this is garbage but i am going to share it anyway ...

Best Man Toast

2009-07-20T03:54:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be best man at a wedding. With that comes the tradition of the best man toast. When looking through the internet I came across only a handful of examples on what a toast should be like. Although they reminded me not to be too lewd and avoid adult beverage beforehand, they really were not all that useful.

So to help others with the same struggle, I am sharing my toast. It might not be good but hopefully it can help another out.

---------------
Saturday May 30^th 2009

First of all, thank you to the Watsons for this lovely dinner and evening. Everything looks marvelous and the hospitality wonderful. Also it has been a delight to get to know my fellow groomsmen over the past few weeks. Thank you all for that opportunity.

I wanted to start by saying that Jim and I have a history of building forts together. Many a sofa cushion and blanket structure existed in the basement of Jim’s first house. Perhaps our finest though was one built outside with space heaters as a private viewing room for an OSU Michigan game – one of the few victories in the dark ages known as the John Cooper era.

It is for these and many more past common experiences that I am likely here. Along with common experiences, Jim and I have been blessed with a deep friendship. As good friends do, we help to push each other to grow.

Someone in high school once phrased it this way. Jim helps me to get invited to parties and I help Jim with his homework. I am sure that given my pale complexion and dorky mannerism, this statement does not come as much of a surprise.

But I think one of the reasons people said this was because one of Jim’s many remarkable skills is that he is able to instantly connect with people of all backgrounds, temperaments, religions, bad outfits etc. But, what I always find interesting, is that coupled with this ability to instantly connect what Jim treasures and almost thrives on is having deep, fulfilling connections in his life.

It’s from this lens that I think about Jim’s college experiences. Jim enjoyed college. But, it was after Jim’s trip to Greece – with the close friendships he developed there – I could hear in his voice a greater excitement about college life than I heard before.

Then this excitement took another step – or turned to 11 perhaps for those Spinal Tap fans – when a lady from ‘skogee entered into his life.

Over the years, this love has blossomed into something mature and endearing. Something those around can both enjoy and envy.

Initially, Jim and Chelsi, given my humility, I believed that the strength of your relationship was based on how my relationship with Jim helped to form him to the man he is today. I mean, Chelsi, if you ever are feeling scared, Jim’s ability to soothe you through building a sturdy fort with sofa cushions was clearly refined under my tutelage.

But, I realize now what makes your love so strong has nothing to do with me. You are both wonderful and make each other better in different ways.

Just as he did as a bass for the Wellington choir and lacrosse team, Jim is a rock of a foundation that I am sure helps to steady Chelsi in her times of need. Chelsi, I can tell that your sincere love of those around you and God only helps to make Jim a better person and partner.

It’s for these reasons why I can see Jim is in love. A love such that the same man who once drove a Suburban full of teenagers in script Ohio formation in front of the buses filled with the Ohio State football team is also willing to sing Boomer Sooner with the best of them

And it’s for these reasons why I ask you to raise a glass with me to Jim and Chelsi.

May our blessings build a fort around your peace, love, happiness for years to come.

Job Search Article

2009-03-05T10:19:00.002-05:00

The following essay was forwarded to me and I thought I would share it with mass following of this blog.

http://blogs.harvardbusiness.org/cs/2009/02/need_to_find_a_job_stop_lookin.html?cm_mmc=npv-_-WEEKLY_HOTLIST-_-FEB_2009-_-HOTLIST0224

I definitely agree with a lot of what he argues and I think its a healthy approach to the challenges that lay before many of us. Given the predicament that a few of us are in, I plan on occasionally using this blog to post helpful sites that I have come across in my search in hopes that it might be of use to others.

A Fair Warning

2009-01-26T18:12:00.002-05:00

Just to let you know, most of my posts are probably going to end up on this site going forward:

http://www.aroundthecouch.com/

Some more personal musings will still end up here. But we shall see how often i frequent hi-did-illy-ho in the future.

Huddled Masses Yearning to High Five

2009-01-26T13:16:00.003-05:00

A follow up to the last post for which I am not responsible in the slightest. But, needless to say, enjoy ...

HIGH-FIVE INAUGURATION! - watch more funny videos

Huddled Masses Yearning to Breathe Free

2009-01-25T19:05:00.003-05:00

This past Wednesday I entered the middle of the right-center universe known as the Wednesday Meetings. Some have credited this institution, for which I was the minute taker, and my former boss, Grover Norquist, as being the enablers of the “vast right-wing conspiracy.” But, do not take my word for it. Here is a Washington Post account of the right side of the aisle’s strength where the meeting takes center stage:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A8423-2004Jan11?language=printer

Interestingly enough, 24 hours earlier I was in the epicenter of liberal movement. Partially motivated by a desire to be a part of a historical moment, I trekked to DC, woke up at 4:30am on Tuesday, bundled myself in all of the layers and under armor that I could get my hands on, and walked with several friends to the Mall. From that moment on, we were just waiting. Waiting for the sunrise of a new day and administration.

One could not help but be struck by the optimism in the air and collective focus on the now. The volunteers who greeted us as we progressed up the Mall were sweet enough to make Joan Cleaver appear morose. People around would shush us so that they could pay attention to pre-recorded programming on the jumbo-tron. With all that energy and focus, everyone was looking for something … anything to let go of their excitement and distract them from the cold. That moment came in the form of a recording of Garth Brooks singing American Pie from the “We Are One” HBO Inauguration special.

Along with those of a contemporary flavor, anthems of the traditional American songbook could be heard ringing in the tubas and throats of people from the dome to the Lincoln memorial. I found this particularly interesting because joining in the chorus were internationals and non-conformists not typically known for their American fervor. Similarly, African-Americans were high in number and red, white and blue dress. They too were embracing a country whom has not always embraced them.

The only discouraging episode of the morning was the inevitable booing of the entrance of George W. Bush. No matter what your politics this time is a moment of respect for the office and, for the winners, dignified victory. But, if anything, the booing was indicative of the sentiments of the moment. The jeers represented all’s desire to cast aside the fear of September 11th and recent financial turmoil.

The challenge of the near future will be to maintain these positive spirits. In the event of another disaster (which, knock on wood, never happens), how will the nation react? Obama is championing a certain mindset in reaction to 9/11 governance and the tide might easily turn the other way. My hope is that when faced with adversity we do not turn that direction into a false dichotomy of hope, optimism and mutual respect versus realism and suspicion as a way forward.

Perhaps the president elect has already thought of that. Unabashed, direct praise of pragmatism likely will give him flexibility to adjust to given the circumstances. Moreover, Obama’s address itself highlights how that mindset can be essential to overcoming misfortune:

“America: In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.”

I still believe in power and rights of the individual as central to right of center’s ideology. But, the sentiments of Obama’s speech is probably the main reason why this red state person was found in the midst of 1 million plus on January 20th. I too was singing from the patriotic songbook with the hippy I was rubbing elbows with. Both of us desired to revive American optimism. Both knowing it can guide us through these difficult times.

= = = = = = = = = = = =

The text of the Inaugural address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/inaugural-address/

Songs of 2008

2009-01-11T16:08:00.007-05:00

Here are some of my personal favorite ditties from 2008. Descriptions as to why will hopefully follow.

Enjoy!

- Ned

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Fleet Foxes – “Blue Ridge Mountains”

The Whigs – “Right Hand on my Heart”

Mates of State - "Get Better"

Wolf Parade – “California Dreamer”

Girl Talk – “Play Your Part (Pt. 1)”

Death Cab for Cutie - "No Sunlight"

From the Black Cab sessions site which is one of my favorite sites of '08, by the by:

http://www.blackcabsessions.com/sessions.php

Fucked Up – “Son The Father”

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings – “Answer Me”

Titus Andronicus – “Titus Andronicus”

TV on the Radio – “Crying”

Kate Nash - "Merry Happy"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf4Ea59Uods

and of course …

Flight of the Conchords – “Leggie Blond”

The Magic of Christmas

2008-12-28T16:06:00.000-05:00

In the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share with you a little vignette. As I left my local Kmart on Astor Place one Saturday in December, I came across a herd of gentlemen dressed as Santa Claus. This did not occur by happenstance. Once a year, people in the 5 boroughs join together for a pub-crawl on a chilly December day known as SantaCon. The only requirement to participate is that you dress in the full Kringle get-up – no elf hats and jeans will do my friends. The crew I encountered did look the part, as by this time of the day their cheeks and noses were a little rosy.

To give you a little description of the setting, Astor Place is a square in the middle of the East Village. In the square, along with bike racks and hipsters, there is a large sculpture that is a cube that stands on one of its corners. At that corner there is a pivot that allows you to spin the cube around.

On this fine early afternoon, a few jolly old elves felt so empowered by Christmas spirit(s) that they dashed and pranced through traffic to the monument in question. Giving a nod, four of them began to spin the cube. They really got it going as the white poof balls atop their caps flapped behind them and appeared strained to stay attached. Of course the pack of 30 or so Santa’s across the street had to cheer them on with an appropriate ….

“ Ho! Ho! Ho! …”

Seeing these Santa’s reminds me of one of my theories on how to interact with strangers in a public setting. Overall, wearing a timely costume is one of the best ways to meet people randomly on the street, at a bar, or seated at a public library. In part – as I recall from my undergrad psych classes – people will naturally take on a persona when the dress in uniform or a costume. It also provides an instant icebreaker

But, more than that, it provides an instant litmus test for the type of person with whom you, the costume wearer, is going to interact. Essentially, there are three types of people in this world when in a costume:

1) Those who are too cool for school or slightly wierded out by the alternative dress
2) Those who dress in a costume normally and think nothing of it
3) Those who fun extraverts looking for an excuse to make a friend.

Certainly in a social setting we would all like to meet number three and when wearing a costume you would probably just avoid 1 & 2. Therefore, go be social and if you need an icebreaker around Easter, try picking up some rabbit ears at your local drug store. It might just put a few more Ho-Ho-Ho’s in your evening.

SantaCon Video:

The Toast of the Town

2008-12-14T23:54:00.004-05:00

Every August my father takes his kids to the Ohio State Fair. Mom would generally avoid the indistinguishable August stench from the pig barn and the average fair patron. But, we all delighted in the best breakfast of the year – elephant ears and milk shakes – and the crowning event of the morning, a ride down the giant yellow slide. As part of the ritual, every child was allowed to play one of the carnival games to win a prize. After years of scientific experimentation, I figured out that the birthday guessing game was your best bet at coming home with a stuffed animal or a knick-kanck that would soon become a dog chew toy.

One summer I remember my friend, Evan Ruff, was invited to join along. Both Evan and I played and, given my decision in games, we both won. Oddly enough, we both selected as our prize what might have been the dumbest trend in sportsfan wear of the mid-nineties - the Dr. Seuss Hat. Evan chose a red and grey one. It was versatile and could be worn at his schools sporting events and moments of Ohio State pride - which are not rare inside of I-270. I choose black and gold. At the time I was one of the few, the proud Columbus Crew Soccer fans.

Like several others, I was swept up in Crew-mania when the MLS came to town. As a teenager, the team came to me at a time when my mind was fertile grounds for sports heroes and passion. I played soccer, so it was only natural.

But, like the career of Doctor Khumalo, the road for the MLS and crew have not always been smooth. Liquidating teams in Florida. A general decline in attendance after the initial hoopla. A poor showing by an MLS dominated US national team in the 1998 world cup. All seemed to be heading in the wrong direction at the turn of the millennium.

But, over the past few years, the trend has reversed. Despite these economic times, the MLS is essentially financial solvent. Attendance is picking up. Additionally, the sporting culture is becoming more mature. With the Nordeck, a supporter’s section has come to Columbus that provides a unique sporting experience. Previously the crew supporter’s section drew 75 people on a good day. Now they are averaging over 2,000 in the section.

With all of this, somehow my youthful obsession with the black and gold finally feels rewarded. The day after Harvard once again toppled the bulldogs, my sporting weekend was rescued when the Crew won the MLS Cup. When other people saved the front page when Obama swept, I asked my parents to save Monday's Columbus Dispatch.

To me it seems that the MLS and the Crew are defining its own piece of the pie. Hopefully it will continue to grow and mature so that I can return to game once Dr. Seuss hats are back in style.

= = = = = = = = =
Sampling of the Nordecke

banging pots on st marks*

2008-11-05T21:45:00.005-05:00

In the rhetoric of last night, we witnessed the best traits of McCain from the past (video) and the big tent Obama we wish remains with us in the future (video)

No matter what though -- last night was the culmination of years cultural change. Last night was America at its best.

To paraphrase the Shawshank Redemption and the Obama mantra:

I hope the spirit of bipartisanship persist well after the last piece of confetti is pick up in Grant park
I hope Obama defies forces from the left and his voting record to rule from the middle.
I hope the Republicans with to 40+ seats in the senate accept compromise and the spirit of change
I hope we are on the edge of period defined by centrist rule
I hope ...

* the title of this post is in reference to the spontaneous parade of people banging pots and pans up and down St Marks at 1am.

Searching for Babar

2008-10-27T21:46:00.003-04:00

Sitting in a drawer in what could be called a closet in Columbus but passes as a bedroom in the East Village is my “McCain ‘08” T-shirt. Along with perhaps being the only un-ironic GOP shirt this side of 14th Street, it is distinctive in many respects. First, it is a pre-Palin tee. I purchased it around a frigid Super Tuesday morning when I was the first at my polling station and well before a McCain primary victory was certain. Its early design gives it the potential to collect big bucks some day. That and the shirt is still encased in its original plastic wrapping.

To the extent labels can apply to someone, I consider myself to be a fiscally conservative, socially moderate, pro-globalization, and democratic loving 26 year old. Moreover, in coming of political age over the past three presidential cycles, I have acquired a distinct distaste for partisanship. Therefore, I dislike centralized control and taxes, but unlike some on the right I recycle, see benefits to compromise, and do not select candidates primarily on “moral values.”

In McCain I was hopeful for reform of the Republican Party’s ideals and leadership. Soon after he had the nomination, moderate and even progressive gestures gave me prospects that he would mark the evolution and not the end of the Regan Revolution. He toured underprivileged areas of the south, had green friendly photo shoots in the woods, and visited frequently neglected South America.

But, driven to placate the party constituencies and to catch up to Obama, a choice was made to run a campaign with the tactics we are more familiar with today. My thoughts began to sour as the campaign became more and more populist, negative, and impulsive. Reliance on well-tread conservative rhetoric marked a reinforcement of red state principles - culminating in Palin’s coming out and my shirt’s concealment.

The recent Colin Powell endorsement crystallized my reservations. Powell did not necessarily articulate new ideas, but he was able to do so succinctly, eloquently and from a position with which I could relate. Unlike the taunts of my liberal friends, I could not immediately discredit Powell’s remarks. To that point, it also does not hurt that I think Powell should be running for President.

As to what he said, Powell spoke up for disgruntled moderate R’s. I agree with a recent Washington Post editorial. Powell’s declaration was to me a statement not so much for Obama but against the GOP and its leadership (Link). He highlighted issues with the party and how it is encouraging a mindset that is short sighted and narrow minded:

“I'm also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America.”

Because he was able to connect with and articulate my own frustrations, Powell raised concerns in my eyes of how a McCain Presidency would govern. Powell implicitly brought into question the people and constituencies who might be working with and for McCain. Although he is not directly responsible for these short-sighted statements, it is troublesome that McCain is complicit in this campaign’s tone and what that might mean for political discourse. Moreover, Powell’s statements made me further question how a McCain selection could be transition for the party and the presidency.

So, where does that leave me? Currently undecided. When contrasted with McCain, Obama is problematic for me in terms of issues and experience that should probably be left for another essay. But, in terms of rhetoric and demeanor Obama can be inspiring. I can see how his personality could reshape how America is perceived. Instead of the nation of 9/11, Europe and the rest of the world might be more prone to regard us as a center for compassion and freedom. For all these reasons, Powell repeatedly referred to Obama as a transformative figure. McCain might be one too. Unfortunately, it appears he is too entrapped by the plastic wrap of his party constituencies.

- - - - - - - - -

This article can also be found here

- - - - - - - - -

is there a downside?

2008-06-01T22:48:00.004-04:00

union square is the start and finish line of my working day. in the mornings i am usually avoiding puddles resting on the asphalt and hippie types setting up tents for the farmers market. in the evenings i am frequently dodging skateboarders, nyu students, hipsters and other partakers of loitering. recently my jaunt through the square has had to navigate one additional obstacle - construction on the pavilion (PHOTO HERE)

in short, the plans are to improve the facilities in and surrounding the pavilion. of note, the renovations include the addition of a privately operated cafe. consequently, the construction is being done through a public-private partnership.

to be perfectly honest, this struck me as a good thing and i did not give it second thought. the pavilion is not inviting in the slightest. an overdue need for a face lift is complemented by the mental road block it creates. the white pillars visually and physically cut me off from the lush niceties of the park.

also of note, when the weather turns nice, the former pavilion has in the past been turned into an outdoor bar - luna park. luna park was generally frequented by summer banking interns and other yuppie types. construction zone pavilion equals no luna park equals no yuppies. another win in my mind.

however, some seem to disagree. i began to see protest signs and ribbons attached to the fence sealing off the construction zone. i also began to read quotes such as

“today we are calling on the city to abandon its support for the union square partnership’s irresponsible restaurant plan and begin construction immediately on the desperately needed playground”

i can honestly say that this is the first time i have seen "irresponsible" and "playground" in the same sentence. the authorities also took notice as well ...

about a month ago a new york supreme court - which as all law & order fans know is the lower new york state court - temporarily suspended construction. construction has since resumed but not on the pavilion itself. this mostly due to the nature of the cafe.

as the main catalyst to cease and desist order for mike mulligan and his steam shovel, the opposition raised concerns for need for more playground space as the top priority. but the tones of the discussion imply that there is more in question here.

the opposition to this is also being driven by the public-private partnership that is behind the construction. I get the sense that they feel that public priorities would dictate things other than a cafe would be created in such a place.

on top of all of that - as if the man were not evil or conservative enough - the construction is going to result in the removal and ultimate replacement of some very old trees in the park.

although I will be the first to state displeasure at the tree hacking that will need to occur (NB - these shady spots encourage ned reading and coffee consumption on summer saturdays), i think that overall the space is gaining quite a lot from the venture. more playground space and a cafe that - like shake shack - could become an important attraction to the area. as it is in their own best interest, the cafe operators can become advocates for additional activity and safety within the park.

the renovation - at least in what i have seen - looks like it will open up the space and encourage more north-south traffic. This will only help to connect the northern end of the park to its southern woodland friends to the south.

if the city and the tax payers benefit from a partnership with private donations, then who's to say we lose? A need is being addressed, meets a number of constituents wants, and is at less cost to the big apple. i do still call dibs on a shady seat this summer.

various links on the issue:
http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/documents/NorthEndBrochureFinal.pdf
http://www.plannyc.org/project-101-Union-Square-Redesign
http://www.thevillager.com/villager_189/opponentspileonunionsq.html

Hump Day

2008-05-26T11:19:00.002-04:00

Given my obsession with this blog and subsequent need for another blogging outlet, i have created an internet home for my hump day webpage of the week emails. Enjoy!

http://humpdaywebpage.blogspot.com/

been a long time since a rock and roll

2008-01-19T12:12:00.000-05:00

ok, it has been a while. but, the stars have aligned and this blog shall rise from the ashes like a phoenix in the bleak night sky knows as the "internet". but enough waxing. on t0 business.

it is that time of the quadrennial when we need to chose our candidates who will be our candidates. Moreover, i think i have figured out who i am going to throw support in with and that man is john mccain for reasons such as his past stances on immigration, stances on spending, and articles such as the one above

even furry old grover norquist is warming up to the straight talk express.

if you want to try and change my thinking. feel free to comment.

however, please note that if you try and persuade me one way i am -- as shocking as this may sound for a 20 something in nyc -- a registered republican. so clinton canoodling, barack backing, and edwards enthusiast need not apply. i can only vote "r" in the state of ny.

- ny

stay tuned -- ned's "turn it to 11 in 07" -- aka ned's pop culture top 11 of 2007

lame

2006-06-27T23:18:00.000-04:00

i have a few ideas floating around but have not put finger to pad for sometime ... a couple of posts will hopefully follow ... or will they?

For God For Country and For Me

2006-05-28T13:04:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I returned to dear ol’ Yale to celebrate those bright college years. Why, you may ask? No, it was not harass people and pretend like I never graduated (although a good guess). My trip to New Haven celebrated the collegiate career of one Miss Liza Young and her admittance to the real world. Graduation weekend was a very special with lots of tears, pomp and circumstance. Monday at 2pm marked the end of an era for the Young household, as for five years our lives have been deeply connected to one institution. But, along with being about family, friends and one girls rite of passage, I found that graduation was a big boon to someone else who is near and dear to my heart ... me.

After sitting through the ceremonies again, I think that everyone should go to a graduation at least once a year. Being there was almost like committing to a new years resolution or being at a fraternal initiation to renew the bonds of brothers. It forced me to confirm my commitment to being an adult and – I can’t believe I am about to write this – make a difference in the world. Now whether I act on it or not is a different story, but at least I am questioning again my place in the world and not just going through the day-to-day drudgery.

- Never graduated Ned no more

Where have you gone Matt Pinfield

2006-05-01T22:02:00.000-04:00

Either spurred by watching too many episodes of Mr. Show or maybe by the fact that I dusted off my copy of Superunknown, I miss the 90’s. And not just any part of the 90’s, but that time when society hit the peak of the post-grunge-gen-x-laziness-everyone-had-a-garofalo-crush-and-we-were-quoting-so-I-married-an-axe-murderer period. The reason for the longing of this bygone era is best embodied by the changes in one institution: MTV

Maybe with the exception of Doggy Fizzle Televizzle, MTV has sucked royally the past few years. Ever since the pop revolution of the late 90’s and the coming of the jackass-core culture, MTV only shows over produced pop or Date My Mom. MTV today would never air Liquid Television let alone the Maxx* as a full fledged show. The angst of the time and need to appeal to alternative/grunge culture cultivated risqué and progressive programming. Programming such as The State which you either you haven’t seen or think is the funniest thing of all time. I really don’t want my MTV today but I do remember sneaking upstairs to watch 120 Minutes when I was younger.

So until that time, I will be chillin’ with the weaze and singing porcupine racetrack.

I’m Ned and I’m outta hear.

* I really miss the Maxx (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maxx) . That show was actually the real catalyst of this entry.

The day the music died

2006-03-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

I think I am a little behind on this story, but at least to me it is a rumor no more. If its in wikipedia it must be true. Beck is a scientologist. Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. It just puts a new spin on his body of work. Maybe "Where Its At" is an ode to his electropsychometer? Lost Cause? The conclusion to his personal struggle with the myth of L. Ron Hubbard? He is constantly making personal stabs at a scientologist hymnal and we just don't know it. and that could be the real inspiration behind the "GameBoy Variations." So, many questions?

Anniversary of a different flavor

2006-03-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

i found the article above refreshing in that it provided an account on the situation in iraq that at least felt somewhat removed from politics and ideology. This is not to say that there was an inherent bias in the authors description of the situation. plus, knowing me, i was probably drawn to it because it ended on a hopeful note.

- ned

the real world: creating a partnership with nouns

2006-03-14T22:40:00.000-05:00

i know that the topic of corporate speak has been walked over more than these boot over you, but I have to honestly say that I miss adjectives. Adjectives and I go way back. Although we had known each other my whole life I think that we were formally introduced in the third grade. With recent neglect, i am pretty sure that they just feel used.

lastly, i vow from here forward to write much less about work (easier said than done when you spend 5/7 of your week in one place).

-ny

addendum: momma mia

2006-03-10T00:09:00.000-05:00

i would also like to note that I spent half of the day with pizza sauce on my face and didn't know it. true story.

Plato's Cave vs. Ford's Assembly Line

2006-03-09T22:54:00.000-05:00

To give back, to stop being a leech on society. All of these were motivations to go out into the working world and I certainly do come home at the end of day, cook myself a bountiful repast, and reflect “by Jove, Edwin you have certainly contributed.” But I don’t think that the direct switch from pulling to pushing onto humanity has been the biggest transition since leaving college. Instead, it has been a very closely related contrast of cultures. (Ed: I can’t believe I just wrote that sentence).

As a student, I was trapped in time, now every day is a new. Every year at school I could take comfort in the same parties, same places and the freshmen being freshmen. Now colleagues are “no longer with the company” and I realistically wont see them ever again. The Acropolis isn’t going anywhere fast for the art history major and that Thoreau is still by his damn lake for all intensive purposes to some. While the relevance of Henry Ford, the former king of capitalism, has faded behind Gates and Jobs to Journal readers. … etc.

This cultural difference is definitely tied to the push and the pulling (or blowing and sucking depending on how you want to think of it). The end goals of each place are different. In college, our goal is to grow, develop, mature. In the working world we get results and are always strive to one-up the next guy.

Of course, I am not so simplistic to say that the professional and learnin’ worlds are complete opposites. Ned the student would from time to time think of the next step. So, he didn’t want to be a total slouch and tried to get decent grades (Ed: just mostly a slouch). Other people are investing in the future of Ned the entrepreneur. They don’t want him to remain a complete bum so they try and give him some skillz. But, on Ned’s continuum of cultural crude, the worlds pre and post academia definitely are different.

Oh silly iron cage. Will you ever learn.

Pls advise,

- ny

ps: overly-serious blogs 1 : ironic blogs 0

my manifesto

2006-03-06T22:25:00.000-05:00

In one of our first classes, a high school English teacher had everyone preface the sharing of their creative writing. “This is garbage but I am going to share it anyway.” With the mumbling of that phrase, we kicked our inhibitions to the curb, spoke freely, and dazzelled our audience. Well, two out of three ain’t bad … here we go.

I hereby declare this blog open for business! My guess is that this ongoing ramble will likely take a turn for the serious. I don’t know why, but my lighter side often passes on when I pretend to be profound and pompous.

Even with that chance, bear with me as I comment on life after college! Review current tunes! Observe the Current Events! Mock and Embrace Pop Culture! And forget to update my blog!