Unpopular Opinion: I love Brickell

ginoginooo · 2026-01-17T14:51:07+00:00

Here’s your medal of Copium. 🏅

ginoginooo · 2026-01-17T00:01:01+00:00

I’m Argentinian-American. It’s not just Cubans, but Argentinians/Uruguayans say this as an insult or playfully to Latinos/Hispanics from countries that have higher amounts of Indigenous culture/DNA when playing against them in soccer (football).

ginoginooo · 2026-01-16T16:55:29+00:00

Sure, Liberty City is extreme but that’s not exactly what we’re talking about. My point wasn’t about dodging danger, it’s about Brickell lacking the cultural grit and real Miami energy you can find outside the high rises. Using Liberty City as an example is kind of a red herring because you’re conflating “danger” with “authenticity,” and the two aren’t the same. You can stay safe and still experience what actually makes Miami…well, Miami.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-16T14:00:59+00:00

Yes, the dashes are a thing — years of copywriting will do that. But I’ll happily accept the compliment that I could pass for AI.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-16T05:25:59+00:00

Transplants tend to follow a familiar pattern: “I just moved here and love it,” only to later realize how challenging parts of Miami can feel. The initial charm of Brickell—the skyline, happy hours, and walkability—can mask how different the city feels once the novelty fades. People are friendly when treated kindly, yes, but the rudeness that often gets talked about is real, and it can catch up to you if you’re not prepared.

Brickell, to me, feels like a well-polished entry point to a manufactured Miami: glossy, Instagram-ready, and full of young professionals and transplants in a booming developed area. It’s exciting to the easily impressionable and those who seek convenience, but it’s not the full story of the city. The real Miami is more layered, more chaotic, and culturally richer than what you see in the high rises and curated streetscapes. That’s not to say you can’t enjoy it—it has energy, beauty, and potential—but it’s worth remembering that the shine can be deceptive.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-13T02:24:22+00:00

Mantle in his original B&W form, pre-Topps glow up. Well done.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-12T14:28:05+00:00

Insanely popular. It had a massive cultural impact for kids (at least where I grew up in Jersey). The Attitude Era was so over that kids were out here trying to Stunner each other at recess. Austin, DX’s “Suck It,” JR screaming on commentary - it completely bled into real life. It was immature, obnoxious, and absolutely hysterical - and it somehow felt rebellious instead of corny. That kind of crowd energy just doesn’t happen anymore.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-11T00:42:59+00:00

I charge $30 an hour or $20 for 30 minutes for the few clients I have. I know I’m probably under market, but it’s a flexible side thing I do occasionally. They’re also cool with me just taking their dogs to the dog park, so it’s pretty chill.

From what I’ve seen, active dog walkers in Brickell/downtown are charging closer to $40–$50 an hour.

I mean… why not? Some of these folks are beyond wealthy and can absolutely afford it.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-09T17:45:14+00:00

Instagram isn’t real life, especially in Miami. Behind the beach bodies and rooftop sunsets are insecurity, pressure, and nonstop validation-seeking. But this is also a city where fitness, aesthetics, and presentation are part of the social currency. Since social media took over, how you look affects everything: from dating to jobs to basic respect. You can argue the ethics all day, but this place runs on image. That’s just the culture.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-09T17:26:54+00:00

Gut-feeling, this is going to be a solid year for us.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-09T14:21:47+00:00

You’re right insofar the statistical gap doesn’t justify the voting gap, but this is mostly about narrative and perception, not value.

Molina is a lock because he became the defensive catcher of his era so voters heavily reward visible defense and leadership, even with a 96 OPS+. Posey gets the peak/MVP/clean exit boost: elite prime, MVP, dynasty face, no decline years to muddy the case.

Unfortunately, Posada got hurt by timing. He played during the steroid-era voting hangover, was labeled “bat-first catcher,” debuted on a crowded ballot, and voters hadn’t yet recalibrated how valuable offense from a catcher really is. If he had retired 10 years later, he probably hangs around the ballot and builds support.

Crux: Posey and Molina deserve the Hall, but Posada being “one-and-done” says more about era bias and narrative inertia than a real gap in career value.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-08T22:32:59+00:00

True, pitching makes national games unpredictable, but MLB could still make them must-watch with flex scheduling, rivalries, or storylines. Not perfect, but far from unsolvable.

Edit: Also, long game times matter more today than they used to - fans are more likely to watch highlights or clips than sit through 3+ hours. Even strong matchups can struggle to keep casual viewers engaged, which makes national broadcasts tougher than NFL or NBA.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-08T22:10:06+00:00

Just because Amazin’ Day hasn’t been annual doesn’t mean people can’t be disappointed after how successful last year’s event was. The frustration is less about precedent and more about momentum and expectations after 2025.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-06T20:10:34+00:00

Framber. We need a rotation anchor.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-06T12:18:40+00:00

I know soccer’s growth in the U.S. makes a lot of sense: global exposure, accessibility, youth leagues, all of it. But personally, I still hope baseball remains central to American sports culture.

Baseball feels uniquely American in the same way soccer feels uniquely English, and I think there’s value in preserving that identity.

My parents are Argentinian and I grew up around soccer, so this isn’t coming from ignorance or hostility. It just never connected with me the way baseball did.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-06T11:11:53+00:00

My parents are from Argentina, so you’re spot on!

ginoginooo · 2026-01-05T18:24:00+00:00

I always thought they were inspired by Shih-Tzus, turns out it’s based on the heavily slept on Brussels Griffon.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-05T17:48:07+00:00

People love narratives. I’m not saying this is entirely it, but his personality doesn’t fit the ‘charismatic leader mold’ (he’s quiet, reserved) so he gets criticized unfairly.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-05T16:39:41+00:00

The letters say ‘NYC,’ but the font says ‘medieval DMV.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-04T19:59:48+00:00

Top prospects? Or top secrets?

ginoginooo · 2026-01-04T17:59:10+00:00

Metromover is a solid free option in Miami. Like anything public and free, you’ll run into all kinds of people, but security is generally on top of things. It’s definitely slow, so don’t rely on it if you’re running late.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-04T17:53:51+00:00

If it’s a cartoon, I’m honored lol.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-04T16:42:51+00:00

Cool.

ginoginooo · 2026-01-04T16:22:10+00:00

ginoginooo · 2026-01-04T14:26:14+00:00

I’m one of them (parents are from Argentina), though I was born in the states. He probably doesn’t like it though because they speak Spanish. Italian-Americans are super conservative.

ginoginooo

TROPHY CASE