Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
To dine or not to dine?
I've posed this question aloud to myself so many times lately that it has got me thinking about its context. What does it mean to dine? And how does this differ from you and I? I like to think of myself as some what of an inquisitive type, y'know someone who's always curious and ignited by what drives people to do what they do. I find it fascinating watching other people eat, whether it be by the way they hold their knife and fork, to how they hold their wine glass, if they chew with their mouths open or closed, to how they sit, etc... I'm confident that I'm not alone in this, we all watch and copy one another, it's what makes us human. So with that, I've become transfixed lately as to what others consider dining. Confused? Let me explain. You see I grew up in what I term the "TV family setting", we ate just in front of the TV. We were not your traditional lets all get together, sit as a family, talk, grow and celebrate type. Okay celebrate might be a little to emphatic but you get the idea. My point here isn't so much as what type of setting we convened together in, but mostly that we never dined as a family. We were that family who loved one another but never showed it, and if we did it would be in passing or on holidays. Don't get me wrong I love my family, but the question I have is did we as a society lose sight of the dining experience?
Maybe I've been watching too many old Full House reruns or something, but I find it fascinating watching and listening to people talk about how they dine or for that matter how they eat. Not saying that one is better than the other, I just feel in some way that my family missed out on something; we never came together. For example, my little sis and her husband came to visit me this past week. We went out a few times for dinner and it fascinated me to no end at how seemingly uncomfortable they felt while being in this environment. Not that they never went out to eat, but how the setting, the whole process took them some getting used to. The last night in particular was by far the most revealing, as I decided to throw them for a loop and take them to Trattoria by Italian Kitchen in Kitsilano. Trattoria is no fine dining by any stretch but its up there, good quality food and service in a very busy atmosphere. When we arrived, the place was nuts, we ended up waiting in the lounge for 30 minutes, something I quite enjoy. Maybe I'm different or getting old or something but I thought, hey this will be fun, sit back grab a drink, chat and wait to get a table. My sis and her husband, bless them both jumped in, reluctantly some but they did so nonetheless. As we discussed our drink selections, I got the sense that the two of them felt out of place and uncomfortable as to our current situation. To which got me thinking as to why? We're just 3 kids out for some good time, a bite and a little convo, why feel bad for that? But I could tell they did, they had trouble understanding the menu, what to order and how to act, which I found to be wrong and sad. I love them both dearly and I wanted them to be themselves and to have fun, I just wanted to show them something different. We could have gone to Denny's, Vera Burger, Earls, you name it but I wanted them to see something they normally would never see or do. Isn't that the whole point of life? To grow and learn. Any who, enough preachy, we ended up doing quite well, they had a great meal and I had a good time, perfect!
But afterwords this event got me thinking, when did the great dine die off? It's easy to go out and order, wolf down your food and leave and say you went out for dinner. Hell we do it all the time, but how often do we actually sit back, chew our food, pause, listen, talk and celebrate each other together. In a sense this is one reason why I got sick of going to clubs with my buddies, we'd go sit in this loud ass room, while never talking due to the noise, thus never really enjoying one anothers company. It's why to this day I always prefer to sit in a lounge, have a glass of vino and a good crew to sit back and chat with. For me there's nothing better. Yes this may not be dining but it's a way of interacting, something we all crave as human beings, those bonds. I've worked in the service world for sometime now and well I'd say I've become somewhat of an expert on human interaction and I find it amazing at how many people go out for diner and never really dine. At the sushi bar this used to drive me nuts, people would come in and order 10 rolls, mow them down and then book it. Why? Are we just starving animals incapable of dining anymore? Have we moved so far into the capitalist movement that our time has now become such a priority that enjoying one anothers company has now become just a holiday affair?
This whole idea brings me back to a clip from the film "The Bridges over Madison County". In one scene Meryl Streep's character calls her family in for dinner. They all arrive and just dig in, never speaking just eating, they finish and then leave, with her sitting there totally unsatisfied and in a way feeling used. I found this scene to be so sad, it reminded me of what my family used to be like and how so many others are. With regards to my sis and her hubby in a way I felt that our dining was so new to her and him that it was the dining to which made them feel uncomfortable not the setting and what not. But as we left I could sense they had really enjoyed it, we'd made a connection, something I feel we all needed.
With that I'm left to think am I alone in feeling this way or has the term dining just taken on a new meaning, now left to the odd moment or event. Are we now a species incapable of interaction? Who knows, but I sure hope I don't end up like that old couple who never utters one word to each other as they eat out. That's the most depressing thing ever and I've seen it countless times over.
This post isn't to point fingers or to make me look smarter than my sis or anyone else, I've just been racked lately with the idea of how we all dine. Think about it.
later.
Maybe I've been watching too many old Full House reruns or something, but I find it fascinating watching and listening to people talk about how they dine or for that matter how they eat. Not saying that one is better than the other, I just feel in some way that my family missed out on something; we never came together. For example, my little sis and her husband came to visit me this past week. We went out a few times for dinner and it fascinated me to no end at how seemingly uncomfortable they felt while being in this environment. Not that they never went out to eat, but how the setting, the whole process took them some getting used to. The last night in particular was by far the most revealing, as I decided to throw them for a loop and take them to Trattoria by Italian Kitchen in Kitsilano. Trattoria is no fine dining by any stretch but its up there, good quality food and service in a very busy atmosphere. When we arrived, the place was nuts, we ended up waiting in the lounge for 30 minutes, something I quite enjoy. Maybe I'm different or getting old or something but I thought, hey this will be fun, sit back grab a drink, chat and wait to get a table. My sis and her husband, bless them both jumped in, reluctantly some but they did so nonetheless. As we discussed our drink selections, I got the sense that the two of them felt out of place and uncomfortable as to our current situation. To which got me thinking as to why? We're just 3 kids out for some good time, a bite and a little convo, why feel bad for that? But I could tell they did, they had trouble understanding the menu, what to order and how to act, which I found to be wrong and sad. I love them both dearly and I wanted them to be themselves and to have fun, I just wanted to show them something different. We could have gone to Denny's, Vera Burger, Earls, you name it but I wanted them to see something they normally would never see or do. Isn't that the whole point of life? To grow and learn. Any who, enough preachy, we ended up doing quite well, they had a great meal and I had a good time, perfect!
But afterwords this event got me thinking, when did the great dine die off? It's easy to go out and order, wolf down your food and leave and say you went out for dinner. Hell we do it all the time, but how often do we actually sit back, chew our food, pause, listen, talk and celebrate each other together. In a sense this is one reason why I got sick of going to clubs with my buddies, we'd go sit in this loud ass room, while never talking due to the noise, thus never really enjoying one anothers company. It's why to this day I always prefer to sit in a lounge, have a glass of vino and a good crew to sit back and chat with. For me there's nothing better. Yes this may not be dining but it's a way of interacting, something we all crave as human beings, those bonds. I've worked in the service world for sometime now and well I'd say I've become somewhat of an expert on human interaction and I find it amazing at how many people go out for diner and never really dine. At the sushi bar this used to drive me nuts, people would come in and order 10 rolls, mow them down and then book it. Why? Are we just starving animals incapable of dining anymore? Have we moved so far into the capitalist movement that our time has now become such a priority that enjoying one anothers company has now become just a holiday affair?
This whole idea brings me back to a clip from the film "The Bridges over Madison County". In one scene Meryl Streep's character calls her family in for dinner. They all arrive and just dig in, never speaking just eating, they finish and then leave, with her sitting there totally unsatisfied and in a way feeling used. I found this scene to be so sad, it reminded me of what my family used to be like and how so many others are. With regards to my sis and her hubby in a way I felt that our dining was so new to her and him that it was the dining to which made them feel uncomfortable not the setting and what not. But as we left I could sense they had really enjoyed it, we'd made a connection, something I feel we all needed.
With that I'm left to think am I alone in feeling this way or has the term dining just taken on a new meaning, now left to the odd moment or event. Are we now a species incapable of interaction? Who knows, but I sure hope I don't end up like that old couple who never utters one word to each other as they eat out. That's the most depressing thing ever and I've seen it countless times over.
This post isn't to point fingers or to make me look smarter than my sis or anyone else, I've just been racked lately with the idea of how we all dine. Think about it.
later.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Free Agent Signings: the good the bad and the ugly
It's that time of year again, the playoffs are now a distant memory, the Lakers are now the kings, the draft has been done and now it's the time when all teams clamour to grab that top prize free agent. July 1st has come and gone and by now we have a clear sense of who's gone where and who's still up for grabs.
Ben Gordon - Detroit: They replace a 33 year old undersized shoot first 2 for a 26 year old version. Not sure what Detroit was thinking on this one, at least AI can distribute the ball, Ben can do one thing, he can get you 20ppg and that is about it. Is he worth 55 mil? No way, but hey if Joe D. wants to have him then so be it. Chicago is way better off without him. Don't get me wrong Ben is a great player, a great 6th man that is.
Charlie Villanueva - Detroit: Role player being paid starters minutes. He's a decent scorer, but he's way too soft to be paid this much. His size should help in Detroit, especially now that Sheed's gone. If he can develop any sense of strength or rebounding ability he'd be a great starter. He kinda reminds me of Bargnani up in Toronto, will give you 15ppg, 5-6 boards, 2 dimes, decent shooting and that's about it. At least Detroit didn't give him a 50 mil extension. Ouch!!! Toronto.
Rasheed Wallace - Boston: Perfect fit for him at a perfect price. He's getting up there in age, but he can still contribute at a high level. Pairing him with KG should help maintain his focus and stability. Also playing for those rabid bean town fans should move him into some better play. Having him down in the post should help Boston's low post scoring tremendously. Great pick up.
Ron Artest - LA Lakers: I love this addition. Ron Ron can play and his tremendous competitive edge should complement nicely with Kobe's. I've said for years now that this team has needed some edge, something Ron should add quite easily. Think Dennis Rodman's energy and toughness with Scottie's defensive chops. If LA can re-sign LO than this team should be poised for a great run at repeating.
Trevor Ariza - Houston: Oh how you've fallen Trevor. You were insulted that LA low balled you? Do you really believe all that hype? Because if you do then shame on you, there is now way you'll be the same player in Houston. Say thank you to Phil and Kobe for that contract, and yes I know you earned some of this, but it ain't gonna be the same in Houston. It was all about the respect eh? Well you got your ring, now you'll get your losses. Enjoy the ride, you're gonna regret it.
Grant Hill - Phoenix: Why did he re-sign? Why oh why? Grant you've been in the league a long time, your time is almost up, why re-sign with a team that has no plans and no future for quite the same money you could have received in Boston plus a chance at a ring? I understand loyalty to a point, but when a team can trade you with the snap of a finger than I say all bets are off. Loyalty comes in the form of the Kobe's, LeBron's and Duncan's of the league, they get loyalty and they should return it, but when it comes to a 36 year old small forward with injury history, then I say go where you can win and enjoy it for all it is worth. You won at Duke, you were one of the best in the late 90's, you were injured in your prime, I say fuck it and go for the green and win. I understand your loyalty I just would not have done it.
Jason Kidd - Dallas: The same goes for Kidd as with Hill, why re-sign? At least Dallas is a somewhat formidable team with an owner who's dying to win, all great ingredients for success. Would I have left? Maybe, but in his case this is probably the best situation.
Allen Iverson - Memphis?: Oh how this star has fallen and oh how he deserves it. This is the best offer and only offer he's going to get and he better make the best of it. It's just unfortunate that a player of his talent has to fall this far in the twilight of such a great career. But in all reality, Iverson in my opinion has been over valued his whole career. A great scorer no doubt, but a franchise player, no way. He's too small, too selfish and too one dimensional. Here's my advice to Iverson, go to Memphis, play your ass off, make those kids better, give that team some sort of hope and then when your contract is up, STAY and retire there. Do your best to make this team grow, if you win and make the playoffs then you've done it, you've shown you can make others better, something your legacy still needs. If you lose then you can safe face and say you tried. Going to Europe doesn't help your legacy. Playing one year in Memphis doesn't help your legacy, you need stability. I say go and be a good boy.
Hedo Turkoglu - Toronto: Great pickup at a fair price. He helps solve their go to scorer needs, he's a big 3 who can play some 4. He's seasoned and he should help grow Bosh's game. Not much else to say here, I love this addition, Toronto is moving the right direction.
Shawn Marion - Dallas: Good pickup for a lost soul. Marion needs a team atmosphere to survive, he's a great 3rd or 4th option on a decent team. Playing with Kidd, Nowitzki and Howard should help ease his stress and burden of performing as a main guy, something he clearly floundered in both Miami and Toronto. I don't like the contract size but hey it's Mark Cuban so it doesn't shock me.
Shaquille O'Neal - Cleveland: Worth a shot no? The big mouth is going to help stabilize an underwhelming and quite putrid big man lineup. With Illgauskas aging faster than MJ's corpse (RIP Michael, you were great) and Varejao being over paid and asked to do more than he's capable of, Shaq should provide some much needed scoring help, leadership and an overall strong presence in the Cavs locker room. Good pickup.
more later.
Ben Gordon - Detroit: They replace a 33 year old undersized shoot first 2 for a 26 year old version. Not sure what Detroit was thinking on this one, at least AI can distribute the ball, Ben can do one thing, he can get you 20ppg and that is about it. Is he worth 55 mil? No way, but hey if Joe D. wants to have him then so be it. Chicago is way better off without him. Don't get me wrong Ben is a great player, a great 6th man that is.
Charlie Villanueva - Detroit: Role player being paid starters minutes. He's a decent scorer, but he's way too soft to be paid this much. His size should help in Detroit, especially now that Sheed's gone. If he can develop any sense of strength or rebounding ability he'd be a great starter. He kinda reminds me of Bargnani up in Toronto, will give you 15ppg, 5-6 boards, 2 dimes, decent shooting and that's about it. At least Detroit didn't give him a 50 mil extension. Ouch!!! Toronto.
Rasheed Wallace - Boston: Perfect fit for him at a perfect price. He's getting up there in age, but he can still contribute at a high level. Pairing him with KG should help maintain his focus and stability. Also playing for those rabid bean town fans should move him into some better play. Having him down in the post should help Boston's low post scoring tremendously. Great pick up.
Ron Artest - LA Lakers: I love this addition. Ron Ron can play and his tremendous competitive edge should complement nicely with Kobe's. I've said for years now that this team has needed some edge, something Ron should add quite easily. Think Dennis Rodman's energy and toughness with Scottie's defensive chops. If LA can re-sign LO than this team should be poised for a great run at repeating.
Trevor Ariza - Houston: Oh how you've fallen Trevor. You were insulted that LA low balled you? Do you really believe all that hype? Because if you do then shame on you, there is now way you'll be the same player in Houston. Say thank you to Phil and Kobe for that contract, and yes I know you earned some of this, but it ain't gonna be the same in Houston. It was all about the respect eh? Well you got your ring, now you'll get your losses. Enjoy the ride, you're gonna regret it.
Grant Hill - Phoenix: Why did he re-sign? Why oh why? Grant you've been in the league a long time, your time is almost up, why re-sign with a team that has no plans and no future for quite the same money you could have received in Boston plus a chance at a ring? I understand loyalty to a point, but when a team can trade you with the snap of a finger than I say all bets are off. Loyalty comes in the form of the Kobe's, LeBron's and Duncan's of the league, they get loyalty and they should return it, but when it comes to a 36 year old small forward with injury history, then I say go where you can win and enjoy it for all it is worth. You won at Duke, you were one of the best in the late 90's, you were injured in your prime, I say fuck it and go for the green and win. I understand your loyalty I just would not have done it.
Jason Kidd - Dallas: The same goes for Kidd as with Hill, why re-sign? At least Dallas is a somewhat formidable team with an owner who's dying to win, all great ingredients for success. Would I have left? Maybe, but in his case this is probably the best situation.
Allen Iverson - Memphis?: Oh how this star has fallen and oh how he deserves it. This is the best offer and only offer he's going to get and he better make the best of it. It's just unfortunate that a player of his talent has to fall this far in the twilight of such a great career. But in all reality, Iverson in my opinion has been over valued his whole career. A great scorer no doubt, but a franchise player, no way. He's too small, too selfish and too one dimensional. Here's my advice to Iverson, go to Memphis, play your ass off, make those kids better, give that team some sort of hope and then when your contract is up, STAY and retire there. Do your best to make this team grow, if you win and make the playoffs then you've done it, you've shown you can make others better, something your legacy still needs. If you lose then you can safe face and say you tried. Going to Europe doesn't help your legacy. Playing one year in Memphis doesn't help your legacy, you need stability. I say go and be a good boy.
Hedo Turkoglu - Toronto: Great pickup at a fair price. He helps solve their go to scorer needs, he's a big 3 who can play some 4. He's seasoned and he should help grow Bosh's game. Not much else to say here, I love this addition, Toronto is moving the right direction.
Shawn Marion - Dallas: Good pickup for a lost soul. Marion needs a team atmosphere to survive, he's a great 3rd or 4th option on a decent team. Playing with Kidd, Nowitzki and Howard should help ease his stress and burden of performing as a main guy, something he clearly floundered in both Miami and Toronto. I don't like the contract size but hey it's Mark Cuban so it doesn't shock me.
Shaquille O'Neal - Cleveland: Worth a shot no? The big mouth is going to help stabilize an underwhelming and quite putrid big man lineup. With Illgauskas aging faster than MJ's corpse (RIP Michael, you were great) and Varejao being over paid and asked to do more than he's capable of, Shaq should provide some much needed scoring help, leadership and an overall strong presence in the Cavs locker room. Good pickup.
more later.
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