This evening I met a kid who is very excited for the freshman year of his college experience (the party/alcohol/frat/fun kind). He was a bit of a blow hard and (I thought) a tool. Of course, he is rooming with another kid who is the exact opposite of him, in attitude, bedtime, and hair color. Apparently, the roommate goes to bed early and doesn't like to drink or party (which sounds just like me, save for my inability to get to bed until 2AM). The kid is not fond of his roommate, and some name calling was involved in his description of the guy.
Indeed, I've seen the roommate, and marked him as being a bit unusual. I'm guilty of judging other people just by looking at them--I think we all are. There are other students on campus who act out of the norm, and I've made remarks about them too. These are the people who dance oddly in a group, and sing at awkward times, and have a general stigma of "weirdness."
And I've been a part of such groups, those ones who act how they please, and happily wag their heads at the cool kids who are too cool to fully enjoy the event.
But these are often the people who seem to be having the most fun. They band together in awkwardness, or in common interest, or in unconventionality, and they have fun. Harming no one else--except those who are threatened by "the other"-- the unusuals get the most out of experience however they can, by dancing, or providing commentary, or whatever it takes.
So if someone is at least enjoying himself, even in a nontraditional way, what right have we to judge? If he has a different idea of what is fun, cool, or fashion, what's our business? People judge anyway, and so do I, but we're probably not having as much fun doing it.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
to be a Journalist
At school this week, there was a publishing camp for student editors. Leaders from the newspaper, magazine, and academic journal have been invited to learn more about the publishing industry. It was planned not just so we could learn to use Photoshop and InDesign (which has certainly been helpful), but so that we could interact with the other publications on campus and develop more of a community among ourselves.
It's been great.
The woman in charge hooked us up with several local journalists, two of whom are typically very shy, and one who is actually a recluse who only goes out once a week for pizza. They've all been around the world, covered major stories, and interviewed remarkable figures. Despite having covered such famous stories, a theme they returned to again and again was the personal experience of being a journalist.
Every time you go out into the community or the world, you're connecting with other human beings. You're listening to their ideas, then transferring that voice to an audience. People need to trust you before they'll give you their story. It's remarkable, and I don't know if I've conveyed it properly here. But the connections a journalist makes with other people and events is just as important as his writing about it.
I like this.
It's been great.
The woman in charge hooked us up with several local journalists, two of whom are typically very shy, and one who is actually a recluse who only goes out once a week for pizza. They've all been around the world, covered major stories, and interviewed remarkable figures. Despite having covered such famous stories, a theme they returned to again and again was the personal experience of being a journalist.
Every time you go out into the community or the world, you're connecting with other human beings. You're listening to their ideas, then transferring that voice to an audience. People need to trust you before they'll give you their story. It's remarkable, and I don't know if I've conveyed it properly here. But the connections a journalist makes with other people and events is just as important as his writing about it.
I like this.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Vicariously Clubbing
This evening, I brought home a half-dozen crabs to make crab dip for the Fishy People at work. As the best crab dip is made with love, not magic (like Krabby Patties), I enjoy picking the steamed crustaceans myself, not just purchasing a tub of jumbo lump. Thus, I bring them home and pick them late into the night, just me, and sometimes Mum, and always the radio.
Tonight I tapped into a distant station broadcasting from Jersey, where the DJ was at a nightclub, spinning tunes for a live and radio audience. He made it sound like so much fun that I imagined I was in the city, partying it up on the dance floor. I imagined dancing with friends, or strangers, or nobody, and semi-considered just driving away to the nearest city, and enjoying a Saturday night on the town. I wondered what I would wear, and what I would drink, and whether I should take the time to shower the permeating sting of crabbiness away.
Then the radio program ended and the DJ disapeared. I finished picking the last few claws. I set the crab meat on ice, and opened a book, turned on the computer, swept up the empty shells.
Tonight I tapped into a distant station broadcasting from Jersey, where the DJ was at a nightclub, spinning tunes for a live and radio audience. He made it sound like so much fun that I imagined I was in the city, partying it up on the dance floor. I imagined dancing with friends, or strangers, or nobody, and semi-considered just driving away to the nearest city, and enjoying a Saturday night on the town. I wondered what I would wear, and what I would drink, and whether I should take the time to shower the permeating sting of crabbiness away.
Then the radio program ended and the DJ disapeared. I finished picking the last few claws. I set the crab meat on ice, and opened a book, turned on the computer, swept up the empty shells.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Desk Job
Most of my summer was spent in internship, a far cry from the usual fish-mongering at my beloved seafood market. I was editor of an academic journal of student writing and art, which was super wicked awesome.
Every day, I attempted to arrive at 8:30 (which eventually became 8:45 or 9), and sat at a desk in the corner of the secretary's office in the Marketing Office. I read and edited the essays for a few weeks, then began laying them out into the computer program inDesign. This went on for 7 hours each day.
Mostly, I was sitting on my bum, staring at the computer screen for 7 hours a day. The other employees in that office are in charge of everything visual that the college sends: pamphlets, catalogs, invitations, magazines!, newsletters, and flyers. So, those people LIVE on their computers nonstop. And they don't have a short, two-month stretch of work. This is what they've done for years, and what they'll continue to do.
This experience has taught me that I love editing and designing. I think I'd like to go into publishing, which certainly requires frequent use of the computer. But I don't know if I can honestly handle sitting at a desk and computer for the rest of my life. Maybe it's because I only had one main project to fill up my days (variety helps), but I feel like I was always waiting for something happen (the end of the workday?).
Maybe I'll work at a company that allows for frequent Zumba breaks.
Every day, I attempted to arrive at 8:30 (which eventually became 8:45 or 9), and sat at a desk in the corner of the secretary's office in the Marketing Office. I read and edited the essays for a few weeks, then began laying them out into the computer program inDesign. This went on for 7 hours each day.
Mostly, I was sitting on my bum, staring at the computer screen for 7 hours a day. The other employees in that office are in charge of everything visual that the college sends: pamphlets, catalogs, invitations, magazines!, newsletters, and flyers. So, those people LIVE on their computers nonstop. And they don't have a short, two-month stretch of work. This is what they've done for years, and what they'll continue to do.
This experience has taught me that I love editing and designing. I think I'd like to go into publishing, which certainly requires frequent use of the computer. But I don't know if I can honestly handle sitting at a desk and computer for the rest of my life. Maybe it's because I only had one main project to fill up my days (variety helps), but I feel like I was always waiting for something happen (the end of the workday?).
Maybe I'll work at a company that allows for frequent Zumba breaks.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Pissed
I've always been fairly pleased with my medical history: no breaks, no major impaling, no infectious conditions. No silly little sprains or strains to speak of.
Until now.
Yesterday, I was waiting for my afternoon shift to begin, but having arrived at work early, I went into the trailer to hang out. There, I found my boss's puppy, who was very eager to see me--and my lunch. She was so happy to see us that she wouldn't leave us alone for the entirety of the meal. Finally I finished eating and was ready to play, and she was absolutely delighted. So she began to run.
The puppy dashed across the trailer, and I ran to the opposite side. Then she turned and quickly ran back to where I stood, like a matador bracing for contact with the bull. When she was just about to jump on me, I leaped into the air, far over her small body--
and landed in her plastic water dish.
Which split and slid and spilled across the floor.
And I spilled too.
My foot gracelessly tumbled under my leg and I landed upon my back in a puddle of water, a small puppy dancing around me, snapping at my nose.
I remained splayed on my back for several minutes, waiting for my disturbed foot to calm down a bit, then got up and went to work for the next 5 hours, hobbling the tiniest bit more as the night passed. Several coworkers commented on my wet shorts. By the time I left, I was visibly limping and was reduced to a spongebath by the time I got home, as standing fully on my right foot was not an option.
Maybe this is what I get for mocking religion, and I apologize if I offended any of the (certainly) hundreds of readers out there. But I'm lucky: this is just a stupid little sprain or strain or something; the angel only took my cow and not my wife. I'll be back at work tonight, same time, same place.
Until now.
Yesterday, I was waiting for my afternoon shift to begin, but having arrived at work early, I went into the trailer to hang out. There, I found my boss's puppy, who was very eager to see me--and my lunch. She was so happy to see us that she wouldn't leave us alone for the entirety of the meal. Finally I finished eating and was ready to play, and she was absolutely delighted. So she began to run.
The puppy dashed across the trailer, and I ran to the opposite side. Then she turned and quickly ran back to where I stood, like a matador bracing for contact with the bull. When she was just about to jump on me, I leaped into the air, far over her small body--
and landed in her plastic water dish.
Which split and slid and spilled across the floor.
And I spilled too.
My foot gracelessly tumbled under my leg and I landed upon my back in a puddle of water, a small puppy dancing around me, snapping at my nose.
I remained splayed on my back for several minutes, waiting for my disturbed foot to calm down a bit, then got up and went to work for the next 5 hours, hobbling the tiniest bit more as the night passed. Several coworkers commented on my wet shorts. By the time I left, I was visibly limping and was reduced to a spongebath by the time I got home, as standing fully on my right foot was not an option.
Maybe this is what I get for mocking religion, and I apologize if I offended any of the (certainly) hundreds of readers out there. But I'm lucky: this is just a stupid little sprain or strain or something; the angel only took my cow and not my wife. I'll be back at work tonight, same time, same place.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Religion Sells
10:47 on a Wednesday night
I just saw a commerical during the late-night reruns of MSNBC political talk shows. It shows inspiring and sensual clips while a narrator recited something that I think of as rather lovely: "It's light; it's day; it's night; it's chocolate; it's touch; it's rain; it's joy; it's suffering; it's... life."
By now, I'm curious to see how this will end. What is the point of this artsy commercial?
My curiousity issatisfied--and horrified-- at the end of the commercial, when a bright logo for Scientology blazes across the screen. followed closely by a phone number for the headquarters.
How do I react to this? Honestly, I feel rather sullied. A "religious" group that is based from science fiction and has snagged several big name personalities just ran an add on national tv. I count it in with the commercials for Dial-a-Lawyer and free time shares, and I change the channel.
What am I left with? A thought that considering how much celebrity money is flowing into the organizaion, no wonder the camera quality was so decent, and how are people fooled by that?
I just saw a commerical during the late-night reruns of MSNBC political talk shows. It shows inspiring and sensual clips while a narrator recited something that I think of as rather lovely: "It's light; it's day; it's night; it's chocolate; it's touch; it's rain; it's joy; it's suffering; it's... life."
By now, I'm curious to see how this will end. What is the point of this artsy commercial?
My curiousity issatisfied--and horrified-- at the end of the commercial, when a bright logo for Scientology blazes across the screen. followed closely by a phone number for the headquarters.
How do I react to this? Honestly, I feel rather sullied. A "religious" group that is based from science fiction and has snagged several big name personalities just ran an add on national tv. I count it in with the commercials for Dial-a-Lawyer and free time shares, and I change the channel.
What am I left with? A thought that considering how much celebrity money is flowing into the organizaion, no wonder the camera quality was so decent, and how are people fooled by that?
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Want In
This summer, I re-discovered a site that provides access to ALL of the seasons of The West Wing, which was my favorite TV show in high school. As the name suggests, it's a show about the White House, specifically the senior staff and the president (all fictional. Hey- it was an NBC primetime drama.) But the creator and writers were brilliant, so it still teaches viewers about how government works. I've actually learned what staffers are supposed to do, and how the President and Congress work with and around one another.
I've become so caught up and well-versed in that world that I want to know how it translates to the real world. On television, I could recite all of the characters and their jobs. I don't know who is running the real-life United States.
*
When I come home and find Dad in front of the TV, he's ususually flipping between Star Trek: TNG and a half-dozen political/news shows. Tonight, I was in time for The Rachel Maddow Show. This woman is young and fiesty, and was explaining what was going on during the Congressional summer recess. The Congressmen are at home, talking to their constituents about current legislation, such as the controversial new healthcare legislation.
The problem is that people are showing up to the town hall meetings with their representatives and verbally attacking them. Riled-up mob mentality is the dominant force at meetings where scores of people demand questions of the Congressmen, then shout and don't let them respond. It's disturbing.
America allows us free speech and the right to publicly display such negativity. But these people aren't acting independently. Paid lobbying firms are instructing dissenters on how to upset and intimidate the governmental leaders, so as to shut down legislation such as the healthcare bill. It's disgusting.
*
I've decided that I want in. I'm going to do what I should have been doing for years: start paying attention. This means watching the news, watching speeches, finding out what is actually happening in the government and why. There is so much going on, yet I'm not keeping up, and many people aren't either, when really it's our responsibility to know.
For instance, I honestly don't know the status of abortion in this country. It's legal, right? What about later in the term? No? Gay marriage has been a hot topic. A few states made it legal... right? Or was it revoked? What will the healthcare plan do? What are the people I voted for doing?
I want to be more involved and knowledgeable about the government, especially at this time in history. I want to know. I want in.
I've become so caught up and well-versed in that world that I want to know how it translates to the real world. On television, I could recite all of the characters and their jobs. I don't know who is running the real-life United States.
*
When I come home and find Dad in front of the TV, he's ususually flipping between Star Trek: TNG and a half-dozen political/news shows. Tonight, I was in time for The Rachel Maddow Show. This woman is young and fiesty, and was explaining what was going on during the Congressional summer recess. The Congressmen are at home, talking to their constituents about current legislation, such as the controversial new healthcare legislation.
The problem is that people are showing up to the town hall meetings with their representatives and verbally attacking them. Riled-up mob mentality is the dominant force at meetings where scores of people demand questions of the Congressmen, then shout and don't let them respond. It's disturbing.
America allows us free speech and the right to publicly display such negativity. But these people aren't acting independently. Paid lobbying firms are instructing dissenters on how to upset and intimidate the governmental leaders, so as to shut down legislation such as the healthcare bill. It's disgusting.
*
I've decided that I want in. I'm going to do what I should have been doing for years: start paying attention. This means watching the news, watching speeches, finding out what is actually happening in the government and why. There is so much going on, yet I'm not keeping up, and many people aren't either, when really it's our responsibility to know.
For instance, I honestly don't know the status of abortion in this country. It's legal, right? What about later in the term? No? Gay marriage has been a hot topic. A few states made it legal... right? Or was it revoked? What will the healthcare plan do? What are the people I voted for doing?
I want to be more involved and knowledgeable about the government, especially at this time in history. I want to know. I want in.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Babysitting
So, I've gone babysitting a few times in the past week. Don't get me wrong- the absolute last thing I want right now is children. It's one of my biggest fears, next to being stabbed or developing a chocolate allergy. But babysitting is good because it's like renting a kid to hang out with. And the child in me gets a new adorable best friend for a few hours. Plus I'm being paid, so its a win-win-win.
Which parents were kind enough to entrust me with their child, you may ask, when I'm not even able to do a pull-up or drive a stick shift? Answer: My former professors and favorite small book press operators Matthew and Robbi of Idiots'Books remembered that I would be in town for the summer and asked if I'd be interested in watching Alden.
Um, yes please!
So for a few nights, I went to the barn for 2-3 hours to watch Alden while her parents worked in the office next door. Some of my basic duties included:
- Distracting her when her parents left
- Stuffing fruit in her mouth when she cried for her parents
- Walking her to the park
- Watching her climb in and out of the stroller, just to prove that she could abandon me at any time
- Distracting her from the algae puddles
- Teaching her how to properly wear sunglasses and flip flops
- Preventing the giant house cats from eating her when she lovingly body slammed them
- Getting manhandled by the house cats who are otherwise starved for attention and desperately want a kind pat on the head
- Teaching Alden how to whistle
- Persuading her that food tastes better on a plate, not on a floor
So here I am, babysitter for hire. Will also dogsit. Cat accepted if they can keep their paws to themselves.
Which parents were kind enough to entrust me with their child, you may ask, when I'm not even able to do a pull-up or drive a stick shift? Answer: My former professors and favorite small book press operators Matthew and Robbi of Idiots'Books remembered that I would be in town for the summer and asked if I'd be interested in watching Alden.
Um, yes please!
So for a few nights, I went to the barn for 2-3 hours to watch Alden while her parents worked in the office next door. Some of my basic duties included:
- Distracting her when her parents left
- Stuffing fruit in her mouth when she cried for her parents
- Walking her to the park
- Watching her climb in and out of the stroller, just to prove that she could abandon me at any time
- Distracting her from the algae puddles
- Teaching her how to properly wear sunglasses and flip flops
- Preventing the giant house cats from eating her when she lovingly body slammed them
- Getting manhandled by the house cats who are otherwise starved for attention and desperately want a kind pat on the head
- Teaching Alden how to whistle
- Persuading her that food tastes better on a plate, not on a floor
So here I am, babysitter for hire. Will also dogsit. Cat accepted if they can keep their paws to themselves.
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