from Taco John’s in Brookings, South Dakota. The combo is composed of Quesadilla (a delicious blend of cheeses, fresh-made pico de gallo and tangy chipotle cream sauce grilled in a soft flour tortilla with your choice of beef or chicken), Potato Olés, and a soft drink. This combo fills my hungry stomach whenever I am so lazy to go home and cook my food. Yes, this happens once a week!

There are some combos that are just too oily, like they’re deep fried in lard that it loses the natural taste of the food. I love fried food, but not a point that the oil sticks in my mouth.

The first issue of the The Peg Leg Update is now available in print and online. If you are in Brookings, South Dakota, grab a copy from these locations: O’Hare’s, Cubby’s, Jim’s Tap, Sully’s, Cottonwood Coffee, George’s Pizza and Yeager Hall (on SDSU campus).

I saw a copy of The Peg Leg Update yesterday on a table at Wecota Hall. I didn’t mind the 11-page publication until I grabbed a copy of the Collegian issue, which was piled beside it.

Pres. Barack Obama delivered his address on health care to the Joint Session of Congress tonight. I was watching the live coverage on CNN and following how Republicans reacted to some points stressed by the Pres. Most of the time, the Republicans remain seated on one side of the hall while the Democrats applauded and gave Obama a standing ovation. A divided house indeed.

Obama has been bombarded by issues lately regarding his health reform plans. Obama said: “I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it’s better politics to kill this plan than improve it. I will not stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are. If you misrepresent what’s in the plan, we will call you out. And I will not accept the status quo as a solution. Not this time. Not now.”

Obama presented a detailed description of his idea of health reform. Watch Obama’s Health Care Speech in full after the jump.