Laser Eye Surgery One of the Best Things That's Ever Happened to Me

Kobe Bryant outscored the Mavericks 62-61 after three quarters, notching a new career high. He also set a franchise record of points scored in one period with 32. The Lakers won 112-90.

I had laser eye surgery today. I had been planning it since last August when I went in to a Westwood office for a free consultation.

I can see clearly without my glasses now. I haven't been able to see like this since my freshman year in high school.

The surgery itself was quite unnerving. I was laying down face-up, with clamps to keep my eyes open (one at a time). The doctor dropped maybe eight or nine drops of anesthesia into my eye. Then I stared into a blinking red light and heard a whirring noise, which was a programmed mechanical device that sliced a flap in my cornea. Then I was blind, for about three seconds (my vision was pitch black). After that, I was able to see a blurry red light as a laser beamed across my eye (and I heard a digital female voice saying, "thirty-five percent complete, one minute remaining)."

It was like something out of a science-fiction movie.

Afterwards, I sat up and the medical assistants put transparent eye-shields on my eyes, and sunglasses over them.

A few minutes later I noticed my vision was drastically more clear than before.

I'm not allowed to exercise or get my eyes wet for the next two weeks. I'll have to maintain a strict diet.

Study Shows Running Has Tranquilizing Effect on Brain

Mike Palmquist, a Professor of English at Colorado State University, says he started running when he was in fourth grade. He says he'd run around his school for fun and found he enjoyed it.

I was the only test subject. But after doing some reading on the topic, I believe it's safe to say running does have some sort of tranquilizing effect on a man's brain.

Starting last Sunday, I ran three to five miles every other day (i.e. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).

I noticed after I'd run (usually at 24 Hour Fitness), and take a shower, I'd be in a better mood. I'd feel more introspective. I'd be more careful with my words. And I'd feel reinvigorated.

It's like a drug.

Running has been a regular part of my life since I was thirteen years old. In order to lose weight (I was chubby for a few years), I started running laps at Cerritos Elementary (where I went to school).

I also ran in high school to stay in shape, and did a two-week stint of cross country my senior year (joined late).

I only ran occasionally in college and pretty much stopped when I was teaching high school (and subsequently gained about sixteen pounds).

I began running again on a consistent basis (a few times per week) about thirteen months ago (in conjunction with my signing up for a membership at the gym). Since then, I've slimmed down to about 158 lbs (I topped out at 176 lbs.).

Smush Parker Finds His Niche in L.A.

Note: I have submitted this piece to the L.A. Daily News for a Laker writing contest.


William "Smush" Parker, 24, played a year at Fordham University (2002).


He's considered a local legend (and earned the nickname "Grim Reaper") on the playgrounds of New York City.


Parker attempts a shot against the Atlanta Hawks' Salim Stoudamire. He is an early favorite for the NBA's Most Improved Player.

After achieving legendary status on the courts of New York City, and making stops with several NBA teams, the NBDL and Greece, it seems 24-year-old Laker guard Smush Parker has finally found a home in L.A.

Parker, who’s started every game this season and is averaging 12.3 pts., has proven he’s no one-hit wonder — he's scored 20 or more points in three of his first four starts. And he’s quickly established himself as a fan favorite among Laker followers with his playground flair and level-headed demeanor.

On opening night against the Denver Nuggets, Parker had the highlight of the game when he streaked down the floor and threw down a one-handed dunk over Andre Miller. He also hit a crucial three-pointer toward the end of the fourth quarter, eventually leading to a Lakers victory in overtime.

On the court, Parker has displayed the instincts of a true point guard — he can break his defender down off the dribble and create his own shot or find an open teammate for an easy score.

Parker has also shown a knack for ball thievery. He stripped MVP Steve Nash three times during the Lakers home opener against the Phoenix Suns. He currently ranks fourth in the league in steals with a 2.18 per game average.

Before stepping foot on an NBA floor, Parker, who played college ball at Fordham University, honed his basketball skills at “The Cage” on Manhattan’s West Fourth Street, earning the nickname “Grim Reaper” (which he also has tattooed on his right arm).

"I knew I could play at [the NBA] level,” Parker said.

He has certainly proven he belongs among the big boys. And he’s always had an unyielding belief in himself.

“I knew what I could do and I think I'm showing that this year”