ASK Musings

No matter where you go, there you are.

Monthly Archive: May 2009

Sunday

31

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Bigotry 2, California’s Reputation 0

Written by , Posted in Random

I haven’t commented on the supreme court ruling in California on Proposition 8 yet for a couple of reasons. When it was announced I was out of town at a conference. And the past couple of days I’ve still gottten really upset when I think about the ruling. I’m still pissed, but I think my thoughts are better formulated now.

First, I can’t speak to the validity of the ruling. I don’t know the law as it relates to propositions. But here is what I do know, or at least what I believe: propositions (or initatives, as they’re known in some other states, like Washington) are bad policy. We do not live in a direct democracy – we live in a representative one. And I firmly believe that mixing the two rarely results in good. In Washington, it led to brilliant laws like the $30 license plate tab (resulting in drastically reduced funds for such luxuries as safe roads and public transportation). The biggest problem I have with allowing the general citizenry to vote on sweeping reforms (and basic civil rights) is that they think only about themselves. Now, politicians in general are, I believe, quite selfish, but they also are interested in achieving some balance. They have to look beyond the excitement of saving $200 a year on car licenses, to the millions needed to accommodate those same cars on safe roads. You and I? We don’t necessarily have to look at those things. Ideally we would, but I think it’s obvious that a lot of people don’t.

Second, the fact that a proposition can be used to take away basic human rights? That scares me. A lot. I’m lucky enough to have my sexuality validated by the mainstream society, but that’s just luck of the draw. What other rights could be taken away? Just because a right wasn’t always properly acknowledged (as I believe same-sex marriage has always been a right, but not properly acknowledged) doesn’t mean it isn’t a right just the same.

Finally, as I was flipping through my two channels on Friday, I saw a glimpse of Dr. Phil’s show on the ruling (I know, I know, but bear with me). Gavin Newsome (SF Mayor) equated this fight for equality to the fight by blacks in the 60s. Then a black woman started yelling about how insulting that was, because “I’ve never met an ex black person.” The suggestion with that statement is that black is an innate characteristic and thus those possessing that trait should be protected, but gay is a “choice” and thus not deserving of protection.

There are so many problems with this argument. The first is the suggestion that being gay is a choice. I know I can’t judge, but I am highly suspect of anyone who claims to be “formerly” gay. I think the more appropriate characterization would be these “ex gays” are bisexual and choosing to only date the members of the opposite sex to whom one is attracted, probably to make life a little easier as their family is bigoted. And I don’t remember choosing to be straight. I don’t believe sexuality is a choice; I think the fact that one can choose not to act on the feelings makes it foggier, but it doesn’t mean that the feelings aren’t innate and don’t exist legitimately.

But here’s the thing – let’s say that gay is a choice. Again, I don’t believe that, but let’s pretend for a moment. You know what else is a choice? Religion. Sure, there are some children who are essentially forced into their belief system, and there are some entire religions that are equated with race/ethnicity (Judaism comes to mind), but religion is, at some basic level and at some point in life, a choice. And it’s a very loud, proud choice for some of the very people who seem to hate gays – born again Christians (not all obviously hate gay people, but you know what I am saying). They make a choice to believe in Jesus Christ, and then they decide that we all need to accept that choice and afford them certain rights (like tax-free churches). I definitely think that freedom of religion should be protected, and that the government should not award or deny benefits based on religion. But it’s a choice, and it’s protected, so even if sexuality were a choice, that alone certainly is not a logical reason to deny the rights to gay people that are afforded to all other people of consenting age.

I don’t know where this will all go, or what will happen next, but I can only hope that some day soon my dearest friends will be able to stand in front of a judge or a pastor (should that church choose to ordain the marriage), declare their love, sign some papers, and get the same benefits I would get if I got drunk in vegas and found another equally willing drunk male and did the same thing.

Not cool California. Not cool.

Saturday

30

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Brooklyn Half Marathon

Written by , Posted in Adventures

This morning I got myself out of bed a little before six, and headed over to meet Bonnie at the south end of Prospect Park. We stretched out and around 7:45 made out way over to the start. Now, the Nassau County Half Marathon was very well organized, but they weren’t strict on pace. They had signs (5 minute mile, 6, etc.); NYRR (who managed the race today, which is part of the Half Marathon Grand Prix, with one race per borough) also had signs, but they were color coded to your bib (you had to put your pace down when you registered) and you were essentially trapped in your place. 

I crossed the start about 15 minutes after the start gun, and did the two loops inside Prospect Park. It was nice running on my home turf, as I knew what to expect. They had water and Gatorade about every two miles starting at mile three; Nassau was much better supported in that regard. In fact, they had water every mile after mile five, I think, and Gatorade every two. NYRR also had this weird situation where the folks seemed to abandon the fluid stations after mile 8 or so, which meant that people were dipping their own cups into these garbage cans of water and Gatorade. Not so sanitary, so I basically went the last four miles sans water. Ick.

I knew that because it would be so much warmer today that my time would be worse than Nassau’s time. My goal was to be under 2:20; I got in at about 2:18+. So that was good!

The best part was the finish – on the boardwalk at Coney Island! It’s a pretty iconic location, with the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel and the parachute jump tower. I damn near ate it on the uneven boards (and one poor woman behind me did), but I regained my balance and finished strong.

It feels good to have run two half marathons. I know it isn’t a fluke, and I know I can do it in mildly warm weather. The next test? Manhattan in August. Luckily that race starts at 7 . . . 

Friday

29

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Monday

25

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Arrested Development

Written by , Posted in Reviews

I didn’t watch it when it was on the air. I saw a couple of episodes when I lived with my old roommate, as she had it on DVD. But after a colleague referenced it a couple of weeks ago, I decided it was time to watch it. Thanks to Hulu, I was able to watch all three seasons.

And for the past three weeks, when I have some free time, I’ve been watching it.

Oh man. Tonight I may have frightened my neighbors with my guffawing at the “Family Ties” episode.

I realize I am a few years behind on this one, but seriously. Excellent TV.

Sunday

24

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Easy “Risotto”

Written by , Posted in Random

I got tired of eating pasta for dinner. So I experimented with this earlier this week, and it was quite tasty, so I’m sharing it with you.

1 boil in bag packet of brown rice (two servings per packet)
1 zucchini or a few stalks of asparagus
1/4 cup low fat sour cream
1/4 cup parmesean cheese
Salt to taste

Boil the bag of rice per the directions and empty into a bowl
While the rice is cooking, wash, chop and steam the veggie
Combine the rice and veggie in a bowl with the sour cream and cheese 
Add salt to taste

It takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish; less if you microwave the rice.

It’s really, really yummy.

Saturday

23

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Report: Would-be suicide jumper pushed off bridge – CNN.com

Written by , Posted in Random

(CNN) — A passerby pushed a would-be suicide jumper off a bridge in southern China because he was angry at the jumper’s “selfish activity,” Chinese media reported Saturday.

It happened Thursday in the city of Guangzhou as Chen Fuchao threatened to jump off Haizhu Bridge, China’s Xinhua news agency reported.

The bridge has gained a “macabre” reputation with 11 jumpers having thrown themselves off the bridge since the start of April, Xinhua said.

Traffic was held up for nearly five hours and a crowd gathered as Chen sat on the bridge, threatening to jump, Xinhua reported.

Chen wanted to kill himself because he had 2 million yuan ($294,000) in debt after a failed construction project, Xinhua reported.

Lian Jiansheng, 66, who was passing by the bridge, offered to talk Chen down, Xinhua said. Police refused, but Lian broke through the police cordon and climbed to where Chen was sitting.

Lian greeted Chen with a handshake, then pushed him off the bridge, Xinhua said.

Chen fell 26 feet (8 meters) onto a partially-inflated emergency air cushion, damaging his spine and elbow in the fall, Xinhua said. He is now recovering in a hospital.

A photographer documented the sequence of events. The photographs show Lian, dressed in a T-shirt, shorts and socks, saluting to the crowd after pushing Chen off.

“I pushed him off because jumpers like Chen are very selfish. Their action violates a lot of public interest,” Lian told Xinhua. “They do not really dare to kill themselves. Instead, they just want to raise the relevant government authorities’ attention to their appeals.”

Police took Lian away after the incident, Xinhua said. It did not say whether he would face any charges.

Dude. What the hell?

Saturday

23

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Landmarks and Architecture

Written by , Posted in Adventures

Today as I finished my run, I came up over the hill in Prospect Park to visit the Grand Army Plaza farmers’ (farmer’s?) market. The view was stunning, as the arch is really quite large, and the fountain on the plaza was turned on. I’ve never noticed the fountain, and the view from my particular angle was lovely.

 On my walk to the train I also for the first time noticed a building with some great architecture. It’s the type of building that is often found in my neighborhood, but today it just stood out. It probably doesn’t hurt that the sun is shining, it is warm but not hot, and many people appear to have left town for the weekend.

 I have, however, found some of them – they’re here with me on the deck (terrace? patio?) behind 3 World Financial Center. There are boats moored, and in the distance I can see a cruise ship docked somewhere (Staten Island?), and an unobstructed view of the Statue of Liberty, which both reminds me of visiting Ellis Island with my folks and creates in me a string urge to rewatch Ghostbusters II.

 Unfortunately it is time to move from my great shady location, as there are some rather loud people nearby. And not steady loud – quiet follow by bursts of LOUD. Like a horn on a side street at 3 am on a Tuesday.

Sunday

17

May 2009

1

COMMENTS

Sarcasm isn’t a universal language

Written by , Posted in Random

“That’s the thing most New Yorkers forget when they venture beyond the City limits. Most Americans don’t spend 80% of their waking hours constructing witty comebacks and side remarks. Not everyone acts as if they’re on stage at the improv or trying to outwit Groucho Marx or George Bernanrd Shaw. Most people say what needs to be said and shut up.”

–From “Redemption Street” by Reed Farrel Coleman

I heard this on my run this morning, listening to Thursday’s podcast of Fresh Air. I’ll probably never read the book from which it comes (I’m not a big mystery buff), but this struck me. I think I was a New Yorker, to a degree, before I even came here, because I’ve always been a bit sarcastic. But it’s good to be reminded that while here, and amongst many of my friends, that’s a fun personality trait, it’s not always what others want to experience. I like the idea of trying more often to say what needs to be said and then shutting up. 

Wednesday

13

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Morandi

Written by , Posted in Reviews

I had a lovely dinner this evening. My friend Allegra and I have been trying to meet up for dinner for awhile, and were stymied last week thanks to H1N1. At her suggestion we walked over towards the West Village, and found this lovely place. It’s a little pricy (ended up being about $45 each, including salad, pasta and 1 1/2 glasses of wine each), but the portions are the right size and the atmosphere is quite nice. The waiter staff doesn’t hover, so I really felt like I was dining and could relax and enjoy the evening.

Good conversation, semi-outdoor seating, sunny evening in NYC? Hard to top it.

Tuesday

12

May 2009

0

COMMENTS

Ah, navigating financial waters yet again…

Written by , Posted in Adventures

Oh Sallie Mae. I send you money every month, as you were so kind to lend it to me for NYU. And now I’m dipping back in that well, only this time you’re not making it that easy. Is it because I’m leaving the country for my education? Are you mad that I’m going to be in the UK and not the US of A?

Or am I a total idiot? If I ask too many questions about the loan process, will LSE rescind my admissions offer? If it says “you can apply online or by mail” as well as “mail us the documents,” is it odd to want to double check that if I apply online I still need to mail them the documents?

I really don’t want to completely screw it up, Sallie. Because Sallie, honey, you’re what’s standing between me and my MSc. And I want us to stay on good terms.

(Really good terms. Like 2.75% terms. Please?)