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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thesis
Being a very large campus, UCF takes a long time to cross. It can take up to half an hour to go from Hercules 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.
Commentary Questions
Metrosexual Matrimony
1. What is the trend or situation on which the commentary focuses?
The trend focused on this commentary is the increase in interest of males in the planning process of weddings.
2. Does the author give the reader an interesting introduction to the issue? Why or why not?
Yes, the author gives the reader an interesting introduction to the issue by using a specific example of Pignatelli.
3. Does the author explain the context of the issue? How in-depth does he or she go? What do you think this signifies regarding the intended audience of the commentary?
Yes, the author explains the context and goes into detail. This shows that men are becoming more involved in wedding planning and that people should focus more on the love of marriage than the Hollywood side of it.
4. What are the possible causes of the trend or situation the author explores?
The causes of this trend are couples marrying older and women being in more important jobs. This gives them less plan to a wedding and they subsequently need their husband to help.
5. What examples or observations does the author give to back their belief that these are the possible causes?
The author states that women are in established careers that eaves less time for wedding planning.
6. What is the author's stance on the topic?
The author is happy men are becoming involved in the wedding planning. However, the author doesn’t want the couple to lose the true meaning, love.
7. What significance does the author see in this trend or situation?
The author sees this as another trend that is bringing men and women to become more equal.
Hypocrisy Bowl
1. What is the trend or situation on which the commentary focuses?
The situation at hand is the boldness and hypocrisies of the entertainment and sports industries, the commercial culture and even the viewing public.
2. Does the author give the reader an interesting introduction to the issue? Why or why not?
Yes, the author interestingly introduces the situation by telling the Janet Jackson half time show controversy.
3. Does the author explain the context of the issue? How in-depth does he or she go? What do you think this signifies regarding the intended audience of the commentary?
Yes, the author explains the context and goes in depth. This shows that society has gone to far and needs to tone down.
4. What are the possible causes of the trend or situation the author explores?
The causes are that society has been desensitized and demoralized.
5. What examples or observations does the author give to back their belief that these are the possible causes?
The author shows this by examples of specific situations.
6. What is the author's stance on the topic?
The author’s stance is that this never should have happened.
7. What significance does the author see in this trend or situation?
The author significance to this is that the author believes it needs to change for the better.
1. What is the trend or situation on which the commentary focuses?
The trend focused on this commentary is the increase in interest of males in the planning process of weddings.
2. Does the author give the reader an interesting introduction to the issue? Why or why not?
Yes, the author gives the reader an interesting introduction to the issue by using a specific example of Pignatelli.
3. Does the author explain the context of the issue? How in-depth does he or she go? What do you think this signifies regarding the intended audience of the commentary?
Yes, the author explains the context and goes into detail. This shows that men are becoming more involved in wedding planning and that people should focus more on the love of marriage than the Hollywood side of it.
4. What are the possible causes of the trend or situation the author explores?
The causes of this trend are couples marrying older and women being in more important jobs. This gives them less plan to a wedding and they subsequently need their husband to help.
5. What examples or observations does the author give to back their belief that these are the possible causes?
The author states that women are in established careers that eaves less time for wedding planning.
6. What is the author's stance on the topic?
The author is happy men are becoming involved in the wedding planning. However, the author doesn’t want the couple to lose the true meaning, love.
7. What significance does the author see in this trend or situation?
The author sees this as another trend that is bringing men and women to become more equal.
Hypocrisy Bowl
1. What is the trend or situation on which the commentary focuses?
The situation at hand is the boldness and hypocrisies of the entertainment and sports industries, the commercial culture and even the viewing public.
2. Does the author give the reader an interesting introduction to the issue? Why or why not?
Yes, the author interestingly introduces the situation by telling the Janet Jackson half time show controversy.
3. Does the author explain the context of the issue? How in-depth does he or she go? What do you think this signifies regarding the intended audience of the commentary?
Yes, the author explains the context and goes in depth. This shows that society has gone to far and needs to tone down.
4. What are the possible causes of the trend or situation the author explores?
The causes are that society has been desensitized and demoralized.
5. What examples or observations does the author give to back their belief that these are the possible causes?
The author shows this by examples of specific situations.
6. What is the author's stance on the topic?
The author’s stance is that this never should have happened.
7. What significance does the author see in this trend or situation?
The author significance to this is that the author believes it needs to change for the better.
Outline
Introduction
-on how large the campus truly is.
-mention other means of transportation
-bikes
-roller blades
-long boards
Body Paragraphs
-showing pros and cons about bikes and roller blades
Body Paragraphs
-showing cons of long boarding
Body Paragraphs
-showing pros of long boarding
Examples
Closing Commentary and view
-proving that it would be rediculous to ban long boards from the UCF campus.
-on how large the campus truly is.
-mention other means of transportation
-bikes
-roller blades
-long boards
Body Paragraphs
-showing pros and cons about bikes and roller blades
Body Paragraphs
-showing cons of long boarding
Body Paragraphs
-showing pros of long boarding
Examples
Closing Commentary and view
-proving that it would be rediculous to ban long boards from the UCF campus.
Letter
Dear Nico Vallorani,
Being a very large campus, UCF takes a long time to cross. It can take up to half an hour to go from Hercules 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.
I have played hockey since I was 8 years so rollerblading was an option. After weighing out the pros and cons I realized that roller skating would be more of an inconvenience than it is worth. 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. I have also considered riding my bike. However, there are also 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 to.
Therefore the quickest and most logical way to get to class is to long board. By long boarding I can get from Hercules to the Towers in approximately 8 minutes. Also by long boarding I eliminate the problem of changing my shoes and parking my bike. I simply take my long board wherever I go. I can even take it into class. Until my freshman year of college I had never skate boarded. I could barely step on a skate board without falling, but when I moved up to college my older brother gave me his long board to use and I learned with ease.
The debate about banning long boards has key points on each side. 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 number of people who have been affected by this is so trivial it doesn’t even deserve debate. You can not just ban something to stop injuries. 1.2 million people died of car crashes worldwide in 2007. This is a significant number of people but it would still be crazy to even mention banning cars. If people paid more attention to their surroundings then everyone would be much safer.
Every action has hidden consequences. Any economics student can tell you that. If a city spends more money to hire more police officers, there will be less crime on the streets. However, you must think, where did that money come from? Most likely from the public schools budget. As schooling goes down, crime goes up. Therefore in the long run hiring more cops has created more crime. Before a decision is made you must weigh out all the circumstances. Long boarding is connected to other events the same as animals are connected to each other. If there becomes too many or to few of a certain species it creates an interruption in the balance and equilibrium of nature. The same goes for transportation on campus. If long boarding was canceled then there would be too much traffic for bikers or more bikers and cashes resulting in it. All in all it would be much better to keep long boarding legal on the UCF campus.
Being a very large campus, UCF takes a long time to cross. It can take up to half an hour to go from Hercules 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.
I have played hockey since I was 8 years so rollerblading was an option. After weighing out the pros and cons I realized that roller skating would be more of an inconvenience than it is worth. 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. I have also considered riding my bike. However, there are also 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 to.
Therefore the quickest and most logical way to get to class is to long board. By long boarding I can get from Hercules to the Towers in approximately 8 minutes. Also by long boarding I eliminate the problem of changing my shoes and parking my bike. I simply take my long board wherever I go. I can even take it into class. Until my freshman year of college I had never skate boarded. I could barely step on a skate board without falling, but when I moved up to college my older brother gave me his long board to use and I learned with ease.
The debate about banning long boards has key points on each side. 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 number of people who have been affected by this is so trivial it doesn’t even deserve debate. You can not just ban something to stop injuries. 1.2 million people died of car crashes worldwide in 2007. This is a significant number of people but it would still be crazy to even mention banning cars. If people paid more attention to their surroundings then everyone would be much safer.
Every action has hidden consequences. Any economics student can tell you that. If a city spends more money to hire more police officers, there will be less crime on the streets. However, you must think, where did that money come from? Most likely from the public schools budget. As schooling goes down, crime goes up. Therefore in the long run hiring more cops has created more crime. Before a decision is made you must weigh out all the circumstances. Long boarding is connected to other events the same as animals are connected to each other. If there becomes too many or to few of a certain species it creates an interruption in the balance and equilibrium of nature. The same goes for transportation on campus. If long boarding was canceled then there would be too much traffic for bikers or more bikers and cashes resulting in it. All in all it would be much better to keep long boarding legal on the UCF campus.
Interview
Janelly Crespo
1. How do you know what you know? (evidence) Through friends.
2. Who are you to the subject? (perspective) For long boarding.
3. How is this event connected to other events? (patterns or opposing forces)
If long boarding was banned more people would be on bikes and then bikes would be banned.
4. What if things were different? (suppositions/predictions) A lot more people would be on bikes and walking, and there would be more traffic.
5. Why is this important? (significance) People who long board would have to find other ways to class and not get the thrill of riding a long board.
6. Are you for or against long boarding? For.
7. Have you ever been hit by a long boarder? Almost.
8. Do the long boarders annoy you? As long as they don't hit me.
9. Have you seen any long boarders crash? No.
10. Do you have any friends who long board? If yes how many? Yes, four.
Ryan Atkins
1. How do you know what you know? (evidence) Through personal experience.
2. Who are you to the subject? (perspective) For long boarding.
3. How is this event connected to other events? (patterns or opposing forces)
It is connected to other events the same as animals are connected to each other. If there becomes to many or to few of a certain species it creates an interruption in the balance and equilibrium of nature. The same goes for transportation on campus. If long boarding was canceled then there would be to much traffic for bikers or more bikers and cashes resulting in it.
4. What if things were different? (suppositions/predictions) See answer 3.
5. Why is this important? (significance) People who ride their long board to class would have to leave significantly earlier and would not get to experience the joy of boarding.
6. Are you for or against long boarding? For.
7. Have you ever been hit by a long boarder? No.
8. Do the long boarders annoy you? No.
9. Have you seen any long boarders crash? Yes, multiple.
10. Do you have any friends who long board? If yes how many? Yes, countless.
1. How do you know what you know? (evidence) Through friends.
2. Who are you to the subject? (perspective) For long boarding.
3. How is this event connected to other events? (patterns or opposing forces)
If long boarding was banned more people would be on bikes and then bikes would be banned.
4. What if things were different? (suppositions/predictions) A lot more people would be on bikes and walking, and there would be more traffic.
5. Why is this important? (significance) People who long board would have to find other ways to class and not get the thrill of riding a long board.
6. Are you for or against long boarding? For.
7. Have you ever been hit by a long boarder? Almost.
8. Do the long boarders annoy you? As long as they don't hit me.
9. Have you seen any long boarders crash? No.
10. Do you have any friends who long board? If yes how many? Yes, four.
Ryan Atkins
1. How do you know what you know? (evidence) Through personal experience.
2. Who are you to the subject? (perspective) For long boarding.
3. How is this event connected to other events? (patterns or opposing forces)
It is connected to other events the same as animals are connected to each other. If there becomes to many or to few of a certain species it creates an interruption in the balance and equilibrium of nature. The same goes for transportation on campus. If long boarding was canceled then there would be to much traffic for bikers or more bikers and cashes resulting in it.
4. What if things were different? (suppositions/predictions) See answer 3.
5. Why is this important? (significance) People who ride their long board to class would have to leave significantly earlier and would not get to experience the joy of boarding.
6. Are you for or against long boarding? For.
7. Have you ever been hit by a long boarder? No.
8. Do the long boarders annoy you? No.
9. Have you seen any long boarders crash? Yes, multiple.
10. Do you have any friends who long board? If yes how many? Yes, countless.
First Draft
Being a very large campus, UCF takes a long time to cross. It can take up to half an hour to go from Hercules 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.
I have played hockey since I was 8 years so rollerblading was an option. After weighing out the pros and cons I realized that roller skating would be more of an inconvenience than it is worth. 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. I have also considered riding my bike. However, there are also 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 to.
Therefore the quickest and most logical way to get to class is to long board. By long boarding I can get from Hercules to the Towers in approximately 8 minutes. Also by long boarding I eliminate the problem of changing my shoes and parking my bike. I simply take my long board wherever I go. I can even take it into class. Until my freshman year of college I had never skate boarded. I could barely step on a skate board without falling. When I moved up to college my older brother gave me his long board to use and I learned with ease.
I have played hockey since I was 8 years so rollerblading was an option. After weighing out the pros and cons I realized that roller skating would be more of an inconvenience than it is worth. 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. I have also considered riding my bike. However, there are also 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 to.
Therefore the quickest and most logical way to get to class is to long board. By long boarding I can get from Hercules to the Towers in approximately 8 minutes. Also by long boarding I eliminate the problem of changing my shoes and parking my bike. I simply take my long board wherever I go. I can even take it into class. Until my freshman year of college I had never skate boarded. I could barely step on a skate board without falling. When I moved up to college my older brother gave me his long board to use and I learned with ease.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Three Phenomenon
1) The different views regarding skateboarding on campus.
2) Fraternity and Sorority life at UCF.
3. All the events at UCF that make it seem like one big community, such as Pegasus Palooza.
2) Fraternity and Sorority life at UCF.
3. All the events at UCF that make it seem like one big community, such as Pegasus Palooza.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
final draft
Right now I am 18 years old and in my freshman year of college. My brothers are four and six years older than me and we get along great now. However, that was not the case growing up. Since my brothers were only two years apart they were a lot closer together than with me. Subsequently being the youngest my brothers beat me up a bit, usually verbally but not always. I hated them for it and never thought there would come a day that I would actually thank them.
Getting crap from my brothers for every little thing I did created a tougher shell around me and taught me to just roll with the punches and realize that most of the time its not worth doing anything. You look like an immature jerk for overreacting and it is better to just be a man and own up. When it comes to sports everybody make mistakes and has an off day, even the pros. It is how you act on days like this that defines your true character.
Every Sunday that summer my brothers and I had been going to our city park to play hockey. We would get to the rinks around 10:30 and by then there would be enough skaters to start a pickup game. The range of players spread all skill levels spanning all ages from 14 to late 50’s. Everyone’s favorite part of Sunday morning hockey was that it was strictly for fun. Nobody even kept score.
Every Sunday there would be new skaters out to play but for the most part it was the same group. The regulars were Scot, Rob, Rick, Tom, Dave, Matt, Andy, Tom, Jeff and I. While we were the dedicated few out there every Sunday there were always at least five others. To me Scot, being the oldest (around 50), was the captain. He was not the strongest skater but he was a leader and always knew where to be for the play. Rob was about 27 and an offensive defenseman. He was one of the fastest skaters and could handle the puck with ease. Rick was a bit peculiar. He was probably in his 40s and was scruffy looking guy who drove one of those big black vans (pedophile vans). Tom, also in his 40’s, was Rick’s friend who drove a big white “work” van (also pedophile van). They were not the strongest skaters but they still had fun, maybe because they were always hitting that bong like Cheech and Chong. Dave (around 27) was a stand up guy who enjoyed playing but was a bit of a lazy skater. Matt and Andy (late 20’s) were definitely the enforcers. They were big man and solid skaters which made it hard to get the puck by them. To be honest they were so similar in their techniques and looks that it took me a couple months to differentiate between their names.
And then there were my brothers, Tom and Jeff. At the time Tom was 20 years old and Jeff was 18 years old. Tom was down for the summer from the University of Florida and Jeff was getting ready to start his freshman year there. Jeff has always been more of a laid back person when it comes to everything. I guess you could say he is just not confrontational. He is one of the fastest skaters out there and will fight for the puck in the corner, no matter how big the opponent is. Tom has always been the most enthused about hockey and spent the most time practicing his form. He even follows all the drafts and reports during the season. Being a great stick handler and skater, Tom was a puck hog and a bit cocky. This has annoyed me for years because he is a bit of a gloater when he makes a great play. This is definitely what sparked this infamous day in my life.
An important thing to understand is that in a game a skater can make a mistake and have minimal repercussion or consequence for it. However, if a goalie is just a centimeter out of position it could mean he let down the whole team. This puts a lot of pressure on the goaltender and sometimes it can become a little overwhelming and it can be easy to loose your composure. Being a goalie myself I fully understand this but the most frustrating part is that most others do not. In my view this is the best part of playing a pick-up game. Nobody is keeping score so you can feel free to experiment with some new moves or techniques and there are no worries if they don’t work out.
Mike was not a regular for Sunday morning pick-up games since he lived about 25 minutes away, but he still came out to play every now and then. Everyone was always happy when he did because he was a goalie and it is always fun to shoot on a goalie rather than three metal posts. Mike (around 30) was a nice guy who would have helped anyone out. But yet he always seemed a little odd. He set an alarm for every fifteen minutes so he could take a break and cool off. Granted it was probably 90 degrees out in south Florida and the goalie pads added about ten to fifteen degrees, but still I have played for hours without a break. He also didn’t have much form and just flopped around trying to save the shot. Having a bit of training from more experienced goalies myself I tried to give him some pointers on the butterfly position but he was not very open to it. The butterfly style is when the goalie puts the leg pads on the ground sideways to cover more of the bottom of the net. This is a very important technique for making a save in a breakaway situation. Had he been more open minded, this day may have never happened.
This day of hockey started off like every other. We all put our sticks in the center and Scott closed his eyes and separated them for random teams. I was always happy when my brothers and I ended up on the same team. Luckily I had that day because my brother Tom was on a hot streak. After playing for about an hour and a half we were all exhausted from the blazing sun beating down on us. Rick suggested a a water break and everyone agreed. At this point in a pick-up game our big defensemen Andy and Matt become lazy because there is no consequence if they get scored on since it is just for fun. This was the pitfall for the day. Rob seemed to always have energy but he went out the night before and was a bit sluggish. So unluckily for Mike his whole team was moving slow. A breakaway is when a player from the opposing team has the puck with no defender in between him and the goalie, which gives him a free shot. My brother Tom got many of these rare chances that day and scored every time. He had a handful of pretty deeks up his hand and made them work with ease. He would move the puck so well that Mike would dive the wrong way because he tricked him. If the goals weren’t embarrassing enough Tom had to add some rude comments after them as well.
We have no clue how many goals he made but there were definitely at least eight in a row that threw Mike over the top. I have no clue how to say this other than that it was the biggest temper tantrum that I have ever seen and it was by a grown man. He broke his goalie stick over the post and threw his gloves in the air. All of us were shocked by his overreaction. He then proceeded to skate away and did not come back for another ten minutes. I never looked at him the same after this. I can completely understand the stress and frustration he was under but any age above ten and you shouldn’t act like that. On the way home I actually thanked my brothers for giving me such a hard time growing up, because I would never react that way. If I ever get worked up over something I remember how ridiculous Mike looked and would not want anyone to think of me like that.
Getting crap from my brothers for every little thing I did created a tougher shell around me and taught me to just roll with the punches and realize that most of the time its not worth doing anything. You look like an immature jerk for overreacting and it is better to just be a man and own up. When it comes to sports everybody make mistakes and has an off day, even the pros. It is how you act on days like this that defines your true character.
Every Sunday that summer my brothers and I had been going to our city park to play hockey. We would get to the rinks around 10:30 and by then there would be enough skaters to start a pickup game. The range of players spread all skill levels spanning all ages from 14 to late 50’s. Everyone’s favorite part of Sunday morning hockey was that it was strictly for fun. Nobody even kept score.
Every Sunday there would be new skaters out to play but for the most part it was the same group. The regulars were Scot, Rob, Rick, Tom, Dave, Matt, Andy, Tom, Jeff and I. While we were the dedicated few out there every Sunday there were always at least five others. To me Scot, being the oldest (around 50), was the captain. He was not the strongest skater but he was a leader and always knew where to be for the play. Rob was about 27 and an offensive defenseman. He was one of the fastest skaters and could handle the puck with ease. Rick was a bit peculiar. He was probably in his 40s and was scruffy looking guy who drove one of those big black vans (pedophile vans). Tom, also in his 40’s, was Rick’s friend who drove a big white “work” van (also pedophile van). They were not the strongest skaters but they still had fun, maybe because they were always hitting that bong like Cheech and Chong. Dave (around 27) was a stand up guy who enjoyed playing but was a bit of a lazy skater. Matt and Andy (late 20’s) were definitely the enforcers. They were big man and solid skaters which made it hard to get the puck by them. To be honest they were so similar in their techniques and looks that it took me a couple months to differentiate between their names.
And then there were my brothers, Tom and Jeff. At the time Tom was 20 years old and Jeff was 18 years old. Tom was down for the summer from the University of Florida and Jeff was getting ready to start his freshman year there. Jeff has always been more of a laid back person when it comes to everything. I guess you could say he is just not confrontational. He is one of the fastest skaters out there and will fight for the puck in the corner, no matter how big the opponent is. Tom has always been the most enthused about hockey and spent the most time practicing his form. He even follows all the drafts and reports during the season. Being a great stick handler and skater, Tom was a puck hog and a bit cocky. This has annoyed me for years because he is a bit of a gloater when he makes a great play. This is definitely what sparked this infamous day in my life.
An important thing to understand is that in a game a skater can make a mistake and have minimal repercussion or consequence for it. However, if a goalie is just a centimeter out of position it could mean he let down the whole team. This puts a lot of pressure on the goaltender and sometimes it can become a little overwhelming and it can be easy to loose your composure. Being a goalie myself I fully understand this but the most frustrating part is that most others do not. In my view this is the best part of playing a pick-up game. Nobody is keeping score so you can feel free to experiment with some new moves or techniques and there are no worries if they don’t work out.
Mike was not a regular for Sunday morning pick-up games since he lived about 25 minutes away, but he still came out to play every now and then. Everyone was always happy when he did because he was a goalie and it is always fun to shoot on a goalie rather than three metal posts. Mike (around 30) was a nice guy who would have helped anyone out. But yet he always seemed a little odd. He set an alarm for every fifteen minutes so he could take a break and cool off. Granted it was probably 90 degrees out in south Florida and the goalie pads added about ten to fifteen degrees, but still I have played for hours without a break. He also didn’t have much form and just flopped around trying to save the shot. Having a bit of training from more experienced goalies myself I tried to give him some pointers on the butterfly position but he was not very open to it. The butterfly style is when the goalie puts the leg pads on the ground sideways to cover more of the bottom of the net. This is a very important technique for making a save in a breakaway situation. Had he been more open minded, this day may have never happened.
This day of hockey started off like every other. We all put our sticks in the center and Scott closed his eyes and separated them for random teams. I was always happy when my brothers and I ended up on the same team. Luckily I had that day because my brother Tom was on a hot streak. After playing for about an hour and a half we were all exhausted from the blazing sun beating down on us. Rick suggested a a water break and everyone agreed. At this point in a pick-up game our big defensemen Andy and Matt become lazy because there is no consequence if they get scored on since it is just for fun. This was the pitfall for the day. Rob seemed to always have energy but he went out the night before and was a bit sluggish. So unluckily for Mike his whole team was moving slow. A breakaway is when a player from the opposing team has the puck with no defender in between him and the goalie, which gives him a free shot. My brother Tom got many of these rare chances that day and scored every time. He had a handful of pretty deeks up his hand and made them work with ease. He would move the puck so well that Mike would dive the wrong way because he tricked him. If the goals weren’t embarrassing enough Tom had to add some rude comments after them as well.
We have no clue how many goals he made but there were definitely at least eight in a row that threw Mike over the top. I have no clue how to say this other than that it was the biggest temper tantrum that I have ever seen and it was by a grown man. He broke his goalie stick over the post and threw his gloves in the air. All of us were shocked by his overreaction. He then proceeded to skate away and did not come back for another ten minutes. I never looked at him the same after this. I can completely understand the stress and frustration he was under but any age above ten and you shouldn’t act like that. On the way home I actually thanked my brothers for giving me such a hard time growing up, because I would never react that way. If I ever get worked up over something I remember how ridiculous Mike looked and would not want anyone to think of me like that.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
rough draft
Right now I am 18 years old and in my freshman year of college. My brothers are four and six years older than me and we get along great now. However, that was not the case growing up. Since my brothers were only two years apart they were a lot closer together than with me. Subsequently being the youngest my brothers beat me up a bit, usually verbally but not always. I hated them for it and never thought there would come a day that I would actually thank them.
Getting crap from my brothers for every little thing I did created a tougher shell around me and taught me to just roll with the punches and realize that most of the time its not worth doing anything. You look like an immature jerk for overreacting and it is better to just be a man and own up. When it comes to sports everybody make mistakes and has an off day, even the pros. It is how you act on days like this that defines your true character.
All summer my brothers and I had been going to our city park to play hockey every Sunday. We would get to the rinks around 10:30 and by then there would be enough skaters to start a pickup game. The range of players spread all skill levels spanning all ages from 14 to late 50’s. Everyone’s favorite part of Sunday morning hockey was that it was strictly for fun. Nobody even kept score.
Every Sunday there would be new skaters out to play but for the most part it was the same group. The regulars were Scot, Rob, Rick, Tom, Dave, Matt, Andy, Tom, Jeff and I. While we were the dedicated few out there every Sunday there were always at least five others. To me Scot, being the oldest (around 50), was like the captain. He was not the strongest skater but he was a leader and always knew where to be for the play. Rob was about 27 and an offensive defenseman. He was one of the fastest skaters and could handle the puck with ease. Rick was a bit peculiar. He was probably in his 40s and was scruffy looking guy who drove one of those big black vans (pedophile vans). Tom, also in his 40’s, was Rick’s friend who drove a big white “work” van (also pedophile van). They were not the strongest skaters but they still had fun, maybe because they were always hittin that bong like Cheech and Chong. Dave (around 27) was a stand up guy who enjoyed playing but was a bit of a lazy skater. Matt and Andy (late 20’s) were definitely the enforcers. They were big man and solid skaters which made it hard to get the puck by them. To be honest they were so similar in their techniques and looks that it took me a couple months to differentiate between their names.
And then there were my brothers, Tom and Jeff. At the time Tom was 20 years old and Jeff was 18 years old. Tom was down for the summer from the University of Florida and Jeff was getting ready to start his freshman year there. Jeff has always been more of a laid back person when it comes to everything. I guess you could say he is just not confrontational. He is one of the fastest skaters out there and will fight for the puck in the corner, no matter how big the opponent is. Tom has always been the most enthused about hockey and spent the most time practicing his form. He even follows all the drafts and reports during the season. Being a great stick handler and skater, Tom was a puck hog and a bit cocky. This has annoyed me for years because he is a bit of a gloater when he makes a great play. This is definitely what sparked this infamous day in my life.
An important thing to understand is that in a game a skater can make a mistake and have minimal repercussion or consequence for it. However, if a goalie is just a centimeter out of position it could mean he let down the whole team. This puts a lot of pressure on the goaltender and sometimes it can become a little overwhelming and it can be easy to loose your composure. Being a goalie myself I fully understand this but the most frustrating part is that most others do not. In my view this is the best part of playing a pick-up game. Nobody is keeping score so you can feel free to experiment with some new moves or techniques and there are no worries if they don’t work out.
Mike was not a regular for Sunday morning pick-up games since he lived about 25 minutes away, but he still came out to play every now and then. Everyone was always happy when he did because he was a goalie and it is always fun to shoot on a goalie rather than three metal posts. Mike (around 30) was a nice guy who would have helped anyone out. But yet he always seemed a little odd. He set an alarm for every fifteen minutes so he could take a break and cool off. Granted it was probably 90 degrees out in south Florida and the goalie pads added about ten to fifteen degrees, but still I have played for hours without a break. He also didn’t have much form and just flopped around trying to save the shot. Having a bit of training from more experienced goalies myself I tried to give him some pointers on the butterfly position but he was not very open to it. The butterfly style is when the goalie puts the leg pads on the ground sideways to cover more of the bottom of the net. This is a very important technique for making a save in a breakaway situation. Had he been more open minded, this day may have never happened.
This day of hockey started off like every other. We all put our sticks in the center and Scott closed his eyes and separated them for random teams. I was always happy when my brothers and I ended up on the same team. Luckily I had that day because my brother Tom was on a hot streak. After playing for about an hour and a half we were all exhausted from the blazing sun beating down on us. At this point in a pick-up game the defense becomes lazy because there is no consequence if they get scored on since it is just for fun. This was the pitfall for the day. A breakaway is when a player from the opposing team has the puck with no defender in between him and the goalie, which gives him a free shot. My brother Tom got many of these rare chances that day and scored every time. We have no clue how many he made but there were definitely at least eight in a row that threw Mike over the top. I have no clue how to say this other than that it was the biggest temper tantrum that I have ever seen and it was by a grown man. He broke his goalie stick over the post and threw his gloves in the air. All of us were shocked by his overreaction. He then proceeded to skate away and did not come back for another ten minutes. I never looked at him the same after this. I can completely understand the stress and frustration he was under but any age above ten and you shouldn’t act like that. On the way home I actually thanked my brothers for giving me such a hard time growing up, because I would never react that way. If I ever get worked up over something I remember how ridiculous Mike looked and would not want anyone to think of me like that.
Getting crap from my brothers for every little thing I did created a tougher shell around me and taught me to just roll with the punches and realize that most of the time its not worth doing anything. You look like an immature jerk for overreacting and it is better to just be a man and own up. When it comes to sports everybody make mistakes and has an off day, even the pros. It is how you act on days like this that defines your true character.
All summer my brothers and I had been going to our city park to play hockey every Sunday. We would get to the rinks around 10:30 and by then there would be enough skaters to start a pickup game. The range of players spread all skill levels spanning all ages from 14 to late 50’s. Everyone’s favorite part of Sunday morning hockey was that it was strictly for fun. Nobody even kept score.
Every Sunday there would be new skaters out to play but for the most part it was the same group. The regulars were Scot, Rob, Rick, Tom, Dave, Matt, Andy, Tom, Jeff and I. While we were the dedicated few out there every Sunday there were always at least five others. To me Scot, being the oldest (around 50), was like the captain. He was not the strongest skater but he was a leader and always knew where to be for the play. Rob was about 27 and an offensive defenseman. He was one of the fastest skaters and could handle the puck with ease. Rick was a bit peculiar. He was probably in his 40s and was scruffy looking guy who drove one of those big black vans (pedophile vans). Tom, also in his 40’s, was Rick’s friend who drove a big white “work” van (also pedophile van). They were not the strongest skaters but they still had fun, maybe because they were always hittin that bong like Cheech and Chong. Dave (around 27) was a stand up guy who enjoyed playing but was a bit of a lazy skater. Matt and Andy (late 20’s) were definitely the enforcers. They were big man and solid skaters which made it hard to get the puck by them. To be honest they were so similar in their techniques and looks that it took me a couple months to differentiate between their names.
And then there were my brothers, Tom and Jeff. At the time Tom was 20 years old and Jeff was 18 years old. Tom was down for the summer from the University of Florida and Jeff was getting ready to start his freshman year there. Jeff has always been more of a laid back person when it comes to everything. I guess you could say he is just not confrontational. He is one of the fastest skaters out there and will fight for the puck in the corner, no matter how big the opponent is. Tom has always been the most enthused about hockey and spent the most time practicing his form. He even follows all the drafts and reports during the season. Being a great stick handler and skater, Tom was a puck hog and a bit cocky. This has annoyed me for years because he is a bit of a gloater when he makes a great play. This is definitely what sparked this infamous day in my life.
An important thing to understand is that in a game a skater can make a mistake and have minimal repercussion or consequence for it. However, if a goalie is just a centimeter out of position it could mean he let down the whole team. This puts a lot of pressure on the goaltender and sometimes it can become a little overwhelming and it can be easy to loose your composure. Being a goalie myself I fully understand this but the most frustrating part is that most others do not. In my view this is the best part of playing a pick-up game. Nobody is keeping score so you can feel free to experiment with some new moves or techniques and there are no worries if they don’t work out.
Mike was not a regular for Sunday morning pick-up games since he lived about 25 minutes away, but he still came out to play every now and then. Everyone was always happy when he did because he was a goalie and it is always fun to shoot on a goalie rather than three metal posts. Mike (around 30) was a nice guy who would have helped anyone out. But yet he always seemed a little odd. He set an alarm for every fifteen minutes so he could take a break and cool off. Granted it was probably 90 degrees out in south Florida and the goalie pads added about ten to fifteen degrees, but still I have played for hours without a break. He also didn’t have much form and just flopped around trying to save the shot. Having a bit of training from more experienced goalies myself I tried to give him some pointers on the butterfly position but he was not very open to it. The butterfly style is when the goalie puts the leg pads on the ground sideways to cover more of the bottom of the net. This is a very important technique for making a save in a breakaway situation. Had he been more open minded, this day may have never happened.
This day of hockey started off like every other. We all put our sticks in the center and Scott closed his eyes and separated them for random teams. I was always happy when my brothers and I ended up on the same team. Luckily I had that day because my brother Tom was on a hot streak. After playing for about an hour and a half we were all exhausted from the blazing sun beating down on us. At this point in a pick-up game the defense becomes lazy because there is no consequence if they get scored on since it is just for fun. This was the pitfall for the day. A breakaway is when a player from the opposing team has the puck with no defender in between him and the goalie, which gives him a free shot. My brother Tom got many of these rare chances that day and scored every time. We have no clue how many he made but there were definitely at least eight in a row that threw Mike over the top. I have no clue how to say this other than that it was the biggest temper tantrum that I have ever seen and it was by a grown man. He broke his goalie stick over the post and threw his gloves in the air. All of us were shocked by his overreaction. He then proceeded to skate away and did not come back for another ten minutes. I never looked at him the same after this. I can completely understand the stress and frustration he was under but any age above ten and you shouldn’t act like that. On the way home I actually thanked my brothers for giving me such a hard time growing up, because I would never react that way. If I ever get worked up over something I remember how ridiculous Mike looked and would not want anyone to think of me like that.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday morning hockey
Right now I am 18 years old and in my freshman year of college. My brothers are four and six years older than me and we get along great now. However, that was not the case growing up. Since my brothers were only two years apart they were a lot closer together than with me. Subsequently being the youngest my brothers beat me up a bit, usually verbally but not always. I hated them for it and never thought there would come a day that I would actually thank them for it.
Getting crap from my brothers for every little thing I did created a tougher shell around me and taught me to just roll with the punches and realize that most of the time its not worth doing anything. You look like an immature jerk for overreacting and it is better to just be a man and own up. When it comes to sports everybody make mistakes and has an off day, even the pros. It is how you act on days like this that defines your true character.
All summer my brothers and I had been going to our city park to play hockey every Sunday. We would get to the rinks around 10:30 and by then there would be enough skaters to start a pickup game. The range of players spread all skill levels spanning all ages from 14 to late 50’s. Everyone’s favorite part of Sunday morning hockey was that it was strictly for fun. Nobody even kept score.
Getting crap from my brothers for every little thing I did created a tougher shell around me and taught me to just roll with the punches and realize that most of the time its not worth doing anything. You look like an immature jerk for overreacting and it is better to just be a man and own up. When it comes to sports everybody make mistakes and has an off day, even the pros. It is how you act on days like this that defines your true character.
All summer my brothers and I had been going to our city park to play hockey every Sunday. We would get to the rinks around 10:30 and by then there would be enough skaters to start a pickup game. The range of players spread all skill levels spanning all ages from 14 to late 50’s. Everyone’s favorite part of Sunday morning hockey was that it was strictly for fun. Nobody even kept score.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
invention
1) It was a mere pick-up game of hockey that opened my eyes to growing up. I grew more mature and thanked my older brothers for always giving me a hard time when i saw a grown man have a temper tantrum over a game that nobody was keeping score.
2) Hurricane Wilma came through my town with devastating destruction. Even though there was great damage to everyone's home, there was silver lining on the dark clouds. The hurricane brought neighbors and communities closer together.
3) Every generation has a catastrophic event. Even if people were little kids when it happened they will be able to answer the question, "where were u when?" Such as when JFK died. For my generation it was, "Do u remember where you were on September 11?" I remember that hectic day in fifth grade and will never forget it.
2) Hurricane Wilma came through my town with devastating destruction. Even though there was great damage to everyone's home, there was silver lining on the dark clouds. The hurricane brought neighbors and communities closer together.
3) Every generation has a catastrophic event. Even if people were little kids when it happened they will be able to answer the question, "where were u when?" Such as when JFK died. For my generation it was, "Do u remember where you were on September 11?" I remember that hectic day in fifth grade and will never forget it.
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