Monday, April 21, 2008

Visiting old Seneca

Seneca Valley has been my school since my first grade year, and I have had many different physical education instructors through the system. In attempt to visit some of my old high school coaches, I revisited the Intermediate high school in hope of a recommendation letter. I was able to get into the gymnasium at the end of the day when students were fleeing to the buses. My eighth grade assistant football coach, who is also a ninth grade phys ed teacher, happened to be in his office. In the same office sat another PE teacher, the ninth grade basketball coach, who is also a friend of mine. Both teachers said that they would support my career in any way possible, and that they would notify the two coaches who I had intended to see in the first place. Knowing that my old PE instructors and coaches will support me gives me hope and confidence in the major. I think that these individuals can help fuel me to finding a job and teach me many helpful tactics in the teacher lifestyle.

MLB beginning

Although the Pens seem to be the highlight of Pittsburgh sporting events for the time being, the Pirates have also begun their season. Baseball has never been a favorite sport of mine because the gameplay has never seemed to provide enough action for interest. The pirates are of interest to me though, but I never know what to expect. Last season they started off strong and ended up with a weak record. I do not have very high standards set for Pittsburgh baseball, yet I always cross my fingers in hope of playoff contention. Baseball seems like a sport based on money considering that the NY Yankees are always competing for the title with their stacked schedule built upon an unlimited salary cap. It is an unfair business, but baseball is only one of the many games that seem this way.

NBA playoffs

The NBA playoffs have been in progression at the same time as the NHL playoff contention. I was watching the New Orleans game the other night and guard Chris Paul is a tough contender. I was unfamiliar with Paul prior to the season because I do not think he use to get the recognition that he has received this season. Sportscenter newscasters predict him to be the next blowup guard and a first seed contender for a spot on this year's all star team. Paul can shoot, dish, and take it to the bucket as well as anyone. His well rounded game play make him the complete player for the point guard position. He could spring the Hornets into the NBA championship, most likely against Boston.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

MLS

Lately while I have been watching tv and switching through the channels, much of my stoppage has been on soccer. For a long time, I have paid no attention to the sport. I guess that old interests catch back up with a person becasue soccer was my main interest for many years. Since I spent high school without any attention directed at the sport, I miss it somewhat. The sport is unique from all other sports aired on TV because soccer is of international interest. America is not the dominant force in the game, for many small unknown countries and islands support soccer from the time of extremely young age. I have plenty of respect for soccer and watching it has been pleasant. Come to think of it, I have not kicked a soccer ball for many years. Olayyyyyyy Olay Olay Olay

New Balance

The commercial that has air for New Balance shoe company recently has been a very interesting one. The commercial stresses the importance of running and how it creates a balance in our lives. It is said to create a balance between love and hate. The insightful commercial had me thinkin about the importance of shoes in our lives. New balance has been a favorite shoe of mine in the past during track and field events. I am representing new balance shoes this year, and they are excellent. I feel like as if I could chase down a wild animal with the comfort and support offered by the product.

Miss Basketball

Since spring has rolled around, nice weather has shined down on the blacktops across Slippery Rock campus. The site of campus makes me want to play basketball, which is no longer an option of mine. Since my knee has only 60 percent of the maniscus remaining, I will no longer be able to cut or tread on hardtop surfaces. I should probably direct my focus to athletics such as badmitten, batgammon, fox hunting, curling, or swimming. Basketball was always my favorite activity to perform in my spare time during high school. I could play for hours, even by myself, as long as my game was improving. I quit basketball in Junior High with injury, but always loved playing as a hobby after that.

Pens

The Pens won the series last night against Ottowa. The pens ended up sweeping the series with a 4-0 streak. I think that their great play and motivation came from the fierce competition in last year's series. Ottowa ended up taking the Pens out of playoff contention. Sydney Crosby explained that there motivation was losing to Ottowa, but their edge must remain for the rest of playoffs. I think that the Pens have a legit shot at the Cup this year even though Pittsburgh has the youngest age average of any team in the NHL. The pens look to have a bright future in upcoming seasons but even more importantly, for the rest of the playoff race.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Powerpoint complete

The other night, I finally finished my powerpoint presentation in the library. Powerpoint is a program that I am a little familiar with, so the work was not too overwhelming. Most of my work has been directed towards endurance and distance training, and I figured that I would switch it up this time. The topic of my project was Sprinting, for I have been more involved in those activities in my prior athletics. I was able to find interesting information on Olympic athletes and much of my knowledge was able to fill in information as well. I can remember watching the Olympics with my family while Michael Johnson would smoke the competition in his golden shoes. I also remember his showdown with Donovan Bailey in the 150 meter sprint that would determine who would claim the title of the world's fastest man.

E Folio

The electronic portfolio project that we have to do is a serious matter. The project is dependent on our senior seminar portfolio that we must submit for job opportunities. The work requires plenty of old material that many students maintained from classes earlier in their college careers. I have been collecting all of my old materials that I need to scan, just to fulfill some of the domain areas of the portfolio. The portfolio requires almost everything from our prior careers, including recommendation letters, sport experience, work history, and all identification. The portfolio seems like an important component to graduation, but the great news of the whole project is, the class has about one week left to finish. Technology is crushing my ability to perform tasks because my electronic skills are below par.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Dancing In Class

Lately in movement education, we have been performing square dances and other farmlike stepping activities. I am very unfamiliar with these ways of dance. Most of the dancing that I am use to was introduced during school dances and stuff that I was interested in at a young age. Now I am at college and learning to swing girls around while skipping to old john tucker or "old cattle ranch" tones. The songs are pretty funny but the skipping is hard for me to get use to. I like swinging the females because they are light and seem to enjoy the rush of rotating at high speeds. I guess we all need to be well rounded in this society of so many backgrounds. Most people conform to rap, but lately country seems to be on the rise. I must admit, the music is relaxing and has positive messages. Any music that men and women can enjoy by mutual dancing is good music.

Podcasting

Today chelsea jones and I did some work on our podcast. Since the podcast had to cover a topic either related to health or physical education, we figured that a topic males and females could relate to was safe sex. College is a time when kids want to feel free or independent, and many are explorers when it comes to their sex life away from their original family and friends. Chelsea and I created a real life story that many high school students may experience in a modern situation. With both a male and female perspective on the subject, I think that the project should turn out to be interesting and enjoyable. Many students may find it humorous or a laughing matter, but people tend to have unsafe sex. Children are giving birth to children and men and women are spreading STDs like it is not a problem.