I went to Reed College and I’d suggest that it needs to be Out as well. People can get a great education at schools that don’t cost $60,000 plus a year. And Reed has the same antisemitism problem that the Ivy League schools have (and we all know, first they come for the Jews, then they come for other minority groups). Reed is super pricey, doesn’t tolerate diversity of thought and culture (I’m one of those “woke” progressive types, but I also believe that we shouldn’t suppress voices and points of view, even if I don’t agree with them, but hey, I’m Gen X and that’s how we roll), and honestly, you don’t find a lot of Reedies rolling in the big bucks so they can pay off their loans after graduation.
“ when you talk about your body you are actually talking about everyone’s. People take that kind of thing so personally and it can be so destructive.” I’ve never thought of it that way!!
Love you, love your work, and I am already shoulderchecking asshole oblivious walkers because I'm a crabby (and apparently invisible) old broad who is sick of being walked into/railroaded off the sidewalk!
ORLANDO!! Loved your In and Out lists. I will say that the Amhersts and Colbys are now where the rich white people go since they can't get into ivies anymore...so let's just say they are the 'quiet luxury' lib arts colleges as compared to the loud Bottega or Fendi ivies. Haha. Public schools or bust! Nobody got time to pay $80,000 per year for private lib arts elitist schools !
My undergrad degree from Bemidji State University has never let me down. It cost under $40k all in, including living expenses and a lot of travel (sorry!) and I seriously think some of the best professors hang out at little regional public Universities in the woods. The students are diverse, they aren’t snobs because literally no one comes from money, and you have the lifestyle of someone at some quaint little private college but you can afford to live on a lake whether you are a prof or a student. I’m telling you, Northern Minnesota is where it’s at, and I am glad that location scares a lot of people away--More room to enroll the locals.
I totally agree with your ins and outs--especially the Ivy League one. I see so many kids running themselves ragged trying to make sure they get into the best possible college (I'm in the Bay Area and for some reason it's really competitive here), and I always want to tell them that it really doesn't matter. I suppose for some career paths, people care what college you went to--but for most of us it only matters that you got a degree from somewhere. I wish more people took advantage of community college instead of going straight into an expensive university.
Also, I did find you because of the newsletter about why gay men have poor body image that you wrote years ago on your old blog. It cracked me up and I've been a fan ever since!
Oh, Orlando. Sometimes it feels like you live inside my head and not just my phone. I adore you.
Re: post-Covid drivers. Some people seem to have decided that they just don’t need to stop at stop signs anymore? It’s madness. OUT with people driving like they don’t care who lives or dies.
Re: blaming everything on getting old. I hope people become more aware of what mobility is and how to improve or preserve it. You gotta use it or lose it! @beardthebestyoucanbe is a good Instagram follow on this subject. Definitely OUT with working out purely for aesthetic reasons.
Re: talking about our/others’ bodies. Yes yes yes. OUT with this. Definitely don’t be the skinny friend in a group of average or larger-sized people who complains about being “fat.” You’re not making anyone feel good.
Here’s to all of us being a little (or a lot) more self-aware in 2024!
I’ll make sure to like sponsored posts now although they sometimes are repetitive (like AG1). On the changing language thing I’ve noticed at many stores and restaurants where I live in Northern California the greeting is often “Welcome in” instead of hello. Not sure where it came from but it’s odd.
Love the ins and outs. Thanks for articulating what my friends and family might think was odd if I took the time to say more than no dating apps. Love your content!
I forgot to say earlier: I stumble upon a real bargain for good men's shirts. Which is probably also possible in southern California. My local dry cleaner periodically sells the unclaimed dry cleaning they have. Usually an item is a dollar or so - they need the room. And each time, the items on sale have been moslty men's shirts. Beatifully pressed and cleaned, and many of good quality. That might work for you!
orlando, drop your workout routine! 15 lb. in 15 days?? i too have been alcohol free since the start of the year but it's not felt as easy for me as it seemingly has for you. maybe more exercise is the key.
I went to Reed College and I’d suggest that it needs to be Out as well. People can get a great education at schools that don’t cost $60,000 plus a year. And Reed has the same antisemitism problem that the Ivy League schools have (and we all know, first they come for the Jews, then they come for other minority groups). Reed is super pricey, doesn’t tolerate diversity of thought and culture (I’m one of those “woke” progressive types, but I also believe that we shouldn’t suppress voices and points of view, even if I don’t agree with them, but hey, I’m Gen X and that’s how we roll), and honestly, you don’t find a lot of Reedies rolling in the big bucks so they can pay off their loans after graduation.
“ when you talk about your body you are actually talking about everyone’s. People take that kind of thing so personally and it can be so destructive.” I’ve never thought of it that way!!
Love you, love your work, and I am already shoulderchecking asshole oblivious walkers because I'm a crabby (and apparently invisible) old broad who is sick of being walked into/railroaded off the sidewalk!
You are a damn national treasure & must be protected at all costs. I’ve already subscribed but how can I help you more?
I’m going right now to make sure I’m “liking” allllll of the sponsored posts!
XOXO,
Ronda
ORLANDO!! Loved your In and Out lists. I will say that the Amhersts and Colbys are now where the rich white people go since they can't get into ivies anymore...so let's just say they are the 'quiet luxury' lib arts colleges as compared to the loud Bottega or Fendi ivies. Haha. Public schools or bust! Nobody got time to pay $80,000 per year for private lib arts elitist schools !
My undergrad degree from Bemidji State University has never let me down. It cost under $40k all in, including living expenses and a lot of travel (sorry!) and I seriously think some of the best professors hang out at little regional public Universities in the woods. The students are diverse, they aren’t snobs because literally no one comes from money, and you have the lifestyle of someone at some quaint little private college but you can afford to live on a lake whether you are a prof or a student. I’m telling you, Northern Minnesota is where it’s at, and I am glad that location scares a lot of people away--More room to enroll the locals.
IN: Green energy sources (wind, solar, water)
IN: Kindness
OUT: Isolationism
I totally agree with your ins and outs--especially the Ivy League one. I see so many kids running themselves ragged trying to make sure they get into the best possible college (I'm in the Bay Area and for some reason it's really competitive here), and I always want to tell them that it really doesn't matter. I suppose for some career paths, people care what college you went to--but for most of us it only matters that you got a degree from somewhere. I wish more people took advantage of community college instead of going straight into an expensive university.
Also, I did find you because of the newsletter about why gay men have poor body image that you wrote years ago on your old blog. It cracked me up and I've been a fan ever since!
Oh, Orlando. Sometimes it feels like you live inside my head and not just my phone. I adore you.
Re: post-Covid drivers. Some people seem to have decided that they just don’t need to stop at stop signs anymore? It’s madness. OUT with people driving like they don’t care who lives or dies.
Re: blaming everything on getting old. I hope people become more aware of what mobility is and how to improve or preserve it. You gotta use it or lose it! @beardthebestyoucanbe is a good Instagram follow on this subject. Definitely OUT with working out purely for aesthetic reasons.
Re: talking about our/others’ bodies. Yes yes yes. OUT with this. Definitely don’t be the skinny friend in a group of average or larger-sized people who complains about being “fat.” You’re not making anyone feel good.
Here’s to all of us being a little (or a lot) more self-aware in 2024!
I’ll make sure to like sponsored posts now although they sometimes are repetitive (like AG1). On the changing language thing I’ve noticed at many stores and restaurants where I live in Northern California the greeting is often “Welcome in” instead of hello. Not sure where it came from but it’s odd.
Excellent as always Orlando!! Just the right amount of bitchy snark!!
Love the ins and outs. Thanks for articulating what my friends and family might think was odd if I took the time to say more than no dating apps. Love your content!
I forgot to say earlier: I stumble upon a real bargain for good men's shirts. Which is probably also possible in southern California. My local dry cleaner periodically sells the unclaimed dry cleaning they have. Usually an item is a dollar or so - they need the room. And each time, the items on sale have been moslty men's shirts. Beatifully pressed and cleaned, and many of good quality. That might work for you!
orlando, drop your workout routine! 15 lb. in 15 days?? i too have been alcohol free since the start of the year but it's not felt as easy for me as it seemingly has for you. maybe more exercise is the key.
I think you are bitchy in the best way.
Bravo! Yet another thought provoking, well written piece! Thanks!