What Is Cool?

What is Cool really?

It’s been years since my Uncle Harold died. In fact, it seems like another lifetime since then. I was just a kid when bone cancer claimed his life. My brother, a close cousin, and I still reminisce about the things Uncle Harold would say and do. If you ask anyone who knew him to describe his ways, the word “cool” would definitely be uttered.

What is Coolness? Everyone seems to recognize it, but what’s at its core? We toss the term around so loosely, at times it's hard to define. Growing up with a close relative like Uncle Harold, my exposure to Cool came early in life. Most would agree that cool starts with a state of mind. It’s unfussy, non-plussed, and unpretentious. One way NOT to be cool is to try. Uncle Harold spoke up; if he had an opinion, he put it forth. If he had nothing vital to add to a conversation, he observed, never displaying any self-inflicted pressure to have the last word. He was succinct with his words and efficient in his delivery. No one I’ve met since has made curse words sound as sweet. He had a cool walk, which we kids were surprised to learn was the result of a leg injury (ha!). He had his own style. He rarely left home without donning his favorite topper, a Greek fisherman’s hat, which he rocked half-cocked to the side—the right side, in fact! C'mon, what constituent of Cool wears their hats level? If personal style is one’s personality translated into clothing, then Uncle Harold’s inside and outside were in sync. One look at him, and you knew he was a likable cat, but not one whose path you should cross with any bullsh*$%. He was unapologetically himself, even when it pissed off others. Yet, he was no bully or emotional brute. He was, and remains, my favorite uncle because you always knew where you stood with him. You knew he loved you. He rarely said it, but you undoubtedly felt it.

So in honor of my late Uncle Harold, here is the recipe for Cool that he’s inspired:

As much self-acceptance as you can muster, then muster even more

2 cups Loyaltly

3 jiggers Don’t Tread On Me

½ tbsp F*#@ the Bullsh*%

5lb bag of Love For Family

1 cup Forthrightness

2 heaping tbsp Sincerity

1 cup Generosity

½ cup Funny As Hell

Optional: A Good Topper and a Slight Limp

Combine all ingredients, then enjoy.

Ella de la Luna,

CEO of Mischief

What’s Playing Now:

Billie Holiday……....You Better Go Now

Prince………………...I Feel For You

Don-E……………...…Let Me Be Yours

De La Soul……..……Declaration

Georg Leven………..I Got Somebody New

Feist………………...…Past In Present

Public Enemy..........You're Gonna Get Yours

Beastie Boys………..Triple Trouble

Foreign Exchange...Sincere