A Sunday in the Life...of Al Sharpton

Ever wonder what it's like to be Al Sharpton? Ok, probably not, but The New York Times did. And so today it published a "day in the life" with the censorship-loving Rev. The Times had him explain a typical Sunday, and among the gems are his love of Starbucks mochas, he recites two poems every morning, and he doesn't want his own church:

REVERENCE I’m always up by 5:30 or 6. My ritual is I start the day with prayer — for my family, for my mother, who’s got dementia, and whatever particular concerns I’ve got that day. I’m always thankful that I’m alive. The wake-up is a victory.

INSPIRATION I recite two poems, always, every day. When I was doing 90 days in jail in 2001, former Mayor Maynard Jackson visited me, and he told me he read Ella Wheeler Wilcox’s “Will” every day — that’s how he became the first black mayor of Atlanta. It’s very inspiring. It talks about how, no matter what, if you have strong will, you can make it. And I recite “Invictus,” which is similar in theme: I’m the captain of my fate, the master of my destiny.

BREAK THE FAST, BARELY My breakfast is two boiled eggs and an orange juice. That’s it. I’m down to 177 pounds, but I’ve been up as high as 311. Two years ago, I was between 238 and 240. But I don’t even have an appetite anymore. I just feel better. Doc says I’m fine.

REVVING UP My building has an exercise room, so I’ll do the treadmill about 30 minutes, maybe a little weights, but not crazy — then come back up, go on the Net, read the daily papers. By 8, I’m showered and ready to head downtown.

Read the rest from the Times here.