I watched One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest yesterday for the first time. For years, my mother has been telling me I would love it, and I certainly did. Jack Nicholson was spot on as R.P. McMurphy. He did a fantastic job flirting with that line between sanity and not, just as Ken Kesey intended with his novel. I read the book last summer, and (just because this is such a classic cliche) the book was way better.
Obviously this is one of the most common and annoying phrases, and everybody says it. However, there are two primary reasons everybody says this after they see a movie that is based on one of their favorite books. The first of these is that books allow your imagination to do what it is designed for. The way I imagined Chief as I was reading Kesey's classic was not quite the way that Milos Forman imagined him in his film adaptation. Not that there is anything wrong with Chief's portrayal, but I like to let my brain create images and sceneries that are specific to me. This is a truly beautiful quality of books that movies simply cannot replicate.
The second big reason, for me at least, that books are usually better is because books do a much better job at really explaining some of the finer details of a plot. I like to use A Song of Ice and Fire as an example for this one. I started watching the HBO series A Game of Thrones prior to reading the books. Because of this, my imagination was not free to create the characters the way I saw fit, I imagined Ned Stark as Sean Bean in my head, Robert Baratheon as Mark Addy, etc. However, one aspect of the book that was far more useful than the show was the explanation behind the history of the 7 kingdoms. Martin goes into great detail about Robert and his rebellion, while the show does not do a great job fully explaining this. The same is true in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The relationship between Chief and McMurphy was a close, intimate bond in the book. Chief connected with McMurphy for a number of reasons, and this was why he killed him at the end, instead of letting R.P. live out his days as a vegetable. I didn't think the movie emphasized this relationship enough, which was a bit of a shame.
Obviously there are exceptions to this rule. For example, I love the Fight Club book. Chuck Palahniuk is a phenomenal author. However, the movie Fight Club spoke to the adolescent teenage boy I was like no movie ever had. It remains my favorite movie ever, and although the book is great, it does not quite compete.
But there is a reason literature is a timeless art. Although the nature of books is evolving, I don't think it will ever be replaced as Ray Bradbury predicts. I believe that inherently, humans yearn to be creative. Books allow us to do that. While a story is being told to us, it is up to the reader to create the imagery and visualize the action. That is something that a movie will never be able to recreate.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
My Thoughts on the 2013 Boston Red Sox
In 2011, when the Red Sox collapsed during the month of September, I remember walking into my bedroom at school and crying. I watched my favorite team let the division and then the wild card slip out of their grasps on the last day of the season and I literally cried. The next year, I sat idly by and watched my beloved Sox suffer their worst season in decades.
However, this season felt different, from the very beginning. I remember watching games on NESN in early April and all of the commercials for the team were basically aimed at gaining the trust of the fans back. After the debacle that we had gone through over the last two years, this team was concerned with marketing themselves in a light that regained the respect of us fans.
They've done it. This memorable season is in the books and I have wanted to write this blog since early August. I've never dedicated as much time, energy, or passion towards a sports team before. From the very beginning, I was watching almost every game. The opening night win over the Yanks, Nava's three run homer in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombings, and Bucholz's (sp?) incredible start. I've never invested this much time into a Sox team, and maybe that's why tonight's win meant so much to me.
However, that's not the only reason. As I've mentioned in previous posts, this was my last summer at home. This was the last summer that my dad and I had the opportunity to sit together, night after night, and watch the Sox do their thing. And that's exactly what we did. With the exception of 7:30-8 every night (so my mom could watch Jeopardy) we watched pretty much every game. Every dramatic win, every heartbreaking loss, we watched it together. Since I've been back at school, we haven't eased up, and we will text each other probably close to 20-30 times during the course of every game. This year's team was not only incredible for what they accomplished, but sharing the excitement and joy with my dad was something that we both will always cherish.
Every part of this team completely erased the disgrace of 2012. Jonny Gomes's lively attitude. Jacoby's baserunning. Nava's dedicated approach. Papi's speech. Pedroia's leadership. Lackey's comeback. Lester's second half. Everything was amazing. Was I upset when they traded Iglesias? Of course, kid was a stud. Was it worth it? You can answer that for yourself....
After that first game of the season, I made the prediction that the Sox were going 162-0. Obviously that was a joke, and an incorrect prediction. There's no doubt in my mind that what the Sox did this year was incredible and I will never forget it.
I just want to sign off by thanking the Red Sox. You accomplished your goal: you've gained the trust and appreciation of the fans. You were amazing to watch, and I will never forget this season.
#fearthepineapple
#BostonStrong
However, this season felt different, from the very beginning. I remember watching games on NESN in early April and all of the commercials for the team were basically aimed at gaining the trust of the fans back. After the debacle that we had gone through over the last two years, this team was concerned with marketing themselves in a light that regained the respect of us fans.
They've done it. This memorable season is in the books and I have wanted to write this blog since early August. I've never dedicated as much time, energy, or passion towards a sports team before. From the very beginning, I was watching almost every game. The opening night win over the Yanks, Nava's three run homer in the wake of the Boston Marathon Bombings, and Bucholz's (sp?) incredible start. I've never invested this much time into a Sox team, and maybe that's why tonight's win meant so much to me.
However, that's not the only reason. As I've mentioned in previous posts, this was my last summer at home. This was the last summer that my dad and I had the opportunity to sit together, night after night, and watch the Sox do their thing. And that's exactly what we did. With the exception of 7:30-8 every night (so my mom could watch Jeopardy) we watched pretty much every game. Every dramatic win, every heartbreaking loss, we watched it together. Since I've been back at school, we haven't eased up, and we will text each other probably close to 20-30 times during the course of every game. This year's team was not only incredible for what they accomplished, but sharing the excitement and joy with my dad was something that we both will always cherish.
Every part of this team completely erased the disgrace of 2012. Jonny Gomes's lively attitude. Jacoby's baserunning. Nava's dedicated approach. Papi's speech. Pedroia's leadership. Lackey's comeback. Lester's second half. Everything was amazing. Was I upset when they traded Iglesias? Of course, kid was a stud. Was it worth it? You can answer that for yourself....
After that first game of the season, I made the prediction that the Sox were going 162-0. Obviously that was a joke, and an incorrect prediction. There's no doubt in my mind that what the Sox did this year was incredible and I will never forget it.
I just want to sign off by thanking the Red Sox. You accomplished your goal: you've gained the trust and appreciation of the fans. You were amazing to watch, and I will never forget this season.
#fearthepineapple
#BostonStrong
Friday, August 16, 2013
My Thoughts on Alex Rodriguez
Dear Alex,
What happened? I remember being an 8 year old kid, passionate about the sport that you had become famous for, and I loved watching you play. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Sox fan, so Nomar was obviously the preferred shortstop, but you were elegant. You were artistic. You played the game beautifully and it was amazing to watch. You were younger than I am now when you came into the league. Just a kid. Just like that 8 year old kid I once was. I guess a part of me still wishes I was that naive 8 year old....
You did what everyone does: when your contract expired, you ran for the money. I didn't blame you for that. You were still possibly the most amazing ballplayer I had ever watched. You were playing for that crappy team in Texas, so I didn't care. And you went there for SO much money.. What was it, like 252 million? I'm 21 years old and I'm freaking out about finding a big boy job next year, meanwhile you've been a millionaire since you were my age. But it wasn't enough. I guess that one sentence pretty much sums it all up, nothing was ever enough.
And then Texas wasn't cutting it so you split. Went to New York. At first, I was so pissed because the Sox had been in the discussion of acquiring you and it fell through. Now you were the enemy. You were the scumbag who put on pinstripes. I no longer admired you, I thought you had become selfish. You were starting to lose touch with baseball, and with the beauty that you once played it with.
And then you admitted to my worst fear as a fan: using steroids. I know many people don't mind steroids, they think it adds an element to the game and raises the bar. My problem is that it takes away from the purity of the sport. I wouldn't be able to make comparisons to Jimmie Foxx or Ted Williams knowing the modern player had an unfair advantage. How would DiMaggio feel if somebody got a hit in 57 games because they took a pill that helped them. How did Aaron feel in 2007?
And now this Biogenesis scandal. This is the icing on the cake. You have become possibly the least likable person in baseball history. To me, you are worse than Pete Rose. Worse than Roger Clemens. Worse than the 1919 Black Sox.
I just read today that there are now allegations that you, or a member of your entourage, ratted out the rest of the guys from Biogenesis. Alex, all I want to hear is the truth. For me that has been the worst part. You've fought every allegation and denied every accusation. Everyone knows that it's true. Nobody doubts that you've cheated the game that gave you so much. There is literally one thing you can do that will ever redeem you in the eyes of the people:
And that is to be honest.
You will never be that same 20 year old kid on the diamond. Blowing bubble gum, hitting home runs, and goofing around with Junior. You will never be looked at as potentially the greatest hitter to ever play the game. I hope that 100 years from now, you still will not be in the hall of fame for how much disrespect you have shown the game. But if you were to admit to this. Admit to all of the atrocities you have committed, I could find in my heart to forgive you.
But I will never forget it.
What happened? I remember being an 8 year old kid, passionate about the sport that you had become famous for, and I loved watching you play. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Sox fan, so Nomar was obviously the preferred shortstop, but you were elegant. You were artistic. You played the game beautifully and it was amazing to watch. You were younger than I am now when you came into the league. Just a kid. Just like that 8 year old kid I once was. I guess a part of me still wishes I was that naive 8 year old....
You did what everyone does: when your contract expired, you ran for the money. I didn't blame you for that. You were still possibly the most amazing ballplayer I had ever watched. You were playing for that crappy team in Texas, so I didn't care. And you went there for SO much money.. What was it, like 252 million? I'm 21 years old and I'm freaking out about finding a big boy job next year, meanwhile you've been a millionaire since you were my age. But it wasn't enough. I guess that one sentence pretty much sums it all up, nothing was ever enough.
And then Texas wasn't cutting it so you split. Went to New York. At first, I was so pissed because the Sox had been in the discussion of acquiring you and it fell through. Now you were the enemy. You were the scumbag who put on pinstripes. I no longer admired you, I thought you had become selfish. You were starting to lose touch with baseball, and with the beauty that you once played it with.
And then you admitted to my worst fear as a fan: using steroids. I know many people don't mind steroids, they think it adds an element to the game and raises the bar. My problem is that it takes away from the purity of the sport. I wouldn't be able to make comparisons to Jimmie Foxx or Ted Williams knowing the modern player had an unfair advantage. How would DiMaggio feel if somebody got a hit in 57 games because they took a pill that helped them. How did Aaron feel in 2007?
And now this Biogenesis scandal. This is the icing on the cake. You have become possibly the least likable person in baseball history. To me, you are worse than Pete Rose. Worse than Roger Clemens. Worse than the 1919 Black Sox.
I just read today that there are now allegations that you, or a member of your entourage, ratted out the rest of the guys from Biogenesis. Alex, all I want to hear is the truth. For me that has been the worst part. You've fought every allegation and denied every accusation. Everyone knows that it's true. Nobody doubts that you've cheated the game that gave you so much. There is literally one thing you can do that will ever redeem you in the eyes of the people:
And that is to be honest.
You will never be that same 20 year old kid on the diamond. Blowing bubble gum, hitting home runs, and goofing around with Junior. You will never be looked at as potentially the greatest hitter to ever play the game. I hope that 100 years from now, you still will not be in the hall of fame for how much disrespect you have shown the game. But if you were to admit to this. Admit to all of the atrocities you have committed, I could find in my heart to forgive you.
But I will never forget it.
My Thoughts on Egypt
The comparison I made about the way the rest of the world is handling the crisis in Egypt is a pretty basic one: it's like if there was a fight at recess and the principal and all the teachers just stood around watching.
I definitely do not consider myself an expert on foreign policy. Or even a novice for that matter. I know nothing about political strategies, international relations, or how governments work. I have been following along this Egypt story for sometime now. I get it, the protesters weren't happy with Morsy so they booted him. Now his supporters aren't happy with a military government so they're in uproar. Again, these are issues that we kind of take for granted because we are living in a first world country, where we can't imagine this kind of thing happening. A civil war is on the cusp and everyone is ideally watching it. I just read this morning that some of the larger countries in the EU are going to hold a phone conference to discuss what future actions to take.
...So now it's like a school yard fight were the teachers and principal are all debating whether or not to get involved....
Again, I don't know much about this subject so I'm not going to rant for as long as I usually do. I think something needs to be done. I do not necessarily think the United States is solely responsible, but the UN needs to get together and figure out a course of action soon, or else we're going to be looking at extended chaos and turmoil.
I definitely do not consider myself an expert on foreign policy. Or even a novice for that matter. I know nothing about political strategies, international relations, or how governments work. I have been following along this Egypt story for sometime now. I get it, the protesters weren't happy with Morsy so they booted him. Now his supporters aren't happy with a military government so they're in uproar. Again, these are issues that we kind of take for granted because we are living in a first world country, where we can't imagine this kind of thing happening. A civil war is on the cusp and everyone is ideally watching it. I just read this morning that some of the larger countries in the EU are going to hold a phone conference to discuss what future actions to take.
...So now it's like a school yard fight were the teachers and principal are all debating whether or not to get involved....
Again, I don't know much about this subject so I'm not going to rant for as long as I usually do. I think something needs to be done. I do not necessarily think the United States is solely responsible, but the UN needs to get together and figure out a course of action soon, or else we're going to be looking at extended chaos and turmoil.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
My Thoughts on Immigration Reform
I've mentioned before that one of my best friends, Priscilla, moved to the United States with her family from Kenya when she was a toddler. While she speaks Dholuo (I have no clue how to spell that) and is very in touch with her Kenyan roots, she always has considered herself to be a member of this country. Her family is well educated, both her parents have great jobs, and she and both her older brothers have been successful. This family fought to obtain their citizenship for the longest time. It was not until her brother Paul chose to join the Navy that they were all actually granted citizenship.
Now, maybe it's just me, but that seems pretty selfish. To me, that's basically the United States saying, "We do not want these wonderful contributing members of society to be a part of this country... Unless it can benefit us directly". I understand that is how the world works. Very few people will do anything for someone else unless they can get something in return. Herein lies the problem with our immigration system in the US.
Republicans and Democrats in Washington are continuously bickering about how to go about fixing this flawed system. Republicans are calling from greater border control and Democrats want the path to citizenship to be loosened. My question is, why can't we have both?
On the one hand, I do think that it is far too easy for people to just sneak in and live normal lives here as illegal immigrants. We have a system of laws set up to prevent this, and for whatever reason, these laws are often neglected. There are far too many people taking advantage of the American way of life without paying their dues. It is not fair for those who work hard every day to make up for it.
However, the thing I don't understand is why we can't just grant them citizenship? I'm not saying anybody who wants to can become a citizen, but the process that we have now is far too difficult. I've seen some examples of the questions that they pose on the tests, and I can say with 100% certainty, if I had to take one of those, I would be deported instantaneously. Why can't we ease up on these tests? People clearly want to be here, that's why they immigrated here to begin with, why don't we reward them for their determination to assimilate to the US? Why did it take my friend's brother's willingness to risk his life for this country before we responded, "Okay, we guess you can stay".
All this being said, I do think that border control has to increase as well. I think both sides have great ideas, but why do they refuse to work together?
As I've said, I grew up in a very diverse town. Everybody I knew, whether they were Brazilian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, white, black, Asian, Jewish, Christian, or whatever, they identified with these ethnicities/religions/nationalities. However, every single one of them is proud and happy to live in the United States. Whether they were legal or not, they considered themselves American. So why can't we allow that to be the case?
Now, maybe it's just me, but that seems pretty selfish. To me, that's basically the United States saying, "We do not want these wonderful contributing members of society to be a part of this country... Unless it can benefit us directly". I understand that is how the world works. Very few people will do anything for someone else unless they can get something in return. Herein lies the problem with our immigration system in the US.
Republicans and Democrats in Washington are continuously bickering about how to go about fixing this flawed system. Republicans are calling from greater border control and Democrats want the path to citizenship to be loosened. My question is, why can't we have both?
On the one hand, I do think that it is far too easy for people to just sneak in and live normal lives here as illegal immigrants. We have a system of laws set up to prevent this, and for whatever reason, these laws are often neglected. There are far too many people taking advantage of the American way of life without paying their dues. It is not fair for those who work hard every day to make up for it.
However, the thing I don't understand is why we can't just grant them citizenship? I'm not saying anybody who wants to can become a citizen, but the process that we have now is far too difficult. I've seen some examples of the questions that they pose on the tests, and I can say with 100% certainty, if I had to take one of those, I would be deported instantaneously. Why can't we ease up on these tests? People clearly want to be here, that's why they immigrated here to begin with, why don't we reward them for their determination to assimilate to the US? Why did it take my friend's brother's willingness to risk his life for this country before we responded, "Okay, we guess you can stay".
All this being said, I do think that border control has to increase as well. I think both sides have great ideas, but why do they refuse to work together?
As I've said, I grew up in a very diverse town. Everybody I knew, whether they were Brazilian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, white, black, Asian, Jewish, Christian, or whatever, they identified with these ethnicities/religions/nationalities. However, every single one of them is proud and happy to live in the United States. Whether they were legal or not, they considered themselves American. So why can't we allow that to be the case?
Monday, August 5, 2013
Baseball Special: Citizens Bank Park
Park #4 was Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia today. We got to see the heated NL East rivalry of the Braves against the hometown Phillies. I do not exaggerate when I say that this was possibly the most boring game I've ever seen at the park. I think things would have been different if the Phillies were good, but due to their poor season, the park was lifeless. The fans were not into it, the team was just as indifferent, and we watched as the Braves took this game 4-1 with ease.
For me, the highlight of the game was the ninth inning of both halves. In the top, I got to see Papelbon pitched. This was the first time I've seen him throw since he left the Red Sox, and it was little bit nostalgic for me. He didn't run out to Hells Bells, he didn't fist bump the security guard, he didn't throw 97 mph heaters and he got booed by everyone in the park (probably because of his interview where he was quoted as saying, "I didn't come here for this" - in reference to the terrible season the Phillies are in the midst of). But I still loved watching him pitch. His intensity was unbelievable and it was the reason he was so exciting to watch in Boston. In the bottom half, I got to see Craig Kimbral throw for the first time. He is a beast, totally worth the hype. He was hitting 97-98 consistently on the radar gun and he had all the fiery passion that I used to see in Papelbon. I look forward to years of dominance from him going forward.
The park itself was nice but nothing to write home about. I did think the view from our seats was pretty, and the park had cool features, but in general it was very plain. The food was average and there was not much diversity in this department. There were no exciting peanut vendors like we saw at Camden. There was no personality to the park.
That being said, I had a great time. This trip has been fun and I've been able to see parts of two cities that I had never experienced before. This was probably the last park we'll see this year, but it was certainly fun taking this road trip.
For me, the highlight of the game was the ninth inning of both halves. In the top, I got to see Papelbon pitched. This was the first time I've seen him throw since he left the Red Sox, and it was little bit nostalgic for me. He didn't run out to Hells Bells, he didn't fist bump the security guard, he didn't throw 97 mph heaters and he got booed by everyone in the park (probably because of his interview where he was quoted as saying, "I didn't come here for this" - in reference to the terrible season the Phillies are in the midst of). But I still loved watching him pitch. His intensity was unbelievable and it was the reason he was so exciting to watch in Boston. In the bottom half, I got to see Craig Kimbral throw for the first time. He is a beast, totally worth the hype. He was hitting 97-98 consistently on the radar gun and he had all the fiery passion that I used to see in Papelbon. I look forward to years of dominance from him going forward.
The park itself was nice but nothing to write home about. I did think the view from our seats was pretty, and the park had cool features, but in general it was very plain. The food was average and there was not much diversity in this department. There were no exciting peanut vendors like we saw at Camden. There was no personality to the park.
That being said, I had a great time. This trip has been fun and I've been able to see parts of two cities that I had never experienced before. This was probably the last park we'll see this year, but it was certainly fun taking this road trip.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Baseball Special: Camden Yards
So today my dad and I went to Camden Yards in Baltimore to watch the Orioles take on the Mariners. With the exception of a wrestling tournament I went to in Florida when I was in high school, this was the farthest south I've ever been. Being from New England, I literally considered myself, geographically, in the 'south', and my opinion was not halted by the plethora of southern accents I heard. It was a fun game, the Mariners ended up winning 8-4, but we got to see my boy Manny Machado put one out, Matt Wieters helped my fantasy team with a home run and for some reason Justin Smoak decided to have the game of his career. I would definitely not be exaggerating when I say that Camden was the best park I've been to thus far.
I'm not going to bore everyone with dull details and play-by-play descriptions of the game. Instead I'm going to bore you all with details concerning why this trip was unique. First, I'll start by talking about the peanut guy. I don't know what you technically call this guy, but he's the guy who walks up and down the aisles throwing beer, water, and peanuts to the lucky attendees who sit in his section. This guy was a riot. Before the game started I went to the bathroom and on my way back in I could hear this guy yelling, "PEANUTS, PEANUTS, WATER, WATER, BEER, BEER, BEER!" This performance was on repeat for the 3 minutes it took me to fight through the line and get back to my seat. My dad and I started discussing how long this energy charade was going to keep up before we found him passed out leaning against the wall near the entrance of the park. I predicted the fourth inning. He lasted the whole game and was thoroughly entertaining throughout.
One thing that was really cool was the national anthem. When the singer belted "Oh say! Does that star spangled bannnneeerrrrrrr..." The entire ballpark echoed in unison "OH" at the start of the line. Apparently that's a tradition at the park. They do it to commemorate their beloved O's. Something I would never have known without going to the park (or if somebody told me, but there's no fun in that).
The last awesome aspect was the bachelor party that was there. It was 10 guys or so of various ages with Orioles themed shirts which said "Team Groom" on the back. They were awesome! Every half inning they would stand up and hold up signs in an attempt to get their boy (the groom) on TV. It was really cool seeing how into it they all were, and I really think that that would be an ideal bachelor party. You and a handful of other guys, having a few drinks, watching baseball and celebrating the end of one's solidarity. Nils, Jack: take notes. That would be an AWESOME bachelor party.
Tomorrow we're heading to Philly to catch the Phillies play the Braves on Sunday Night Baseball. This was an awesome trip to an awesome park though. Also, the Red Sox beat Patrick Corbin and the D-Backs, so it was an fantastic night.
I'm not going to bore everyone with dull details and play-by-play descriptions of the game. Instead I'm going to bore you all with details concerning why this trip was unique. First, I'll start by talking about the peanut guy. I don't know what you technically call this guy, but he's the guy who walks up and down the aisles throwing beer, water, and peanuts to the lucky attendees who sit in his section. This guy was a riot. Before the game started I went to the bathroom and on my way back in I could hear this guy yelling, "PEANUTS, PEANUTS, WATER, WATER, BEER, BEER, BEER!" This performance was on repeat for the 3 minutes it took me to fight through the line and get back to my seat. My dad and I started discussing how long this energy charade was going to keep up before we found him passed out leaning against the wall near the entrance of the park. I predicted the fourth inning. He lasted the whole game and was thoroughly entertaining throughout.
One thing that was really cool was the national anthem. When the singer belted "Oh say! Does that star spangled bannnneeerrrrrrr..." The entire ballpark echoed in unison "OH" at the start of the line. Apparently that's a tradition at the park. They do it to commemorate their beloved O's. Something I would never have known without going to the park (or if somebody told me, but there's no fun in that).
The last awesome aspect was the bachelor party that was there. It was 10 guys or so of various ages with Orioles themed shirts which said "Team Groom" on the back. They were awesome! Every half inning they would stand up and hold up signs in an attempt to get their boy (the groom) on TV. It was really cool seeing how into it they all were, and I really think that that would be an ideal bachelor party. You and a handful of other guys, having a few drinks, watching baseball and celebrating the end of one's solidarity. Nils, Jack: take notes. That would be an AWESOME bachelor party.
Tomorrow we're heading to Philly to catch the Phillies play the Braves on Sunday Night Baseball. This was an awesome trip to an awesome park though. Also, the Red Sox beat Patrick Corbin and the D-Backs, so it was an fantastic night.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
My Thoughts on FroYo vs Ice Cream
In the last two years, frozen yogurt has taken America by storm.While there does not seem to be a completely dominant chain popping up, you can find FroYo outlets everywhere. It's pretty cool what FroYo has done: it has provided an alternative to ice cream that has truly convinced the public that they are being healthier. I, for one, recognize that it is just as unhealthy, well for me at least. The problem is, for the most part, it's self serve and pay by the ounce. So I usually end up with about a pound split between refreshing yogurt and delicious toppings. I know, it's disgusting.
But now whenever my sisters and I decide to venture out and get some dairy-goodness, we face the daunting questions: Ice cream or FroYo? Old faithful or new wave? The veteran or the rookie? It is a difficult predicament we all find ourselves in (probably more often than we care to admit), so I am here to answer it for you.
First, let's way the pros and cons of ice cream. Ice cream is rich and creamy. The thickness is something that is unparalleled. Not only is each lick of an ice cream cone a satisfying experience, but it's so relaxing to scoop your self a bowl while your sitting around watching TV. It's quite peaceful. However, I've never been to an ice cream parlor that is self serve (besides those awesome soft serve machines that you see at buffets). It's also a colossal pain in the ass to pay extra for every topping I want. I love loading up as many toppings as I can to experience as many flavors as I can. Peanut M&Ms, Butterfingers, mango, kit kats, rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, etc. If I paid $0.75 for every topping I put on at FroYo, my ice cream would cost a lot more than the $4.50 I usually pay.
Frozen yogurt, has it's ups and downs as well. As I have alluded to, I love spending 5 bucks and basically piling on as much yogurt/candy/fruit as I possibly can fit into one of those measly containers they give you. Yes, I realize I should probably behave like a 21 year old when getting sugary goodness, but why would I do that? Frozen Yogurt is also more refreshing. I had this mango flavor recently that was without a doubt one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. However, while FroYo does taste good, the variety of flavors does not compare to that of ice cream. There are so many more flavors of ice cream that I can experience, and sometimes, yogurt just can't cut it.
All this being said, I personally prefer yogurt. Although there are plenty of times where I am in the mood for ice cream, overall the pay-by-weight and self serve nature of FroYo wins me over. Also, I'm fully expecting this post to generate more controversy than any of my other blogs. Let the debates begin!
But now whenever my sisters and I decide to venture out and get some dairy-goodness, we face the daunting questions: Ice cream or FroYo? Old faithful or new wave? The veteran or the rookie? It is a difficult predicament we all find ourselves in (probably more often than we care to admit), so I am here to answer it for you.
First, let's way the pros and cons of ice cream. Ice cream is rich and creamy. The thickness is something that is unparalleled. Not only is each lick of an ice cream cone a satisfying experience, but it's so relaxing to scoop your self a bowl while your sitting around watching TV. It's quite peaceful. However, I've never been to an ice cream parlor that is self serve (besides those awesome soft serve machines that you see at buffets). It's also a colossal pain in the ass to pay extra for every topping I want. I love loading up as many toppings as I can to experience as many flavors as I can. Peanut M&Ms, Butterfingers, mango, kit kats, rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream, etc. If I paid $0.75 for every topping I put on at FroYo, my ice cream would cost a lot more than the $4.50 I usually pay.
Frozen yogurt, has it's ups and downs as well. As I have alluded to, I love spending 5 bucks and basically piling on as much yogurt/candy/fruit as I possibly can fit into one of those measly containers they give you. Yes, I realize I should probably behave like a 21 year old when getting sugary goodness, but why would I do that? Frozen Yogurt is also more refreshing. I had this mango flavor recently that was without a doubt one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. However, while FroYo does taste good, the variety of flavors does not compare to that of ice cream. There are so many more flavors of ice cream that I can experience, and sometimes, yogurt just can't cut it.
All this being said, I personally prefer yogurt. Although there are plenty of times where I am in the mood for ice cream, overall the pay-by-weight and self serve nature of FroYo wins me over. Also, I'm fully expecting this post to generate more controversy than any of my other blogs. Let the debates begin!
Monday, July 22, 2013
My Thoughts on Reading
When I was a little kid, my mother used to make me read for a half hour every day. At the time, I thought it was just another ridiculous rule in her oppressive dictatorship of a household. Reading was boring. I was too antsy to sit for 30 whole minutes every day with a book in my hand. I could have used that 30 minutes for something so much more amazing like playing whiffleball or taking a nap. But without fail, it was a half hour a day. When I got to high school, the rebellious teenager that I was didn't pick up a book. I'd say I read an estimate of 30% of the books that I was assigned to read for various classes. Sometimes I'd skim various sections, but there were very few books I actually read in their entirety. Great Gatsby? Never opened it. Grapes of Wrath? Never even brought it home from school to pretend to open it.
Last summer, for whatever reason, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to pick up reading again, only I had nowhere to start. I'm not sure if any of you are fans of the Game of Thrones series, but I became addicted to the show, so I started to pick up the books. I finished all 5 of them within a month. The fourth one I read in a weekend. Before I knew it I was off and running. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, The Iliad, A Clockwork Orange, Ulysses, The Republic, The Sound and The Fury, The Idiot (possibly my favorite of all time). By the end of the summer I had read 24 books. I would wake up at 5 am, read for an hour and a half before work at 7, get back from work at 3, and read until I went to bed around 10. That was it. I read nonstop, and I loved it. Even those 8 hours I was at work? I downloaded iBooks on my phone and squeezed in a few extra hours.
I had fallen in love with reading. It's a hobby that is long since forgotten in this world of technology. Everybody is always watching movies, or TV shows, or YouTube videos. I think what I love about reading is that it allows for your imagination to take off, something other forms of entertainment don't allow. When I watch a movie, I'm not picturing it how I would imagine it, I'm picturing it how the director imagined it. When I read a book, the words are dictated by someone else, but I get to decide what each character actually looks like. Maybe I imagine this one with a mole over his eye. Maybe I imagine this woman wearing a monocle. Sitting down and reading a book, for me, is one of the most relaxing things in the world.
Now, I know I sound very pretentious right now. Yes, I'm that guy who says, "The book was way better" (in most cases - Mike Howlett, if you're reading this, Fight Club is a way better movie than a book. And I did love the book, but that movie is so great). I also realize that not everybody is patient enough for books. Kind of ironic that I'm saying that (if you don't know, I'm about as impatient as it gets). Why would you spend two weeks reading the book when you can sit down and watch the movie in 2 hours? You don't experience the same beauty on the screen as you do on the page, that's the simple truth of it.
I'm currently working my way through the modern library 100 greatest novels. It's going to take a while. I'm reading An American Tragedy by Theodore Dressiere. It's phenomenal and, shockingly enough, tragic.
My friends make fun of me for the amount I read. Emily loves to read as well, which is yet another reason I love her so much. It's a lot of fun to discuss literature, because I find people interpret everything differently. I know she and I are the exceptions, not the rules. Especially for our generation. But it doesn't take away from how fun it is. If you want to make fun of me for reading as well, go ahead. But then I just have to ask, if you dislike reading so much, what are you doing looking at my blog?
Last summer, for whatever reason, I decided to give it a try. I wanted to pick up reading again, only I had nowhere to start. I'm not sure if any of you are fans of the Game of Thrones series, but I became addicted to the show, so I started to pick up the books. I finished all 5 of them within a month. The fourth one I read in a weekend. Before I knew it I was off and running. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, The Iliad, A Clockwork Orange, Ulysses, The Republic, The Sound and The Fury, The Idiot (possibly my favorite of all time). By the end of the summer I had read 24 books. I would wake up at 5 am, read for an hour and a half before work at 7, get back from work at 3, and read until I went to bed around 10. That was it. I read nonstop, and I loved it. Even those 8 hours I was at work? I downloaded iBooks on my phone and squeezed in a few extra hours.
I had fallen in love with reading. It's a hobby that is long since forgotten in this world of technology. Everybody is always watching movies, or TV shows, or YouTube videos. I think what I love about reading is that it allows for your imagination to take off, something other forms of entertainment don't allow. When I watch a movie, I'm not picturing it how I would imagine it, I'm picturing it how the director imagined it. When I read a book, the words are dictated by someone else, but I get to decide what each character actually looks like. Maybe I imagine this one with a mole over his eye. Maybe I imagine this woman wearing a monocle. Sitting down and reading a book, for me, is one of the most relaxing things in the world.
Now, I know I sound very pretentious right now. Yes, I'm that guy who says, "The book was way better" (in most cases - Mike Howlett, if you're reading this, Fight Club is a way better movie than a book. And I did love the book, but that movie is so great). I also realize that not everybody is patient enough for books. Kind of ironic that I'm saying that (if you don't know, I'm about as impatient as it gets). Why would you spend two weeks reading the book when you can sit down and watch the movie in 2 hours? You don't experience the same beauty on the screen as you do on the page, that's the simple truth of it.
I'm currently working my way through the modern library 100 greatest novels. It's going to take a while. I'm reading An American Tragedy by Theodore Dressiere. It's phenomenal and, shockingly enough, tragic.
My friends make fun of me for the amount I read. Emily loves to read as well, which is yet another reason I love her so much. It's a lot of fun to discuss literature, because I find people interpret everything differently. I know she and I are the exceptions, not the rules. Especially for our generation. But it doesn't take away from how fun it is. If you want to make fun of me for reading as well, go ahead. But then I just have to ask, if you dislike reading so much, what are you doing looking at my blog?
Thursday, July 18, 2013
My Thoughts on Entertainment in America
Did any of you see the ESPYs last night? The fact that Dake didn't win college make athlete of the year is ridiculous. I was thinking about some of the athletes who were present last night; some great names who will go on to do (or have already done) great things. One thing that bothers me when watching event like this is how glorified these athletes are in the eyes of America.
Take my boy LeBron. He makes more money than I could ever dream of making. He has a beautiful mansion, drives incredible cars and most importantly, he makes his living doing something he loves. Am I envious? Of course. If I was offered millions of dollars a year to compete in a sport I love, I'd take that offer in a heart beat. Do I think it's fair? No.
What do athletes do that make them so deserving of this? How come they make millions of dollars but we can't raise enough money for teachers to get 6 figures. I've certainly had some teachers who deserve to make this kind of money. I don't think it's that the money isn't there, it's that we delegate it to the wrong places. People don't want to pay higher taxes, but they'll pay hundreds of dollars for football tickets.
It's not just the money either. Take Aaron Hernandez (ever heard of him). A pro bowl TE for my beloved pats and he threw it all away to (allegedly) kill a man. I don't know what this dude did, but I doubt it was deserving of death. Now do we just throw this under the rug and unanimously say, "I hope the scumbag serves life"? Not even close. There were people protesting his arrest when he was brought to court. The Pouncey brothers, two pro bowl NFL players were recently seen wearing "free Hernandez" hats. What kind of example are they setting? Not only that murder is forgivable, but that it's almost encouraged? I just think we, as citizen of the US, take these athletes and place them on a pedestal.
And it's not just athletes. What about actors? Or musicians? When the Biebs peed in that mop pocket, everyone was in uproar. Why didn't they just arrest him, or kick him out like they would if it was any Joe Schmo doing the same thing? Why does everyone care so much about what drugs Lindsay Lohan is into (bad example, I'm over it)?
Next time you're reading a tabloid, or a newspaper, just think about how you're taking more of an interest in these celebrities lives than someone else's who is more deserving. How many of you (non-mass residents) had heard of the Hoyts before last night. That's the type of story that deserves attention. Will they ever make a million dollars for doing what they do? My guess is no. But they deserve more attention than a lot of other entertainers out there.
PS: I'm updating this to make it clear, that I'm no different. I put all of these people on a pedestal. I love watching sports and always will. And I'm just as much to blame as anyone.
PS: I'm updating this to make it clear, that I'm no different. I put all of these people on a pedestal. I love watching sports and always will. And I'm just as much to blame as anyone.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
My Thoughts on Traveling
I've never really gotten to see much of the world. Of the 50 states, I've been to the New England ones, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, and Minnesota. With the exception of Minnesota, New York and New England, the rest have been for wrestling tournaments. The only time I ever went to Florida was for one. Didn't even get to hit the beach or experience Disney. I've been to three other countries: a resort on the Cayman Islands when I was 6, Mexico for 1 day on a cruise, and Canada on a few different occasions. And let's be real, we can hardly call Canada another country....
One thing Emily and I really want to do as we enter adulthood is see more of the world together. We are in the process of planning a two week long Europe excursion. Neither of us have ever been to Europe, so it's going to be awesome. My sister and dad were giving me grief the other day because I spend my money rather recklessly. When it comes to stuff like this Euro-trip, I look forward to blowing my life's savings.
Our most recent discussions had our destinations being Barcelona, Dublin, Paris, and Venice. We each chose two of those cities, and I think, if money wasn't an issue for us, we would have gone to 8 or 10, not just 4. Thinking about seeing other countries and learning about other cultures is something I cannot wait for. Here is a list of some of the places in the world that I would like to see (or things that I want to do in various places):
- The Great Wall of China: The magnitude of this wall is incredible. I want to not just see the wall, but seeing the view from standing on top of it. The fact that it has been around for so long shows the skill and dedication of the people who built it.
- Hagia Sophia: One of the most incredible architectural cathedrals every built. I do not know many sites in Turkey, but this would be incredible. I think great Cathedrals such as this one and Notre Dame are two that I would certainly love to experience.
- The Amazon Rain Forest/River: I'm not a real nature-friendly guy and I'm terrified of bugs. But I would love to at least see it in person, even if that doesn't mean I venture too far in.
- The Great Pyramids: For all I know, one of my ancestors could have helped build them. They are some of the most magnificent man made structures ever and I would love to see them.
- Niagra Falls: For something as close as these incredible water falls, I can't believe I've never seen them up close.
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- The Alps: I don't ski, but I would still love to take the lift up to one of these incredible mountain tops.
- Vatican City
- The Eiffel Tower/The Louvre/L'Arc de Triomphe/Notre Dame: Hopefully I can bang all of these out when Emily and I go on our trip. Paris is an incredible city, I'd like to see it first hand.
- Australia: Let's be real, this list would not be complete without me seeing a kangaroo.
- Swim in all five great lakes (there's 5 of them, right?): I've been to Ontario, so I just need to take care of HMES
- Storm the Beach at Normandy (and by storm, I mean take a nap on)
- Disney World: Please? Can I please finally go on the roller coasters?
I realize that this is a bit of stretch. First off, I'd better find one hell of a career if I'm going to pay for all this. Second, when I have kids, they'd better be able to sit through a plane ride. Without goals or dreams, life can be pretty boring. One of my dreams is to see the world with the woman I love (and our little minion children too). Hopefully things play out the way I hope.
One thing Emily and I really want to do as we enter adulthood is see more of the world together. We are in the process of planning a two week long Europe excursion. Neither of us have ever been to Europe, so it's going to be awesome. My sister and dad were giving me grief the other day because I spend my money rather recklessly. When it comes to stuff like this Euro-trip, I look forward to blowing my life's savings.
Our most recent discussions had our destinations being Barcelona, Dublin, Paris, and Venice. We each chose two of those cities, and I think, if money wasn't an issue for us, we would have gone to 8 or 10, not just 4. Thinking about seeing other countries and learning about other cultures is something I cannot wait for. Here is a list of some of the places in the world that I would like to see (or things that I want to do in various places):
- The Great Wall of China: The magnitude of this wall is incredible. I want to not just see the wall, but seeing the view from standing on top of it. The fact that it has been around for so long shows the skill and dedication of the people who built it.
- Hagia Sophia: One of the most incredible architectural cathedrals every built. I do not know many sites in Turkey, but this would be incredible. I think great Cathedrals such as this one and Notre Dame are two that I would certainly love to experience.
- The Amazon Rain Forest/River: I'm not a real nature-friendly guy and I'm terrified of bugs. But I would love to at least see it in person, even if that doesn't mean I venture too far in.
- The Great Pyramids: For all I know, one of my ancestors could have helped build them. They are some of the most magnificent man made structures ever and I would love to see them.
- Niagra Falls: For something as close as these incredible water falls, I can't believe I've never seen them up close.
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- The Alps: I don't ski, but I would still love to take the lift up to one of these incredible mountain tops.
- Vatican City
- The Eiffel Tower/The Louvre/L'Arc de Triomphe/Notre Dame: Hopefully I can bang all of these out when Emily and I go on our trip. Paris is an incredible city, I'd like to see it first hand.
- Australia: Let's be real, this list would not be complete without me seeing a kangaroo.
- Swim in all five great lakes (there's 5 of them, right?): I've been to Ontario, so I just need to take care of HMES
- Storm the Beach at Normandy (and by storm, I mean take a nap on)
- Disney World: Please? Can I please finally go on the roller coasters?
I realize that this is a bit of stretch. First off, I'd better find one hell of a career if I'm going to pay for all this. Second, when I have kids, they'd better be able to sit through a plane ride. Without goals or dreams, life can be pretty boring. One of my dreams is to see the world with the woman I love (and our little minion children too). Hopefully things play out the way I hope.
Monday, July 15, 2013
My Thoughts on Priscilla Ouma
The other day I booked my flight out to see Priscilla. I spent almost 400 dollars on a plane ticket to New Mexico (who goes to NM?) for one night (yes, one night. I couldn't get work off) to see one of my best friends. If you don't know Priscilla, well then I just have to say I feel sorry for you. You are missing out on knowing one of the most amazing and interesting people of all time.
Priscilla moved here from Kenya when she was a toddler. She was born with 6 fingers on each hand. She has two older brothers (Paul and PJ) and a younger sister (Pauline - but I'll always call her squirrel). Her parents, Ruth and Alfred, have met me over 100 times, and they still introduce themselves to me every time as if I'm new. I guess all us white people DO look alike.... Now that you have a little bit of a background on her, we can start identifying why she is the coolest person alive.
I met Priscilla in 7th grade. She transferred to my middle school and immediately fit right in. We were close friends from the get-go. Priscilla is one of those people who can make friends with anybody (I'm not exaggerating either - I'm pretty sure if you asked any of the 508 people who I graduated high school with, I bet all of them would say they partied with her, hung out with her, went on a date with her, or wanted to do any of the above). Our school administration hated her because she was such a free spirit. She once threw a party on a Tuesday night at her house just because she was bored.
I've mentioned my best friends in high school before (Nils is probably crying to himself that I wrote about Priscilla today, and not him). I like to think that of all of Priscilla's 1000s of friends (again, not an exaggeration) I was/am one of her best. She certainly is one of mine. I was so excited to find out that she was going to attend college at the University of Hartford, because I'm at Trinity and we would only be 10 minutes away. After freshman year, Priscilla pulled a stunt that few other people could handle or risk. She transferred to the University of New Mexico and moved out there. I've seen Priscilla probably only 2 or 3 times over the last three years, but we text very regularly.
I wish my writing could do any sort of justice to how awesome Priscilla is. Her favorite game in high school was called 'Hey Mr.', where she stood outside a liquor store and tried to get creepy older guys to buy her booze. She legitimately had a sick obsession with our 11th grade English teacher - she somehow found his address and tried to get me to drive with her to his house one night just to say hi. She would quote Pootie Tang as if it was some Oscar-nominated, critically acclaimed film. She used to openly hit on a variety of male teachers that we had, making them so uncomfortable that we couldn't do anything but laugh. She rented a bar out for her 18th birthday and held a toga party. I'm pretty sure that there were well over 500 people there at various points.
Not everybody in the world will have the pleasure of meeting Priscilla. That's a real shame. She cares about everyone, and can make anybody laugh (except Mr. Albright, he hated her). All I know, is that in a month when I fly out to Albuquerque (no idea if I spelled that correctly), it's going to be a long awaited reunion, and I couldn't be more excited.
Priscilla moved here from Kenya when she was a toddler. She was born with 6 fingers on each hand. She has two older brothers (Paul and PJ) and a younger sister (Pauline - but I'll always call her squirrel). Her parents, Ruth and Alfred, have met me over 100 times, and they still introduce themselves to me every time as if I'm new. I guess all us white people DO look alike.... Now that you have a little bit of a background on her, we can start identifying why she is the coolest person alive.
I met Priscilla in 7th grade. She transferred to my middle school and immediately fit right in. We were close friends from the get-go. Priscilla is one of those people who can make friends with anybody (I'm not exaggerating either - I'm pretty sure if you asked any of the 508 people who I graduated high school with, I bet all of them would say they partied with her, hung out with her, went on a date with her, or wanted to do any of the above). Our school administration hated her because she was such a free spirit. She once threw a party on a Tuesday night at her house just because she was bored.
I've mentioned my best friends in high school before (Nils is probably crying to himself that I wrote about Priscilla today, and not him). I like to think that of all of Priscilla's 1000s of friends (again, not an exaggeration) I was/am one of her best. She certainly is one of mine. I was so excited to find out that she was going to attend college at the University of Hartford, because I'm at Trinity and we would only be 10 minutes away. After freshman year, Priscilla pulled a stunt that few other people could handle or risk. She transferred to the University of New Mexico and moved out there. I've seen Priscilla probably only 2 or 3 times over the last three years, but we text very regularly.
I wish my writing could do any sort of justice to how awesome Priscilla is. Her favorite game in high school was called 'Hey Mr.', where she stood outside a liquor store and tried to get creepy older guys to buy her booze. She legitimately had a sick obsession with our 11th grade English teacher - she somehow found his address and tried to get me to drive with her to his house one night just to say hi. She would quote Pootie Tang as if it was some Oscar-nominated, critically acclaimed film. She used to openly hit on a variety of male teachers that we had, making them so uncomfortable that we couldn't do anything but laugh. She rented a bar out for her 18th birthday and held a toga party. I'm pretty sure that there were well over 500 people there at various points.
Not everybody in the world will have the pleasure of meeting Priscilla. That's a real shame. She cares about everyone, and can make anybody laugh (except Mr. Albright, he hated her). All I know, is that in a month when I fly out to Albuquerque (no idea if I spelled that correctly), it's going to be a long awaited reunion, and I couldn't be more excited.
Friday, July 12, 2013
My Thoughts on George Zimmerman
With the decision in the George Zimmerman trial coming up, I can't help but think about how frustrating the whole ordeal is. First of all, the self defense argument is a tough sell in my opinion. Was I there? No, but I have a really hard time believe this 17 year old kid was so close to murdering Zimmerman, that Georgey-boy had no choice but to shoot this young man. The defense was really flustered when they couldn't use marijuana as evidence of Martin's problems. Call me crazy, but if Martin had just gotten high, wouldn't he rather relax than fight this fat old dude? Was Trayvon Martin a problem child? That is a distinct possibility. I didn't know the kid. Maybe he was a real punk, talked back to his teachers, skipped class, drank underage, the whole nine yards. Regardless of this, and race issues aside, I think America has kind of forgot the real issue here: a young boy had his life ripped away from him by a stupid, disgusting human being.
I'm a firm believer that murder is wrong. Weird, I know. Blame my parents for instilling those horrible beliefs in me. I cannot justify any possible reason for killing anybody. I will never go hunting because even the thought of shooting in an innocent deer is not a fun one for me. The thought of taking another person's life away from them is a horrid one. Martin was somebody's son. How do you think his mother felt finding out that George Zimmerman had shot her baby boy? How would any of you parents feel if it was your son or daughter?
I'm not a father, and hopefully won't be for a few years (sorry mom, but I'm not rushing that one). I try and draw a parallel at the thought of losing one of my sisters. Or my parents. Or Emily. When I think about losing my mother, I have hard time not breaking into tears. The woman who gave me life; it's hard to imagine a life without her. I know it's inevitable, but I could not bare (wrong use of bare/bear? I don't know, I'm a math major) to think about a life without her, and the thought of somebody taking my time with her away prematurely is enough to destroy me.
Is this a fair comparison? Probably not. My parents have always said that their biggest fear is having to bury one of their children. (Fingers crossed) to this point they haven't had to. Trayvon's mother has. She had to watch as people poured dirt over his grave. I assume that she wept as she watched her son's coffin disappear from view. That is a vision I cannot even fathom, and one that I wish on nobody.
So while the nation waits for a decision on Zimmerman, I just want to remind people that this is more important than a fight against racism. A human life is more important to me.
That being said, if Zimmerman did this out of hate, or fear, or disdain for black youths, I would like to ask him: why? What could any black person have done that so wronged you? What makes you think, that you're slimy, pathetic excuse for a life was worth more than his?
I will never understand racism. And I will never understand murder. And I believe that both separately are deeds that should not go unpunished. Put the two together, and I think we have found a reason why utopias only exist in our imagination.
I'm a firm believer that murder is wrong. Weird, I know. Blame my parents for instilling those horrible beliefs in me. I cannot justify any possible reason for killing anybody. I will never go hunting because even the thought of shooting in an innocent deer is not a fun one for me. The thought of taking another person's life away from them is a horrid one. Martin was somebody's son. How do you think his mother felt finding out that George Zimmerman had shot her baby boy? How would any of you parents feel if it was your son or daughter?
I'm not a father, and hopefully won't be for a few years (sorry mom, but I'm not rushing that one). I try and draw a parallel at the thought of losing one of my sisters. Or my parents. Or Emily. When I think about losing my mother, I have hard time not breaking into tears. The woman who gave me life; it's hard to imagine a life without her. I know it's inevitable, but I could not bare (wrong use of bare/bear? I don't know, I'm a math major) to think about a life without her, and the thought of somebody taking my time with her away prematurely is enough to destroy me.
Is this a fair comparison? Probably not. My parents have always said that their biggest fear is having to bury one of their children. (Fingers crossed) to this point they haven't had to. Trayvon's mother has. She had to watch as people poured dirt over his grave. I assume that she wept as she watched her son's coffin disappear from view. That is a vision I cannot even fathom, and one that I wish on nobody.
So while the nation waits for a decision on Zimmerman, I just want to remind people that this is more important than a fight against racism. A human life is more important to me.
That being said, if Zimmerman did this out of hate, or fear, or disdain for black youths, I would like to ask him: why? What could any black person have done that so wronged you? What makes you think, that you're slimy, pathetic excuse for a life was worth more than his?
I will never understand racism. And I will never understand murder. And I believe that both separately are deeds that should not go unpunished. Put the two together, and I think we have found a reason why utopias only exist in our imagination.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
My Thoughts on Growing Up with Three Sisters
This is probably going to be a little more sentimental than most people care to read about, but one thing that I've liked about writing a blog is that it kind of gives me an opportunity to discuss emotions without actually having to articulate how I'm feeling. I'm not really good about that, but it certainly is good to try. Now that I have been completely stripped of my masculinity, I can continue.
If you claim to have a sister that is cooler than one of mine, then you are either lying, stupid, or insane. Hannah, Rebecca, and Olivia have been three of the most amazing friends that I have ever known. At this point in our lives, the times that all four of us spend together are few and far between, but I think it's important. I would do anything for one of my sisters, and I know they would do the same for me. I truly believe that the four of us are closer than nearly any other complete sibling set. I just want to take a minute to talk about each one individually.
Hannah is one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met. She will bend over backwards to do a favor for someone, and she doesn't ask for or receive even a portion of the recognition that she deserves. She is a caring, compassionate person who puts everyone else's interests ahead of her own. It is certainly something that I wish I could duplicate, but even with my best efforts, I am not half as kind as she is.
Rebecca is quite possibly the most driven athlete I have ever met. I'm a decent athlete, but I have never compared to what she can do physically (although she never has, and never will beat me in a foot race of less than 50 ft). Every morning, she is up doing sprints in preparation for soccer season. She did not start playing soccer until she was 13 or so, most people start when they're 5. Yet, she was one of the best freshman women's soccer players in the entire NESCAC this year. She's also barely even 5 feet tall, just imagine if she was a normal height! I'm a firm believer that that is the only thing that held her back from competing at any level she were to choose.
Olivia is arguably the funniest person I have ever met. Between her cutting arrogance, quick wit, and loud mouth, she makes me laugh hardier than anybody else I know. Granted, when the jokes are targeted at me, there's not much that I can do, but laugh at myself. If any of you have never gotten to know Olivia on that level, you should. However, I should warn you, her jokes are far more sophisticated than a 16 year old should be making, and often require some basic intellectual competency.
We're siblings, of course we don't always get along. I remember once I shot Olivia in the eye with a nerf gun (classic). We have been in so many arguments that I know exactly what buttons to push to aggravate all three of them. But the nicest thing about that is that at the end of the day (or week, if it's a particularly significant fight) we make up and start directing our anger towards a more useful practice: cutting each other down with jokes and insults.
I love my sisters. I don't say it often enough, but I do. I know that they know it, but sometimes it's not such a bad thing to remind them.
If you have any siblings, please tell them the same thing. This will hopefully be my last summer living at home, and so I just want them to know that for me, wherever the three of them are will be home for me.
If you claim to have a sister that is cooler than one of mine, then you are either lying, stupid, or insane. Hannah, Rebecca, and Olivia have been three of the most amazing friends that I have ever known. At this point in our lives, the times that all four of us spend together are few and far between, but I think it's important. I would do anything for one of my sisters, and I know they would do the same for me. I truly believe that the four of us are closer than nearly any other complete sibling set. I just want to take a minute to talk about each one individually.
Hannah is one of the most genuinely nice people I have ever met. She will bend over backwards to do a favor for someone, and she doesn't ask for or receive even a portion of the recognition that she deserves. She is a caring, compassionate person who puts everyone else's interests ahead of her own. It is certainly something that I wish I could duplicate, but even with my best efforts, I am not half as kind as she is.
Rebecca is quite possibly the most driven athlete I have ever met. I'm a decent athlete, but I have never compared to what she can do physically (although she never has, and never will beat me in a foot race of less than 50 ft). Every morning, she is up doing sprints in preparation for soccer season. She did not start playing soccer until she was 13 or so, most people start when they're 5. Yet, she was one of the best freshman women's soccer players in the entire NESCAC this year. She's also barely even 5 feet tall, just imagine if she was a normal height! I'm a firm believer that that is the only thing that held her back from competing at any level she were to choose.
Olivia is arguably the funniest person I have ever met. Between her cutting arrogance, quick wit, and loud mouth, she makes me laugh hardier than anybody else I know. Granted, when the jokes are targeted at me, there's not much that I can do, but laugh at myself. If any of you have never gotten to know Olivia on that level, you should. However, I should warn you, her jokes are far more sophisticated than a 16 year old should be making, and often require some basic intellectual competency.
We're siblings, of course we don't always get along. I remember once I shot Olivia in the eye with a nerf gun (classic). We have been in so many arguments that I know exactly what buttons to push to aggravate all three of them. But the nicest thing about that is that at the end of the day (or week, if it's a particularly significant fight) we make up and start directing our anger towards a more useful practice: cutting each other down with jokes and insults.
I love my sisters. I don't say it often enough, but I do. I know that they know it, but sometimes it's not such a bad thing to remind them.
If you have any siblings, please tell them the same thing. This will hopefully be my last summer living at home, and so I just want them to know that for me, wherever the three of them are will be home for me.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
My Thoughts on the Difference Between Knowledge and Intelligence
I distinctly remember a time when I worked for the sewage department, when someone I worked with called me stupid. This was a response to me asking a question about what some tool was used for. Now, I'm not a handy man. I think the first time I used a screw driver, I was like 17 or 18 years old. So for me, asking a question about what tool to use in a certain situation was a standard question. I lacked the knowledge that I needed to complete the task at hand. However, there are certainly tasks that I can do that I'm sure my coworker could not (for example, I'm not 100% sure this guy knew how to read). What bothered me, was that my lack of knowledge resulted in being accused of possessing a lack of intellect. I think that the distinction between these two topics is one that is often confusing, but highly important.
One of my favorite quotes of all time goes, "Every person is a genius, but if a fish spends its whole life trying to climb a tree, it's going to think that it's an idiot". I'm pretty sure that's an Einstein quote. Regardless of who said it, I think it's good because of its truth. Everyone is good at something. Everybody has their own abilities. I like to compare my sister Rebecca and I. We are both probably equally intelligent (it really pains me to admit it, and I'm sure, as soon as she reads this, she will never let me forget that I said it). However, I am a stronger math student, and she is a stronger reader/writer. Not that she was bad at math, it just always came more naturally for me. Calculations that took me 45 seconds would take her 2 minutes, that sort of thing. Meanwhile, if it was not for her, some of my papers for school would not have received the grades that they did. I would send her the paper, she would edit it (pretty significantly I might add), and send it back to me. My point of all this, is to acknowledge that while our levels of intelligence are comparable, our areas of knowledge are quite different.
I've always thought of knowledge as actually 'knowing' something (hence the name, real clever, I know). However, possessing knowledge does not make you intelligent. The level of intelligence is inherent in each individual. If you ever watch the show Jeopardy, you can see a perfect example of this comparison. There are so many people who come on that show that I can tell are really not that bright. However, every single contestant on that show possesses way more knowledge than I ever will. Intelligence can be faked with a surplus of knowledge, but it cannot be duplicated, or created.
I think intelligence encompasses more than just one's ability to learn, understand, and explain. I'm sure Andy Murray is not the most brilliant scientist in the world, but his ability on the tennis courts is an area of intelligence that went unparalleled this weekend. I think of knowledge as the gaining and comprehending of facts. Intelligence is different. I think intelligence is a combination of brilliance, intellectual capability, and passion. Knowledge certainly plays a factor, but the two are not synonymous.
Another great quote: "Girls go to college to get more knowledge, boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider". Wise, wise words spoken by 8 year old kids across the country. I do think there is a truth to it. In college, for the most part, I feel like we have gained knowledge. Even deeper than that, I feel that I have gained an ability to think individually and critically. However, I do not believe that I have become more intelligent. I don't think you can accomplish that. I believe everybody possesses some amount of intelligence, and their job throughout their youth is to figure out how much they possess, and where they can apply it.
One of my favorite quotes of all time goes, "Every person is a genius, but if a fish spends its whole life trying to climb a tree, it's going to think that it's an idiot". I'm pretty sure that's an Einstein quote. Regardless of who said it, I think it's good because of its truth. Everyone is good at something. Everybody has their own abilities. I like to compare my sister Rebecca and I. We are both probably equally intelligent (it really pains me to admit it, and I'm sure, as soon as she reads this, she will never let me forget that I said it). However, I am a stronger math student, and she is a stronger reader/writer. Not that she was bad at math, it just always came more naturally for me. Calculations that took me 45 seconds would take her 2 minutes, that sort of thing. Meanwhile, if it was not for her, some of my papers for school would not have received the grades that they did. I would send her the paper, she would edit it (pretty significantly I might add), and send it back to me. My point of all this, is to acknowledge that while our levels of intelligence are comparable, our areas of knowledge are quite different.
I've always thought of knowledge as actually 'knowing' something (hence the name, real clever, I know). However, possessing knowledge does not make you intelligent. The level of intelligence is inherent in each individual. If you ever watch the show Jeopardy, you can see a perfect example of this comparison. There are so many people who come on that show that I can tell are really not that bright. However, every single contestant on that show possesses way more knowledge than I ever will. Intelligence can be faked with a surplus of knowledge, but it cannot be duplicated, or created.
I think intelligence encompasses more than just one's ability to learn, understand, and explain. I'm sure Andy Murray is not the most brilliant scientist in the world, but his ability on the tennis courts is an area of intelligence that went unparalleled this weekend. I think of knowledge as the gaining and comprehending of facts. Intelligence is different. I think intelligence is a combination of brilliance, intellectual capability, and passion. Knowledge certainly plays a factor, but the two are not synonymous.
Another great quote: "Girls go to college to get more knowledge, boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider". Wise, wise words spoken by 8 year old kids across the country. I do think there is a truth to it. In college, for the most part, I feel like we have gained knowledge. Even deeper than that, I feel that I have gained an ability to think individually and critically. However, I do not believe that I have become more intelligent. I don't think you can accomplish that. I believe everybody possesses some amount of intelligence, and their job throughout their youth is to figure out how much they possess, and where they can apply it.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
My Thoughts on Being in Love
Later tonight I'm flying out to Minnesota to see Emily. She came out here to visit a little more than a week ago, but it feels like an eternity. I can barely contain my excitement at the moment, which is why I chose this topic to write about. Just a warning: this will be corny. At this point I don't care. I'm 12 hours from seeing the woman I love.
Anybody who knew me in high school can attest to the fact that I was not really good at monogamy. Sure I had girlfriends, but I never dated anyone for too long. Truth be told, I was a pretty big jerk a lot of the time. By the time I graduated high school, I was pretty sure that I did not have any interest in ever settling down.
On September 5, 2010, my perspective changed. I was at a random college party and made out with some random girl. Did I know at the time that this person would mean as much to me as she does? No of course not, I was just a horny college freshman looking for some action. She added me on Facebook. I messaged her. We met up a few times to hang out. Before I knew it, I couldn't stand being away from this girl. I had come to college looking to do what college kids do: sleep around. By my third week at school, there was literally only one girl that I had any interest in hanging out with. However, that first semester was a roller coaster for the two of us.
Unfortunately, Em and I were not entirely on the same page. While I was trying to take Emily out on dates and 'woo' her, she was having none of that. Multiple times that semester I would walk into a party and see her making out with other guys. I'm not the jealous type, I never really have been. But seeing her with someone else made me feel something I had never really felt: inferiority. If that's not the single most arrogant statement you've ever read, than I don't know what is. But it's the truth.
We stopped hanging out late in the final, and I tried to forget about her. It was no use though, even though she clearly was not interested, I was a mess inside.
As I'm sure you've guessed, the story does not end like that. Blah blah blah, long story short, we fall in love and have now been together for two and a half years. My previous record for longest relationship before that was like 5 or 6 weeks. On top of that, there's something pretty cool about waking up every day and knowing that I have found the person that I will spend the rest of my life with. When I say Emily means the world to me, I mean just that. I would do anything for her.
If any of you have been in love, I'm sure you understand what it's like. We have a reputation at Trinity of being inseparable, which is the truth. With the exception of class and practices (wrestling for me, ice hockey for her), we are together nearly 100% of the time. I haven't slept in a bed without her since freshman year (with the exception of road trips for our respective sports). There is something special about waking up next to someone you care about so deeply. When people ever ask why we spend so much time together, I answer with, "If you had the choice of spending a moment with the person you love more than anything else in the world, or not spending a moment with them, which would you choose?" That's all our time together is, a series of moments that together make up a lifetime.
We are perfectly compatible in so many ways, and in so many others we balance each other outs. We have many similar interests (*cough**cough*, Game of Thrones). We both love to read and watch sports (thankfully, Boston teams are WAY better than Minnesota teams, because I could not handle it if the reverse were true). But at the same time, she completes me (I told you this would be corny). She is patient, always understanding of situations and calm when she needs to be. I'm not. I once spent ten minutes screaming at a car driver in front of me because they refused to drive faster than the speed limit. She is always so optimistic, and I get cranky really easily. The most important thing that Emily does for me, however, is that she makes me want to be a better person. I truly believe that she brings out the best in everybody, especially me. That, in and of itself, is worth holding onto.
Love is a truly special experience. Every day, I remind myself how lucky I am to have found it. A person ( who by the way, is smoking hot) that I can confide in day in, and day out. A person who can brighten my dreariest days. A person who is unquestionably, my best friend. I hope on day, you all can feel as lucky as I do. If you have already found someone who makes you feel like this, than you're one of the lucky ones too.
I often think about what Emily and my wedding will be like. I brainstorm what kind of food we'll have, where we'll honeymoon to, etc. No offense to Nils and Jack, but if I really did choose my best friend to be my best man, then Emily would have another job on her plate besides being the bride.
Anybody who knew me in high school can attest to the fact that I was not really good at monogamy. Sure I had girlfriends, but I never dated anyone for too long. Truth be told, I was a pretty big jerk a lot of the time. By the time I graduated high school, I was pretty sure that I did not have any interest in ever settling down.
On September 5, 2010, my perspective changed. I was at a random college party and made out with some random girl. Did I know at the time that this person would mean as much to me as she does? No of course not, I was just a horny college freshman looking for some action. She added me on Facebook. I messaged her. We met up a few times to hang out. Before I knew it, I couldn't stand being away from this girl. I had come to college looking to do what college kids do: sleep around. By my third week at school, there was literally only one girl that I had any interest in hanging out with. However, that first semester was a roller coaster for the two of us.
Unfortunately, Em and I were not entirely on the same page. While I was trying to take Emily out on dates and 'woo' her, she was having none of that. Multiple times that semester I would walk into a party and see her making out with other guys. I'm not the jealous type, I never really have been. But seeing her with someone else made me feel something I had never really felt: inferiority. If that's not the single most arrogant statement you've ever read, than I don't know what is. But it's the truth.
We stopped hanging out late in the final, and I tried to forget about her. It was no use though, even though she clearly was not interested, I was a mess inside.
As I'm sure you've guessed, the story does not end like that. Blah blah blah, long story short, we fall in love and have now been together for two and a half years. My previous record for longest relationship before that was like 5 or 6 weeks. On top of that, there's something pretty cool about waking up every day and knowing that I have found the person that I will spend the rest of my life with. When I say Emily means the world to me, I mean just that. I would do anything for her.
If any of you have been in love, I'm sure you understand what it's like. We have a reputation at Trinity of being inseparable, which is the truth. With the exception of class and practices (wrestling for me, ice hockey for her), we are together nearly 100% of the time. I haven't slept in a bed without her since freshman year (with the exception of road trips for our respective sports). There is something special about waking up next to someone you care about so deeply. When people ever ask why we spend so much time together, I answer with, "If you had the choice of spending a moment with the person you love more than anything else in the world, or not spending a moment with them, which would you choose?" That's all our time together is, a series of moments that together make up a lifetime.
We are perfectly compatible in so many ways, and in so many others we balance each other outs. We have many similar interests (*cough**cough*, Game of Thrones). We both love to read and watch sports (thankfully, Boston teams are WAY better than Minnesota teams, because I could not handle it if the reverse were true). But at the same time, she completes me (I told you this would be corny). She is patient, always understanding of situations and calm when she needs to be. I'm not. I once spent ten minutes screaming at a car driver in front of me because they refused to drive faster than the speed limit. She is always so optimistic, and I get cranky really easily. The most important thing that Emily does for me, however, is that she makes me want to be a better person. I truly believe that she brings out the best in everybody, especially me. That, in and of itself, is worth holding onto.
Love is a truly special experience. Every day, I remind myself how lucky I am to have found it. A person ( who by the way, is smoking hot) that I can confide in day in, and day out. A person who can brighten my dreariest days. A person who is unquestionably, my best friend. I hope on day, you all can feel as lucky as I do. If you have already found someone who makes you feel like this, than you're one of the lucky ones too.
I often think about what Emily and my wedding will be like. I brainstorm what kind of food we'll have, where we'll honeymoon to, etc. No offense to Nils and Jack, but if I really did choose my best friend to be my best man, then Emily would have another job on her plate besides being the bride.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
My Thoughts on the Beauty of Mathematics
Math has always been one of those things that comes naturally to me. My whole family, really. We used to sit around the dinner table, and after eating, my dad would conjure up math problems for my sisters and I to solve. I could not have been much older than 8 or 9 when he started to give me algebra problems to do. I would sit there and solve for x in my head, not really comprehending the significance of what I was doing.
One thing I've never understood is that people assume that because I'm good at math, I must be really smart. I've got news for you people, math is about the only thing I'm good at. I am horrendous musically, I have the literacy of a third grader, and I barely remember what I had for breakfast ten minutes ago, let alone any sort of important fact from world history. But if you put an integral in front of me, it's a language I can speak. An art that I can perform. People knock math around all the time. I cannot tell you how many people I know who hate math. I know kids at school who are engineering, econ and physics majors, all mathematically based subjects, who hate doing calculations. I truly believe that in a largely ugly world, mathematics is beautiful.
Have you ever read a proof? I'm not talking about one of those crappy three liners we wrote in freshman geometry, but a truly detailed proof? Maybe the proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus? Or the one of the Fundamental Theorem of Finite Abelian Groups? Although you may not understand what is going on, there is a subtle elegance to it. Any logical argument can be constructed to sound correct. Darwin's theory of evolution is a perfect example. It makes complete sense, and anyone with a brain is confident in its truth (If you don't, odds are you are not reading this - very few creationists are concerned with what a 21 year old kid from Massachusetts has to say about math). However, the arguments depicted in this theory are not facts. It is not the same as a mathematical proof.
A true proof is so incredible because it is not something that can be refuted. Obviously creationism is an argument against evolution, but there is really no way to refute that if the average speed along a closed interval is c, then at some point the instantaneous speed along the interval is also equal to c (this is the mean value theorem - I have omitted the proof for two reasons: 1) I don't fully remember it and 2) it is quite complex. This does not negate the fact that it is true. No matter who you are, where you're from, what you believe in, etc.) I think that's the biggest reason I've always been drawn to math. It really is one of the only complete and total truths in the world.
Math is a language common to all walks of life. Probability distributions have the same functions whether you live in the US or in Turkey, whether you speak Spanish or Russian, whether you are Jewish or worship Satan. Math is constant regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, nationality, social background, religion, language, IQ, or really any other feature that defines each individual. In a world full of division (pun intended), math is one of the few things that is common among us all.
If you're still reading this, you either really enjoy my writing (doubtful, let's face it, writing is not my greatest strength) or you really enjoy math. If the latter is true, then I applaud you. Very few of us exist and I think loving math is something to be proud of. I don't believe it makes us better or smarter than anybody else, but it means we can do things that other people cannot. While I do not believe math is necessarily the most glorious subject, for me, it is the most rewarding.
One thing I've never understood is that people assume that because I'm good at math, I must be really smart. I've got news for you people, math is about the only thing I'm good at. I am horrendous musically, I have the literacy of a third grader, and I barely remember what I had for breakfast ten minutes ago, let alone any sort of important fact from world history. But if you put an integral in front of me, it's a language I can speak. An art that I can perform. People knock math around all the time. I cannot tell you how many people I know who hate math. I know kids at school who are engineering, econ and physics majors, all mathematically based subjects, who hate doing calculations. I truly believe that in a largely ugly world, mathematics is beautiful.
Have you ever read a proof? I'm not talking about one of those crappy three liners we wrote in freshman geometry, but a truly detailed proof? Maybe the proof of the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus? Or the one of the Fundamental Theorem of Finite Abelian Groups? Although you may not understand what is going on, there is a subtle elegance to it. Any logical argument can be constructed to sound correct. Darwin's theory of evolution is a perfect example. It makes complete sense, and anyone with a brain is confident in its truth (If you don't, odds are you are not reading this - very few creationists are concerned with what a 21 year old kid from Massachusetts has to say about math). However, the arguments depicted in this theory are not facts. It is not the same as a mathematical proof.
A true proof is so incredible because it is not something that can be refuted. Obviously creationism is an argument against evolution, but there is really no way to refute that if the average speed along a closed interval is c, then at some point the instantaneous speed along the interval is also equal to c (this is the mean value theorem - I have omitted the proof for two reasons: 1) I don't fully remember it and 2) it is quite complex. This does not negate the fact that it is true. No matter who you are, where you're from, what you believe in, etc.) I think that's the biggest reason I've always been drawn to math. It really is one of the only complete and total truths in the world.
Math is a language common to all walks of life. Probability distributions have the same functions whether you live in the US or in Turkey, whether you speak Spanish or Russian, whether you are Jewish or worship Satan. Math is constant regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, nationality, social background, religion, language, IQ, or really any other feature that defines each individual. In a world full of division (pun intended), math is one of the few things that is common among us all.
If you're still reading this, you either really enjoy my writing (doubtful, let's face it, writing is not my greatest strength) or you really enjoy math. If the latter is true, then I applaud you. Very few of us exist and I think loving math is something to be proud of. I don't believe it makes us better or smarter than anybody else, but it means we can do things that other people cannot. While I do not believe math is necessarily the most glorious subject, for me, it is the most rewarding.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
My Thoughts on Growing up in Framingham
If you go to a private college and meet somebody from Massachusetts, I'm sure you're used to hearing them say, "I'm from Boston." With rare exceptions (I'm sure this comes as a shock to everybody), they're not actually from Boston. I try to identify myself as a resident of the town I was born and raised in. Most people have probably never heard of Framingham, Massachusetts. However, for me, there was not a place in the world I would've rather spent my youth.
To get an understanding of Framingham, you can't really imagine one subset of people. It was not largely filled with Jewish people, although there were plenty of Bar/Bat Mitzvahs that I attended growing up. There were not a lot of upper class neighborhoods, although some of the houses in some of the areas were tremendous in stature. Ethnic diversity was a common theme. In my homeroom in high school, there were two other white kids and myself, one black kid, two Brazilians, two Puerto Ricans, one Mexican, and one Columbian. To any and all of the people in my homeroom, if I am mistaken about your ethnicity or nationality, I apologize. My point is, I experienced more culture in the first 15 minutes of school every day than some people experience in a lifetime.
The social differences were similar. I mentioned some of the more affluent areas of the town, but there are also plenty of areas that are not the most ideal place to grow up. Poverty is prevalent in Framingham, as in many other parts of the country. The thing that makes Framingham so distinct is that I met people from all sorts of backgrounds. Everybody had a different story to tell, and we all will have different conclusions. I feel like many other towns have "themes" so to speak as to its residents. The one uniting theme from Framingham residents was just that: we are all from Framingham.
It's a really cool thought, and one that I think most people I grew up with take for granted. I grew up in a town with over 70,000 people, from all sorts of walks of life. My four best friends in high school were comprised of a Kenyan, a Haitian, an Irish Catholic, and a red head. Good news for everyone, gingers do have souls. The five of us were a prime example of what Framingham had to offer.
Framingham certainly has its downsides (if anyone has been following the sexual assault cover up by the school administration, you can attest to that). But it certainly provided an average, white middle class, American male with a childhood worth documenting. I'm sure many people I grew up with like to think about how they cannot wait get out of here, I'm trying to enjoy what could potentially be the last three months of me living here.
I don't know where I will be in 2 years, let alone when I decide to settle down and start a family. However, I certainly hope that wherever I end up provides my children with the same learning experiences that I was afforded.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
My Thoughts on Finding a Career
One of the scariest facts that I've been coming to terms with lately is the idea that I'm growing up. I feel like two weeks ago I was learning to read and to ride a bike. I swear just last week I was graduating high school. Now I'm preparing to enter my senior year of college and I'm struggling to figure out the age old question: what next?
Nobody ever REALLY knows that they want to be when they grow up until they're already there. Maybe you spent your entire life wanting to be a doctor and then you fail your freshman bio class. Maybe you want to be a competitive bowler and then you figure out that they're not allowed to use bumpers. My point is, it's not an easy thing to assess.
I got my first job when I was 16. Bagging groceries and pushing carts at stop and shop. It's weird to think about where I'm (hopefully) going to be in 10 years and reflect on how I got there. Even weirder is trying to figure out if my job in 10 years is actually my career. Regardless, it's a process I'm anxious for.
I've always been fairly strong in mathematics, and as soon as I tell people that they kind of look at me with an expression that screams: lotta good that'll do ya. Thanks guys, just the encouragement I needed. Truth is, I don't know what to do anymore than they do. What if I go into accounting and discover its too boring for me? What if I pursue investment banking and realize I don't have any time to spend with Emily? What if I don't figure out what I want in time and end up homeless? Obviously this last case is not likely, but who knows?
Every single person, over the course of their lives has struggled with identifying what their future holds. If you haven't, I commend you. I'm truly envious of your drive and confidence.
For me it's not that simple. I don't know what I want, where I want to live or how I'm going to get there. But that's part of the fun. That's the adventure that we call life, and all of us have to embark on that journey at some point following our youth.
So if you're like me and silently freaking out about paying bills and having real responsibilities, then don't worry. You're not alone. But if anyone knows a potential employer who's looking for a math and Econ major, send them my way.
Friday, June 28, 2013
My Thoughts on Baseball
Last year my father and I decided to embark on a multi-year excursion: we would like to see a baseball game in all 30 professional ball parks in America. We started this adventure last year, making our way up to the Rogers Centre in Toronto, and we continued it a week ago at our beloved home stadium, Fenway. Later this summer we are going down to Camden in Baltimore and then Citizens Bank park in Philly. I will be blogging about those adventures (sorry for missing the first two trips), but for now, I wanted to start by talking about why I love the sport of baseball so much.
Baseball used to be known as America's past time. Technically, it still is, but not really. It's popularity diminishes annually. It's a slow game with little to no action, so it has trouble retaining the attention of our easily distracted society. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful game. There's something about the sounds and sights of a ballpark, the feel of a spring/summer breeze on a warm evening in June, the smell of hot dogs and stale beer as you walk through the gates. Baseball is comforting. In a society that is constantly moving, baseball provides a pause button. A way to slow your life down, and enjoy a single moment.
The first time I put on spikes and walked onto a diamond, I was 5 years old. I don't remember much from playing at that time, but there a few memories from my playing days: I remember my first (and only) home run when I was 12. I remember making an error in little league that cost us the game and crying as I walked off the field. I remember having two walk off hits when I was 14. Most importantly, I remember making my decision to stop playing baseball so I could focus my attention on wrestling year round. In retrospect, I am certainly glad I made that decision. Wrestling has turned me into the man that I am. I've never regretted a single decision I have made. But the closest thing to a regret that I have, is quitting baseball.
I know many of you readers probably don't enjoy watching the sport. I understand why. It's not as fast as hockey, not as physical as football. The athleticism that baseball requires is not apparent to most people. While I certainly don't think that David Ortiz could run under 10 second in a 40 yard dash, let alone dunk a basketball, do you think that Paul Pierce (We'll miss you #34) or Adrian Peterson could hit a rock that is coming at them over 90 mph with a big stick? I doubt it. It certainly is not your traditional form of athleticism, but baseball players are athletes that can do something other people cannot. They play a sport where the best players accomplish their goal under 40% of the time. If that were NASA, we'd be screwed.
There is so much history to the sport too. Fenway has been around for over 100 years. Very few people in the world have been alive longer than this building. It is a monument, perhaps the greatest in Boston. Not too mention some of the great names that have come and gone. Jackie Robinson paved the way not just for black baseball players, but for black athletes. He is immortalized as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Roberto Clemente died while bringing supplies to earthquake survivors in Nicaragua. A true hero. One day I hope my children think about Pedro Martinez and reflect on how amazing he was, and I will get to say, I watched him play. I once sat 20 feet from where Dustin Pedroia swung a bat. The history is abundant, and ceaseless.
My point for this post is not to convert anyone to baseball fanatics. It is to provide an understanding as to the subtle elegance that comes with baseball. Ken Griffey Jr's swing was one of the most beautiful things I had ever witnessed. I can only imagine what growing up watching some of the greats would have been like. Baseball may not be America's past time anymore. It certainly is not the only sport I love to watch. But baseball is about more than sports. Baseball is a beacon light in a world filled with darkness. It allows us as fans 3 hours of bliss. 3 hours of relaxation, as the rest of the world hastily floats by.
Baseball used to be known as America's past time. Technically, it still is, but not really. It's popularity diminishes annually. It's a slow game with little to no action, so it has trouble retaining the attention of our easily distracted society. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful game. There's something about the sounds and sights of a ballpark, the feel of a spring/summer breeze on a warm evening in June, the smell of hot dogs and stale beer as you walk through the gates. Baseball is comforting. In a society that is constantly moving, baseball provides a pause button. A way to slow your life down, and enjoy a single moment.
The first time I put on spikes and walked onto a diamond, I was 5 years old. I don't remember much from playing at that time, but there a few memories from my playing days: I remember my first (and only) home run when I was 12. I remember making an error in little league that cost us the game and crying as I walked off the field. I remember having two walk off hits when I was 14. Most importantly, I remember making my decision to stop playing baseball so I could focus my attention on wrestling year round. In retrospect, I am certainly glad I made that decision. Wrestling has turned me into the man that I am. I've never regretted a single decision I have made. But the closest thing to a regret that I have, is quitting baseball.
I know many of you readers probably don't enjoy watching the sport. I understand why. It's not as fast as hockey, not as physical as football. The athleticism that baseball requires is not apparent to most people. While I certainly don't think that David Ortiz could run under 10 second in a 40 yard dash, let alone dunk a basketball, do you think that Paul Pierce (We'll miss you #34) or Adrian Peterson could hit a rock that is coming at them over 90 mph with a big stick? I doubt it. It certainly is not your traditional form of athleticism, but baseball players are athletes that can do something other people cannot. They play a sport where the best players accomplish their goal under 40% of the time. If that were NASA, we'd be screwed.
There is so much history to the sport too. Fenway has been around for over 100 years. Very few people in the world have been alive longer than this building. It is a monument, perhaps the greatest in Boston. Not too mention some of the great names that have come and gone. Jackie Robinson paved the way not just for black baseball players, but for black athletes. He is immortalized as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Roberto Clemente died while bringing supplies to earthquake survivors in Nicaragua. A true hero. One day I hope my children think about Pedro Martinez and reflect on how amazing he was, and I will get to say, I watched him play. I once sat 20 feet from where Dustin Pedroia swung a bat. The history is abundant, and ceaseless.
My point for this post is not to convert anyone to baseball fanatics. It is to provide an understanding as to the subtle elegance that comes with baseball. Ken Griffey Jr's swing was one of the most beautiful things I had ever witnessed. I can only imagine what growing up watching some of the greats would have been like. Baseball may not be America's past time anymore. It certainly is not the only sport I love to watch. But baseball is about more than sports. Baseball is a beacon light in a world filled with darkness. It allows us as fans 3 hours of bliss. 3 hours of relaxation, as the rest of the world hastily floats by.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
My Thoughts on Gay Marriage
With the supreme court striking down DOMA and allowing gay couples to receive federal benefits, I decided it would be fitting to share my beliefs on gay marriage. I would like remind everyone that I am not here to offend people. I simply like to share my opinion. If something I say truly bothers you, feel free to send me an email.
The first wedding I ever went to was a gay wedding (actually, now that I think of it, I'm pretty sure that's the only wedding I've ever been to). My best friend in elementary school's mothers were getting married after the state of Massachusetts deemed it legal. Now, mind you, I was a young kid. There is not much I remember from that time period in my life. But I remember that wedding. I remember the look on the two women's faces as they kissed, representing the commencement of an eternal bond known as matrimony. They were in love and at that exact moment, to them, nothing else mattered but each other.
The traditional definition of marriage involves the eternal bond of a man and a woman. Many people in this day and age try to take that literally and claim that it should only be between a man and a woman. I have a real problem with that. To me, that signifies that people deem the gender to be the most important part of the definition. I think the most important part of a marriage is that its eternal. I see so many marriages end in divorce and it bothers me. So many people who are opposed to seeing two men get married will gladly watch Kim Kardashion (I probably didn't spell that right, and frankly, it's not worth my time to look it up) get married and divorce within a year. Last I checked, a year is not equivalent to eternity. Marriage is a holy thing. Falling in love is sacred. I believe it is far more important to marry someone you love and make it last forever than to make sure it is of the appropriate gender.
100 years ago, my own parents probably wouldn't have been allowed to get married. An upper class protestant from Rochester and a middle class Jewish woman from NYC. Something as trivial as that would have stopped them. But they are, and they have been incredible parents as a result. Some of the most loving, caring parents I know are gay. I never understand when people argue that they won't make fitting parents. I disagree completely. If a child is being raised in a home where he is cared for, than what's the difference if there are two dicks or four boobs?
Who am I to tell someone who they can and cannot love? Who are you to tell them? Nobody chooses it, it just happens. I did not choose to fall in love with Emily. Do you think an 18 year old kid at his first college party wanted to fall head over heels in love with someone? No. But I did, and there's no sense fighting it. The same is true for all gay couples. So that guy loves another guy. So what? Who cares? Does it affect you in anyway? My guess is no. Why does another person's happiness make so many people uncomfortable?
People feel that it is a violation of the Bible and its teachings. I don't even deem this argument necessary to address. Times change. Move on. In the words of the great Macklemore: "'God loves all his children', is somehow forgotten, while we paraphrase a book written 3,500 years ago..."
While the striking down of DOMA is not sufficient, it is a start. It certainly is nice to know that people are beginning to recognize that it is an issue that deserves addressing.
I want to end with one final remark. There is nothing I hate more than when people slam their beliefs down your throat. I'm as opinionated as anyone, and I certainly love to share my opinions, but there is a clear difference between talking to someone about these issues, or preaching at them in a condescending manor. So like I said, if anyone feels strongly against what I have to say and wants to shoot me an email, feel free, I'd love to chat. But the second you try telling me what is morally wrong and right, and not just what you believe to be wrong or right, the conversation is over. I don't care what anyone has to say, this is one issue that my views will never change on.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
My Thoughts on Wrestling
I've mentioned in previous posts that I wrestled in high school and I wrestle in college. Lets be honest, I'm pretty sure most people reading this know me well enough to know that about me. It's kind of crazy to think that I have one more year left in competitive sports. I've been competing my whole life and in about 8 months, that will all be part of my past. I often reflect on the sports I have played: teammates, exciting moments, coaches, etc. I'm sure this comes as a shock to nobody, but none has had a bigger, more profound influence on shaping the man I am, than wrestling.
For those of you who have never wrestled, there is nothing more demanding, or more rewarding, than this brutal sport. I know everyone likes to claim "Our practices are tough, there's so much running" or "Ours are tougher, we have to be so well conditioned". But I can 100% promise you that if there is a tougher sport than wrestling, I have yet to find it. A lot of athletes think they're tough. Watching my beloved Bruins lose in game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals last night was heartbreaking. I don't know if people realize this, but Patty Bergeron was playing with broken ribs. That takes heart, and that takes toughness. But it requires nowhere near the level of mental toughness that wrestlers endure.
Imagine being told, as a 17 year old kid, to roll two dice. Whatever number comes up, that's how many minutes in a row you have to go swinging a 70 pound kettle bell over your head. Now imagine you roll snake eyes. Your coach makes you roll again. And again. And again. Oh what's that? An 11 finally showed up? Okay that'll work. Now imagine your done with that, and your coach tells you do 100 pull ups over the rest of the day. I don't care how you divide them up, just get them done. Now imagine this is a Sunday, your one day off of the week and your missing watching the Patriots games with your friends because all you want to do is win states in 2 months. Now imagine all you've eaten in three days are a few granola bars and some celery, and you can't eat anything until Tuesday night because you are still 7 pounds over weight. Now repeat this process every week for three months. Now repeat THAT process every year for 9 years. That's wrestling.
Although I did not put myself through that same grueling ordeal every single weekend of my wrestling career with no exceptions, there were similar situations that I found myself in. My coach used to make me run sprints after our dual meets, because after wrestling one match for 45 seconds before I pinned someone, I needed more of a workout. He used to conduct full hour and a half practice BEFORE those dual meets. Wrestling is a grind. Even within the practice. I used to get the life beat out of me every day by kids on my team. I was one of the top ranked wrestlers in the state and every day I had to deal with the 140 pound all state champ (Walter, if you're reading this, I can't thank you enough) taking me down at will. I cried more after my senior year ended due to injury than I have ever cried before.
But the negative is what invokes the positive. One of the greatest moments I've experienced in my brief 21 years of life was winning the state title with my team my junior year. We were untouchable. The thrill of getting my arm raised of 6 (well, 7 now) minutes of misery is one of the most satisfying feelings ever. No drug can compete with the high you feel from winning a close match. From escaping with seconds left on the clock. From hitting a take down and hearing the crowd go, "Woah...". From riding someone out to prevent them from tying the match. These are what make wrestlers different. Its something no other athlete will ever understand.
I hope nobody reads this and is offended, or interprets it as me insulting your sport. I don't mean it like that. There's simply no way around it: wrestlers are a rare breed, in a league of their own. Even if you never start on varsity, just being on a team, and being able to say that you cut 10 pounds the day before a match, even though you were on JV. Its a character building experience that few can imagine.
My glory days are long behind me. I'm an average wrestler in college with a career record of 18-18. I didn't even start this year. My girlfriend, who plays Ice Hockey at Trinity, and I often argue about whether our kids will grow up playing hockey or wrestling. What she doesn't realize is that I do not want them to wrestle so that I can live vicariously through them (well, not entirely). I want them to wrestle because I know that wrestlers are special. If you think I'm exaggerating, check it out. Step on the mat for 5 minutes. See if you can last 2 practices without breaking down. Few can, and it's a true testament to the mental and physical strength of the competitor. Do I consider myself an athlete? No. I'm a wrestler.
For those of you who have never wrestled, there is nothing more demanding, or more rewarding, than this brutal sport. I know everyone likes to claim "Our practices are tough, there's so much running" or "Ours are tougher, we have to be so well conditioned". But I can 100% promise you that if there is a tougher sport than wrestling, I have yet to find it. A lot of athletes think they're tough. Watching my beloved Bruins lose in game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals last night was heartbreaking. I don't know if people realize this, but Patty Bergeron was playing with broken ribs. That takes heart, and that takes toughness. But it requires nowhere near the level of mental toughness that wrestlers endure.
Imagine being told, as a 17 year old kid, to roll two dice. Whatever number comes up, that's how many minutes in a row you have to go swinging a 70 pound kettle bell over your head. Now imagine you roll snake eyes. Your coach makes you roll again. And again. And again. Oh what's that? An 11 finally showed up? Okay that'll work. Now imagine your done with that, and your coach tells you do 100 pull ups over the rest of the day. I don't care how you divide them up, just get them done. Now imagine this is a Sunday, your one day off of the week and your missing watching the Patriots games with your friends because all you want to do is win states in 2 months. Now imagine all you've eaten in three days are a few granola bars and some celery, and you can't eat anything until Tuesday night because you are still 7 pounds over weight. Now repeat this process every week for three months. Now repeat THAT process every year for 9 years. That's wrestling.
Although I did not put myself through that same grueling ordeal every single weekend of my wrestling career with no exceptions, there were similar situations that I found myself in. My coach used to make me run sprints after our dual meets, because after wrestling one match for 45 seconds before I pinned someone, I needed more of a workout. He used to conduct full hour and a half practice BEFORE those dual meets. Wrestling is a grind. Even within the practice. I used to get the life beat out of me every day by kids on my team. I was one of the top ranked wrestlers in the state and every day I had to deal with the 140 pound all state champ (Walter, if you're reading this, I can't thank you enough) taking me down at will. I cried more after my senior year ended due to injury than I have ever cried before.
But the negative is what invokes the positive. One of the greatest moments I've experienced in my brief 21 years of life was winning the state title with my team my junior year. We were untouchable. The thrill of getting my arm raised of 6 (well, 7 now) minutes of misery is one of the most satisfying feelings ever. No drug can compete with the high you feel from winning a close match. From escaping with seconds left on the clock. From hitting a take down and hearing the crowd go, "Woah...". From riding someone out to prevent them from tying the match. These are what make wrestlers different. Its something no other athlete will ever understand.
I hope nobody reads this and is offended, or interprets it as me insulting your sport. I don't mean it like that. There's simply no way around it: wrestlers are a rare breed, in a league of their own. Even if you never start on varsity, just being on a team, and being able to say that you cut 10 pounds the day before a match, even though you were on JV. Its a character building experience that few can imagine.
My glory days are long behind me. I'm an average wrestler in college with a career record of 18-18. I didn't even start this year. My girlfriend, who plays Ice Hockey at Trinity, and I often argue about whether our kids will grow up playing hockey or wrestling. What she doesn't realize is that I do not want them to wrestle so that I can live vicariously through them (well, not entirely). I want them to wrestle because I know that wrestlers are special. If you think I'm exaggerating, check it out. Step on the mat for 5 minutes. See if you can last 2 practices without breaking down. Few can, and it's a true testament to the mental and physical strength of the competitor. Do I consider myself an athlete? No. I'm a wrestler.
Monday, June 24, 2013
My thoughts on Edward Snowden and the NSA
One of my favorite genres of novels are the futuristic dystopian ones. Books like The Road, Brave New world, 1984, these are some of my favorites to read. The ideas that they present are not only fascinating, but I personally do not believe that they are an unrealistic prediction of what is to come. In the last two weeks, I believe this country has been introduced to the first steps of this process. The news about how the National Security Agency is spying on US citizens has been a terrifying realization that we (potentially) are being watched.
For arguments sake, I will assume for the rest of this entry that all of the allegations against the NSA are true (it wouldn't make for a very good conversation if I assumed the opposite, now would it?). Obviously the most discussed individual in the last two weeks on the subject has to be Mr. Edward Snowden, the man who leaked the information, in order to open our eyes. In case your head has been buried in a pile of sand or something, an arrest warrant has been issued for Snowden, issued by the great US of A for espionage. I just want everyone to take a few minutes and reflect on how they feel about Snowden and the NSA....
Personally, I can see both sides of the argument. Snowden is a hero. He exposed a government that has betrayed the trust of its citizens. He has brought to light an illegal, immoral act that was being carried out by the people we have trusted to protect and lead us. He will go down in history as a martyr, fighting to preserve the luxury that so many people in this country believe is freedom. Edward Snowden is good.
However, he also violated several US laws. He is now on the run, fleeing from the country like a scared little puppy with his tail between his legs. If he has the balls to commit, essentially, treason, why can he not stay and take the punishment that he deserves? Edward Snowden very clearly does not trust this country. Edward Snowden is bad.
The NSA has turned this country from one living in blissful ignorance, to one living in fearful paranoia. While many people joke around about this subject, it certainly is serious. We no longer have any privacy. Nobody knows the extent to the surveillance, although I'm sure plenty of people think they know all about it. It could be as minor as looking at suspect's phone records. But what if its more. What if they are able to listen in on every phone call? Read my emails. Access my bank accounts? Obviously they would have no interest in spying on me in this manor, but its this paranoia that is detrimental to society. The NSA is bad.
However, the NSA did not do this to spy on petty drug dealers or middle aged men calling up prostitutes. They did this to catch real bad guys. This is clearly an effort to thwart terrorism. I would be willing to bet money that everyone in this country that was so willing to invade another country to fight the bad guys are equally as opposed to finding the bad guys here. Maybe people are in denial about terrorists living here, but they're wrong. Look at the Tsarnaev brothers who bombed the Boston Marathon. The younger one wrestled at a tournament at my high school. Is someone going to try and argue that he was not a terrorist living in our country? I can understand why the NSA is spying. They are not doing it to check that I just googled, "how to change my car oil". They are doing it to keep this country safe. The NSA is good.
The argument can go either way, and I just want to make sure everyone thinks about that before they decide how they feel about it.
The thing that scares me the most? It's a slippery slope. While I believe the NSA has good intentions, who's to say that in 15 years we will not be living under the watchful eye of Big Brother, guaranteeing safety, while promising imprisonment.
For arguments sake, I will assume for the rest of this entry that all of the allegations against the NSA are true (it wouldn't make for a very good conversation if I assumed the opposite, now would it?). Obviously the most discussed individual in the last two weeks on the subject has to be Mr. Edward Snowden, the man who leaked the information, in order to open our eyes. In case your head has been buried in a pile of sand or something, an arrest warrant has been issued for Snowden, issued by the great US of A for espionage. I just want everyone to take a few minutes and reflect on how they feel about Snowden and the NSA....
Personally, I can see both sides of the argument. Snowden is a hero. He exposed a government that has betrayed the trust of its citizens. He has brought to light an illegal, immoral act that was being carried out by the people we have trusted to protect and lead us. He will go down in history as a martyr, fighting to preserve the luxury that so many people in this country believe is freedom. Edward Snowden is good.
However, he also violated several US laws. He is now on the run, fleeing from the country like a scared little puppy with his tail between his legs. If he has the balls to commit, essentially, treason, why can he not stay and take the punishment that he deserves? Edward Snowden very clearly does not trust this country. Edward Snowden is bad.
The NSA has turned this country from one living in blissful ignorance, to one living in fearful paranoia. While many people joke around about this subject, it certainly is serious. We no longer have any privacy. Nobody knows the extent to the surveillance, although I'm sure plenty of people think they know all about it. It could be as minor as looking at suspect's phone records. But what if its more. What if they are able to listen in on every phone call? Read my emails. Access my bank accounts? Obviously they would have no interest in spying on me in this manor, but its this paranoia that is detrimental to society. The NSA is bad.
However, the NSA did not do this to spy on petty drug dealers or middle aged men calling up prostitutes. They did this to catch real bad guys. This is clearly an effort to thwart terrorism. I would be willing to bet money that everyone in this country that was so willing to invade another country to fight the bad guys are equally as opposed to finding the bad guys here. Maybe people are in denial about terrorists living here, but they're wrong. Look at the Tsarnaev brothers who bombed the Boston Marathon. The younger one wrestled at a tournament at my high school. Is someone going to try and argue that he was not a terrorist living in our country? I can understand why the NSA is spying. They are not doing it to check that I just googled, "how to change my car oil". They are doing it to keep this country safe. The NSA is good.
The argument can go either way, and I just want to make sure everyone thinks about that before they decide how they feel about it.
The thing that scares me the most? It's a slippery slope. While I believe the NSA has good intentions, who's to say that in 15 years we will not be living under the watchful eye of Big Brother, guaranteeing safety, while promising imprisonment.
Friday, June 21, 2013
My Thoughts on LeBron
Alright, so obviously everyone knows by now that the Heat won the 2013 NBA Finals (spoiler alert for all you Amish people). Congratulations to them, people can hate all they want, but it does not take the title out of their hands. Now, I am not a huge basketball fan. I'm relatively big sports fan, so I build up my opinions on topics like this. Whether they're right or wrong is up to you to agree with.
First off, let me preface this by saying that I hate LeBron James. This 28 year old is probably the most hated figure in the United States since Hitler. What he did to the city of Cleveland 4 (right? 4 years?) years ago is despicable. His hometown, he just completely abandoned for greener pastures. He realized he was not going to win a championship with them so he peaced. Class act. However, his arrogance is only comparable to his dominance. Regardless of what you think of his character, King James has to be considered one of the best, if not the absolute greatest of all time.
My high school wrestling coach always used to say, "What makes someone good? Results". That statement has never rung truer than with James. He has, at the ripe age of 28, won 4 MVP awards, 2 Finals MVPs and 2 rings. He is a 9x all star and has made the all defense team 5 times as well. He does anything and everything he can to win, and that's what he does. But does that mean we should like him?
One thing I think professional athletes always forget is that they are in the entertainment industry. I understand they want to be immortalized through excellence in their sport, they want to win championships, they want awards, they want all the fame, glory, and money that accompany playing professional sports. Hell, I'm 21 years old, working in an office for the summer and would sell my soul to have the ability to play a game every day for the rest of my life and make millions of dollars. However, it does not change the fact that professional athletes are paid that kind of money because their job is to entertain us. We live in a society that is so engrossed in how other people carry themselves that athletes and actors, musicians and models are all heavily scrutinized for how they behave. This is the area that LeBron clearly does not comprehend.
We get it, you are the (potentially) the greatest player to every lace up your basketball shoes. When all is said and done, I think you will be the single greatest. You are 28 years old and have accomplished more than maybe any others. The only thing standing in the way of the discussion is another 3 or 4 rings...
However that does not excuse they way you carry yourself. My parents always said its better to use your powers for good, never for evil. You sir, are pure evil. You destroyed the faith of not just the state of Ohio, but the entire country (with the exception of the slimeballs who live in south Florida). You have tainted a legacy that was pure, and likeable. Coming out of high school, you were a God. I used to love watching the magic shows that you put on on the court. Simply majestic. Now, not only do I not care about basketball, but I find myself rooting against you in every aspect of life. I'm a passionate Red Sox fan and I have never hated anyone on the Yankees as much as I hate you. A Bruins fan who has never hated anyone on the Habs as much as I hate you.
So is LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time? Quite possibly. I would extend that and say that in this day and age, where we have seen many of G.O.A.T discussions of various players for various sports (Crosby, Tiger, Federer, Phelps, Usain Bolt, Kyle Dake, Abby Wambach, etc.), James may be the best of them all. But does that mean we should like him? That's up to you. Everybody is different. All I know is I could never respect someone with as little integrity as the so called "King".
First off, let me preface this by saying that I hate LeBron James. This 28 year old is probably the most hated figure in the United States since Hitler. What he did to the city of Cleveland 4 (right? 4 years?) years ago is despicable. His hometown, he just completely abandoned for greener pastures. He realized he was not going to win a championship with them so he peaced. Class act. However, his arrogance is only comparable to his dominance. Regardless of what you think of his character, King James has to be considered one of the best, if not the absolute greatest of all time.
My high school wrestling coach always used to say, "What makes someone good? Results". That statement has never rung truer than with James. He has, at the ripe age of 28, won 4 MVP awards, 2 Finals MVPs and 2 rings. He is a 9x all star and has made the all defense team 5 times as well. He does anything and everything he can to win, and that's what he does. But does that mean we should like him?
One thing I think professional athletes always forget is that they are in the entertainment industry. I understand they want to be immortalized through excellence in their sport, they want to win championships, they want awards, they want all the fame, glory, and money that accompany playing professional sports. Hell, I'm 21 years old, working in an office for the summer and would sell my soul to have the ability to play a game every day for the rest of my life and make millions of dollars. However, it does not change the fact that professional athletes are paid that kind of money because their job is to entertain us. We live in a society that is so engrossed in how other people carry themselves that athletes and actors, musicians and models are all heavily scrutinized for how they behave. This is the area that LeBron clearly does not comprehend.
We get it, you are the (potentially) the greatest player to every lace up your basketball shoes. When all is said and done, I think you will be the single greatest. You are 28 years old and have accomplished more than maybe any others. The only thing standing in the way of the discussion is another 3 or 4 rings...
However that does not excuse they way you carry yourself. My parents always said its better to use your powers for good, never for evil. You sir, are pure evil. You destroyed the faith of not just the state of Ohio, but the entire country (with the exception of the slimeballs who live in south Florida). You have tainted a legacy that was pure, and likeable. Coming out of high school, you were a God. I used to love watching the magic shows that you put on on the court. Simply majestic. Now, not only do I not care about basketball, but I find myself rooting against you in every aspect of life. I'm a passionate Red Sox fan and I have never hated anyone on the Yankees as much as I hate you. A Bruins fan who has never hated anyone on the Habs as much as I hate you.
So is LeBron James the greatest basketball player of all time? Quite possibly. I would extend that and say that in this day and age, where we have seen many of G.O.A.T discussions of various players for various sports (Crosby, Tiger, Federer, Phelps, Usain Bolt, Kyle Dake, Abby Wambach, etc.), James may be the best of them all. But does that mean we should like him? That's up to you. Everybody is different. All I know is I could never respect someone with as little integrity as the so called "King".
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