Now

Inspired by Derek Sivers, this page includes a sample of what I’m thinking about and working on right now. Last updated May 27, 2023.

It's about time I updated this page, especially since I've actually got things going on in my life these days. Our family just went to see the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art. The Black Panther costumes seemed larger than life. I love the afrofuturism aesthetic, with its blend of nature, broad tribal influences and science fiction aspirations.

Carter's amazingly intricate and well researched costume work wasn't just for Black Panther, though. She designed the wardrobes featured in Malcom X, Amistad, Do Right Thing, Dolemite is My Name and more. Perhaps my favorite part of the exhibit was at the entrance, when I beheld something I never thought I would see in a museum: the pimp costume from I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. Fishtanks in the soles of the boots and all. Now that was cool.

I recently made the 2 1/2 hour trek to IKEA with my wife to pick up supplies to build a desk for my sons, who share a room. I'm fashioning something that will resemble these home offices, featuring a desk big enough for two made from IKEA ALEX drawer sets and a KARLBY countertop, with CAPITA legs as risers.

My oldest son has been on a rigorous fitness regimen and has lost a bunch of weight. He's putting me to shame. Now that I have some stamina back, I'm trying to get back into some kind of routine with regard to exercise. When I don't have a routine, I notice my energy is lower overall and it's hard for me to do anything too strenuous. So I'm trying to ride my exercise bike every day and maybe even get a new cruiser skateboard to get around the mean sidewalks of NC State Centennial Campus.

I wish I had more to say about the plethora of movies and TV shows that are available, but my lady friend and I have spent the last few months just trying to get through Apple TV's Shantaram, which wasn't picked up for a second season. It's tough knowing the show is probably going to leave things unresolved in preparation for a follow-up season that will never happen. Similarly, I'm at a glacial pace with my book reading, because my Matter queue is always stocked with articles I've picked up somewhere online. At least I'm making good use of my subscription to The Atlantic and blogging about the things that really pique my interest.

I'm going to be decreasing my social media usage in the platforms where I'm still somewhat engaged, so if you would like to follow my writing and keep in touch, please consider signing up for the newsletter or the RSS feed for Canned Dragons.

Thanks as always for checking out my blog.

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