the rolls: mountain majesties, desert desserts

on November 16, 2020December 15, 2020 By chasertheprince

edmond’s got to grow

on September 15, 2020September 15, 2020 By chasertheprince

As the formerly self-proclaimed prince of Edmond, it’s well past time that I turn my focus from the comforts of living in suburbia to and begin to understand the extreme ~lack~ of those same comforts to citizens of said suburb who happen to have differing skin tones, nationalities, and socioeconomic realities.

I’m not quite the type to renounce my self-appointed title, so instead I’m going to use it, coupled with my white privilege, to shed some light on a very real problem and, hopefully, start to effect some change.

And like, to be quite honest, I don’t want to be the prince of this version of Edmond–the unfortunately very real version of Edmond.

The version where the umpteen college degrees aren’t enough to enlighten this population to the simple fact that other people matter.

It’s such a simple concept and yet, here we are.

The version where Black Edmondite, Isaiah Lewis, was murdered by an officer of the Edmond Police Department.

There is no body cam footage of the event.

DA Prater said in his findings that Officer Scherman “was acting pursuant to Oklahoma when he shot Isaiah Lewis to defend himself and Sgt. Milo Box.”

I’ll back up a second and offer this – I went to college with Mr. Scherman. I never found him to be an unpleasant person, in fact, he was pretty chill. I wouldn’t even call him a bad apple, but joining a police force that

allows

the murder of the citizens that same police force swears to “serve and protect” perhaps created an environment where he, a ‘good apple’, could spoil.

I used to joke that the $36 Million Edmond Police Department was truly our particular brand of police brutality but the truth of the matter, is, unfortunately, like everywhere else in the country, police brutality is our particular brand of police brutality.

Personally, I will never again vote for additional resources to be allocated to the police department.

I am 100% in favor of defunding the militaristic police forces at work in Edmond and the reallocation of those funds to policies, procedures, and persons actually trained in dealing with those with mental health issues, the homeless, the domestic abuse cases, the domestic disturbance cases, and many other day to day events which turn violent because of the presence of heavily armed police officers whose training for deescalating a situation pails in comparison to most customer service rep training.

We are seeing an interesting phenomenon right now across the country: a continuation and escalation of police brutality against the citizens those police officers swear to serve and protect, while those citizens are protesting the EXTREME and oftentimes senseless BRUTALITY perpetrated by police against, I’ll say it again, the citizens they swear to “serve and protect”.

Couple this with a dramatic and months-long refusal to enforce a mandatory mask policy during a pandemic in which 170,000+ Americans have died.

So, what? Why bring this up?

We have a duty to elect people in every position – municipally, county-wide, state-level, and national representatives who are committed to changing the way our communities are policed.

We also have a duty to elect officials who believe in science and do not bow to those believing whole-heartedly the solutions to all of today’s problems lie in the pages of a *v selectively* assembled collection of incredulously misinterpreted messages from random men with ~power complexes~ claiming to be from God which they refer to as the bible.

We have a duty to hold our elected officials accountable for the failures of the system and their failures to recognize the corruption in the system.

In Edmond particularly, I am calling on the reasonable to educate those less so. And to VOTE! Vote all the way down to the local level.

Make your voice heard, starting from your local greviences. City councilmen & women are surprisingly accessible and our first line of politicians close enough to us to listen. This link will take you to a Google Doc full of contact information for all of Edmond’s major politicians and city departments. Make your voice heard.

Get your parents, the doctors daddies, the lawgivers mommies, the judges, the business executives to advocate for change within the system. Urge your parents to listen without feeling attacked, to rise above their internalized prejudices and recognize them when they slip. Get them to intentionally hire people of color; get them to offer internships, externships, shadowing, etc. to people of color. Get them to challenge the systems that allowed them to prosper while keeping others from the same social mobility. Get them to ensure that the companies they own or work for are not perpetuating policies introduced out of bias: acceptance of natural hair and traditional dress, acceptance of vernacular English, observance of cultural customs, holidays, and traditions, etc.

On a personal level, lift up your friends of color. Become the networking lightening rod for the companies you know need talent and the talent that needs representation.

I’m calling on the reasonable to normalize being “wrong” and learning from it. We’re all growing, learning, and shedding biases we didn’t realize we had–and for some of us, those we actually 100% knew we had but have come to a new conclusion because they were given evidence in a manner which broke through to us.

Every day and every interaction is an opportunity to practice empathy for humanity and LEARN about the other people who occupy the planet with you, Don’t let those opportunities go to waste.

Change will only occur if we are intentional.

And, while I’m up here on this soapbox, I will say this:

‪If you support Donald, and intend to re-elect him, know that in NO UNCERTAIN TERMS THAT You are actively engaging in perpetuating lies to the American people, you are complacent in the destruction of the American Representative Republic & the Constitution of the United States of America. ‬

In my heart of heart, I hope most people understand the ridiculosity and danger donald represents, but I think truthfully too large a percentage of the population – including many that I know and am related to – are too ready to get down on their knees, suck whatever bullshit comes out of donald, and swallow it into their belief system.

If you are one of those people, read a fucking history book. Seek out two additional news sources with which to check what you hear on Fox News, and also grow some respect for humanity.

All of this to say, Edmond can’t tout that it’s a “Great Place to Grow” until it truly is a great place to grow for every single citizen & passerby of every class, creed, color, gender, orientation, hair color, eye color, etc.

-chasertheprince

**note: i do not own any of the above images and found all information online through multiple sources, all of which are hyperlinked in the article.***

Two Days in PARK CITY

on October 29, 2019October 28, 2019 By chasertheprince

Okay people, we’re about to talk about one of my favorite places on the planet–a tiny mountain enclave of rustic luxury tucked just 2,774 feet above and to the east of Salt Lake City.

I’ve skied here a few times in middle and high school, but kept coming back for the CULTURE and the VIEWS and my COUSIN who, it just so happens, moved there a few years ago.

I’ve been there 4 times this year you guys. A minor obsession maybe? IDK I mean look how pretty though!!!

Anyway, below is a short list of my fave things to experience/do/see/instagram in Park City.

(duh) MAIN STREET PARK CITY:

Main Street is the old hub of this picturesque town, with shopping and restaurants galore, not to mention some hotels, trails, coffee shops, art galleries, fur traders, *free clean public restrooms*, I mean you name it and if it seems a little mountainy, a lot Western, and casually luxe, it’s probably here.

Atticus–The best coffee shop / book store / stop at the bottom of Main Street. Whimsical and fresh, Atticus has fun gifts, gr8 coffee (and matcha!), chill vibes, and I think they’ve already worked through the 7 years of bad luck for opening that umbrella indoors so that’s a plus.

Egyptian Theater–Hit up the Egyptian on Main for a show during your stay–comedians, musical acts, plays, musicals, movie screenings and more!

Banksy attacks Park City: The infamous Banksy made his mark on Park City thrice, though only two of those graffiti graphics are on display in the alleys they were born in. The third is actually on a former stage storage door for the Egyptian, but has been moved for safe keeping bc vandals are trying to destroy the vandalism!!! What monsters, tbh.

Daly Hike–So if you just keep walking up Main Street past like Grappa and stuff and just keep on trucking, you’ll eventually end up on a street called Daly. If you take that up some more, you run into this trailhead for this fun lil trail that takes you past some abandoned mine buildings and houses and stuff and then spits you out at the top for some pretty okay views.

Check out this site for other hiking with prettier views but less spooky cabins so idk take your pick i guess.

SUNDANCE RESORT:

So it’s pretty much non-stop-views from every angle in Park City HOWEVER, you simply must head to Robert Redford’s place of respite near the sky, Sundance Mountain Resort.

It’s insanely beautiful, incredibly rustic, immensely instagrammable (r.e. this gorgeous fuqqin babbling ass brook I saw in real life), AND only 40ish minutes from Main Street.

You can walk the grounds, hike the trails, chill out by the fire pit, go on a full moon ski lift ride, AND check out the famous Owl Bar. It opens at 4 and not a minute earlier, and ALL photography is banned.

I know this first hand because i was ACCOSTED by a waitress for taking this shot of my cousin when we went there for her birthday last January. Turned out to be a dope pic though, so you know.

They also have all kinds of seasonal activities going on for the whole family. They had this haunted playhouse area that led to the lifts for a Halloween-themed haunted lift ride. We didn’t go up (heights, as well as a world with no mirrors, are my biggest fear). But I did make my dad conquer one of his biggest fears (clowns) and take a photo next to one of the bizarre statues.

Check out the restaurants and the lodging here if you’re trying to truly immerse yourself in all that Sundance has to offer.

Mr. Redford says of his mountain top escape: “Sundance is an arts community, a recreational community, a community of people who appreciate the beauty of nature and feel the responsibility to preserve it.”

And let me tell you something, I am all about that shit.

OLYMPIC VILLAGE:

In case you’ve forgotten, Utah hosted the only profitable Olympic games in recent history (Mitt Romney’s main claim to fame). Many of the events were held in and around Park City, leaving a great amount equipment behind and available for non-Olympiads to give it their all.

There’s an Winter Sports Center with a lil museum and gift shop, a bobsled ride, a Nordic Jump for tubing, Discovery Zone for youngins, a place to watch professional skiers practice, and a zip line! All of these are seasonal, so make sure to double check that what you want to do is open!

SKIER?

Of course if you visit during ski season, you simply must take at least one spin on one slope! In addition to the aforementioned Sundance Mountain Resort, here are the other Park City options:

Park City Mountain: I’ve never skied this mountain but i think there is night skiing and that would be dope–definitely on my list for when I’m in a skiing mood.

Deer Valley I have skied this one in the past, and though it’s been a minute I do remember it was fun and pretty and the lodge had pizza that was good, so do what you will with all that info.

YOU HUNGRY?

Maxwell’s pizza– It’s been voted the best pizza in Park City several years in a row and let me tell you something, I know why. It’s good.

Squatters Roadhouse Grill– Gr8 breakfast and drinks!

Washatch Brew Pub– A legit brewery so they’ve got all kinds of exciting beers (bonus points if you try the jalapeno one–it’s v good) and great burgers, sandwiches, etc.

Grappa– For something a little fancy and a lot italian, try this beaut at nearly the top of Main St.

JavaCow– Seriously good ice cream, people!

Stoked Roasters + Coffeehouse– Cool coffee shop, great coffee. During Sundance Festival I was stationed there for a panel event and saw Ava Duvernay, Octavia Spencer, Sandra Oh and others speak (so that was cool).

AND LITERALLY SO MANY MORE ALL THE WAY UP & DOWN MAIN STREET, IN THE KIMBALL JUNCTION/PARK CITY AREA, AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.

YOU TIRED?

Anyway, I think you may get the picture by now that I definitely recommend Park City as the next adventure for legit anyone. Bring an appreciation for the beauty of nature, a rustic-chic wardrobe, a couple pairs of cool sunglasses, and a spirit of adventure and you’ll get everything and MORE out of this gorgeous mountain town–and that’s a promise.

-chasertheprince

***Note–I own some of the images above but definitely not all of them and I’m okay with that***

what to binge 2019

on June 17, 2019June 19, 2019 By chasertheprince 1 Comment

OK PEOPLE

A WHOLE NEW CROP OF SHOWS EXIST AND I. AM. LIVING. But Sunday May 12th I did die a little because VEEP came to an end. The 7th season reminded viewers that it was nothing short of one of the most fucking hilarious shows ever conceived.

Take a look at what I’ve binged / am currently binging and let me know what your show-of-the-moment is!

–VEEP (HBO GO)- It’s the end of an era, people. To be completely open, honest, and candid: I’m not sure I got the ending I wanted. It made sense I guess but it really left me questioning like, everything.

–Lunatics (Netflix) Chris Lilley is back and funny as fucking ever. His career is serious goals because he created it, wrote it, directed it, composed the theme music for it AND stars in it and he plays all of these funny ass endearing characters. I laughed and cried with Becky, Joyce, and Jana. I eerily identified with Quentin Cook (minus the attitude, the big ass, and I’m actually a good singer). I did have to fast forward through Gavin’s portions of the show, though.

–Special (netflix)- Listen, I love it. The episodes are 15 minutes long making it insanely easy to binge, and truly, it’s a good show. I really actually didn’t hate a single character except maybe the mom’s boyfriend.

–Now Apocalypse (Starz)- It’s bizarre. It’s very sexual. It’s kind of amazing? Definitely a must watch purely for the wtfs that will be flowing from your mouth at every crazy sexy plot twist.

–Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix)- I am d e v e s t a t e d by the cancellation of Santa Clarita Diet because it was so fucking light hearted and funny and I have a thing for Drew Berrymore even though she’s sort of terrible but her hair is a goal of mine. Hopefully Netflix changes its mind because hello at least 65% of their original shows are not even close to good.

-Barry (HBO) I really only started watching Barry because it came on right before Veep and right after Game of Thrones but I actually got into it quite a bit.

-Dead to Me (Netflix) – Binged in two nights, a definite must watch. It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s vulgar, as one tweet i saw described it: it’s about rich white people destroying each other’s lives by the beach,–it’s everything I love.

-Game of Thrones (HBO) – The final season of the biggest show on television, people! But I will say–the writing is a lil lazy? Not as dramatic as I expected? Not as…idk…convoluted as i expected? barely any nudity??

What / If (Netflix) – I love a good Renee Zellweger piece so i may be a touch biased but i was pretty into this show. Definitely different than I thought it would be and not funny really at all but kind of in the sense that it pretty much seemed like a more polished daytime soap opera most of the time.

I’m Sorry (Netflix) – Obsessed. Typically, shows that air on cable aren’t my total favorite because the vulgarity isn’t up to the level I normally love but I’m Sorry gets it done. I love Andrea Savage as Veep’s president Laura Montez and she just kills as a character loosely based on her real-life persona and Tom Everett Scott as Mike is a perfect foil.

The Other Two (Comedy Central) – Their little brother is famous and they exist. I love it. Is this how literally everyone in my family feels like all the time? 😝

Overthinking With Kat and June (Youtube) – I don’t watch much on YouTube but I tuned into this and I actually really liked it. It’s an easy watch, lighthearted and funny and I love a pretty ginger. AND I FuCkInG LOVED June’s dinosaur outfit are you KIDDING.

Out Of Practice (Prime)- A very ’05 sitcom about a family of doctors just like doing their thing. A typical divorce and lesbian sister and those elements. AND canned laughter. But it’s interesting to see Ty Burrell before becoming Phil Dunphy.

Chernobyl (HBO) – It’s intense. And intensely slow? It’s interesting to learn about (albeit through the lense of artistic liberties) such a crazy event in the history of the world. Like a whole area that’s just like nope, not a chance. So crazy.

Sideswiped (YouTube) – Kind of into it. They introduce each new character with a dating profile so that’s kind of cool. Easy binge, funny, solid show, you know. And they used the real price of a Trenta Iced Coffee from Starbucks so that’s dope.

Blackish (Hulu) – I think it’s hilarious. I love the characters, I love Tracee Ellis Ross, the kids are funny, I’m into it.

Succession (HBO) – I love a good wealthy family drama so it’s not shocking atall that I would like Succession. Each character is dynamic and well developed and they keep the semi been-there-done-that storyline Season two starts in August.

Grace and Frankie (Netflix) – New season alert, bitches. Hilarious as always–if I live that long I hope I have a dope beach house and friends.

Champaign Ill (YouTube) – I got sucked into a vacuum of YouTube originals one day and I really enjoyed Champaign Ill — it was funny and chill and lighthearted.

Black Mirror (Netflix) – Okay I’m not really a Black Mirror fan BUT Miley is in an episode of the newest season so I tuned in for her. I liked it! Weird but good. I ended up watching from that episode to the end of the season and you know, I was less creeped out than I thought I would be for sure.

Big Little Lies (HBO) – SeAsOn tWo MoTHa FUqQEr!! currently airing, it’s good. Meryl screamed! Laura Dern’s character may become likeable?! Big things are happening in the Otter Bay community.

Russian Doll (HBO) – A strangely addictive show–I went through an interesting roller coaster of really enjoying it and then also kind of cringing? You have to be a Natasha Lyonne fan because the whole show revolves around her and her three syllable pronunciation of “cock-a-roach”. The bathroom door in the first episode though is very dope.

The Newsroom (HBO) – I’m currently grappling with how I really feel about this show. Admittedly, I hated the first episode and that kept me at bay for a while but i decided to give it a whirl starting with episode 2 and it seems to have helped. I like the pace of the dialogue but I don’t know that I love the humor? And the concept of it being a fictional tv show about a fictional newsroom reporting factual, real-world news is very interesting.

House Of Cards (HBO) – Two words: Robin. Wright. I will admit that the season had a different pace, a different feel with the absence of Spacey. She does well to fill the vacuum and then some, but it was a weird feeling as a viewer to have watched this woman rise from running a charity like a Fortune 500 small cap huge corporation to the highest office in the land. Listen though, she wears that power well.

Chasing Happiness (Prime) – This. is. hilarious. All the drama of a boy band mixes with the brother aspect mixes with struggles with religion mixes with why did they live in texas and new jersey and like pennsylvania or something mixes with finally, the story of how the Jonas Brothers died the first time.

Guava Island (Prime) – Loved the music; loved the vibe; love every opportunity I get to stare at Rihanna for any given amount of time; it’s a solid watch. I was kind of surprised when it was over because I was like wow so short.

So that’s the newest batch of shit i’m watching!!!! I hope that this list will alleviate some of the ‘oh shit what is there to watch on literally any platform’ thoughts that will be plaguing you when you sit down to chill.

Enjoy!

-chasertheprince

***i do not own any of the above images***