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!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
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.
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