Friday, June 28, 2002

A quick update:



Last Friday, I had a flat. It happened at work (!) as I rolled over a staple bringing my bike inside. What are the chances that would happen after riding along a road with glass all along the side? There's an air compressor here, so I switched tubes and took care of things.

On Tuesday, going to the rock gym, my rear tire exploded. It was the loudest bang I've ever heard, because it was so hot out and my tire was overinflated. I walked over to the bike shop (luckily, 5 minutes away) and got it replaced.

Wednesday was the breaking point. I almost came to tears. Additionally, on the way in I had noticed that my tire was going flat. So I knew I needed to replace the tube (I had one spare), so when I was leaving, I again got ahold of the compressor. About two miles out, I realized I had another flat. The first one had been because of glass, but apparently I had TWO pieces of glass in there. So I walked back to a gas station through five-inch deep mud, patched my tube, then put everything back together. I then biked to ultimate, which just happened to include the steepest hill I've ever biked at the very end. Apparently, some peoples' cars are unable to make it up this hill. Well, I got to ultimate and was pretty pumped because I had so much behind me -- then I started playing, making a few mistakes (like usual) except people were getting on my case about it. And that's what pushed me over the edge. I just sat on the sidelines for about twenty minutes and gently cried to myself. A couple people came by to try and help me out, but I just needed that time. I felt great after that, then I had a couple beers to just cap off the day!

Friday, June 21, 2002

Jump on the bandwagon. Please.

U.S. Soccer (and to the rest of the world, football) just finished a tremendous World Cup run. Roughly equivalent to the Soviet hockey invasion of the 1980's, the U.S. has arrived on the world scene. Soon, our country will be bandied about on the same level as the Senegal's, Sweden's and Mexico's of the globe. Just give it another four years.

What intrigues me about this phenomenon, however, is how eager domestic soccer fans are to garner support for the national team. There is this open-arms policy towards becoming a fan of a team that has enjoyed recent success -- something usually looked down upon. And all because it's not the popular thing to do. Remember when the Chicago Bulls were winning their six championships? Anyone who became a fan after season one was looked at as a poser -- a loser in sports fandom.

The interesting psychological factor going on here can be seen in our immigration policy. Yes, immigration! Canadian? German? Asian? Come on in, our borders are open! Mexican? Cuban? In general, Latin American? Whoah, there. The reason (and no, it's not racism as many have suggested), is prosperity. In this case, it's economic. If you come from a nation where the standard of living is high, and you will supply the U.S. with talented labor, then we will let you in. Especially if your nation is undergoing political strife. However, even if your country is torturing its citizens, a third world countryman will never enjoy the same privileges.

A couple hundred years ago, our country (our team) was built from relative unknowns. A bunch of rogue figures, looking to build something special, and open to everyone, found a formula they liked after some hard work and are now selective. U.S. Soccer is in the transitional stage -- much like the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, when America was the curiosity of the modern world. The Chicago Bulls are in disarray. Things were great for a while, but using the same formula can only work for so long. Many top world teams have fallen, not only in this World Cup, but on the soccer scene in general.

The reason our open-door policy worked was because our country was an infusion of different cultures -- a little bit of everything. What one culture was devoid of, another had overflowing. Our country is getting stale. Let's let people jump on the bandwagon again, especially those who will get something out of their American experience.

Thursday, June 20, 2002

I'm keeping my head up.

But I think I'm going to be eccentric and try and summarize this week so far in tabular format:

- BROKEN EQUIPMENT LIST (Week of 6/16) -
Qty Type
2    Hockey sticks
1    Roller blade wheel
2    Bicycle tubes
1    Bicycle tire
Approximate cost: $80

Wednesday, June 19, 2002

CNN.com
Israeli police say at least six people were killed today when a suicide bomber set off a blast at a bus stop in Jerusalem. Ambulance services say at least 35 people are hurt. It was the second terror attack in Jerusalem in two days. Sources in Gaza said the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a militant wing of Yasser Arafat's Fatah movement, was responsible for the attack.
John says:
When you hear the same thing every day or so, it seems routine. This is a bad routine. Who's going to stop it? Not Sharon. Not Arafat. And certainly not Bush. Sigh.

Tuesday, June 18, 2002

Peace Corps News
1) I have a Placement Officer. Woo. He says I need the medical information to be completed. I know this.

2) My dental screening is through. Now waiting for medical, psych and eye.
Laziness can be seen in many ways. One of those ways is when one co-worker's cubicle is across from another co-worker's -- and calls the other to discuss work. Routinely.

Quick diagram (#1 is co-worker #1, JD is me):
#1
JD #2

Imagine that happening in Africa. I can't even start to think about where to start.
CNN.com - Nickelodeon to air special on gay parents despite protests - June 17, 2002
Despite a staggering 100,000 e-mails and phone calls in protest, Nickelodeon will telecast a special for children about same-sex parents on Tuesday night.
John says:
This is absolutely disgusting. Can you believe that 100,000 people care that much about 30 minutes of television? The show is being approached in a remarkably journalistically sound manner, devoid of commercials (not that they had a choice!). The worst part is that parents would like a TV station to not air a program so that these parents don't have to be with their kids.

That's the only reason I can think for such an outrage. If they were so concerned, all they have to do is change the channel, or -- horror of horrors -- turn off the television. But that's a half-hour of parenting that morally myopic adults can seem to handle.

What's wrong with learning? How is this not just another educational show? Don't you want your children to be well versed in different cultures, especially the ones that are least understood and more domestic than will ever be admitted?

These parents are afraid of indoctrination. The promotion of homosexuality. As if this were a tourist guide to the happy but isolated island of Queer, surrounded by red waters but its ports open to all. A sales pitch, selling the glamorous side of a society that anyone can join, but to admit your membership can be alienating, if not physically dangerous. No, I don't think any travel agency would lay down a dime to sell this one.

And what's more is that parents know the influence television has over their children. These are the same parents that use the tube as their babysitter for hours, if not days, on end. Do these parents endlessly research the available networks to see if the morals presented matches up with their own? Do they really care, unless it strikes a chord with their personal insecurities?

Isn't it painfully obvious that this show is not, in fact, for the children? The parents who have called and e-mailed have made it quite certain that they are the ones who need to watch this sort of programming. These parents need to watch this absent of their children so they can then sit down and talk directly with their loved ones, and truly figure out why there is so much hatred and ignorance.

Until that happens, this reactionary behavior must be tempered. It is the responsibility of the children of this country to educate themselves and their parents on tolerance. Tolerance isn't difficult to come to grips with -- it's simply a matter of listening and not being judgemental. Additionally, Mr. Falwell, tolerance doesn't mean advocacy, a common misconception.

So, American children, go seek out a friend who will watch this with you -- another child, or even your parents. In your youth is the best time to keep an open mind towards the world, especially that ever-expanding island known as Queer.
YellowTimes.org: "Just like me"
On a personal level, there is a small but significant exercise one is encouraged to perform whenever one finds oneself in judgment of another. After whatever statement you make about someone else, simply add the words, "Just like me."

Thursday, June 13, 2002

I got 500 miles.

Yesterday, I biked my 500th mile this summer - at least as far as I can tell! I approximated it happening at the corner of Lee and Van Aken, so I took a picture to commemorate the occasion (link coming soon!). I had 500 miles as a goal for a few reasons, not the least of which 500 being a nice, round number. It's also the approximate distance from Cleveland to Canton, CT, my two homes. I think it also shows my commitment to following through on this, and it not just being a phase. I guess I can celebrate that when I've been doing this for one month, which will happen next Friday.

Doing the same route most of the time gets a little boring, however. On Tuesdays (and soon to be Thursdays as well) I bike to the rock gym, which puts an extra 10 miles on, but is definitely worth it. It's a nicer ride to the rock gym, but back is straight through East Cleveland. I wouldn't mind it if the people in East Cleveland weren't so hostile towards bikers. Anyway, I'm considering getting a mini-radio either with built in speakers or mini-speakers as well. Seeing as my bike is one giant antenna, reception would be pretty nice, and I think it would be uber-cool to pump out some classical music at 6:30 in the morning, waiting for the light to change. It would definitely keep my mind off fatigue and pain, while concentrating on pacing. I'm going to stop by Circuit City on my way home tonight to see what I can find.


I can't wait for Africa.

The first real game of Ultimate was last night -- we lost a heartbreaker 15-14. The other team never lead after 1-0, but we just couldn't hold on. I had a couple quality points, getting a first-throw D that we ended up scoring on and another D later on right on the goal line. I also scored a point, cutting across the end zone. However, I was hampered by my left hamstring, which acted up again this week. Unfortunately, it hurt tremendously during warm-up, and I tried to stretch it. Keeping it warm, I was able to play about 5 points in the first half, but only about 3 in the second half. I came in at 14-13 (us), and we had an immediate turnover in our endzone. I couldn't hold on to my man on the ensuing play because of the hamstring, and that's what tied the game. I know I could have had that D if I were healthy. Ugh.

BW3's is the sponsor for Ultimate this year, which is definitely not as intimate as the Chesterland Tavern (where I heard Alex Bevan for the first time, who is an excellent local folk singer). Plus, they hate vegetarians. I have proof (another link coming soon!). On their "boats" in which is placed cheese fries and the like, there is the slogan "Vegetarians Shemegetarians // We don't do TOFU or any other MARTIAL ARTS". Needless to say, I received my food well after everyone else at my table.

On the good side of things (and yes, this is a long entry, but I need the therapy right now), I saw the Indigo Girls on Monday night. They were amazing. For the first time, I went with another big fan, which was my plan all along. It was her first time seeing them live, and she had a wonderful time. However, Nate got free tickets from the radio station he works at, expecting them to be in the nosebleeds. I spent $45 per ticket for 10th row, front-left section seats. He ended up in the 3rd row and center. FREE. Even though he's not as big a fan (nor was his date), he hung on to the seats even after we tried to buy them off of him. He can really be a dick sometimes :> . Still an awesome show - and they played for the first encore my favorite song to hear live -- Chickenman :)))) . They both played on acoustics and rocked out. Ahhh.

Still can't wait for Africa.

Tuesday, June 11, 2002

myCFnow.com - Police Dog Accused Of Racial Profiling
Dolpho can tell the difference between marijuana, heroin and cocaine. But a borough councilwoman said the dog targets blacks and should be put to death.

Monday, June 10, 2002

A roundup of news ...

Last week, I encountered the two dangers on my bike I was hoping to put off for a while. On Wednesday, an extremely strong thunderstorm came through about two minutes after I left work. I hydroplaned (luckily onto the sidewalk) and gave my palms a little scuffing. It scared me more than it hurt me!

On Thursday, I tried to jump a storm drain and my back tire ended up going right into it, causing a dreaded flat. I had my extra tube with me, and luckily was close to a gas station. The whole ordeal of changing the flat (including trying to use my woefully inadequate mounted pump) took about an hour.

Friday, in my quest to get more tan, I started peeling from overdoing it last Saturday. I figure that the more tan I get, the better my skin will be able to adjust to the increased UV radiation coming at me in Africa. Maybe that wasn't the best approach, getting burned pretty badly!

Saturday I went to Six Flags with Lisa courtesy of Dirt Devil. It was a blast, and I got a little more color. I realized how devoid I will be of these little pleasures on the other continent. Not that I'm dependent on them, it's just that my thrills will take a different form.

Tonight, I'm going to see Indigo Girls for the third time (wooooooooooo!). I wonder what the music situation will be like overseas - does anyone but Bono and the US Government tour Africa?!

Oh, and while I'm in digest mode, you may notice the links and excerpts I've been posting recently. Their relevance to my experience abroad is limited, but usually has to do with how strange America is compared to the rest of the world, in good and bad ways!

Friday, June 07, 2002

CNN.com - Toddler athletes a growing trend - June 7, 2002
Sunny Erlanger, mother of three-year-old Paige, says given the competition, starting at three is a necessity.
"I think you have an edge starting at three with all her friends starting at four and five," says Erlanger. "It seems that it's gotten so competitive in this area that you have to start them younger."
Erlanger says soccer is only Paige's second sport. Tennis is her first.
"We have her playing tennis every day now. She hits about 70 balls over the net. So maybe one day she'll be the next Venus or Serena, we're hoping."

Thursday, June 06, 2002

Realistically, Africa could suck.

I keep alternating between being excited and scared about going to Africa. There is a cruel duality about the whole experience. On the one hand, it is going to be gorgeous, challenging, fun, uplifting, cleansing and peaceful. However, it's also going to be depressing, ugly, worrisome, painful and harsh. But I'm hoping that the latter qualities will come and go, while the positive qualities are the lasting ones.

I guess, that just like the day needs the night, I need the experience to be downright shitty at times in order to get the full effect of how powerful it could be. I shouldn't approach it with much apprehension, but maintain a good balance of enthusiasm and guardedness. I think that's what I try to do with most things in my life, and for the most part, it works out. This is just unlike any other experience. I mean, I've been to Europe several times. I've gone for weeks at a time to places I've never been with people I've never met doing things I didn't know how to do. I'm able to place my trust in some qualified stranger's hands. I work hard, persevering through pain and adversity. But Africa? I'm going to have to drum up all of that ... and more.
CNN.com - Fuel-cell car goes cross-country - June 5, 2002
"It runs much, much better than we believed," Ferdinand Panik, head of DaimlerChrysler's fuel cell group, said after the car pulled up at the Capitol at the end of its journey. "It's a big, big step for a new idea, trying to look beyond the capability of fossil fuels."

Wednesday, June 05, 2002

McDonald's USA - 06/01/2002 Press Release
McDonald's sincerely apologizes to Hindus, vegetarians and others for failing to provide the kind of information they needed to make informed dietary decisions at our U.S. restaurants.

Sunday, June 02, 2002

I hate George Bush.

I know, HATE is a strong word. But I mean it. I hate the fact that he represents our country to the rest of the world, that he is more of a whore to special interest groups than any previous president, that he considers himself a shining moral beacon to guide our country post (ugh, I hate this reference, but) September 11th, that his current record shows reckless abandon for the environment while he knowingly says the complete opposite, and that he was apparently what the plurality of Americans wanted.

And so when he takes credit for increasing volunteerism because of his State of the Union speech, and not giving credit to the grassroots efforts that have been in place for decades which will produce the long-lasting effects and not just the typical American reactionary efforts, it makes me angry. I am not joining Peace Corps because of George Bush. George, please don't take credit for my application.