Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Review
1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am
The Pontiac Grand Am is an excellent car. It provides the driver with a comfortable ride while also delivering an exhilarating amount of pep. There are five different trims of the Grand Am which help meet the needs of all owners. The market for car owners spreads the gamut. However, specific types of cars attract different buyers. There are many brands that supply for different tiers of drivers. The audience for a Pontiac Grand Am is simply an American car enthusiast who may not quite have the funds for a top of the line muscle car. This does not exclude anyone. I have seen Grand Am owners of all ages, races, and genders.
While there can be many stereotypes made on who drives what kind of car, it doesn’t matter what your race, gender, or age is for what car you drive. It is based solely on personality. Instead of meeting the needs of just one group of car drivers, the Pontiac Grand Am was designed with five different trims. The SE and SE1 models were focused on a more reserved approach. The audience for these trims value fuel economy and safety the most. The SE and SE1 come with a four cylinder engine that gets better gas mileage and is safer because it has less horsepower. The Grand Am pleases the values for them while also providing a sleek sporty look. With this car the consumers will feel they on the higher end of cars and will feel more socially with it.
The SE2 attracts the middle group of buyers. These people like the SE and SE1. However, they would like a little extra horsepower and don’t mind sacrificing some gas mileage for it either. The SE2 has the same body trim as the SE and SE1 but has multiple upgrades. For instance, instead of a 2.2 liter or 2.4 liter four cylinder engine it is equipped with a 3.4 liter V6. Other modifications are in the interior with added technology and the monsoon sound system. With this car the buyer will be sure to impress his friends and not at the expense of his wallet.
The last two models are the top tier. They are the GT and GT1, these cars have the same 3.4 liter engine as the SE2 but have many more perks. The first big difference with the GT is the body style. The SE body styles have changed throughout the years yet the GT body was so great they kept it for every year. It has a sleek body skirt with two stylish ridges and has a bold black outlining above it. It also comes standard with a rear spoiler and dual exhaust with a custom bumper to fit it. One thing the GT upgrades is the brake system. Instead of the standard front disk brakes and rear drums it has disk brakes on all four wheels. This not only looks much better but significantly decreases its stopping time. There are also multiple interior modifications. The front seats have the GT insignia cut out of the headrest and leather interior. This trim of the Grand Am is for drivers who have the need for speed. As you can see even for just one model of car there is a large audience of buyers that can no be narrowed down to a particular group of people. That is why the Pontiac Grand Am offers so many different features.
Review
Performance
The SE and SE1 trim originally came with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder which had 150 horsepower. Then in 2002 they switched to a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder. This sacrificed horsepower moving it down to 140 however added an extra two miles per gallon, resulting in 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. This put an economical engine in a stylish car.
However, economical is not for everyone. Some drivers simply crave power. This is where the SE2 and GT models came into play. The SE2, GT, and GT1 came with a 3.4 liter V6 engine that supplied 180 horsepower. This provides plenty of power for any driver with the need for speed, without completely sacrificing fuel economy like a V8. The 6 cylinder runs 20 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Style
The Grand Am was completely revamped from 1998 to 1999 when Pontiac revealed the new model. The old model was bleak and boxy while the new model was styled with sleek curves. The SE trims have changed from 1999 to 2005 yet the GT trims have remained the same. While the SE models look great the GT models are far superior. The GT comes standard with rear disk breaks, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust. These features are what really excite car enthusiasts.
Handling
The Grand Am has great handling. Its low design reduces its likelihood to flip. Also it can be equipped with strut bars that allow turns to be made with ease at speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour.
Maintenance
There are some minor setbacks to the Grand Am, as the miles rack up a few so do the repairs. One problem that has been apparent in many cases is a leak in the coolant. This isn’t too big of a deal though and can be fixed with a new water pump. There are only a few other mechanical problems and once they are taken care of they are very reliable. Just like any other car you just have to keep up with normal maintenance such as oil changes.
The Pontiac Grand Am is an excellent car. It provides the driver with a comfortable ride while also delivering an exhilarating amount of pep. There are five different trims of the Grand Am which help meet the needs of all owners. The market for car owners spreads the gamut. However, specific types of cars attract different buyers. There are many brands that supply for different tiers of drivers. The audience for a Pontiac Grand Am is simply an American car enthusiast who may not quite have the funds for a top of the line muscle car. This does not exclude anyone. I have seen Grand Am owners of all ages, races, and genders.
While there can be many stereotypes made on who drives what kind of car, it doesn’t matter what your race, gender, or age is for what car you drive. It is based solely on personality. Instead of meeting the needs of just one group of car drivers, the Pontiac Grand Am was designed with five different trims. The SE and SE1 models were focused on a more reserved approach. The audience for these trims value fuel economy and safety the most. The SE and SE1 come with a four cylinder engine that gets better gas mileage and is safer because it has less horsepower. The Grand Am pleases the values for them while also providing a sleek sporty look. With this car the consumers will feel they on the higher end of cars and will feel more socially with it.
The SE2 attracts the middle group of buyers. These people like the SE and SE1. However, they would like a little extra horsepower and don’t mind sacrificing some gas mileage for it either. The SE2 has the same body trim as the SE and SE1 but has multiple upgrades. For instance, instead of a 2.2 liter or 2.4 liter four cylinder engine it is equipped with a 3.4 liter V6. Other modifications are in the interior with added technology and the monsoon sound system. With this car the buyer will be sure to impress his friends and not at the expense of his wallet.
The last two models are the top tier. They are the GT and GT1, these cars have the same 3.4 liter engine as the SE2 but have many more perks. The first big difference with the GT is the body style. The SE body styles have changed throughout the years yet the GT body was so great they kept it for every year. It has a sleek body skirt with two stylish ridges and has a bold black outlining above it. It also comes standard with a rear spoiler and dual exhaust with a custom bumper to fit it. One thing the GT upgrades is the brake system. Instead of the standard front disk brakes and rear drums it has disk brakes on all four wheels. This not only looks much better but significantly decreases its stopping time. There are also multiple interior modifications. The front seats have the GT insignia cut out of the headrest and leather interior. This trim of the Grand Am is for drivers who have the need for speed. As you can see even for just one model of car there is a large audience of buyers that can no be narrowed down to a particular group of people. That is why the Pontiac Grand Am offers so many different features.
Review
Performance
The SE and SE1 trim originally came with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder which had 150 horsepower. Then in 2002 they switched to a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder. This sacrificed horsepower moving it down to 140 however added an extra two miles per gallon, resulting in 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. This put an economical engine in a stylish car.
However, economical is not for everyone. Some drivers simply crave power. This is where the SE2 and GT models came into play. The SE2, GT, and GT1 came with a 3.4 liter V6 engine that supplied 180 horsepower. This provides plenty of power for any driver with the need for speed, without completely sacrificing fuel economy like a V8. The 6 cylinder runs 20 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Style
The Grand Am was completely revamped from 1998 to 1999 when Pontiac revealed the new model. The old model was bleak and boxy while the new model was styled with sleek curves. The SE trims have changed from 1999 to 2005 yet the GT trims have remained the same. While the SE models look great the GT models are far superior. The GT comes standard with rear disk breaks, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust. These features are what really excite car enthusiasts.
Handling
The Grand Am has great handling. Its low design reduces its likelihood to flip. Also it can be equipped with strut bars that allow turns to be made with ease at speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour.
Maintenance
There are some minor setbacks to the Grand Am, as the miles rack up a few so do the repairs. One problem that has been apparent in many cases is a leak in the coolant. This isn’t too big of a deal though and can be fixed with a new water pump. There are only a few other mechanical problems and once they are taken care of they are very reliable. Just like any other car you just have to keep up with normal maintenance such as oil changes.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Template C
A. Intro
-Clearly state thesis
-Support thesis statement with interesting facts on car
-The Pontiac Grand Am is an excellent car. It provides the driver with a comfortable ride while also delivering an exhilarating amount of pep. There are five different trims of the Grand Am which help meet the needs of all owners.
B. Body
Review
1)Performance
-Discuss and explain the differences between the different trims the Grand Am came in
-Also describe the three engine sizes and their power.
2)Style
-Illustrate the sporty, curvy style of the Grand Am.
3)Handling
-Explain the safety and handling of the car
4)Maintenance
-Explain the normal mechanical problems of the car and how to maintain its great performance.
C.Conclusion
Based on the review decide whether this is a good car for the audience and recommend it to them.
Yes, the information is credible because it comes from primary sources, car manuals and websites.
Buying a sports car may seem ridiculous to some. They have not felt the exhilerating feeling of putting the pedal to the metal. to those who have a need for speed thier car is not only a means of transportation, it is their baby.
The only thing to counter is the option of other cars. The rebuttal for this is that the Grand Am is a mix between a family sedan and a sports car. If they want a more powerful muscle car they can get one. However, they would have to pay more money and get less fuel economy. Also if they wanted more of a family car, they would miss out on the thrill a sports car.
-Clearly state thesis
-Support thesis statement with interesting facts on car
-The Pontiac Grand Am is an excellent car. It provides the driver with a comfortable ride while also delivering an exhilarating amount of pep. There are five different trims of the Grand Am which help meet the needs of all owners.
B. Body
Review
1)Performance
-Discuss and explain the differences between the different trims the Grand Am came in
-Also describe the three engine sizes and their power.
2)Style
-Illustrate the sporty, curvy style of the Grand Am.
3)Handling
-Explain the safety and handling of the car
4)Maintenance
-Explain the normal mechanical problems of the car and how to maintain its great performance.
C.Conclusion
Based on the review decide whether this is a good car for the audience and recommend it to them.
Yes, the information is credible because it comes from primary sources, car manuals and websites.
Buying a sports car may seem ridiculous to some. They have not felt the exhilerating feeling of putting the pedal to the metal. to those who have a need for speed thier car is not only a means of transportation, it is their baby.
The only thing to counter is the option of other cars. The rebuttal for this is that the Grand Am is a mix between a family sedan and a sports car. If they want a more powerful muscle car they can get one. However, they would have to pay more money and get less fuel economy. Also if they wanted more of a family car, they would miss out on the thrill a sports car.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Template B
1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am
The Pontiac Grand Am is an excellent car. It provides the driver with a comfortable ride while also delivering an exhilarating amount of pep. There are five different trims of the Grand Am which help meet the needs of all owners.
Performance
The SE and SE1 trim originally came with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder which had 150 horsepower. Then in 2002 they switched to a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder. This sacrificed horsepower moving it down to 140 however added an extra two miles per gallon, resulting in 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. This put an economical engine in a stylish car.
However, economical is not for everyone. Some drivers simply crave power. This is where the SE2 and GT models came into play. The SE2, GT, and GT1 came with a 3.4 liter V6 engine that supplied 180 horsepower. This provides plenty of power for any driver with the need for speed, without completely sacrificing fuel economy like a V8. The 6 cylinder runs 20 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Style
The Grand Am was completely revamped from 1998 to 1999 when Pontiac revealed the new model. The old model was bleak and boxy while the new model was styled with sleek curves. The SE trims have changed from 1999 to 2005 yet the GT trims have remained the same. While the SE models look great the GT models are far superior. The GT comes standard with rear disk breaks, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust. These features are what really excite car enthusiasts.
Handling
The Grand Am has great handling. Its low design reduces its likelihood to flip. Also it can be equipped with strut bars that allow turns to be made with ease at speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour.
Maintenance
There are some minor setbacks to the Grand Am, as the miles rack up a few so do the repairs. One problem that has been apparent in many cases is a leak in the coolant. This isn’t too big of a deal though and can be fixed with a new water pump. There are only a few other mechanical problems and once they are taken care of they are very reliable. Just like any other car you just have to keep up with normal maintenance such as oil changes.
The Pontiac Grand Am is an excellent car. It provides the driver with a comfortable ride while also delivering an exhilarating amount of pep. There are five different trims of the Grand Am which help meet the needs of all owners.
Performance
The SE and SE1 trim originally came with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder which had 150 horsepower. Then in 2002 they switched to a 2.2 liter 4 cylinder. This sacrificed horsepower moving it down to 140 however added an extra two miles per gallon, resulting in 24 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. This put an economical engine in a stylish car.
However, economical is not for everyone. Some drivers simply crave power. This is where the SE2 and GT models came into play. The SE2, GT, and GT1 came with a 3.4 liter V6 engine that supplied 180 horsepower. This provides plenty of power for any driver with the need for speed, without completely sacrificing fuel economy like a V8. The 6 cylinder runs 20 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
Style
The Grand Am was completely revamped from 1998 to 1999 when Pontiac revealed the new model. The old model was bleak and boxy while the new model was styled with sleek curves. The SE trims have changed from 1999 to 2005 yet the GT trims have remained the same. While the SE models look great the GT models are far superior. The GT comes standard with rear disk breaks, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust. These features are what really excite car enthusiasts.
Handling
The Grand Am has great handling. Its low design reduces its likelihood to flip. Also it can be equipped with strut bars that allow turns to be made with ease at speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour.
Maintenance
There are some minor setbacks to the Grand Am, as the miles rack up a few so do the repairs. One problem that has been apparent in many cases is a leak in the coolant. This isn’t too big of a deal though and can be fixed with a new water pump. There are only a few other mechanical problems and once they are taken care of they are very reliable. Just like any other car you just have to keep up with normal maintenance such as oil changes.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Audience
The audience for car reviews spreads the gamut. However, specific types of cars attract different buyers. There are many brands that supply for different tiers of drivers. The audience for a Pontiac Grand Am is simply an American car enthusiast who may not quite have the funds for a top of the line muscle car. This does not exclude anyone. I have seen Grand Am owners of all ages, races, and genders.
While there can be many stereotypes made on who drives what kind of car, it doesn’t matter what your race, gender, or age is for what car you drive. It is based solely on personality. Instead of meeting the needs of just one group of car drivers, the Pontiac Grand Am was designed with five different trims. The SE and SE1 models were focused on a more reserved approach. The audience for these trims value fuel economy and safety the most. The SE and SE1 come with a four cylinder engine that gets better gas mileage and is safer because it has less horsepower. The Grand Am pleases the values for them while also providing a sleek sporty look. With this car the consumers will feel they on the higher end of cars and will feel more socially with it.
The SE2 attracts the middle group of buyers. These people like the SE and SE1. However, they would like a little extra horsepower and don’t mind sacrificing some gas mileage for it either. The SE2 has the same body trim as the SE and SE1 but has multiple upgrades. For instance, instead of a 2.2 liter or 2.4 liter four cylinder engine it is equipped with a 3.4 liter V6. Other modifications are in the interior with added technology and the monsoon sound system. With this car the buyer will be sure to impress his friends and not at the expense of his wallet.
The last two models are the top tier. They are the GT and GT1, these cars have the same 3.4 liter engine as the SE2 but have many more perks. The first big difference with the GT is the body style. The SE body styles have changed throughout the years yet the GT body was so great they kept it for every year. It has a sleek body skirt with two stylish ridges and has a bold black outlining above it. It also comes standard with a rear spoiler and dual exhaust with a custom bumper to fit it. One thing the GT upgrades is the brake system. Instead of the standard front disk brakes and rear drums it has disk brakes on all four wheels. This not only looks much better but significantly decreases its stopping time. There are also multiple interior modifications. The front seats have the GT insignia cut out of the headrest and leather interior. This trim of the Grand Am is for drivers who have the need for speed. As you can see even for just one model of car there is a large audience of buyers that can no be narrowed down to a particular group of people. That is why the Pontiac Grand Am offers so many different features.
While there can be many stereotypes made on who drives what kind of car, it doesn’t matter what your race, gender, or age is for what car you drive. It is based solely on personality. Instead of meeting the needs of just one group of car drivers, the Pontiac Grand Am was designed with five different trims. The SE and SE1 models were focused on a more reserved approach. The audience for these trims value fuel economy and safety the most. The SE and SE1 come with a four cylinder engine that gets better gas mileage and is safer because it has less horsepower. The Grand Am pleases the values for them while also providing a sleek sporty look. With this car the consumers will feel they on the higher end of cars and will feel more socially with it.
The SE2 attracts the middle group of buyers. These people like the SE and SE1. However, they would like a little extra horsepower and don’t mind sacrificing some gas mileage for it either. The SE2 has the same body trim as the SE and SE1 but has multiple upgrades. For instance, instead of a 2.2 liter or 2.4 liter four cylinder engine it is equipped with a 3.4 liter V6. Other modifications are in the interior with added technology and the monsoon sound system. With this car the buyer will be sure to impress his friends and not at the expense of his wallet.
The last two models are the top tier. They are the GT and GT1, these cars have the same 3.4 liter engine as the SE2 but have many more perks. The first big difference with the GT is the body style. The SE body styles have changed throughout the years yet the GT body was so great they kept it for every year. It has a sleek body skirt with two stylish ridges and has a bold black outlining above it. It also comes standard with a rear spoiler and dual exhaust with a custom bumper to fit it. One thing the GT upgrades is the brake system. Instead of the standard front disk brakes and rear drums it has disk brakes on all four wheels. This not only looks much better but significantly decreases its stopping time. There are also multiple interior modifications. The front seats have the GT insignia cut out of the headrest and leather interior. This trim of the Grand Am is for drivers who have the need for speed. As you can see even for just one model of car there is a large audience of buyers that can no be narrowed down to a particular group of people. That is why the Pontiac Grand Am offers so many different features.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Power Mat
Power Mat: Home and Office Mat. Charges electronic devices wirelessly.
http://www.powermat.com/us/mats/home-and-office-mat.html#
***
Changed Topic to car review of 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
http://www.powermat.com/us/mats/home-and-office-mat.html#
***
Changed Topic to car review of 1999 Pontiac Grand Am
Monday, October 26, 2009
The BoardWalk
When I first visited UCF, my feet ached and I was sweating profusely walking from building to building on my tour. I was perplexed about how students continually made it on time for class, trudging to class in conditions perfect for heat stroke. The concern continued as I got dressed for my first day of classes. I had moved in the weekend before and soaked two t-shirts through simply walking from the parking lot to my building three times. That distance was nothing compared to the trek to the Communications building. I slid into my t-shirt and pulled on my shorts. “Too hot for jeans,” I thought to myself. Making my way down the stairs, the heat hit me. There was no way I could walk to the opposite side of campus in this heat. Yet, I reluctantly dragged myself to class. After that, it was it was evident that I needed an alternative to walking to class.
Being a very large campus, UCF takes a long time to cross. It can take up to half an hour to go from the Hercules building to the Towers. There are only a few ways to get around quicker; biking, skating and long boarding. Many people enjoy long boarding yet some are looking to have it banned on campus. On any given school day, the walkways that connect this massive campus are full of skateboarders and long boarders. Due to the distance between the buildings on the UCF campus, skateboarding is the most efficient way to get from place to place.
Before choosing long boarding as a means of transportation, I explored other options such as rollerblading. I have played hockey since I was eight years old. Thus, rollerblading to class seemed logical. After weighing the pros and cons I realized that rollerblading would be more of an inconvenience. I would have to tie my skates and skate all the way to class while carrying an extra bag for my shoes. Then when I get there I would have to untie my skates and change into my shoes before I go into class. The whole charade would take almost as long as walking. Also considering riding my bike I realized there are too many cons in my opinion. After riding to class there is the hassle of trying to find a place to safely park it and lock it. None of these options would be a sufficient use of my time.
Deciding that walking is not as efficient, the sole remaining and hence logical way to get to class is to long board. In the time it would take me to walk one way from Hercules to the Towers, I could skate triple the distance. Also, by long boarding, I eliminate the problem of changing my shoes or parking my bike. I simply take my long board into class with me. However, until my freshman year of college I had never skate boarded. When I first started, I admit, I could barely step on a skate board without falling. This obviously posed quite the problem to my new plan. When I moved up to college, my older brother gave me his long board to use. It was not nearly as difficult as I had anticipated learning how to ride it.
Long boarding to class is a breeze, literally. The air whirls past you and seems to bend around you as you lean forward into the turns. The bumps in the side walk provide an easy vibration that slows your speed. Once you get past parking garage B, coming from the Academic Village, it is generally smooth sailing. Your wheels simply glide across the cement. A few short kicks and you cruise by the people slowly walking to class.
Banning long boarding on campus seems like a trivial debate. However, it is the hot topic of many peer discussions. Many people who are in favor of banning them have ill feelings toward them from personal experience. Their strongest argument is the danger of them. There are some instances where people have become severely injured riding them. The worst case scenario is when an innocent bystander gets injured. Yes, injuries from long boarding would disappear if they were banned. But at what cost? The minority that have been injured in long board accidents is so small that it cannot be the basis of such a serious debate. You can not just simply ban something because of a few scrapes and bruises. “Abc.net reported 1.2 million deaths from car crashes worldwide in 2007.” How many deaths have come about due to long boarding on UCF campus? None. However, you do not find these same individuals who protest long boards trying to ban cars on campus. That’s because it is a legitimate mode of transportation to get around- just like long boards. If people paid more attention to their surroundings then everyone would be much safer- one doesn’t just walk out into the road without looking where they are going. The same thought process should happen when walking around campus knowing there are hundreds of long boards, bicycles, and roller blades where ever one goes on campus. It is the pedestrian’s responsibility to be aware of his or her environment. Living in a world of oblivion is what causes these accidents. Expecting that the skaters and bicyclists should watch every person and plan for every possibility is a cheap shedding of personal responsibility and allows one to think they can walk around campus recklessly and not be held accountable. Once a pedestrian has learned to truly take in his or her surroundings, only then will these accidents be significantly reduced.
This issue has sparked some heated conversations among many, from skaters to bicyclists to pedestrians. Through my interviews I conclude that while some oppose, most are generally indifferent to the subject. One of the people I interviewed was a girl named Janelly. I asked her, “What are your feelings regarding long boarding?” She responded, “If they don’t bother me why should I bother them?” Then I asked her, “Have you ever been hit by a long boarder?” She answered, “Not yet, but almost!” “How do you feel banning long boarding would affect campus life?” I asked. Janelly responded, “A lot more people would be on bikes and walking, and that would create more traffic which would make the current problems about transportation worse.” The general consensus is that most people do not mind long boarding.
One must take into consideration those who have been hurt in skate boarding accidents and those that will happen in the future. These accidents are unfortunate for both parties involved, but banning long boards is not the proper response to this issue. After all, these accidents are in no way intentional. And accidents happen without the medium of a vehicle of transportation. All in all, using a long board is a personal choice when it comes to getting around campus. It is a preference that cannot be infringed upon as there is not enough evidence to support a significantly detrimental effect caused solely by long boards. By starting with the banning of long boards, what will come next?
Works Cited
1. Crespo, Janelly. “Personal interview on 10/13/09”
2. Scot, Bevan. “1.2 million die each year in road crashes: global study.” http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2609956.htm ABC, 26 June 2009. Web. 15 October 2009.
Being a very large campus, UCF takes a long time to cross. It can take up to half an hour to go from the Hercules building to the Towers. There are only a few ways to get around quicker; biking, skating and long boarding. Many people enjoy long boarding yet some are looking to have it banned on campus. On any given school day, the walkways that connect this massive campus are full of skateboarders and long boarders. Due to the distance between the buildings on the UCF campus, skateboarding is the most efficient way to get from place to place.
Before choosing long boarding as a means of transportation, I explored other options such as rollerblading. I have played hockey since I was eight years old. Thus, rollerblading to class seemed logical. After weighing the pros and cons I realized that rollerblading would be more of an inconvenience. I would have to tie my skates and skate all the way to class while carrying an extra bag for my shoes. Then when I get there I would have to untie my skates and change into my shoes before I go into class. The whole charade would take almost as long as walking. Also considering riding my bike I realized there are too many cons in my opinion. After riding to class there is the hassle of trying to find a place to safely park it and lock it. None of these options would be a sufficient use of my time.
Deciding that walking is not as efficient, the sole remaining and hence logical way to get to class is to long board. In the time it would take me to walk one way from Hercules to the Towers, I could skate triple the distance. Also, by long boarding, I eliminate the problem of changing my shoes or parking my bike. I simply take my long board into class with me. However, until my freshman year of college I had never skate boarded. When I first started, I admit, I could barely step on a skate board without falling. This obviously posed quite the problem to my new plan. When I moved up to college, my older brother gave me his long board to use. It was not nearly as difficult as I had anticipated learning how to ride it.
Long boarding to class is a breeze, literally. The air whirls past you and seems to bend around you as you lean forward into the turns. The bumps in the side walk provide an easy vibration that slows your speed. Once you get past parking garage B, coming from the Academic Village, it is generally smooth sailing. Your wheels simply glide across the cement. A few short kicks and you cruise by the people slowly walking to class.
Banning long boarding on campus seems like a trivial debate. However, it is the hot topic of many peer discussions. Many people who are in favor of banning them have ill feelings toward them from personal experience. Their strongest argument is the danger of them. There are some instances where people have become severely injured riding them. The worst case scenario is when an innocent bystander gets injured. Yes, injuries from long boarding would disappear if they were banned. But at what cost? The minority that have been injured in long board accidents is so small that it cannot be the basis of such a serious debate. You can not just simply ban something because of a few scrapes and bruises. “Abc.net reported 1.2 million deaths from car crashes worldwide in 2007.” How many deaths have come about due to long boarding on UCF campus? None. However, you do not find these same individuals who protest long boards trying to ban cars on campus. That’s because it is a legitimate mode of transportation to get around- just like long boards. If people paid more attention to their surroundings then everyone would be much safer- one doesn’t just walk out into the road without looking where they are going. The same thought process should happen when walking around campus knowing there are hundreds of long boards, bicycles, and roller blades where ever one goes on campus. It is the pedestrian’s responsibility to be aware of his or her environment. Living in a world of oblivion is what causes these accidents. Expecting that the skaters and bicyclists should watch every person and plan for every possibility is a cheap shedding of personal responsibility and allows one to think they can walk around campus recklessly and not be held accountable. Once a pedestrian has learned to truly take in his or her surroundings, only then will these accidents be significantly reduced.
This issue has sparked some heated conversations among many, from skaters to bicyclists to pedestrians. Through my interviews I conclude that while some oppose, most are generally indifferent to the subject. One of the people I interviewed was a girl named Janelly. I asked her, “What are your feelings regarding long boarding?” She responded, “If they don’t bother me why should I bother them?” Then I asked her, “Have you ever been hit by a long boarder?” She answered, “Not yet, but almost!” “How do you feel banning long boarding would affect campus life?” I asked. Janelly responded, “A lot more people would be on bikes and walking, and that would create more traffic which would make the current problems about transportation worse.” The general consensus is that most people do not mind long boarding.
One must take into consideration those who have been hurt in skate boarding accidents and those that will happen in the future. These accidents are unfortunate for both parties involved, but banning long boards is not the proper response to this issue. After all, these accidents are in no way intentional. And accidents happen without the medium of a vehicle of transportation. All in all, using a long board is a personal choice when it comes to getting around campus. It is a preference that cannot be infringed upon as there is not enough evidence to support a significantly detrimental effect caused solely by long boards. By starting with the banning of long boards, what will come next?
Works Cited
1. Crespo, Janelly. “Personal interview on 10/13/09”
2. Scot, Bevan. “1.2 million die each year in road crashes: global study.” http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2008/s2609956.htm ABC, 26 June 2009. Web. 15 October 2009.
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