Many of my friends and I love our pubs and bars. Thusly, we are not to be confused with the bar-stars of the club scene. This entry was inspired by the debate between the bar-star or club hopper versus the pub loyalist.
I have been an avid party go’er since the days of cake and loot-bags. Nothing excites me more then a bunch of friends with same mentality to have a great time and create some memories to look back and laugh on. However, as we all have to grow up in life, partying shifted from the house, park, parking lot, field, etc, to the bar and other establishments that legally sold beverages without the threat of the cops putting a kibosh on the whole shebang.
Like many of my friends in the same age range, I was introduced to the bar scene quite early in my life. The days before dealing with ID scanners and where the simplest of drivers license modifications, along with an uncanny ability to grow some hefty sideburns, allowed one to slip past security with relative ease. The bar scene was a learning experience from the get go. No longer were you at a venue where you might have known more than half the people or at least was connected to the majority in some way or another; at such a young age, a bar merely provided somewhere where you and friends of age, or friends lucky enough to have slipped in with you, could find a secluded corner and drink together all the while glancing around at the talent the opposite sex provided (not that you had a chance anyways but you were still too naive to know that). The bar, club or pub, taught you that partying would no longer be cheap, the best company derives from the friends that you attend with and to always prepare for the worst. Over the years, it is safe to say these lessons are some that can be applied to any drinking establishment. However, as the locations frequented would become more diverse as you grew in age, a clear distinction could be made between the particular “scenes” that make up your local nightlife.
I can’t particularly pinpoint my first club experience but I do know that after a while, they all blended into a general feeling towards them. Vancouver’s club scene, from my perception, was… interesting. Being in a city where people are used to thinking they are the “shit” because we are constantly told how great it is to live here, etc, you can find a direct link between that notion and the feeling in any of the major clubs downtown or in the surrounding areas. Not being a character to judge first and experience later, I have attended clubs on and off with friends throughout the years even giving some numerous chances to impress me. Saying that, I’m going to try my best at describing an average night out at a club from the perspective of a guy like myself:
Going to a club usually requires a dress code; collared shirt, no runners and nicer jeans are usually the go-to’s for gentleman (or at least that’s how they want to be perceived) attending. Although dressing up has never been a problem for me, dressing for a club has always made me feel like someone I’m not; as if one has to put on a show to prove their place in the social hierarchy. When you finally show up to the club, you are quick to realize that every guy is dressed the same with a few variances to differ themselves from the dude next to them. You learn to quickly shrug this off as a necessity because this is a “classy” venue you’re about to attend so you should look the part of how you, and those around you, are the “shit”. After waiting in line for the seemingly endless wave of assholes that get in before you, your groups enters the club and scopes out a place to settle as a “home base”, so to speak. The club itself, although doing its best to be perceived as classy, is really just like any other bar but with varied seating, colour schemes and lighting setups. Half your group ventures off to acquire drinks for the rest, while the remaining hold the fort and begin the ancient art of people watching. After buying a round or two of ridiculously priced and weak tasting high-balls (because no one drinks beer at the club), you decide its time for some loser-laps and begin to contemplate dancing. A few more glasses of liquid courage and lack of fun finally builds you up enough to try your hand at the flood of people who have engulfed the top 40 dance floor. You head out with a buddy and a smile in hopes of finding a partner to get down to the beat with and make the evening compete with the pace of your drinking. Here’s where you learn another valuable lesson in Vancouver’s club scene; when you ask a random girl to dance, not only are you asking her to get her groove on, but apparently this also means “and by dance, of course I mean have sex tonight”. The defensive stance of women in Metro Vancouver is easily observed at this point but that concept is a blog entry all on its own. You finally duck and weave your way out of the hoard of awkwardly grinding bodies and decide its time to take your aggression out with a few shots and let the night take care of itself. This, unfortunately, usually ends with one becoming much too drunk, making some stupid decisions in the form of random hook-ups, inducing vomiting, terrible food-choices and/or a lack of a ride home.
This experience could be argued to be the same at any nightlife establishment, not just pertaining to Vancouver’s club scene. However, the major difference between the club and pub is the concept of expectations meeting outcome. Club’s are so riddled with hype, starting from the moment you undo the top button of your collared shirt, that ego replaces fun as a priority; therefore, a battle for who is perceived as the “coolest” (or douchiest depending on your perspective) takes precedence. People going to clubs show up with expectations of partying like a rock star and that’s exactly how they act. Regrettably, rock stars or partying celebrities are some of societies most egocentric and narcissistic members and the club is another outlet displaying their ridiculous influence over us.
Finally we can discuss why the pub is a much friendlier approach to nightlife. When one prepares for a night out at the pub, personal expectations are lower because the pub provides a much more forgiving atmosphere. Dress code no longer becomes an issue and for the most part, people are truly able to express themselves through their clothing without having to resort to bells and whistles. This attitude carries across the board while one is a patron at a pub. Food being served until late, larger seating areas, live music and smaller but spirit filled dance floors present a down-to-earth mentality; a mentality that prioritizes inclusivity not exclusivity and where one’s desire to befriend an entire bar is prized over their ability to be better than the person next to them.
In the end, this entry boils down to what type of person you are. The experience I have described, although not necessarily applicable to the masses, seemed to be more or less the same for a majority of the social circle I am incorporated with. Furthermore, this is not an entry putting down those who frequent the club and have acquired “bar-star” status by their peers, because I know and call many of you friends. Hopefully this will simply provide some insight as to why your friend preemptively canceled on plans to go hit the freshest club downtown.
Keeping his collar down and pint glass full,
Matias M. Barchman
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Vancouver Canucks and their Bandwagon Fan Base: An explanation of a love-hate relationship
Vancouver Canuck fans are notoriously known for their “bandwagon” status by those on the outside looking in. I, for one, will gladly admit to being one of those diehard bandwagoners. For those of you who know me personally, I don’t think there is any question about my support for any of our hometown sports teams in Metro Vancouver, let alone the Canucks. However, I think I can provide some insight into the bandwagon phenomena and even as to why it’s justified.
The Vancouver Canucks were established 40 years ago as an official NHL team in 1970. However, professional hockey had become well established in Vancouver and the west coast since the Vancouver Millionaires won the Stanley Cup back in 1915. Hockey in Vancouver was, and remains, just as Canadian as it is back in the eastern provinces; citizens of western Canada pride themselves on their country’s national identity and have provided an array of teams that proved that. The Vancouver Canucks would become one of these teams and they continue to have an excellent fan base established in the Lower Mainland, even extending out across Canada. Although local Canuck supporters currently provide one of the best venues to play in -having accomplished 290 consecutive sellouts at General Motors Place starting back on November 14, 2002- we are probably one of the most difficult crowds to please. Canuck fans willingly let their team know when they are displeased and a bad loss or poor effort is almost always greeted with a torrent of boos and jeers against their hometown team.
I recall going to a game a couple years ago accompanied by a friend from Ontario who is as big of an annoying Toronto Maple Leafs fan as they come. The Canucks were playing against Nashville so as a loyal migrant to the west coast, she was happy to cheer on our boys in blue and green. The game was anticipated to be in favor of a Canucks victory but this prediction –about as accurate as a Vancouver weather forecast- would prove just as disappointing. By the third period, the Canucks were down 4-1 and a lackluster effort was felt by the fans from the Vancouver players. It wasn’t long before the crowd let their team know just exactly how displeased they were and even went to the extent of cheering on the visiting Predators at one point That’s right, Vancouver fans are just as coordinated to spite their team as they are to motivate them. My company for the evening couldn’t believe the experience she was having as it was like nothing she had encountered attending many Maple Leafs games back home. That was when I had to explain the situation in Vancouver, the overall feeling where winning and a consistently elevated level of effort are held to a much higher standard than most cities in North America.
So why are Canuck fans so hard to please? Well, in a nutshell, after 40 years and only two Stanley Cup Final appearances, Vancouver fans are only willing to accept a heart-filled post-season run as success. You don’t have to take my word for it, just watch the change in atmosphere when the Canucks accomplish a playoff bid. The majority of fans in Vancouver will go with their home team as the front contender for Lord Stanley’s mug no matter what terrible or superb odds the experts iterate. Nonetheless, if the Canucks bow out of playoffs early or do not make the cut altogether, Vancouverites will scream revolution demanding someone pay the price with their job for another frustrating season.
In the end, the final question is: Are Canuck fans justified in holding such a high standard for their team resulting in a pressure for success that is unrivaled by their peers? Simply put, yes, they are. Let’s break it down for those of you who may still be on the fence:
First, the Canucks are one of six Canadian teams in the 30-team NHL; as disgusting of a fact as that is, considering Canada is the front runner for hockey talent in the world, that just goes to show how much fan support these teams have concentrated behind them. Subsequently, this unwavering support is translated into money as we must remember that the NHL is a business in the end and the amount of money a team has usually translates to their success or visa versa. Money is obviously not a big issue in Vancouver as sell-out crowds, sponsorship, merchandising and the ability to sign semi-retired superstars to play out their less than fruitful last games as a NHL player, seem to reflect that we have the funds to pay for the team we need. So, we have the support, the money and it has undoubtedly been the case for at least the past eight years. Now, comparatively, let’s look at the Canuck’s record for the past 10 seasons (we can’t keep holding on to that 93-94 run although it was the best run EVER): Three division titles (‘04, ’07, ’09), two seasons without a playoff appearance (’06 and ’08) and at best, an inability to move on from the division semi-final (overall quarter final in the NHL playoffs). Any NHL expert would have to agree that 10 years, never mind 40, would be more than ample time to develop a Stanley Cup winning team with the resources the Canucks and Vancouver have at hand. Yet, Canuck fans across the globe continue to patiently wait for that banner to be raised at GM Place.
Conclusively, not all aspects of the Canucks problems have been covered in this lengthy blog entry but from a fan’s perspective I don’t believe that all were necessary. From our viewpoint, we are indisputably justified with our bandwagon status; for as much as we have invested in our NHL team, the payout has been less than satisfying with the exception of a few seasons. Now, with all that being said, as apart of the diehard bandwagon Canuck devotees, if one asked me who my front runner for a Stanley Cup victory is this season, well, it’s Vancouver of course. Just be sure not to take that steadfast devotion as a sign of satisfaction; as easy as it is to hop on the bandwagon, the same goes for jumping off. Dissatisfaction with the Canucks can and has seen Vancouver give a colder shoulder to the team than the ice the players skate on. However, when the Canucks have a winning season, make the playoffs and ensuingly have a respectable run in them; the decibel level, towel power, and the support of millions will reassure the players of the foundation their fans provide for them to finish the job.
It has been 95 years since the Stanley Cup was raised in Vancouver and that is a statistic every Canuck fan should be aware of. Whether or not you believe that number to reflect the reality of the situation, it is a fact nonetheless and not something for a Canadian city as prestigious as Vancouver to be proud of. Although it’s fair to say we should not dwell on the past, it should forever be a reminder to Canuck personnel that their city is overdue and deserving of Lord Stanley’s Cup; any result that does not provide or come close is unacceptable.
Chanting “Go Canucks Go!” but only when they’re winning,
Matias M. Barchman
The Vancouver Canucks were established 40 years ago as an official NHL team in 1970. However, professional hockey had become well established in Vancouver and the west coast since the Vancouver Millionaires won the Stanley Cup back in 1915. Hockey in Vancouver was, and remains, just as Canadian as it is back in the eastern provinces; citizens of western Canada pride themselves on their country’s national identity and have provided an array of teams that proved that. The Vancouver Canucks would become one of these teams and they continue to have an excellent fan base established in the Lower Mainland, even extending out across Canada. Although local Canuck supporters currently provide one of the best venues to play in -having accomplished 290 consecutive sellouts at General Motors Place starting back on November 14, 2002- we are probably one of the most difficult crowds to please. Canuck fans willingly let their team know when they are displeased and a bad loss or poor effort is almost always greeted with a torrent of boos and jeers against their hometown team.
I recall going to a game a couple years ago accompanied by a friend from Ontario who is as big of an annoying Toronto Maple Leafs fan as they come. The Canucks were playing against Nashville so as a loyal migrant to the west coast, she was happy to cheer on our boys in blue and green. The game was anticipated to be in favor of a Canucks victory but this prediction –about as accurate as a Vancouver weather forecast- would prove just as disappointing. By the third period, the Canucks were down 4-1 and a lackluster effort was felt by the fans from the Vancouver players. It wasn’t long before the crowd let their team know just exactly how displeased they were and even went to the extent of cheering on the visiting Predators at one point That’s right, Vancouver fans are just as coordinated to spite their team as they are to motivate them. My company for the evening couldn’t believe the experience she was having as it was like nothing she had encountered attending many Maple Leafs games back home. That was when I had to explain the situation in Vancouver, the overall feeling where winning and a consistently elevated level of effort are held to a much higher standard than most cities in North America.
So why are Canuck fans so hard to please? Well, in a nutshell, after 40 years and only two Stanley Cup Final appearances, Vancouver fans are only willing to accept a heart-filled post-season run as success. You don’t have to take my word for it, just watch the change in atmosphere when the Canucks accomplish a playoff bid. The majority of fans in Vancouver will go with their home team as the front contender for Lord Stanley’s mug no matter what terrible or superb odds the experts iterate. Nonetheless, if the Canucks bow out of playoffs early or do not make the cut altogether, Vancouverites will scream revolution demanding someone pay the price with their job for another frustrating season.
In the end, the final question is: Are Canuck fans justified in holding such a high standard for their team resulting in a pressure for success that is unrivaled by their peers? Simply put, yes, they are. Let’s break it down for those of you who may still be on the fence:
First, the Canucks are one of six Canadian teams in the 30-team NHL; as disgusting of a fact as that is, considering Canada is the front runner for hockey talent in the world, that just goes to show how much fan support these teams have concentrated behind them. Subsequently, this unwavering support is translated into money as we must remember that the NHL is a business in the end and the amount of money a team has usually translates to their success or visa versa. Money is obviously not a big issue in Vancouver as sell-out crowds, sponsorship, merchandising and the ability to sign semi-retired superstars to play out their less than fruitful last games as a NHL player, seem to reflect that we have the funds to pay for the team we need. So, we have the support, the money and it has undoubtedly been the case for at least the past eight years. Now, comparatively, let’s look at the Canuck’s record for the past 10 seasons (we can’t keep holding on to that 93-94 run although it was the best run EVER): Three division titles (‘04, ’07, ’09), two seasons without a playoff appearance (’06 and ’08) and at best, an inability to move on from the division semi-final (overall quarter final in the NHL playoffs). Any NHL expert would have to agree that 10 years, never mind 40, would be more than ample time to develop a Stanley Cup winning team with the resources the Canucks and Vancouver have at hand. Yet, Canuck fans across the globe continue to patiently wait for that banner to be raised at GM Place.
Conclusively, not all aspects of the Canucks problems have been covered in this lengthy blog entry but from a fan’s perspective I don’t believe that all were necessary. From our viewpoint, we are indisputably justified with our bandwagon status; for as much as we have invested in our NHL team, the payout has been less than satisfying with the exception of a few seasons. Now, with all that being said, as apart of the diehard bandwagon Canuck devotees, if one asked me who my front runner for a Stanley Cup victory is this season, well, it’s Vancouver of course. Just be sure not to take that steadfast devotion as a sign of satisfaction; as easy as it is to hop on the bandwagon, the same goes for jumping off. Dissatisfaction with the Canucks can and has seen Vancouver give a colder shoulder to the team than the ice the players skate on. However, when the Canucks have a winning season, make the playoffs and ensuingly have a respectable run in them; the decibel level, towel power, and the support of millions will reassure the players of the foundation their fans provide for them to finish the job.
It has been 95 years since the Stanley Cup was raised in Vancouver and that is a statistic every Canuck fan should be aware of. Whether or not you believe that number to reflect the reality of the situation, it is a fact nonetheless and not something for a Canadian city as prestigious as Vancouver to be proud of. Although it’s fair to say we should not dwell on the past, it should forever be a reminder to Canuck personnel that their city is overdue and deserving of Lord Stanley’s Cup; any result that does not provide or come close is unacceptable.
Chanting “Go Canucks Go!” but only when they’re winning,
Matias M. Barchman
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Weekend Ends On Monday
This was inspired by a true notion in the shower and especially goes out to you 9-5ers (or close to it):
If you think about it, the weekend really ends on Monday night. Since Friday and Saturday are so filled with the fun and adventure you crave all week, Sunday becomes a struggle to get even the most simplest of tasks accomplished. I don't care if you party or not, Sunday was designed for the goodness of unproductivity to prevail. Then, as if you weren't expecting it, Monday happens.
Reality eventually sets in as you wake to the alarm clock after glancing at it repeatedly during the night not wanting to believe your wake up call was ever the more nearer. You drag yourself out of bed and try to gather your thoughts as you pray a shower will get your senses focused. You shower, but it doesn't take. You were only able to get through to that first layer of weekend's resin but didn't have time to get to the second. Although the shower helps, you're by no means as chipper as a spring daisy, that's for sure. You make it to a quick breakfast and thank the man who invented caffeine. Begin the commute to work. Traffic is terrible! Weird. Transit is late! You're shittin' me. WORK. (Everyone knows work sucks on Monday, I don't care if you're the lotion guy on a Hawiian Tropic bikini tour). Work is over, one more terrible commute, get home. How good does home look? Do something half-productive at home because you spent most of Monday not really accomplishing much at work. Eat a decent meal and bed time just begins to whisper to you. Hold on. Something doesn't feel right. You still feel that last layer of the weekend that permeates your skin and now Monday has left a bad taste in your mouth. Second shower that day but wow was it worth it. Jump into bed. Of course by bed I mean utopia of softness and support unrivaled by anything in your known world. Doze. Doze. Sleep.
Who says weekends are free? Monday is the cost and therefore deserves the same title.
Heading off to his utopia,
Matias M. Barchman
If you think about it, the weekend really ends on Monday night. Since Friday and Saturday are so filled with the fun and adventure you crave all week, Sunday becomes a struggle to get even the most simplest of tasks accomplished. I don't care if you party or not, Sunday was designed for the goodness of unproductivity to prevail. Then, as if you weren't expecting it, Monday happens.
Reality eventually sets in as you wake to the alarm clock after glancing at it repeatedly during the night not wanting to believe your wake up call was ever the more nearer. You drag yourself out of bed and try to gather your thoughts as you pray a shower will get your senses focused. You shower, but it doesn't take. You were only able to get through to that first layer of weekend's resin but didn't have time to get to the second. Although the shower helps, you're by no means as chipper as a spring daisy, that's for sure. You make it to a quick breakfast and thank the man who invented caffeine. Begin the commute to work. Traffic is terrible! Weird. Transit is late! You're shittin' me. WORK. (Everyone knows work sucks on Monday, I don't care if you're the lotion guy on a Hawiian Tropic bikini tour). Work is over, one more terrible commute, get home. How good does home look? Do something half-productive at home because you spent most of Monday not really accomplishing much at work. Eat a decent meal and bed time just begins to whisper to you. Hold on. Something doesn't feel right. You still feel that last layer of the weekend that permeates your skin and now Monday has left a bad taste in your mouth. Second shower that day but wow was it worth it. Jump into bed. Of course by bed I mean utopia of softness and support unrivaled by anything in your known world. Doze. Doze. Sleep.
Who says weekends are free? Monday is the cost and therefore deserves the same title.
Heading off to his utopia,
Matias M. Barchman
Self-branding and today's image of "professional"
For the past month or so, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Mike Brascia, a well-knowledged, men's fashion consultant who has been in the industry for over 33 years. Conveniently, especially for the purposes of this blog, he is also my father so taking time out of work to rant about the status of fashion and self-image didn't take much. The motivation for this post came from a discussion we had about how specifically men in general have lost a priority towards a dapper self-image in lieu of casual dress and demeanor.
To begin, I would categorize myself as being drawn towards the latter of those two sides as I believe I am a product of the society I grew up in. One would think that having a father with such fashion sense and a wardrobe to match would only have me appreciate the value I put towards dressing classy; however my personality has always struggled to find the right time and place to fully take advantage of essentially having the closet most men can only dream of. Which brings us back to the original question: Why have things changed so drastically? Why, instead of the formal suit-and-tie business fashion that was so prevalent in the past, are we seeing more jeans and t-shirts accompanied by the odd blazer? I sat down with Dad, whoops, I mean Mike, and picked his brain a bit.
"When I first got into this business thirty years ago, there is no way you would see the people dressed the way they are [downtown]." When I prodded further, he continued, "...never mind downtown, even people going out for special occasions, weddings, church on Sundays, etc... people are just not worried about their self-image like they used to be." As I took in what he was saying I reflected on my own fashion habits and how I thought to myself that I have more in common with those people in that perspective than I did my own father! It's at this time I should mention that during the interview he stopped to give me a hard time about how my attire (I was wearing slacks and a shirt) was directly hurting his business or at least wasn't helping it (he was in full suit-and-tie, as always).
As the interview continued it became clear that the issue is that a person who dresses well can come off as dressing "too well" and it being unnecessary or intimidating. "Customer's walk in and explain that they are dressed too well for their job... the most common excuse is that because their job does not entail dealing with the public directly, they don't have to look good. Another is that if the person is in a management position, dressing well may come as 'over the top' and employees may be too intimidated to approach the boss. I think that's [crap]." I didn't need to say much by this time as you could tell he was on a roll. "What do they say? 'You only get one chance to make a first impression', well, you better believe that's true... Even though you may not be dealing with the public directly or feel that you're not in a position to have to dress the part, you are constantly projecting a self-image, a brand, that people are going to judge you on. Image is extremely important, I don't care who you are." I began to feel worse and worse about not having a tie and jacket on as he talked, but then I remembered he's my father, he's supposed to do that to me.
What can I say? Even though he might have not convinced me to give up my daily ensemble of jeans and a t-shirt, he had me thinking about what it means to brand oneself a professional in the eyes of the masses. Yes, it's true that business attire today has become more relaxed and I believe the emphasis has shifted further from how an individual looks to the output they provide. However, as the professional business world becomes more competitive, the advantage of a high-end and classy attire is undeniable. "I've never seen anyone kicked out of somewhere or fired for being overdressed, but you always hear about the guy being asked to leave because he looks like a schmuck."
Well Pops, my 'schmuck' attire is going to continue to be at the core of who I am and the personality I reflect, but do you think I can borrow a tie and jacket for the rest of the day?
Finally looking the part,
Matias M. Barchman
To begin, I would categorize myself as being drawn towards the latter of those two sides as I believe I am a product of the society I grew up in. One would think that having a father with such fashion sense and a wardrobe to match would only have me appreciate the value I put towards dressing classy; however my personality has always struggled to find the right time and place to fully take advantage of essentially having the closet most men can only dream of. Which brings us back to the original question: Why have things changed so drastically? Why, instead of the formal suit-and-tie business fashion that was so prevalent in the past, are we seeing more jeans and t-shirts accompanied by the odd blazer? I sat down with Dad, whoops, I mean Mike, and picked his brain a bit.
"When I first got into this business thirty years ago, there is no way you would see the people dressed the way they are [downtown]." When I prodded further, he continued, "...never mind downtown, even people going out for special occasions, weddings, church on Sundays, etc... people are just not worried about their self-image like they used to be." As I took in what he was saying I reflected on my own fashion habits and how I thought to myself that I have more in common with those people in that perspective than I did my own father! It's at this time I should mention that during the interview he stopped to give me a hard time about how my attire (I was wearing slacks and a shirt) was directly hurting his business or at least wasn't helping it (he was in full suit-and-tie, as always).
As the interview continued it became clear that the issue is that a person who dresses well can come off as dressing "too well" and it being unnecessary or intimidating. "Customer's walk in and explain that they are dressed too well for their job... the most common excuse is that because their job does not entail dealing with the public directly, they don't have to look good. Another is that if the person is in a management position, dressing well may come as 'over the top' and employees may be too intimidated to approach the boss. I think that's [crap]." I didn't need to say much by this time as you could tell he was on a roll. "What do they say? 'You only get one chance to make a first impression', well, you better believe that's true... Even though you may not be dealing with the public directly or feel that you're not in a position to have to dress the part, you are constantly projecting a self-image, a brand, that people are going to judge you on. Image is extremely important, I don't care who you are." I began to feel worse and worse about not having a tie and jacket on as he talked, but then I remembered he's my father, he's supposed to do that to me.
What can I say? Even though he might have not convinced me to give up my daily ensemble of jeans and a t-shirt, he had me thinking about what it means to brand oneself a professional in the eyes of the masses. Yes, it's true that business attire today has become more relaxed and I believe the emphasis has shifted further from how an individual looks to the output they provide. However, as the professional business world becomes more competitive, the advantage of a high-end and classy attire is undeniable. "I've never seen anyone kicked out of somewhere or fired for being overdressed, but you always hear about the guy being asked to leave because he looks like a schmuck."
Well Pops, my 'schmuck' attire is going to continue to be at the core of who I am and the personality I reflect, but do you think I can borrow a tie and jacket for the rest of the day?
Finally looking the part,
Matias M. Barchman
Friday, January 15, 2010
Who am I and why should you care?
Good question and I'm going to be honest with you from the get-go. The main reason this blog was created was for me to have a place to reference my writing, and have a venue to express opinions of my own accord; commentary about anything and everything. I can't really say I'm an expert on one subject, but the best way to describe my background is knowing a little about about a variety. My plan is to provide an interesting perspective about some issues, events, general subject matter, etc, and see where it goes from there. Other than that, I'm not completely sure what that is going to entail for future posts but I hope that they will provide my readers looking for an domain to pass the time during the more boring parts of the day.
As for my personal life, I spent the majority of it as a student-athlete and employee of some of the most random places one can work. My resume is littered with contingent accolades and qualifications that are so dissociated with one another I must look like I give the most indecisive people a run for their money. Truthfully, I attribute my working background to school and sport taking precedence in my life. However when it comes to the real world, I have learned the hard way that unless you have a doctorate or you are the next up and coming superstar, that those priorities you poured your heart and soul into for years -for lack of a better term- mean jack shit. Don't get me wrong I understand that an education is very important and there are invaluable lessons one can attain from the sporting world but in the end, as we live in a monetary society, your value is based on how much money you can make the guy who has already gone through the same tough times you are struggling with.
Which brings us full circle and back to the beginning. Commentary for the sake of commentary and an outlet to display what I hope is a writing style slightly askew of the disarray of millions of blogs scattered throughout the web. Because in the end that is what it's all about: who you are, why you're different and why that matters.
Signing off from his first official blog entry ever,
Matias M. Barchman
As for my personal life, I spent the majority of it as a student-athlete and employee of some of the most random places one can work. My resume is littered with contingent accolades and qualifications that are so dissociated with one another I must look like I give the most indecisive people a run for their money. Truthfully, I attribute my working background to school and sport taking precedence in my life. However when it comes to the real world, I have learned the hard way that unless you have a doctorate or you are the next up and coming superstar, that those priorities you poured your heart and soul into for years -for lack of a better term- mean jack shit. Don't get me wrong I understand that an education is very important and there are invaluable lessons one can attain from the sporting world but in the end, as we live in a monetary society, your value is based on how much money you can make the guy who has already gone through the same tough times you are struggling with.
Which brings us full circle and back to the beginning. Commentary for the sake of commentary and an outlet to display what I hope is a writing style slightly askew of the disarray of millions of blogs scattered throughout the web. Because in the end that is what it's all about: who you are, why you're different and why that matters.
Signing off from his first official blog entry ever,
Matias M. Barchman
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