Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ITunes Outline Template C
I- ITunes Program Review
a. Introduction
i. Relevant Apple history
1. First years of I-POD
2. Other Products
b. The Beginning of I-Tunes
i. The first Year
1. Facts about First year
a. Song sales
b. Reasons for starting
c. ITunes Layout
i. Links
ii. Pictures and Slides
iii. Account Issues Material
iv. Background Color
d. ITunes Music Purchasing
i. Important Features
1. Price
2. Searches
3. Setup
e. ITunes Library
i. Layout
1. Songs
2. Information
3. Genius
f. Itunes General toolbar
i. Library
ii. Other General Links
g. System Updates
h. Problems with ITunes
i. General Issues
1. CD’s Imports
2. Problem Purchases
3. Billing Lag
i. Conclusion
i. Rating
1. 4 out of 5
ii. General synopsis
a. Introduction
i. Relevant Apple history
1. First years of I-POD
2. Other Products
b. The Beginning of I-Tunes
i. The first Year
1. Facts about First year
a. Song sales
b. Reasons for starting
c. ITunes Layout
i. Links
ii. Pictures and Slides
iii. Account Issues Material
iv. Background Color
d. ITunes Music Purchasing
i. Important Features
1. Price
2. Searches
3. Setup
e. ITunes Library
i. Layout
1. Songs
2. Information
3. Genius
f. Itunes General toolbar
i. Library
ii. Other General Links
g. System Updates
h. Problems with ITunes
i. General Issues
1. CD’s Imports
2. Problem Purchases
3. Billing Lag
i. Conclusion
i. Rating
1. 4 out of 5
ii. General synopsis
Monday, November 16, 2009
Rough Draft Review
The company Apple has yet to cease to create amazing technology ever since its creation of the all too well known I-pod. Sense the IPOD's creation the company has released other well known products such as the IPOD NANO, IMAC, IPHONE, and even Apple Television. These products have become the center points of the entire company. However, they also came up with an advanced online system that is used to distribute the important media that is often used with the devices company sells. This online system was appropriately named I-tunes.
According to BBC news, ITunes was first created as an engine that would help spur IPOD sales. The site first offered only downloads that would be able to be played on the go from the companies media players. However the company soon began to grow. During the first year of ITunes being up and running, it sold a record 70 million songs. From then on it was no stopping the ITunes engine from growing. By 2006, the Britannica Encyclopedia reports, the company had sold over 2 billion songs to those who reaped its benefits. Now, the engine offers more than just music. As someone opens the site, they are able to search for all types of media including Movies, TV shows, applications for phones, Radio, and even ringtones.
One of the most striking features of the ITunes music engine is it's layout and design. The user is first greeted by the I-tunes store page. Here Apple gives the user a large amount of links to new and upcoming media. Some of the sections presented are coupled with pictures and slides that create an appealing montage of what the site has to offer. The front page also hold a set of quick links to manage any account issues and several links leading to the several branches of the store. All of these features are back by a nice navy blue that accents the media that is being displayed.
Purchasing music is the main use of ITunes. The company has made it easy an accessible to everyone who can click a mouse. The search toolbar located at the top right allows for the user to type in any words associated with the music they are looking for. The engine then produces a list of related music and a list of albums that could be what the user wanted. Each song produced comes complete with its name, Artist, Album, Price, Popularity, and Genre. If any of the songs for sale are clicked, Apple allows the user to hear a 30 second piece of the music. This allows for the user to make sure this is the music they were searching for and if they are still interested in buying it. Another key portion of buying ITunes music is the price. The price for music always fluctuates between 99 cents to $1.29 depending on the popularity of the song. This relatively low price leads to high sales for the company.
Another important feature of ITunes is the Library. The Library is where each user is able to keep all of their stored music as well as other media. The user can move effortlessly from their music to their downloaded movies with one click. The user is free to do whatever they wish with their downloaded music. They are allowed to do all sorts of things including create playlists or even burn them to a CD. All is made possible with only a few short clicks.
If ITunes weren't easy enough, the creators added a special feature to the mix called Genius. Genius, a search engine of its own, automatically takes whatever song you are listening to and finds songs that are very similar and displays them for the user. This can then create a playlist just from looking at the song that you picked. So, pick a song that you enjoy, and receive a list of twenty songs that hold similar tones and genres. As Apple so adequately put it themselves, "These mixes are like channels that are programmed entirely with your own music."
No matter what you may be doing on ITunes, you are always greeted by a special toolbar that displays certain tasks that could be important to the user. These include direct links to the library and Store, any shared drives from other computers and what they have bought, as well as a special set of playlists. This allows the user to move freely through the search engine and accomplish any goals that they have set in their sights. Also, Apple provides constant system updates in an effort to try and improve any aspects of the system that they deem unnecessary or redundant. As we speak I have just opened my ITunes and am prompted to update to ITunes version update 9.0.2.
However ITunes, like all other search engines, isn't without flaws. According to About.com, there are several distinct flaws with the system. For instance, when a user wishes to import a CD, the songs on the CD are added, but they are without names or titles. This can lead to confusion in a library and sometimes a user may accidently buy a song they may of already had. ITunes also has a rather long period of the user being billed. When a user purchases anything off of the engine, there can be a period of up to a couple of days for their account to actually become billed. Others have had problems with downloads. I am no exception. When I downloaded several songs from an artist, I was patiently waiting for the download to take effect. However, I never received my songs into the library. Instead, I paid five dollars for nothing at all. This has occurred several times with several users and leads to a rather long debate with technical support.
Despite its minimal flaws ITunes is a rather unique music search engine that has been rather successful in its mission to supply music to the masses. When it comes to rating the search engine, I give ITunes a 4 out of 5 music notes. The system, with its reasonable prices, nice design, quick searches, and massive amount of music make ITunes an important part of any legal music downloader's happy experience.
According to BBC news, ITunes was first created as an engine that would help spur IPOD sales. The site first offered only downloads that would be able to be played on the go from the companies media players. However the company soon began to grow. During the first year of ITunes being up and running, it sold a record 70 million songs. From then on it was no stopping the ITunes engine from growing. By 2006, the Britannica Encyclopedia reports, the company had sold over 2 billion songs to those who reaped its benefits. Now, the engine offers more than just music. As someone opens the site, they are able to search for all types of media including Movies, TV shows, applications for phones, Radio, and even ringtones.
One of the most striking features of the ITunes music engine is it's layout and design. The user is first greeted by the I-tunes store page. Here Apple gives the user a large amount of links to new and upcoming media. Some of the sections presented are coupled with pictures and slides that create an appealing montage of what the site has to offer. The front page also hold a set of quick links to manage any account issues and several links leading to the several branches of the store. All of these features are back by a nice navy blue that accents the media that is being displayed.
Purchasing music is the main use of ITunes. The company has made it easy an accessible to everyone who can click a mouse. The search toolbar located at the top right allows for the user to type in any words associated with the music they are looking for. The engine then produces a list of related music and a list of albums that could be what the user wanted. Each song produced comes complete with its name, Artist, Album, Price, Popularity, and Genre. If any of the songs for sale are clicked, Apple allows the user to hear a 30 second piece of the music. This allows for the user to make sure this is the music they were searching for and if they are still interested in buying it. Another key portion of buying ITunes music is the price. The price for music always fluctuates between 99 cents to $1.29 depending on the popularity of the song. This relatively low price leads to high sales for the company.
Another important feature of ITunes is the Library. The Library is where each user is able to keep all of their stored music as well as other media. The user can move effortlessly from their music to their downloaded movies with one click. The user is free to do whatever they wish with their downloaded music. They are allowed to do all sorts of things including create playlists or even burn them to a CD. All is made possible with only a few short clicks.
If ITunes weren't easy enough, the creators added a special feature to the mix called Genius. Genius, a search engine of its own, automatically takes whatever song you are listening to and finds songs that are very similar and displays them for the user. This can then create a playlist just from looking at the song that you picked. So, pick a song that you enjoy, and receive a list of twenty songs that hold similar tones and genres. As Apple so adequately put it themselves, "These mixes are like channels that are programmed entirely with your own music."
No matter what you may be doing on ITunes, you are always greeted by a special toolbar that displays certain tasks that could be important to the user. These include direct links to the library and Store, any shared drives from other computers and what they have bought, as well as a special set of playlists. This allows the user to move freely through the search engine and accomplish any goals that they have set in their sights. Also, Apple provides constant system updates in an effort to try and improve any aspects of the system that they deem unnecessary or redundant. As we speak I have just opened my ITunes and am prompted to update to ITunes version update 9.0.2.
However ITunes, like all other search engines, isn't without flaws. According to About.com, there are several distinct flaws with the system. For instance, when a user wishes to import a CD, the songs on the CD are added, but they are without names or titles. This can lead to confusion in a library and sometimes a user may accidently buy a song they may of already had. ITunes also has a rather long period of the user being billed. When a user purchases anything off of the engine, there can be a period of up to a couple of days for their account to actually become billed. Others have had problems with downloads. I am no exception. When I downloaded several songs from an artist, I was patiently waiting for the download to take effect. However, I never received my songs into the library. Instead, I paid five dollars for nothing at all. This has occurred several times with several users and leads to a rather long debate with technical support.
Despite its minimal flaws ITunes is a rather unique music search engine that has been rather successful in its mission to supply music to the masses. When it comes to rating the search engine, I give ITunes a 4 out of 5 music notes. The system, with its reasonable prices, nice design, quick searches, and massive amount of music make ITunes an important part of any legal music downloader's happy experience.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Relevant Criteria
There are four criteria, based on my audience analysis, that will be important for my audience in the department of I-tunes music downloading. For one, The audience views the accessibility and GUI systems as very important to the downloading process. They want the ability to find all kinds of music quick and easily. They want to be able to get a song almost with the blink of an eye. The audience is also interested in the ability to transport the music they download. This includes the process of moving downloaded music from one usable interface to another. Such transfers include from computer to IPod, computer to computer, computer to CD, and vice versa. The audience also finds the price an important factor in downloading music. Too high of a price and no one will decide to buy. Too low of a price and there is no income for producing the given service. So, the I-tunes group must find the happy medium between these two extremes in order to create the greatest income. The audience is also interest in the process of knowing what new music is coming out. This is the reason why I-tunes decided to produce an email that comes out every Tuesday. This email comes available with new music for the intended audience to receive. It also allows for the audience to pre-order songs before they even come out. This allows for a good source of new music for the audience to find quick and easy.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Audience Assessment
The Audience for my review will be a wide assortment of internet users. This includes anyone from 50 year old parents to 10 year old kids just being introduced to the process of how to buy music. However, this review will mainly be important, and therefore read, by individuals age 18-28. This will allow the review to become more geared towards a certain audience.
Individuals age 18-28 find music an important part of everyday life. Whether it be on a college campus or in the work place music is an essential. It allows them to experience several emotions and feelings. Thus, purchasing music is an important part of every individuals life, as well as something that is valued. The intended audience also has different stands on social issues and are also in the process of developing their stands. Often music is used as a method of defining themselves as well.
Many times individuals will be grouped together with friends under certain music they both enjoy. For instance two kids may both enjoy Alternative rock and become friends based off of this common similarity. Also, many become interested in music that they find their role models or those they look up to enjoy. It becomes a certain type of assimilation. Others also view what type of music you listen to as a gateway into your personality. This is why it would benefit them to know how to purchase and look for new types of music. They also need to understand how to keep up with the new music being produced. All of these different aspects of music that an individual age 18-28 finds important are found on I-tunes. It allows for the purchasing of music and the ability to view new and upcoming music at the same time. It is an internet gateway to unlimited access to all kinds of music. Although unlimited access may rather mean how deep your pockets are willing to go due to the price of each song and album.
The real benefits that come with music purchasing are the ability to play it anywhere. This includes in the car, on an ipod or mp3, and even right on your computer after you download it. The purchase of music also comes with a feeling of satisfaction at each click of the mouse. The process of downloading music is a constant part of most individuals 18-28 lifetime. It has become a necessary role of my audience to have music accessible and handy at all times. It is one of the reasons we are on the computer so much. I dare you to go outside of and wait ten minutes without hearing some kind of form of music. It is a part of life that everyone knows is important. From the time of Beethoven to the new jams of lady gaga, we are a world that thrives off of the use of music. These are the thoughts that I have found to define my intended audience.
Individuals age 18-28 find music an important part of everyday life. Whether it be on a college campus or in the work place music is an essential. It allows them to experience several emotions and feelings. Thus, purchasing music is an important part of every individuals life, as well as something that is valued. The intended audience also has different stands on social issues and are also in the process of developing their stands. Often music is used as a method of defining themselves as well.
Many times individuals will be grouped together with friends under certain music they both enjoy. For instance two kids may both enjoy Alternative rock and become friends based off of this common similarity. Also, many become interested in music that they find their role models or those they look up to enjoy. It becomes a certain type of assimilation. Others also view what type of music you listen to as a gateway into your personality. This is why it would benefit them to know how to purchase and look for new types of music. They also need to understand how to keep up with the new music being produced. All of these different aspects of music that an individual age 18-28 finds important are found on I-tunes. It allows for the purchasing of music and the ability to view new and upcoming music at the same time. It is an internet gateway to unlimited access to all kinds of music. Although unlimited access may rather mean how deep your pockets are willing to go due to the price of each song and album.
The real benefits that come with music purchasing are the ability to play it anywhere. This includes in the car, on an ipod or mp3, and even right on your computer after you download it. The purchase of music also comes with a feeling of satisfaction at each click of the mouse. The process of downloading music is a constant part of most individuals 18-28 lifetime. It has become a necessary role of my audience to have music accessible and handy at all times. It is one of the reasons we are on the computer so much. I dare you to go outside of and wait ten minutes without hearing some kind of form of music. It is a part of life that everyone knows is important. From the time of Beethoven to the new jams of lady gaga, we are a world that thrives off of the use of music. These are the thoughts that I have found to define my intended audience.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Free Speech Commentary Rough Draft
As one walks across the campus, they become bombarded with several offers. Whether it be from a billboard, a post box, or even from students on the sidewalk they are inescapable. "Bright Futures Students Save 285 dollars". "Universal's Halloween Horror Nights Exclusive UCF Student Ticket". "Legalize Medical Marijuana". All of these offers, although rather blunt at times, are an extension of the first amendment. The first Amendment states that Congress will not create a law "Abridging the freedom of speech" at anytime of the use of the Constitution. The University of Central Florida has become a firm believer in unhindered freedom of speech. This belief has allowed the campus to produce a breeding ground for new and old ideas that could eventually revolutionize the world.
Before one continues it is important to realize that freedom of speech is not the same across the country. Since the United States first emerged from the ashes of the colonies, its people have been given certain unalienable rights. These rights, summed up in the Constitution, have been the foundation of the country to date. However, rather than allowing for clear cut rules within the document, the founding fathers allowed the document to be "interpreted". This gave the document the ability to change with the times as well as allow for different views to be expressed by the people. The first amendment within the Bill of Rights is no exception. Due to the ability of lawmakers and enforcers to interpret the rights given to the people through time, a grey area has formed across the U.S. in which certain locations, such as the University of Central Florida campus are able to use freedom of speech more freely than other more conservative areas.
One important change from an off campus to an on campus setting is the protection given to the professors and teachers that work here. According to the Webster Dictionary, Tenure is a status granted to teachers after a trial period that gives protection from summary dismissal. This allows a teacher to explore avenues that would be otherwise taboo in the pursuit of new or relevant knowledge. Should the teacher or professor walk the thin line of offensive, tenure provides protection from dismissal of their position. However, according to Professor Moody at the University of Central Florida, teachers must go through a rather long trial period before achieving the goal of tenure. This can be seen as a check against an individual taking advantage of tenure when they have not proven themselves to be stable or sane.
The University of Central Florida is also adorned with a special Free Speech Lawn in which everyone is free to share beliefs and ideas however they want. Many people, such as the Christians of "Can We Pray For You?", use the lawn to express religious beliefs to the students of UCF. The group uses prayer to help students who may be going through a hard time and try to provide guidance to those who may need it. However, according to a student at UCF named Drew Stultz, the free speech lawn is not always used for positive messages. According to Drew's account, there are certain days where a man will ascend a box and begin sermons to where he preaches the destiny of every student to go to hell. Thus, Drew has shown an interest in avoiding this man whenever he can. Although this one man may be causing a damper in the positive role of the free speech lawn, it is minimal compared to what the lawn has given back to the community and individual students who walk through it every day.
Clubs and Organizations on campus also benefit from the loose rules of Freedom of Speech. Instead of having to go through miles of red tape to achieve minimal attention in the community, These groups on campus are able to voice their goals and beliefs as long as they abide by the rules established by the University in their "Golden Rules". This allows students wishing to get involved in their community to find organizations that they agree with and make membership possible. Thus, initiatives can progress further and allows for the school to take on a stronger student body as a whole. The role of clubs is one that is seen as necessary by many students such as Henry Cabrera, a Sophomore at UCF, who believes that the clubs "make UCF what it is today". Without free Speech, it would be impossible for UCF to grow at the speed it has.
The University of Central Florida, although more open to expression than other areas such as a High School setting, is not a complete open canvas for anyone to begin speaking anything they think. As Dylan Crimmins, a Sophomore at UCF, stated "Free Speech on campus should be completely free as long as it does not hurt or injure others on campus". The University of Central Florida could not agree more. According to the UCF free expression brochure, expression is permitted as long as it does not interfere with the normal procedures of the University. This includes "classroom activities, preplanned campus events, blocking vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or creating an unsafe environment for the students, staff or faculty. The university also takes on the task of controlling the location and sound should either become too out of hand. Also, in order to register for any booth or information centers on campus, the individuals involved must follow a procedure outlined by the University of Florida Free Expression Brochure. Thus, The campus faculty can keep freedom of speech under control while allowing the students to safely voice their views and beliefs.
Freedom of Speech has become the pivotal foundation of UCF campus life. All incoming freshman, including myself, are opened to a completely new playground to figure out what they believe and who they really are as individuals. This new landscape would not be possible if it weren't for the expression of all forms of speech on campus. Without freedom of speech, The University of Central Florida would not of become the outstanding campus it is known as today.
Works Cited
Stultz, Drew. "Personal Interview on 10/12/2009."
Cabrera, Henry. "Personal Interview on 10/16/2009."
Crimmings, Dylan. "Personal Interview on 10/16/2009."
Moody, Jane. "Personal Interview on 10/15/2009."
http://osi.sdes.ucf.edu/useyourvoice/FreeExpressionBrochure.pdf (10/12/2009)
http://www.goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/docs/Student%20Union.pdf (10/12/2009)
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html(10/17/2009)
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenure (10/17/2009)
http://collegeclicktv.com/videos?fr_story=06ede14bb48f7b27f976cc35b57d64b2785cdf84&fr_chl=dd90f2b5a4651987559ce046deee4e8037f1341d&search= (10/19/2009)
Before one continues it is important to realize that freedom of speech is not the same across the country. Since the United States first emerged from the ashes of the colonies, its people have been given certain unalienable rights. These rights, summed up in the Constitution, have been the foundation of the country to date. However, rather than allowing for clear cut rules within the document, the founding fathers allowed the document to be "interpreted". This gave the document the ability to change with the times as well as allow for different views to be expressed by the people. The first amendment within the Bill of Rights is no exception. Due to the ability of lawmakers and enforcers to interpret the rights given to the people through time, a grey area has formed across the U.S. in which certain locations, such as the University of Central Florida campus are able to use freedom of speech more freely than other more conservative areas.
One important change from an off campus to an on campus setting is the protection given to the professors and teachers that work here. According to the Webster Dictionary, Tenure is a status granted to teachers after a trial period that gives protection from summary dismissal. This allows a teacher to explore avenues that would be otherwise taboo in the pursuit of new or relevant knowledge. Should the teacher or professor walk the thin line of offensive, tenure provides protection from dismissal of their position. However, according to Professor Moody at the University of Central Florida, teachers must go through a rather long trial period before achieving the goal of tenure. This can be seen as a check against an individual taking advantage of tenure when they have not proven themselves to be stable or sane.
The University of Central Florida is also adorned with a special Free Speech Lawn in which everyone is free to share beliefs and ideas however they want. Many people, such as the Christians of "Can We Pray For You?", use the lawn to express religious beliefs to the students of UCF. The group uses prayer to help students who may be going through a hard time and try to provide guidance to those who may need it. However, according to a student at UCF named Drew Stultz, the free speech lawn is not always used for positive messages. According to Drew's account, there are certain days where a man will ascend a box and begin sermons to where he preaches the destiny of every student to go to hell. Thus, Drew has shown an interest in avoiding this man whenever he can. Although this one man may be causing a damper in the positive role of the free speech lawn, it is minimal compared to what the lawn has given back to the community and individual students who walk through it every day.
Clubs and Organizations on campus also benefit from the loose rules of Freedom of Speech. Instead of having to go through miles of red tape to achieve minimal attention in the community, These groups on campus are able to voice their goals and beliefs as long as they abide by the rules established by the University in their "Golden Rules". This allows students wishing to get involved in their community to find organizations that they agree with and make membership possible. Thus, initiatives can progress further and allows for the school to take on a stronger student body as a whole. The role of clubs is one that is seen as necessary by many students such as Henry Cabrera, a Sophomore at UCF, who believes that the clubs "make UCF what it is today". Without free Speech, it would be impossible for UCF to grow at the speed it has.
The University of Central Florida, although more open to expression than other areas such as a High School setting, is not a complete open canvas for anyone to begin speaking anything they think. As Dylan Crimmins, a Sophomore at UCF, stated "Free Speech on campus should be completely free as long as it does not hurt or injure others on campus". The University of Central Florida could not agree more. According to the UCF free expression brochure, expression is permitted as long as it does not interfere with the normal procedures of the University. This includes "classroom activities, preplanned campus events, blocking vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or creating an unsafe environment for the students, staff or faculty. The university also takes on the task of controlling the location and sound should either become too out of hand. Also, in order to register for any booth or information centers on campus, the individuals involved must follow a procedure outlined by the University of Florida Free Expression Brochure. Thus, The campus faculty can keep freedom of speech under control while allowing the students to safely voice their views and beliefs.
Freedom of Speech has become the pivotal foundation of UCF campus life. All incoming freshman, including myself, are opened to a completely new playground to figure out what they believe and who they really are as individuals. This new landscape would not be possible if it weren't for the expression of all forms of speech on campus. Without freedom of speech, The University of Central Florida would not of become the outstanding campus it is known as today.
Works Cited
Stultz, Drew. "Personal Interview on 10/12/2009."
Cabrera, Henry. "Personal Interview on 10/16/2009."
Crimmings, Dylan. "Personal Interview on 10/16/2009."
Moody, Jane. "Personal Interview on 10/15/2009."
http://osi.sdes.ucf.edu/useyourvoice/FreeExpressionBrochure.pdf (10/12/2009)
http://www.goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/docs/Student%20Union.pdf (10/12/2009)
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html(10/17/2009)
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenure (10/17/2009)
http://collegeclicktv.com/videos?fr_story=06ede14bb48f7b27f976cc35b57d64b2785cdf84&fr_chl=dd90f2b5a4651987559ce046deee4e8037f1341d&search= (10/19/2009)
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Rough Thesis
The ability to speak openly has always been a factor and a basis of American society. However, this seemingly harmless and usually positive ideal of the United States has led to fluctuating enforcement of unlawful activities across the country. In many places, such as conservative Southern areas, the idea of free speech is restricted. On the other hand, on a campus like UCF, policies and restrictions towards free speech appear relaxed and less enforced. This can be attributed to an overall more liberal attitude toward the subject of speech. Due to the ability of lawmakers and enforcers to interpret the rights given to the people through time, a grey area has formed across the U.S. in which certain locations, such as the University of Central Florida campus, have gained the ability to present ideals pertaining to activities deemed unlawful or taboo by a majority of society.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Rough Outline
I-The Pro-Marijuana Campus Life
A- Introduction
1- Show example of "Tent City"
a- Personal encounter and quotes
b- Move story towards campus
B- Thesis Paragraph and College Setup
1- Marijuana life on campus has become a driving force in the community and influences a large portion of students
a- Provide opinion of speech involved with Marijuana on campus
C- Sanctions and laws nationaly and state wide
1- State the laws
a- Follow up with penalties
2- Move into "grey" area of amendment one involved with speech
a- Express a stretching of amendment on here on campus
D- NORML at UCF
1- Club involved in Marijuana legalization activities
a- will provide facts of groups activities and sponsored events
b- Look into opposition the club faces
c- ask those involved of hardships from campus
E- Tent City Event Contd
1- Explain the location and size of the event
a- Explain the duration
b- Explain the people involved
D- UCF on the issue
1- Ask UCF senators how they feel about the issue
a- Ask what prompted it qulaification
2- Look into the people involved in the clubs and campuses
a- Ask about Majors as well as other questions
E- Brief Personal Involvement
1- My exposure
2- Corruption of a friend
F- Conclusion
A- Introduction
1- Show example of "Tent City"
a- Personal encounter and quotes
b- Move story towards campus
B- Thesis Paragraph and College Setup
1- Marijuana life on campus has become a driving force in the community and influences a large portion of students
a- Provide opinion of speech involved with Marijuana on campus
C- Sanctions and laws nationaly and state wide
1- State the laws
a- Follow up with penalties
2- Move into "grey" area of amendment one involved with speech
a- Express a stretching of amendment on here on campus
D- NORML at UCF
1- Club involved in Marijuana legalization activities
a- will provide facts of groups activities and sponsored events
b- Look into opposition the club faces
c- ask those involved of hardships from campus
E- Tent City Event Contd
1- Explain the location and size of the event
a- Explain the duration
b- Explain the people involved
D- UCF on the issue
1- Ask UCF senators how they feel about the issue
a- Ask what prompted it qulaification
2- Look into the people involved in the clubs and campuses
a- Ask about Majors as well as other questions
E- Brief Personal Involvement
1- My exposure
2- Corruption of a friend
F- Conclusion
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Letter to a friend
Dear Jessica,
I was wondering how things have been going back in Melbourne. Things here have been going great. It's a completely different experience here than High School was. UCF has completely different social norms than we did back home. You wouldn't believe the view on Marijuana here. There is so much support for its use on campus. Did you know that they have a club here that actually supports its use. I was unaware that they could have clubs that support illegal drugs. The club is very open about its views on restrictions they view as wrong. I have seen several demonstrations outside of the student union in support of the drug. This includes a band as well as a public speaker talking about the positives associated with it. They also have other events on campus such as this thing called tent city. A bunch of students who support Marijuana on campus meet in this place called Memory Mall. It's a large open grass lawn. The students brought tents and then camped out for several days. I am not sure but I believe they even spent the night. I got a chance to ask one of them why they were camping out and they told me it was "just for fun". I later found out while listening to one of the bands they had playing there that they were there to support Marijuana use. I heard the lead singer say "this is just like Woodstock, except we have more weeeeeeeed". It is so different here than Melbourne. Can you think of anytime where Marijuana was so openly expressed to the public? I remember several times where are friends were arrested back home. Here it's almost as if each user has a huge sign over there head saying "I smoke". I've never seen so much backing for something like this back home. The only clubs we had in High school were sports clubs and maybe a few religiously backed clubs. I can't imagine what would happen if a student were to introduce such a club. Have you ever heard of anything like that before? I've even been approached a couple times with people looking for connections to get weed. Back home they usually just stuck to their core groups of smoker and hookups. Here it seems like they're always people looking around to score some Marijuana. I wonder if the police here are working to do anything about this or if it is protected by free speech. I wonder if maybe the kids could be tested for use even though they are only expressing free speech. After seeing what happened to our friend back home I wish they would crack down a little harder on the use of the drug. He ended up losing out on his chance to go to College. He didn't even go to a community college. He started doing pills and other drugs. I just wish he would get back on the right track but with Marijuana in his life I don't think he will ever be able to get on the right track.
I was wondering how things have been going back in Melbourne. Things here have been going great. It's a completely different experience here than High School was. UCF has completely different social norms than we did back home. You wouldn't believe the view on Marijuana here. There is so much support for its use on campus. Did you know that they have a club here that actually supports its use. I was unaware that they could have clubs that support illegal drugs. The club is very open about its views on restrictions they view as wrong. I have seen several demonstrations outside of the student union in support of the drug. This includes a band as well as a public speaker talking about the positives associated with it. They also have other events on campus such as this thing called tent city. A bunch of students who support Marijuana on campus meet in this place called Memory Mall. It's a large open grass lawn. The students brought tents and then camped out for several days. I am not sure but I believe they even spent the night. I got a chance to ask one of them why they were camping out and they told me it was "just for fun". I later found out while listening to one of the bands they had playing there that they were there to support Marijuana use. I heard the lead singer say "this is just like Woodstock, except we have more weeeeeeeed". It is so different here than Melbourne. Can you think of anytime where Marijuana was so openly expressed to the public? I remember several times where are friends were arrested back home. Here it's almost as if each user has a huge sign over there head saying "I smoke". I've never seen so much backing for something like this back home. The only clubs we had in High school were sports clubs and maybe a few religiously backed clubs. I can't imagine what would happen if a student were to introduce such a club. Have you ever heard of anything like that before? I've even been approached a couple times with people looking for connections to get weed. Back home they usually just stuck to their core groups of smoker and hookups. Here it seems like they're always people looking around to score some Marijuana. I wonder if the police here are working to do anything about this or if it is protected by free speech. I wonder if maybe the kids could be tested for use even though they are only expressing free speech. After seeing what happened to our friend back home I wish they would crack down a little harder on the use of the drug. He ended up losing out on his chance to go to College. He didn't even go to a community college. He started doing pills and other drugs. I just wish he would get back on the right track but with Marijuana in his life I don't think he will ever be able to get on the right track.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Commentary Questions and Survey
Five Questions for Commentary: Marijuana Related Events and Groups and their effects on campus life
-What do you think about Pro-Marijuana groups on Campus?
-Are you aware of Marijuana Related events such as Tent City?
-Have these things changed your view of Marijuana use since you’ve been on Campus?
-Have you experienced Marijuana use on campus or been asked to use?
-How does the use of Marijuana on campus vary from what you experienced before you came to UCF?
Other Questions to Ask
a. How do you know what you know? (evidence)
b. Who are you to the subject? (perspective)
c. How is this event connected to other events? (patterns or opposing forces)
d. What if things were different? (suppositions/predictions)
e. Why is this important? (significance)
Peer Survey Answers:
1)I think they are stupid because the chance of it getting legalized is low because it is hard to regulate who grows what.
2)Yes
3)No, because I believe I have seen people do it more before I came to UCF but I do live off campus so that could effect it.
4)Not on campus but yes
5)Yes I believe it is more prevalent at home
a.I’ve been around users and my ex boyfriend used Marijuana
b.I have had several friends use it and be involved
c.It’s connected to memory loss and stupidity
d.If marijuana use was looked at different I still would not do it. I don’t enjoy what people do when they smoke
e.I don’t think these groups on campus are important
-What do you think about Pro-Marijuana groups on Campus?
-Are you aware of Marijuana Related events such as Tent City?
-Have these things changed your view of Marijuana use since you’ve been on Campus?
-Have you experienced Marijuana use on campus or been asked to use?
-How does the use of Marijuana on campus vary from what you experienced before you came to UCF?
Other Questions to Ask
a. How do you know what you know? (evidence)
b. Who are you to the subject? (perspective)
c. How is this event connected to other events? (patterns or opposing forces)
d. What if things were different? (suppositions/predictions)
e. Why is this important? (significance)
Peer Survey Answers:
1)I think they are stupid because the chance of it getting legalized is low because it is hard to regulate who grows what.
2)Yes
3)No, because I believe I have seen people do it more before I came to UCF but I do live off campus so that could effect it.
4)Not on campus but yes
5)Yes I believe it is more prevalent at home
a.I’ve been around users and my ex boyfriend used Marijuana
b.I have had several friends use it and be involved
c.It’s connected to memory loss and stupidity
d.If marijuana use was looked at different I still would not do it. I don’t enjoy what people do when they smoke
e.I don’t think these groups on campus are important
Monday, October 5, 2009
Marijuana On Campus
Marijuana has been one of the most controversial issues in the United States when it comes to its legality. It serves as a symbol of crime, stupidity, and abuse. However, it also is viewed as a medical asset as well as large opportunity to create revenue for the Government should it become legal. As it stands today the illegal use of Marijuana has become relatively common throughout the nation today. The use of this drug on campus is no exception.
Walking around campus I've seen several instances of an almost acceptance of Marijuana from the general population. One such occasion was several days where users camped out in tents in the middle of the campus to relax and support legalization. It is almost impossible to go into college and not find Marijuana usage. However, a lot of the time Marijuana usage begins not in college but in High School.
I once tried Marijuana my Senior of High School. The effects are almost a numbing of the senses. You feel light headed and on top of the world. This is also known as the "high" feeling. The drug is characterized by a smell sort of like burnt grass. There are several ways I have seen people use the drug. Whether it be through a bong or hookah, the goal is almost always the same. The user comes down slowly from being high and does not crash. However, there has been evidence to support that brain cells are lost in the process of smoking weed. A fact that has not stopped a large portion of today's youth from indulging in it.
Walking around campus I've seen several instances of an almost acceptance of Marijuana from the general population. One such occasion was several days where users camped out in tents in the middle of the campus to relax and support legalization. It is almost impossible to go into college and not find Marijuana usage. However, a lot of the time Marijuana usage begins not in college but in High School.
I once tried Marijuana my Senior of High School. The effects are almost a numbing of the senses. You feel light headed and on top of the world. This is also known as the "high" feeling. The drug is characterized by a smell sort of like burnt grass. There are several ways I have seen people use the drug. Whether it be through a bong or hookah, the goal is almost always the same. The user comes down slowly from being high and does not crash. However, there has been evidence to support that brain cells are lost in the process of smoking weed. A fact that has not stopped a large portion of today's youth from indulging in it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Commentary Ideas
Marijuana on Campus- As one becomes accustomed to the College lifestyle there are certain things that one can't help but come across. Marijuana is no exception. As I have been on campus I have experienced people smoking weed in dorms, outside, and even off campus apartments. I have seen marijuana usage back home but never to such an extent or seen such a prevalent backing for it either. There is even a club on campus for it. Generally I feel a larger acceptance to it on campus than back home. I have dabbled in the forbidden fruit a couple times in my life. The smell is rank and is very distinct to the plant. The effects, although enjoyable, leave the user dumb founded and rather susceptible to manipulation.
Skateboarding on campus- Before coming to UCF I visited several Universities to find that each seems to have a different mode of transportation. UF for instance is known for its use of scooters as means of traveling around. UCF on the other hand focuses mainly on using skateboards to travel. I am currently not a user. I prefer to walk all around campus. However, I have spent much of my time dodging these bullets on wheels. I have also seen several falls that do at a bit of enjoyment to a day. They almost seem to believe that because they move a bit faster than a walker they are supreme. It's just the feeling I get when I walk around.
College Eating Habits- Before coming to UCF I would have a steady supply of food at home. Thanks to my parents I never had to worry about going more than 5 yards to get a good meal. Now, I have started to eat almost nothing. I have a food plan but barely seem to use it at campus. It seems that campus eating habits change as you come on campus. Whether it be eating more or eating less it definitely doesn't seem the same as it did back home. Ramen has become a staple food of my diet and water is my main drink of choice.
Skateboarding on campus- Before coming to UCF I visited several Universities to find that each seems to have a different mode of transportation. UF for instance is known for its use of scooters as means of traveling around. UCF on the other hand focuses mainly on using skateboards to travel. I am currently not a user. I prefer to walk all around campus. However, I have spent much of my time dodging these bullets on wheels. I have also seen several falls that do at a bit of enjoyment to a day. They almost seem to believe that because they move a bit faster than a walker they are supreme. It's just the feeling I get when I walk around.
College Eating Habits- Before coming to UCF I would have a steady supply of food at home. Thanks to my parents I never had to worry about going more than 5 yards to get a good meal. Now, I have started to eat almost nothing. I have a food plan but barely seem to use it at campus. It seems that campus eating habits change as you come on campus. Whether it be eating more or eating less it definitely doesn't seem the same as it did back home. Ramen has become a staple food of my diet and water is my main drink of choice.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Training with Scott Yarborough
It was a sunny day on the soccer pitch in my hometown of Melbourne, Florida. I was playing midfield which happened to be my favorite position at the time. As I turned to my right the ball comes to a stop by my feet. Contemplating what to do next, I realize the other team coming at me with their full speed. I quickly turn and head for the goal. I can hear the crowd shouting loud roars of mixed excitement and frustration. As I approach the goal I can feel the intensity of everyone around me as they waited for the outcome of my run. My mind raced with the lessons I had learned from my coach; the basics of course. I looked up, saw my target, and shot. As the ball made contact with the back of the net I felt a sensation of excitement and then, unfortunately, dread. I had just scored on my own teams goal. I was quickly benched and spent the rest of the day going over the game in my head.
Although this seems like any eight year olds nightmare, I was use to it. The teams I played on in my early years of soccer were always known as the losers of the division. The score was always skewed in the direction of our opponent to where the slaughter rule, a score of nine to zero, became my teams only saving grace. Even though my team was not very good, I was still one of the worst players on it. I always played the position of left bench and occasionally played right bench should the opportunity present itself. The game results of these years spoke volumes of my self-confidence and pride.
My parents were always adamant about me playing sports. I don't know if it was my weight problem or the fact that I wasn't very good at anything that didn't involve a classroom or a controller but I had no objection. I loved soccer. I was just no good at it. Finally, I confessed my wish to be able to make the Junior Varsity team my freshman year of High School. My parents were ecstatic. The next day they were on the phone with my new trainer; Scott Yarborough. Little did I know that Scott's training style and approach to social situations would change my life on and off the soccer pitch forever.
The first day I met Scott was one of fear and admiration. As I walked onto the field, that I would soon know as our own, I began to analyze him. He was in his upper twenties with a height of around five foot eight. He wore a pair of soccer shorts and a raggedy shirt that probably had to do with drinking or women; something I came to know him by. His hair was dark brown and stubby and his eyes appeared almost bloodshot (I wasn't aware at the time but Scott spent much of his later hours partying around the town).
We soon began with some simple drills. My nervousness ever so visible, I was able to make a mess of the drills with ease. However, Scott didn't seem to care at all. The whole time I tried to not mess up he just watched and would ask the occasional question. The questions, although in the middle of a session, were all about my family, friends, and what I enjoyed to do on my free time. It was almost as if he was more interested in my life than how bad I was screwing up a simple drill. I soon realized that this would not be anything that I expected.
Scott's training style involved first beginning with the basics and then moving progressively to harder and harder drills. My first few days of training were all about the simple things such as passing, dribbles, and shots. The sessions would usually last around an hour and a half. The first hour would be straight drills and special games designed to target these specifics. However, the last half hour would consist of an easy game where we would spend time talking about life. Scott taught me things in that half hour that I would of never of learned on my own. I learned how to ask girls out, how to deal with overbearing parental supervision, how to drive stick shift, where to take girls for a first date, and even how to get a kiss. Scott was literally my very own personal Will Smith from the movie "Hitch". To a perfectionist high strung nerd like myself, this man was a genius.
As high school tryouts came ever so close, Scott picked up the training sessions to three or four times a week for two and a half hours each. It was during this time that I saw a change in Scott. Scott no longer seemed care free during our training. It was almost as if he had done a complete one eighty in his style. It became all about pushing me to the brink of my abilities. If I felt like I was on my last breathe, Scott wanted one more. Our talks were no longer about learning about social skills but about what to do in any situation that may arise on the field. I don't think I've ever pushed myself so hard as I did those few weeks and it was no exaggeration that I had no life but soccer. I didn't care about school. I didn't care about my free time. All that I cared about was making that team; and I did.
I was able to take one of the freshman spots for the high school junior varsity team. I would go on to make the varsity team the following year and played all the way through high school. I owe all of this to Scott. He single handedly gave me the skills to make it on the team. However, he also gave me the ability to feel like I could be more than some nerd. Ever since that first day when he talked to me I think he knew all along what he was doing. Scott had been giving me the confidence I never thought I would have. I was proud of what I could do on the field and I was proud of what I could now accomplish off of it. I owe it all to Scott Yarborough and the several years he was there for me. Scott was not only my trainer, but my friend.
Although this seems like any eight year olds nightmare, I was use to it. The teams I played on in my early years of soccer were always known as the losers of the division. The score was always skewed in the direction of our opponent to where the slaughter rule, a score of nine to zero, became my teams only saving grace. Even though my team was not very good, I was still one of the worst players on it. I always played the position of left bench and occasionally played right bench should the opportunity present itself. The game results of these years spoke volumes of my self-confidence and pride.
My parents were always adamant about me playing sports. I don't know if it was my weight problem or the fact that I wasn't very good at anything that didn't involve a classroom or a controller but I had no objection. I loved soccer. I was just no good at it. Finally, I confessed my wish to be able to make the Junior Varsity team my freshman year of High School. My parents were ecstatic. The next day they were on the phone with my new trainer; Scott Yarborough. Little did I know that Scott's training style and approach to social situations would change my life on and off the soccer pitch forever.
The first day I met Scott was one of fear and admiration. As I walked onto the field, that I would soon know as our own, I began to analyze him. He was in his upper twenties with a height of around five foot eight. He wore a pair of soccer shorts and a raggedy shirt that probably had to do with drinking or women; something I came to know him by. His hair was dark brown and stubby and his eyes appeared almost bloodshot (I wasn't aware at the time but Scott spent much of his later hours partying around the town).
We soon began with some simple drills. My nervousness ever so visible, I was able to make a mess of the drills with ease. However, Scott didn't seem to care at all. The whole time I tried to not mess up he just watched and would ask the occasional question. The questions, although in the middle of a session, were all about my family, friends, and what I enjoyed to do on my free time. It was almost as if he was more interested in my life than how bad I was screwing up a simple drill. I soon realized that this would not be anything that I expected.
Scott's training style involved first beginning with the basics and then moving progressively to harder and harder drills. My first few days of training were all about the simple things such as passing, dribbles, and shots. The sessions would usually last around an hour and a half. The first hour would be straight drills and special games designed to target these specifics. However, the last half hour would consist of an easy game where we would spend time talking about life. Scott taught me things in that half hour that I would of never of learned on my own. I learned how to ask girls out, how to deal with overbearing parental supervision, how to drive stick shift, where to take girls for a first date, and even how to get a kiss. Scott was literally my very own personal Will Smith from the movie "Hitch". To a perfectionist high strung nerd like myself, this man was a genius.
As high school tryouts came ever so close, Scott picked up the training sessions to three or four times a week for two and a half hours each. It was during this time that I saw a change in Scott. Scott no longer seemed care free during our training. It was almost as if he had done a complete one eighty in his style. It became all about pushing me to the brink of my abilities. If I felt like I was on my last breathe, Scott wanted one more. Our talks were no longer about learning about social skills but about what to do in any situation that may arise on the field. I don't think I've ever pushed myself so hard as I did those few weeks and it was no exaggeration that I had no life but soccer. I didn't care about school. I didn't care about my free time. All that I cared about was making that team; and I did.
I was able to take one of the freshman spots for the high school junior varsity team. I would go on to make the varsity team the following year and played all the way through high school. I owe all of this to Scott. He single handedly gave me the skills to make it on the team. However, he also gave me the ability to feel like I could be more than some nerd. Ever since that first day when he talked to me I think he knew all along what he was doing. Scott had been giving me the confidence I never thought I would have. I was proud of what I could do on the field and I was proud of what I could now accomplish off of it. I owe it all to Scott Yarborough and the several years he was there for me. Scott was not only my trainer, but my friend.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Memoir Rough Draft
It was a sunny day on the soccer pitch in my hometown of Melbourne, Florida. I was playing midfield which happened to be my favorite position at the time. As I turned to my right the ball comes to a stop by my feet. Contemplating what to do next, I realize the other team coming at me with their full speed. I quickly turn and head for the goal. I can hear the crowd shouting loud roars of mixed excitement and frustration. As I approach the goal I can feel the intensity of everyone around me as they waited for the next few events to unfold. My mind raced with the lessons I had learned from my coach. The basics of course. I looked up, saw my target, and shot. As the ball made contact with the back of the net I felt a sensation of excitement and then, unfortunately, dread. I had just scored on my own teams goal. I was quickly benched and spent the rest of the day going over the game in my head.
Although this seems like any eight year olds nightmare, I was use to it. The teams I played on in my early years of soccer were always known as the losers of the division. The score was always skewed in the direction of our opponent to where the slaughter rule, a score of nine to zero was an automatic win, became my teams only saving grace. I always played the position of left bench and occasionally played right bench should the opportunity present itself. The results of my teams games during these years speaks volumes of my self-confidence and pride at the time.
My parents were always adamant about me playing sports. I don't know if it was my weight problem or the fact that I wasn't very good at anything that didn't involve a classroom or a controller but I had no objection. I loved soccer. I was just no good at it. Finally, I confessed my wish to be able to make the Junior Varsity team my Freshman year of High School. My parents were ecstatic. The next day they were on the phone with my new Trainer; Scott Yarborough.
The first day I met Scott was one of fear and admiration. As I walked onto the field, that I would soon know as our own, I began to analyze him. He was in his upper twenties with a height of around five foot eight. He wore a pair of soccer shorts and a raggedy shirt that probably had to do with drinking or women; something I came to know him by. His hair was dark brown and stubby and his eyes appeared almost bloodshot (I wasn't aware at the time but Scott spent much of his later hours partying around the town).
We soon began with some simple drills. My nervousness ever so visible, I was able to make a mess of the drills with ease. However, Scott didn't seem to care at all. The whole time I tried to not mess up he just watched and would ask me the occasional question. The questions, although in the middle of a session, were all about my family, friends, what I liked to do, and other things I enjoyed to do on my free time. It was almost as if he was more interested in my life than how bad I was screwing up a simple drill. I soon realized that this would not be anything that I expected.
Scott's training style involved first beginning with the basics and then moving progressively to harder and harder drills. My first few days of training were all about the simple things such as passing, dribbles, and shots. The sessions would usually last around an hour and a half. The first hour would be straight drills and special games designed to target these specifics. However, the last half hour would consist of a easy game where we would spend time talking about life. Scott taught me things in that half hour that I would of never of learned On my own. I learned how to ask girls out, how to deal with overbearing parental supervision, how to drive stick shift, where to take girls for a first date and preceding dates, and even how to get a kiss on the first date. To a perfectionist high strung nerd like myself, this man was a genius. I still believe that to this day.
As High school tryouts came ever so close, Scott picked up the training sessions to three or four times a week for two and a half hours each. However, even though It was almost time to tryout, we still spent time out of the session to just talk. I don't think I've ever pushed myself so hard as I did those few weeks and it was no exaggeration that I had no life but soccer. I didn't care about school. I didn't care about my free time. All that I cared about was making that team; and I did.
I was able to take one of the Freshman spots for the high school Junior Varsity team. I would go on to make the Varsity team the following year and played all the way through High school. I owe all of this to Scott. He single handedly gave me the skills to make it where I did. However, he didn't just give me the ability to make it on the field. He gave me the ability to feel like I could be more than some nerd. Scott was literally my very own personal Will Smith from the movie "Hitch". Now that I think back I feel like he had that planned all along. Ever since that first day when he talked to me I think he knew all along what he was doing. Scott had been giving me the confidence I never thought I would have. I was proud of what I could do on the field and I was proud of what I could now accomplish off of it. I owe it all to Scott Yarborough and the several years he was there for me. Scott was not only my trainer, but my friend.
Although this seems like any eight year olds nightmare, I was use to it. The teams I played on in my early years of soccer were always known as the losers of the division. The score was always skewed in the direction of our opponent to where the slaughter rule, a score of nine to zero was an automatic win, became my teams only saving grace. I always played the position of left bench and occasionally played right bench should the opportunity present itself. The results of my teams games during these years speaks volumes of my self-confidence and pride at the time.
My parents were always adamant about me playing sports. I don't know if it was my weight problem or the fact that I wasn't very good at anything that didn't involve a classroom or a controller but I had no objection. I loved soccer. I was just no good at it. Finally, I confessed my wish to be able to make the Junior Varsity team my Freshman year of High School. My parents were ecstatic. The next day they were on the phone with my new Trainer; Scott Yarborough.
The first day I met Scott was one of fear and admiration. As I walked onto the field, that I would soon know as our own, I began to analyze him. He was in his upper twenties with a height of around five foot eight. He wore a pair of soccer shorts and a raggedy shirt that probably had to do with drinking or women; something I came to know him by. His hair was dark brown and stubby and his eyes appeared almost bloodshot (I wasn't aware at the time but Scott spent much of his later hours partying around the town).
We soon began with some simple drills. My nervousness ever so visible, I was able to make a mess of the drills with ease. However, Scott didn't seem to care at all. The whole time I tried to not mess up he just watched and would ask me the occasional question. The questions, although in the middle of a session, were all about my family, friends, what I liked to do, and other things I enjoyed to do on my free time. It was almost as if he was more interested in my life than how bad I was screwing up a simple drill. I soon realized that this would not be anything that I expected.
Scott's training style involved first beginning with the basics and then moving progressively to harder and harder drills. My first few days of training were all about the simple things such as passing, dribbles, and shots. The sessions would usually last around an hour and a half. The first hour would be straight drills and special games designed to target these specifics. However, the last half hour would consist of a easy game where we would spend time talking about life. Scott taught me things in that half hour that I would of never of learned On my own. I learned how to ask girls out, how to deal with overbearing parental supervision, how to drive stick shift, where to take girls for a first date and preceding dates, and even how to get a kiss on the first date. To a perfectionist high strung nerd like myself, this man was a genius. I still believe that to this day.
As High school tryouts came ever so close, Scott picked up the training sessions to three or four times a week for two and a half hours each. However, even though It was almost time to tryout, we still spent time out of the session to just talk. I don't think I've ever pushed myself so hard as I did those few weeks and it was no exaggeration that I had no life but soccer. I didn't care about school. I didn't care about my free time. All that I cared about was making that team; and I did.
I was able to take one of the Freshman spots for the high school Junior Varsity team. I would go on to make the Varsity team the following year and played all the way through High school. I owe all of this to Scott. He single handedly gave me the skills to make it where I did. However, he didn't just give me the ability to make it on the field. He gave me the ability to feel like I could be more than some nerd. Scott was literally my very own personal Will Smith from the movie "Hitch". Now that I think back I feel like he had that planned all along. Ever since that first day when he talked to me I think he knew all along what he was doing. Scott had been giving me the confidence I never thought I would have. I was proud of what I could do on the field and I was proud of what I could now accomplish off of it. I owe it all to Scott Yarborough and the several years he was there for me. Scott was not only my trainer, but my friend.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Memoir Memo
To: Mrs. Moody
From: Kyle Stultz
The purpose of the memoir review was to allow the writer to home their introduction and decide where to go from this point using the thoughts of a peer. My peer was no exception. She pointed out that I needed to go a bit deeper to tell the reader where I am going. I plan on doing that in the next paragraph after the two I wrote for the introduction.
My reviewer also gave me some insight into how my introduction appeared to the reader. She said that my introduction was engaging and funny. This was the exact effect I was hoping for. I wanted the reader to understand that, although the event was funny, this was how I felt every day. I felt as though everyone was laughing at me.
My reviewer also gained the correct ideas about my character at the time as well. I wanted the reader to understand that I had no confidence at all when it came to soccer. However, I think I need to add a little bit more to show that I also had no confidence off the field either. I believe I will do this in the next paragraph. I am not sure where my reviewer found out I had perseverance in this whole event but I was determined to stick with sports even if I wasn't good at them. My Dad always told me that if you start something, you finish it. I think I will put this into my memoir around the introduction as well.
I was hoping to keep my memoir riddled with detailed information that would keep the reader's imagination flowing through the story as I saw it. Based on the comments from my reviewer, I believe I have at least partially accomplished my goal. I will try to continue this pattern throughout the memoir and maybe add a little more detail in the introduction around where I prepared to kick the ball. I might give a little bit of insight into my physical capabilities at the time. This includes that I was severely chubby and could barely run the span of a football field without keeling over.
My reviewer also provided some insight that I found very informational. She thought that the team’s skill was not as important to the story as my own at the time. I agree with her largely mostly due to the fact that this is a memoir about my life. The only thing I did not agree with my reviewer about was the redundancy of "the". I don't really believe that the can be redundant. I will continue to refer to the notes from my reviewer as well as what I have written in this memo to keep me on track to a satisfactory essay.
Memoir Introduction setup
I will begin with the background of a detailed game before training where I scored a goal... On my own team. I plan on going on to the summary of the almost guaranteed loss each time my team played. This should speak columes about my confidence and pride to the audience. I hope this will also set the stage for the audience to understand how much of a change the training brought to my life on and off the pitch as well as goin into a good description of Scott; the trainer who instigated this change. I hope this will help the audience to understand that this memory will be one of the most important in my life.
Memoir Introduction: Soccer Training
It was a sunny day on the soccer pitch in my hometown of Melbourne, Florida. I was playing midfield which happened to be my favorite position at the time. As I turned to my right the ball comes to a stop by my feet. Contemplating what to do next, I realize the other team coming at me with their full speed. I quickly turn and head for the goal. I can hear the crowd shouting loud roars of mixed excitement and frustration. As I approach the goal I can feel the intensity of everyone around me as they waited for the next few events to unfold. My mind raced with the lessons I had learned from my coach. The basics of course. I looked up, saw my target, and shot. As the ball made contact with the back of the net I felt a sensation of excitement and then, unfortunately, dread. I had just scored on my own teams goal. I was quickly benched and spent the rest of the day going over the game in my head.
Although this seems like any eight year olds nightmare, I was use to it. The teams I played on in my early years of soccer were always known as the losers of the division. The score was always skewed in the direction of our opponent to where the slaughter rule, a score of nine to zero was an automatic win, became my teams only saving grace. I always played the position of left bench and occasionally played right bench should the opportunity present itself. The results of my teams games during these years speaks volumes of my self-confidence and pride at the time.
Although this seems like any eight year olds nightmare, I was use to it. The teams I played on in my early years of soccer were always known as the losers of the division. The score was always skewed in the direction of our opponent to where the slaughter rule, a score of nine to zero was an automatic win, became my teams only saving grace. I always played the position of left bench and occasionally played right bench should the opportunity present itself. The results of my teams games during these years speaks volumes of my self-confidence and pride at the time.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Brainstorming
Brother Fights the Bully- When I was young in Elementary school my brother and I would always walk home from the bus stop together. One day the neighborhood bully, Johnny started giving me a hard time. This verbal abuse continued untill I got home and into my four wheeler. Johnny soon decided that this four wheeler should be his and tried to take it. My brother, one year older than Johnny, comes flying down our driveway. Catching Johnny offguard, the only thing that he could do was run. This childhood scuffle has always shown me the undying love that me and my brother share. No matter how gay that may sound. He is my brother and I would do anything for him and him the same for me.
Soccer Training- I was never very good at sports and soccer was no exception. I spent most of my early yeards on a bench on a losing team. This can speak volumes about my pride and childhhood disposition on things. I didn't believe in myself at all. Until I met Scott. Scott was my soccer trainer from the beginning of seventh grade to the end of my High School Sophmore year. I give him the credit for helping me become the person I am today on and off the pitch. He helped me believe in myself. He made me feel like anything was possible. That things could go your way if you work for them. Scott is the reason that I was able to make the Freshman Soccer team and be a starter on the the Varsity team the year after. Scott made me a better person.
Saving the Hawk- Ever since I was little I've had a respect for all life. I was always scolded for picking up the spiders and roaches in my house and taking them outside rather than the alternative of reaching for the raid. However the time I was able to save a hawk is forever imprinted in my mind. I was on my way to a lifegaurd meeting when a hawk flew into a semi truck's side. He careened into my lane and I proceedded to swerve out of the way. Without thinking I ran up to the animal who was in a panic in the middle of the road. I picked up the bird and proceeded to hold it in my arms. I was able to call my mother who came and drove me to the wildlife center I had worked at the year before. That bird and I exchanged glances for nearly 45 minutes in the car. He just looked at me with a look I still cannot describe to this day. I called a couple days later to find that the bird was suffering from dehydration and slight loss of vision in one eye. It was released a few days later. This experience gave me a newfound respect for everthing living around us. I guess you could call me soft hearted for the animal population.
Soccer Training- I was never very good at sports and soccer was no exception. I spent most of my early yeards on a bench on a losing team. This can speak volumes about my pride and childhhood disposition on things. I didn't believe in myself at all. Until I met Scott. Scott was my soccer trainer from the beginning of seventh grade to the end of my High School Sophmore year. I give him the credit for helping me become the person I am today on and off the pitch. He helped me believe in myself. He made me feel like anything was possible. That things could go your way if you work for them. Scott is the reason that I was able to make the Freshman Soccer team and be a starter on the the Varsity team the year after. Scott made me a better person.
Saving the Hawk- Ever since I was little I've had a respect for all life. I was always scolded for picking up the spiders and roaches in my house and taking them outside rather than the alternative of reaching for the raid. However the time I was able to save a hawk is forever imprinted in my mind. I was on my way to a lifegaurd meeting when a hawk flew into a semi truck's side. He careened into my lane and I proceedded to swerve out of the way. Without thinking I ran up to the animal who was in a panic in the middle of the road. I picked up the bird and proceeded to hold it in my arms. I was able to call my mother who came and drove me to the wildlife center I had worked at the year before. That bird and I exchanged glances for nearly 45 minutes in the car. He just looked at me with a look I still cannot describe to this day. I called a couple days later to find that the bird was suffering from dehydration and slight loss of vision in one eye. It was released a few days later. This experience gave me a newfound respect for everthing living around us. I guess you could call me soft hearted for the animal population.
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