Several observations about Germany...
1. We were told that one would never say I will miss you to a friend, unless said friend was leaving for at least a year. You might say, "I will miss you" to your partner if they were leaving for a little while BUT the operative word is might.
2. The typical breakfast is random cheeses, so-so coffee, extremely good bread, salami, and various spreads ranging from cream cheese to Nutella.
3. The sun seems to present itself about once every 3 days, give or take.
4. If you are in a band and have never toured Germany before, if our experience is a legitimate example, every venue provides several cases of beer, a couple bottles of wine, a case of water, and a case of juice. Crepes are also provided fairly frequently. Also dinner and a place to sleep with mattresses and pillows.
5. Your typical liter of gas is $1.50. That's right I said liter. You do the math.
6. I just looked up while I was writing this and noticed that a half naked man was lying about two feet away from me. I asked him to go to the other room and he did. (We are in a club, that has a guest room for bands, this dude wandered in here)
7. FYI if you are headed to Europe and you are bringing a hair dryer, first you will have to bring a northern European electrical adapter (this applies to all electronic devices) and second there is something about the currents through the adapter that might cause your hair dryer to go on fire. So, use the low setting, it will be as hot as the high setting. Or use the high setting and catch on fire. Your call.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Prague
So we went to Prague for a couple of days just to chill.
Three Primary Thoughts:
1. There are a lot of rude people in Prague. I watched a barista in a museum yell at an old lady with no hesitation. Cihuatl-Ce, the L.A. MC we are touring with (check out her stuff), asked a woman for French Fries, apparently they were out of them, and the woman behind the counter responded by saying "NOOO!!!". Also when we first arrived, we all went to a restaurant for dinner and drinks. Our waitress dropped our drinks, spilled wine all over us and broken glass all over the table. She didn't apologize and walked away, as if it was somehow our fault.
I do not believe that it is wise to make judgements about an entire people based on a handful of interactions, that said the moments I've highlighted were only the most egregious ones. Ultimately I would have to say that there is certainly a cultural trend here that suggests that rudeness is more acceptable from servers in Prague than anywhere I've been in the USA. No judgments, just sayin'.
2. I've never had a harder time crossing the street in my life. I can't really explain it, it's just really challenging to cross the street.
3. Despite points 2 and 3, Prague is a beautiful old city. It's somewhat creepy but and amazing place. I would go back in a heart beat. I highly recommend visiting, if you can. (Seriously, I'm not being sarcastic.)
Three Primary Thoughts:
1. There are a lot of rude people in Prague. I watched a barista in a museum yell at an old lady with no hesitation. Cihuatl-Ce, the L.A. MC we are touring with (check out her stuff), asked a woman for French Fries, apparently they were out of them, and the woman behind the counter responded by saying "NOOO!!!". Also when we first arrived, we all went to a restaurant for dinner and drinks. Our waitress dropped our drinks, spilled wine all over us and broken glass all over the table. She didn't apologize and walked away, as if it was somehow our fault.
I do not believe that it is wise to make judgements about an entire people based on a handful of interactions, that said the moments I've highlighted were only the most egregious ones. Ultimately I would have to say that there is certainly a cultural trend here that suggests that rudeness is more acceptable from servers in Prague than anywhere I've been in the USA. No judgments, just sayin'.
2. I've never had a harder time crossing the street in my life. I can't really explain it, it's just really challenging to cross the street.
3. Despite points 2 and 3, Prague is a beautiful old city. It's somewhat creepy but and amazing place. I would go back in a heart beat. I highly recommend visiting, if you can. (Seriously, I'm not being sarcastic.)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Germany part 1
Some observations.
I've seen two people of color the whole time I've been here. Considering there are three of us on this trip, that's a population increase of 150%.
If you ever wonder what a Curry Wurst is, it is a hot dog, chopped up, drenched in Ketchup, with Curry Powder sprinkled on top.
Beer is pretty popular here.
Lots of people live in tiny cottages the size of a shed you would see at Home Depot.
More tomorrow...
I've seen two people of color the whole time I've been here. Considering there are three of us on this trip, that's a population increase of 150%.
If you ever wonder what a Curry Wurst is, it is a hot dog, chopped up, drenched in Ketchup, with Curry Powder sprinkled on top.
Beer is pretty popular here.
Lots of people live in tiny cottages the size of a shed you would see at Home Depot.
More tomorrow...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Scott Brown, Health Care, and why I didn't vote for Baracka Obama part 63
Alright y'all, I know what you're thinking, I just mailed in the month of January. I posted three times. What can I say? January is a good month to take a break. Crisan Bakery is one of the coolest bakeries on the planet, and yes it’s located in Albany , NY
Fine I’ve been unpacking all month!!! Give a guy a break.
And on to Scott Brown: Scott Brown was a naked model, he bought a truck, and ran for U.S. Senate and won. Wow that’s interesting.
Health Care: I still don’t have any.
Why I didn’t vote for Barack Obama part 63:
BECAUSE WE ARE ON A NEVER ENDING PENDULUM!
Don’t you see it? I’m talking to the rationale members of the left that vote (not the rational members of the left that don't). The ones that would like to see a single payer health care system, gay marriage, a reconfiguration of the criminal justice system, real environmental protection and so on. If you are the type of person that would probably vote for the Green Party but you see it as a wasted vote than you’re the person I’m talking to.
Within the current electoral system when do you expect the left political spectrum to have more power than they do now? Don’t you feel like you’re watching a seesaw before your eyes? What happens next in this movie? Do the Republicans take back the house? Or the senate? Perhaps the presidency on 2012? Here is what I do know; the Republicans will take back some house of congress and the presidency eventually. And what will have been accomplished? If the Democrats can’t pass a Health Care Bill with a 60 seat majority in the Senate and a 40 seat majority in the house, and one of the most inspiring presidents in the past 50 years, when will they accomplish the long list of goals that we all hope to see in our lifetimes? When will the democrats lead us to a more just, fair, and egalitarian society? It will probably happen on an icy-cold night in Hell.
Think about how much effort it took to get them in power. How many hours and dollars went in to the elections of 2008? What have they done for us? I actually believe that Barack Obama means well (at least in comparison to most people that have occupied that position). I just don’t think he actually has enough power to make lasting substantive change in this country. As I’ve said before, it’s the wealthy corporations that have the most power and it has never been clearer.
I truly believe that we could accomplish more tangible change in this country with grassroots community efforts, not grassroots campaigns. The most substantive change in this nation has always come from community members getting together to make free breakfast programs, create health centers, and justice organizations. Look at the issue of Gay and Lesbian rights. Politicians are not responsible for the rights GLBTQ people are earning every day. It’s the tireless work of gay, lesbian, and Trans activists that have put the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity on the map. And it wasn’t politicians that were responsible for the rights earned by Black Americans or women. We can thank groups like The Black Panther Party, The Gay Activist Alliance and the Women’s Liberation Front for some of the privileges that we enjoy today not LBJ or Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton.
I understand if you are still holding out hope that Barack can pull this together. The man has a pretty spineless crew to work with but hope is hope. I can respect hope. However if the Democrats fall flat on their faces and accomplish nothing over the next 4-8 years can we please stop supporting them and start supporting each other. That’s all I ask.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Haiti
Peace everybody.
As you probably know, I haven't posted in a while. At first it was because I've been unpacking, something that I thought was a miserable task. Than, a week ago, the earth quake happened in Haiti. It reminded me that I am extraordinarily fortunate to have a roof to unpack under. After the quake happened I realized that my next post would have to be about Haiti (In my head it is pronounced "High Tee", which is how it is pronounced in Spanish Speaking countries.) but I wasn't sure what to write. This is clearly one of the most devastating human catastrophes of my lifetime. Only the 2004 Tsunami seems to have reached the same level of intensity since I've been around. (Check out this article that compares the Tsunami releif effort to the current Haiti releif effort and offers an optomistic outlook for the future.)
There is so much to discuss that I don't know where to begin. I feel tongue tied. I will say that everyone should donate something, even five dollars. I have no idea what the best organizations are to donate towards but I believe that any money earmarked for Haiti is well spent at this point.
I will say that I am extraordinarily sad and don't know what to do with these feelings. I feel silly, considering how much I have, and how much others have lost. I'm personally wary of hollow tears and worry that mine are tears of guilt and privilege. I think an event like this can shine a magnifying glass on the social institutions of privilege in our society. Few of us are immune to critiques that can come about as a result.
It's with this in mind that I will analyze a particular fact that I just learned that can shed light on the concept of privilege and how it is obtained.
After the slaves successfully expelled the French and created the independent nation of Haiti and repelled all French attempts to re-colonize it, the Haitian government was facing a crippling blockade from the Spanish, French and British governments. France agreed to lift the blockade and recognize Haiti as an independent nation in return for "reparations" in the sum of 90 million Francs (or 21 billion US dollars today). The reparations, of course, were to pay back the French for its loss of resources during the Haitian Revolution, primarily the loss of commodities, i.e. slaves. So the Haitian Government slowly paid these debts by securing high interest loans from countries like the United States and completed these payments in 1948.
Here are my thoughts on this:
Are you F*&%ING KIDDING ME?!
Who in the hell do these governments think they are by applauding themselves for giving $100 million hear, $200 million there? I have an idea; how about the French Government pays Haiti $21 Billion Dollars and the US and other governments pay back Haiti for the interest it collected on their despicable loans. After these repayments, said governments can than kick in additional millions out of the kindness of their hearts to address the current catastrophe, after having paid for the original tragedy. This of course would only be the beginning of the repayment for the: reprehensible acts perpetrated on African people and the Diaspora and compensation for the privileges bestowed upon the ancestors of their colonizers.
So tonight when you go to sleep in your comfortable bed and think about the Haitian People. Please don't stop there. Think about the dollar bills in your pocket. Ask yourself about the lineage of this currency. I want you to picture the interest paid to the United States. Envision how some of those dollars found their way to your pocket as you lay your head on your Martha Stewart Pillow. As you prepare to dream, remember how you've gotten the privileges you have and the death and misery of those on the other end of your subconscious. I promise you, I will do the same.
Next: The Massachusetts Senate Race (AKA Why I didn't vote for Barack Obama part 25)
As you probably know, I haven't posted in a while. At first it was because I've been unpacking, something that I thought was a miserable task. Than, a week ago, the earth quake happened in Haiti. It reminded me that I am extraordinarily fortunate to have a roof to unpack under. After the quake happened I realized that my next post would have to be about Haiti (In my head it is pronounced "High Tee", which is how it is pronounced in Spanish Speaking countries.) but I wasn't sure what to write. This is clearly one of the most devastating human catastrophes of my lifetime. Only the 2004 Tsunami seems to have reached the same level of intensity since I've been around. (Check out this article that compares the Tsunami releif effort to the current Haiti releif effort and offers an optomistic outlook for the future.)
There is so much to discuss that I don't know where to begin. I feel tongue tied. I will say that everyone should donate something, even five dollars. I have no idea what the best organizations are to donate towards but I believe that any money earmarked for Haiti is well spent at this point.
I will say that I am extraordinarily sad and don't know what to do with these feelings. I feel silly, considering how much I have, and how much others have lost. I'm personally wary of hollow tears and worry that mine are tears of guilt and privilege. I think an event like this can shine a magnifying glass on the social institutions of privilege in our society. Few of us are immune to critiques that can come about as a result.
It's with this in mind that I will analyze a particular fact that I just learned that can shed light on the concept of privilege and how it is obtained.
After the slaves successfully expelled the French and created the independent nation of Haiti and repelled all French attempts to re-colonize it, the Haitian government was facing a crippling blockade from the Spanish, French and British governments. France agreed to lift the blockade and recognize Haiti as an independent nation in return for "reparations" in the sum of 90 million Francs (or 21 billion US dollars today). The reparations, of course, were to pay back the French for its loss of resources during the Haitian Revolution, primarily the loss of commodities, i.e. slaves. So the Haitian Government slowly paid these debts by securing high interest loans from countries like the United States and completed these payments in 1948.
Here are my thoughts on this:
Are you F*&%ING KIDDING ME?!
Who in the hell do these governments think they are by applauding themselves for giving $100 million hear, $200 million there? I have an idea; how about the French Government pays Haiti $21 Billion Dollars and the US and other governments pay back Haiti for the interest it collected on their despicable loans. After these repayments, said governments can than kick in additional millions out of the kindness of their hearts to address the current catastrophe, after having paid for the original tragedy. This of course would only be the beginning of the repayment for the: reprehensible acts perpetrated on African people and the Diaspora and compensation for the privileges bestowed upon the ancestors of their colonizers.
So tonight when you go to sleep in your comfortable bed and think about the Haitian People. Please don't stop there. Think about the dollar bills in your pocket. Ask yourself about the lineage of this currency. I want you to picture the interest paid to the United States. Envision how some of those dollars found their way to your pocket as you lay your head on your Martha Stewart Pillow. As you prepare to dream, remember how you've gotten the privileges you have and the death and misery of those on the other end of your subconscious. I promise you, I will do the same.
Next: The Massachusetts Senate Race (AKA Why I didn't vote for Barack Obama part 25)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Best of Decade part 10
Here it is. The long awaited #10. Are you ready? Personally I think that it's worth the wait. I hope you all do to...
Best Thing to Happen to Me This Decade: The Birth of My Two Boys
Before this decade began, I had no kids, which was a good thing. I cannot say that life for me has been a utopia since they joined this world that would be like saying "Iraq
So the moral of the story is, don't have kids unless you are prepared to be thoroughly frustrated very often. But if you're like me and you can handle a little frustration, than you will probably feel like the luckiest person in the universe. That's how I feel, every time I look at one of their beautiful faces. If I am a good father to them, than I feel like I'm succeeding at life. I often have moments of insecurity when I feel like I can't do anything right but they remind me otherwise. I'm not saying my life is all about my kids, I do lot's of interesting things that are not about them. I am saying that they are beautiful and they make me feel so fortunate that it's difficult to put into words.
If you still can't understand how I came to the conclusion that my boys are the best thing to happen to me this decade, than watch this.
If you don't understand why that video is so special, than let David Chappele explain it to you.
Best Thing to Happen to Me This Decade: The Birth of My Two Boys
Before this decade began, I had no kids, which was a good thing. I cannot say that life for me has been a utopia since they joined this world that would be like saying "
So the moral of the story is, don't have kids unless you are prepared to be thoroughly frustrated very often. But if you're like me and you can handle a little frustration, than you will probably feel like the luckiest person in the universe. That's how I feel, every time I look at one of their beautiful faces. If I am a good father to them, than I feel like I'm succeeding at life. I often have moments of insecurity when I feel like I can't do anything right but they remind me otherwise. I'm not saying my life is all about my kids, I do lot's of interesting things that are not about them. I am saying that they are beautiful and they make me feel so fortunate that it's difficult to put into words.
If you still can't understand how I came to the conclusion that my boys are the best thing to happen to me this decade, than watch this.
If you don't understand why that video is so special, than let David Chappele explain it to you.
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