Hi Group 5!
I am planning to revise my "Dear Tommy" piece for the week 5 assignment and am looking for feedback. What works? What can be improved or changed?
Thanks
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Ultimate v. Disc Golf
When people ask me what I like to do in my free time I usually respond that I enjoy traveling, running, playing ultimate Frisbee and disc golfing. Because ultimate frisbee and disc golf are two pastimes that have exploded in popularity only recently many people who did not grow up playing these two sports often think they are the same thing. I would like to clarify the difference between the two sports.
Ultimate Frisbee is a highly active sport that is played on field approximately the size of a soccer field. Each team of seven members lines up on an end zone as one team “kicks off” (called pulling) to the other. Once the team on offense receives the pull their goal is to cross the other team’s end zone line. The disc can only be moved by passing it from one player to another. Immediately after catching the disc the receiver must stop running and has ten seconds to pass it to a teammate. If the person with the Frisbee does not pass it within ten seconds this constitutes a turnover. The team also turns over the disc if it is thrown out of bounds or a passing attempt is incomplete. Once a team successfully passes the disc to a player in the end zone they score one point and the above scenario plays out again until the next point. It is a past-paced exciting game with no stoppage of play or timeouts.
Disc golf is very similar to the familiar form of golf that is played with a ball, with the obvious substitution of clubs for Frisbees. The discs used in disc golf vary in diameter, weight and material. Drivers are designed for long distance throws, and based on their design can be used to play straight up the fairway, or curve around obstacles. Putters are generally made for flying at lower speeds and are made with a softer plastic that is less durable than that used for drivers.
Most disc golf courses have either nine or eighteen holes with each hole starting at a slab of concrete that is used as the tee. The player can take a running approach, but must release the disc before crossing the plane at the front of the tee pad. The target that is the “hole” in disc golf is actually a metal basket that stands approximately three feet off the ground. When the player successfully throws their disc into the basket without it bouncing out they have completed the hole and move to the next. For most holes three throws (drive, approach, put) is considered par.
Both sports have their own appeal. Ultimate Frisbee is a great workout that is rewarding for those who enjoy sports that require speed, stamina and strategy. It’s a great game to play with friends, requires no equipment other than a standard ultimate Frisbee disc (175g) and is safe because it’s a non-contact sport. Disc golf allows for a slower paced, more intimate event that can be played individually or with a small group of friends. It allows you to get outside and enjoy nature; most courses are free and on public land, many in county and state parks. Stopping at courses on a road trip can be a great way to see the country. Whether you prefer the excitement of a past-paced ultimate game, or the relaxed setting of a round of disc golf either one is an affordable fun way to spend a day.
Ultimate Frisbee is a highly active sport that is played on field approximately the size of a soccer field. Each team of seven members lines up on an end zone as one team “kicks off” (called pulling) to the other. Once the team on offense receives the pull their goal is to cross the other team’s end zone line. The disc can only be moved by passing it from one player to another. Immediately after catching the disc the receiver must stop running and has ten seconds to pass it to a teammate. If the person with the Frisbee does not pass it within ten seconds this constitutes a turnover. The team also turns over the disc if it is thrown out of bounds or a passing attempt is incomplete. Once a team successfully passes the disc to a player in the end zone they score one point and the above scenario plays out again until the next point. It is a past-paced exciting game with no stoppage of play or timeouts.
Disc golf is very similar to the familiar form of golf that is played with a ball, with the obvious substitution of clubs for Frisbees. The discs used in disc golf vary in diameter, weight and material. Drivers are designed for long distance throws, and based on their design can be used to play straight up the fairway, or curve around obstacles. Putters are generally made for flying at lower speeds and are made with a softer plastic that is less durable than that used for drivers.
Most disc golf courses have either nine or eighteen holes with each hole starting at a slab of concrete that is used as the tee. The player can take a running approach, but must release the disc before crossing the plane at the front of the tee pad. The target that is the “hole” in disc golf is actually a metal basket that stands approximately three feet off the ground. When the player successfully throws their disc into the basket without it bouncing out they have completed the hole and move to the next. For most holes three throws (drive, approach, put) is considered par.
Both sports have their own appeal. Ultimate Frisbee is a great workout that is rewarding for those who enjoy sports that require speed, stamina and strategy. It’s a great game to play with friends, requires no equipment other than a standard ultimate Frisbee disc (175g) and is safe because it’s a non-contact sport. Disc golf allows for a slower paced, more intimate event that can be played individually or with a small group of friends. It allows you to get outside and enjoy nature; most courses are free and on public land, many in county and state parks. Stopping at courses on a road trip can be a great way to see the country. Whether you prefer the excitement of a past-paced ultimate game, or the relaxed setting of a round of disc golf either one is an affordable fun way to spend a day.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Going Phishing
Did you hear? Phish is touring again this summer! If I had a dollar for every time I had a conversation that started like this between December and February I would’ve had enough money to buy my ticket to the show at the Alpine Valley Music Amphitheater in East Troy, Wisconsin, located about 115 miles southeast of Madison where I am living this summer.
This was not your typical summer reunion tour. Unlike the recent Police, Eagles, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd reunion shows, there was no major hatchet to bury between band members. Unlike these bands it had not been decades since their last tour, Phish has only been on “hiatus” since the 2005 summer tour. Everyone knew that they inevitably would tour together again. So, why all the fuss? What generates this level of excitement among their fans?
For starters, Phish is not just another rock band. They represent the jam band genre and have taken the place of the Grateful Dead as the leaders of the hippie counterculture. When Phish is not touring, there is a void for many jam band fans. When I first was introduced to their music in 1995 I was only fifteen years old. I heard from older friends how amazing their live shows were, not only for the music, but for the entire “scene”. When they announced their 2006 summer tour and I finally had a driver’s license I had my first experience with the jam band scene and I was hooked. Every year from 1996-2000 I eagerly awaited another pilgrimage to Alpine Valley. The anticipation started in winter with the announcement of tour dates. Then, built when tickets went on sale in spring or early summer. All summer long I would talked with friends or looked online at set lists as Phish worked their way westward. Conversations among fans focused on what was going on during the tour. “Did you hear they pulled out ‘Big Black Furry Creature From Mars’ last night? They haven’t played that in years!” Or, “Have you heard the tape from the first night at Deer Creek?! It’s killer” Throughout my high school and college years my summer highlight was always seeing Phish.
When Phish went on temporary hiatus in 2001 my summer was ruined. What was I going to look forward to all summer? What was my excuse going to be to reconnect with old friends and family.? What would all of the people who travel coast to coast selling grilled cheese in the parking lots at the shows in order to make money for a ticket and gas to get to the next show do? Find a real job?! The break that Phish took from touring from 2005-2008 wasn’t as painful to me. I was out of ultra-hippie-liberal Madison and teaching in Wausau. I felt disconnected from the scene. It wasn’t until the 2009 summer tour was announced that I realized how much I missed that yearly pilgrimage to Alpine Valley.
What exactly is it that makes seeing Phish THE event of the summer for me? It’s a combination of things, really. It’s working at a store this summer with ten friends that are all as excited about the upcoming show as I am, the sound system there constantly playing live phish shows from the 1984-2004 tours. It’s the discussions about what songs we are hoping to hear, and not having any clue what’s going to be played - every show is different. It’s looking forward to the “lot scene” of 34,000 hippies sharing a good time, selling grilled cheese, local beers, patchouli pants, incense, and other assorted what not. It’s the hundreds of glow sticks that are simultaneously cast into the dark night sky as the second set opens, running into old “phriends”, post-show fireworks in the parking lot…and of course the music.
This year’s x-factor was the crew that I went to the show with. I was excited to be bringing my girlfriend who learned to tolerate, and eventually enjoy their music after being subjected to it for the last three years. Regrettably we had three friends joining us, only one of which could be considered a real “phan”. Throughout the show I realized that I had underestimated the impact that this factor would have on the night. They didn’t share in the excitement of hearing a song you’ve been dying to hear for years, or hearing a rare song resurrected. They didn’t know the words to the crowd participation songs. As the songs ticked by, I had to come to terms with the fact that this year’s show probably wouldn’t be the highlight of my summer. No worries, though. They’re playing again in August in Chicago, and this time I’ll be with two of the biggest fans I know. And if the venue change takes away from the experience? Well, the fact that the band is releasing a studio album in fall tells me that I’ll get another stab at that euphoric trip to Alpine Valley next summer.
This was not your typical summer reunion tour. Unlike the recent Police, Eagles, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd reunion shows, there was no major hatchet to bury between band members. Unlike these bands it had not been decades since their last tour, Phish has only been on “hiatus” since the 2005 summer tour. Everyone knew that they inevitably would tour together again. So, why all the fuss? What generates this level of excitement among their fans?
For starters, Phish is not just another rock band. They represent the jam band genre and have taken the place of the Grateful Dead as the leaders of the hippie counterculture. When Phish is not touring, there is a void for many jam band fans. When I first was introduced to their music in 1995 I was only fifteen years old. I heard from older friends how amazing their live shows were, not only for the music, but for the entire “scene”. When they announced their 2006 summer tour and I finally had a driver’s license I had my first experience with the jam band scene and I was hooked. Every year from 1996-2000 I eagerly awaited another pilgrimage to Alpine Valley. The anticipation started in winter with the announcement of tour dates. Then, built when tickets went on sale in spring or early summer. All summer long I would talked with friends or looked online at set lists as Phish worked their way westward. Conversations among fans focused on what was going on during the tour. “Did you hear they pulled out ‘Big Black Furry Creature From Mars’ last night? They haven’t played that in years!” Or, “Have you heard the tape from the first night at Deer Creek?! It’s killer” Throughout my high school and college years my summer highlight was always seeing Phish.
When Phish went on temporary hiatus in 2001 my summer was ruined. What was I going to look forward to all summer? What was my excuse going to be to reconnect with old friends and family.? What would all of the people who travel coast to coast selling grilled cheese in the parking lots at the shows in order to make money for a ticket and gas to get to the next show do? Find a real job?! The break that Phish took from touring from 2005-2008 wasn’t as painful to me. I was out of ultra-hippie-liberal Madison and teaching in Wausau. I felt disconnected from the scene. It wasn’t until the 2009 summer tour was announced that I realized how much I missed that yearly pilgrimage to Alpine Valley.
What exactly is it that makes seeing Phish THE event of the summer for me? It’s a combination of things, really. It’s working at a store this summer with ten friends that are all as excited about the upcoming show as I am, the sound system there constantly playing live phish shows from the 1984-2004 tours. It’s the discussions about what songs we are hoping to hear, and not having any clue what’s going to be played - every show is different. It’s looking forward to the “lot scene” of 34,000 hippies sharing a good time, selling grilled cheese, local beers, patchouli pants, incense, and other assorted what not. It’s the hundreds of glow sticks that are simultaneously cast into the dark night sky as the second set opens, running into old “phriends”, post-show fireworks in the parking lot…and of course the music.
This year’s x-factor was the crew that I went to the show with. I was excited to be bringing my girlfriend who learned to tolerate, and eventually enjoy their music after being subjected to it for the last three years. Regrettably we had three friends joining us, only one of which could be considered a real “phan”. Throughout the show I realized that I had underestimated the impact that this factor would have on the night. They didn’t share in the excitement of hearing a song you’ve been dying to hear for years, or hearing a rare song resurrected. They didn’t know the words to the crowd participation songs. As the songs ticked by, I had to come to terms with the fact that this year’s show probably wouldn’t be the highlight of my summer. No worries, though. They’re playing again in August in Chicago, and this time I’ll be with two of the biggest fans I know. And if the venue change takes away from the experience? Well, the fact that the band is releasing a studio album in fall tells me that I’ll get another stab at that euphoric trip to Alpine Valley next summer.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Favorite Summer Activities
Standard summer favorites: ultimate frisbee league games, running, Brewers games, caoneing, backpacking trips
New 2009 summer favorites: sailing, windsurfing, fishing, catching up on all of the magazines I didn't have time for duirng the school year
New 2009 summer favorites: sailing, windsurfing, fishing, catching up on all of the magazines I didn't have time for duirng the school year
Regrets
Dear Tommy,
Until this month I had convinced myself that I only have one true regret in my life, that I did not take the opportunity to study abroad when I had the chance. I ignored the opportunity to learn from my mistake each time a friend returned from a semester abroad with tales of excitement and adventure. My fear of missing out on good times with family and friends kept me here for nine consecutive semesters.
Now I realize that I was making another mistake that is my real true regret in life during many of those same semesters in college. I regret that under pressure from my parents I agreed to sign up for the “substance free” floor of the dorm that we ended up random roommates in ten years ago. I never had any intention of keeping a pledge to be substance free. If you did, it was never discussed.
We became the best of friends. Over the next three years as roommates we enjoyed concerts and hockey games, disc golfing and foosball. Each one of these events an excuse to be with friends...and drink heavily.
I was never concerned about the heavy drinking. We had friends that swore off drinking for a month, to prove to themselves they could do it. I knew I didn't need to prove it to myself. Did you tell yourself the same thing? We were both successful, functional people. You were a referee for local youth hockey teams and got accepted to the pharmacy school. I student taught and coached.
I remember one night from our sophomore year – I would like to claim I remember it clearly, but sadly I don't remember much clearly from that year – when I should have realized the dangerous path we were traveling down. I wish that I could have had a serious conversation about it with you. But as we both know, serious conversations are a rarity with me. I regret that the way that I dealt with it is how I deal with everything that is serious in life. We joked about it between ourselves, and I with others. “Hey guys, guess what Tommy needs in order to be able to sleep these days? His teddy bear, a nightlight and a couple shots of Captain as a nightcap.”
How receptive would you have been to me suggesting that you had a drinking problem? Can you imagine hearing that from the guy who drank more days in any given month than days he was sober? I imagined the conversation many times, yet we never had it because each time I convinced myself that the hypocrisy was too much.
I regret that we didn't talk about the issue before I moved 150 miles away. Common friends and acquaintances dropped hints that they thought you might have a problem as the years went by. Finally your girlfriend took on the task that I found impossible and confronted you about your problem...and you agreed with her. How long did you think you had a problem? Were you hoping we could continue to dance around the issue, or were you wondering why the hell I didn't confront you?
I regret that it took an EMT finding you with a B.A.C. Of .43 this month for me to realize that you have been getting worse for the past three years instead of better. I regret the relief that I felt when your wedding was postponed indefinitely while you and your fiance work out the issues that were brought on by your drinking.
Regrets. I have tried to atone for my mistake of not studying abroad by traveling extensively since college, but I will never be able to make up for that lost time. We will never be able to either.
Until this month I had convinced myself that I only have one true regret in my life, that I did not take the opportunity to study abroad when I had the chance. I ignored the opportunity to learn from my mistake each time a friend returned from a semester abroad with tales of excitement and adventure. My fear of missing out on good times with family and friends kept me here for nine consecutive semesters.
Now I realize that I was making another mistake that is my real true regret in life during many of those same semesters in college. I regret that under pressure from my parents I agreed to sign up for the “substance free” floor of the dorm that we ended up random roommates in ten years ago. I never had any intention of keeping a pledge to be substance free. If you did, it was never discussed.
We became the best of friends. Over the next three years as roommates we enjoyed concerts and hockey games, disc golfing and foosball. Each one of these events an excuse to be with friends...and drink heavily.
I was never concerned about the heavy drinking. We had friends that swore off drinking for a month, to prove to themselves they could do it. I knew I didn't need to prove it to myself. Did you tell yourself the same thing? We were both successful, functional people. You were a referee for local youth hockey teams and got accepted to the pharmacy school. I student taught and coached.
I remember one night from our sophomore year – I would like to claim I remember it clearly, but sadly I don't remember much clearly from that year – when I should have realized the dangerous path we were traveling down. I wish that I could have had a serious conversation about it with you. But as we both know, serious conversations are a rarity with me. I regret that the way that I dealt with it is how I deal with everything that is serious in life. We joked about it between ourselves, and I with others. “Hey guys, guess what Tommy needs in order to be able to sleep these days? His teddy bear, a nightlight and a couple shots of Captain as a nightcap.”
How receptive would you have been to me suggesting that you had a drinking problem? Can you imagine hearing that from the guy who drank more days in any given month than days he was sober? I imagined the conversation many times, yet we never had it because each time I convinced myself that the hypocrisy was too much.
I regret that we didn't talk about the issue before I moved 150 miles away. Common friends and acquaintances dropped hints that they thought you might have a problem as the years went by. Finally your girlfriend took on the task that I found impossible and confronted you about your problem...and you agreed with her. How long did you think you had a problem? Were you hoping we could continue to dance around the issue, or were you wondering why the hell I didn't confront you?
I regret that it took an EMT finding you with a B.A.C. Of .43 this month for me to realize that you have been getting worse for the past three years instead of better. I regret the relief that I felt when your wedding was postponed indefinitely while you and your fiance work out the issues that were brought on by your drinking.
Regrets. I have tried to atone for my mistake of not studying abroad by traveling extensively since college, but I will never be able to make up for that lost time. We will never be able to either.
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