It is really so easy to forget what you have. Although I am only in my second semester here at FSU, I sometimes forget what a dream I am living. I can remember watching the Noles play when I was a freshman in high school, and even earlier than that. It seemed then like such a far-fetched dream to think that one day I could attend The Florida State University. But believe it or not, here I am, living in Tallahassee and attending FSU. Sometimes I find myself over-worked and exhausted and I grow jaded to how blessed I am. It's at those moments that I force myself to "snap out of it" and look around. Especially recently, with the beautiful change of season occurring around us, leaves changing colors, temperatures dropping, and Christmas nearing, I am reminded to not forget that "new" feeling that had me so excited and anxious at the same time six months ago.
I hope to never reach the point of taking this school and this opportunity for granted. I hope to still hold on to a bit of that spark of excitement and that surge of adrenaline even as a senior in a few years. I want to hold onto the impression that was set upon me by these buildings my first day of class freshman year, all the way until the end. In advance, thank you FSU!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Blog Entry #18
An emotional roller coaster hardly begins to describe my experience Saturday afternoon. My disappointment in the game between Florida and Florida State this weekend was great and continuous. Perhaps what made the matter worse was the fact that it was a home game. For the rest of the weekend, I was forced to see these hideous out-of-towners dawning the ugliest colors known to man. They were in grocery stores, clubs, bars, restaurants, and even when i went to church. It took a lot of Christ-like thinking to keep myself from being disgusted at the mere sight of them in church. I mean, honestly, how were they bursting into flames?
The build-up of this annual season rivalry game only adds fuel to the already-blazing fire that is this competition. And to worsen the blow, Mark Stoops now leaves Florida State University to be the head coach at Kentucky. As my first football season at FSU comes to an end, I am almost grateful. I'm really not sure what else I can take this season. I have enough stress from school and work and I refuse to have "that team down south" keeping me awake at night.
Here's to a successful ACC Championship game on Saturday and a clean slate and new chance at things next year. No matter what happens, I still love them and always will.
GO NOLES! >>--FSU--->
The build-up of this annual season rivalry game only adds fuel to the already-blazing fire that is this competition. And to worsen the blow, Mark Stoops now leaves Florida State University to be the head coach at Kentucky. As my first football season at FSU comes to an end, I am almost grateful. I'm really not sure what else I can take this season. I have enough stress from school and work and I refuse to have "that team down south" keeping me awake at night.
Here's to a successful ACC Championship game on Saturday and a clean slate and new chance at things next year. No matter what happens, I still love them and always will.
GO NOLES! >>--FSU--->
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Blog Entry #17
It is officially the ending of my first full semester here at FSU. And along with that, of course, comes finals week. It begins December 10th and concludes the 14th and I am slightly terrified. I really do not have any idea what to expect from this week, as I have heard horror stories in the past. Although I only have two final exams out of my four classes I am currently enrolled in, both are entirely cumulative. I am particularly afraid of this aspect because, for some reason, I cannot seem to remember back to the beginning of this semester.
I really do not know how I got through grade school and high school, having full-year classes: one course, one schedule, one teacher. This is now only half that amount of time, yet it feels like double or triple. Hopefully I will be able to multi-task and use every ounce of brain power in me to cram all bits of information from this semester into my head. I hope to have all A's this semester too, that is, if I can make it though finals week!
I really do not know how I got through grade school and high school, having full-year classes: one course, one schedule, one teacher. This is now only half that amount of time, yet it feels like double or triple. Hopefully I will be able to multi-task and use every ounce of brain power in me to cram all bits of information from this semester into my head. I hope to have all A's this semester too, that is, if I can make it though finals week!
Blog Entry #16
Although I find the New England Patriots rather obnoxious and exaggerated, especially their big-headed quarterback Tom Brady, I found myself rooting for them during the Jets vs. Patriots game on Thursday. The game, played in New Jersey at 8:20pm, began as a mere echo in the background of the hustling and bustling kitchen scene that was my house back home that night.
All eighteen of our guests had sufficiently stuffed their faces hours earlier and the tryptophan from the twenty-five-pound stuffed turkey was beginning to set in big time. As we cleaned the kitchen, cleared the table, and wrapped up leftovers, I heard my least-favorite last name in football: Tebow. Now fully alert (with annoyance), I realized the Jets were about to play the Patriots and I quickly hustled to finish my part in the clean-up process.
The only female in the living room, now accompanied by my brother, step-brother, step-father, grandfather, and uncle, I watched as the Patriots destroyed the New York Jets and I could not have been more happy. As the game concluded with a 49-19 score, we served pies and dessert and finished off the holiday in the most perfect way, watching Tim Tebow walk off his home field, holding back the tears. It was a GREAT Thanksgiving! :)
All eighteen of our guests had sufficiently stuffed their faces hours earlier and the tryptophan from the twenty-five-pound stuffed turkey was beginning to set in big time. As we cleaned the kitchen, cleared the table, and wrapped up leftovers, I heard my least-favorite last name in football: Tebow. Now fully alert (with annoyance), I realized the Jets were about to play the Patriots and I quickly hustled to finish my part in the clean-up process.
The only female in the living room, now accompanied by my brother, step-brother, step-father, grandfather, and uncle, I watched as the Patriots destroyed the New York Jets and I could not have been more happy. As the game concluded with a 49-19 score, we served pies and dessert and finished off the holiday in the most perfect way, watching Tim Tebow walk off his home field, holding back the tears. It was a GREAT Thanksgiving! :)
Blog Entry #15
One
of my fondest holiday memories, specifically Thanksgiving holidays, was
a few years back. I was still in high school and was spending the
holiday with my family. My aunt, who works for the local fire
department, played a large part in a community food drive that prepared
hot Thanksgiving meals to the underprivileged in our community. Dubbed
The Big Heart Brigade, I had personally seen this program grow every
year, reaching and helping more and more people every Thanksgiving. This
effort, founded by the father of my aunt's boss, a local fire fighter,
was started in 1992 in an effort to reach out to the citizens of Palm
Beach and surrounding counties who would not otherwise have a hot
Thanksgiving meal that so many of us enjoy.
My memory consists of the visual of hundreds of selfless volunteers
gathered along seemingly-endless rows of snap-up tables. These people were busy dishing out cranberry sauce,
scooping stuffing, and pulling turkey to put into thousands of Styrofoam
boxes. As my mom and brother and sister and I put on hair nets, plastic gloves, and got down to work, I couldn't help but feel so good for what we were doing. I knew that I had been pushed by my mom to work the event, as it was something she wanted to do as a family during the holiday season. But, after leaving there that day, I really saw how important it is to help others who are not as blessed as we are and what a difference a couple pair of hands can make. Every year since, my family and I have volunteered for The Big Heart Brigade in an effort to continue the work of good acts in my home community.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Blog Entry #14
I believe strongly that gender roles and stereotypes in athletics and sports are important. I think that certain sports like football, golf, soccer, rugby, hockey, and lacrosse should be played only by men while swimming, gymnastics, softball, cheerleading, and tennis should be reserved for women. The mixing of these two groups complicates the world of sports and causes confusion as to who should be playing who. I think rougher, more aggresssive sports should be left to men and women shouldn't really play contact sports, because it is well-know that women are feeble and fragile and more likely to get hurt.
In addition, I think that in the world of sports, there should be a don't-ask, don't-tell attitude. Athletes that are homosexual, bisexual, asexual, or transsexual should keep this fact to themselves and not let it interfere with the game iin which they play. For example, men who do participate in gymnastics are most-likely homosexual and therefore are stereotyped that way-but they do it to themselves! If they didn't want to be looked at in that light, they shouldn't be wearing those rediculous outfits! Likewise, female softball players are also stereotyped as being homosexual, but maybe it is because they are playing a sport that is framed off of a man's sport..??? They are often very fit, get dirty, run, sweat, and bleed during the game- that is NOT ladylike and women don't belong getting dirty like that. In my opinion, they are perfectly fine swimming skantily in a pool, dancing around in tight gymnastics outfits, or cheering on tough men with pom-poms in little skirts, but NOT on a field, in a stadium, or on a court. And God-forbid they break a sweat..
In addition, I think that in the world of sports, there should be a don't-ask, don't-tell attitude. Athletes that are homosexual, bisexual, asexual, or transsexual should keep this fact to themselves and not let it interfere with the game iin which they play. For example, men who do participate in gymnastics are most-likely homosexual and therefore are stereotyped that way-but they do it to themselves! If they didn't want to be looked at in that light, they shouldn't be wearing those rediculous outfits! Likewise, female softball players are also stereotyped as being homosexual, but maybe it is because they are playing a sport that is framed off of a man's sport..??? They are often very fit, get dirty, run, sweat, and bleed during the game- that is NOT ladylike and women don't belong getting dirty like that. In my opinion, they are perfectly fine swimming skantily in a pool, dancing around in tight gymnastics outfits, or cheering on tough men with pom-poms in little skirts, but NOT on a field, in a stadium, or on a court. And God-forbid they break a sweat..
Blog Entry #13
I have not been following anything significantly controversial in the world of sports lately. However, I have been following the amazing season of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons. Up until last weekend, the Falcons had a picture perfect season, reining in at 8-0 before being beaten by the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. After being handed their first loss of the season by the Saints, Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons have been "brought back to Earth". However, most agree that Atlanta remains the best team in the NFL. The Saints, who have won 11 of the past 13 meetings, welcomed the victory on their home field in Baton Rouge on November11th. The then-3 and 5 Saints pulled out a 31-27 win over the Falcons and managed to be victors in each quarter of the game.
This team has flourished this season under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Smith. With 9 games under their belt and 7 games left, including another fight against the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons still have a long road ahead of them. I think that Atlanta can remain the NFL's leading team if they continue to stay focused and play a smart game. Matt Ryan is ranked fourth in the NFL in touchdowns with 20 this season. With their heads in the game and not getting their "feathers ruffled," I still believe these birds can make it to the Superbowl. I have faith in this team's perseverance and attention to detail. They need to play with a strong, smart defense and an accurate offense, though. If they get the equation right, they can land their spot in the big game in February.
This team has flourished this season under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Smith. With 9 games under their belt and 7 games left, including another fight against the New Orleans Saints, the Falcons still have a long road ahead of them. I think that Atlanta can remain the NFL's leading team if they continue to stay focused and play a smart game. Matt Ryan is ranked fourth in the NFL in touchdowns with 20 this season. With their heads in the game and not getting their "feathers ruffled," I still believe these birds can make it to the Superbowl. I have faith in this team's perseverance and attention to detail. They need to play with a strong, smart defense and an accurate offense, though. If they get the equation right, they can land their spot in the big game in February.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Blog Entry #12
My idea is to place a picture of David Beckham's face onto the Burger King "king". I will also put the Burger King slogan, "Have it Your Way" underneath the photo, but I will put "His" in place of "Your", reading "Have it His Way". My intentions are to show the sexist nature of this ad subtly. In the commercial, David Beckham's seemingly overbearing good looks put the young female employee at a loss for words while trying to take his order. Making it even worse, when a manager steps in to tell the girl to "snap out of it," he also falls under a spell of loss for words due to the star's handsomeness. The fact that the portrayal of Beckham as a godly figure is only worsened by the roles of the other characters in the ad. The counter associate Beckham associates with is a young, helpless female. The owner, a middle-aged, balding, overbearing male who is shown coming over to correct her behavior.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Blog Entry #11
For my ad buster, I think I am going to use an idea that I discussed in my last blog post. I mentioned two sports ads in the post, one being my favorite and the other was one I disliked very much. The one that I really dislike is a Burger King ad featuring soccer star David Beckham. This commercial stands out to me as overly ridiculous and very easy to manipulate to make a social statement out of. Also, after discussing it more in class, I feel that it speaks out about more social issues than I even first noticed.
My idea is to place a picture of David Beckham's face onto the Burger King "king". I will also put the Burger King slogan, "Have it Your Way" underneath the photo, but I will put "His" in place of "Your", reading "Have it His Way". My intentions are to show the sexist nature of this ad subtly. In the commercial, David Beckham's seemingly overbearing good looks put the young female employee at a loss for words while trying to take his order. Making it even worse, when a manager steps in to tell the girl to "snap out of it," he also falls under a spell of loss for words due to the star's handsomeness. The fact that the portrayal of Beckham as a godly figure is only worsened by the roles of the other characters in the ad. The counter associate Beckham associates with is a young, helpless female. The owner, a middle-aged, balding, overbearing male who is shown coming over to correct her behavior.
Although some may say I am reading too far into this ad, I think that is what ad busters are all about. The undertones and typically negative connotations of social issues are slyly infused into the ads. The whit and sharp sting of the honesty behind the ads are what makes them relevant in my eyes. I think that this specific ad deals with the portrayal of male athletes as super-human, godly figures and young women as hopeless and submissive to their social statuses.
My idea is to place a picture of David Beckham's face onto the Burger King "king". I will also put the Burger King slogan, "Have it Your Way" underneath the photo, but I will put "His" in place of "Your", reading "Have it His Way". My intentions are to show the sexist nature of this ad subtly. In the commercial, David Beckham's seemingly overbearing good looks put the young female employee at a loss for words while trying to take his order. Making it even worse, when a manager steps in to tell the girl to "snap out of it," he also falls under a spell of loss for words due to the star's handsomeness. The fact that the portrayal of Beckham as a godly figure is only worsened by the roles of the other characters in the ad. The counter associate Beckham associates with is a young, helpless female. The owner, a middle-aged, balding, overbearing male who is shown coming over to correct her behavior.
Although some may say I am reading too far into this ad, I think that is what ad busters are all about. The undertones and typically negative connotations of social issues are slyly infused into the ads. The whit and sharp sting of the honesty behind the ads are what makes them relevant in my eyes. I think that this specific ad deals with the portrayal of male athletes as super-human, godly figures and young women as hopeless and submissive to their social statuses.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Blog Entry #10
Commercials are a pain from any angle when you're watching a good show. But sometimes they can make you smile. Sports ads, for example, can actually be enjoyable.
My favorite recent sports ad is Aaron Rodgers for State Farm. The Green Bay Packers quarterback shows up to Career Day in an elementary school classroom dressed in suit and tie. He is asked by some school children what he does and replies that he plays football. One girl replies that that isn't a real job. Another child refers to a different parents working for State Farm as an insurance agent and asks Rodgers how he helps people. He replies that was MVP last year. Lastly, a child states that a previous parent, a psychologist, remarked that trophies are for people with low self-esteem. This wit of both Rodgers and the school children in this commercial makes me laugh every time I see it and I actually can remember the meaning and company behind it.
On the other spectrum, some can be downright awful. The best example of this I can think of is the David Beckham Burger King commercial. The British soccer player is shown walking into a Burger King restaurant while a female counter associate attempts to take his order. She becomes overtaken by his beauty and daydreams away, not completing his order. The manager then steps in and tries to get her to snap out of it, but then he becomes overwhelmed by his good looks. The commercial is an attempt to advertise a new Burger King strawberry smoothie but by the end of the ad, I have tuned out the message and can only wish I had those 30 seconds of my life back.
My favorite recent sports ad is Aaron Rodgers for State Farm. The Green Bay Packers quarterback shows up to Career Day in an elementary school classroom dressed in suit and tie. He is asked by some school children what he does and replies that he plays football. One girl replies that that isn't a real job. Another child refers to a different parents working for State Farm as an insurance agent and asks Rodgers how he helps people. He replies that was MVP last year. Lastly, a child states that a previous parent, a psychologist, remarked that trophies are for people with low self-esteem. This wit of both Rodgers and the school children in this commercial makes me laugh every time I see it and I actually can remember the meaning and company behind it.
On the other spectrum, some can be downright awful. The best example of this I can think of is the David Beckham Burger King commercial. The British soccer player is shown walking into a Burger King restaurant while a female counter associate attempts to take his order. She becomes overtaken by his beauty and daydreams away, not completing his order. The manager then steps in and tries to get her to snap out of it, but then he becomes overwhelmed by his good looks. The commercial is an attempt to advertise a new Burger King strawberry smoothie but by the end of the ad, I have tuned out the message and can only wish I had those 30 seconds of my life back.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Blog Entry #9
I was alarmed from an unsteady slumber this morning at half past seven, which meant I was already late. Throwing on yesterday's clothes, including a jacket with an incredibly noticeable stain front and center, I whipped open the sticky refrigerator door with the desperate hope of finding something, anything, edible to bring with me in the car. Of course that was only wishful thinking-I hadn't gone grocery shopping in two weeks. Already overjoyed and hopeful for a wonderful rest of the day, I jumped into my crappy car which produced a sound that could be mistaken for that of a large, dieing animal, squeaking and squealing for mercy. While trying to back up, some moron nearly clipped the tail of my beautiful ride and my breaks, or lack there of, made me feel confident that getting down the largest hill in town without killing myself would be a piece of cake.
As I was already overjoyed to be at work, I swiftly hustled to my desk to get started right away on the day's work, viciously clocking in the morning would carry no record. Except I found a note cleanly pressed and folded precisely on my desk, directing me to the boss. I jumped into a flashback of middle school, being sent to the principle's office; what did I do now? Pacing feversihly outside her office and whisking away the beads of cold sweat dripping down my forehead, I recalled my past several weeks and questioned to myself what I could've possibly done.
I hesitantly shuffled into her office eventually only to receive another note, straight from her freshly-manicured, neatly polished fingers. I was being let go because "my services were no longer needed." What a civil way of telling someone to get out, you're not good enough for us anymore. No reason. No explanantaion. No consideration. Just a slight smile and tilt of the head, nodding as if she was just suggesting that I go on and have a good life. The freaking cherry on top had to have been being told I was "free to go." Oh, well thank you, I wasn't sure if I should stick around and voluntarily kiss your ass before I packed my desk of four items.
I didn't get into any accidents on the what-seemed-like two minute zip home. Appartenly the whole town isn't causing traffic in the middle of the day, probably because they're all working. I felt humiliated, furiously enraged, and confused all in the same moment. It was almost like my license plate said: unemployed. Why else would I be on the road?
As I was already overjoyed to be at work, I swiftly hustled to my desk to get started right away on the day's work, viciously clocking in the morning would carry no record. Except I found a note cleanly pressed and folded precisely on my desk, directing me to the boss. I jumped into a flashback of middle school, being sent to the principle's office; what did I do now? Pacing feversihly outside her office and whisking away the beads of cold sweat dripping down my forehead, I recalled my past several weeks and questioned to myself what I could've possibly done.
I hesitantly shuffled into her office eventually only to receive another note, straight from her freshly-manicured, neatly polished fingers. I was being let go because "my services were no longer needed." What a civil way of telling someone to get out, you're not good enough for us anymore. No reason. No explanantaion. No consideration. Just a slight smile and tilt of the head, nodding as if she was just suggesting that I go on and have a good life. The freaking cherry on top had to have been being told I was "free to go." Oh, well thank you, I wasn't sure if I should stick around and voluntarily kiss your ass before I packed my desk of four items.
I didn't get into any accidents on the what-seemed-like two minute zip home. Appartenly the whole town isn't causing traffic in the middle of the day, probably because they're all working. I felt humiliated, furiously enraged, and confused all in the same moment. It was almost like my license plate said: unemployed. Why else would I be on the road?
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Blog Entry #8
My favorite sports movie is an oldly from my childhood, but I sure could relate to it. The Disney Channel movie "Double Teamed" is a basketball movie about two twin girls who had an obvious height advantage when it came to athletics. Heather, one of the twins, played volleyball and was seen as the "MVP" child and this always bothered Heidi, her sister. Heidi always prefered participating in plays or school drama functions. That all changed when they were forced to move schools in order to better have an opportunity for college scholarships. The movie goes on to show both girls being asked to play basketball for a southern California high school team and growing together more than ever before.
The ending of the movie shows the girls ending up playing in the WNBA, which I even as a young child first watching this movie did not believe. This sense of overall perfection in cinema comes through in this part of the movie. In addition, the movie inspired and brought me hope. This movie spoke to me because I saw myself doing what they were doing in the movie one day. It sparked an interest in a young girl's heart that she could defeat the odds and acquire anyhting she dreamed. Although this movie sugar-coated many aspects of life as do so may American films, the cinematic reality of shined through still and let me know that I could do whatever I set my mind to.
The ending of the movie shows the girls ending up playing in the WNBA, which I even as a young child first watching this movie did not believe. This sense of overall perfection in cinema comes through in this part of the movie. In addition, the movie inspired and brought me hope. This movie spoke to me because I saw myself doing what they were doing in the movie one day. It sparked an interest in a young girl's heart that she could defeat the odds and acquire anyhting she dreamed. Although this movie sugar-coated many aspects of life as do so may American films, the cinematic reality of shined through still and let me know that I could do whatever I set my mind to.
Blog Entry #7
One of my favorite movies of all time is Bridesmaids. I don't find that I really enjoy intellectual or complex films very much. I think that I view movies as opportunities for release and enjoy being able to "let go" of whatever chaos my world is currently holding. This may be the very reason that comedy is my favorite movie genre. This romantically-charged hilarious comedy centers around a woman who is the dysfunctional maid-of-honor for her best friend's wedding. She feels that she has begun to lose her good friend, the bride, after the woman befriends a prissy, wealthy, I'm-better-than-you woman. As you watch the plot of the wedding unfold, in addition to the main character's love life and the turbulence of the women's friendship, you can't help but sit back and enjoy the craziness.
I feel that American cinema has grow drastically from what it used to be. There are numerous genres, styles of production, theories, and classes. Although I find comedies to be the best of the best, horror, sci-fi, action, and westerns are some other examples. I think that a person's favorite movie tells you a lot about who they are as a person. I like to forget about this hectic world when I step into a movie theater, and I'd rather laugh.
I feel that American cinema has grow drastically from what it used to be. There are numerous genres, styles of production, theories, and classes. Although I find comedies to be the best of the best, horror, sci-fi, action, and westerns are some other examples. I think that a person's favorite movie tells you a lot about who they are as a person. I like to forget about this hectic world when I step into a movie theater, and I'd rather laugh.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Blog Entry #6
What triggers a memory? A sound, smell, or sight? Certainly these all help in recapturing an emotion within a very specific moment in time; one in which is known to never be forgotten. The easily recognizable and stunningly unique sounds of basketball are such that are eternally ingrained in my mind and my soul. The piercing, high-pitched, and abrupt squeaking of fresh, white high tops squealing across a recently-waxed court may be horribly obnoxious to many; but to me, it is pure and heavenly nostalgia. The harmonious blow of a referee's whistle, resonating throughout the towering gym walls and bouncing off of the ceiling, signals the other team's timeout and creates a reminiscent ringing in my ears. The unique sight of two rivaled opponents preparing to "jump" for the ball, warns of the heated competition about to incur.
Although I despise the thought of if, I often question the comparison of myself and my past rivals. I sometimes wonder where they are in the world today. Where is the girl who was my best friend until competition ruined her personality? What does she look like? Does she still play the game? Does her father still give her preferential treatment regardless of her earning it or not? The simple, yet enlightening answer to this is no. This girl now ironically attends the University of Florida. She has stopped playing basketball. She has lost the overwhelming attention of her father. How appropriate that two former friends are now real-life rivals, education and all.
Although I despise the thought of if, I often question the comparison of myself and my past rivals. I sometimes wonder where they are in the world today. Where is the girl who was my best friend until competition ruined her personality? What does she look like? Does she still play the game? Does her father still give her preferential treatment regardless of her earning it or not? The simple, yet enlightening answer to this is no. This girl now ironically attends the University of Florida. She has stopped playing basketball. She has lost the overwhelming attention of her father. How appropriate that two former friends are now real-life rivals, education and all.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Blog Entry #5
Rodney Jones' The End of Practice was a recalling of the hardship and bittersweet meaning of youth, competition, and struggle. This poem speaks of the strength of the male dream and it is written that "if I did not rise above the field, I would be eaten." This line stopped me in my reading-tracks. I asked myself what this could mean. Was it symbolic or literal? Was this piece written for a specific culture and race or was it a universal message? This poem continuously makes comparisons throughout. The author touches on many different aspects of this "male dream" and speaks through different sporting events, as well.
Klosterman's 33 suggests among other things that "for at least one decade, God was obsessed with pro basketball." This seemed silly to me at first, but the author goes on to describe how all things in life can essentially be explained by the pro basketball era of the 1980s. The relationship between races of the NBA, specifically among the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers served as a central theme throughout the essay. Klosterman, without hesitance, directly compares a 76ers vs. Raptors game to abortion and suicide; it is clear this man is passionate about this subject. Again, the author claims through quote that, "Life is rarely about what happened; it's mostly about what we think happened." Essentially, this essay claims that the Lakers and the Celtics represent everything in life because of the "psychological war between black and white."
It is my personal opinion that cultural influences have large impacts on our lives and who we become as individuals of this world. I also believe that culture serves the purpose of helping us identify ourselves, along with serving others a way to identify us. In the world of sports, teams, coaches, players, and even mascots can define a fan alone. With one glimpse of a person's favorite team jersey, judgement and ridicule are cast almost subconsciously and helplessly. The author of 33 clearly defines himself as a Celtics fan, to every extent of tits nature, yet identifies that the team and the sport symbolize far more than statistics and sweat. I believe that one can define themselves and others by classifications of race, social class, heritage, sport loyalty, experience, and religion. "Culture" boils down to how we define ourselves and each other, not which classifications fit under which titles. Personally, I accept my culture and the different cultures around me with which I define myself by and associate with.
In my life, the culture of basketball is one in and of itself and can not be defined by any person who has not played him/her self. It is throbbing passion that resonates in your veins even after being off the court for years. The memories of games, memorization of plays, and statistics are implanted in your mind forever. The basketball culture, much like team loyalty, national patriotism, and homeland honor, is invaluable and irreplaceable.
Klosterman's 33 suggests among other things that "for at least one decade, God was obsessed with pro basketball." This seemed silly to me at first, but the author goes on to describe how all things in life can essentially be explained by the pro basketball era of the 1980s. The relationship between races of the NBA, specifically among the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers served as a central theme throughout the essay. Klosterman, without hesitance, directly compares a 76ers vs. Raptors game to abortion and suicide; it is clear this man is passionate about this subject. Again, the author claims through quote that, "Life is rarely about what happened; it's mostly about what we think happened." Essentially, this essay claims that the Lakers and the Celtics represent everything in life because of the "psychological war between black and white."
It is my personal opinion that cultural influences have large impacts on our lives and who we become as individuals of this world. I also believe that culture serves the purpose of helping us identify ourselves, along with serving others a way to identify us. In the world of sports, teams, coaches, players, and even mascots can define a fan alone. With one glimpse of a person's favorite team jersey, judgement and ridicule are cast almost subconsciously and helplessly. The author of 33 clearly defines himself as a Celtics fan, to every extent of tits nature, yet identifies that the team and the sport symbolize far more than statistics and sweat. I believe that one can define themselves and others by classifications of race, social class, heritage, sport loyalty, experience, and religion. "Culture" boils down to how we define ourselves and each other, not which classifications fit under which titles. Personally, I accept my culture and the different cultures around me with which I define myself by and associate with.
In my life, the culture of basketball is one in and of itself and can not be defined by any person who has not played him/her self. It is throbbing passion that resonates in your veins even after being off the court for years. The memories of games, memorization of plays, and statistics are implanted in your mind forever. The basketball culture, much like team loyalty, national patriotism, and homeland honor, is invaluable and irreplaceable.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Blog Entry #4
Dear Florida State Seminoles 2012 Football Team,
I want to take a moment to plead to you my heartfelt requests. I ask you to please consider this season your one-time and all-time victorious opportunity. I ask that you enter this upcoming season with an opened and determined mind. You see, I am now an official Seminole and I am so proud of the family I have just entered into. Therefore, I beg of you to keep in mind the pride that every 'Nole has within them, the angst and eagerness to defeat rivals, and the unmatched determination to slaughter every opponent that steps foot on our turf.
I have long awaited this opportunity to write you. I beg that you keep in your souls the legacy of Bobby Bowden, the commitment of Jimbo Fisher, and the pride of every Florida State Seminole that ever lived. Crush the opponent. Deliver the message of unwillingness to be defeated. Take a stand and represent this family. Own and deserve the title you portray. And my dying wish, I ultimately beg of you- no matter what, PLEASE annihilate the God-forsaken team of the horrific city that is Gainesville. I'm not sure that you understand, so please, please, please listen to me- these people are the devil. Crush, murder, defeat the HELL out of them! Thank you for listening.
Sincerely your #1 fan,
Christina Santa
I want to take a moment to plead to you my heartfelt requests. I ask you to please consider this season your one-time and all-time victorious opportunity. I ask that you enter this upcoming season with an opened and determined mind. You see, I am now an official Seminole and I am so proud of the family I have just entered into. Therefore, I beg of you to keep in mind the pride that every 'Nole has within them, the angst and eagerness to defeat rivals, and the unmatched determination to slaughter every opponent that steps foot on our turf.
I have long awaited this opportunity to write you. I beg that you keep in your souls the legacy of Bobby Bowden, the commitment of Jimbo Fisher, and the pride of every Florida State Seminole that ever lived. Crush the opponent. Deliver the message of unwillingness to be defeated. Take a stand and represent this family. Own and deserve the title you portray. And my dying wish, I ultimately beg of you- no matter what, PLEASE annihilate the God-forsaken team of the horrific city that is Gainesville. I'm not sure that you understand, so please, please, please listen to me- these people are the devil. Crush, murder, defeat the HELL out of them! Thank you for listening.
Sincerely your #1 fan,
Christina Santa
Blog Entry #3
This selection of text focuses on the idea of participating in sports versus being an active spectator. The line between these two roles is is explored within this section in detail. When speaking about different levels of sport and competition, age and level of competition is discussed as a factor.
In youth sports, parents play a huge role of encouragement in a child athlete's interest and success in seasonal sports. In speaking of high school athletes, social involvement and athletic improvement make up main ideas within the age group. At this age, the choice to be active within a sport tends to be the child's decision rather than that of the parent. Even more of a selective group are college varsity athletes, who are often hand-selected by recruiters. Professional and master athletes are the "cream of the crop" as far as pure athletic talent and have the highest level of competition in their sport. These athletes are very often bound by contracts to national sport leagues (i.e. NFL, NBA, NHL, etc.) as well as product endorsements with private companies/corporations. The careers of these athletes often are very short and the athletes are eventually replaced by younger, more agile and better performing, replacements.
As people age, they often tend to steer away from collision/contact sports and lean more towards leisure and pleasure sports. Most people grow to practice less and play more, with less focus on success and competition, and more focus on the level of happiness and well-being it brings. An example of this type of sport is recreation through sport. Golf, tennis, and volleyball are a few examples of sports that provide recreation to older adults with very little focus on competition.
Additionally, age, gender, and social class often have a large impact on the sports world. For example, team sports are most popular among younger individuals, due to the fact that as one ages and takes on more responsibilities, a person is less able to coordinate a schedule for practices, games, etc. Gender traditions and expectations have (in the past) pushed women out of many sports. However, more and more women are beginning to "break down the gender wall" by participating and excelling in boxing, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, and golf as just a few examples. Social class tends to remain the most influential factor across all sports. It has been shown, for instance, that people raised in a high-income, highly-educated households tend to participate in individual sports like golf, tennis, and skiing. On the contrary, low-income households tend to produce individuals who very rarely participate in sports at all.
Spectating has become a way of life in America and often remains in the blood (for most of us) of its people. This form of entertainment does not require the skill, effort, or raw talent that participating in a sport entails. In the last few decades, televised and internet-available sport viewing has risen as a continuously-growing trend among Americans. In addition, it has been shown that the most affluent individuals tend to follow sports like polo, sailing, and drag-racing, where less-affluent individuals have drawn towards racing, bowling, and auto racing.
Sports spectating is often divided into two categories: those watched as live events and those followed by way of media. Although many statisticians follow trends in sports, one trend has remained clear-Sport watching has grown and continues to grow continuously. The trends are also followed by marketing tactics and campaigns, which utilize the ever-changing demographics to increase awareness and profit. Society's sports preferences are followed by these marketers and, in the end, they help to define the line between sport participants and sport spectators.
In youth sports, parents play a huge role of encouragement in a child athlete's interest and success in seasonal sports. In speaking of high school athletes, social involvement and athletic improvement make up main ideas within the age group. At this age, the choice to be active within a sport tends to be the child's decision rather than that of the parent. Even more of a selective group are college varsity athletes, who are often hand-selected by recruiters. Professional and master athletes are the "cream of the crop" as far as pure athletic talent and have the highest level of competition in their sport. These athletes are very often bound by contracts to national sport leagues (i.e. NFL, NBA, NHL, etc.) as well as product endorsements with private companies/corporations. The careers of these athletes often are very short and the athletes are eventually replaced by younger, more agile and better performing, replacements.
As people age, they often tend to steer away from collision/contact sports and lean more towards leisure and pleasure sports. Most people grow to practice less and play more, with less focus on success and competition, and more focus on the level of happiness and well-being it brings. An example of this type of sport is recreation through sport. Golf, tennis, and volleyball are a few examples of sports that provide recreation to older adults with very little focus on competition.
Additionally, age, gender, and social class often have a large impact on the sports world. For example, team sports are most popular among younger individuals, due to the fact that as one ages and takes on more responsibilities, a person is less able to coordinate a schedule for practices, games, etc. Gender traditions and expectations have (in the past) pushed women out of many sports. However, more and more women are beginning to "break down the gender wall" by participating and excelling in boxing, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, and golf as just a few examples. Social class tends to remain the most influential factor across all sports. It has been shown, for instance, that people raised in a high-income, highly-educated households tend to participate in individual sports like golf, tennis, and skiing. On the contrary, low-income households tend to produce individuals who very rarely participate in sports at all.
Spectating has become a way of life in America and often remains in the blood (for most of us) of its people. This form of entertainment does not require the skill, effort, or raw talent that participating in a sport entails. In the last few decades, televised and internet-available sport viewing has risen as a continuously-growing trend among Americans. In addition, it has been shown that the most affluent individuals tend to follow sports like polo, sailing, and drag-racing, where less-affluent individuals have drawn towards racing, bowling, and auto racing.
Sports spectating is often divided into two categories: those watched as live events and those followed by way of media. Although many statisticians follow trends in sports, one trend has remained clear-Sport watching has grown and continues to grow continuously. The trends are also followed by marketing tactics and campaigns, which utilize the ever-changing demographics to increase awareness and profit. Society's sports preferences are followed by these marketers and, in the end, they help to define the line between sport participants and sport spectators.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Blog Entry #2
The "greatest" game one ever witnesses remains a completely subjective topic. However, at a certain point, doesn't it become obvious that some athletes perform in leagues of their own, in what seems to be super-human ways? After reading The Greatest Game I Ever Saw (Klosterman), I became overcome with awe and most every previous understanding of sporting magnificence flew out the door, along with perception of the aspects of basketball.
This essay reveals, from under a cloak of non-occurrence, a Native American athletic event that today, I believe would make ESPN "front-page" news. The conditions of which an ultimate underdog basketball team from North Dakota overcame unequal portrayal and treatment to win a game in which they only had three men on the court is recalled. The nostalgic attitude of the writer sets the reader right in the middle of the game, although very few were really present at the actual game over two decades ago. It is made very clear that the author's outlook on life was largely impacted by this game, for his memory comes across so clear it is as if he had just watched the game yesterday.
The nostalgic style in which the writer recalls that game helped me to personally reflect upon what memories I have of sports events and what an important role memory plays in the world of sports. For my first essay, I look forward to incorporating my personal memories of basketball games, practices, coaches, players, and events with an understanding of what those memories truly mean to me today and how those events impact my daily life and decisions.
Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio (Wright) is not written in prose as the previous selection is, rather it takes the form of a short poem. This poem serves as an autobiographical account that the author encountered when he was younger. This memory of a northern American Friday night high school football game colors the setting of proud fathers watching their young sons fight and "gallop terribly against each other's bodies" for victory. This poem speaks to social concerns of that time period through a clear scene that is common in the American small town, even today. I believe this account helps to define a community pass time and perhaps serves as a blanket that covers the issues of the day. Yet through this poem, the blanket is symbolically lifted to reveal the raw truths of each line and scene of the memory.
Within my first essay, I hope to reveal and share with others my intimate memories of basketball and the addicting adrenaline that drove me to live the sport for ten years. My clearly vivid memories of coming dangerously close to unconsciuosness, the blood, sweat, and real tears shed for the sport that I called my own will be depicted. I will incorporate elements of the two assigned readings with regards to memories and the deep, warm, passionate nostalgia I feel when looking back on my favorite sport. Most importantly, basketball, football, no matter the sport, these all share a common sense of loyalty, community, togetherness, and ultimate determination, all of which are shared through "The Greatest Game," "Autumn Begins," and my upcoming essay.
This essay reveals, from under a cloak of non-occurrence, a Native American athletic event that today, I believe would make ESPN "front-page" news. The conditions of which an ultimate underdog basketball team from North Dakota overcame unequal portrayal and treatment to win a game in which they only had three men on the court is recalled. The nostalgic attitude of the writer sets the reader right in the middle of the game, although very few were really present at the actual game over two decades ago. It is made very clear that the author's outlook on life was largely impacted by this game, for his memory comes across so clear it is as if he had just watched the game yesterday.
The nostalgic style in which the writer recalls that game helped me to personally reflect upon what memories I have of sports events and what an important role memory plays in the world of sports. For my first essay, I look forward to incorporating my personal memories of basketball games, practices, coaches, players, and events with an understanding of what those memories truly mean to me today and how those events impact my daily life and decisions.
Autumn Begins in Martins Ferry, Ohio (Wright) is not written in prose as the previous selection is, rather it takes the form of a short poem. This poem serves as an autobiographical account that the author encountered when he was younger. This memory of a northern American Friday night high school football game colors the setting of proud fathers watching their young sons fight and "gallop terribly against each other's bodies" for victory. This poem speaks to social concerns of that time period through a clear scene that is common in the American small town, even today. I believe this account helps to define a community pass time and perhaps serves as a blanket that covers the issues of the day. Yet through this poem, the blanket is symbolically lifted to reveal the raw truths of each line and scene of the memory.
Within my first essay, I hope to reveal and share with others my intimate memories of basketball and the addicting adrenaline that drove me to live the sport for ten years. My clearly vivid memories of coming dangerously close to unconsciuosness, the blood, sweat, and real tears shed for the sport that I called my own will be depicted. I will incorporate elements of the two assigned readings with regards to memories and the deep, warm, passionate nostalgia I feel when looking back on my favorite sport. Most importantly, basketball, football, no matter the sport, these all share a common sense of loyalty, community, togetherness, and ultimate determination, all of which are shared through "The Greatest Game," "Autumn Begins," and my upcoming essay.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Blog Entry #1
Twelve years ago, I believe I fell in love. The sport of basketball captured my heart at this young age and has kept me enthused ever since. Although I cannot name a date and time that basketball became so important to me, I began playing at age six. Every year since, the game and every principle it entails, has kept me interested and I dare say, addicted to the sport and all sports in general. Placed on a recreational basketball team for U8 girls, the sport simply provided my parents with an after-school activity that filled my child brain with understanding of teamwork and competition. However, as young as I was, I knew that this sport was magical at a very young age and the magic would live in me for a very long time.
The sports phenomenon meant very little to a six year old me, that is, until I discovered the incredible and unmatched release that sports, basketball specifically, provided me. As I grew older, I appreciated more and more the game known as basketball. My favorite aspect of this sport and any sport for that matter, is the fierce passion behind pure competition. Furthermore, the world of defensive play became my world. As I grew physically taller and my world consisted of more and more stresses, troubles, and at some points outright heartbreak, I looked to basketball as a source of healing and coping, especially with parents' divorce at age 11. This sport was no longer be just a game to me, it was a lifestyle.
The sports phenomenon meant very little to a six year old me, that is, until I discovered the incredible and unmatched release that sports, basketball specifically, provided me. As I grew older, I appreciated more and more the game known as basketball. My favorite aspect of this sport and any sport for that matter, is the fierce passion behind pure competition. Furthermore, the world of defensive play became my world. As I grew physically taller and my world consisted of more and more stresses, troubles, and at some points outright heartbreak, I looked to basketball as a source of healing and coping, especially with parents' divorce at age 11. This sport was no longer be just a game to me, it was a lifestyle.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)