Kirby Puckett died yesterday.
I really liked him as a baseball ambassador considering I never even played/ watched/ liked baseball that much I was in awe of his Magic Johnson-esque personality even if I only watched for so long. In fact, his career mirrored Magic's in a few ways he helped re-establish a team (The Twins would probably have been gone without that championship) and his career was marred by a horrific biological circumstance that eventually ended his career.
On Saturday in a convo with my mom she got on my ass about eating better. I mean, I have been working out since Nov and my weight loss has been hindered by my eating habits. Still, my moms didn't have to call me out. But she's right... we do have diabetes in our family and even if we didn't.. we're black... and diabetes is in our culture as well.
But in Puckett I find myself finally getting it. Kirby was a good man who enjoyed life to the fullest. Even when glaucoma took him out the game he was never gone. He wasn't a sulker and wasn't lost without the influence of baseball. He had health issues.. heart, eyes, and more than anything his weight. Often times old teammates would see him and express their concern. His glowing personality would assure them that he was okay.
Kirby's weight killed him, just like Luther before him and many many of our loved relatives who cannot control their eating nor get in the exercise they need. Today I have decided to not let it kill me. I don't have the discipline I want yet but I'm getting there. Not that I'm fat or close to obese I just want to set the groundwork so that I can keep in shape into my 30s and beyond.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
RIP Puck.
Kirby Puckett died yesterday.
I really liked him as a baseball ambassador considering I never even played/ watched/ liked baseball that much I was in awe of his Magic Johnson-esque personality even if I only watched for so long. In fact, his career mirrored Magic's in a few ways he helped re-establish a team (The Twins would probably have been gone without that championship) and his career was marred by a horriffic biological circumstance that eventually ended his career.
On Saturday in a convo with my mom she got on my ass about eating better. I mean, I have been working out since Nov and my weight loss has been hindered by my eating habits. Still, my moms didn't have to call me out. But she's right... we do have diabetes in our family and even if we didn't.. we're black... and diabetes is in our culture as well.
But in Puckett I find myself finally getting it. Kirby was a good man who enjoyed life to the fullest. Even when glaucoma took him out the game he was never gone. He wasn't a sulker and wasn't lost without the influence of baseball. He had health issues.. heart, eyes, and more than anything his weight. Often times old teammates would see him and express their concern. His glowing personality would assure them that he was okay.
Kirby's weight killed him, just like Luther before him and many many of our loved relatives who cannot control their eating nor get in the exercise they need. Today I have decided to not let it kill me. I don't have the discipline I want yet but I'm getting there. Not that I'm fat or close to obese I just want to set the groundwork so that I can keep in shape into my 30s and beyond.
I really liked him as a baseball ambassador considering I never even played/ watched/ liked baseball that much I was in awe of his Magic Johnson-esque personality even if I only watched for so long. In fact, his career mirrored Magic's in a few ways he helped re-establish a team (The Twins would probably have been gone without that championship) and his career was marred by a horriffic biological circumstance that eventually ended his career.
On Saturday in a convo with my mom she got on my ass about eating better. I mean, I have been working out since Nov and my weight loss has been hindered by my eating habits. Still, my moms didn't have to call me out. But she's right... we do have diabetes in our family and even if we didn't.. we're black... and diabetes is in our culture as well.
But in Puckett I find myself finally getting it. Kirby was a good man who enjoyed life to the fullest. Even when glaucoma took him out the game he was never gone. He wasn't a sulker and wasn't lost without the influence of baseball. He had health issues.. heart, eyes, and more than anything his weight. Often times old teammates would see him and express their concern. His glowing personality would assure them that he was okay.
Kirby's weight killed him, just like Luther before him and many many of our loved relatives who cannot control their eating nor get in the exercise they need. Today I have decided to not let it kill me. I don't have the discipline I want yet but I'm getting there. Not that I'm fat or close to obese I just want to set the groundwork so that I can keep in shape into my 30s and beyond.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Down With The Swirl
If you haven't heard by now (and if you are like me you miss large events in current pop culture) the WB and UPN have decided to take the plunge and go half on a baby. Their new network, the CW, will be born from the WB and CBS owned UPN. Interestingly, in an odd twist this new station will be mostly controlled by the staff from the lesser regarded and more ethnic UPN.
The CW ambitiously plans to air 30 hours of programming each week, including two hours of prime-time fare every weeknight with three on Sundays, afternoon blocks, and five-hours of pure Saturday morning cartoon goodness.
I swear, it was just 10 years ago that those crazy kids came into our homes for the first time... yet... it seems just like yesterday.
What is interesting about this is each has very distinctly different cultural identities. UPN makes really bad sitcoms for African Americans and the WB makes predominantly really bad dramas for young whites or sellout blacks (KIDDING!!!!!). Between them they have had some winners though: Tyra Banks' America's Top Model, Girlfriends, Veronica Mars, Everybody Hates Chris, Gilmore Girls, etc. (I never said any were good... and don't start with the finer points of Gilmore Girls). But all of the aforementioned shows will be brought back to this newborn channel for next season so your fanboys and girls can change .
(Sorry fans of Everwood, One Tree Hill, and uh.. whatever other shows UPN had between reruns of Fear Factor)
The offspring of this unholy matrimony could be either very good or very bad. On one side currently they have one of the hottest line ups for young viewers. The kind of young and not yet brand loyal viewers advertisers drool over. On the other side (conservatively) 95% of these shows suck. Then again, quite frankly, compared to much of the rest of popular TV, these shows are the entertainment equivalent of gummi bears... cheap, fun, light, not to be taken serious (or mass consumed) romps. (Except for Tyra... who, with her motley crew of debatable talented cronies, seem to take modeling a smidge too seriously) This instantly makes many of them better than most of the shows of dubious quality on the big four networks. (And, yes, I'm looking at you, Desperate Stankin' Housewives.)
In cherry picking the quality shows, a ratings bonanza is created where underrated shows like "Everyone Hates Chris" can be properly promoted and grown. Many of these shows that have succeeded on each of these channels have also suffered from many of the mainstream viewers not giving the shows a proper chance due to network prejudice. Not a racial thing more of a crappy network thing, people ignore those stations altogether. I mean, I don't know WHEN was the last time I watched the WB.
Ultimately, the potential to use this ad revenue creating monster may mean more hipper younger and fun shows skewered towards minorities and women. This is a good thing. Most of which will be as memorable as Bean Baxter in the early Fox years... That is a bad thing. Still, I'm sure there'll be one I will enjoy sufficiently. The potential is truly great for a union such as this one. Just one warning: GOD help them if they have a My Name Is Chris / Gilmore Girls crossover. GOD HELP THEM ALL!!!!!
The CW ambitiously plans to air 30 hours of programming each week, including two hours of prime-time fare every weeknight with three on Sundays, afternoon blocks, and five-hours of pure Saturday morning cartoon goodness.
I swear, it was just 10 years ago that those crazy kids came into our homes for the first time... yet... it seems just like yesterday.
What is interesting about this is each has very distinctly different cultural identities. UPN makes really bad sitcoms for African Americans and the WB makes predominantly really bad dramas for young whites or sellout blacks (KIDDING!!!!!). Between them they have had some winners though: Tyra Banks' America's Top Model, Girlfriends, Veronica Mars, Everybody Hates Chris, Gilmore Girls, etc. (I never said any were good... and don't start with the finer points of Gilmore Girls). But all of the aforementioned shows will be brought back to this newborn channel for next season so your fanboys and girls can change .
(Sorry fans of Everwood, One Tree Hill, and uh.. whatever other shows UPN had between reruns of Fear Factor)
The offspring of this unholy matrimony could be either very good or very bad. On one side currently they have one of the hottest line ups for young viewers. The kind of young and not yet brand loyal viewers advertisers drool over. On the other side (conservatively) 95% of these shows suck. Then again, quite frankly, compared to much of the rest of popular TV, these shows are the entertainment equivalent of gummi bears... cheap, fun, light, not to be taken serious (or mass consumed) romps. (Except for Tyra... who, with her motley crew of debatable talented cronies, seem to take modeling a smidge too seriously) This instantly makes many of them better than most of the shows of dubious quality on the big four networks. (And, yes, I'm looking at you, Desperate Stankin' Housewives.)
In cherry picking the quality shows, a ratings bonanza is created where underrated shows like "Everyone Hates Chris" can be properly promoted and grown. Many of these shows that have succeeded on each of these channels have also suffered from many of the mainstream viewers not giving the shows a proper chance due to network prejudice. Not a racial thing more of a crappy network thing, people ignore those stations altogether. I mean, I don't know WHEN was the last time I watched the WB.
Ultimately, the potential to use this ad revenue creating monster may mean more hipper younger and fun shows skewered towards minorities and women. This is a good thing. Most of which will be as memorable as Bean Baxter in the early Fox years... That is a bad thing. Still, I'm sure there'll be one I will enjoy sufficiently. The potential is truly great for a union such as this one. Just one warning: GOD help them if they have a My Name Is Chris / Gilmore Girls crossover. GOD HELP THEM ALL!!!!!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Walking In the Shadow of Death
He's paid what he's owed. He's square with the house again... - The Green Mile
As of right now, Tookie Williams is set to die in, say, 9 hrs.
To which I regretfully say... "eh... oh well."
You see, my concern is not so much about his dying is it is about the fact that people are pushing for him to live.
A few years back, some may remember that a nice white lady killer was born again in the big house church and became a leader of faith for those in that jail. Because of her repentance and new found faith there was a pro-life push by the faith coalition (aka: the Christian right). Well.. it didn't work and in the end she was able to get closer to Jesus by being killed by the state.. much like he was.
Her killing and Tookie's impending death bring a lot of questions to the table about the death penalty, it's usage, and the government condoning killing.
You see, folks, I am a sorta lenient pro-lifer. I don't personally like abortion and I hate the death penalty. However, as a guy I will never need an abortion because it appears we don't get pregnant and I am hopeful I will never have the position of having the power to kill someone. That said... if people die (which people tend to do for various reasons) then I will not protest. It is life and life is one part luck and another part choices. I also will not push my beliefs onto anyone else.
I do think that the government should only kill people when they have mastermind the killing of mass people. Hitler should die. Saddam should die. Pol Pot should be killed.. and all of these people should have their deaths televised. I think we ought to respect death by not killing people like Tookie and truly save it for the criminals who have promoted genocide or killing on level that cannot be adequately punished by life in prison.
Tookie made some bad choices. He killed people. He didn't HAVE to kill people. If he had wanted to kill people the government would have paid for him to kill all kinds of people overseas and yet he killed innocent regular people here in the great state of California for God knows what reason. Cali has been a death state for a while... and uh... you see where he is now.
Now, the man is moving through lawyers, press and celebrity to stay here on God's green earth. The very same earth he denied for others years ago. They say he's changed, he's regretful and has moved for peace. He wrote books. Wrote speeches. Guest appearance on "Hang Time". Nobel Prize finalist. Yet we cannot ignore the voices of the victims... the families of the people he killed. They are ready for him to die. Not saying either side is right.. but we have to examine that side too.
As he tries to save himself, though, I cannot help but thinking that he may be acting as selfish as he was when he killed those people. It is impossible to think that his recent positive actions are not directly born from the fact that not only did he do something wrong and is being forced to pay the piper... but that he is sensing the end is neigh and would like to do the right thing before he died (or maybe to postpone that death). In that, the most responsible thing he can do IS die... with honor and with a voice of regret and with a message of where he has been and where he is now. When he passes his legacy will not be one who skirted death by changing his life but one that died with dignity by acknowledging a past of wrongdoing and aiding in ensuring that his life and subsequent death would as serve as an example of how important the decisions we make EVERY day are and how precious life is.
As I finish this, Tookie has approximately 8 hours to live. Gov. Schwarzenegger has just denied him the chance to live. I pray Stanley "Tookie" Williams looks into himself and to his faith for strength. If our lives are defined by actions, we cannot forget that even in death redemption is possible if we choose to die in the same manner we live... with dignity and with purpose.
As of right now, Tookie Williams is set to die in, say, 9 hrs.
To which I regretfully say... "eh... oh well."
You see, my concern is not so much about his dying is it is about the fact that people are pushing for him to live.
A few years back, some may remember that a nice white lady killer was born again in the big house church and became a leader of faith for those in that jail. Because of her repentance and new found faith there was a pro-life push by the faith coalition (aka: the Christian right). Well.. it didn't work and in the end she was able to get closer to Jesus by being killed by the state.. much like he was.
Her killing and Tookie's impending death bring a lot of questions to the table about the death penalty, it's usage, and the government condoning killing.
You see, folks, I am a sorta lenient pro-lifer. I don't personally like abortion and I hate the death penalty. However, as a guy I will never need an abortion because it appears we don't get pregnant and I am hopeful I will never have the position of having the power to kill someone. That said... if people die (which people tend to do for various reasons) then I will not protest. It is life and life is one part luck and another part choices. I also will not push my beliefs onto anyone else.
I do think that the government should only kill people when they have mastermind the killing of mass people. Hitler should die. Saddam should die. Pol Pot should be killed.. and all of these people should have their deaths televised. I think we ought to respect death by not killing people like Tookie and truly save it for the criminals who have promoted genocide or killing on level that cannot be adequately punished by life in prison.
Tookie made some bad choices. He killed people. He didn't HAVE to kill people. If he had wanted to kill people the government would have paid for him to kill all kinds of people overseas and yet he killed innocent regular people here in the great state of California for God knows what reason. Cali has been a death state for a while... and uh... you see where he is now.
Now, the man is moving through lawyers, press and celebrity to stay here on God's green earth. The very same earth he denied for others years ago. They say he's changed, he's regretful and has moved for peace. He wrote books. Wrote speeches. Guest appearance on "Hang Time". Nobel Prize finalist. Yet we cannot ignore the voices of the victims... the families of the people he killed. They are ready for him to die. Not saying either side is right.. but we have to examine that side too.
As he tries to save himself, though, I cannot help but thinking that he may be acting as selfish as he was when he killed those people. It is impossible to think that his recent positive actions are not directly born from the fact that not only did he do something wrong and is being forced to pay the piper... but that he is sensing the end is neigh and would like to do the right thing before he died (or maybe to postpone that death). In that, the most responsible thing he can do IS die... with honor and with a voice of regret and with a message of where he has been and where he is now. When he passes his legacy will not be one who skirted death by changing his life but one that died with dignity by acknowledging a past of wrongdoing and aiding in ensuring that his life and subsequent death would as serve as an example of how important the decisions we make EVERY day are and how precious life is.
As I finish this, Tookie has approximately 8 hours to live. Gov. Schwarzenegger has just denied him the chance to live. I pray Stanley "Tookie" Williams looks into himself and to his faith for strength. If our lives are defined by actions, we cannot forget that even in death redemption is possible if we choose to die in the same manner we live... with dignity and with purpose.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Babysitter Tales: Gettin Grown
The best years of my life.
Well... just so YOU know... I have been hearing about these years since I was a kid. Adults told me they were my adolescent years when I was.. uh, an adolescent. My peers told me they were the best in High School and College. Your kid years are fun but actually SUCK compared to the joys you have when you get older.
No doubt my child years were fun... but it seems like to me that almost every year has been the best and the hardest of my life.
I have had some hard years, peeps. Losing loved ones physically and mentally has probably been the toughest hurdle in my relatively short life (although I am older than the "average black male death age".. Although I always thought that was a rumor... but I digress). It's funny.. everyone tells you about the good things about growing up but no one tells you about the strength you need to deal with the death and responsibility. As for me, I have been through some personal trying times that have bent my sense of self, radically changed my worldview, and reinforced my resolve to succeed.
I have trudged on through life... knowing always that better days were ahead and that I, being young and optimistic, could do anything.
This is why it is especially hard these days.
It's a lie.
The other day I realized all parents lie.
I cannot do ANYTHING I want anymore.
It was a Earth shattering when I realized... I can't play point guard for the Clippers.
Nnt now.. and by the time I could.. I still couldn't. I'd be too old. ME! TOO OLD!!!
This realization has hit me hard.
Yes, I know what you are saying. Okay, perhaps I don't. But I would guess you would be saying.. why would you want to play for the Clips? To which I would respond, "Don't be a dick. The Clips are kick ass these days! Get with the program. The important question is 'Why wouldn't I want to play with them?!"
You see, even good parents lie! It's true! They tell you things like work hard... which is good. They tell you there is no bogeyman... which may or may not be true. And most of all, they fill your head with such sugary tales about your ability to be or do anything.
Now... some people can't do anything by default *looks around room*. They, ahem ahem, just don't have, um.. the ability. But others... such as yourselves... DO. You can do anything. But, you have to do it soon. If you don't do it by 24 chalk it up as a loss. Unless you mean get rich. Then you usually have to wait till 30 to chalk it up. At least you better be on the path. Or it's working overtime in the coal mine for you! The COAL mine!
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd.. I think I see a monster in the closet. *hits light*
G'night!
Well... just so YOU know... I have been hearing about these years since I was a kid. Adults told me they were my adolescent years when I was.. uh, an adolescent. My peers told me they were the best in High School and College. Your kid years are fun but actually SUCK compared to the joys you have when you get older.
No doubt my child years were fun... but it seems like to me that almost every year has been the best and the hardest of my life.
I have had some hard years, peeps. Losing loved ones physically and mentally has probably been the toughest hurdle in my relatively short life (although I am older than the "average black male death age".. Although I always thought that was a rumor... but I digress). It's funny.. everyone tells you about the good things about growing up but no one tells you about the strength you need to deal with the death and responsibility. As for me, I have been through some personal trying times that have bent my sense of self, radically changed my worldview, and reinforced my resolve to succeed.
I have trudged on through life... knowing always that better days were ahead and that I, being young and optimistic, could do anything.
This is why it is especially hard these days.
It's a lie.
The other day I realized all parents lie.
I cannot do ANYTHING I want anymore.
It was a Earth shattering when I realized... I can't play point guard for the Clippers.
Nnt now.. and by the time I could.. I still couldn't. I'd be too old. ME! TOO OLD!!!
This realization has hit me hard.
Yes, I know what you are saying. Okay, perhaps I don't. But I would guess you would be saying.. why would you want to play for the Clips? To which I would respond, "Don't be a dick. The Clips are kick ass these days! Get with the program. The important question is 'Why wouldn't I want to play with them?!"
You see, even good parents lie! It's true! They tell you things like work hard... which is good. They tell you there is no bogeyman... which may or may not be true. And most of all, they fill your head with such sugary tales about your ability to be or do anything.
Now... some people can't do anything by default *looks around room*. They, ahem ahem, just don't have, um.. the ability. But others... such as yourselves... DO. You can do anything. But, you have to do it soon. If you don't do it by 24 chalk it up as a loss. Unless you mean get rich. Then you usually have to wait till 30 to chalk it up. At least you better be on the path. Or it's working overtime in the coal mine for you! The COAL mine!
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnd.. I think I see a monster in the closet. *hits light*
G'night!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Appropriately Inappropriate
We have all had inappropriate moments.
Someone says a unfair generalization despite being ignorant of others around. The "joke" or comment is made and despite some laughter a fog of unease remains. Perhaps the "other" person heard. Perhaps someone is sensitive to such generalizations despite the "other" person's involvement...
But what makes a moment inappropriate? Is it the message or the listener?
For instance, is it inappropriate to watch Chappelle's show around a baby? They don't know what's going on TV and most of the ideas contained within will never register in their brain... but still, should such a infant be exposed to a show that lampoons negative images at all until they can totally discern humor and satire from objective opinion?
Can I make a joke about Rosa Parks? 9/11? The War on Terror? Muhammad Ali?
Can I even talk about negative aspects of painful experiences while they still hurt people who are close?
When does the healing process take precedence over social interaction?
Is humor's curing principles enough to cut past the pain (ie - Three Kings or Hogan's Heroes) or does a serious reverence for the hurting make more sense (Jarhead or Black Hawk Down)?
Can it be both? None?
Recently, I was forced to watch a movie with a friend. A friend I once dated but never perused further. The movie was a good one and hit the topics of people choosing how and who they love. The motives behind were exposed and how it effects people were displayed. It's a really fresh and honestly good movie. (No, I'm not gonna tell which one.)
Still, I felt like the movie provided a situation that was almost... innapropriate. It was inappropriate for her and I to share that experience. Because it dealt with a situation where I couldn't be involved with her because of my own issues despite some physical interaction and then I ended up putting her in the friend zone. Despite one brief talk about it, there has always been this unresolved feeling left to our relationship. Despite this, we are remarkably good friends and we hang all the time without a need to "talk".
Still, at the end of the movie because of the subject matter, I was uncomfortable. It had cut right to the bone. It had exposed me for not only the person I am (good and bad) but probably how I had been slightly more inconsiderate of her feelings than I should have. She has been sensitive to our situation and has tried to discuss it a couple times. She wants a resolution but such a thing to most people is simply the conclusion that makes us feel best. If my suspicions are correct... her resolve most likely, will never come. During the movie I waited for signs of her getting mad or uncomfortable, except for the fact that she never did... she didn't have a clue.
As we talked about the merits of the movie, I wondered if she would evernotice the blatant truth within it. If she would connect the irony of us watching the movie together. I wondered if this would lead to a bigger discussion about how we are. Maybe it would lead to us being even better friends... or maybe some of the inconsistencies in the movie would lead us to making sweeping negative conclusions about each other.
All this lead me to wonder: Is it me making this situation bad? Is it inappropriate to take certain friends to an experiences like this? Were we not ready for this movie or was this movie just what we needed?
Someone says a unfair generalization despite being ignorant of others around. The "joke" or comment is made and despite some laughter a fog of unease remains. Perhaps the "other" person heard. Perhaps someone is sensitive to such generalizations despite the "other" person's involvement...
But what makes a moment inappropriate? Is it the message or the listener?
For instance, is it inappropriate to watch Chappelle's show around a baby? They don't know what's going on TV and most of the ideas contained within will never register in their brain... but still, should such a infant be exposed to a show that lampoons negative images at all until they can totally discern humor and satire from objective opinion?
Can I make a joke about Rosa Parks? 9/11? The War on Terror? Muhammad Ali?
Can I even talk about negative aspects of painful experiences while they still hurt people who are close?
When does the healing process take precedence over social interaction?
Is humor's curing principles enough to cut past the pain (ie - Three Kings or Hogan's Heroes) or does a serious reverence for the hurting make more sense (Jarhead or Black Hawk Down)?
Can it be both? None?
Recently, I was forced to watch a movie with a friend. A friend I once dated but never perused further. The movie was a good one and hit the topics of people choosing how and who they love. The motives behind were exposed and how it effects people were displayed. It's a really fresh and honestly good movie. (No, I'm not gonna tell which one.)
Still, I felt like the movie provided a situation that was almost... innapropriate. It was inappropriate for her and I to share that experience. Because it dealt with a situation where I couldn't be involved with her because of my own issues despite some physical interaction and then I ended up putting her in the friend zone. Despite one brief talk about it, there has always been this unresolved feeling left to our relationship. Despite this, we are remarkably good friends and we hang all the time without a need to "talk".
Still, at the end of the movie because of the subject matter, I was uncomfortable. It had cut right to the bone. It had exposed me for not only the person I am (good and bad) but probably how I had been slightly more inconsiderate of her feelings than I should have. She has been sensitive to our situation and has tried to discuss it a couple times. She wants a resolution but such a thing to most people is simply the conclusion that makes us feel best. If my suspicions are correct... her resolve most likely, will never come. During the movie I waited for signs of her getting mad or uncomfortable, except for the fact that she never did... she didn't have a clue.
As we talked about the merits of the movie, I wondered if she would evernotice the blatant truth within it. If she would connect the irony of us watching the movie together. I wondered if this would lead to a bigger discussion about how we are. Maybe it would lead to us being even better friends... or maybe some of the inconsistencies in the movie would lead us to making sweeping negative conclusions about each other.
All this lead me to wonder: Is it me making this situation bad? Is it inappropriate to take certain friends to an experiences like this? Were we not ready for this movie or was this movie just what we needed?
Friday, October 28, 2005
Planet Home
I love living in a pedestrian metropolis. Let me rephrase, I love living in a city where people use mass transit.
I grew up in LA and if you have seen Crash, it's true, people are always driving and spend a great deal of time in their car. They also spend a lot of time talking about the biz and living the oh so glam LA life... but that's a different post.
Living in DC, the Bizarro LA, is amazing because it's such a bustling lively place.. in such a small area... kind of like a mini NYC in many ways. Everything is at your fingertips. You can eat at amazing innovative restaurants. You'll meet interesting diverse international people. You'll experience museum exhibits of all kinds of cultural jewels that can transport you anywhere... from examining exotic flora in lush locations around to the world all the way into the mind of the homeless and hopeless of skid row. You have it all.
Which is why I never understood the allure of suburban life.
True enough, here in DC there are not many attached car garages for even the larger homes (which sucks) and some people raise families in houses without lawns or a decent backyard (which is lunacy for me. Or even worse... condos! Condo + Kids = Yikes.) But I grew up in the suburb city of LA (and went to school in the ATL) and I refuse to live as a boring burbite. Even in DC you can stay in the city and get the space you need. Yes you pay more... but isn't that what people work hard for... quality of life?
Life in burbs is a serene one, no doubt.. but but it is also very nutralist, ie bland. And now that affordability of such a lifestyle is now catching up with city life it starts to even less reflect the Walmart-ish lifestyle that it once presented. The gas prices are soaring so that hour and a half in traffic that brought you from your sleep at 5 so you could make it to work at 9 now works against you. Heating that giant behemoth of a suburban dream house for your family has shot up almost 100% in the last 4 years. The fact that when friends come into town.. NO ONE wants to see how life is out in Bethesda.. (45 mins out) or Germantown (hour and a half out). People want to see DC and the liveliness of city. There are spots in the city that are just as safe as the burbs. And quite frankly, after eating at a small restaurant opened by a Thai immigrant who has brought the culture and poured the love for his homeland into a bowl of opportunity and lemongrass soup is amazing your local Applebees will never tastes the same (and often it'll be cheaper too!). It will sustain you but not fill you. Sorry, William J. Friday.
The greatest part about this life is that you are reminded of the greatness of the city daily. And each day as I leave my craaaaaaaamped apt here in the District, I slide in iPoddy Pablo's earbuds and pump up the volume high enough to pretend to ignore the pleas of the panhandlers and low enough so I can make sure I'll hear anyone sneak up on me and jack Pablo. Fumbling out of my apartment building, into the the cool sunrise and towards the Metro, I revel in the fact that my city is a beautiful exciting living entity, constantly growing... contantly changing. Indeed, it isn't New York or even LA but what it is is essentially a simple extension of my very typically Districtesque apartment... cozy, crazy, but home.
I grew up in LA and if you have seen Crash, it's true, people are always driving and spend a great deal of time in their car. They also spend a lot of time talking about the biz and living the oh so glam LA life... but that's a different post.
Living in DC, the Bizarro LA, is amazing because it's such a bustling lively place.. in such a small area... kind of like a mini NYC in many ways. Everything is at your fingertips. You can eat at amazing innovative restaurants. You'll meet interesting diverse international people. You'll experience museum exhibits of all kinds of cultural jewels that can transport you anywhere... from examining exotic flora in lush locations around to the world all the way into the mind of the homeless and hopeless of skid row. You have it all.
Which is why I never understood the allure of suburban life.
True enough, here in DC there are not many attached car garages for even the larger homes (which sucks) and some people raise families in houses without lawns or a decent backyard (which is lunacy for me. Or even worse... condos! Condo + Kids = Yikes.) But I grew up in the suburb city of LA (and went to school in the ATL) and I refuse to live as a boring burbite. Even in DC you can stay in the city and get the space you need. Yes you pay more... but isn't that what people work hard for... quality of life?
Life in burbs is a serene one, no doubt.. but but it is also very nutralist, ie bland. And now that affordability of such a lifestyle is now catching up with city life it starts to even less reflect the Walmart-ish lifestyle that it once presented. The gas prices are soaring so that hour and a half in traffic that brought you from your sleep at 5 so you could make it to work at 9 now works against you. Heating that giant behemoth of a suburban dream house for your family has shot up almost 100% in the last 4 years. The fact that when friends come into town.. NO ONE wants to see how life is out in Bethesda.. (45 mins out) or Germantown (hour and a half out). People want to see DC and the liveliness of city. There are spots in the city that are just as safe as the burbs. And quite frankly, after eating at a small restaurant opened by a Thai immigrant who has brought the culture and poured the love for his homeland into a bowl of opportunity and lemongrass soup is amazing your local Applebees will never tastes the same (and often it'll be cheaper too!). It will sustain you but not fill you. Sorry, William J. Friday.
The greatest part about this life is that you are reminded of the greatness of the city daily. And each day as I leave my craaaaaaaamped apt here in the District, I slide in iPoddy Pablo's earbuds and pump up the volume high enough to pretend to ignore the pleas of the panhandlers and low enough so I can make sure I'll hear anyone sneak up on me and jack Pablo. Fumbling out of my apartment building, into the the cool sunrise and towards the Metro, I revel in the fact that my city is a beautiful exciting living entity, constantly growing... contantly changing. Indeed, it isn't New York or even LA but what it is is essentially a simple extension of my very typically Districtesque apartment... cozy, crazy, but home.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Hope Springs Eternal...
I realize I need to keep my posts short. I am not cut out for the social blogging like my other friends... so from here on out.. I am working to avoid burnout by blogging in a morestaccato style. If a post takes me more than 30 mins... I'm trashing it.
The Powerball jackpot is 340 million bucks. I hate the fact that people lose their ever loving minds when these jackpots come out. Still, I understand.
Right now, ALL of the numbers available have been taken. ALL OF THE FREAKIN numbers. That's totally insane. Still, you may play the random draw if you wish to play. I think that says something about the state of the Union. In the few states that play the Powerball (thankfully the District of Columbia also participates) the people are so desperate for a lucky winfall of money, despite the odds, that they have played ALL the freakin numbers. The people of this country are not in good shape.. yet as Americans often are... we are brimming with hope.
So tonight, after the gym.. there I'll be. Playing right along wth them. Like Rose Royce, I'll be wishing on a star and investing in my dreams. I'll maintaining the optimistic ideas that grand luck will shine brightly upon me. I understand there are people who need it much more than I. Still, I think I am worthy for insta-wealth due to my giving nature and interest in improving the human condition.
My hope and faith in luck and myself is eternal, so like always I play the odds. Knowing that my loss at least helps the District and at most will ensure personal wealth (and those of my loved ones) and a greater social ambition... I'll play tonight.
Of course, if I win.. no one will ever know.
Even though I'll post it right here. lol
The Powerball jackpot is 340 million bucks. I hate the fact that people lose their ever loving minds when these jackpots come out. Still, I understand.
Right now, ALL of the numbers available have been taken. ALL OF THE FREAKIN numbers. That's totally insane. Still, you may play the random draw if you wish to play. I think that says something about the state of the Union. In the few states that play the Powerball (thankfully the District of Columbia also participates) the people are so desperate for a lucky winfall of money, despite the odds, that they have played ALL the freakin numbers. The people of this country are not in good shape.. yet as Americans often are... we are brimming with hope.
So tonight, after the gym.. there I'll be. Playing right along wth them. Like Rose Royce, I'll be wishing on a star and investing in my dreams. I'll maintaining the optimistic ideas that grand luck will shine brightly upon me. I understand there are people who need it much more than I. Still, I think I am worthy for insta-wealth due to my giving nature and interest in improving the human condition.
My hope and faith in luck and myself is eternal, so like always I play the odds. Knowing that my loss at least helps the District and at most will ensure personal wealth (and those of my loved ones) and a greater social ambition... I'll play tonight.
Of course, if I win.. no one will ever know.
Even though I'll post it right here. lol
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