Being absorbed by travel and the challenge of distilling our discoveries: Sam Anderson on the 'Dear Adam Silver' podcast

'Boomtown' by Sam Anderson

Abigail Smithson is an artist with a love for basketball. Like myself, she has a perspective of the game through art and the larger world. Her guests are a reflection of this. Author Sam Anderson provided amazing insight into the writing of his book, 'Boomtown: The fantastical saga of Oklahoma City, its chaotic founding... its purloined basketball team, and the dream of becoming a world-class metropolis'. How OKC came to be his muse and the invigoration he got through travel.

'Dear Adam Silver' podcast | Episode 37: Sam Anderson and Boom Town

SAM ANDERSON: (31m 06s) There's something to be said for coming in as an outsider, as a blank slate and then just filling in the canvas as much as you can.
ABIGAIL SMITHSON: And I think if you're from somewhere, whether it's where you grew up or you live later on. Whichever. It's so much harder to get that same level of drive towards learning about that place, you take it for granted... whereas when you're in a new place and you're a visitor, I gotta get all this info...

I visited Oklahoma in 2017. I was able to spend time with distant cousins, my only NBA roadtrip being hosted by family. I'm sure my experience of Oklahoma was unique to me. Our experience of places are inevitably shaped by the time we have, who we meet along the way and the perspectives we bring. Like any good dialogue, hopefully we get taken somewhere that we didn't expect coming in.

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A post shared by Loz In Transit (@30homegames) on Jun 21, 2020 at 4:52am PDT

On being activated by novelty, Sam Anderson continues:

ANDERSON: It was like an alternate mode of being. That to me as a writer, a reporter, a whatever–as a human is like the most exciting thing, is just being in a place with all my receptors wide open and just take in everything I can take in and that's my only job is to be fully aware. It feels like a real Buddhist state of ecstasy and openness. The writing is the horrible part, the production of the thing later is the bad part. Being out there absorbing the world is just one of the happiest feelings I know...

I've grappled with this myself. On my first grand adventure backpacking around Europe, I traveled sans camera for most of the trip to fully embrace the moment. Truth be told, my camera was stolen early on but I resolved not to replace it to fully commit to the experience. I became fascinated by memory. I read books about it, and wrestled with it through writing. Especially with the ubiquity of social media and life documentation, it often becomes a battle between living in the moment or standing back to capture it.

Sam and Abigail share their struggles with this conflict as creatives:

ABIGAIL SMITHSON: (33m 12s) It's so nice for me to hear that the writing is still the horrible part for you. I too get very exhilarated by being somewhere that's new to me... realising that this could be something I spend more time with but then now I'm home and "aaaargh", slowly pecking at the keys. It's not great. 

SAM ANDERSON: The worst. The worst... I come back and it's always the same thing. I'm overwhelmed by this continent of thrilling material I've come back with and how do you go about reducing that and mapping it out and just extracting the littlest bits that tell people about the larger thing. You just lose so much and that always feels so traumatic for me. That transition from the pure ecstasy of intaking the world to the difficulty of outputting some tiny little thing represents that intake. It's always so hard and it surprises me every time how hard it is and how different the thing I produce is to what I imagined or felt along the way.

Borrowing a moment from #30HGnorthwest

Sam Anderson resolves the dilemma of disconnect by finding value in the attempt.

SAM ANDERSON: (35m 21s) As my editors always reminded me, my big sloshing Pacific Ocean of ecstatic experiences on any given subject, that's completely internal to me. It does that subject no justice if I just sit around with it sloshing around inside myself feeling happy that I contain this ocean and that I have to find a way to distil and compress... present this tiny sculpture made of salt... Here you go. That's the ocean.

'Before Sunrise' (1995) - "The answer must be in the attempt"

A worthy resolution, validated in a line from my favourite movie 'Before Sunrise'. "If there's any kind of magic in this world it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing, something. I know, it's almost impossible to succeed... but who cares really? The answer must be in the attempt."


Find other posts on creativity and memory here:
- Jacques Henri Lartigue: Why I'm getting a camera
- The pursuit of happiness: A collection of "Happy triggers" during travel
- Retiring the @30HomeGames Instagram.
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Living in the moment

David Jacoby on "Homerism" and being a die-easy fan

The Midas touch continues, home teams have gone 9-0 when I've been in the building. More often than not, said home teams were underdogs or underperforming. True. 2014-15 season: OKC (23-22) lose@ NYK (8-37) DEN (19-29) lose@ PHI (10-39) LAC (33-16) lose@ CLE (30-20) 2016-17 season: MIL (4-2) lose@ DAL (0-5) PHI (1-8) lose@ HOU (5-4) UTA (7-6) lose@ HOU (7-5) DET (4-4) lose@ SAS (5-3) 2017 Playoffs SAS (2nd) lose@ MEM (7th) Gm4 WAS (4th) lose@ ATL (5th) Gm4 #AddtheW #30HGroadtrip #30HGsoutheast

A post shared by Loz In Transit (@30homegames) on Apr 24, 2017 at 9:42pm PDT

Die-easy fan David Jacoby shares a sentiment straight out of my brain.

AUDIO: Goodell Strikes Back, Billboard Message In Philly, Lonzo's Top 5 and More (Feb 27, 2018)
JALEN ROSE: (9m 43s) Is there a limit on how many teams you can be die-easy for?
DAVID JACOBY: No. You know how die-easy fandom works Jalen. That's how it works. I can do whatever I want.
You know what I do when I go to games? This is for real. This is the most die-easy thing I do.
When I go to games, you know who I root for?
JALEN ROSE: The home team.
JACOBY: The home team.
*Jalen Rose laughing*

Just to be excited. I like the energy. I like the collective energy of the human beings around me. I like to get swept up in the emotion. Like I swear --the Podfather [Bill Simmons] doesn't listen to this show so he won't mind-- but when I go to Celtics/Clippers games or something. I'll root against the Celtics. I just like to high five the people around me. I like to chant "D-Fence!". You know what I mean? I like the collective energy. I like to stand up in a big possession.

I've been lucky to visit multiple basketball cities. For each of those games, I've barracked excitedly for the home team. I'm 14-1 in NBA cities watched and 5-2 for NBL games. I began with 5 straight wins on my recent tour of Australasia. Including watching the slumping (7 losses straight) Brisbane Bullets reverse their fortune against the streaking 36ers (7 game win streak). Interestingly my two blemishes came from formidable playoff-bound teams.

My homer tour of Australia.

My hometown Sydney Kings not included.

I'm a fan of the game, I'd like to preserve that as best as possible. For this Oz tour I took game day photos capturing perspectives for each NBL arena. It was fun running around taking a holistic view of the game but it was a balancing act. Focusing on the contest at hand whilst documenting the energy around me. Being invested in the success of the home team certainly heightened my engagement. It struck a nerve when my home win streak finally fell in New Zealand.

DAVID: JACOBY That's why I'll never get a press pass. Two reasons I'll never get a press pass, never get credentialed. Number one, you can't drink. So-- you know.
*Jalen hasn't stopped giggling*
Number two, you gotta act like you don't care about the game. You know what I mean? When you're in the press area. You have to sit there and be [in serious voice] "I'm a journalist. The outcome of this game doesn't affect me. I'm just here to analyse the performance of the different teams"
JALEN ROSE: That's hilarious.

I have no problem being labeled a die-easy fan. A big part of travel for me is connection, building empathy. I've certainly developed kinships with places visited, the more positive the experience the deeper the bond. It's worth noting I've never watched a game where my favored Memphis Grizzlies or hometown Sydney Kings were visitors. When allegiances are tested I can only hope for a well-fought match. You could argue that my 30 Home Games mission is rooted in being openhearted and die-easy.
First and foremost, I'm a basketball fan.

- Souvenir NBA merchandise and the Politics of being a Sports Homer #30HGtees
- David Jacoby on "Homerism" and being a die-easy fan

Update: Since 2016, I've been making bandwagon logos for NBA teams that earn a playoff berth.

#30HGlogos

Jalen Rose & David Jacoby on millennials and their relationship with Social Media

I've expressed my wariness of technology and its ability to take us away from the moment. With the ubiquity of Smartphones it's a constant battle deciding whether to log on or whip out the camera. A photographer once told me "to capture happiness, you have to be outside of it". When we derive joy from broadcasting our experiences it becomes an even trickier balancing act.
NBA alumn Jalen Rose describes the state of society and social media to co-host David Jacoby using the Russell/Young viral video as a jumping off point. Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell foolishly broadcasted a private conversation of his teammate Nick Young discussing "men's business", this put him in an awkward spot with fiancée, rapper Iggy Azalea.

Jalen & Jacoby 12/28/16 - Best of Jalen and Jacoby Podcast 

JALEN ROSE: (7m 56s) I don't actually blame him [D'Angelo Russell]. I blame this era that has been highlighted by the Kardashians who have made a multi-billion dollar brand off of not necessarily being talented. And I don't blame them because they're the trendsetters. I blame all of the followers. People that think social media is gonna be your vehicle to your success. I don't care what your job or your career is. Its gonna be minuscule what social media pays you versus what that will pay you

DAVID JACOBY: What does that have to do with D'Angelo Russell though, he's getting paid to play basketball?
ROSE: Tupac said "I learnt to ignore what can't pay me". Now millennials are so worried about being appreciated and validated by what they post on Twitter, Facebook, Vine, Periscope, Snapchat. So many different avenues, that what I'm doing in person and who I'm doing it with is not as relevant as who I want to see or acknowledge it on social media. A lot of young people now go to social media for gratification, for self-esteem, for support... 

Jalen & Jacoby on Social Media

It's a little counter-intuitive for Jalen to admonish fans for doing what they love as their own 'Jalen & Jacoby' program first began as a passion project on the Grantland network. The labour of love netted them a following which earned the duo a primetime radio spot and TV show. Technology has democratised the media allowing everyone the chance to offer their own analysis, from commenting on messageboards to creating their own sports talk show.

JACOBY: Obviously we're talking about the video that somehow found it's way on the internet of Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell recording a private conversation between him and Nick Young that has then blown up his relationship with pop star Iggy Azalea and also allegedly blown up the Lakers locker room with the other Lakers freezing out D'Angelo Russell...
I completely disagreed with you at first when you blamed the Kardashians and social media however you said something that I definitely agree with you with. What's happening now today is that the conversation you're having, the experience that you're having is somehow not good enough. You need to record it and share it with every single person you know. And I think that's what this is...

Outings and Eats with @30HomeGames

Its a tightrope I've had to walk since launching IG @30HomeGames 134 weeks ago. I retired my Sydney content after 2 years but during its heyday I was on an obsessive hunt for hoops-inspired shots. On the flipside, it catalysed me to be active socially and culturally, I just needed to redress the balance between being an observer and actor in my own life.

ROSE: For D'Angelo Russell, while it was irresponsible. While it was immature and a flagrant foul he highlights what happens daily. Young people go to social media for appreciation and for validation. What I'm doing at the dinner table, what I'm doing at the house, what I'm doing at my job isn't enough for me. I don't feel as confident till I post it. I need everyone else to tell me that I look good, that I sound good. And a lot of times these are people that don't know what they're talking about. You're taking opinions from a lot of people that are not necessarily experts in the field that you're trying to get validated for. And you're spending time on social media and it's not paying you a dime. Social Media isn't paying you millennials anything. When are you gonna wake up?
JACOBY: I love millennials and I'm gonna back millennials any chance I can because there are a lot of millennials that up there profile through their social media persona, there are people that get jobs because of their social media persona

My IG despite lukewarm numbers has netted me great friendships and experiences. It got me a memorable maiden NBA arena experience with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. On my recent trip to Texas, I was welcomed by @00_rocketgirl  and enjoyed a Rockets game alongside their Red Rowdies cheer section. Harnessed correctly, social media can make the world feel smaller and connects like-minded folks together.
You follow?

"Everydayness": Heidegger on Death and Kevin Garnett playing a midseason Game in Charlotte

<< crossposted on 'Let's Get Real podcast' blog

An aging Kevin Garnett VS Charlotte's Cody Zeller.  

What does Champion NBA Power Forward Kevin Garnett have to do with influential thinker Martin Heidegger? Authors Daniel M. Klein and Thomas Cathcart in their humorous book on the Philosophy of death finds a way to explain Heidegger's often complicated ideas via a basketball analogy

Heidegger and a Hippo Walk Through Those Pearly Gates:
Using Philosophy (and Jokes!) to Explore Life, Death, the Afterlife, and Everything in Between

Ch 4. Heideggerty-Dog, Ziggity-Boom, What You Do to Me
Look at it this way: Say you're Kevin Garnett and this is Game 7 of the NBA Finals. You're going to play with way more intensity, way more energy, way more life, than in one of those dreary Thursday night midseason games in Charlotte. Heidegger called the latter "everydayness," and he put it down as the ultimate drag. So let's face it squarely, Daryl, this -- right here, right now -- is Game 7 of the Finals, and what a joy it is to be here!

For Heidegger, the worst possible news would be that our souls are immortal. That would condemn us to a never-ending string of those Thursday night games in Charlotte.

My only quibble is the use of Garnett for the example. He's arguably the most consistent and unfailingly intense player currently in the L.

A Day in the Life of an NBA Player: Kevin Durant, Nate Robinson and more

Whilst backpacking I've encountered bands on tour, as well as fighters and sportsmen travelling for competition staying in various hostels. It's interesting spending time with them at leisure as they prepare for the task at hand. For myself, I've only ever traveled for pleasure. With business travel there's a focus on professionalism whilst juggling the perks of being on the road, the sightseeing, partying and sampling of local delicacies.

In the NBA as players have a set 30 cities they visit for competition, most would have developed their routine for places to frequent and people to visit. Jalen Rose has graciously imparted the 411 on other extracurricular activities on his 'Champagne and Campaign' segments for Grantland. Fans have been made aware of terms like "imports", "jumpoffs" and "roadkill". It's a world that I doubt I'll be accessing in my 30 Home Games adventure.

For as long as I can remember, I've been curious about experiencing the world through other people. Its manifest in my podcast and "ego-tripping" pursuits. With that, I've compiled a directory of videos featuring a 'A day in the life of' various NBA players:

A Day in the Life of an NBA Player

A day in the life of:
- Arron Afflalo presented by Athlete Interactive (17m 48s)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo presented by Bucks TV (6m 23s)
- Jason Williams presented by ESPN The Life (21m 32s)
- Jeremy Lin presented by JLin7 (5m 35s)
- Jeremy Lin 'Thank You Red Nation' presented by JLin7 (3m 06s)
- J.J. Redick presented by 2K Sports' College Hoops 2K7 (9m 54s)
- Kevin Durant presented by NBA TV (3m)
- Kevin Love presented by NBA TV (11m 22s)
- Luol Deng presented by Jay Z's Life + Times (21m 54s)
- Paul George presented by Jay Z's Life + Times (24m 44s)
- Roy Hibbert presented by Stack vids (5m 17s)
- Stephen Curry presented by Spiracle Media (3m 44s)
- Tyson Chandler presented by Mavs.com Interactive (10m 25s)

Kings.com presents McLemore, Boogie and Jimmer

Kings.com presents:
- Ben McLemore participates in his first Summer League (8m 54s)
- DeMarcus Cousins at the NBA Summer League (6m 25s)
- Jimmer Fredette NBA Road Trip to Utah (5m 23s)

Nate Robinson's 'State of Nate': Chicago, Miami, Brooklyn and Denver

Nate Robinson's 'State of Nate' created by TJ Regan
- Season 2, Episode 4: Miami Holdat (16m 20s)
- Season 2, Episode 6: Hello Brooklyn (17m 45s)
- Season 3, Episode 1: Thank You Chicago, Hello Denver (13m 12s)

Champagning and Campaigning in the NBA Cities: East and West

Jalen Rose speaks on "miscellaneous" activities for professional athletes:
- How Wives and Girlfriends are separated at NBA Games (3m 26s)
- What Really Happens when NBA Players go to Nightclubs (7m 12s)
- Jalen Rose on the NBA Pre-Game routine (4m 36s)

Kobe: Venting and "showing perspective" after 'Torn Achilles' career setback

I've been championing the "Beat it LA" meme for the last few months, I never felt it came from a place of hate. I'm a basketball fan, I have teams that I root for but ultimately what I want is a fair, competitive and interesting NBA. As long as that's delivered I'm happy with any result.

As the NBA regular season wraps up in two games the unheard of possibility that the Purple and Gold won't be represented in the Playoffs is yet to be decided. In a nailbiting game at home to my beloved Warriors there was high drama as Kobe hobbled several times after hyperextending his knee during the game. Shockingly Kobe walked off the floor with the game hanging in the balance after a torn Achilles heel.

There has been a lot of candor from Kobe this year but with this humbling setback Mamba has shown a vulnerable and philosophical side I've never seen before. It's a story befitting Hollywood. All the best for a Champion and all-time great in the twilight of his career.

VIDEO: Kobe interview after game with Warriors

Reacting to the injury setback and preparing a return to the floor

KOBE BRYANT: (2m 07s) I'm not really sure I've never really had to deal with something like this. You know it's a new experience for me. Obviously there have been a bunch of players that have had the same injury so all I can do is look at them and look at what they've done. Who had more success coming back quicker and healthier, see what they did and see if I can improve upon it.

Via Kobe's Facebook 

This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??
I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not! It's 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I'm wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what's the purpose of social media if I won't bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.
One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence.
Today is NOT that day.
"If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear". Ive always loved that quote. Thats "mamba mentality" we don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer. I know it's a long post but I'm Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge. Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Much Love Always.
Mamba Out

David Letterman enlightens Andrew Garfield, explains "Sports is a metaphor for life"

Andrew Garfield on The Late Show With David Letterman (June 26, 2012) 

DAVID LETTERMAN: (banter before introducing guest) How about Lebron James, Paul? Now I feel horrible, I feel awful now. Remember night after night I was whining about the guy. Now he comes in here, he shows me what he's made of - a nice, friendly happy fellow - deserves the championship and I'm just a putz
...
ANDREW GARFIELD: (changing topics) Can we talk about Lebron for a bit
DAVID LETTERMAN: well its kinda my show. Of course, you know Lebron?
GARFIELD: I know of Lebron. I was just thinking how odd that life must be. Building up to one point and if you don't win that thing then what happens and how do you feel? And if you do win it you're defined by that. And if you don't win you're defined by that then what happens the rest of the year?
LETTERMAN: As you know sports have always been a metaphor for life itself so its no different in sports than in life period.
GARFIELD: I wasn't aware that it was a metaphor for life, no I'm fascinated by that
LETTERMAN:  Did I just come up with this? (talking offstage) No I just came up with this.

Not quite sure what to make of Andrew Garfield's amazement at Letterman's seemingly obvious statement. Garfield having made name for himself in the competitive world of Hollywood and tasked to shoulder a popular Multi-billion Dollar Franchise in Spiderman could surely see the parallels in Lebron and his own life.

Watch Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker living out his basketball fantasy. Garfield has spoken about his love for the game, growing up admiring Mugsy Bogues and playing pickup games when he was a struggling actor after first migrating to LA

VIDEO: The Amazing Spider-Man "Slam Dunk" 

Philippe Petit and LeBron James: Man on Wire and Game 7

The pinnacle

Spent the day captivated by LeBron James leading the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals after winning a nailbiting Game 7 against the Boston Celtics.

Afterwards I watched Philippe Petit and his merry band achieve the impossible in 'Man on Wire'. The documentary detailing the unbelievable coup to tightrope walk across the Twin Towers was the film of the week for my local library's movie club.

I was the youngest person in attendance as most were at least double my age.

Both stories are about people finding immortality through a defining moment.
Comedian Daniel Kitson says 'Everything in life is impossible until its inevitable'. The documentary and LeBron's torturous path to coronation are stories of certainty that tease us with the dance of uncertainty.

As I write this, I'm in the dark as to what happened in the Manny Pacquiao fight.

VIDEO: The BIG game 7 in South Beach!

VIDEO: Philippe Petit: One Man Show - Philosophy on Life

PHILIPPE PETIT: Personally I don't believe you are born the greatest... in the world... I think to become the greatest at something you have to be passionate... If you are passionate about something... you're going to want to do it day and night... You're going to be tenacious and relentless... not taking No for a answer, even your own No.

Scams in Istanbul: The reality of trusting (3 of 3)

Are your Spidey Senses tingling?

My mood definitely shifted, I became suspicious of everybody. I even began questioning the authenticity of my hostel roommate, a down-on-his-luck Canadian traveler borrowing money from newly made running mates. I knew I had to find a way to get out of this mental funk. Attention is a double-edged sword. Being a traveler, a lot of possibilities were opened because people were curious and drawn to me as an outsider. I was welcomed into homes and friend circles, now this attention was being used against me. I was afraid to go out, the simplest chores would be interrupted by the constant initiation of conversation. I imagine this is the reality celebrities and hotties live in every day.

My running mate who escaped the scam unscathed was someone I befriended on the trip from Goreme to Istanbul. We bonded over our love of basketball, he was a diehard Laker fan and former intern for the team. We played a game with locals at the courts in the Nike Beyoğlu store the morning after his ordeal as he briefed me on what happened. I had my epiphany, I would convert scammer invitations into a game of hoops. It dovetailed with my 30 Home Games mission, my quest for a Basketball experience in each Country. He was skeptical, it was asking for trouble.

The genius of these scams are that they're only asking for your time. Its essentially rapport building through good conversation, a few shared drinks which sets the table for the manipulation to take place. Its only when the betrayal happens at the Clip-joint that one begins to question everything. A fellow traveler equated it to a relationship break up, especially one dissolved through infidelity. We start tracing its history, which parts were real? Was any of it genuine? Then we start looking inward, was it my fault for believing? I figured I could entice them to a game of basketball during what they thought was the "real" part.

The following few days I was upbeat, returning to my old self. Instead of shooing people away grumpily, I was looking forward to interactions but surprisingly the attention had waned. I can't pinpoint whether it was my change in energy, my familiarity or random chance. Interestingly I had begun to mutually greet one of the scammers like Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog would in the cartoons. He was a fellow in a blue/green puffer jacket I would regularly cross paths with, usually alongside a new Asian tourist. Our original encounter he tried to open me at Sultanahmet with the line "Hey you look like Michael Jackson".

In the closing days of my fortnight in Istanbul I did manage to find a genuine connection, befriending young artists at a Jazz bar. Over several days we hit the town, was welcomed into homes for dinner and tea and got to crash at a few places. The locals were understandably removed from this reality, they explained that some Current affair shows had shed some light on the scams in Istanbul. As it was a crime of opportunity, Turks from the east unfamiliar with the big city were also being scammed. Most attention was paid to non-Turks because they were ideal targets, distinct, lucrative and crucially - naive.

The charming person I spent most of the time with mindblowingly did her major thesis on 'Hyperreality' - a pet topic of mine. On my final day I was welcomed into her friend's apartment, we discussed scamming and reality as we smoked and drank in their attic. Their roommate, a Syrian revolutionary taking refuge in Turkey arrived late into the evening. He began in the front lines for the cause but decided his powers were best served in media relations. He weighed in on the conversation by showing videos he'd filmed that day presenting two versions of reality for the same event, one for dissemination now and the other truth to be released after the revolution was won. 

It was a memorable way to close my experience in Turkey and it gave me a sobering take on the scamming experience. I've always been fascinated by the power of charisma and the bending of reality but this underlined for me that its ultimately playing with fire. My running mate who escaped the scam had himself conceded, "As bad as it could have turned out, it'll likely go down as the most interesting that happens on this trip".

During this time creating genuine experiences with amazing new friends, the basketball mouse trap was the furthest thing from my mind. I never did get to hoop it up with a scammer, I didn't even come close to as invitations had dried up. I'm still intrigued by the prospect of holding court with a scammer but the idea served its purpose as it shifted my mood and I found the genuine experience I was searching for. I'll file it as 'Incomplete' and still hope to achieve it if I ever return to Istanbul. If someone is able to execute it on my behalf I would love to hear your story.

After a great evening capping off my time and saying my goodbyes the morning after, I had one final rude awakening. As I checked in at Atatürk International Airport the teller informed I wasn't in the system for any flights that day. I scanned my ticket, checked my phone everything seemed fine. It was then I realised that my Calendar settings were set to 2011. My Turkish friend had borrowed my phone 5 days earlier to use her SIM, I must've mistakenly applied the wrong settings when I turned it back on so the dates corresponded to the wrong days. I had been operating a day in advance this whole time, my flight was actually for tomorrow.
Everything is real until the moment it isn't.

- Scams in Istanbul: Why I trust people (1 of 3)
- Scams in Istanbul: Why people trust others (2 of 3)
- Scams in Istanbul: The reality of trusting (3 of 3)

-----------------------------------------------------------
The folks at IndieTravelPodcast have a comprehensive discussion on several possible scams travelers might encounter - Indie Travel Podcast Ep 212: Travel Scams, cons and Travel safety

Scams in Istanbul: Why people trust others (2 of 3)

VIDEO: Aladdin - Do You Trust Me?


During my weakest point in Istanbul, I would think of this famous Disney clip and amuse myself by humming 'A Whole New World'. My intent shifted from sarcasm to optimism.

--------------------------------------------

This is a cautionary tale. I myself have never been scammed in the following way. My brother was scammed in similar fashion in China (Tea Ceremony scam) and my good German friend experienced another variation in Malaysia (blackjack scam). My American running mate in Istanbul ran through the complete course taking 5hrs total. Fortunately he escaped unscathed, no Standover men forcing him to the ATM. I joke that his scammer was in a 'Jules Winnfield-like 'transitional period' and just let him go. The "Clip-joint" scam is explained below

The Single Male Scam
One of these is the "Let's Have a Drink" Scam which results in your paying a drinks bill of hundreds or even thousands of dollars or euros... While you wander around on your own in the evening, you're approached by a well-dressed man who speaks good English. He chats with you, then he suggests you have a drink together, and leads you to a bar or nightclub that's in on the scam.

VIDEO: Scam City Istanbul (National Geographic)

Below are a sample of the dozen interactions I experienced, these examples on their own shouldn't raise any red flags but do illustrate the variety of scripts. Most of these stories happen from 4pm onwards, as it approaches dark. I am dressed casually (hoodie, trackpants, no bags/camera) and all my interactions began with approaches in English, inexplicably they would say “Sorry, I thought you were Turkish“.

Just like making a sale or attracting a partner - the routine is about triggering certain human behaviours

Appearance: Young, Mobile phone in ear
Location: Sultanahmet Square, walking alongside
Story: Kurdish man on holidays from Antalya
Approach: (Phone in ear) "Excuse me which one is Haghia Sophia and which one is the Blue Mosque?"

Appearance: Older, Very well dressed
Location: Galata köprüsü (main walkbridge with Fishermen), In my path then stops suddenly to enjoy the view with me
Approach: "How far down do you think it is?"

Appearance: Young, dressed for going out
Location: Taksim Beyoğlu
Story: Visiting Istanbul from Izmir, staying at a hostel
Approach: "We are staying at x Hostel... they suggested this bar worth checking out"

Scams are a subversion of the ordinary interactions we have in daily life. Preying on our better nature, they are most effective when they address a want or a need. Scammers see these as 'vulnerabilities'. When our house is on fire, its reasonable to trust the first person we see with a uniform and hose.

When the want or a need is a "free lunch" or something sexual, its understandable why others would be unsympathetic but more often than not the wants are innocent. In the case of the Istanbul clip-joint scams, it could be a yearning for good company, seeking a local connection or just an interesting night out. A scammer is a 'Man with a plan', they target wayward travelers offering direction and directions.

I like to travel with an open mind and have found that all my best experiences in life involve me trusting in others. Most new relationships and experiences are founded on this principle, we use our value systems to balance Risk VS Reward then we make instinctual decisions. On-the-street interactions is how I arrived at many of my best experiences traveling. I didn't want to lose this aspect of my journey. This episode certainly made me more mindful and more grateful of the good fortune I'd had up to this point.

Everyday people are being scammed. Tourists are soft targets because they often stick out and are often more trusting. Looking through forums discussing Travel scams I've found people tend to break down into these types:
1) Victims - ranging from philosophical to vengeful
2) Cautious know-it-alls
3) Defensive locals

Instead of depriving myself of a great Turkish experience (which I had) because I was afraid of unwanted attention, I instead calibrated my state of mind. The more I reflect on this time, the more I realise how human the experience was. As an adventurous person by nature, I would have been perfect fodder for this scam thankfully things transpired differently. I found myself fascinated and obsessed with this stomach-turning game, it was when I read this that everything changed:

CAREFUL: SCAM in Istanbul...
... My guy was very well dressed and well spoken, when I told him I was just going to check my email and then return to my hotel because I was tired, he said he also needed to find a net-cafe and skype his family (he told me he was a business man from out of town !) and he even paid for my net use. I even got to say hello to his wife and child, so how could I suspect a lovely family guy ? Anyway, much the same as everyone else...
- BP007

Enter Basketball...


- Scams in Istanbul: Why I trust people (1 of 3)
- Scams in Istanbul: Why people trust others (2 of 3)
- Scams in Istanbul: The reality of trusting (3 of 3)

Scams in Istanbul: Why I trust people (1 of 3)

"The best adventures are when you trust somebody"
- paraphrased quote entered into a running mate's phone

The third week into my Turkey experience and I was in snow-covered Göreme. It was a foggy day. I was eavesdropping on an exchange between a Tour operator and a representative for a busload of tourists. The owner of the nearby horseranch came out and we chatted about the unreasonable expectations people have. "If you come to Turkey in winter be prepared for snow" he began. "It doesn't matter that it was sunny last week in Dubai. Today you're in Turkey". We connected, he invited me inside where it was warmer.

I hung around for about 5 hours. He commanded a staff of 6 or so of varying ages and experience. They came in and out and we talked about the usual - girls, dreams and life. One associate had been living in Japan for 2 years, it was his second day back in Turkey. He confided that he had a miserable time there but he loves his newborn son and his Japanese wife (they met when she was a tourist). He had a lot of thinking to do. We drank Raki and Efes beer, ate some kebab and smoked.

I mentioned my time in Turkey has been more scenic than social. These are the types of interactions I value and what I've enjoyed most about how I travel. Having had difficulty finding it in Turkey, I cherished this experience all the more.

Its ultimately what connects me to a place - being accepted or feeling like I belong in some way. The ranchowner described the feeling like a mirror, "we tend to like things when we can see ourselves in it" . The ranchowner commended me on my openness, the feeling was mutual. I explained that all my best experiences and adventures have come with an exchange of trust. Strangers off the street, Couchsurfers have welcomed me into their lives and homes. As a stranger I've been welcomed into classrooms and house parties and been handed house keys from people I've just met.

Times I've trusted in others and vice versa:
- CouchSurfing: I accompanied Latvians as they delivered flowers to beloved former teachers and been escorted by scooter to a wrestling show in Germany.
- Strangers met on Lithuanian streets have invited me to parasail and pick mushrooms
- Gone on road trips and slept in unfurnished apartments with new friends
- I was an honorary Student at the SpoHo in Köln. Eating at their Mensa (cafeteria), joining them on social theme park trips and participating in University classes
- Had amazing meals in Portugal through the kindness of strangers
- I surrender myself each time I Ego Trip

We tried to figure out why two strangers could be so trusting, so quickly. The Ranchowner offered "When your soul is naked, people can recognise". Its just my nature, I have faith in people and my 'Spidey Sense' has served me well.

Enter Istanbul...

- Scams in Istanbul: Why I trust people (1 of 3)
- Scams in Istanbul: Why people trust others (2 of 3)
- Scams in Istanbul: The reality of trusting (3 of 3)

Pete Holmes and The Sklar Brothers: Performing, possibly failing - That's living the dream

"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough"
- Unknown

Lebron preparing for Game 1, Hawks at Cleveland 2009

Yesterday I had an interview to return to my old job. Despite the fact I was returning to familiar territory with familiar faces, I found myself having butterflies in my stomach. I don't recall having been this tense my entire year abroad.

After playing basketball socially all over Europe my hope was to continue playing at home which I rarely did prior to my trip. As I drove to my first game with ex-workmates, I felt a nervousness I never felt when I was playing with complete strangers on the other side of the world. I guess the familiar isn't quite in my comfort zone, a fascination with anonymity perhaps?

In preparation for the Ribeira jump with the Brazilian Safados

Everyone has a different definition for what they feel is "going out on a limb". I know for me that's when I feel most alive, when its time to perform. Comedians the Sklar Brother in conversation with Pete Holmes talk about the thrill of being on stage and the optics of living the dream:

VIDEO: You made it Weird with Pete Holmes - The Sklar Brothers on living the dream

You made it Weird #31 - Sklar Brothers
SKLAR BROTHER: (78m 40s) When you think about what performing is, whatever the scenario even if you're in front of the most friendly crowd ever. Performing is you taking yourself out of your comfort zone... especially if you're trying new material and literally saying "I could fail right now".

You're doing what 99% of people never do once in their day ever. Or in there life in a year. You are saying on a nightly basis, we're gonna put ourselves up and put ideas out there to be shit on in front of our very eyes

PETE HOLMES: Live.
SKLARS: In front of you.
HOLMES: I wanna see how this happens.

SKLARS: Respond.
So you're taking yourself and literally living life to its fullest... We had to remind ourselves of that because its that scary.

HOLMES: Isn't that brilliant because living life to its fullest doesn't feel like you think it will and it takes so long to get comfortable with it. At first the greatest thing I've ever done used to make me vomit '8 Mile' style. I had to tell myself "I'm living the dream"

- Pete Holmes and Matt Besser: Travel coincidences and Counting the serendipities

- Duncan Trussell and Pete Holmes: Traveling, living the dream and remembering it

- Pete Holmes and Kyle Kinane: Being excited everyday

- Pete Holmes and The Sklar Brothers: Performing, possibly failing - That's living the dream

- A question answered with a quote: Comedy Podcasts

<< crossposted on the 'Loz in Translation' blog

Other people's stories - Tales of: living in the moment

>> crossposted on the 'LozInTranslation' blog

On my return to Germany, I had a thought-provoking stay couchurfing in Düsseldorf. My host, 'German P*' was an avid poker player and philosophy student with an impressive collection of books. Some I owned and some I'd been reading. Most interesting was the literature he had on Zen, it informed his poker play and extended to his approach to life. As I've been on a mission to have a basketball experience around Europe, I was naturally drawn to his copy of 'Sacred Hoops'. A book by basketball living legend and famed Zen master Phil Jackson, best known for coaching two of the greatest competitors and champions in Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

When in motion I prefer not to use a map. I enjoy feeling my way through, come what may. On the occasion I've had a running mate, I've found myself annoyed when they've depended heavily on GPS navigation and maps even though I know its entirely well meaning. You could say its a pet peeve. I've often wondered why it aggravated me so, this passage from Jackson's book shed some light:

I find it amusing when people ask me where I get my ideas for motivating players. The answer is: in the moment. My approach to problem-solving is the same as my approach to the game. When a problem arises, I try to read the situation as accurately as possible and respond simultaneously to whatever's happening

I realised I enjoy being in the moment, to be tested by it. I learnt several things during my stay with P*. With his perspective as a poker player and student, we had many discussions on the subject of gambling, life and the way we think (human behaviour and personal beliefs). What I came to appreciate was the importance of "living in the moment", particularly poignant as the year closes and my journey wraps up. Not only to look back and reflect but to also feel "present" in spite of the complacency and distraction that can overwhelm during eventful times.

With that I present to you this edition of Other People's Stories - Tales of: living in the moment:

VIDEO: Marc Maron talks to Norm Macdonald about his gambling problem

This podcast conversation on gambling resonated with me when I heard it months ago. I shared it with P* as I felt it was relevant to our discussion

WTF with Marc Maron Podcast: Episode 219 - Norm Macdonald
NORM MACDONALD: The only time I went to a psychiatrist was for gambling, cuz how do I get the f*ck out of this. He said "the reason you gamble is to avoid life". My thing was "Isn't that why you do anything in life? To f*cking avoid it"
MARC MARON: (agreeing) It's just too painful
MACDONALD: ...you just lose by uh, its just like any escape... When I watch a game and I've got a bunch of money on it then I can understand what's going on. There's nothing ambivalent about what's going...
MARON: (adding) and there's stakes
MACDONALD: and there's stakes. You know exactly the rules. You're completely involved. You're completely escaped from your life. The real, real fear...

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'Sacred Hoops' by Phil Jackson (1995)

I devoured this book as soon as I found it on P*'s bookshelf. He suggested 'A New Earth' (Eckhart Tolle, 2007) was more relevant to me, I felt that with my 30HomeGames mission choosing the basketball book was a no-brainer

Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior
This is a book about a vision and a dream. When I was named head coach of the Chicago Bulls in 1989, my dream was not just to win championships, but to do it in a way that wove together my two greatest passions: basketball and spiritual exploration.

On the surface this may sound like a crazy idea, but intuitively I sensed that there was a link between spirit and sport. Besides, winning at any cost didn't interest me. From my years as a member of the championship New York Knicks, I'd already learned that winning is ephemeral. Yes, victory is sweet, but it doesn't necessarily make life easier the next season or even that day. After the cheering crowds disperse and the last bottle of champagne is drained, you have to return to the battlefield and start all over again.

In basketball as in life true joy comes from being fully present in each and every moment, not just when things are going your way. Of course, it's no accident that things are more likely to go your way when you stop worrying about whether you're going to win or lose and focus your full attention on what's happening right this moment
...
Life like, basketball is messy and unpredictable. It has its way with you, no matter how hard you try to control it. The trick is to experience each moment with a clear mind and open heart. When you do that, the game – and life – will take care of itself.

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This was a winning essay P* entered into a competition commissioned by a German poker forum, It deconstructed the psychology of "tilt". When players let their emotions cloud their poker judgment, it is called going "on tilt".

In order to recognize tilt we need to be present. This is a matter of exercise and great results can be achieved long-term. The most intensive kind of exercise is meditation, which is pure presence...

A less intensive way of exercising is implementing small routines in daily life... "If you sweep the yard, sweep the yard. If you cut a carrot, cut a carrot" is a Zen saying which refers to this. Usually when we cut a carrot we are somewhere in the past or future, only when we cut our finger are we present. If we are fully present from the beginning we won`t cut our finger - you could say the same for tilt. If we are fully present we dont tilt

- Other people's stories - Tales of: Adventure
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Love
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Living the Dream
- Other people's stories - Tales of: Living in the moment

Find previous Maron podcast references here
- Marc Maron with Adam Carolla - On being sedentary
- Marc Maron with Doug Stanhope - On happiness
- Marc Maron with Norm MacDonald - On being in the moment

Balancing Basketball and Travel in Lithuania - Part II

<< crossposted on 'Loz in Translation' blog

I've met many incredible people in Lithuania, fellow travelers and hoops heads. I've always been interested in hearing and sharing stories. I believe that a man's journey can be measured by who they've met and spent time with.

Below are a collection of "storytellers" I've encountered:

John of England

links: @johnswisshobbs,

UK freelance journalist. I met him at the fans campsite in Panevezys, during my time there the many British Fans were valiantly supporting a hapless team. Upon leaving Great Britain defeated Portugal and stung Poland to salvage some pride and shake up Group A.

We bumped into each other in Vilnius and Kaunas. It was a treat picking his brain and watching him sniff out stories, busting out his trusty recorder when moments called for it.

Syra of France

links: @ladyhoop, ladyhoop.com, Syra4 - YouTube Channel

French journalist I met in my hostel in Vilnius. She is an inspiration, starting out as an independent blogger she now works for French basketball mag 'Reverse'. We shot hoops and talked about the reality of "living the dream". We coincidentally found ourselves in the same hostel in Kaunas. Apart from her passion for the game, what I'll take from her is the discipline and professionalism one needs to maintain a lifestyle of basketball and travel, negotiating the perils of converting a hobby into a job.

Tim of Holland

links: TimToTango

We started chatting on the busride from Klaipeda to coastal Nida. A charming and thoughtful guy in the opening leg of his 1 year of travel. Departing from his home in the Netherlands, he had been traveling through the Baltic states via couchSurfing and hitchhiking, it was his inspiration that made me try the latter for the first time.

We shared a lot of overlapping thoughts and it was pleasure to reunite with him in Vilnius and meet his ragtag crew of friends and new associates. I will be sure to follow his many coming adventures on his blog.

Ramon of Spain

links: Atlas of Wonders

Ramon was one of the many couchsurfers I met through Tim on a memorable night in Vilnius. We reunited a few days later as he was typically snapping the sights, he joined our assortment of newly-made friends for a coffee.

Ramon is my kind of photographer, shameless and prolific. Shooting first, asking for permission later. When I first met him, he fearlessly took a bucketload of photos of every social interaction in sight. Inexplicably his passion project is documenting the gorgeous but overlooked locations of the world.

Ieva and Dominkya of Lithuania

links: Kombajns' - YouTube Channel

Quirky, fun-loving, social and creative. These gals had just returned from a month hitchhiking, couchSurfing and camping around Europe. They have an amazing spirit and thankfully because they document their travels by Video you can live vicariously through their many adventures.

We met after dancing dubstep with them in Kankles bar in Kaunas. A few days later we hung out together with a Spaniard and Frenchman driving to the city's local gems, picking mushrooms for that evening's dinner and movie.

VIDEO: Challenge accepted ;) Eurotrip, done.

Romain of France

links: Romain-Experiment.blogspot (French)

He was a French superfan Couchsurfing with the girls, my preferred supporter having backed them from the start. We actually had a brief encounter the night previous in a nightclub as he was with the Les Bleus fans celebrating with the French stars. In the name of social etiquette, I'd promised an embargo after 3 weeks of non-stop basketball talk, I couldn't resist as he was so knowledgable of the game and had a few French connections that gave him access to the team and even tickets to Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Nil of Spain

links: CargoLTreuManya.blogspot (Catalan)

Though his nation was victorious, Nil wasn't in Lithuania for the baloncesto. Just a stop as he did a short jaunt around Europe on his motorcycle. He was being hosted by the girls after he was poached from another Lithuanian person he was couchSurfing with, they met on the street a night after I had met them.

Nil was my partner in the mushroom picking challenge. He was the MVP as we bested the girls in mushroom presentation as voted by our French critic.

- Read Balancing Basketball and Travel in Lithuania - Part I