Let me go ahead and get this out of the way right off the bat: Pat Smith once again contributed to the aesthetics of today’s post. This time in a more comprehensive manner. I’m not going to get into the details. All I know is that I’m starting to pay for the ‘one picture a day’ idea I had for this blog, especially when doing so under the watchful eye of PSmith. He, myself, and Kiel Mclaughlin were back and forth on the pool table for about three hours. While I was hoping to get a shot with the combination of all three ‘B’s’ in the picture, Pat casually snapped this gem (of yours truly).
I couldn’t not use it. Does this mean I’m cheating, having not actually taken the photo myself? Perhaps. Do I care? Can’t say I’m too hung up about it, to be honest. I can say the picture will always be taken by my own camera. That’s my word.
It’s just another reminder that you do not realize how skilled other people are until you try and step in their shoes. Granted, any legit photographer will have more than a conventional digital camera. But it goes well beyond that. What the picture above shows is the difference between my eye and Pat’s. He has the natural ability to see these sorts of shots that I will likely never have. It’s a gift. He could have the most expensive, technologically advanced gear in the world, and it would all go to waste if he didn’t have it within him to visualize shots like these.
The setting is Towson’s recently opened University Club. In recent weeks it has become hands down my favorite place in the area to unwind. Free pool tables. Flat Screen TVs. The best bacon cheeseburger on the East Coast. And loads of untapped potential. Between its recent opening, lack of press, sophisticated atmosphere, and midnight closing, students are yet to really catch on. And that’s fine by me. The more open free pool tables, the better.
Anyways.
The news came out Wednesday that the charges were dropped against the three Duke Lacrosse players accused of sexual assault a year ago. The incident, which led to the cancellation of the team’s 2006 season, was highly publicized and a number of people (myself included) assumed guilt before any legitimate evidence was found. And it never was.
A year was essentially taken from the lives of David Evans, Reade Seligmann and Collin Finnerty. And in the end Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong will likely pay for making the same mistake myself and many others made.
“This entire experience has opened my eyes up to a tragic world of injustice.”
Those were the words of Seligmann once the charges were dropped. At first glance I rolled my eyes at the thought of someone with his privileged background moaning at the injustices of his situation. Well the fact is, all three were done an unbelievable disservice. There is no denying that. But he then continued by saying he can only imagine what it must be like for someone not blessed with his resources. His ability to hire a top-notch attorney to help him avoid upwards of 30 years in prison.
He brings up a very important point. The case proved the amount of corruption that resides within our justice system. He and his two teammates were fortunate enough to have the means to represent themselves and right the wrong. Most others are not so fortunate.
Just something to think about.
