It's cheap, efficient, relatively quick and usually the best option. But don't label it enjoyable. In fact, D.C. metro can be "an unforgiving bitch." Crowded at certain times and uncompassionate at all times. The area's metropolitan transit system is NOT where you go to make friends. Its patrons act impatient, stare ghostly, and favor disdain. In short, they are disaffected beings crowded together on a public transport. As a friend once eloquently stated, "[D.C. Metro] is intimately close but emotionally distant."
I couldn't describe it any better. Indeed, you step on to the platform, waiting for a train to arrive, and realize people are minding their space. They glance at the schedule, fiddle with their lack-of-service cell phones or keep their heads down. It's a dark, gloomy and chilly place. People only gather in a social format when the train arrives. But instead of conversing they crowd and “accidentally” bump each other for space to ensure entrance and a seat.
Once on the train, riders scurry, not to the middle as requested by the engineer but to the nearest seat all the while looking for that one piece of reading material.
People sit next to each other only if they have to. There is little to no speak. The unfriendly and cold atmosphere from the platform quickly turns into personal glance sessions of who's who. Some stare at their shoes, some stare out the windows into the tunnels of darkness and others look around and size up fellow riders:
"There's the ass who grabbed the last paper!" "I wonder if that cute girl will get off at the same stop?" "What's up with that dude, why does he keep staring?" "Poor fellow, I wonder how long he's been passed out?" "What stop is this, are you kidding me?!"
This, my friends, is the D.C. metro experience. No smiles, no neighborly love and no polite consideration. In fact, it’s best to expect nothing more, otherwise you risk injury.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Abraham Lincoln was a Tyrant
That is the title of a Facebook group I recently stumbled upon. Dedicated to vilifying the 16th president and exposing “his true intentions,” the 300+ member group was founded by a Texas State University student. Curious to learn more, I joined the network and its like-minded discussion.
Immediately, I took to issue some of the points expressed. Many of the messages espouse an unusual bitterness, portraying the president and the Union as abusive foreign aggressors and even comparing Lincoln to Hitler. As one member excitedly stated, "Hell yes there is a smart group about Lincoln."
As I joined the discussion, I made it a priority to remind participants that Lincoln served during the Civil War – a war that began before he took the oath of office and a war that sliced our country through its middle. I strongly believe that had it not been for many of Lincoln's thoughts, words, and actions, the impact of American on American violence would have destroyed the United States and its declaration.
The responses I received were heated. I was labeled ignorant and disputed on all points. Soon after I realized the scope of this group:
“If there's one thing I’ve taken away from this group it's the lack of rationality and judgment. The 'truths' expressed here present only half and partial versions. No one here seems interested in stepping back and addressing the larger issues facing America and its survival. Furthermore, I wonder if any of you have ever even read the Gettysburg Address. In an era when the politics and ideologies were much more partisan than today, Lincoln was the one public figure preaching democratic principle and unification.”
In the week following my correspondence support for the group dropped from 308 members to 301. Since then however, the group has expanded to 311 members as of this writing. Its numbers will likely rise further as celebrations for Lincoln's Bicentennial continue.
********
"Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came." Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865.
Immediately, I took to issue some of the points expressed. Many of the messages espouse an unusual bitterness, portraying the president and the Union as abusive foreign aggressors and even comparing Lincoln to Hitler. As one member excitedly stated, "Hell yes there is a smart group about Lincoln."
As I joined the discussion, I made it a priority to remind participants that Lincoln served during the Civil War – a war that began before he took the oath of office and a war that sliced our country through its middle. I strongly believe that had it not been for many of Lincoln's thoughts, words, and actions, the impact of American on American violence would have destroyed the United States and its declaration.
The responses I received were heated. I was labeled ignorant and disputed on all points. Soon after I realized the scope of this group:
“If there's one thing I’ve taken away from this group it's the lack of rationality and judgment. The 'truths' expressed here present only half and partial versions. No one here seems interested in stepping back and addressing the larger issues facing America and its survival. Furthermore, I wonder if any of you have ever even read the Gettysburg Address. In an era when the politics and ideologies were much more partisan than today, Lincoln was the one public figure preaching democratic principle and unification.”
In the week following my correspondence support for the group dropped from 308 members to 301. Since then however, the group has expanded to 311 members as of this writing. Its numbers will likely rise further as celebrations for Lincoln's Bicentennial continue.
********
"Both parties deprecated war; but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive; and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came." Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865.
Monday, October 22, 2007
D.C. Metro, Part I
The D.C. Metro can be a beautiful thing. It can guide tourists, game patrons and business men to their destinations. It shrinks a regional area covering 2 states and is accessible to over 5 million people in one of the most densely populated regions in the country.
But the second-busiest metro in the nation can also be an unforgiving bitch. A place where giddy travelers and impatient politicians collide. On occasion, it can breed an indescribable fury in a region already strife with high rates of road rage. This wasn't more evident then on the morning of June 5, 2007.
I was on my way home after the Las Vegas shenanigans. Armed with a backpack and rolling suitcase the goal was simple, board the Yellow Line and proceed home. However, that Tuesday morning would dictate otherwise.
Situated at the Pentagon stop, I found myself entering the lion’s den. The rush hour commute was at full strength as men in suits and women in heels began crowding the dock. The air was filled with morning grogginess and a "don't talk to me!" tension. Immediately recognizing my slim chances of boarding the first train, I took my position behind the thick layer of people and turned the volume up on my iPod. It would be 12mins before the next line, giving me plenty of time to make my way to the front of the dock to ensure an easy boarding. In the meantime, heartless and impatient people began to fill the space. Within minutes, the entire platform was packed, as if a train had never arrived.
No sooner then I could have hoped, the dock lights started blinking, indicating the next trains arrival. It was time to leave this human gridlock behind. As the train rolled in, my position - which I had cleverly maneuvered into - began to shrink. People crowded every inch in hopes of being the first ones through the doors. At first, my luggage held firm and created a natural bubble between myself and those seeking to steal my space. However, my position quickly disintegrated when a 'large' woman blitzed into my bubble. She was a hefty one, someone who more than likely grew up with the riddles and jokes of a tormented childhood. But now, she lived in NOVA, in a dog eat dog world. And she was determined to show skinny people like me that she wasn't going to take anymore shit.
With her at my right side, the train stopped. In a cruel turn of events the nearest doors found their way to her side. "No worries," I thought to myself. She'll be the lead block to my 6 yard gain. The entire episode couldn't have lasted more than 10 seconds. People were closing in fast, my luggage had maintained the bubble and my lead blocker had delivered. The only thing left to do was make a cut and squeeze through the opening for the score. I made my move. Then, my blocker turned into a regulator, as if to say 'not this one, fun boy.' The hefty one laid a deliberate, but subtle elbow on my chest rendering my position obsolete. I had been displaced and forced back for another 12 minutes of ‘do nothing.’
Dumbfounded and annoyed, I took the beat down and reorganized my thoughts, determined to make a push on the next train. Without hesitation, I successfully made my way on to the next line. I had finally prevailed after nearly 30 minutes of metro eligibility.
Until this day, each time I board the D.C. metro I think back to that experience. Through it, I have become stronger, faster and keenly aware of the double-edged sword that embodies D.C. metro.
But the second-busiest metro in the nation can also be an unforgiving bitch. A place where giddy travelers and impatient politicians collide. On occasion, it can breed an indescribable fury in a region already strife with high rates of road rage. This wasn't more evident then on the morning of June 5, 2007.
I was on my way home after the Las Vegas shenanigans. Armed with a backpack and rolling suitcase the goal was simple, board the Yellow Line and proceed home. However, that Tuesday morning would dictate otherwise.
Situated at the Pentagon stop, I found myself entering the lion’s den. The rush hour commute was at full strength as men in suits and women in heels began crowding the dock. The air was filled with morning grogginess and a "don't talk to me!" tension. Immediately recognizing my slim chances of boarding the first train, I took my position behind the thick layer of people and turned the volume up on my iPod. It would be 12mins before the next line, giving me plenty of time to make my way to the front of the dock to ensure an easy boarding. In the meantime, heartless and impatient people began to fill the space. Within minutes, the entire platform was packed, as if a train had never arrived.
No sooner then I could have hoped, the dock lights started blinking, indicating the next trains arrival. It was time to leave this human gridlock behind. As the train rolled in, my position - which I had cleverly maneuvered into - began to shrink. People crowded every inch in hopes of being the first ones through the doors. At first, my luggage held firm and created a natural bubble between myself and those seeking to steal my space. However, my position quickly disintegrated when a 'large' woman blitzed into my bubble. She was a hefty one, someone who more than likely grew up with the riddles and jokes of a tormented childhood. But now, she lived in NOVA, in a dog eat dog world. And she was determined to show skinny people like me that she wasn't going to take anymore shit.
With her at my right side, the train stopped. In a cruel turn of events the nearest doors found their way to her side. "No worries," I thought to myself. She'll be the lead block to my 6 yard gain. The entire episode couldn't have lasted more than 10 seconds. People were closing in fast, my luggage had maintained the bubble and my lead blocker had delivered. The only thing left to do was make a cut and squeeze through the opening for the score. I made my move. Then, my blocker turned into a regulator, as if to say 'not this one, fun boy.' The hefty one laid a deliberate, but subtle elbow on my chest rendering my position obsolete. I had been displaced and forced back for another 12 minutes of ‘do nothing.’
Dumbfounded and annoyed, I took the beat down and reorganized my thoughts, determined to make a push on the next train. Without hesitation, I successfully made my way on to the next line. I had finally prevailed after nearly 30 minutes of metro eligibility.
Until this day, each time I board the D.C. metro I think back to that experience. Through it, I have become stronger, faster and keenly aware of the double-edged sword that embodies D.C. metro.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Diamonds in the Rough
Unfortunately, I can not claim this brilliant narrative as my own. It was found through good fortune, like a diamond in the rough.
******************
Whenever I get a package of plain M&Ms, I make it my duty to continue the strength and robustness of the candy as a species. To this end, I hold M&M duels.
Taking two candies between my thumb and forefinger, I apply pressure, squeezing them together until one of them cracks and splinters. That is the "loser," and I eat the inferior one immediately. The winner gets to go another round.
I have found that, in general, the brown and red M&Ms are tougher, and the newer blue ones are genetically inferior. I have hypothesized that the blue M&Ms as a race cannot survive long in the intense theater of competition that is the modern candy and snack-food world.
Occasionally I will get a mutation, a candy that is misshapen, or pointier, or flatter than the rest. Almost invariably this proves to be a weakness, but on very rare occasions it gives the candy extra strength. In this way, the species continues to adapt to its environment.
When I reach the end of the pack, I am left with one M&M, the strongest of the herd. Since it would make no sense to eat this one as well, I pack it neatly in an envelope and send it to M&M Mars, A Division of Mars, Inc., Hackettstown, NJ 17840-1503 U.S.A., along with a 3x5 card reading, "Please use this M&M for breeding purposes."
This week they wrote back to thank me, and sent me a coupon for a free 1/2 pound bag of plain M&Ms. I consider this "grant money." I have set aside the weekend for a grand tournament. From a field of hundreds, we will discover the True Champion.
There can only be one.
******************
Whenever I get a package of plain M&Ms, I make it my duty to continue the strength and robustness of the candy as a species. To this end, I hold M&M duels.
Taking two candies between my thumb and forefinger, I apply pressure, squeezing them together until one of them cracks and splinters. That is the "loser," and I eat the inferior one immediately. The winner gets to go another round.
I have found that, in general, the brown and red M&Ms are tougher, and the newer blue ones are genetically inferior. I have hypothesized that the blue M&Ms as a race cannot survive long in the intense theater of competition that is the modern candy and snack-food world.
Occasionally I will get a mutation, a candy that is misshapen, or pointier, or flatter than the rest. Almost invariably this proves to be a weakness, but on very rare occasions it gives the candy extra strength. In this way, the species continues to adapt to its environment.
When I reach the end of the pack, I am left with one M&M, the strongest of the herd. Since it would make no sense to eat this one as well, I pack it neatly in an envelope and send it to M&M Mars, A Division of Mars, Inc., Hackettstown, NJ 17840-1503 U.S.A., along with a 3x5 card reading, "Please use this M&M for breeding purposes."
This week they wrote back to thank me, and sent me a coupon for a free 1/2 pound bag of plain M&Ms. I consider this "grant money." I have set aside the weekend for a grand tournament. From a field of hundreds, we will discover the True Champion.
There can only be one.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Today...
Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, asked the NYC Police Department if he could lay a wreath at the World Trade Center site, before his appearance on Sunday at the UN General Assembly. Unfortunately (in my opinion) his request was denied and even vehemently objected to.
I can not fault the large outcry by the American public. For in my eyes, the media has done a fascinating job of commanding public opinion and severly misinforming us about the issues surrounding Iran. However, what upsets me more are the statements issued by presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney and Rudolph Giuliani. I thought they would be a bit more diplomatic. Instead, it seems in an effort to score points with the voters, all three denounced his request as "unacceptable," "outrageous" and "shockingly audacious." In my opinion, these selfish remarks have all but killed any hope of having a formal and legitamate debate in this country about Iran.
Did you know, Iran was the only Middle East country to hold a formal state-organized vigil for the victims of 9/11? This is something you would never hear about in American media outlets. Like Pakistan, the debate on Iran has been overpowered by negative perceptions.
Don't get me wrong. President Ahmadinejad has made a number of reckless statements, but show me someone who hasn't. In my opinion, his request to visit Ground Zero was a gesture of good will. A possible step in the right direction. Instead, it was undermined by the reckless comments of three presidential candidates who, themselves, periodically stress the importance of talking to your enemies. Their statements, like past ones made by Ahmadinejad, represent poor judgement and continue to feed ill-will and misunderstanding.
I just wish the majority of US citizens would identify this and see past the negative drumbeat that is perpetuated by politicians and the media. Question the fairness and honesty of the flavors you hear in mainstream news.
I highly recommend to whoever is interested in truly learning about Iran - its people and government - to watch this...
http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_events/task,view/id,1341/
I can not fault the large outcry by the American public. For in my eyes, the media has done a fascinating job of commanding public opinion and severly misinforming us about the issues surrounding Iran. However, what upsets me more are the statements issued by presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney and Rudolph Giuliani. I thought they would be a bit more diplomatic. Instead, it seems in an effort to score points with the voters, all three denounced his request as "unacceptable," "outrageous" and "shockingly audacious." In my opinion, these selfish remarks have all but killed any hope of having a formal and legitamate debate in this country about Iran.
Did you know, Iran was the only Middle East country to hold a formal state-organized vigil for the victims of 9/11? This is something you would never hear about in American media outlets. Like Pakistan, the debate on Iran has been overpowered by negative perceptions.
Don't get me wrong. President Ahmadinejad has made a number of reckless statements, but show me someone who hasn't. In my opinion, his request to visit Ground Zero was a gesture of good will. A possible step in the right direction. Instead, it was undermined by the reckless comments of three presidential candidates who, themselves, periodically stress the importance of talking to your enemies. Their statements, like past ones made by Ahmadinejad, represent poor judgement and continue to feed ill-will and misunderstanding.
I just wish the majority of US citizens would identify this and see past the negative drumbeat that is perpetuated by politicians and the media. Question the fairness and honesty of the flavors you hear in mainstream news.
I highly recommend to whoever is interested in truly learning about Iran - its people and government - to watch this...
http://www.csis.org/component/option,com_csis_events/task,view/id,1341/
Friday, September 14, 2007
Senator Jim Webb
In light of recent events regarding US foreign policy, I wrote this letter to the Senator....
Sent: Sept. 10, 2007
Dear Senator Webb,
I am deeply concerned with our recent pledge to supply over $50 billion worth of weapons and artillery to 6 nations in a region already strife with intolerance, uncertainty, and factional abuse.
These arms deals probably happen more often than I, and the general public may know. Perhaps, the only reason this bid has found its way into the public eye is because of the offer's size, depth, implications and partners. However, I strongly believe this maneuver has "mistake" written all over it. And could rival the incompetent decision to "De-Baathisise" the Iraqi army, which we now know kick started that nations violence.
Common sense tells me, sir, this decision could have similar ramifications but on a much larger scale. These actions do not encourage regional security, and I fear it may provide further reason(s) for the Iranian regime to continue its nuclear energy program, thus leading to an escalation in a part of the world where there is already an increasing divide among the Shi'a and Sunni, not to mention the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Furthermore, Iran has an increasingly favorable social position around the Middle East in which many believe they are standing-up against the 'bullying' of the U.S. I understand there is the concept of 'strategic ambiguity,' where the threat of force has been used to back up diplomacy. But I believe this philosophy is an 'old school' approach and certainly misplaced in a region already feeling bombarded by "the West" and its "political agenda." If we are serious about promoting peace, then we must be serious about promoting a mutual understanding. Our first priority should be a non-discriminatory and engaging dialogue, addressing the ROOT ISSUES and their ROOT CAUSES.
Senator Webb, please do all you can to research, question and dispel the negative interests involved in this ill-advised, precarious, and counter-intuitive decision. Let us not feed the fire that we started in Iraq.
Sincerely,
Hasan Aloul
Sent: Sept. 10, 2007
******************************
Dear Senator Webb,
I am deeply concerned with our recent pledge to supply over $50 billion worth of weapons and artillery to 6 nations in a region already strife with intolerance, uncertainty, and factional abuse.
These arms deals probably happen more often than I, and the general public may know. Perhaps, the only reason this bid has found its way into the public eye is because of the offer's size, depth, implications and partners. However, I strongly believe this maneuver has "mistake" written all over it. And could rival the incompetent decision to "De-Baathisise" the Iraqi army, which we now know kick started that nations violence.
Common sense tells me, sir, this decision could have similar ramifications but on a much larger scale. These actions do not encourage regional security, and I fear it may provide further reason(s) for the Iranian regime to continue its nuclear energy program, thus leading to an escalation in a part of the world where there is already an increasing divide among the Shi'a and Sunni, not to mention the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Furthermore, Iran has an increasingly favorable social position around the Middle East in which many believe they are standing-up against the 'bullying' of the U.S. I understand there is the concept of 'strategic ambiguity,' where the threat of force has been used to back up diplomacy. But I believe this philosophy is an 'old school' approach and certainly misplaced in a region already feeling bombarded by "the West" and its "political agenda." If we are serious about promoting peace, then we must be serious about promoting a mutual understanding. Our first priority should be a non-discriminatory and engaging dialogue, addressing the ROOT ISSUES and their ROOT CAUSES.
Senator Webb, please do all you can to research, question and dispel the negative interests involved in this ill-advised, precarious, and counter-intuitive decision. Let us not feed the fire that we started in Iraq.
Sincerely,
Hasan Aloul
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Las Vegas
For all its indulgence, glitz and glamour there will always be that one 'perfect' experience for Hasan Aloul. No, I'm not talking about the jubilation when I first received the stripper trading cards, or the time when I won $209 on #32, or even that delicious duck with the amazing prune sauce. On the contrary my friends, it was on a day where the sun beat down like a halogen lamp two feet from my face. A day where the breeze decided to go else-where and be replaced by bonfire gusts. A day where you could fry an egg on the sidewalk to save lunch money and instead, gamble more. Yes sir, it was the perfect day for a nose bleed.
I had just finished my tour of the strip. Everything I had set out to do had been satisfyingly accomplished except for one thing. A picture of the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign. As I walked past Excalibur, I noticed tourists loading a sightseeing bus. Without hesitation I proceeded to the public transport in hopes of uncovering the whereabouts of this landmark sign. Upon my approach to the first step of the bus, a gust of heat wiped me like a furry quilt. I continued, stepped on to the bus, and no sooner than I could finish my question a runny and liquid sensation tickled my nose. The bus driver stood there speechless, his draw dropped while I immediately took hold of the situation and demanded a paper towel. He fired back,
"don't get it on my bus, don't get it on my bus! I'll have to cancel the ride! Please step off the bus."
I ignored this asshole and demanded another paper towel to which he replied, "I'm all out, please don't get it on my bus!"
Thoughts of 'f-you' ran through my head as I began managing the red substance with my palms and knuckles. But I had the last laugh. Before exiting the bus I took a shot at the wastebasket with my tie-die paper towel. That bus driver was lucky I made the 7 footer. Nonetheless, I left my mark.
Upon exiting the bus, I proceeded hastily to the nearest individual asking for any paper tissues. However, I realized quickly this was not the answer and rushed into Camelot casino and hotel. Speeding on to the casino floor, passer-bys took notice and gave concerned and disturbed looks. Never had the feeling of "that's what you get for doing that last line" been so blatant in human communication. Luckily, however, most were consumed by their rolling slot machines, oblivious to the chaos around them.
Then, hope. A waitress, a goddess, someone who could point me away from this labyrinth of money machines and addicts. I headed straight for her, she gave me one look and to my dismay, re-routed her course. 'Bitch,' I thought to myself. She too must have been like "another coke head, forget that." Fortunately, I saw the bathroom in the distance. However, before making the turn, I asked the waitress for some of the napkins on her tray while blood steadily found its way to my wrist. She dared not to look at me as she grabbed a stash and held them like they were about to drop from her finger tips. Regardless, success and management was only seconds away.
I spent the next 20 minutes in that men's room, hovering between the sink and paper towels, pinching my nose and graciously thanking the fact it didn't reach my clothing.
There are times when I think back to that day. As the charm and luck of Vegas would have it, my condition was exploited. A perfect day created the perfect circumstances for a perfect bleed. There's nothing left to say except, to hell with that bus driver.
I had just finished my tour of the strip. Everything I had set out to do had been satisfyingly accomplished except for one thing. A picture of the famous "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign. As I walked past Excalibur, I noticed tourists loading a sightseeing bus. Without hesitation I proceeded to the public transport in hopes of uncovering the whereabouts of this landmark sign. Upon my approach to the first step of the bus, a gust of heat wiped me like a furry quilt. I continued, stepped on to the bus, and no sooner than I could finish my question a runny and liquid sensation tickled my nose. The bus driver stood there speechless, his draw dropped while I immediately took hold of the situation and demanded a paper towel. He fired back,
"don't get it on my bus, don't get it on my bus! I'll have to cancel the ride! Please step off the bus."
I ignored this asshole and demanded another paper towel to which he replied, "I'm all out, please don't get it on my bus!"
Thoughts of 'f-you' ran through my head as I began managing the red substance with my palms and knuckles. But I had the last laugh. Before exiting the bus I took a shot at the wastebasket with my tie-die paper towel. That bus driver was lucky I made the 7 footer. Nonetheless, I left my mark.
Upon exiting the bus, I proceeded hastily to the nearest individual asking for any paper tissues. However, I realized quickly this was not the answer and rushed into Camelot casino and hotel. Speeding on to the casino floor, passer-bys took notice and gave concerned and disturbed looks. Never had the feeling of "that's what you get for doing that last line" been so blatant in human communication. Luckily, however, most were consumed by their rolling slot machines, oblivious to the chaos around them.
Then, hope. A waitress, a goddess, someone who could point me away from this labyrinth of money machines and addicts. I headed straight for her, she gave me one look and to my dismay, re-routed her course. 'Bitch,' I thought to myself. She too must have been like "another coke head, forget that." Fortunately, I saw the bathroom in the distance. However, before making the turn, I asked the waitress for some of the napkins on her tray while blood steadily found its way to my wrist. She dared not to look at me as she grabbed a stash and held them like they were about to drop from her finger tips. Regardless, success and management was only seconds away.
I spent the next 20 minutes in that men's room, hovering between the sink and paper towels, pinching my nose and graciously thanking the fact it didn't reach my clothing.
There are times when I think back to that day. As the charm and luck of Vegas would have it, my condition was exploited. A perfect day created the perfect circumstances for a perfect bleed. There's nothing left to say except, to hell with that bus driver.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Basketball Brands
I recently read an article on the blog of Dallas Mavericks Owner, Mark Cuban. In it Cuban discusses and compares the intricacies of international basketball with the NBA. It's a fabulous and insightful article reflecting his crisp, innovative and yet business-oriented mindset. However, there was one section of the post that triggered some thoughts which were reinforced by a couple reader's comments: "I don't understand why we have a Highschool 3 point line, college 3 pointer and then Nba ... It doesn't prove useful in any international competition."
I looked into it. Actually, high school and college share the same 3-point line distance (19'9"*basket-top arc), but are significantly different from the NBA (23'9"*), which is significantly different from the international game (20'8"*). There's also a considerable difference in court length/width. Why is that? And more importantly, is there a benefit to having the college, NBA and International game played and taught at these dimensions (not to mention the rule disparities) or does it reflect our exclusive and exceptional view of American sports? i.e. the best athletes in the world, most competitive leagues and the idea that Indianpolis vs. Chicago will decide the "World Champion."
I don't mind the idea of keeping high school ball at its current dimensions. And assuming that NBA ball is the most challenging, competitive and overall 'cream of the crop,' then it seems to me that NCAA hoops and its cross between high school and the NBA is the odd man out. I understand it may want to prepare its athletes for the professional game but has the NCAA brand of basketball come at the expense of our international game? Why not educate college athletes on how the game is played around the world as well as in the NBA? Especially considering that the vast majority of college basketball players will never play in the NBA (over 20,000 college basketball players and only 60 get selected in the draft).
It makes the most sense to me to eliminate this private adaptation we see in today's college hoops and enhance our understanding of FIBA and the international game. This would not only create and hone the skills to effectively help Team USA during international competition but it would also educate the fans and media about the World's brand of basketball.
I looked into it. Actually, high school and college share the same 3-point line distance (19'9"*basket-top arc), but are significantly different from the NBA (23'9"*), which is significantly different from the international game (20'8"*). There's also a considerable difference in court length/width. Why is that? And more importantly, is there a benefit to having the college, NBA and International game played and taught at these dimensions (not to mention the rule disparities) or does it reflect our exclusive and exceptional view of American sports? i.e. the best athletes in the world, most competitive leagues and the idea that Indianpolis vs. Chicago will decide the "World Champion."
I don't mind the idea of keeping high school ball at its current dimensions. And assuming that NBA ball is the most challenging, competitive and overall 'cream of the crop,' then it seems to me that NCAA hoops and its cross between high school and the NBA is the odd man out. I understand it may want to prepare its athletes for the professional game but has the NCAA brand of basketball come at the expense of our international game? Why not educate college athletes on how the game is played around the world as well as in the NBA? Especially considering that the vast majority of college basketball players will never play in the NBA (over 20,000 college basketball players and only 60 get selected in the draft).
It makes the most sense to me to eliminate this private adaptation we see in today's college hoops and enhance our understanding of FIBA and the international game. This would not only create and hone the skills to effectively help Team USA during international competition but it would also educate the fans and media about the World's brand of basketball.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Exceptionally Motivated and Defined
*Exceptional - The extraordinary or well above average, it can also denote the rare or unusual.
*Motivation - a feeling often dictated by incentives and which provokes action.
In the last year, my travels, work experiences, readings and daily interactions have significantly reshaped, and in some cases reinforced, my outlook on life. These influences have been enough for me to start this blog with the primary goal to connect viewpoints and bridge an understanding of what motivates people.
*Motivation - a feeling often dictated by incentives and which provokes action.
In the last year, my travels, work experiences, readings and daily interactions have significantly reshaped, and in some cases reinforced, my outlook on life. These influences have been enough for me to start this blog with the primary goal to connect viewpoints and bridge an understanding of what motivates people.
According to a fellow blogger, "many bloggers, academics and politicians are not interested in finding out the 'truth'. They already know the truth, it is what they believe. [Instead] They are interested in explaining this truth to everyone else and convincing the unconvinced." I agree with this statement but would take it a step further and argue that truth is subjective, and that its counterpart - objectivity - may be impossible to achieve, let alone satisfy.
Indeed, there's no doubt each one of us sees the world through our own lens. Some people filter and distort things intentionally, some don't see their own biases (call it ignorance, laziness or self deception), and some are paid to make a case. With that said, I hope to share my version of 'truth' and test it with yours.
Regardless, this forum is not limited to merely social, political, economic and cultural topics. Personal experiences, observations, random thoughts, even ‘rants and raves’ will also be included.
In the end, my overall goal is to arouse thought and interest on an array of diverse, thought-provoking and even looney topics. People don’t necessarily have to agree, I just hope they're open-minded enough to read, consider, and comment.
Indeed, there's no doubt each one of us sees the world through our own lens. Some people filter and distort things intentionally, some don't see their own biases (call it ignorance, laziness or self deception), and some are paid to make a case. With that said, I hope to share my version of 'truth' and test it with yours.
Regardless, this forum is not limited to merely social, political, economic and cultural topics. Personal experiences, observations, random thoughts, even ‘rants and raves’ will also be included.
In the end, my overall goal is to arouse thought and interest on an array of diverse, thought-provoking and even looney topics. People don’t necessarily have to agree, I just hope they're open-minded enough to read, consider, and comment.
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