Evidently so. Oh well, hello all. Not sure how many of you guys are new and how many are old-timers. For the new-comers, I'm Ta-Nehisi (that's pronounced Tah-Nah-Hah-See). I'm a 32-year old father of a bright-eyed, big-headed boy. Me and his mother have been together for ten years. Indeed, in October, we'll be throwing a huge tenth anniversary "Living In Sin" party to celebrate the accomplishment. I'll be writing more on the whole marriage thing, but for those who can't wait, dig this essay.
But I digress. I came up as
I've written for the
A little more on me. I think Emmit Smith is the fourth greatest running back in history--after Jim Brown, Walter Payton, and probably Eric Dickerson. I think Breaking All The Rules is an underrated romantic comedy. I think Boomerang is Eddie Murphey's best movie. I think Yusef Komunyakaa is a great poet. I think the creation of the Wu-Tang Clan, the release of Illmatic and Illadelph Halflife hold untold significance for the history of American literature. Give it some time. You'll see. I think noncustodial fathers should get the EITC. I think the Justice League cartoon was great And I think Black History Month should probably be abolished--when McNasty's starts serving free chicken for BHM, it's probably time to go.
So that's all, that's me, the definitive summary. My only rule, really, is simple--don't be a jerk to people you disagree with. I'll try to do my part to keep things at once civil and unrestrained. I know you guys will do the same.
The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood 
For genius commentary on the D&D lifestyle, search for "Fear of Girls" on YouTube. The original is classic, but the sequel is pretty awesome, too.
Welcome!
I'm excited. I hope you're ready for the inevitable wave of criticism, often really nasty -- that new blogs on established sites almost always face. Just remember, people hate hate HATED Tyler Cowen's style when he first started blogging.
It appears no switching of RSS feeds will be necessary. That is awesome.
Welcome to the bigs, Ta-Nehisi! And Justice League was dope!
Great to see you here.
Barry Sanders doesn't crack your top four?!
If some big shaggy manlike animal tips over your trashcans tonight don't be alarmed. It's just Steve Sailer looking for your old college essays or some such...
Hey TC,
Congrats bro. I'm also pleased I didn't have to switch up my RSS feed (taking pleasure in small blessings). I've been reading you for a while, but...no Barry Sanders? How could you? Oh, and you should probably add Reasonable Doubt to that list. Like nowish.
Boomerang?!
So far, so good. I'm looking forward to reading you everyday now. I've noticed over the past couple of weeks that most of the blogs I have saved on my feed list link to you quite frequently, so I figured why not cut out the middle men. Welcome to my feed list!
Also, I must agree about Boomerang, except I have it tied with Trading Places (even if his performance is on the coonish side). How funny was Eartha Kitt in Boomerang?
Welcome!
http://xkcd.com/393/
oh Gary Gygax, why did you have to leave us?
Okay, we get it. You're a 'Boys fan. And I hate to be the one to resurrect the tired Emmitt vs. Barry debate, but damn homie. Barry isn't in your top FOUR? That's some really stringent score-keeping you're doing there.
I'll take a different tact
Oh, in some respects you seem to be doing just fine already. Welcome!
Illmatic is a great record, very poetic! The American version of Zola!
Congratulations on the new gig. We can disagree nicely on almost everything, but I can not be civil when it comes to ranking Barry Sanders behind Emmitt Smith. Please, please, please don't give me the tired arguments about red zone/goal line abilities or Barry's high standard deviation (lots of negative rushes and long gain). Do we need to go through the list of QBs Barry played with or the ridiculous run and shoot offense he had for 2/3 of his career? Uggh. He had the second highest average rushing yards per game (behing Brown - Emiitt is 17th) and averaged 5.0 per rush for his career (Emmitt - 4.2)! And, of course, except for Gale Sayers, no one has ever run with his amazing, beautiful style.
OK, I'm through ranting. Really, good luck.
Welcome aboard! Mind your steps, some of the trolls here are advanced by about 5HD, and have fire resistance of at least 10. Looking forward to reading much more from you!
I think you should enlarge your scope and include some "football"(Don't call it soccer)! You should root for Arsenal (Best Team in the World). Check it out and you will love it.
well, obviously i've been beaten to the punch, but let me add in: eric dickerson and emmit smith above barry sanders? no way....
i actually do share your regard for smith, though, and he is my number four (on the grounds that sayers didn't have a long enough career to rank at the very top, but if he only had...).
If you would throw in a few typos every post it will help people adjust. "Tact/tack" is probably not enough.
Barry Sanders was crap, though, so you've got that going for you.
One of the things I've liked about your blog is the pace of your posting. As much as I like Andrew and Matt, they post to often for my tastes. I hope you don't feel pressured to "keep up" with their paces. I can't wait to see how the new audience greets your insight.
Did you read Junot Diaz's book "The Wonderful life of Oscar Dao"? I think you have a lot in common with the main character.Well, at least your childhood.
And he is a cat that would appreciate Illmatic as well.
How could not mention any of Tribes albums?
And Boomerang over Coming to America. Sacrilege!
Not Boomerang. Bowfinger!
just wanted to thank you for keeping the RSS feed the same, I was afraid I would miss your first posts!
Also, I just read the washington monthly piece on being a black father, and the times piece on being a 30 year old gamer. They were both really freaking good, I'm going to have to track your book down!
TC and GWood:
Come on now -- Trading Places. No Trading Places, no Chris Rock or Dave Chapelle. So many quotes...
I've seen your posts elsewhere via links and looking forward to reading you more often here. But I just have to say, "Me and his mother"?
My children grew up with me saying WHO? WHO? repeatedly to that kind of subject until they changed it to the equivalent of "His mother and I". I came by it naturally, because my mother did the same thing.
So welcome to The Atlantic!
I too am thrilled to see you in this new forum. Your work deserves the wider readership, and this is by far the best move The Atlantic has made in a long time. Some of us who do youth work, in hopes of discovering the next you, were beginning to feel quietly disheartened by the lack of representation. We'll be with you every day. Major plaudits on this wonderful achievement.
I love your essay for the Washington Monthly. I look forward to reading more of your posts and articles.
Robotech! Again, I am glad I stumbled upon your work. How can we forget the inter-racial romance between Roy Foker and Claudia?
Half-life was great but let's not forget the old PC, Commodore 64 (and Amiga) classics like system shock, fallout and leisure suit larry.
And I know I wasn't the only brother playing 1 hex turn based strategy games like the Steel Panthers series.
Again, we nerds who happen to be colored need to write our own history--my next book project, i hope.
Chauncey DeVega
We are Respectable Negroes
i started out reading sullivan on here, but got to like some of the other bloggers as well, including yglesias (although i'm not really a liberal). i've gotten to like your blog a bit better, though, so it's nice to see you on here. i definitely enjoy reading your perspective on the things you write about, because i think you have a very common-sense approach that a lot of people on these internets cannot maintain. i hope you'll try to broach more subjects - although the range of things yglesias is interested in is tough to match - while avoiding the pitfall of talking when you have absolutely nothing to say (as matt sometimes did).
also... romantic comedies? wtf man. you get a pass only cause you like football and have fathered progeny... ;-)
McArdle. Not McCardle. Just sayin.
And it's a "different tack". Not a "different tact". Just sayin. :-)
i'll look forward to your ever erudite postings on all things Coatesian.
Now for the nerd commentariat, how about some sports nerditry? Surely the travails of West Indian cricket (dwelling lovingly on the greatest athlete to walk the Earth, Sir Garfield Sobers--he would've given even the esteemed Emmitt a run) over the past 20 years would be a topic of sufficient obscurity?
Or perhaps the role of Kevin Saunderson, Derrick May, Juan Atkins and the rest of the Detroit crowd on the electronic dance music of today (and how nobody seems to know that it is not of, by and for Europeans?)
Congrats! And thanks for enlightening me regarding the origin of Malika.
Whoa. I feel like I came early to the party, got to chat with the hosts while sampling all the party snacks. And now 9:00 has hit and there's no room to walk anywhere and the music is LOUD.
It's all good though. :-) Congrats again Ta-Nehisi. I'll just have to remember to post early from now on.
Piling on here, but how can you leave Barry Sanders out of the top four running backs? If memory serves, Sanders's father was a huge Jim Brown fan, and was slow to acknowledge his son's place in the pantheon, but even he came around eventually. Sanders was spectacular, and a classy player to boot.
Great to see you at the Atlantic! I started reading you after your appearance on the Brian Lehrer Show(WNYC represent!) back in June, and you have quickly become one of my favorites.
Welcome! As a regular Matt reader, I have to say I have really liked your posts, atleast the ones that I see here. Hope to see lots more good stuff.
Congratulations on the new gig. I am wondering if The Atlantic has a copy editor roaming its virtual halls. This is coming from not a place of criticism, but of writerly love. A second pair of eyes before hitting "publish" is always a wonderful thing.
Others have said it, but I'll chime in - Barry Sanders is/was better than Emmit Smith.
Now - because Sanders checked out early, you could say that, because of the extra years, Smith WON OUT for being higher ranked, in historical terms.
But he clearly was NOT a better back. Sanders always had a suck-a** offensive line, while Smith had the high-spending Cowboys. Sanders was on his own, and he STILL produced better, per season, per rush.
Of course, barring injury, LaDanian is going to be joining the top five, within the next 5 years - but can he stay healthy?
Manual of the Planes? Impressive! Did you ever try to draw maps based on those techniques outlined in the Dungeoneers Guide? Never mind. . . Hail and well-met, my esteemed fellow nerd!
Welcome, Ta-Nahisi. I've enjoyed your stuff that I've read. Matt got too many things just plain wrong for my taste. So I'm glad you've taken his place.
NOW. Regarding Emmitt Smith vs. Barry Sanders. Sanders was such a bad pass blocker, the Lions had to take him out on obvious passing downs. Their biggest star was no use to them when they were forced to throw the ball. Emmitt Smith, on the other hand, was an excellent pass blocker.
Also, the Cowboys of the '90's could and did win without Troy Aikman. They could not, and did not, win without Emmitt Smith. In 1993, when he held out for a better contract, they went from defending champions to 0-2. Despite their offensive line. Despite Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin. Despite a defense that was no. 1 in the league the previous year. Whenever he missed a game, they lost.
well, obviously i've been beaten to the punch, but let me add in: eric dickerson and emmit smith above barry sanders? no way....
i actually do share your regard for smith, though, and he is my number four (on the grounds that sayers didn't have a long enough career to rank at the very top, but if he only had...).
Boomerang- agreed. Wu-Tang - agreed. No Barry in the top 4? That's a pretty serious snub...
Welcome to the varsity squad Ta-Nehisi.
Only Jim Brown is ahead of Barry Sanders
"I think the creation of the Wu-Tang Clan, the release of Illmatic and Illadelph Halflife hold untold significance for the history of American literature."
Ta-Nahesi,
Could you explicate this, for us uninitiated, and perhaps give some examples of these hip-hop lyrics you feel will have such an impact on American literature? Thanks.
Also, what is the origin, etymology of your first name?
You lost me at: "I think Boomerang is Eddie Murphey's best movie."
Wow. I'm shocked at all the Barry Sanders love out there. Now, it may be because I'm a Gator, but Emmitt was clearly the superior running back. Sanders was exciting between the 20s, but Emmitt won. He moved the chains and scored touchdowns and did those things required to win football games. Sanders scored 109 rushing and receiving TDs in his career. Emmitt had 147 TDs in the same time period. I know everyone says Barry had nobody around him. I'm a Marino fan and I'll bet you can't name a single RB Marino ever played with. Still, the Dolphins made the playoffs every year. Marino won games single-handedly. Sanders was never that guy. His Lions won only one playoff game.
I'll second the idea that Gale Sayers was one of the greatest ever. Didn't he score 6 TDs in a playoff game at Wrigley Field? Also I've heard that he was the best "mudder" ever. Defenses prayed for sunshine on days they were to play the Bears.
Also, I would throw Marshall Faulk, Bo Jackson, and maybe the Juice into the discussion as well. I guess it always boils down to what is meant by Greatest. Is it pure talent or best career?
Welcome. I also have run across your writings through links on various sites and was thrilled when I heard you were coming here. Now, let me add my petty complaint concerning "me and his mother" After a childhood spent with an English teacher for a mother, I assure you, nothing grates like someone using the objective case when it should be the nominative. That said, good gracious, I'm really looking forward to your observations.
Two Words: Gale Sayers
Two more words: Keith Elias.
Mind if I keep your summary and refrence it while looking for the perfect guy? Anyone who can mention Gary Gygax and Wu Tang Clan in the same post is my ideal mate.
Kisha,
Why not just go for Ta-Nahesi himself? It's not like he's married or anything.
I've been reading your blog since about May, and you are one of the best. Keep blogging, keep telling us what you think, and never censor yourself.
It's wonderful that you're going to be reaching a bigger audience. Your blog is teh awesome.
And two more words: David Hargrave.
I was really impressed with your writing when you filled in here for Matt, Ta-Nehisi. I'm glad you're on board.
Congrats. Your name looks gorgeous in the typeface on the top. Can't wait to settle in with you and the Atlantic regularly.
Amy
Hey, good to post my congrats alongside Amy's. Everything looks great, now if you could just change that Buy the Book to an indie--Powell's? Be well, T.
Emmit higher than Barry? Is it the negative yardage? Anyways, welcome aboard!
Welcome to the Atlantic, Ta-Nehisi! It's good to see some diversity up in here finally.
However, since I'm going to be one of your most loyal readers, I'm gonna start taking issue with your statements right now:
How on Earth are you gonna say that anyone besides Jim Brown was better than Barry Sanders? Emmitt Smith ran behind the best line in NFL history. Sanders ran behind 3 hobos, a stiff and Lomas Brown. And Sanders still owned him.
Boomerang is great, but I'll take the Nutty Professor.
Love those albums, you're totally right about their impact. I would add Aquemini to the list, but of course I'm biased.
Again, welcome, look forward to reading and debating your take on the issues this election year.
Welcome to the Atlantic. BTW, Gale Sayers was a better running back than Eric Dickerson.
"Emmitt Smith ran behind the best line in NFL history."
Dickerson ran behind a great line too. If memory serves, at one point there were three pro bowlers on the Rams offensive line.
Never saw Gale Sayers, but he must be ahead of Emmitt. I would put OJ, Barry, Earl Campbell, Marshall Faulk and even Tony Dorsett ahead of Emmitt. (LDT - there is only one LT and he played for the Giants - is also coming on strong.)
What amazed me about the listing is that you seem confident that Emmitt is the fourth best back without being confident about who the top three are. So a list of Brown-Payton-Dickerson-Smith is okay, and a list of Brown-Payton-Sanders-Smith is okay, but the Brown-Payton-Sanders-Dickerson-Smith is off-target?
Welcome!
Eric Dickerson had a pretty high fumble rate, and not in the era of slow whistles, and more fumbles being allowed by ground contact. Fumble rate has also caused me to re-evaluate my favorite rb of all time, Payton. Nothing a rb can do will hurt his team more than fumbling, and this tends to be a much neglected aspect to evaluating running back play. Conversely, one of the reasons why Curtis Martin is underrated is that people don't understand how valuable it is to have a productive back who hardly ever fumbles.
With regard to the Emmett Smith/Barry Sanders argument, comes down to what you mean by "greatest".
There is no doubt, that Emmett had a greater career. The all-time stats, the wins, the Superbowl rings, the longevity, bear this out.
But Barry Sanders was a better runner. Of this, there is also no doubt.
We use "greatest ever" to refer to BOTH qualities - but often these are separate.
Same thing with quarterbacks. At this point, Brett Favre has the greatest career ever. Both in stats, wins, MVP's and superbowl rings.
But Dan Marino is still a better quarterback. Though all his records are passed.
And Joe Montana is the best playoff quarterback.
I will read this blog.
But I will not enjoy it until you admit Barry Sanders was one of the top four running backs of all time.
JC, if you want to get into that, Walter Payton was the greatest FOOTBALL PLAYER of these. He could catch, pass, run, block, and owns the title of greatest all-time pranksters as well.