Recently, The Facebook changed its profile format and subsequently seemed to throw the world out of whack. I had literally a dozen group invitations; "Petition to have the option of 'old facebook," "1,000,000 strong against the new facebook," "Tell Mark Zuckerberg to shove it," etc. (well, I made the last one up, but you get the idea). To all of this I say, are you all fucking kidding me!?
Yes, I understand why we might gripe about these changes - Facebook is, after all, the foundation of many of our lives :) and I'm not even exaggerating. I can say, without fail, I log on AT LEAST once a day and have done so for 2 solid years. It's a great way to keep in touch and see what your friends are up to; make fun of the token drunk girl making out with 9 guys or just get a message out there that you know will instantaneously reach the masses (because, come on, who doesn't go on at least 100 times a day!?) So, we've all gotten used to our structured Facebook profiles and which are now a bit "out of whack" and structurally a bit different.
Look around you - is the sun shining? Okay, it's rainy, well are you breathing air in your lungs? Can you pop in your earphones and listen to a song(s) that will immediately put a smile on your face? Do you have love in your life, both romantic and platonic? Can you walk, talk, reason, and laugh? This all sounds ridiculously cheesy, I realize, but the point is - why should Facebook changing formats have SUCH an effect on all of our lives that we're feverishly joining groups, changing our statuses, and probably huffing and puffing about it to everyone or at least those at the water cooler? Come on, people. If that's the WORST problem you have, you are a lucky, lucky person.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Weekend o' Jam
I recently wrote a post "week o' jam" in which I described a very good 5-7 day period. Looking back, that jam-filled week was good, don't get me wrong, but compared to this past weekend it was nothin at all; it started out Friday night at "SEA" Thai restaurant in Williamsburg. My sister organized a brithday dinner there; everyone showed and the vibe was positive many good converastions were had - I would'nt have even neeeded to down those (what felt like 3,000) Mojitos I drank - go ahead, laugh, yes I like them - I subsequently left my card at the bar along with my umbrella. Sunday afternoon, I retrived both!
Saturday I headed to Brick, NJ for a reunion of sorts - a friend of mine from college organized a BBQ/End-o-summer bash at his mother's house - I have to honestly say I was a little skeptical how it would go; the kid who organized it is a wonderful human being but I've never been that close with him - you know how it is sometimes when you're at a party and are very aware that you're not part of "the group?" That's what I thought - I was DEAD wrong. I met new and interesting people, had non-awkward (very pleasant, in fact) conversations with those I hadn't seen in awhile (I actually semi-fell in love with one girl, crazy, sure it sounds, but I was diggin her so much I can't explain how drawn to her I was); it was one of those chill and happy moments/events in your life you'd like to repeat or at least think of when you're down. On the train ride back, with the help of some muzak, of course, I began to think some more about how lucky I am to be surrounded my so much love and good people; I began to feel this overwhelming sense of gratitude and happiness for my current situation - so much so that I couldn't stop smiling the entire ride back, no joke.
Sunday I was buzzed the entire afternoon watching the Giant and BSing w/roomate and our friends; Sunday I had the most erotic sexual experience of my life, to-date. May provide details later; I think it's too early in jams history to disclose such information.
Saturday I headed to Brick, NJ for a reunion of sorts - a friend of mine from college organized a BBQ/End-o-summer bash at his mother's house - I have to honestly say I was a little skeptical how it would go; the kid who organized it is a wonderful human being but I've never been that close with him - you know how it is sometimes when you're at a party and are very aware that you're not part of "the group?" That's what I thought - I was DEAD wrong. I met new and interesting people, had non-awkward (very pleasant, in fact) conversations with those I hadn't seen in awhile (I actually semi-fell in love with one girl, crazy, sure it sounds, but I was diggin her so much I can't explain how drawn to her I was); it was one of those chill and happy moments/events in your life you'd like to repeat or at least think of when you're down. On the train ride back, with the help of some muzak, of course, I began to think some more about how lucky I am to be surrounded my so much love and good people; I began to feel this overwhelming sense of gratitude and happiness for my current situation - so much so that I couldn't stop smiling the entire ride back, no joke.
Sunday I was buzzed the entire afternoon watching the Giant and BSing w/roomate and our friends; Sunday I had the most erotic sexual experience of my life, to-date. May provide details later; I think it's too early in jams history to disclose such information.
Law Firm General Voicemail
Hello,You've reached the offices of Mortimer Adelstein, Malachy Rosenblatt, Harvey Finkelman-Shapirostein, and Abraham Steinman-Hauffer-Millerschteen.
We are OF COURSE a law firm.
All of us have our CPAs, too.
Please note that for the entire month of September we will be closed in observance of Rosh Hashanah.
Also, if you are looking to file suit against:
1) The Carnegie Deli
2) Stage Deli
3) anywehere they serve Halvah
4) Manhattan Bagel
5) Corky & Lenny's
5) Davis Bakeryplease hang up. We cannot assist you.
If you are looking to file suit against:
1) Germany
2) Mel Gibson
3) Jesus Christ
You are in the right place. Also, we are currently seeking matches for our daughters. The criteria:
1) your'e family's net worth must exceed $2,500,000.
2) you must work for Goldman Sachs
3) You must delete your JDate profile
Yes, I didn't mention you HAVE TO BE JEWISH, THAT'S A NO FUCKING BRAINER!! Oy!
*As with the Indian wedding a few posts back, the above is all in good fun.
We are OF COURSE a law firm.
All of us have our CPAs, too.
Please note that for the entire month of September we will be closed in observance of Rosh Hashanah.
Also, if you are looking to file suit against:
1) The Carnegie Deli
2) Stage Deli
3) anywehere they serve Halvah
4) Manhattan Bagel
5) Corky & Lenny's
5) Davis Bakeryplease hang up. We cannot assist you.
If you are looking to file suit against:
1) Germany
2) Mel Gibson
3) Jesus Christ
You are in the right place. Also, we are currently seeking matches for our daughters. The criteria:
1) your'e family's net worth must exceed $2,500,000.
2) you must work for Goldman Sachs
3) You must delete your JDate profile
Yes, I didn't mention you HAVE TO BE JEWISH, THAT'S A NO FUCKING BRAINER!! Oy!
*As with the Indian wedding a few posts back, the above is all in good fun.
Friday, September 5, 2008
All I have to say is...what were we THINKING in the 80s!?
This video, "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley, will illustrate my point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI
This video, "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley, will illustrate my point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI
Thursday, September 4, 2008
8/26/03 - 8/26/08
It's Tuesday, August 26, 2003. I'm a week shy of starting college; I'm 18, and virginal in literally every sense of the word. On this day, I nearly escaped death.
You see, I was "punched in" up at Canterbury (the club I've caddied at since 1998) which basically meant I was 'bagroom bitch' for 5+ sloooow hours. Leonard comes up to me, and is at this time, 12 years old. "Joey, CR?" (translated: Joey, how about a Golf Cart Ride?) so of course I take him on one and let him drive (in retrospect this was a MORONIC decision). We're riding around sharp bends and over cart paths. I'm talking to, funnily enough, the person who I would soon lose my virginity to - when all of a sudden, Leo puts the cart in neutral (or free fall, basically) and we go flying down hill. Only there's a bridge over a small stream ahead and it's fast approaching; Leo turns the wheel and the cart, like a child defying a parent, tilts to the side at almost a 45 degree angle, spins the other direction, and crashes forcefully into the side of the bridge. He's thrown from the cart - I'm still in tact - but we've broken the wooden plank on the bridge and nearly totalled the vehicle. I'm thinking, "if the cart would have been a foot over to the left when it tilted, Leonard would have been impaled.
Why this date?
Every year on the anniversary I think about the accident; right before, during, and right after (as if it were 9/11 or something) and also reflect on how, oddly enough, it really marked the beginning of mine and Leonard's friendship. That simple but slightly traumatic experience began a brotherly kinship between he and I. Just a few weeks back, on the 5th anniversary, I started to think about everything I've learned and experienced over the past 5 years, and how, when I reminisce and mentally return to 8/26/03, I realize my life now is completely different than the life I led then.
For one, I was on the cusp of college, yet to meet my future roomate(s) and future best friends; yet to learn some important truths about humanity and people. Yet to realize the Ohio bubble was about to burst and expose me to an uncensored but truly beautiful world outside; yet to discover that world of beauty could sometimes bring so much pain and anguish. Yet to discover jam!! Yet to create a facebook account or a blog; yet to buy condoms or even take a hit of weed. Yet to really understand the dysfunctional lives' of adults I'd looked up to in the past; yet to meet new people abroad. Yet to "hook up" outside of dating or even have a one night stand. Yet to get a "real" paycheck from a "real job;" yet to buy groceries, pay rent, and "act" like an adult. Yet to live in the boogie down, the BK, or "the city," and yet to understand and appreciate New York for what it truly is. Yet to have a cell phone (god damn! imagine that!); yet to really understand the culture and beliefs of another.
There are too many to list - in short, the last 5 years are worth a lifetime of change and growth - I must go to bed now but one final thought - what will I say in the '8/26/08 - 8/26/13' post!? I'm glad I don't know the answer to that.
You see, I was "punched in" up at Canterbury (the club I've caddied at since 1998) which basically meant I was 'bagroom bitch' for 5+ sloooow hours. Leonard comes up to me, and is at this time, 12 years old. "Joey, CR?" (translated: Joey, how about a Golf Cart Ride?) so of course I take him on one and let him drive (in retrospect this was a MORONIC decision). We're riding around sharp bends and over cart paths. I'm talking to, funnily enough, the person who I would soon lose my virginity to - when all of a sudden, Leo puts the cart in neutral (or free fall, basically) and we go flying down hill. Only there's a bridge over a small stream ahead and it's fast approaching; Leo turns the wheel and the cart, like a child defying a parent, tilts to the side at almost a 45 degree angle, spins the other direction, and crashes forcefully into the side of the bridge. He's thrown from the cart - I'm still in tact - but we've broken the wooden plank on the bridge and nearly totalled the vehicle. I'm thinking, "if the cart would have been a foot over to the left when it tilted, Leonard would have been impaled.
Why this date?
Every year on the anniversary I think about the accident; right before, during, and right after (as if it were 9/11 or something) and also reflect on how, oddly enough, it really marked the beginning of mine and Leonard's friendship. That simple but slightly traumatic experience began a brotherly kinship between he and I. Just a few weeks back, on the 5th anniversary, I started to think about everything I've learned and experienced over the past 5 years, and how, when I reminisce and mentally return to 8/26/03, I realize my life now is completely different than the life I led then.
For one, I was on the cusp of college, yet to meet my future roomate(s) and future best friends; yet to learn some important truths about humanity and people. Yet to realize the Ohio bubble was about to burst and expose me to an uncensored but truly beautiful world outside; yet to discover that world of beauty could sometimes bring so much pain and anguish. Yet to discover jam!! Yet to create a facebook account or a blog; yet to buy condoms or even take a hit of weed. Yet to really understand the dysfunctional lives' of adults I'd looked up to in the past; yet to meet new people abroad. Yet to "hook up" outside of dating or even have a one night stand. Yet to get a "real" paycheck from a "real job;" yet to buy groceries, pay rent, and "act" like an adult. Yet to live in the boogie down, the BK, or "the city," and yet to understand and appreciate New York for what it truly is. Yet to have a cell phone (god damn! imagine that!); yet to really understand the culture and beliefs of another.
There are too many to list - in short, the last 5 years are worth a lifetime of change and growth - I must go to bed now but one final thought - what will I say in the '8/26/08 - 8/26/13' post!? I'm glad I don't know the answer to that.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Dead Poets' Society
WARNING: If you haven't seen the movie and want to, don't read this - it spoils the ending.
I just watched the phenomenal "Dead Poets' Society" flick this past weekend - I love movies where free thinking and overall freedom of expression trump the powers that be and undermine, even if for a brief time, the authoritative head(s) - and related very much to its overall plot. Although I did not attend the the fictitious, all boys-prep school 'Welton Acadmey,' I did Gilmour Academy of Gates Mills, OH for high school, and drew several parallels between Gilmour and Welton - the school's conservative values, core principles, and hierarchy, to name a few. Gilmour did treat me well, don't get me wrong; I did learn to think more analytically about things and apply classroom knowledge to the "world classroom" (God it sounds like a fuckin advertisement for the ol' Academy) but nevertheless, the school was run by the Brothers of the Holy Cross; a benevolent, but VERY traditional, order of the church.
Anyways, I digress - I was really getting into the movie (D.P.S.) and felt a personal connection with the character Neil Perry, an outgoing student of Welton who applied the 'Carpe Diem' philosophy to his everyday life. Although he had dreams of becoming an actor, Neil's father, a hard-nosed and stubborn old mule, insisted that Neil go on to pursue medicine at Harvard and subsequently become a doctor. Hid father becomes irate when Neil gets a leading role in the school play, insists that he drop out, but later gives in and let him perform. Just when you think all is well - dear old dad even shows up to see his son's stellar opening-night performance - things take a turn for the worst. Upset that his father is withdrawing him from Welton and forcing him to enroll in a military Academy, Neil commits suicide - that's right - he shoots himself with his father's gun. When this happened, it threw me - I mean i did NOT see it coming - and oddly, this unfortunate and depressing plot twist has been haunting me for the last couple days.
Why did Neil, and for that matter, young, bright adolescents, have to die?
I know, I know, you're thinking, "Joey, get a grip - it's a goddamn movie!!" (I guess it's a testament to the director/actors who really MADE me believe it) but I really began thinking about the concept of tragic death, be it suicide, murder, or just of natural causes. Catholics will say it's God's plan for us - that people die - and it's all part of an agenda we don't even understand. I don't know if I buy that!! Maybe it was because I connected with Neil's character - I saw some of myself in him - but I can't justify and/or understand the death of a young adult. This is a written script, and the actor who portrayed Neil is alive and well today (I IMDB'ed him & the movie), but I'm sure in the history of the world, in one era or another, a young boy took his life because his dreams were thwarted by an stubborn-as-ever an/or demanding parent(s).
Only in death will we truly understand death, I believe. Until then, we will continue to LIVE with the agonies of DEATH, and have no solace and/or comfort because we JUST DON'T KNOW. Neil's soul might be at peace; he might just be rotting in the ground. Who's to say? I know not all life is cotton candy and gumdrops - I'm not asking it to - but I struggle with the concept of death in all its forms, the implications of fictitious Neil Perry's death, and the reasons behind it all.
I just watched the phenomenal "Dead Poets' Society" flick this past weekend - I love movies where free thinking and overall freedom of expression trump the powers that be and undermine, even if for a brief time, the authoritative head(s) - and related very much to its overall plot. Although I did not attend the the fictitious, all boys-prep school 'Welton Acadmey,' I did Gilmour Academy of Gates Mills, OH for high school, and drew several parallels between Gilmour and Welton - the school's conservative values, core principles, and hierarchy, to name a few. Gilmour did treat me well, don't get me wrong; I did learn to think more analytically about things and apply classroom knowledge to the "world classroom" (God it sounds like a fuckin advertisement for the ol' Academy) but nevertheless, the school was run by the Brothers of the Holy Cross; a benevolent, but VERY traditional, order of the church.
Anyways, I digress - I was really getting into the movie (D.P.S.) and felt a personal connection with the character Neil Perry, an outgoing student of Welton who applied the 'Carpe Diem' philosophy to his everyday life. Although he had dreams of becoming an actor, Neil's father, a hard-nosed and stubborn old mule, insisted that Neil go on to pursue medicine at Harvard and subsequently become a doctor. Hid father becomes irate when Neil gets a leading role in the school play, insists that he drop out, but later gives in and let him perform. Just when you think all is well - dear old dad even shows up to see his son's stellar opening-night performance - things take a turn for the worst. Upset that his father is withdrawing him from Welton and forcing him to enroll in a military Academy, Neil commits suicide - that's right - he shoots himself with his father's gun. When this happened, it threw me - I mean i did NOT see it coming - and oddly, this unfortunate and depressing plot twist has been haunting me for the last couple days.
Why did Neil, and for that matter, young, bright adolescents, have to die?
I know, I know, you're thinking, "Joey, get a grip - it's a goddamn movie!!" (I guess it's a testament to the director/actors who really MADE me believe it) but I really began thinking about the concept of tragic death, be it suicide, murder, or just of natural causes. Catholics will say it's God's plan for us - that people die - and it's all part of an agenda we don't even understand. I don't know if I buy that!! Maybe it was because I connected with Neil's character - I saw some of myself in him - but I can't justify and/or understand the death of a young adult. This is a written script, and the actor who portrayed Neil is alive and well today (I IMDB'ed him & the movie), but I'm sure in the history of the world, in one era or another, a young boy took his life because his dreams were thwarted by an stubborn-as-ever an/or demanding parent(s).
Only in death will we truly understand death, I believe. Until then, we will continue to LIVE with the agonies of DEATH, and have no solace and/or comfort because we JUST DON'T KNOW. Neil's soul might be at peace; he might just be rotting in the ground. Who's to say? I know not all life is cotton candy and gumdrops - I'm not asking it to - but I struggle with the concept of death in all its forms, the implications of fictitious Neil Perry's death, and the reasons behind it all.
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