Skip to main content

The Real World: One World. Different People. Unknown Thoughts.

"There is no such thing as the real word, its just a lie you have to rise above"

For some, this quote is more than just a John Mayer lyric, its a quote that reigns true in their mentality, and for others, its a bearing of fiction that is fabricated by Americana.

The Real Word.

Leaving the front door, and standing on the brink of the front stoop. The day has just begun. That view represents more than just a flight of stairs, or a view of the neighboring houses, it represents all that is out there, all the various opportunities, possibilities, incompetencies, success stories, struggles, hard work and failures.

A walk towards the bus stop includes an experience of seeing others who may be just like you. Similarities of professional clothes and well groomed jeans with iPods, Sidekicks, and Blackberrys. Entering the bus is almost like walking the red carpet at the Oscars, five seconds of fame, as all are eyes are upon you as you enter. A snapshot of each individuals face is taken by the brain, allowing another brief comparison of others to your self. Each person, a different look, a different shade, a different thought.

Moments pass. Neighborhoods change. Architecture changes. Faces that enter that vehicle of similarity become less diverse, and further from the iPods and Blackberrys that reigned just ten minutes ago. Faces enter. Similar faces. Faces of despair and struggle. However, there are also faces of hope. You wonder how their lives are? You wonder, what wakes them up in the morning? You wonder, what are they thinking? You wonder, what makes them tick? Nonetheless, of all those same faces that enter, they are followed by faces of failure, ignorance, and and no ambition.

How can these two be of the same face? Why are these same faces different? What makes them different from ten minutes ago?

The bus stops at the subways. All faces enter for a ride towards their destination for the day. All faces join the unique experience that is the Subway. The same faces of hope and ignorance, the iPods, the Blackberrys and the utmost diversity, all as one. As the stations come and go, more kinds join the fray, as newer faces join. Faces of suits and ties, financial journals, and expensive pocket books.

They all sit in between the other faces, making for an interesting morning. All looking different. All anticipating the day's treasures in different ways. Yet, all wondering and chasing their dream.

The return home sees all, the suit and ties, the financial journals, the expensive pocket books, the iPods, the Blackberrys, the faces of despair, and the faces of ignorance all together, fatigued, and mentally empty. Each of their faces showing the concerns for the rest of that day. Their eyes if open, radiate the miracle they will have to make happen in order to meet those concerns. If closed, the worrying of how it will happen.

The stations go by. The suits and ties exit. Gone for the day. You'll never know what went through their minds.

The financial journals exit. You'll never know what went through their minds.

The expensive pocket books leave. You'll never know what went through their minds.

As you leave the Subway to enter the bus, you have the final five seconds of fame, which is a lot less glamorous, as your audience is now less attentive. The iPods, dazed. The Blackberrys, fatigued. The hopefuls, asleep with children in their arms, and the ignorant, too satisfied and content to care.

Soon the similar faces leave.

Faces of hope, exiting slowly, carrying children and grocery bags. You'll never know what went through their minds.

Faces of ignorance, exiting without care. You'll never know what went through their minds.

Finally, after parting ways with the iPods, the Sidekicks and the Blackberrys, you arrive back to that front step where it all began. Looking out, and one day closer to understanding it all.

"The Real World?"

Whether you believe or not, the real world is an element that is true nor false.

Yet, an element that we will never truly understand.

Recent Favorites

50 Wins and the #2 Seed

The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.  Unbelievable.  Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so.  I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate.  I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team.  Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers:  I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for... Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball dis

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No?  2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought.  3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft.  3 Down  1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed.  2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us.  Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long.  But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot.  I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw.  "How the hell did they just win that game?!"  It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences.  Namely you, Reggie Miller.  I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls.  I'll never let this one down. Ever.  I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se