I was wrong.
For months, I thought for sure that something bad would happen at the Athens 2004 Olympics, and I'm not talking about suspect officiating. It was too easy; the city was financially strapped and seemed to be running late in getting its infrastructure up to speed for the grandiosity that the Olympics (especially the Summer Games) nowadays demand. One main concern was security. Even with all the troops and assurances, you just knew that these games would eclipse the 1972 Games in an unfortunate way.
But like all the other pundits, I was (thankfully) mistaken. Nothing happened, the Games went on without a hitch, and the only controversies were a judging blunder in gymnastics, shotty officiating in basketball (I mean, it turned Tim Duncan into a surly guy. TIM DUNCAN!), the usual drug suspensions, and a crazy Irish priest. In other words, everything happened on the field, court, track, or arena. And that's the way it should be.
So why were we all so quick to predict these Games would be an unmitigated disaster, that something crazy was going to happen? Two reasons.
First, since the tragic events of 9/11/01, I feel (and everyone else should, unless you're just a moron) less safe than I did before 9/11. And that's not because of "terrorists" but because of the administration that "won" the election in 2000. Just as Clinton might be the greatest president I ever lived under, George W. Bush should (I pray) go down as the very worst of my lifetime. He's taken a problem and made it a million times worse, pointing fingers at others for his mistakes and blindly following the same path he did with Iraq (is there any doubt that he will invade Iran if he wins again? Honestly, that's WW III right there). I was against him 4 years ago, and I'm against him now. So much so that, though he should lose NJ, I've requested an absentee ballot each time to vote for someone other than him. I don't think Kerry is the best, but he is 20 times better than this moron we have, the most ridiculed president since, I don't know, Ulysses S. Grant?! For example, the Billionaires For Bush group. The world hates us even more now, especially in countries that have traditionally been our Allies (wussy France, post-WWII Germany, post-Commie Russia).
In any case, because of him I fear even more for people in the US, people in Europe, people in the Middle East, Pakistan, India, you name it. And I was ready to see his audacious policies blown up with a disaster in Athens. Again, thankfully it didn't happen.
The second, more disturbing reason for our collective cynicism was just that: cynicism. It's too easy to be a cynic in this world. Too easy to become bitter with people, to judge poorly of human nature. With all the negativity thrown across the airways, people have become more vicious and less respectful of everything. Maybe it's just because I'm older, but I see and feel so much more negativity, pessimism, cynicism about the world and what will happen in the next week, month, year, decade, century. It shouldn't be like this.
Coming to Grenada has been great for just that. The people here are relaxed and care-free because they get it. The beautiful home that is this small island reminds us all of it everyday. There are too many good things on this Earth to let it slip by and fight over, because eventually we forget what we were fighting for in the first place. I see the ocean, the lush green mountains, and all I can think of is how God made this world to cherish and worship Him, not to kill each other over anything and everything.
And despite the commercialism and parochial interest in the Olympics, that what these Games are for: to remind us of what is good and beautiful about this world, about human nature. Whether it's proud to represent your country no matter how disappointing the result (Allen Iverson), to give up your chance at history so a teammate can get one last medal (Michael Phelps), or making new bonds with compatriots and foreigners alike, the Games should always transcend the hypocrisies and bitterness that permeates throughout our lives. Do the Games always do that? No way. But more often than not, they deliver the goods.
So thank you Athens. I apologize for doubting you.
Now, can we please do away with medal counts?!
Sports Prediction of the Day: Jon Kitna will be starting for the Bengals before the 2004 season is over.
Current Rankings of Songs in My Playlist
Gold: Seven Wiser "Take Me As I Am"
Silver: Smile Empty Soul "Silhouettes"
Bronze: Depeche Mode "Enjoy The Silence"
South Park Quote of the Day
UN Ambassador: Are you high or just incredibly stupid?
George W. Bush: I assure you, I am not high.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
The Honorable Lady Rosemary
I take that back. This place is like Pakistan. The power went out during lecture today. No AC means no fun. Ugh. Fortunately they got it back up quickly. Better not happen again.
And yet, today I found even more reason to be happy with life. I met Lady Rosemary today. Well, "met" should be used loosely here, considering her head was covered in a plastic bag and I stared at her spinal cord all day.
If you haven't figured it out, "Lady Rosemary" is our cadaver for Gross Anatomy Lab.
Seeing her today made me realize that I've come full circle. In 1997, I was a rising senior in high school who was hesitant about entering the medical field, yet open enough to the idea that I attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in the DC area. Ten days of speakers from various parts of the medical field, tours of hospitals and medical schools and much more. On the tour of the Maryland School of Med, we were told we would be seeing some cadavers later on. It took me a little bit to figure out what "cadavers" were, and when I did I was extremely anxious. I knew I would puke, or at least feel a bit nauseous. Then I would know for sure this wasn't for me, that I had no desire to deal with this stuff.
Well you can figure out the rest. Not only was I not nauseous, I was blown away by the experience. Totally fascinated, completely oblivious to the fact that a mere 10 minutes ago I wanted to run away from the school to avoid it all. Now I didn't make my decision right then and there, but it left such a large impression that I point to that time as when I seriously began considering medicine as a possible field for me.
Fast forward to now. Our cadaver passed away at an old age, with little fat and a kordosis of her spinal cord (aka humpback). And yet I had such respect for this person. She gave her bodily remains for the purpose of education, for scientific advancement. I can't even begin to imagine all the good she will do. If even one of the 16-20 medical students examining her body goes on to be a morally just physician, then her gift will save countless lives.
Today I feel even more excited about becoming a physician, and it's all due to the Honorable Lady Rosemary.
Sports Prediction of the Day: The Russians will never stop being sore losers at the Olympics.
Current Rankings of Songs in My Playlist
Gold: Everything But the Girl "Missing" (The remix)
Silver: Madonna "Die Another Day"
Bronze: Garbage "#1 Crush"
South Park Quote of the Day
(at Devitzen's Tolerance Camp aka the Death Camp of Tolerance)
Devitzen (who looks and sounds a lot like Hitler) addressing the children: Today we will be using ze fingerpaint. You will make a painting that shows people of different colors, races and sexual orientations getting along. Fingerpaint, FINGERPAINT!
(the kids start fingerpainting)
Devitzen (as he walks around the room): You will not make any distinction between people of different color. People with different sexual preferences. You will accept everyone. (stops at Kyle) WHAT ARE YOU FINGERPAINTING??
Kyle: Uh, a bear.
Devitzen: EIN BEAR?! Un bear has nothing to do with accepting people of different races!
Kyle: I-I didn't know what else to paint.
Devitzen: Start over! (crumples the bear) You will fingerpaint what we tell you. (Kyle starts again) Go! Faster...faster...(puts his gun at Kyle's head) ffaasssttteeerr.
Kyle (as he speeds up): Ah!
Devitzen: Faster! Are you done?! What is it, what have you done?!
Kyle: People of all colors and creeds holding hands beneath a rainbow!
Devitzen: Good! That wasn't so bad, was it? (crumples the painting) NOW DO IT AGAIN! (resumes walking around the room) Faster! Ffaasssttteeerrrr.
(the whole groups speeds up)
You just have to see this scene to truly appreciate it...
And yet, today I found even more reason to be happy with life. I met Lady Rosemary today. Well, "met" should be used loosely here, considering her head was covered in a plastic bag and I stared at her spinal cord all day.
If you haven't figured it out, "Lady Rosemary" is our cadaver for Gross Anatomy Lab.
Seeing her today made me realize that I've come full circle. In 1997, I was a rising senior in high school who was hesitant about entering the medical field, yet open enough to the idea that I attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in the DC area. Ten days of speakers from various parts of the medical field, tours of hospitals and medical schools and much more. On the tour of the Maryland School of Med, we were told we would be seeing some cadavers later on. It took me a little bit to figure out what "cadavers" were, and when I did I was extremely anxious. I knew I would puke, or at least feel a bit nauseous. Then I would know for sure this wasn't for me, that I had no desire to deal with this stuff.
Well you can figure out the rest. Not only was I not nauseous, I was blown away by the experience. Totally fascinated, completely oblivious to the fact that a mere 10 minutes ago I wanted to run away from the school to avoid it all. Now I didn't make my decision right then and there, but it left such a large impression that I point to that time as when I seriously began considering medicine as a possible field for me.
Fast forward to now. Our cadaver passed away at an old age, with little fat and a kordosis of her spinal cord (aka humpback). And yet I had such respect for this person. She gave her bodily remains for the purpose of education, for scientific advancement. I can't even begin to imagine all the good she will do. If even one of the 16-20 medical students examining her body goes on to be a morally just physician, then her gift will save countless lives.
Today I feel even more excited about becoming a physician, and it's all due to the Honorable Lady Rosemary.
Sports Prediction of the Day: The Russians will never stop being sore losers at the Olympics.
Current Rankings of Songs in My Playlist
Gold: Everything But the Girl "Missing" (The remix)
Silver: Madonna "Die Another Day"
Bronze: Garbage "#1 Crush"
South Park Quote of the Day
(at Devitzen's Tolerance Camp aka the Death Camp of Tolerance)
Devitzen (who looks and sounds a lot like Hitler) addressing the children: Today we will be using ze fingerpaint. You will make a painting that shows people of different colors, races and sexual orientations getting along. Fingerpaint, FINGERPAINT!
(the kids start fingerpainting)
Devitzen (as he walks around the room): You will not make any distinction between people of different color. People with different sexual preferences. You will accept everyone. (stops at Kyle) WHAT ARE YOU FINGERPAINTING??
Kyle: Uh, a bear.
Devitzen: EIN BEAR?! Un bear has nothing to do with accepting people of different races!
Kyle: I-I didn't know what else to paint.
Devitzen: Start over! (crumples the bear) You will fingerpaint what we tell you. (Kyle starts again) Go! Faster...faster...(puts his gun at Kyle's head) ffaasssttteeerr.
Kyle (as he speeds up): Ah!
Devitzen: Faster! Are you done?! What is it, what have you done?!
Kyle: People of all colors and creeds holding hands beneath a rainbow!
Devitzen: Good! That wasn't so bad, was it? (crumples the painting) NOW DO IT AGAIN! (resumes walking around the room) Faster! Ffaasssttteeerrrr.
(the whole groups speeds up)
You just have to see this scene to truly appreciate it...
Monday, August 23, 2004
The Brown Man and the Sea
So it's been about 10 days since I arrived here in Grenada, and what a ten days it's been. Meeting a ton of new people, making a bunch of new friends, having to study hard to keep up with the classes (alhamdullilah for my experience at Drexel, otherwise I'd be in tears every night).
My overall impression of the country is that it's like Pakistan, only nicer. Third world, but peaceful. The British system reigns supreme (driving on left side of the road, different power outlets, Queen Elizabeth on all the currency) but there is a large US presence on campus. Plus the US dollar is accepted at some big stores. The capital city of St. George's is bustling with activity, reminded me a lot of Karachi.
The med school consists mostly of Americans, but there are Brits and other Caribbean-ers here as well. A strong international feel. Most of the Americans are from NJ/NY (I feel like I'm at Penn all over again in that regard). And yes, there are a TON of brown people here.
The MSA here is strong. I would say there were 30-40 people at Jummah, and halal meat is readily available on the island (the Subway here serves halal poultry!).
This past weekend I signed up for like 6 clubs (at least their e-mail lists). Some I paid dues to, like the Emergency Medicine club and the Surgery Club. Some I may be paying money soon. Plus I played some hoops with some new MSA friends. Maybe I'll join the intramural league, we'll see if I can manage it.
We also had CPR class, exam tomorrow. For all of you, learn CPR. It's a good thing to know.
I'm trying to make the most of my experience, but what I ultimately need to learn so that I can truly enjoy the island is how to swim. Today I went to the black sand beach on campus. Over the weekend I went to the other campus (the Grand Anse campus, which just has dorms) and checked out the Grand Anse beach, a popular location on the island. I've never seen sand so white. Scuba diving is another popular activity. Just so much to do here.
And that's what sets this island apart from a place like Pakistan. On campus I have an absolutely spectacular view of the Atlantic, but if I turn east, northeast I see lush green mountains, which is what makes up the majority of this very hilly island. The weather is mostly humid and sunny, with random downpours that last 10-15 minutes. Of course that doesn't include the tropical depression that rolled through here last Sunday (and they said the island is out of the hurricane belt).
Nice people, nice weather, a safe environment (with a lot of beautiful architecture around). And that's just the island. So far I'm happy I came here.
I'll have more on classes and school soon (tomorrow iA). And hopefully I'll get back to producing some Kashif-humor pieces in the near future. Until then, I leave you with these words:
If you have the time and money, then come visit me! Not because of me, but because this is an amazing place for a vacation.
Sports Prediction of the Day: The US won't win an Olympic gold medal in basketball until at least 2012.
Current Rankings of Songs in My Playlist
Gold: Avril Lavigne "Happy Ending"
Silver: Coldplay "The Scientist"
Bronze: Britney Spears "Everytime" (yes I know, hell is freezing over)
South Park Quote of the Day
Pharmacist: Look at that. Ritalin stocks are up 10 points.
Doctor: That's easily another 20 grand apiece
(Chef banging on door as Doc and Pharmacist cover up their cash)
Chef: Hey! Open this damn door!
Pharmacist: Can I help you?
Chef: Yes you can. What the hell are you two doing prescribing all the kids Ritalin?!
Doc: Well they've all been diagnosed with ADD, that's Attention Defi-
Chef: I know what it is. But now you got a town full of zombie children from the planet Xandor.
Doc: Huh?
Chef: All around the country you bastard doctors are giving children Ritalin. And for every one child that actually needs it, you give it to 50,000 that don't.
Doc: Hey now, don't tell us our business Mr. Chef. Why we-
Chef: You damn right I tell you your business because you two have got your heads up your asses. Thanks to you, we have children in our town who like Phil Collins.
Pharmacist: Wh-what?!
Chef: That's right, you made them so dull and boring that they're actually going to go to a Phil Collins concert!
Doc: My God, what have we done?!
Pharmacist: But if I had known, I mean...Phil Collins, my God!
My overall impression of the country is that it's like Pakistan, only nicer. Third world, but peaceful. The British system reigns supreme (driving on left side of the road, different power outlets, Queen Elizabeth on all the currency) but there is a large US presence on campus. Plus the US dollar is accepted at some big stores. The capital city of St. George's is bustling with activity, reminded me a lot of Karachi.
The med school consists mostly of Americans, but there are Brits and other Caribbean-ers here as well. A strong international feel. Most of the Americans are from NJ/NY (I feel like I'm at Penn all over again in that regard). And yes, there are a TON of brown people here.
The MSA here is strong. I would say there were 30-40 people at Jummah, and halal meat is readily available on the island (the Subway here serves halal poultry!).
This past weekend I signed up for like 6 clubs (at least their e-mail lists). Some I paid dues to, like the Emergency Medicine club and the Surgery Club. Some I may be paying money soon. Plus I played some hoops with some new MSA friends. Maybe I'll join the intramural league, we'll see if I can manage it.
We also had CPR class, exam tomorrow. For all of you, learn CPR. It's a good thing to know.
I'm trying to make the most of my experience, but what I ultimately need to learn so that I can truly enjoy the island is how to swim. Today I went to the black sand beach on campus. Over the weekend I went to the other campus (the Grand Anse campus, which just has dorms) and checked out the Grand Anse beach, a popular location on the island. I've never seen sand so white. Scuba diving is another popular activity. Just so much to do here.
And that's what sets this island apart from a place like Pakistan. On campus I have an absolutely spectacular view of the Atlantic, but if I turn east, northeast I see lush green mountains, which is what makes up the majority of this very hilly island. The weather is mostly humid and sunny, with random downpours that last 10-15 minutes. Of course that doesn't include the tropical depression that rolled through here last Sunday (and they said the island is out of the hurricane belt).
Nice people, nice weather, a safe environment (with a lot of beautiful architecture around). And that's just the island. So far I'm happy I came here.
I'll have more on classes and school soon (tomorrow iA). And hopefully I'll get back to producing some Kashif-humor pieces in the near future. Until then, I leave you with these words:
If you have the time and money, then come visit me! Not because of me, but because this is an amazing place for a vacation.
Sports Prediction of the Day: The US won't win an Olympic gold medal in basketball until at least 2012.
Current Rankings of Songs in My Playlist
Gold: Avril Lavigne "Happy Ending"
Silver: Coldplay "The Scientist"
Bronze: Britney Spears "Everytime" (yes I know, hell is freezing over)
South Park Quote of the Day
Pharmacist: Look at that. Ritalin stocks are up 10 points.
Doctor: That's easily another 20 grand apiece
(Chef banging on door as Doc and Pharmacist cover up their cash)
Chef: Hey! Open this damn door!
Pharmacist: Can I help you?
Chef: Yes you can. What the hell are you two doing prescribing all the kids Ritalin?!
Doc: Well they've all been diagnosed with ADD, that's Attention Defi-
Chef: I know what it is. But now you got a town full of zombie children from the planet Xandor.
Doc: Huh?
Chef: All around the country you bastard doctors are giving children Ritalin. And for every one child that actually needs it, you give it to 50,000 that don't.
Doc: Hey now, don't tell us our business Mr. Chef. Why we-
Chef: You damn right I tell you your business because you two have got your heads up your asses. Thanks to you, we have children in our town who like Phil Collins.
Pharmacist: Wh-what?!
Chef: That's right, you made them so dull and boring that they're actually going to go to a Phil Collins concert!
Doc: My God, what have we done?!
Pharmacist: But if I had known, I mean...Phil Collins, my God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)