A footballer is taught to scramble, receive and score touchdowns. A basketball player is taught to shoot, rebound and defend the net. As far as strategy goes, both know how to run the yards and dribble down the court. But, are these athletes fit enough to run a state or even a country?
According to the American history books, several leaders had their humble beginnings on the field, on the court, and even in the pool. Before taking office in the White House, Dwight Eisenhower, was a varsity running back and linebacker at West Point. Similarly Gerald Ford was a center and linebacker at the University of Michigan before he moved on and up to the White House in 1974. Ronald Reagan was also a footballer and a swimmer before trading in his helmet and swim trucks for a tie and suit. This historic leader tackled various political issues, first as the governor of California and then as U.S. President between 1981 and 1989.
Other former athletes have either served as governor in their respective state or been elected to the House of Representatives. This would include athletes such as WWE Hall of Famer, Jesse ‘The body’ Ventura, who entered the political ring as the governor of Minnesota in 1998. And Olympian wrestler Matthew ‘The Law’ Lindland who was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2008.
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected to replace the former Governor of California, Gray Davis. Usually when you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, a picture of the Terminator and Mr. Freeze comes to mind. However, before making blockbusters movies, Schwarzenegger was lifting weights as a professional bodybuilder. Between 1970 and 1980, Schwarzenegger won several bodybuilding contests including Mr. Olympia seven times. After retiring from bodybuilding, he moved into the world of film, starring in movies such as Conan, Hercules and Batman and Robin. Moving from acting to politics, the Terminator currently serves as California’s 38th governor.
So, who will be next to trade in their sneakers for a fancy suit?
According to CNN (the most trusted name in news) retired professional basketball player, Charles Barkley is running as a candidate for the Governor of Alabama in 2014. The dominating power forward also known as "The Round Mound of Rebound" played for several professional teams in the NBA including the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix suns and the Houston Rockets. During his career on the court, he earned various awards including SEC player of the year and All-star MVP. The only blemish on his NBA career was the spitting incident that occurred in 1991. Barkley accidentally spit on a young girl instead of the courtside heckler who kept yelling racial insults at him during the game. Although Barkley was suspended, fined and vilified for the incident he continued to play until retiring in 2000. Since retirement Barkley has been a commentator and studio analyst for Turner Network Television.
Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if Barkley can make the political dunks to secure the popular vote in Alabama.
Slideshow of former athletes turned politicians:
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24986641
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Out of Sight
Obama makes visit to....McCain fights to overcome Obama....Obama calls McCain a.....McCain disputes polls......
No matter which news channel you watch, or which paper you pick up, these two political figures have dominated the headlines for the last few days, weeks and months. Politics is by definition, about current events. So, of course this would include the U.S. presidential election race, which continues to suck the nation of anxious voters into a whirlwind of political scandals, lively debates and endless campaign promises. Unfortunately, by monopolizing most airwaves, tv networks, blogs and newspapers, other interesting political developments (outside the U.S.) have gone unnoticed.
For instance, in North Korea, the head of state, Kim Jong-il , has mysteriously disappeared from the public eye. Making his last public appearance in August, several media sources have reported the leader is gravely ill. According to South Korea`s intelligence service, Kim recently suffered a stroke. However, Becky Branford from BBC news reports that the leader also suffers from diabetes and heart disease. Due to this inconclusive “grave illness” Kim Jong-il has skipped several national events including the 60th anniversary of NK’s regime foundation. On October 10, the leader also failed to show up at festivities celebrating the anniversary of the North’s Ruling Workers party.
Kim Jong-il, has governed North Korea, since the mid 90s. Known as the Dear Leader, Kim Jong-il has assumed various roles in government including - Chairman of the National Defence Commission, Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army and General Secretary of the Worker’s Party of Korea. To top it all off, Kim Jong-il also commands the 5th largest standing army in the world. Given his extensive list of authoritative positions, it is somewhat worrisome that the leader has vanished from the public radar.
In all fairness, his sudden disappearance could just be a sweet and simple game of hide and seek. However, given his flawed political record, it’s easy to understand why one could, or would be suspicious about his sudden vanishing act. Throughout his political career, the dictator has raised eyebrows over his involvement in several political crises. According to BBC news, during the early 80s, before he came into office, he was suspected of plotting a bomb attack in Rangoon that killed several South Korean cabinet members. A few years later, he was also connected to the bombing of a South Korean airliner.
More recently, his government has come under fire for pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Just two years ago, the government was firing ballistic missiles and conducting a nuclear test. Earlier this year, North Korea agreed to abandon its nuclear program, but in August it reversed this decision. According to the New York Times, NK has stopped disabling its main nuclear program because Washington has not removed it from a terrorism list.
With this in mind, can we really believe that Kim Jong-il is lying sick in bed? For all we know (and we really don’t know much, since the media is more obsessed about Joe the Plumber and bashing Sarah Palin) he could be venturing over to his nuclear facilities in Pyongyang (getting ready for the next big nuclear test). On the other hand, if the leader is truly sick, North Korea needs to find someone soon to take the reins (along with Kim Jong-il's well known platform shoes and khaki pants).
Among the possible contenders are Kim Jong-il's three sons and son in law. Unfortunately, Kim Jong –nam, one of the leader’s sons, may have already written off his chances. In 2001, Jong-nam was arrested at an airport near Tokyo while travelling on a forged passport. Alternatively, O Kuk-ryol, an army general could also be a plausible successor. Although Kim Jong-Il has a daughter known as Kim Sul-Song (from his first marriage) there is no mention whether she would be considered an option.
Ultimately, in light of Kim Jong-Il’s "grave illness," it will be interesting to see whether North Korea will try to find their own version of Obama or McCain to succeed their mysteriously hidden leader.
No matter which news channel you watch, or which paper you pick up, these two political figures have dominated the headlines for the last few days, weeks and months. Politics is by definition, about current events. So, of course this would include the U.S. presidential election race, which continues to suck the nation of anxious voters into a whirlwind of political scandals, lively debates and endless campaign promises. Unfortunately, by monopolizing most airwaves, tv networks, blogs and newspapers, other interesting political developments (outside the U.S.) have gone unnoticed.
For instance, in North Korea, the head of state, Kim Jong-il , has mysteriously disappeared from the public eye. Making his last public appearance in August, several media sources have reported the leader is gravely ill. According to South Korea`s intelligence service, Kim recently suffered a stroke. However, Becky Branford from BBC news reports that the leader also suffers from diabetes and heart disease. Due to this inconclusive “grave illness” Kim Jong-il has skipped several national events including the 60th anniversary of NK’s regime foundation. On October 10, the leader also failed to show up at festivities celebrating the anniversary of the North’s Ruling Workers party.
Kim Jong-il, has governed North Korea, since the mid 90s. Known as the Dear Leader, Kim Jong-il has assumed various roles in government including - Chairman of the National Defence Commission, Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army and General Secretary of the Worker’s Party of Korea. To top it all off, Kim Jong-il also commands the 5th largest standing army in the world. Given his extensive list of authoritative positions, it is somewhat worrisome that the leader has vanished from the public radar.
In all fairness, his sudden disappearance could just be a sweet and simple game of hide and seek. However, given his flawed political record, it’s easy to understand why one could, or would be suspicious about his sudden vanishing act. Throughout his political career, the dictator has raised eyebrows over his involvement in several political crises. According to BBC news, during the early 80s, before he came into office, he was suspected of plotting a bomb attack in Rangoon that killed several South Korean cabinet members. A few years later, he was also connected to the bombing of a South Korean airliner.
More recently, his government has come under fire for pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Just two years ago, the government was firing ballistic missiles and conducting a nuclear test. Earlier this year, North Korea agreed to abandon its nuclear program, but in August it reversed this decision. According to the New York Times, NK has stopped disabling its main nuclear program because Washington has not removed it from a terrorism list.
With this in mind, can we really believe that Kim Jong-il is lying sick in bed? For all we know (and we really don’t know much, since the media is more obsessed about Joe the Plumber and bashing Sarah Palin) he could be venturing over to his nuclear facilities in Pyongyang (getting ready for the next big nuclear test). On the other hand, if the leader is truly sick, North Korea needs to find someone soon to take the reins (along with Kim Jong-il's well known platform shoes and khaki pants).
Among the possible contenders are Kim Jong-il's three sons and son in law. Unfortunately, Kim Jong –nam, one of the leader’s sons, may have already written off his chances. In 2001, Jong-nam was arrested at an airport near Tokyo while travelling on a forged passport. Alternatively, O Kuk-ryol, an army general could also be a plausible successor. Although Kim Jong-Il has a daughter known as Kim Sul-Song (from his first marriage) there is no mention whether she would be considered an option.
Ultimately, in light of Kim Jong-Il’s "grave illness," it will be interesting to see whether North Korea will try to find their own version of Obama or McCain to succeed their mysteriously hidden leader.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Scooby-Doo, Where are you?
Cereal bowl in one hand, and remote in the other, it was very easy to become a couch potato on Saturday mornings. Especially, with those weekends of cartoons to deter me from pressing math questions and dry old lit books. Luckily, my childhood cartoon addiction wasn’t as bad as the Starbucks one. Still, I remember my parents telling my brother and me to “turn off that box and get some fresh air!” Lucky for them, there was only one show I paid attention to, so my couch potato status only lasted an hour at most.
No, it wasn’t Archie, Johnny Quest or Sailor Moon. This classic cartoon, unlike today’s heap of crude characters, was just an awkward, but friendly big dog. Bow-legged and floppy eared; the famous Scooby-Doo made his first television debut in 1969. The original CBS production, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, was part of the network’s attempt to revitalize Saturday morning shows, which at that time were considered too violent by certain parent groups. This is quite ironic, given the current slew of violent animated shows such as South Park and Family Guy.
Anyways, in the original series, Scooby-Doo was joined by the dashing young blonde, Fred, the cute redhead Daphne, the smart little Velma, and of course the unshaven dude, known as Shaggy. Travelling around in their hokey Mystery Machine, the group of youngsters would always end up in a fictional town where something fishy was going on. Scooby, true to his dog-like nature, was always gallivanting off in search of his next meal with his scrawny pal, Shaggy.
Of course, luck would have it, that Scooby and Shaggy (who were least interested in solving the mystery), stumbled upon the creepy ghost, goblin or monster before the rest of the gang. Following their “scary” encounter the two were often interrogated by the others, in exchange for some scrumptious Scooby snacks. (Looking back on those Scooby snacks, I wonder if they had any real influence on dog treats today).
Anyways, the quick-thinking Velma would then devise a scheme to catch the so-called zombie or monster. Once the mystery was solved, they hopped back into the van for another adventure. As they zoomed away, I would click off the tv and start my homework (well... at the request of my parents, not voluntarily). Unfortunately, reflecting on my childhood cartoon craze, I can’t help but think that Scooby-Doo was the beginning to the end of North America’s wholesome and unadulterated cartoon series.
Nowadays, cartoons and animated series have morphed into a gross cycle of guns, sex, drugs, and anything else that stirs controversy. Sad to say, but I truly believe today’s animated series have spiralled into a sick package of dark humour satirizing politicians. Additionally, when these shows are not making fun of prominent political figures, they are exposing children to a lewd level of adult content. With this in mind, I was flipping through the channels one night with a friend, when we decided to watch South Park. In this particular episode, the group of kids are hunted down by their parents for a filthy and vulgar porn movie. The content of which, is too gross to discuss.
Given South Park’s vulgar subject matter, it’s not surprising that the show has been rated r (restricted) in countries such as Japan. In Canada, the series is rated 18+, compared to our southern neighbours in the U.S. (who are just a tad more liberal) and give the show a 14+ rating. Although, I do sometimes get a kick out of the sad insults thrown at presidents, movie stars and other high profiled people, those negative portrayals don’t offer children any riveting or healthy insight into their lives or otherwise.
The ultimate point is that golden oldies such as Scooby-Doo, didn’t use crass language and smutty content to entice children. Unfortunately, our society has forgotten that we don’t need such devices or techniques to provide children with a good dose of entertainment.
Side note: One of my favourite parts of the original Scooby Doo show was actually the intro theme song. Here is the link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-HOyx_FH4E
No, it wasn’t Archie, Johnny Quest or Sailor Moon. This classic cartoon, unlike today’s heap of crude characters, was just an awkward, but friendly big dog. Bow-legged and floppy eared; the famous Scooby-Doo made his first television debut in 1969. The original CBS production, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!, was part of the network’s attempt to revitalize Saturday morning shows, which at that time were considered too violent by certain parent groups. This is quite ironic, given the current slew of violent animated shows such as South Park and Family Guy.
Anyways, in the original series, Scooby-Doo was joined by the dashing young blonde, Fred, the cute redhead Daphne, the smart little Velma, and of course the unshaven dude, known as Shaggy. Travelling around in their hokey Mystery Machine, the group of youngsters would always end up in a fictional town where something fishy was going on. Scooby, true to his dog-like nature, was always gallivanting off in search of his next meal with his scrawny pal, Shaggy.
Of course, luck would have it, that Scooby and Shaggy (who were least interested in solving the mystery), stumbled upon the creepy ghost, goblin or monster before the rest of the gang. Following their “scary” encounter the two were often interrogated by the others, in exchange for some scrumptious Scooby snacks. (Looking back on those Scooby snacks, I wonder if they had any real influence on dog treats today).
Anyways, the quick-thinking Velma would then devise a scheme to catch the so-called zombie or monster. Once the mystery was solved, they hopped back into the van for another adventure. As they zoomed away, I would click off the tv and start my homework (well... at the request of my parents, not voluntarily). Unfortunately, reflecting on my childhood cartoon craze, I can’t help but think that Scooby-Doo was the beginning to the end of North America’s wholesome and unadulterated cartoon series.
Nowadays, cartoons and animated series have morphed into a gross cycle of guns, sex, drugs, and anything else that stirs controversy. Sad to say, but I truly believe today’s animated series have spiralled into a sick package of dark humour satirizing politicians. Additionally, when these shows are not making fun of prominent political figures, they are exposing children to a lewd level of adult content. With this in mind, I was flipping through the channels one night with a friend, when we decided to watch South Park. In this particular episode, the group of kids are hunted down by their parents for a filthy and vulgar porn movie. The content of which, is too gross to discuss.
Given South Park’s vulgar subject matter, it’s not surprising that the show has been rated r (restricted) in countries such as Japan. In Canada, the series is rated 18+, compared to our southern neighbours in the U.S. (who are just a tad more liberal) and give the show a 14+ rating. Although, I do sometimes get a kick out of the sad insults thrown at presidents, movie stars and other high profiled people, those negative portrayals don’t offer children any riveting or healthy insight into their lives or otherwise.
The ultimate point is that golden oldies such as Scooby-Doo, didn’t use crass language and smutty content to entice children. Unfortunately, our society has forgotten that we don’t need such devices or techniques to provide children with a good dose of entertainment.
Side note: One of my favourite parts of the original Scooby Doo show was actually the intro theme song. Here is the link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-HOyx_FH4E
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Move over Johnny Depp, the real pirates are jumping aboard!
No matter which way you slice it, pirates have always made it big at the box office. From the legendary Blackbeard, to the devilish Hook, and who can forget the infamous Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.
Unfortunately, beyond the big screen, piracy has steadily evolved as a source of capital for young Somalians on the north coast of Africa.
Geographically, Somalia is located on the Horn of Africa and borders neighbouring countries, Ethiopia and Kenya. According to the United Nations, the country is home to approximately 8.7 million people, many of which who depend on agriculture to support their livelihoods. However, with the collapse of Siad Barre’s military government in 1991, the country continues to lack a central government. Despite the implementation of the transitional federal government in 2004, the conflict between government forces (backed by Ethiopian troops) and the Islamic militia rages on.
Fending for their territory and their lives, many young Somalians have turned to piracy to generate income for themselves and their families. And why not? With 90% of the world’s trade done by sea, resorting to maritime crime has proven to be a rather lucrative endeavour. However, these modern day pirates, unlike their classical counterparts are hijacking international ships and cargo vessels for hefty sums of ransom money, rather than treasure chests of gold. In 2005, BBC correspondent Hassan Barise reported that $500,000 was the average ransom rate for one ship, its cargo and crew. More recently, ransoms have increased, with pirates demanding as much as $1.5 million in return for the release of various cargo ships.
Why are pirates still on the loose? Well, probably because todays pirate operations (unlike the fictional Disney version) are a little more complicated than peg legs and plank walking. One prominent problem is the failure of nations to take responsibility for policing international waters. Another factor has been the difficulty in deciphering piracy from robbery. In theory, piracy attacks take place in international waters, robberies happen inside territorial waters. Unfortunately, in practice, Somalian pirates have sailed their way around such tight-knit concepts. Although naval and coastguard vessels can pursue pirate attacks in international waters, they cannot pursue them within territorial waters. With this in mind, pirates have seized ships and then sailed into territorial waters to prevent outsiders from intervening. In 2007, one such incident occurred, when a Danish cargo ship, known as the Danica White, was seized by the Somalian pirates. Although a U.S. naval vessel attempted to intercede, it broke off its pursuit once the Danica White was sailed inside Somali territorial waters.
Given the increasing difficulty in tracking pirates, maritime crime continues to rise in the region. This year alone, there have been 74 attacks in the Gulf of Aden, which connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The latest incident involved the hijacking of an Indian cargo vessel containing 13 crew members. According to the International Maritime bureau, 10 ships containing about 200 crew members remain at the mercy of these pirates.
So, instead of producing another blockbuster movie, maybe we should place closer attention to the actual buccaneers, using desperate measures to keep their heads above water.
Works cited:
BBC News. Profile: Somalia. 2008. Retrieved Oct 21, 2008 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1072592.stm.
BBC News. Somalia's dangerous waters. September 2005. Retrieved Oct 21, 2008 from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/4283396.stm
Barise, Hassan. Somalia - where pirates roam free. November 2005. Retrieved Oct 21, 2008 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/4424264.stm
Childs, N. Somalia's pirates are 'thriving.`Oct 2007. Retrieved Oct 21, 2008 from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7046888.stm
Rankin, N. No vessel is safe from modern pirates . March 2003. Retrieved Oct 21, 2008 from
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/business/7280042.stm
Voice of America. Somali Pirates Hijack Indian Ship. October 2008. Retrieved Oct 21, 2008 from http://voanews.com/english/2008-10-21-voa30.cfm
Monday, October 20, 2008
Another shot of espresso, please
Miss,what can I get for you? I quickly browse the menu above me, already knowing that I’ll choose the same old thing. “I’ll have a double tall, non-fat, no whip, light-ice mocha.” Digesting my over-the-top order, the cashier (probably rolling her eyes in her head) swiftly repeats my order to the barista, who rushes to the machine to pump some fresh espresso into my cup. Handing over nearly $4 (expensive, but its worth it!) I quickly glide to the next counter to secure my drink before someone else grabs it. This can happen quite often, given the fact that most patrons drive to the store, park illegally and get the surprise ticket after picking up their drink.
Yes, this is a Starbucks story! Without a doubt, this coffee habit has slowly evolved into my everyday addiction. Although I hear daily complaints about how expensive it is, and how people much prefer Tim Hortons, this store offers customers a whole lot more than just a cup of black coffee and donuts (so policemen – up the ante and head over to starbucks from now on!!).
Whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, macchiato, tazo teas, apple cider, or lemonade....Starbucks has it all. Okay, I admit they don’t have alcoholic drinks. BUT! the LCBO does sell Starbucks liquors (added bonus for coffee addicts!!). And once upon a time, I found Starbucks ice cream in Barbados. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it in Canada yet. However, you can always substitute the ice cream for a mocha, vanilla bean, strawberries/cream or caramel frappucino.
Presently, the only thing I dislike about Starbucks (yes, i do dislike some things), are those new breakfast sandwiches. It’s not the taste or the look, but the awful smell that is left lingering when they are warmed up in the oven. Yuck! To be brutally honest, people should stick to the croissants or muffins which are always offered in Godzilla-sized portions. Unfortunately (another negative), the store only labels certain items with their nutritional content and not others (probably because they don’t have much nutritional value – but there still so tasty).
Okay, so instead of raving and ranting about my own experiences, tell me one of your worst or best Starbucks experiences. Preferably the best experience (don’t try to deter me from my addiction!)
In the meantime, here are my recommendations for your next Starbucks visit:
Drink (for tea lovers): Tall non-fat, no water tazo chai latte.
Drink (for coffee lovers): Tall caramel macchiato. (If you have a sweet tooth, ask for an extra pump of vanilla – so delicious!!)
Snack: Im a diehard chocolate chip cookie fan, but try the chocolate oat fudge bar (try to avoid the corner pieces which have more oat and less chocolate, and ask for a middle piece instead)
Note: Starbucks items went up by 3 cents!! (Let’s blame it on the economy people, not just on Starbucks)
Yes, this is a Starbucks story! Without a doubt, this coffee habit has slowly evolved into my everyday addiction. Although I hear daily complaints about how expensive it is, and how people much prefer Tim Hortons, this store offers customers a whole lot more than just a cup of black coffee and donuts (so policemen – up the ante and head over to starbucks from now on!!).
Whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, macchiato, tazo teas, apple cider, or lemonade....Starbucks has it all. Okay, I admit they don’t have alcoholic drinks. BUT! the LCBO does sell Starbucks liquors (added bonus for coffee addicts!!). And once upon a time, I found Starbucks ice cream in Barbados. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it in Canada yet. However, you can always substitute the ice cream for a mocha, vanilla bean, strawberries/cream or caramel frappucino.
Presently, the only thing I dislike about Starbucks (yes, i do dislike some things), are those new breakfast sandwiches. It’s not the taste or the look, but the awful smell that is left lingering when they are warmed up in the oven. Yuck! To be brutally honest, people should stick to the croissants or muffins which are always offered in Godzilla-sized portions. Unfortunately (another negative), the store only labels certain items with their nutritional content and not others (probably because they don’t have much nutritional value – but there still so tasty).
Okay, so instead of raving and ranting about my own experiences, tell me one of your worst or best Starbucks experiences. Preferably the best experience (don’t try to deter me from my addiction!)
In the meantime, here are my recommendations for your next Starbucks visit:
Drink (for tea lovers): Tall non-fat, no water tazo chai latte.
Drink (for coffee lovers): Tall caramel macchiato. (If you have a sweet tooth, ask for an extra pump of vanilla – so delicious!!)
Snack: Im a diehard chocolate chip cookie fan, but try the chocolate oat fudge bar (try to avoid the corner pieces which have more oat and less chocolate, and ask for a middle piece instead)
Note: Starbucks items went up by 3 cents!! (Let’s blame it on the economy people, not just on Starbucks)
Subway encounters
Riding Toronto's red rocket (otherwise known as the TTC) is always an adventure. Regardless of where you’re going or who you’re with, you almost always encounter an “interesting” (to put it lightly) subway rider. Numerous times, I hurry out the door, not giving a second thought to my attire, and just hoping to keep warm from the bitter temperate and chilly wind. However, dashing between the subway doors into the car, I become slightly paranoid about my outfit choice, especially when I receive some icy and solemn stares from fellow riders. As those thoughts quietly consume me, I struggle between the sea of laptops and schoolbags to find a seat, which is always like finding a needle in a haystack at rush hour.
In the midst of my seat searching venture, I happen to rest my eyes for a few seconds on an oddball character, which I hope and pray doesn’t end up sitting next to me. Oddball, in two regards. In one sense, I mean the drunken smelly types who need to be sanitized in a bath of Purcell(before you could even fathom sharing a cramped seat with them). In the second sense, I’m referring to those shifty eye characters, hands in pockets, giving you sideway glances, and muttering something completely indiscernible under their breath. When I find myself seated with either of these two oddballs, I try subtly getting up (which is most times unsuccessful) and walking to the other side. However, I encounter just as creepy a character, an end up playing musical seats throughout my subway ride.
Aside from my daily profiling, it’s sometimes amusing to watch those hungry-eyed riders desperately scouting the empty seats for a copy of the good old metro. After an unlucky venture, they glance both ways, and gingerly rescue the crumpled copy swept under the seat. Although, it’s a pretty common thing to do, I often see most riders exhibit a momentary hesitation, in fear of what others might think of them. However, their thoughts are quickly interrupted by either the grumbling of someone trying to exit, or the monotone voice over the monitor announcing the next stop.
In between stops, I also like to observe the fashionistas strutting their stuff down the passenger car, or posing next to their drably-dressed counterparts. My favourites are those frumpy old ladies, who wear extremely bright, but fatally pink lipstick that could be spotted miles away. Aside from the rolled up school skirts, dirty ugg boots, and greasy bed head hair, I also enjoy the ladies awkwardly putting on their makeup as we enter those dreary and dark tunnels (hoping they don’t do a Bridget Jones or end up sporting a clown face).
Fashion cares aside, the rest of the time I enjoy listening to the overflow of gossip trailing from a group of giddy teenagers, some businessmen (who forgot their blackberries of course) or even a dog owner boasting about his pit bull rescue. Unfortunately, unless you’re multilingual, it’s hard to decipher the chitter-chatter of other languages being spoken.
Anyways, I wrote this small little piece to remind subway goers that there is always plenty of free entertainment when you are riding the red rocket to work or otherwise. With that in mind, next time you’re on the subway try turning off your ipod or handy-dandy blackberry, and absorb the hustle and bustle of your temporary travelling companions.
In the midst of my seat searching venture, I happen to rest my eyes for a few seconds on an oddball character, which I hope and pray doesn’t end up sitting next to me. Oddball, in two regards. In one sense, I mean the drunken smelly types who need to be sanitized in a bath of Purcell(before you could even fathom sharing a cramped seat with them). In the second sense, I’m referring to those shifty eye characters, hands in pockets, giving you sideway glances, and muttering something completely indiscernible under their breath. When I find myself seated with either of these two oddballs, I try subtly getting up (which is most times unsuccessful) and walking to the other side. However, I encounter just as creepy a character, an end up playing musical seats throughout my subway ride.
Aside from my daily profiling, it’s sometimes amusing to watch those hungry-eyed riders desperately scouting the empty seats for a copy of the good old metro. After an unlucky venture, they glance both ways, and gingerly rescue the crumpled copy swept under the seat. Although, it’s a pretty common thing to do, I often see most riders exhibit a momentary hesitation, in fear of what others might think of them. However, their thoughts are quickly interrupted by either the grumbling of someone trying to exit, or the monotone voice over the monitor announcing the next stop.
In between stops, I also like to observe the fashionistas strutting their stuff down the passenger car, or posing next to their drably-dressed counterparts. My favourites are those frumpy old ladies, who wear extremely bright, but fatally pink lipstick that could be spotted miles away. Aside from the rolled up school skirts, dirty ugg boots, and greasy bed head hair, I also enjoy the ladies awkwardly putting on their makeup as we enter those dreary and dark tunnels (hoping they don’t do a Bridget Jones or end up sporting a clown face).
Fashion cares aside, the rest of the time I enjoy listening to the overflow of gossip trailing from a group of giddy teenagers, some businessmen (who forgot their blackberries of course) or even a dog owner boasting about his pit bull rescue. Unfortunately, unless you’re multilingual, it’s hard to decipher the chitter-chatter of other languages being spoken.
Anyways, I wrote this small little piece to remind subway goers that there is always plenty of free entertainment when you are riding the red rocket to work or otherwise. With that in mind, next time you’re on the subway try turning off your ipod or handy-dandy blackberry, and absorb the hustle and bustle of your temporary travelling companions.
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