Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind – Rudyard Kipling

Anyone can write. Since we were all kids, someone inadvertently put a pen in our hand and said, write down your feelings. Whether through term papers, Wordsworth-esque poems to that 7th grade crush, or a journal on vacation, everyone doodles with the idea of meaningful writing.

Step that thought up a notch to one’s distaste of certain journalists. Or to the Sports illustrated / Good Housekeeping / playboy that you read on the pot. Or even the articles that you gloss over on your way to the crossword in your daily paper. You’ve probably thought “I could do that.”

We all have an opinion and we all feel the need to share it. That is just a basic human trait. In today’s age, we have so many outlets to do so, even if they are unfortunately plagued by “LOLs,” “OMGs” or 40 character limits. Now of course, there are those writers that possess a little more diplomacy, the ability to really think out of the box and the skill to pick the most appropriate diction. They're so good at it, that they get paid to do so.

But even those who don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re” or the difference between a colon and semi-colon deserve to describe their thoughts! Whether you have won the Pulitzer or still don’t know the meaning of onomatopoeia, it really doesn’t matter. You have a brain, so use it and put some words together!

Today I was reminded of just why writing is such a great thing.

After completing his MBA at The University of Massachusetts, Avi, one of my friends returned to Bangalore, India (the city where my parents live) to finally open his dream restaurant. It opened this past year and looks great. I have not been able to dine there yet but really look forward to trying it out this Christmas.
Sean, another friend of mine, returned to Bangalore, India after graduating from Chapman University, California. After putting in time for AOL as a content editor he has found a new niche in DJ’ing at local hot spots in the city.

Now Avi and Sean don’t know each other. But today, as I was reading Sean’s latest post on his blog, it caught my eye that his review on his “restaurant of the month” was a well-written piece on Medici, which just happens to be Avi’s restaurant.
It was a thorough review of the restaurant that had a positive recommendation. Sean has about 26 followers on his blog and while he’s on the air for radio indigo, probably reaches a few hundred listeners. Then take into consideration the whole 6 degrees of separation concept and you can see where I’m getting at – one person’s simple opinion can really produce a drastic impact.

And that, simply put, is the power of innocent words. I don’t know if I agree completely with Lytton’s famous adage “the pen is mightier than the sword,” because I think that any sane person would really rather have a sword than a pen in a battle. But in today’s global-viral village, words definitely have a sharp edge and can definitely slash through thousands of miles to reach literally anyone. Now that, is truly a powerful weapon.

Navigating through Life

The Garmin Nuvi is by far my favorite toy. In the past year, my Garmin has helped me wade through the paths of the Great Mid-West and the Coastal plains of the South-East. A large LCD touch screen, great battery life and even meant to be used while strolling downtown in some foreign city. I would be lost without it. However, this post’s purpose is not to highlight the specs of this product, nor is it a sponsored advertisement by the Swiss Geniuses.

You see, I am directionally challenged: challenged to the point that when I have a son, I’m going to enroll in boy scouts with him and learn how to use a compass and understand what “Head South” or “Hook East” means (why we just can’t use the terms “left” and “right” still baffles me). And until that point in time, I will continue my pathetic search for a Rosetta Stone on navigation.

The past year has taught me that perhaps it’s not just navigational directions that I struggle with, but perhaps my career needed a Garmin-type tutor.

Since graduation, I feel like I’ve done some stellar internships and held some great gigs. But, I could never find a full-time position in the PR/Jounalism field. The one that I did find ended up hitting a dead end when the firm folded. I was frustrated as I would continually be reminded that hiring freezes are a huge reality. Though internships and part time gigs are abundant, the ‘first step in a career’ is hard to come across.

At times I wished that some soft-spoken, gentle African-American man’s voice would just echo in my head and tell me what to do and where to go. Side note: I’m a 25 year old man, but I would gladly let Morgan Freeman read Roald Dahl books to me by a fire.

Today my “route,” or my career, took a different exit. Today, I signed a new contract and on June 14 2010, I will commence my position as a Financial Broker at Charles Schwab. I have never taken an Economics class in my life, and my knowledge of Wall Street is restricted to the blockbuster movie, The Pursuit of Happiness. Perhaps it is for this reason that instead of congratulating me on the good news, my mother retorted with a “What are you doing?”

Well what am I doing?

You remember when you were a kid and someone would ask you what you wanted to be when you grew up? And back then, since the term “recession” was extremely alien to you, since the difference between Harvard and the University of Phoenix really didn’t matter and since everybody made a lot of money anyhow, the obvious answer was “An Explorer!” Well a lot has changed since those days of yore. Who was to know that the Al Gore’s great “invention,” was going to supply news directly to everyone without having to pay for a subscription rate? Or that one day, you would be competing for an entry-leve job with a person who has three degrees and nine years of experience? Hmm, well now we all know that life isn’t that peachy and that it really has a cruel and crafty way of mixing things up.

Through college, I found myself wishing for some type of short-cut. Perhaps some type of GPS that wouldn’t just give me advice on what to do or conveniently dish me out a business card of someone I needed to contact, but a device that would give me a job and take me from point A to point B. Something that would tell me how long I needed to be on that route for and where the pit-stops were if I needed to take a break, or grab a bite to eat and fill up the tank. But then life would be too easy right?

Either way, this is where I am. I’m starting a new career. I’m excited about it and ready to see what the future holds. I will resume my part-time reporting for the Current and will try to free-lance more. I also hope to use my blog as a more regular and real outlet for my thoughts. And who knows what the next turn in my career is? Who knows if there is a better alternate route or perhaps a more scenic route and how many miles each would take? I surely don’t. But I’m sure it will just sort itself out when the time arises.

Mad Lifestyle

Season one was in my stocking from my Sister-in-law. My first reference to this award-winning television series was from my editor at Indianapolis Monthly, who also is an avid fan. So I figured I'd put it on my Christmas list and give it a shot.

After watching season one, I'd have to agree with him.

The concept revolves around the lifestyle of the glitz and glamour of Madison Avenue in the 1960s. Madison Avenue, the Mecca for the advertising world, birthed this American Cultural idea of 'success.' What intrigues me the most is all the ins-and-outs that connotes this image of success.

There is a lot of things that impress me. Historically speaking, Mad Men has won various awards for it's historical authenticity. In other words, it really does depict the social mores and ideals of that era, an era that seems to continually fascinate me.

But just like a good book or speech, there are things that you take away from it, and things that you can do without. The philandering and chain smoking (which every character does both of, constantly) doesn't quite fit this ideal guild. But that's what I choose to overlook and on the other hand, there are a lot of things that do impress me.

I admire how well put together the male characters are. It was a time when men dressed their best. They knew what looked good, and what 'looking good' meant and they implemented it to perfection. For example, Don Draper keeps a stack of the same staple-white-oxford shirt in his office. Why? Because it's the perfect shirt. So he keeps a couple spare (always ironed and ready to wear) in his office.

These creative minds at Sterling and Cooper keep their office bars with ample supply. Whether it's the rye in the Old Fashioned, the cognacs of the Brandy Alexander, or Betty's simple Tom Collins. Each character has their preferred drink, and that's pretty much all they will settle for.

These men were constantly trying to learn more, to achieve more and to be the best at what they did. They read book after book, they wrote articles, they contacted anyone that seemed to be remotely successful. Their daily goal was to improve.

The men of that era knew what they enjoyed and they settled for nothing else. Don Draper, the protagonist of the whole concept is the quintessence of that era. He is a class act. The way he carries himself, his brilliant ideas and just his entire aura.

Somewhere along the path, we, as in my current generation and those on either end of it, have lost that concept. We seem to settle for a lot less. Faded jeans, baseball hats, Polos, Bud Light, the only literature around is Sportscenter. Catch my drift?

Of course, he's not perfect. But there's a lot about him that my peers and I can take notes from.

Now on to season two.

conspiracy theory

I'm out to get a copy of the Lost Symbol. I'm a fan of Dan Brown's creative writing. I admire how he wades through myth, tradition, and fact, all to provide a breath-taking plot that will test the validity of our collective belief system. Yes, I do have a small passion for history and the secrets and lies that it all entails.

Brown is no Salman Rushdie, but his magic realism does test some very fragile waters.

Constantine, the Opus Dei, the Priory of Sion, the history of the catholic church: all parts of history that Dan Brown's words weave through. Of course, Brown crosses the line of fact and imagination, and the extent of which is for the reader to determine. But that's all part of telling a good story isn't it?

There is a lot of hoopla to his writing, but since his conspiracies strike a nerve in most readers, it influences one to delve deeper into their own understanding of the topic. That is what i find fascinating.

After successful productions of the Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, I'm glad that the trio of Dan Brown, Ron Howard and Tom Hanks have signed on to produce another such thriller.

The Lost Symbol was released on September 15 and sold one million copies on its first day. This is the fastest selling adult novel in history! So I'm definitely not alone in my admiration for a good historical-suspense-thriller.

The story focuses on symbologist Robert Langdon's quest to unveil the secrets of the Freemasonry. Arguably the oldest and largest world wide fraternity, there is a lot of hidden glory and speculation about this group whose roster boasts of names that we have all read about. So let's have it Dan Brown, I'm ready to see what this is all about.

The root of all things

I came across an old tune today. This song, Sunchyme by Dario G, was a favorite of mine back in the day. Remember - I grew up in the UK, and lived in Asia, so for all you Americans, we actually do appreciate electronic beats! Either way, this song brings back a ton of memories.

The video is extremely cheesy, but I'm sure you can look past the body paint to get the jist of Dario's song. Personalize this video, look at it as an allegory, and the bottom line is the same: we all come from the same place, we are all made by the same God.

Proverbs 22:2 - the rich and poor have this in common: the Lord made them both.

Image Control - Role Models?

Gilbert Arenas: The latest addition to recent celebrities who have disgraced themselves in the eyes of the public. I’m sure Chee-tah Woods feels good to be forgotten about for a while right?

Bill Clintons and Barry Bonds aside, the world’s collective “I am holier than though” attitude has turned focus on A-Rod, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Tiger Woods and now, Gilbert Arenas. These celebrities have all become the new targets to criticize. I find myself wondering why so much negative attention is smothered in their direction, or why we spend so much time pointing out their flaws.

I agree, they made mistakes. Some of which are a lot more severe than others. However, it irritates me that all their faults have now become water fountain
conversation at work. Does that seem weird to you as well?

It’s the question of being a Role-model. But I think there is a huge misconception in what that means. Is Tiger Woods a role model? Is Ron Artest a role model? Is Brittney Spears a role model? Of course they are. But to whom? And for what reasons?

Tiger Woods is a role model to golfers. Ron Artest is a role model to ballers who want to improve their intensity on defense. Brittney Spears is a role model to wannabe teenie-bops, well, kind of.

Now, are they role models for your children, or my future children? Absolutely not.
I find it absolutely pointless to label celebrities as role models. Most of the athletes I admire were raised in single-parent homes and surrounded by poverty and corruption. They then were given multi-million dollar contracts, strapped with their own personalized Nikes and flavor of Gatorade while watching themselves on ESPN’s highlight reel every other morning.

All that money, all that fame, all that alcohol, all those clubs and all those women. What’s worse is that it’s all being flaunted at them on a silver platter.

Are they really role models to everyone? Yeah, for the naive and absolute optimist. But for the rest of us, no, they’re just entertainment.

I mean, seriously, would you approach Tiger Woods with a concern about your 401K? Would you ask Lindsay Lohan what she thinks of world hunger?

My point is: I don’t care how many women John Mayer slews through at the after party because I will continue to listen to Gravity because that’s an awesome song. I don’t care who Ray Lewis chooses to leave in a black bag next. But I sure hope my Colts don’t have to play him in the playoffs because he’s that good at what he does. Lady Gaga can be a hermaphrodite, that’s just weird, but she puts out some good tunes and I’ll still nod my head to them. Who cares about how much marijuana George W. Bush smoked at Yale, because he was a great leader right? …… Haha, just joking.

A lot of people confuse a ‘role model’ with a religious bias. It then wasn’t a mistake that Kobe, Jack Nicholson or David Letterman were sleeping around, but it was a terrible ‘sin’ that they committed.

Well, aren’t all sins equal in god’s eyes? If you break one of the ten commandments doesn’t that still bring the wrath of God? (Romans 6:23 “The wages of sin is death.’) Hmm, so have you cursed, been jealous, idolized beauty or position, lusted, been vane, or put your trust in yourself before God today?

If so, you just pulled a Tiger Woods.

Man, me too, because I’m gossiping right now. That’s a sin as well.

The point of this post is to remind myself to stop judging others. I’m a sinner. Everyone is. Celebrities will be celebrities: they will win our hearts and then make mistakes. But we do the same. Whose your best role model? Whose your kid's best role model? You are. As a society, we need to stop worrying about others faults, and live to the best that we can. Amen?

It is time...

There are two things that Arsenal management have to consider. The first is to force Arsene Wenger to change his philosophy and to go out and buy a big name forward or two, and a holding midfielder (all of whom need to be over the age of 28 and have some good experience for club and country). Or the second….. Sack Arsene Wenger.

I hate to say that, and can’t believe that I just did. BUT – I am an Arsenal fan, not an Arsene Wenger fan. It is NOT ok to beat most of the table but to continuously lose to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsenal has become a damn day care and it is blatantly obvious. The Emirates provides care to young potential stars who eventually leave, only to get bigger contracts and to play for clubs that have a better chance of winning a trophy.

It was fitting that one of those young studs, that grew up through the ranks of Arsenal and provided years of faithful service to the Gunners dealt out two assists against his former club (Ashley Cole). It is also fitting that another such player, Anelka, has blossomed into a phenomenal strike partner to arguably the best forward in football, Didier Drogba.

It is time for Arsene to either change philosophy or step down. Eduardo? Should be playing for Derby or Hull City. He has no right to step on the field with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Arshavin and William Gallas. Carlos Vela? Denilson? Abou Diaby? Really? Thank god Ebou didn’t get on the field. Here’s some advice: if a player does not get recognized to play for his national team, why play him? Also, why have more than ten of those players on your team?

Arsene, your philosophy worked. It worked when you had the fiery Patrick Viera, the once solid Sol Campbell, the phenomenal Thierry Henry. It worked when you had the genius Bergkemp, the beloved Tony Adams and the tricky Pires and Ljungberg. Why? Because they had experience, because they had the will and ‘power’ to win. That is why Ashley Cole flourished, that is why Flamini, Hleb and other young Gunners looked good, because they had the right influential players to help guide them. The right mix of young raw talent and experienced, finesse-type players with the will to win, helps win trophies.

There is no one on the current Arsenal roster that can step up and be that dominant leader. Fabregas is great, but he needs to be nurtured, he needs the right team mates to help him reach his potential, the potential that will one day mesmerize the footballing world.

Today, Drogba was seen getting in the face of his team mates, Cech was yelling at his defense, Terry was face to face with the referee demanding better calls. They have the determination, they have that extra push to seek a victory. Arsenal? Too young, too inexperienced. When Eduardo turned the ball over practically every time he touched it, no one demanded more out of him. When Arshavin stood around and watched the ball drift two feet away from him, no one demanded more. When the youthful Walcott made ill-advised passes, no one put his arm around him and said “hey, why not try this?”

You know what will happen next? I do.. Fabregas will leave, Vermalean will leave, Arshavin will leave, Walcott and Persie will probably struggle a little more and then eventually leave too. This is what has happened the past few years, the players that have the class and potential realize that their careers will suffer at the Emirates and will leave. And do I blame Hleb, Cole, Flamini, Adebayor, Toure? Do I point figures at Viera, Henry and Pires for leaving? Most certainly not! Hey – want more money and a better chance of winning? Yepp, makes sense to me.

The premiership is a battlefield. The likes of Eduardo, Nasri, Rosicky, Vela, and Traore do not belong in the physical Barclays. Eboue, Bendtner, Diaby deserve a few minutes. But just a few. It is sad that Fabregas, Persie, Arshavin, Clichy, Sagna, Song and Gallas have to play with these chumps.

I admire Arsene Wenger, but I am an Arsenal fan. The time has come to change. Part ways, move on. Arsene is a great coach, but this whole “hey let me find a young stud and nurture him” belongs at the Neverland ranch with the late Michael Jackson or at the Vatican with those sketchy Roman Catholic priests. Get a clue, we look like little boys against the Red Devils and the Chelsea Blues. If you don’t see it yet, let a devout Arsenal fan help you. It is time. Spend some money or leave.