Eight Weekly
Things I thought about last week....
There’s a difference between dignity and integrity. Each serves its own purpose, and we need both. Dignity is the respect we owe ourselves, implicit within existence. Integrity is carrying oneself with and perpetuating honesty.
Checking in is better than catching up. The former encourages a persistent presence to and from those who matter, whereas the latter coexists with falling out of touch. That said, catching up is better than nothing.
“You merely adopted the dark. I was born in it!” I’m elated at the signing of Viktor Einar Gyökeres, to Arsenal. He’s does the one thing that’s the one thing we don’t do. Our Dark Knight striker (another sequel, The Dark Knight Strikes?) will dub the #14. Wear it with distinction, Viktor, this number on a gunner jersey is a privilege. Go out there and be your venom-blooded self.
The loudest person isn’t always right. Tim Duncan is a top 10 player of all time, according to Bill Simmons. He’s without a doubt the most underrated player of all time. He won 5 championships in 19 seasons and appeared in the Finals 6 times, back when the West was a bloodbath. In his 19 seasons, 13 of those finals (68%!) featured either his Spurs or the Lakers. That’s staggering. And his game consisted of fundamental, subdued, unappreciated dominance. I think Bill’s conclusion is sensible. Tim Duncan was consistently excellent, and excellently consistent. And in the event that we forgot to do math, 5 > 4. I think you know what that means for my opinions on LeBron….
Chicago has felt as though it’s been enclosed by a dome, with the highest humidity I’ve ever experienced. It feels like walking through sludge. For relief, I’m thinking about carrying around a dehumidifier on my shoulder like a boombox back in the 90s.
Tension is amplifying between my love and reluctance, respectively, for EDM and attending chaotic spaces that host these concerts. Alas, the newish Chicago music venue, The Salt Shed, offers approachability bridging my affinity for the genre with an experience that doesn’t result in ringing ears and body aches days upon end. And nestled within a repurposed Morton Salt warehouse, the Salt Shed pays homage to the city where the house scene originated in the 80’s, hence the name, ‘house’ music.
“It’s loud in there.” To Claire, Carmy confesses the deafening noise in his head, which he believes is the determinant reason for his disregard toward others, but to Claire, it’s just an excuse. She identifies with the plight, but, as good significant others do, attempts to broaden his perspective, sagely responding, “It’s loud for me too. It’s loud for everyone.” Noise is pervasive. It’s loud for everyone.
Be a human being. You’ll dignify yourself, respect others, and move upward with sanctity.