Saturday, November 27, 2004
What an Aswan I am
Made it down to Aswan today by plane. Aswan is roughly 600 miles from Cairo but is much further than that even in character in size.
A relatively small town it's loaded with history and sights. Today I visited the unfinished obelsik, the great dam and Philae Island. Before I leave I intend to check out the tomb of the Aga Khan the late spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims.
So the unfinished obelisk is a fascinating, if understated piece of antiquity. As you may know an obelisk is a huge solid stone phallic object that was often displayed in Ancient Egypt. Some still are - although more are displayed outside of Egypt than within it. For those Blogrophenia readers who reside in New York there is actually one of display in Central Park outside of the Met on the inside of the runner's track . I have run by it many times myself.
Anyway, the unfinished obelisk is one that is partially carved out of the stone and appears to have been abandoned because of cracks in the stone. It gives some major insight into how the obelisks were created and is surprisingly impressive in person.
Next it was off to the great dam here in Aswan, which is a majestic sight to behold. The mighty dam which was completed the year that Yolanda was born provides electricity to place as far away as Jordan and contains more water by volume than 17 times that of the great pyramid of Giza. Quite a sight!!
Finally it was off to Philae Island to see the Temple of Isis, an incredible structure that can only be reached by motorboat. After cruising through the Nile with my guide and Nubian boatman I reached this majestic where my guide explained far too much for me to relay right now but suffice it so say this structure is an incredible piece of art, architecture, engineering, religion and, of course, history.
Interestingly he noted how thruoughout the ages this temple has been alternatively both a Temple of Isis and a church. He noted how when Alexaner the Great came to Egypt that he was shrewd enough to realize the importance of religion to the Egyptians and actually adopted their own religion. I thought of George Bush and whether or not he would be as shrewd in dealing with Iraq in the future with regards to similar issues. Further I noticed some fascinating parallells between the Ancient Egyptian Goddess Isis and Christianity. I hadn't known this but apperently Egyptian mythology contains something about a Virgin birth. Intriguing. . .
At any rate I am doing well and breathing easily and looking forward to exploring Upper (which is actually Southern) Egypt a lot more. Hopefully there aren't any Robert E. Lee statues down here.
See the Bedoiun fires at night,
See the Oil Fields at first light and,
See the bird with the leaf in it's mouth,
After the flood all the colors came out,
Moses
|
Made it down to Aswan today by plane. Aswan is roughly 600 miles from Cairo but is much further than that even in character in size.
A relatively small town it's loaded with history and sights. Today I visited the unfinished obelsik, the great dam and Philae Island. Before I leave I intend to check out the tomb of the Aga Khan the late spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims.
So the unfinished obelisk is a fascinating, if understated piece of antiquity. As you may know an obelisk is a huge solid stone phallic object that was often displayed in Ancient Egypt. Some still are - although more are displayed outside of Egypt than within it. For those Blogrophenia readers who reside in New York there is actually one of display in Central Park outside of the Met on the inside of the runner's track . I have run by it many times myself.
Anyway, the unfinished obelisk is one that is partially carved out of the stone and appears to have been abandoned because of cracks in the stone. It gives some major insight into how the obelisks were created and is surprisingly impressive in person.
Next it was off to the great dam here in Aswan, which is a majestic sight to behold. The mighty dam which was completed the year that Yolanda was born provides electricity to place as far away as Jordan and contains more water by volume than 17 times that of the great pyramid of Giza. Quite a sight!!
Finally it was off to Philae Island to see the Temple of Isis, an incredible structure that can only be reached by motorboat. After cruising through the Nile with my guide and Nubian boatman I reached this majestic where my guide explained far too much for me to relay right now but suffice it so say this structure is an incredible piece of art, architecture, engineering, religion and, of course, history.
Interestingly he noted how thruoughout the ages this temple has been alternatively both a Temple of Isis and a church. He noted how when Alexaner the Great came to Egypt that he was shrewd enough to realize the importance of religion to the Egyptians and actually adopted their own religion. I thought of George Bush and whether or not he would be as shrewd in dealing with Iraq in the future with regards to similar issues. Further I noticed some fascinating parallells between the Ancient Egyptian Goddess Isis and Christianity. I hadn't known this but apperently Egyptian mythology contains something about a Virgin birth. Intriguing. . .
At any rate I am doing well and breathing easily and looking forward to exploring Upper (which is actually Southern) Egypt a lot more. Hopefully there aren't any Robert E. Lee statues down here.
See the Bedoiun fires at night,
See the Oil Fields at first light and,
See the bird with the leaf in it's mouth,
After the flood all the colors came out,
Moses
Friday, November 26, 2004
A Day in the Life
Today I made it into Cairo by train from Alexandria. I am staying in a hotel in the middle of town and generally feeling good.
I was amazed, once again, by the sights on the trip from Alexandria to Cairo. It's like going back in time. It's incredible the way these people live. Now I've been hearing from Yoko for years how different the Mid West is from New York City. But this!! This was incredible. The people appear to be living in a completely agrarian society with essentially NO modern amenities. When I ask some people more about them I was informed that they occasionally can make it in to a big city that in general they basically were completely self sufficient. Fascinating that people still live like that. There is essentially no difference between the way they live and the way people lived hundreds of years ago. Unlike, say, the Amish though, these people don't necessarily reject modernity they simply are born into a different world.
It would be quite something I believe to try to go live amongst them.
Further, I have visited the Khan El Khalili which was created in the 1300's. Khan El Khalili (The Egyptian bazaar) is the market place in Cairo where all sorts of items are for sale. From trinkets, ancient Egyptian souveniers, to clothing, to gold and silver. The American tourist is constantly accosted by the peddlers and almost begged to purchase items. I try to blend in as much as possible, but I am afraid that my sneakers and general American regalia are dead giveaways. Despite the fact that I am fluent in Arabic, I am almost always asked where I am from. From past experience I know that wearing a galabaya (the long traditional Arab garb) helps a great deal in not being recognized and price gauged. For my part I purchased a head scarf in the traditional black and white checkered pattern and have been wearing it ever since. I love it.
After visiting the Bazaar I made my way over to Alazhar. One of the oldest Mosques in the world it was built in 971 and it shows. I was given an impromtu tour by an individual who identified himself only as: Mahmoud. Mahmoud explained to me (exclusively in Arabic), among many other things: when the Mosque was built, where the prayers take place and in which direction, he showed me where the Iman speaks from, showed me two tombs where famous Muslims who helped build the Mosque are buried , took me through the old school inside the Mosque where the famous Egyptian writer, and contemporary and one time friend of my grandfather's Taha Hussein was educated and even the adjacent university. I tipped him generously when he finished and he asked for more so I doubled his tip - he seemed very happy.
On the subject of money I have begun to make a habit of carrying change on me because some of these destitute children are so heartbreaking that I cannot resist giving them money. In Alexandria I saw a brother and sister selling tissues on the side of the street. When I asked them how much they wanted, the sister who was probably five responded "Anything. . .". Her brother didn't say anything, I think that he was too young to talk. I gave them both some money and told them to keep the tissues. The boy kept handing me the tissues, I think he was too young to understand. I thought that he wasn't much older than my niece. I walked away and intentionally took a bit longer to get back to the hotel. I had to collect myself.
Egypt was troubled by the horrible asp,
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
Mr. Charles Darwin had the gall to ask,
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah,
Moses
|
Today I made it into Cairo by train from Alexandria. I am staying in a hotel in the middle of town and generally feeling good.
I was amazed, once again, by the sights on the trip from Alexandria to Cairo. It's like going back in time. It's incredible the way these people live. Now I've been hearing from Yoko for years how different the Mid West is from New York City. But this!! This was incredible. The people appear to be living in a completely agrarian society with essentially NO modern amenities. When I ask some people more about them I was informed that they occasionally can make it in to a big city that in general they basically were completely self sufficient. Fascinating that people still live like that. There is essentially no difference between the way they live and the way people lived hundreds of years ago. Unlike, say, the Amish though, these people don't necessarily reject modernity they simply are born into a different world.
It would be quite something I believe to try to go live amongst them.
Further, I have visited the Khan El Khalili which was created in the 1300's. Khan El Khalili (The Egyptian bazaar) is the market place in Cairo where all sorts of items are for sale. From trinkets, ancient Egyptian souveniers, to clothing, to gold and silver. The American tourist is constantly accosted by the peddlers and almost begged to purchase items. I try to blend in as much as possible, but I am afraid that my sneakers and general American regalia are dead giveaways. Despite the fact that I am fluent in Arabic, I am almost always asked where I am from. From past experience I know that wearing a galabaya (the long traditional Arab garb) helps a great deal in not being recognized and price gauged. For my part I purchased a head scarf in the traditional black and white checkered pattern and have been wearing it ever since. I love it.
After visiting the Bazaar I made my way over to Alazhar. One of the oldest Mosques in the world it was built in 971 and it shows. I was given an impromtu tour by an individual who identified himself only as: Mahmoud. Mahmoud explained to me (exclusively in Arabic), among many other things: when the Mosque was built, where the prayers take place and in which direction, he showed me where the Iman speaks from, showed me two tombs where famous Muslims who helped build the Mosque are buried , took me through the old school inside the Mosque where the famous Egyptian writer, and contemporary and one time friend of my grandfather's Taha Hussein was educated and even the adjacent university. I tipped him generously when he finished and he asked for more so I doubled his tip - he seemed very happy.
On the subject of money I have begun to make a habit of carrying change on me because some of these destitute children are so heartbreaking that I cannot resist giving them money. In Alexandria I saw a brother and sister selling tissues on the side of the street. When I asked them how much they wanted, the sister who was probably five responded "Anything. . .". Her brother didn't say anything, I think that he was too young to talk. I gave them both some money and told them to keep the tissues. The boy kept handing me the tissues, I think he was too young to understand. I thought that he wasn't much older than my niece. I walked away and intentionally took a bit longer to get back to the hotel. I had to collect myself.
Egypt was troubled by the horrible asp,
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
Mr. Charles Darwin had the gall to ask,
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah,
Moses
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Insha'Alla: An Egyptian Way of Life
It's immediately striking to anyone that comes to Egypt. The poverty is rampant and the inflation is incredible. The pair of sneakers that I am wearing right now cost 1,000 Egyptian pounds. Many don't make that in a month some in a year. There are homeless and even the college grads lack decent salaries and often even hope beyond emigrating to somewhere with a stronger economy. The situation is dire and worsening.
And yet. . . You can't quite shake the feeling that people are deeply happy. Much happier indeed than most of my professional Ivy League peers in Manhattan whose vantage point from the top of the economic hill yields both views of Heaven and Hell. I've spent the better part of the last few listening to complaints from my friends and acquaintances. "I hate my job" and "I work too much" and "what's it all about" are bad enough to hear from the people that you love and worse still when you hear yourself muttering these horrible phrases.
It seems to me that the same Anglo work ethnic, secular society (and yes despite the best attempts of Bush and his cronies we still have a way to go) and stoicism that has yielded the economic fruits that we savor back home has cost us a serenity that these people -- these people who make 200 (6 pounds = $1) pounds a month and often live in relative squalor have it all over us in terms of contentment and peace.
You see here in Egypt God or Allah is a daily part of life. Literally, you cannot go 20 minutes without hearing God's name invoked. I heard it immediately before sitting down to type this at an Alexandrian Internet Cafe.
"Is a computer available?"
"Insha'Allah" (translation: God Willing)
There are few questions here that can't be correctly responded to with an invocation of Allah's name.
Further, Insha'Allah doubles as the English "hopefully". As in:
"I will finish this soon and get back to the hotel to rest,Insha'Allah"
My thesis is that the constant invocation of God and the firm belief that in fact everything is in his hands. The idea most importantly is that meaning is inherent in life as Allah's inevitable plan unfolds and your life happens is a an unbelievable source of comfort.
Of course this raises a plethora of questions/issues. But I'll leave those for another day. As things have worked out I am very tired now. But I look forward to examining this more. Insha'Allah.
Bism Allah
She will not let him go, let him go
Will not let him go,
Bism Allah,
Moses
|
It's immediately striking to anyone that comes to Egypt. The poverty is rampant and the inflation is incredible. The pair of sneakers that I am wearing right now cost 1,000 Egyptian pounds. Many don't make that in a month some in a year. There are homeless and even the college grads lack decent salaries and often even hope beyond emigrating to somewhere with a stronger economy. The situation is dire and worsening.
And yet. . . You can't quite shake the feeling that people are deeply happy. Much happier indeed than most of my professional Ivy League peers in Manhattan whose vantage point from the top of the economic hill yields both views of Heaven and Hell. I've spent the better part of the last few listening to complaints from my friends and acquaintances. "I hate my job" and "I work too much" and "what's it all about" are bad enough to hear from the people that you love and worse still when you hear yourself muttering these horrible phrases.
It seems to me that the same Anglo work ethnic, secular society (and yes despite the best attempts of Bush and his cronies we still have a way to go) and stoicism that has yielded the economic fruits that we savor back home has cost us a serenity that these people -- these people who make 200 (6 pounds = $1) pounds a month and often live in relative squalor have it all over us in terms of contentment and peace.
You see here in Egypt God or Allah is a daily part of life. Literally, you cannot go 20 minutes without hearing God's name invoked. I heard it immediately before sitting down to type this at an Alexandrian Internet Cafe.
"Is a computer available?"
"Insha'Allah" (translation: God Willing)
There are few questions here that can't be correctly responded to with an invocation of Allah's name.
Further, Insha'Allah doubles as the English "hopefully". As in:
"I will finish this soon and get back to the hotel to rest,Insha'Allah"
My thesis is that the constant invocation of God and the firm belief that in fact everything is in his hands. The idea most importantly is that meaning is inherent in life as Allah's inevitable plan unfolds and your life happens is a an unbelievable source of comfort.
Of course this raises a plethora of questions/issues. But I'll leave those for another day. As things have worked out I am very tired now. But I look forward to examining this more. Insha'Allah.
Bism Allah
She will not let him go, let him go
Will not let him go,
Bism Allah,
Moses
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Alexandria the Great
I have arrived in Alexandria and have been touring the place. Alexandria is an amazing city. The preferred vacation spot for millions of Caironians the city boasts a population of millions in it's own right. It is a long thin city that runs for miles along the Mediterranean and features a long highway that runs along the water called the korniche. The city has been around for around for ages and is a great combination of sun and fun and history.
I dined at an amazing seafood place who claimed among it's famous clientele the Queen of Spain, Boutros Boutros Ghali and -- proudly -- Yassir Arafat. Anyway, I dined some delicious fresh fish,various Middle Eastern delights like tahina and baba ghanoush and shrimp so tasty and fresh it even had it's head still on. You don't see that very often back home.
I've also already visited the brand new Alexandria library. The state of the art facility is an working homage to the great Alexandrian library of antiquity that legendarily contained all of the wisdom of the ages. While nothing exists from the library of yore save a single scroll currenly housed in Vienna a facsimile is on display at the Library.
I hope to remain here for a few more days and then head down to Cairo.
Cheeseburger in Paradise,
Moses
|
I have arrived in Alexandria and have been touring the place. Alexandria is an amazing city. The preferred vacation spot for millions of Caironians the city boasts a population of millions in it's own right. It is a long thin city that runs for miles along the Mediterranean and features a long highway that runs along the water called the korniche. The city has been around for around for ages and is a great combination of sun and fun and history.
I dined at an amazing seafood place who claimed among it's famous clientele the Queen of Spain, Boutros Boutros Ghali and -- proudly -- Yassir Arafat. Anyway, I dined some delicious fresh fish,various Middle Eastern delights like tahina and baba ghanoush and shrimp so tasty and fresh it even had it's head still on. You don't see that very often back home.
I've also already visited the brand new Alexandria library. The state of the art facility is an working homage to the great Alexandrian library of antiquity that legendarily contained all of the wisdom of the ages. While nothing exists from the library of yore save a single scroll currenly housed in Vienna a facsimile is on display at the Library.
I hope to remain here for a few more days and then head down to Cairo.
Cheeseburger in Paradise,
Moses
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
I am breathing easily and feeling good here in lovely Athens, Greece where I have just visited the magestic Acropolis on the hill. The Acropolis's splendor is unrivaled and I strongly you fans of antiquity to visit it. Also the old coliseum is amazing.
The city is still reeling (in a good way) a bit from the Olympics and reports are that a good time was had by all. I wish I had made it here for them and attending the Olympics remains high on my list of things I want to do. Hopefully, we get them in 2012. . .
The Mediterranean is also beautiful, driving along it is a pleasure as you stare off into the sky and at the islands. I'd like to drop a line here but I doubt I'll have the time. Maybe I can fish it from the other side in Alexandria. I suspect, having done no research, that the fish would be similar to the types I often fish for in Florida. . .
Duty free smokes btw are -- how do you say? What it is all about!!!
Downside of Athens:
Shockingly, considering that Greeks prepare half my meals in the NYC diners and restaurants I frequent, the food here has been lousy. Or maybe I was just too spoiled down in Nawlins. . .
Also the women are not to my liking here.
It's off to Alexandria, Egypt one of my favorite cities and the city founded by Colin Farrel -- er until Oliver Stone informs us otherwise anyway. . . heh!
Free as a bird,
It's the next best thing to be,
Free as a bird,
Moses
|
The city is still reeling (in a good way) a bit from the Olympics and reports are that a good time was had by all. I wish I had made it here for them and attending the Olympics remains high on my list of things I want to do. Hopefully, we get them in 2012. . .
The Mediterranean is also beautiful, driving along it is a pleasure as you stare off into the sky and at the islands. I'd like to drop a line here but I doubt I'll have the time. Maybe I can fish it from the other side in Alexandria. I suspect, having done no research, that the fish would be similar to the types I often fish for in Florida. . .
Duty free smokes btw are -- how do you say? What it is all about!!!
Downside of Athens:
Shockingly, considering that Greeks prepare half my meals in the NYC diners and restaurants I frequent, the food here has been lousy. Or maybe I was just too spoiled down in Nawlins. . .
Also the women are not to my liking here.
It's off to Alexandria, Egypt one of my favorite cities and the city founded by Colin Farrel -- er until Oliver Stone informs us otherwise anyway. . . heh!
Free as a bird,
It's the next best thing to be,
Free as a bird,
Moses
Monday, November 22, 2004
I have arrived safely in Athens, Greece where I am taking in the sights and enjoying the weather (although it is unseasonably cold). It's sort of interesting for me to be here since I am currently brushing up on my Ancient Greek philosophy, so after listening to literally four hours of audiobook on the iPod about Socrates Plato and Aristotle I have arrived in their home (or at least the home of the former two).
On thing that I find a bit disconcerting about being here is that I literally don't know a single word in Greek. I realized that had I lost the little card that they gave me at the hotel I wouldn't know what the Hell to say to the cab driver. One must be very careful when in this type of situation.
Quite frankly there isn't a ton to do in Athens so it's off to the ruins of the Acropolis and then it is off to Alexandria, Egypt soon.
And they talk so many goddamn ways;
It's all Greek to me,
Moses
|
On thing that I find a bit disconcerting about being here is that I literally don't know a single word in Greek. I realized that had I lost the little card that they gave me at the hotel I wouldn't know what the Hell to say to the cab driver. One must be very careful when in this type of situation.
Quite frankly there isn't a ton to do in Athens so it's off to the ruins of the Acropolis and then it is off to Alexandria, Egypt soon.
And they talk so many goddamn ways;
It's all Greek to me,
Moses
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Only hours remain until my departure to JFK and then my sojourn into Europe and subsequently into Africa. I am eager and ready to embark. Packing is a huge hassle and always a little extra difficult for long trips. I never know what to bring. I feel like I am forgetting a lot.
Hello, Hello
(Hola!),
Moses
p.s. U2 on SNL was great last night. . .
|
Hello, Hello
(Hola!),
Moses
p.s. U2 on SNL was great last night. . .
Friday, November 19, 2004
Blogrophenia entries will be infrequent from this point moving forward for a while as I walk the Earth like Cain from Kung Fu. But please by all means check in periodically.
"First I'm gonna deliver this case to Marsellus, then basically I'm just gonna walk the earth. You know like Cain in Kung Fu, walk from place to place, meet people, get in adventures. Till God puts me where he wants me to be. If it takes forever then I'll walk forever."
Round round round round I get around,
Moses
|
"First I'm gonna deliver this case to Marsellus, then basically I'm just gonna walk the earth. You know like Cain in Kung Fu, walk from place to place, meet people, get in adventures. Till God puts me where he wants me to be. If it takes forever then I'll walk forever."
Round round round round I get around,
Moses
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Black Bush: A Tradition in Deception
After the painful result of the election less than two weeks ago the country finally got some good news. Then it got some bad news. The good news was that Colin Powell is stepping down from the mostly symbolic position that he has held for the last four years. Colin Powell was appointed by Bush in what has become a farcical tradition in the Bush family of appointing figurehead minorities for the purpose of creating the versimilitude of equality. In reality these stooges represent a sliver of their ethnic constituency and ultimately do more harm than good. In perhaps the most appalling selection during this entire parade of horribles, Bush's daddy appointed Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court replacing the great Thurgood Marshall (recently rumors have circulated that Thomas is Bush 43's froontrunning choice to replace Rehnquist as Chief Justice). You see Bush 41 understood that there probably wouldn't be more than one black -- let's face it: man -- on the Supreme Court and so by finding this ONE arhconservative black man -- who by any objective measure is underqualified to be Supreme Court Justice he knew that he could both create the appearance that he was racially sensitive AND disenfranchise blacks for years to come as their sole representative on the Supreme Court would represent less than 10% of the community. Along some of these same lines Bush appointed the hyper popular Colin Powell to his cabinet and immediately decided to ignore him favoring the guidance of Mr. Montgomery Burns -- er Dick Cheney. Mr. Powell did the right thing by stepping down, of course though Bush had someone waiting in the wings: Condoleeza Rice. Isn't that great? And she's a woman too!!!
There's a 1000 points of light,
For the homeless man,
There's a kinder gentler maching gun hand,
Moses
|
After the painful result of the election less than two weeks ago the country finally got some good news. Then it got some bad news. The good news was that Colin Powell is stepping down from the mostly symbolic position that he has held for the last four years. Colin Powell was appointed by Bush in what has become a farcical tradition in the Bush family of appointing figurehead minorities for the purpose of creating the versimilitude of equality. In reality these stooges represent a sliver of their ethnic constituency and ultimately do more harm than good. In perhaps the most appalling selection during this entire parade of horribles, Bush's daddy appointed Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court replacing the great Thurgood Marshall (recently rumors have circulated that Thomas is Bush 43's froontrunning choice to replace Rehnquist as Chief Justice). You see Bush 41 understood that there probably wouldn't be more than one black -- let's face it: man -- on the Supreme Court and so by finding this ONE arhconservative black man -- who by any objective measure is underqualified to be Supreme Court Justice he knew that he could both create the appearance that he was racially sensitive AND disenfranchise blacks for years to come as their sole representative on the Supreme Court would represent less than 10% of the community. Along some of these same lines Bush appointed the hyper popular Colin Powell to his cabinet and immediately decided to ignore him favoring the guidance of Mr. Montgomery Burns -- er Dick Cheney. Mr. Powell did the right thing by stepping down, of course though Bush had someone waiting in the wings: Condoleeza Rice. Isn't that great? And she's a woman too!!!
There's a 1000 points of light,
For the homeless man,
There's a kinder gentler maching gun hand,
Moses
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
The Myth of Cafe Du Monde
OK, this is the most overrated thing ever. Moreso even than Derek Jeter.
I had some stupid tour guide tell me that "[I] haven't been to New Orleans" unless I've been to Cafe Du Monde for beignettes and cafe au lette. Whatever. Beignettes and cafe au lette means a coffee and doughnuts. Neither of which do I care for. I wasted precious room that could have been alotted to more ham or gumbo or jambalaya or even beer. . .
The lies she cried!!,
Moses
|
OK, this is the most overrated thing ever. Moreso even than Derek Jeter.
I had some stupid tour guide tell me that "[I] haven't been to New Orleans" unless I've been to Cafe Du Monde for beignettes and cafe au lette. Whatever. Beignettes and cafe au lette means a coffee and doughnuts. Neither of which do I care for. I wasted precious room that could have been alotted to more ham or gumbo or jambalaya or even beer. . .
The lies she cried!!,
Moses
Monday, November 15, 2004
Bruce Lee, Lee Marvin but Robert E.?
Ok, so I got lit up like a Christmas tree last night with Max who is an incredibly gracious host and true scholar and gentleman. I think I even had him smoking a cigarette last night. New Orleans is an absolute blast. I am completely sold. Great food, great folks and the beer flows like wine. In fact you almost forget that you are in the South alltogether. Until you see some creepy "Don't blame me, I voted for Jefferson Davis" bumpersticker or the colosall statue of Robert E. Lee facing north. I mean really what's the point of that? I don't think that you have to be a liberal northerner to understand that putting up a statue of Robert E. Lee is a bold and obnoxious statement. I can't imagine what value is added by this horrible reminder of sedition and racism. What's next? How about a statue of a white man murdering a Native American. Geez!!!
I love New Orleans but they gotta tear that shit down!!!!
Southern man better keep your head,
Don’t forget what your good book said,
Southern change gonna come at last,
Now your crosses are burning fast,
Moses
|
Ok, so I got lit up like a Christmas tree last night with Max who is an incredibly gracious host and true scholar and gentleman. I think I even had him smoking a cigarette last night. New Orleans is an absolute blast. I am completely sold. Great food, great folks and the beer flows like wine. In fact you almost forget that you are in the South alltogether. Until you see some creepy "Don't blame me, I voted for Jefferson Davis" bumpersticker or the colosall statue of Robert E. Lee facing north. I mean really what's the point of that? I don't think that you have to be a liberal northerner to understand that putting up a statue of Robert E. Lee is a bold and obnoxious statement. I can't imagine what value is added by this horrible reminder of sedition and racism. What's next? How about a statue of a white man murdering a Native American. Geez!!!
I love New Orleans but they gotta tear that shit down!!!!
Southern man better keep your head,
Don’t forget what your good book said,
Southern change gonna come at last,
Now your crosses are burning fast,
Moses
Sunday, November 14, 2004
I Can't Believe the News Today
The LSU game was absolutely amazing!!! I had no idea. Picture about 70,000 screaming rabid fans going crazy. Hell, there were probably about 15,000 Alabama fans which would be a decent crowd in and of itself for any of the college games I'd ever seen. Max Black and I met a crew of law students that we partied with until the wee hours in Baton Rouge. Great people great times. . .
The Chiefs game however was a debacle. I had an amazing time, but it's just hard to be a Chiefs fan these days. I had to get really drunk to drown my sorrows. I dug on a alligator sausage though that was so delicious that it made me smile despite the Chiefs's pitiful perfomance.
A few other thoughts. It's odd watching a football game indoors and judging by the weather her they shoudl tear off that ceiling. There are a ton of other Chiefs fans. Hilarious midwesterners mostly overweight and the women have crazy eighties hairstyles. But good downhome people. A few them actually believed that I was from Yoko's home town. A small town near the Arkansas Mizzou border. . .
It's out to the bars of New Orleans with Max for many many beers. . .
Sunday Bloody Sunday,
Moses
|
The LSU game was absolutely amazing!!! I had no idea. Picture about 70,000 screaming rabid fans going crazy. Hell, there were probably about 15,000 Alabama fans which would be a decent crowd in and of itself for any of the college games I'd ever seen. Max Black and I met a crew of law students that we partied with until the wee hours in Baton Rouge. Great people great times. . .
The Chiefs game however was a debacle. I had an amazing time, but it's just hard to be a Chiefs fan these days. I had to get really drunk to drown my sorrows. I dug on a alligator sausage though that was so delicious that it made me smile despite the Chiefs's pitiful perfomance.
A few other thoughts. It's odd watching a football game indoors and judging by the weather her they shoudl tear off that ceiling. There are a ton of other Chiefs fans. Hilarious midwesterners mostly overweight and the women have crazy eighties hairstyles. But good downhome people. A few them actually believed that I was from Yoko's home town. A small town near the Arkansas Mizzou border. . .
It's out to the bars of New Orleans with Max for many many beers. . .
Sunday Bloody Sunday,
Moses
Saturday, November 13, 2004
I have arrived in New Orleans and will be attending the LSU game tonight. I am excited but quite frankly I am anticipating that the Saints Chiefs game will be better. I am staying with my friend Max Black, who is gracious enough not only to put me up, but also to hook me up with tickets. Giddyup.
Get about as oiled as a diesel train,
Gonna set this dance alight,
`Cause Saturday night's the night I like,
Moses
|
Get about as oiled as a diesel train,
Gonna set this dance alight,
`Cause Saturday night's the night I like,
Moses
Friday, November 12, 2004
The Miami Heat
I have always had a soft spot for South Florida sports teams in general and the Miami Heat in particular. I've attended many of their games at the American Airlines Arena over the years and seen play on the road quite a bit. Speaking of which I attended their opener against NJ last week and plan to see them in NJ once more this year and twice at MSG. I have also officially adopted them as my team, dropping the Knicks until they can at least be respectable. Therefore I will discussing the Heat from time to time on this blog. Today I will start with a republication of an e-mail that I sent out to my sports discussion group about last night's game:
A few thoughts on last night's game that I watched on TNT:
1. Dirk Nowitski is an amazing player, I knew he was good, but I didn't realize that he was this damn good. He was hitting jumpers all night from all over. Plus he's huge!
2. The Heat need some help at the forward position.
3. I thought that we would be undefeated for longer, I thought that if we could get by Dallas and San Antonio (tonight) that we could against the two Milwaukee games that sandwich one game against Minny.
4. The way Wade throws his body around it's not a question of "if" he gets hurts but rather of "when".
5. TNT totally went and brought in Franco with the horrible NASCAR promo that is completely distracting. They have little men come on in the lower left hand side like those stupid NASCAR mechanic guys and put together a little promo. It's terrible, the little men are bigger than the players. Even Shaq!!
6. It'll be interesting to see how the team bounces back tonight.
The Heat is on,
Moses
|
I have always had a soft spot for South Florida sports teams in general and the Miami Heat in particular. I've attended many of their games at the American Airlines Arena over the years and seen play on the road quite a bit. Speaking of which I attended their opener against NJ last week and plan to see them in NJ once more this year and twice at MSG. I have also officially adopted them as my team, dropping the Knicks until they can at least be respectable. Therefore I will discussing the Heat from time to time on this blog. Today I will start with a republication of an e-mail that I sent out to my sports discussion group about last night's game:
A few thoughts on last night's game that I watched on TNT:
1. Dirk Nowitski is an amazing player, I knew he was good, but I didn't realize that he was this damn good. He was hitting jumpers all night from all over. Plus he's huge!
2. The Heat need some help at the forward position.
3. I thought that we would be undefeated for longer, I thought that if we could get by Dallas and San Antonio (tonight) that we could against the two Milwaukee games that sandwich one game against Minny.
4. The way Wade throws his body around it's not a question of "if" he gets hurts but rather of "when".
5. TNT totally went and brought in Franco with the horrible NASCAR promo that is completely distracting. They have little men come on in the lower left hand side like those stupid NASCAR mechanic guys and put together a little promo. It's terrible, the little men are bigger than the players. Even Shaq!!
6. It'll be interesting to see how the team bounces back tonight.
The Heat is on,
Moses
Still suffering from some of the lingering effects of the marathon. Namely, I am now suffering from a chest infection, which is actually just a vestige of a head cold that I started feeling on Tuesday. This is unfortunate because I embark tomorrow on my trip to New Orleans to see LSU versus Alabama in Baton Rouge on Saturday and the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Saints at the Superdome on Sunday. After that I plan to explore New Orleans, Bourbon Street, the Bayou etc. I take solace in the fact that I am at the tail end of this marathon induced illness and should be close to 100% by tomorrow.
BUSTED! Down on Bourbon Street,
Moses
|
BUSTED! Down on Bourbon Street,
Moses
Thursday, November 11, 2004
I thought it worthwhile to note that today marks the 14th anniversary of the late great Derrick Thomas's record seven sacks against Seattle. No one -- and no Pops and Blue not even LT ever came close to matching that total in a single game. The nine time Pro Bowl Kansas City Chiefs linebacker was tragically killed in an automobile accident a few years back.
There goes my hero,
Moses
|
There goes my hero,
Moses
Oops They did it Again: Post Once Again Blatantly Anti-Arab/Islamic
The NY Post ever the voice of anti-Arab sentiment did it again today with a headline about Arafat that read "Arafat Dead. . . And He Won't Be Missed" It was appalling. I wouldn't say that I am a huge Arafat fan, I certainly have my problems with him, but he definitely serves a bit more respect than that.
The NY Post has a long history of blatant anti-Arab/Islamic discrimination. I'll never forget how two weeks after 9/11 they has a guy on the cover with the Arab/Islamic garb on saying that if the U.S. went to war with Afghanistan that he would fight against the U.S. The article was clearly inflammatory on it's face, but when I read the article I was downright shocked!!! It turns out that the guy is around 20 years old and lives in New Hampshire. He was unemployed and had a child out of wedlock. HE HAD RECENTLY CONVERTED TO ISLAM!!! So basically the Post had gone to NH found some loser who had recently discovered Islam and was shooting his mouth off and decided to put this guy on the cover. Again, two weeks after 9/11. What possible purpose could that serve? Especially at a time in our country when we were all struggling to keep it together. . .
I think that the annals of journalistic history will judge the NY Post harshly as an overtly racist, discriminatory and inflammatory paper. Yellow journalism at it's absolute worst. They should be ashamed.
Like Muhammad hits the truth,
Moses
|
The NY Post ever the voice of anti-Arab sentiment did it again today with a headline about Arafat that read "Arafat Dead. . . And He Won't Be Missed" It was appalling. I wouldn't say that I am a huge Arafat fan, I certainly have my problems with him, but he definitely serves a bit more respect than that.
The NY Post has a long history of blatant anti-Arab/Islamic discrimination. I'll never forget how two weeks after 9/11 they has a guy on the cover with the Arab/Islamic garb on saying that if the U.S. went to war with Afghanistan that he would fight against the U.S. The article was clearly inflammatory on it's face, but when I read the article I was downright shocked!!! It turns out that the guy is around 20 years old and lives in New Hampshire. He was unemployed and had a child out of wedlock. HE HAD RECENTLY CONVERTED TO ISLAM!!! So basically the Post had gone to NH found some loser who had recently discovered Islam and was shooting his mouth off and decided to put this guy on the cover. Again, two weeks after 9/11. What possible purpose could that serve? Especially at a time in our country when we were all struggling to keep it together. . .
I think that the annals of journalistic history will judge the NY Post harshly as an overtly racist, discriminatory and inflammatory paper. Yellow journalism at it's absolute worst. They should be ashamed.
Like Muhammad hits the truth,
Moses
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Great Quote
A human being is part of the whole called by us the Universe, apart limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.
Albert Einstein
|
A human being is part of the whole called by us the Universe, apart limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.
Albert Einstein
It is Done: A Runaway American dream
Well as I sit here on Wednesday November 10, 2004 I am only a few days from having completed my first ever marathon. First, let me note that I am sick as a dog and I really must attribute this illness to the marathon. I have a sore throat, stuffy nose and a bad cough. It must be the result of a compromised immune system.
That notwithstanding the marathon was an excellent experience and one that I am thrilled to have completed. Don't get me wrong I am very very disappointed/embarrassed about my dismal time (5:16) that came in at over 45 minutes over what my projected time based on my half marathons should have been which was an unimpressive but not embarrassing 4:30. I'll chalk it up to a bad day and use as motivation for next year.
Yes, that's right I am definitely running the 2005 NYC Marathon and I am looking forward to it. You see, the marathon is a singularly unique and stunningly impressive course and I enjoyed every damn minute of it -- even when I was exhausted and even considering I wouldn't be feeling so lousy right now had I not done it.
Regardless, there is nothing like marching off that bus past the media and into the little villages in Fort Wadsworth then climbing the Verrazanno and running over it into the crazy neighborhoods right there over the bridge where the people are out and cheering as you run by them sitting on their stoops and handing you fruits and drinks. Then throught the different neighborhoods with different ethnicities, through Bay Ridge and Williamsburg, over the Queensboro Bridge through Queens and eventually onto the 59th Street Bridge and around onto First Avenue where the throngs of Manhatannites cheer you on. And then through the thinning field of runners as head up through Harlem and into the Bronx past Yankee Stadium and back into Central Park. It's truly an epic run through the best city in the world. I recommend it to everyone!!! It's an incredible experience in the physical stamina sense, in the cultural sense and most of all experientially. You get to know NYC in a way that is probably only available to the runners of this wonderful race.
My plans moving forward are to take some time off from running. And then to get back into training around the New Year and possibly to run the San Diego marathon in June, 2005 and certainly to run all the legs of the NYRR's Half Marathon Grand Prix among many other NYRR races.
Tramps like us,
Baby, we were born to run,
Moses
|
Well as I sit here on Wednesday November 10, 2004 I am only a few days from having completed my first ever marathon. First, let me note that I am sick as a dog and I really must attribute this illness to the marathon. I have a sore throat, stuffy nose and a bad cough. It must be the result of a compromised immune system.
That notwithstanding the marathon was an excellent experience and one that I am thrilled to have completed. Don't get me wrong I am very very disappointed/embarrassed about my dismal time (5:16) that came in at over 45 minutes over what my projected time based on my half marathons should have been which was an unimpressive but not embarrassing 4:30. I'll chalk it up to a bad day and use as motivation for next year.
Yes, that's right I am definitely running the 2005 NYC Marathon and I am looking forward to it. You see, the marathon is a singularly unique and stunningly impressive course and I enjoyed every damn minute of it -- even when I was exhausted and even considering I wouldn't be feeling so lousy right now had I not done it.
Regardless, there is nothing like marching off that bus past the media and into the little villages in Fort Wadsworth then climbing the Verrazanno and running over it into the crazy neighborhoods right there over the bridge where the people are out and cheering as you run by them sitting on their stoops and handing you fruits and drinks. Then throught the different neighborhoods with different ethnicities, through Bay Ridge and Williamsburg, over the Queensboro Bridge through Queens and eventually onto the 59th Street Bridge and around onto First Avenue where the throngs of Manhatannites cheer you on. And then through the thinning field of runners as head up through Harlem and into the Bronx past Yankee Stadium and back into Central Park. It's truly an epic run through the best city in the world. I recommend it to everyone!!! It's an incredible experience in the physical stamina sense, in the cultural sense and most of all experientially. You get to know NYC in a way that is probably only available to the runners of this wonderful race.
My plans moving forward are to take some time off from running. And then to get back into training around the New Year and possibly to run the San Diego marathon in June, 2005 and certainly to run all the legs of the NYRR's Half Marathon Grand Prix among many other NYRR races.
Tramps like us,
Baby, we were born to run,
Moses
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Do They Know It's Christmas Time At All?
So I downloaded the Barenaked Ladies remake of the old song "Do They Know It's Christmas?". It occurs to me that this is horrible example of cultural pomposity. As you may know the song was intended to raise awareness of poverty in Africa. It does so in an unusual way. First it contains the line "there won't be snow in Africa this year". Hmmm. . . Interesting. Snow in Africa? When is there ever really snow in Africa? I mean maybe in South Africa. . . I guess. . . But come on. It's AFRICA!! Secondly the chorus repeatedly asks "Do they know it's Christmas" Well the answer is a resounding: NO. But they probably don't care! Again: It's AFRICA!! They're most likely Muslim or part of one's Africa's indigenous religions. And then the real kicker is: "Tonight thank God it's them instead of you" Well that's not very nice. Or Christian. Look, it's a cool song and the intention is sweet. But come on now. . .
If you hate something,
Don't you do it too,
This is not for you,
Moses
|
So I downloaded the Barenaked Ladies remake of the old song "Do They Know It's Christmas?". It occurs to me that this is horrible example of cultural pomposity. As you may know the song was intended to raise awareness of poverty in Africa. It does so in an unusual way. First it contains the line "there won't be snow in Africa this year". Hmmm. . . Interesting. Snow in Africa? When is there ever really snow in Africa? I mean maybe in South Africa. . . I guess. . . But come on. It's AFRICA!! Secondly the chorus repeatedly asks "Do they know it's Christmas" Well the answer is a resounding: NO. But they probably don't care! Again: It's AFRICA!! They're most likely Muslim or part of one's Africa's indigenous religions. And then the real kicker is: "Tonight thank God it's them instead of you" Well that's not very nice. Or Christian. Look, it's a cool song and the intention is sweet. But come on now. . .
If you hate something,
Don't you do it too,
This is not for you,
Moses
Sunday, November 07, 2004
*Movie Review: Alfie
I first heard of the movie Alfie in 1994 from my favorite college professor who held up the character as a man in the midst of an existential crisis and brought up the movie repeatedly. Of course, I am not talking about Jude Law's which was then ten years from being released but rather Michael Caine's Alfie which was released in 1966 and is an excellent movie that deserves a place in the panthoen of great cinema. The 2004 edition of Alfie does not.
As you can probably surmise from the trailer, Jude Law's Alfie is a womanizing metrosexual living in Manhattan. Like the original he beds many women and even gets one preggers. Unlike the original the situation is resolved differently. Also unlike the original he's ultimately soft and from the beginning. Now I am certainly not extolling the virtues of cold calculating womanizing here, but merely point that a kinder gentler Alfie kinda loses something: basically everything.
Ultimately this is a cute movie and it's both fun and very often funny. It even manages to flirt with some of the big questions. Unfortunately it winds up having more in common with, say, The Wedding Singer than with the original.
A simple prop to occupy my time,
Moses
* This entry was inputted BEFORE the marathon in the likely event that I too tired or physically unable to publish entries for a while after the marathon.
|
I first heard of the movie Alfie in 1994 from my favorite college professor who held up the character as a man in the midst of an existential crisis and brought up the movie repeatedly. Of course, I am not talking about Jude Law's which was then ten years from being released but rather Michael Caine's Alfie which was released in 1966 and is an excellent movie that deserves a place in the panthoen of great cinema. The 2004 edition of Alfie does not.
As you can probably surmise from the trailer, Jude Law's Alfie is a womanizing metrosexual living in Manhattan. Like the original he beds many women and even gets one preggers. Unlike the original the situation is resolved differently. Also unlike the original he's ultimately soft and from the beginning. Now I am certainly not extolling the virtues of cold calculating womanizing here, but merely point that a kinder gentler Alfie kinda loses something: basically everything.
Ultimately this is a cute movie and it's both fun and very often funny. It even manages to flirt with some of the big questions. Unfortunately it winds up having more in common with, say, The Wedding Singer than with the original.
A simple prop to occupy my time,
Moses
* This entry was inputted BEFORE the marathon in the likely event that I too tired or physically unable to publish entries for a while after the marathon.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
The Marathon
In about 14 hours I am going to run the 35th ING NYC Marathon. I feel ok, but I definitely wish that I had trained harder. I am partly to blame because of my laziness but most of it was out of my hands and due to injury. I feel confident that I will finish but I am not optimistic about doing it in a respectable time.
Many people have asked me why I decided to run the marathon. There really isn't one answer to that question. I suppose that I wanted to experience running through all five boroughs and soaking in the sights of my home city, I wanted to get in better shape and that, no doubt part of it is wanting to prove to myself that I am capable of doing but I think most of all I wanted to challenge myself. To give myself a truly difficult objective and to acheive it.
The whole experience training for this has been fun although tedious at times and I look forward to having my life back. I've completed among many others: the Bronx half marathon, the Manhattan half marathon, the Staten Island half marathon, the annual Grete's Gallop through Central Park and the official 18 mile Marathon Tune in CP. All of which were fun.
I believe that this marathon will in someways mirror life. The path is long, fun, scenic and sometimes just hard. I will be surrounded by friends and family cheering me on but ultimately I will spend a the majority of time alone with my thoughts and it's up to me to get it done. Although there will be hills and valleys, ups and downs the real battle is one with myself as I push myself -- indeed will myself -- to the finish line. . . Where my loved ones await. . .
So now I embark on the final race of this year: my first ever marathon. I hope that it is the first of many that I complete in my life (I have already qualified for 2005) and I intend to enjoy every minute of it. See you out there!! (or at least I hope to see you in some NYC bars this week)
I know I was born,
and I know that I'll die,
the in-between is mine,
I am mine,
Moses
|
In about 14 hours I am going to run the 35th ING NYC Marathon. I feel ok, but I definitely wish that I had trained harder. I am partly to blame because of my laziness but most of it was out of my hands and due to injury. I feel confident that I will finish but I am not optimistic about doing it in a respectable time.
Many people have asked me why I decided to run the marathon. There really isn't one answer to that question. I suppose that I wanted to experience running through all five boroughs and soaking in the sights of my home city, I wanted to get in better shape and that, no doubt part of it is wanting to prove to myself that I am capable of doing but I think most of all I wanted to challenge myself. To give myself a truly difficult objective and to acheive it.
The whole experience training for this has been fun although tedious at times and I look forward to having my life back. I've completed among many others: the Bronx half marathon, the Manhattan half marathon, the Staten Island half marathon, the annual Grete's Gallop through Central Park and the official 18 mile Marathon Tune in CP. All of which were fun.
I believe that this marathon will in someways mirror life. The path is long, fun, scenic and sometimes just hard. I will be surrounded by friends and family cheering me on but ultimately I will spend a the majority of time alone with my thoughts and it's up to me to get it done. Although there will be hills and valleys, ups and downs the real battle is one with myself as I push myself -- indeed will myself -- to the finish line. . . Where my loved ones await. . .
So now I embark on the final race of this year: my first ever marathon. I hope that it is the first of many that I complete in my life (I have already qualified for 2005) and I intend to enjoy every minute of it. See you out there!! (or at least I hope to see you in some NYC bars this week)
I know I was born,
and I know that I'll die,
the in-between is mine,
I am mine,
Moses
Friday, November 05, 2004
Concert Review: R.E.M. at MSG
Last night I went to see seminal alternative band R.E.M. at Madison Square Garden. The show was, to say the least: unusual. Michael Stipe himself twice called the evening "a strange Thursday night". As you may know R.E.M. spent a significant amount time touring with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and many others in the so-called "Vote for Change" tour and otherwise strongly supported John Kerry. Needless to say, they were probably very disappointed.
The show was strange from the minute they somberly marched onto the stage and burst into a furious version of "It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine)" customarily their concert closer. Immediately it was clear that R.E.M. had chosen to channel their emotion into the concert AND that they were pretty pissed off.
They then did a few older numbers including an occasional Pete Townshend cover "Begin the Begin", a pointed "Welcome to the Occupation" and the more recent "Animal". Next they finally got into their new album with the earnest "Boy in the Well" their classic "Get Up" and then into a somewhat sloppy but enjoyable version of by far the best song off their new album "The Outsiders" unfortunately despite Stipe's assurance to the contrary in last week's NY Post that, he would be, Q-Tip was not their to sing his unique and distinctive part of the song. Consequently the song was a pale shadow of the album version, however it is such a powerful and compelling song that it still worked on some level.
The band then, carrying on with a remarkably uncharacteristic lack of banter (other than an occasional "We're R.E.M. and this is what we do"), played a powerful version of the haunting new "High Speed Train" followed by staple "The One I Love". Stipe then explained that although he usually wrote based on observation (stating hilariously at one point: "I'm a voyeur and I'm good at it") that with "I Wanted to Be Wrong" a lot of him actually came through when it "came out of him". He then took a moment to explain that he really didn't know what to say and that consequently he had decided to let the music speak for itself before launching into R.E.M.'s greatest hit song "Losing my Religion". He also sprinkled annoucements thorughout the concert that certain songs were set in different states/cities, including Tennessee, Ohio (which garnered boos from the crowd), Los Angeles and even New York City.
The band encored with among others, "What's the Frequency Kenneth" a song inspired by the mugging of the then sane Dan Rather, a rousing version of the highly underrated "Electrolite", an excellent rendition of their instant classic off their new album "Leaving New York", a stunning version of the unreleased "I Wanna DJ" (where can I get a copy this one??) and ended with their signature song and tribute to Andy Kaufmann:"Man on the Moon".
All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable night. If there was one knock on the performance it was that early on they were a bit sloppy and the sound quality seemed somewhat compromised, but the veteran rockers quickly got it in order showing once again why and how they have managed to stay relevant for the better part of the last 20 years. They write excellent pop songs with great hooks and often even better lyrics. Stipe's voice is a powerful and compelling as it is unique and he's an energetic, fun, whirling dervish of a frontman. Great concert and good solace in this rough time for many of us and our wonderful, but lost, country.
I'm not scared,
I'm outta here,
Moses
|
Last night I went to see seminal alternative band R.E.M. at Madison Square Garden. The show was, to say the least: unusual. Michael Stipe himself twice called the evening "a strange Thursday night". As you may know R.E.M. spent a significant amount time touring with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and many others in the so-called "Vote for Change" tour and otherwise strongly supported John Kerry. Needless to say, they were probably very disappointed.
The show was strange from the minute they somberly marched onto the stage and burst into a furious version of "It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine)" customarily their concert closer. Immediately it was clear that R.E.M. had chosen to channel their emotion into the concert AND that they were pretty pissed off.
They then did a few older numbers including an occasional Pete Townshend cover "Begin the Begin", a pointed "Welcome to the Occupation" and the more recent "Animal". Next they finally got into their new album with the earnest "Boy in the Well" their classic "Get Up" and then into a somewhat sloppy but enjoyable version of by far the best song off their new album "The Outsiders" unfortunately despite Stipe's assurance to the contrary in last week's NY Post that, he would be, Q-Tip was not their to sing his unique and distinctive part of the song. Consequently the song was a pale shadow of the album version, however it is such a powerful and compelling song that it still worked on some level.
The band then, carrying on with a remarkably uncharacteristic lack of banter (other than an occasional "We're R.E.M. and this is what we do"), played a powerful version of the haunting new "High Speed Train" followed by staple "The One I Love". Stipe then explained that although he usually wrote based on observation (stating hilariously at one point: "I'm a voyeur and I'm good at it") that with "I Wanted to Be Wrong" a lot of him actually came through when it "came out of him". He then took a moment to explain that he really didn't know what to say and that consequently he had decided to let the music speak for itself before launching into R.E.M.'s greatest hit song "Losing my Religion". He also sprinkled annoucements thorughout the concert that certain songs were set in different states/cities, including Tennessee, Ohio (which garnered boos from the crowd), Los Angeles and even New York City.
The band encored with among others, "What's the Frequency Kenneth" a song inspired by the mugging of the then sane Dan Rather, a rousing version of the highly underrated "Electrolite", an excellent rendition of their instant classic off their new album "Leaving New York", a stunning version of the unreleased "I Wanna DJ" (where can I get a copy this one??) and ended with their signature song and tribute to Andy Kaufmann:"Man on the Moon".
All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable night. If there was one knock on the performance it was that early on they were a bit sloppy and the sound quality seemed somewhat compromised, but the veteran rockers quickly got it in order showing once again why and how they have managed to stay relevant for the better part of the last 20 years. They write excellent pop songs with great hooks and often even better lyrics. Stipe's voice is a powerful and compelling as it is unique and he's an energetic, fun, whirling dervish of a frontman. Great concert and good solace in this rough time for many of us and our wonderful, but lost, country.
I'm not scared,
I'm outta here,
Moses
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Growin Up
I grew up in Long Island. Having a different name, looking different and coming from seriously different background made dealing with the other kids often a difficult experience. Children can be really cruel and when they sense there is someone among who is an easy target often and will often take aim immediately. When I was very young I was quiet, I figured that if I could remain under the radar no one could pick on me but I soon realized that there was no way I could hide all the time and that once the bullies became aware of me I would be helpless.
Because I went to parochial schools with particularly provincial teachers, the "bullies" were often the teachers themselves -- believe it or not. I then went on the offensive. I realized that if I were the bully (to both the teachers and other students) I was safer. I made alliances with the other wise guy/class clown types, I terrorized teachers and other children in the school yard. I befriended the strongest and most quick witted students. I continued on this path throughout junior high and high school until I got to college. It was there that my focus changed, I realized that I could let down my horrible offensive and begin to enjoy life and other people. I was happy. I began to see the value in others in a way that I had failed to for too long I developed empathy and love for others. Whereas once I would hone in on any difference in another and exploit it I began to realize that there was a tremendous amount that I could learn from others: other languages, I could learn about other religions, etc.
The underdog type that I had so recently persecuted soon became my best friend. After all, I had been that underdog my whole life which was ok. I had just dealt with it incorrectly.
After finishing my schooling I had absolutely no desire to return to Long Island which remained a close minded, racist and provincial place. I settled in Manhattan where differences were celebrated and people were accepted for what they are. Over the past five years I am realizing, however, that the place I have chosen to call home is actually surrounded by what I have been running from for all these years. This most recent referendum (and make no mistake that's what it was) on G.W. Bush and the voting on gay marraige bans have demonstrated to me that the same bigotry and hatred that I grew up with is still alive and well and all around me. It befuddles me that grown men and women should go out and ban gay marraige. I wonder sort of demented pathology is behind their hatred. It is beyond my comprehension how a President can attack the wrong country, run up a huge deficit, alienate all allies, botch a war, lose 3 debates and still win a second term?
I remain mercifully protected in my little Manhattan bubble but that hatred I felt as a child directed towards me because I was different is still very much there.
I hope that someday this country grows the Hell up. Like I once did.
Born down in a dead man's town,
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground,
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much,
'Til you spend half your life just covering up,
Moses
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I grew up in Long Island. Having a different name, looking different and coming from seriously different background made dealing with the other kids often a difficult experience. Children can be really cruel and when they sense there is someone among who is an easy target often and will often take aim immediately. When I was very young I was quiet, I figured that if I could remain under the radar no one could pick on me but I soon realized that there was no way I could hide all the time and that once the bullies became aware of me I would be helpless.
Because I went to parochial schools with particularly provincial teachers, the "bullies" were often the teachers themselves -- believe it or not. I then went on the offensive. I realized that if I were the bully (to both the teachers and other students) I was safer. I made alliances with the other wise guy/class clown types, I terrorized teachers and other children in the school yard. I befriended the strongest and most quick witted students. I continued on this path throughout junior high and high school until I got to college. It was there that my focus changed, I realized that I could let down my horrible offensive and begin to enjoy life and other people. I was happy. I began to see the value in others in a way that I had failed to for too long I developed empathy and love for others. Whereas once I would hone in on any difference in another and exploit it I began to realize that there was a tremendous amount that I could learn from others: other languages, I could learn about other religions, etc.
The underdog type that I had so recently persecuted soon became my best friend. After all, I had been that underdog my whole life which was ok. I had just dealt with it incorrectly.
After finishing my schooling I had absolutely no desire to return to Long Island which remained a close minded, racist and provincial place. I settled in Manhattan where differences were celebrated and people were accepted for what they are. Over the past five years I am realizing, however, that the place I have chosen to call home is actually surrounded by what I have been running from for all these years. This most recent referendum (and make no mistake that's what it was) on G.W. Bush and the voting on gay marraige bans have demonstrated to me that the same bigotry and hatred that I grew up with is still alive and well and all around me. It befuddles me that grown men and women should go out and ban gay marraige. I wonder sort of demented pathology is behind their hatred. It is beyond my comprehension how a President can attack the wrong country, run up a huge deficit, alienate all allies, botch a war, lose 3 debates and still win a second term?
I remain mercifully protected in my little Manhattan bubble but that hatred I felt as a child directed towards me because I was different is still very much there.
I hope that someday this country grows the Hell up. Like I once did.
Born down in a dead man's town,
The first kick I took was when I hit the ground,
You end up like a dog that's been beat too much,
'Til you spend half your life just covering up,
Moses
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Bush has won a second term. I don't see how Kerry can win.
This is the end,
my only friend,
the end,
Moses
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This is the end,
my only friend,
the end,
Moses
Monday, November 01, 2004
I am very nervous about the election tomorrow although I've had the feeling that Bush is going to win for the last few months, in the last week or two I have begun to feel optimistic about Kerry. I will spend the early part of this evening calling voters in Ohio before I head out to the Jets Dolphins game MNF game. I hope to get home early from the game get to bed and vote first thing. . .
Right now,C’mon,
it’s everything
Right now,
Catch a magic moment,
do it Right here and now
It means everything,
Moses
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Right now,C’mon,
it’s everything
Right now,
Catch a magic moment,
do it Right here and now
It means everything,
Moses
Album Review: Rush: Feedback
I've listened with some amusement to parts of Rush's 2004 album Feedback and ultimately while I find them impressive on this album there is something missing. I think I understand what the knock on them is, while they are techinically stunning there is just something missing. Call it feeling or call it soul their music is perfect but empty.
For example on Summertime Blues, a song that the Who loved to cover, they are perfect their sound is full and impressive, I know that the term of art "wall of sound" wasn't coined by or for them but it may as well have been. Regardless though the song is bereft of any soul or spirit, it feels hollow and robotic. It's especially pronounced on that song because the Who's famous version is so gritty and alive.
Look, I respect Rush and I think that they are incredible musicians, but there's more to music than just technical perfection. It's kind of like the difference I think between a drum and a real drummer. I mean a drum machine is perfect but who wants to listen to that?
The world is, the world is,
Love and life are deep,
Moses
I've listened with some amusement to parts of Rush's 2004 album Feedback and ultimately while I find them impressive on this album there is something missing. I think I understand what the knock on them is, while they are techinically stunning there is just something missing. Call it feeling or call it soul their music is perfect but empty.
For example on Summertime Blues, a song that the Who loved to cover, they are perfect their sound is full and impressive, I know that the term of art "wall of sound" wasn't coined by or for them but it may as well have been. Regardless though the song is bereft of any soul or spirit, it feels hollow and robotic. It's especially pronounced on that song because the Who's famous version is so gritty and alive.
Look, I respect Rush and I think that they are incredible musicians, but there's more to music than just technical perfection. It's kind of like the difference I think between a drum and a real drummer. I mean a drum machine is perfect but who wants to listen to that?
The world is, the world is,
Love and life are deep,
Moses
