Category Archives: Music

17

Nov. ’10

Competitive Sports at the Office

Who knew that a workshop functions the same way as a competitive sport? I am writing this while sitting through (I mean, in) a workshop with 6 others, including the presenter. What is happening in this room can only be characterized as HILARIOUS, but while I watch this comedy I cannot help but notice how similar it is to a sport.

The workshop presenter is the Coach. She’s responsible for keeping order and executing her plan for what will happen in this room, around this table. She obviously has thought this thing through well in advance, because she has a PowerPoint Presentation that looks very professional, and her demeanor is calm and relaxed. Basically, she is in charge, and is quite comfortable in this role.

The competitors:

  • Old Dude has a permanent scowl that is so ever-present that I am wondering if he had it placed by a plastic surgeon. Complete with dark rimmed glasses that he somehow balances at the very end of his (rather large) nose; this guy’s face seriously looks like he wants to fight someone.
  • Crochet Lady had the nerve to bring her knitting bag with a pair of gigantic crochet needles and a ball of the ugliest blue yarn I have ever had the misfortune to see. I decided that she must have an anxiety disorder, because she crocheted as if her very life depended upon it for the first 45 minutes of the workshop.
  • Miss Expert has read every book that has ever been written on the workshop topic, and she is not shy about letting all of us know that she thinks she should be the Coach.
  • Miss Cali is a racially ambiguous woman from California, and I know where she’s from because she keeps telling us how things are done there, and how much more awesome it is. You know what I’m thinking…yeah, when is your flight? I am fascinated by the fact that I cannot figure out her ethnicity, because I consider myself to be pretty adept at this.
  • Red Sweatshirt is called this because I am blinded by her bright red sweatshirt (and I can’t stop staring at her tiny little head.) She got here about an hour late, and she won’t shut up. If I was late, I think I would sit quietly and listen for a while, but that’s me.
  • Let’s call me Quiet and Observant Woman. No, Completely Unfocused and Distracted Woman. Oh, I know…I’m SportsFanLunatic. (haha) I do have a pretty short attention span, so I’m texting my friends, updating my Facebook status and writing this … simultaneously. Hey, it’s what I do, so don’t judge me.

I realized that I really was involved in a competitive sport when the participants in the workshop began to get a little restless…almost as if they wanted to be more “involved” and spend less time using their listening skills. Things were going well at first, and the Coach was able to stick to the playbook, which is her PowerPoint slideshow. It soon became obvious that the participants, who are now competitors, were getting used to interacting with each other, and the competition officially began. Since we have such a great Coach, she noticed right away, and I’ll give her credit…she tried the not-so-obvious “throat clearing,” talking over them, and even the very obvious “Okay, everyone!” but it was too late…we’ve been on the same slide for about 10 minutes, and our Coach is not happy. Here’s what happened next:

Miss Expert was giving a lecture about how smart she is, and Crochet Lady interrupted her. I watched in shock as Miss Expert gave her the finger! Okay, no, not the finger, but she pointed her index finger at Crochet Lady in a way that spoke volumes, and never stopped talking. Old Guy got really bold and told Miss Expert that she cut him off before he could make his point. He scored major points for this because Miss Expert actually looked embarrassed, and after listening to her tell everyone that she had read (and remembered the ISBN number for) every book on the workshop topic, I didn’t think this woman could be shut down. In spite of how annoying she was, Miss Expert gained a few points for taking on Old Guy and Crochet Lady at the same time.

Red Sweatshirt is the clear loser in this group. She was late, and then proceeded to ask a question every five minutes. It wouldn’t have been so bad if her questions had even remotely been related to the workshop topic! If I could give her negative points to the power of infinity, I would. Miss Cali spent another fifteen minutes telling us about the sheer awesomeness of being in California. First of all, I used to live in San Diego, so I already know how awesome it is, and second, we DON’T CARE. I think that the only reason that we listened to her is because we’re all probably secretly trying to figure out her ethnicity. (Yes, I’m still fascinated by my inability to do this.)

Crochet Lady earned a bunch of points for putting down the needles. She’s sitting right across the table from me, and her crocheting was really making it difficult for me to concentrate on texting, Facebook and writing. I’m just sayin…

At this point, the Coach has completely lost control of the room. Miss Expert and Old Guy are about to come to blows because she is recommending books to help ease his negativity. Miss Cali got involved in their disagreement, and that’s not good because she talks with her hands. She is sitting to the right of me, and if she hits me, this whole competition will come to a screeching halt. Side note: Red Sweatshirt is sitting to my left with her mouth hanging open…literally. I’m distracted by wondering if her tiny little head has a tiny little brain in it.

How does it end? I have to warn you…it’s not what you think. The Coach realized that she needed a new strategy, so she used a tried and true method. It’s called, “Bathroom Break.” This is the end of the competition for me, because I waited until everyone left the room for the ten minute break, gathered my belongings, and LEFT. I have gained sweet freedom, and I have declared myself the winner of this competition because, most likely, I will never have to see any of these people again. And yes, I am aware that they might be thinking the same thing about me.

© 2011 SportsFanLunatic.com
By posting our content, you agree to credit this author and/ or provide a link to this website.

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23

May. ’10

When Is It Too Late To Become Athletic? (Motivation)

When is it too late to become athletic?

NEVER.

There is no age associated with athleticism. The real question is, what are you willing to do to get yourself conditioned to be an athlete, or to become more physically fit and healthier? If you want to know how to get more active, then here’s the answer to that: JUST DO IT.

Sounds simple, because it is simple. Make a decision that this is what you really want, then go about the business of finding out how to get it done. If you needed (or wanted) to learn how to earn more money, you’d probably do whatever it takes to make it happen, right? EXACTLY.

Discipline. Work ethic. Desire. RESULTS!

JUST DO IT.

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10

Dec. ’09

Play, and Prevent Chronic Disease?

Despite the fact that a third of all adults are trying to lose weight at any given time, Americans continue to get fatter. Although we spend 30 billion dollars each year on weight loss products and promotions, as a nation we are gaining weight at an unprecedented rate. The solution is so simple that we are collectively ignoring it and looking past the obvious. We need to PLAY.

Think about it: our predecessors were much more active than we are today. Since there were fewer convenient ways to get our day-to-day chores done, we expended many more calories in almost every task. Even something like washing dishes, doing laundry and other general household chores took more time, and involved more physical activity.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a HUGE fan of anything that makes my life easier. I can’t help but wonder, however, what price will be paid for all this “easier.”

I think we fool ourselves by looking at an increase in the life expectancy numbers as an indication that we’re doing things right. Yes, we are living longer… much longer. But what is our quality of life like? Are we living longer just so we can pay enormous health care bills, and take several medications and still not feel well? Are we living longer at home, or in skilled nursing facilities? Are our researchers focused enough on prevention, or on prolonging our miserable disease-ridden lives?

Sports and exercise could help with the reduction and subsequent eradication of preventable chronic problems like obesity. Obesity seems to be a major cause of  most of what the population currently suffers from. If we would reverse our attitude about exercise and look at it as a life-saving, fun activity instead of a bothersome chore, we would keep our life expectancy numbers up, enjoy our modern conveniences, and still have the quality of life that we all want.

How do we change our attitude? I’m not really sure. For some of us, it might be too late. Or we could take a lesson from children. I saw a commercial about a program that the National Football League has put together. The suggestion is that children play (actively)  for at least 60 minutes a day, every day.  This is what I’m talking about … structure without bondage. I know so many people who decide to join the new, large gym with all the latest equipment, and then spend the next year making excuses why they can’t get there. Our lives are too  full of business (or busy-ness)  to take care of that we are neglecting the fact that we can’t get anything done well if we are not well.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a list of diseases that are considered to be related to being overweight and inactive.

You can see the entire article on their website at: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/causes/health.html. So, we have the data, we know how to play…what keeps us from doing it? It’s time for some soul-searching. What are your reasons for not taking the best care of YOU that you can? What do you think your health will be like in 10 years if you don’t exercise now? If you do exercise now, do you think you will continue?

The facts and statistics do not lie. PLAY, and help prevent chronic disease.

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02

Dec. ’09

Football 101: A Cheat Sheet for the Women Who ♥ the Men Who ♥ the Game

(and anyone else who wants to know basic stuff about this awesome sport)

Lots of women like football, some of us LOVE it, and I think that it would appeal to more women if what’s happening during a football game was more obvious. This sport requires superior skill, strict training and athleticism, especially if a man expects to succeed in the NFL (National Football League), and this is a HUGE business.  Those are the reasons that I love football, but…

…even if you’re trying to learn about football to impress someone, or you want to spend more quality time with your husband or significant other who loves football, READ THIS and maybe print it for future reference. I promise not to overwhelm you with random terms; instead I have basically thought about the game itself, the structure of football teams, terms that are commonly used during games, common penalties and the scoring structure. You might be surprised to find that you end up with a genuine interest in this AWESOME sport.

Team Structure: Football teams are basically made up of three groups: an offense, defense, and what is called special teams. The offensive group has the Quarterback, and is responsible for trying to score points by getting the football down the field and into the opposing team’s end zone. The defense is the group that is responsible for keeping that from happening. The special teams group primarily is responsible for kicking field goals and punting the football (at the beginning of each team’s possession.) The guy who holds the ball while the other guy kicks it is, fittingly, called the holder. Each group even has their own Coach, and the person who is responsible for every group is called the Head Coach.

Scoring:The most common ways to score points are the touchdown, field goal, conversion (1 and 2 pts), and safety. When a team scores by running or catching the football in the other team’s end zone, they score 6 points or a touchdown. After the touchdown, the team has the chance to score a conversion, by either kicking a field goal for 1 point (called the extra point, and is most common) or trying to run or throw the football into the end zone for 2 points (called “going for 2”, and mostly done when the second point would win the game or cause the game to go into overtime). A safety occurs when one team tackles the other team in the other team’s own end zone, and results in 2 points.

Some Common Terms Are:

Line of Scrimmage: An imaginary line stretching the width of the field that separates the two teams’ offense and defense prior to the snap of the ball.  

Snap:  The handoff of the ball that puts the ball into play.

Downs:  Each possession for each team is measured in “downs.” The initial possession after the ball is put into play by a “punt” or “kick” is called “first down.” The object of the game is for the offense to try to run or throw the football 10 yards or more before being tackled or run out of bounds, per possession. If the offense fails to go at least 10 yards, the down advances to 2nd down, and the additional number of yards that the first down did not gain are added to the next down. After three attempts (or 3rd down) and no successful new first down, the offense must make a decision to either punt the ball to the opposing team to begin the next possession , try to kick a field goal (if they are close enough to the other team’s goal) or try one more time on a 4th down. The latter is  very risky and doesn’t happen as often, because if a first down or touchdown is not scored at a fourth down try, the opposing team gains possession wherever the 4th down ends. That could place the opposing team in a more favorable position on the field to try to get their own score. (Fascinating, right? I KNOW!!)

Red Zone: The area between the 20 yard line and the goal of the defensive team.

Fumble: When a player loses control of the ball while it is in play, and can result in the opposing team taking possession of the ball.

Flag on the play: Football referees use colored flags that are weighted to throw out onto the field to stop the game and assess a penalty. Some of the more common penalties are:

  • Offside – players are not lined up correctly right before or as the ball is being put into play; 5 yard penalty.
  • False start – any player moving after they have gotten in their set position before the snap in a way that seems like the start of the play (kinda like a false start in track and field) 5 yard penalty
  • Delay of game – results in not putting the ball into play before the play clock runs out; 5 yard penalty.
  • Holding – illegal use of the hands or arms while blocking; 10 yard penalty.
  • Pass Interference (offense) – just like it sounds; 10 yard penalty.
  • Pass Interference (defense) – worse than offense because the penalty moves the ball to where it would have been caught.
  • Unnecessary Roughness/ Unsportsmanlike Conduct – just like they sound, and both carry a 15 yard penalty.

See what I mean? This is a wonderful sport full of talented players, some of whom have played the game of football since they were able to run. When you blend this knowledge with a team that you feel loyal to (and not because they have cute uniforms), you can have a great time! Add to that some awesome snacks, companionship, tailgating, or better yet…50 yard line tickets…

Okay, I have to end this before I start to hyperventilate!

© 2009 SportsFanLunatic.com
By posting our content, you agree to credit this author and/ or provide a link to this website.

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23

Nov. ’09

Professional Athletes are NOT Overpaid!

Sports icon for Portals

Image via Wikipedia

What value would you attach to talent? What price would you be willing to pay someone for their dedication? How about for their intensity and even plain old ability? Seriously … take a moment and think about this. If you had spent all or most of your childhood, adolescence and young adulthood training and preparing to do what you love to do (on a professional level) what things would you want someone to consider when they negotiate your salary? Think like a professional athlete for a moment. I think my perspective would have to be explained by showing you what these men and women hear on a pretty regular basis from:

Team Owners:

“Remember now, if you get hurt on the job, there is no workman’s compensation. You are expected to, within reason, get up, shake it off, and keep it moving. Maybe you didn’t sleep well the night before. Who cares? GO TO WORK! Even if a close family member or friend dies, if you are scheduled to work, you will go to work.”

It isn’t just your boss who expects this – he or she is mostly concerned about the thousands of screaming fans in attendance, and possibly millions more watching at home or from various sports bars and other venues. Your team’s owner knows who is going to watch you, critique your performance, take pictures of you at your very worst moment, and plaster these images all over the internet, television and newspapers. He also knows how this will affect the franchise…the brand. You are, after all, a PRODUCT.

Vendors:

“You see, we depend upon you. We are able to make OUR living because of what YOU do. Our clients turn to you for entertainment. We plan major events around what you are doing. We need to sell hot dogs and beer…you can’t let us down now! What will happen to us?”

Endorsers:

“Listen…I need to sell my (insert anything and everything you can possibly think of) and if I put your face on the (insert packaging description), I am sure that my profits will increase! Yes, I will give you a very small percentage of my earnings, but I will complain about it, because you are already making all that money for, I mean … that team is already paying you a hefty salary. I do not care how many expenses you have, I just want to get paid!”

Fans:

“GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME! I can’t believe you dropped that ball! We’re not going to make it to the playoffs this year because of YOU. No home field advantage? What the… What do you mean you have a torn rotator cuff? Suck it UP! All my life I dreamed of playing professional sports…now that I can live through you (since it didn’t work out for me) PLAY THE GAME THE WAY I WOULD HAVE PLAYED IT! What kind of role model ARE you? I want my kids to be able to look up to you! I can’t be a good example as a parent, so I’ve chosen YOU, sports figure, to put on a pedestal and if you do ANYTHING wrong, I will make sure you never play in this league again!”

Granted, if things are going very well for you and your sport, this makes everyone happy and your salary is justified. (Umm…how often does THAT happen?)

Still think professional athletes are overpaid? Tell me what you REALLY think. I’m just sayin…

© 2009 SportsFanLunatic.com
By posting our content, you agree to credit this author and/ or provide a link to this website.

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18

Nov. ’09

Kobe versus Jordan: NO COMPARISON!

 

I have often wondered why those of us who love sports are so intent on comparing some players’ athletic prowess with that of their predecessors … is it just so difficult for us to believe that more than one athlete has amazing talent and statistics?

I do not think anyone should EVER compare Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan. Why? It’s obvious.

Because there IS no comparison between the totally awesome Kobe Bryant (my fav) and Hall of Famer Michael Jordan (Kobe’s fav).

We all know that Michael Jordan has pure, raw talent. His motivation, as he told the world during his speech at the Hall of Fame Induction this year, was to be “the best” in order to spite all of the people that he believes tried to hold him back, or who failed to give him his “props.” In order to accomplish this, Jordan knew that he needed to win championships. For Jordan, it was just that simple. He is, after all, pretty easy to understand since he is so simple.

Kobe Bryant wants to be the best at the game of basketball because he loves and respects the game. Kobe knows the rules, inside and out, and his head is always in the game. He is an intelligent player who acts as the primary connection between head coach Phil Jackson and the rest of the players on his team. Yes, Kobe is motivated by winning championships. He desires, like many great men and women, to leave his mark on the game, but not because someone in his past said that he wasn’t good enough.

These two players did not enter the NBA under the same circumstances. Michael Jordan played college basketball for the great Dean Smith of the UNC Tar (gasp) Heels, and had three years of the best preparation available for his esteemed NBA career. Everyone knows how many NBA’ers sat under the tutelage of Coach Smith. On the other hand, Kobe Bryant was so totally awesome that he was drafted into the NBA at the tender age of 17, right out of high school. He has told reporters that he was not even old enough to legally sign his own NBA contract…because he was not yet 18. Wow, he must have impressed someone.

Jordan and Bryant’s mentors and/ or idols of the game are not the same. Jordan had a completely different set of players to look up to, and emulate. Kobe? Well, he emulated Jordan. Why, then, would anyone compare the two? And why would anyone decide that it is a negative thing that Kobe would want to be like someone who played the game of basketball the way Michael Jordan did? Hmmm … this just makes no sense.

Throughout time, people have sought to leave a legacy for those who would come behind them. Michael Jordan is not the deep-thinking type of person who says that he hopes to influence younger players, but most of the greats of the game say just that. They’ve paved the way for younger players to play smarter, negotiate better salaries and endorsement deals, and they have helped influence greater team diversity, etc. Kobe attempts to nurture the players on his team. Jordan was never accused of such a thing.

I admire both of these players, and I appreciate their personal and professional attributes. I am, however, Kobe’s biggest fan. That might be the number one, and final, reason why THERE IS NO COMPARISON between KOBE BRYANT and Michael Jordan. Period.

I’m just sayin…

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10

Nov. ’09

My “Extreme” Sport

Example variable speed limit sign in the Unite...
Image via Wikipedia

Yes, I consider myself to be an athlete. If I had my choice, I would play professional basketball, but that was decided for me years ago when I realized that I just can’t dribble and run at the same time, no matter how hard I’ve tried. I have a heck of a jump shot, and can shoot free throws like nobody’s business, but, as you know, that doesn’t cut it.

When I decided to leave city life behind me and move to a small town 20 miles from my office, I (unknowingly) signed up for my Extreme Sport. It’s not power raking, either, although there are 25 trees in my front and back yards, combined. Nope…it’s “Morning Commute on the Interstate,” and I am THE BEST athlete out there. You might say I’m the KOBE of the ROAD, baby.

Here’s how it works:
I often see the same players because we probably are all going into the city and have to be there by 8 a.m. The usual players are white beamer, puke green minivan, and brown hoopty with the diamond in the back.

Brown Hoopty insists on blasting music. Dummy. It’s distracting, and that’s why you didn’t see that trooper coming at you the other day and you got pulled over. White Beamer thinks he owns the road, and what, besides a candy apple red color, is more obvious than a white beamer on the highway? Puke green minivan is a mom who makes peanut butter sandwiches on the dashboard while her kids play musical chairs as she chats on the phone. She doesn’t get pulled over, though, because she’s too busy going 5 miles UNDER the speed limit and messing up my groove.

Oh, yeah…then there’s me, dark grey Taurus. Here’s what makes me successful at this sport: I’m inconspicuous. Dark grey (slate) colored sedans don’t get pulled over. I’d have to do something really insanely obviously unlawful (and I don’t mean speeding) for the troopers to even look at me. Besides that, I rarely drive in the far left (fast) lane. I prefer the two middle lanes, and yes, there are times when I can’t get around the minivan lady unless I pass in the slow lane. (I know, I know…) BUT: I don’t weave in and out…in an obvious way. I always use my signals when I change lanes, and I always move over and speed up when someone merges onto the highway. (This gives me a chance to speed up to even 20 miles over…just for a second) Basically, I follow the rules. I also follow the fastest drivers, or try to get between or in front of them. That’s my heaven; when I’m on top of my game. When I look in front of me and see the traffic flowing, and my speedometer says I’m doing right around 80, I feel that euphoria… (Remember KOBE in the playoffs earlier this year? The scowling face… OH yeah!)

Then I look at the clock, and that’s where I get my biggest rush: I’m on time. Now it’s time to exit the highway and do a swift, but short navigation through the city traffic. Remember to move over before I get to the BP station because cars always bunch up there…you could lose 3 minutes while you wait for them to get their heads in the game!

My Extreme Sport is a thing of beauty. Maybe I’ll mount a camera on the dash and let you all see it one of these days. Oh, and what do I get when I reach the finish line? I get to my office and the CEO’s not there yet, that’s what. And did I mention that I’ve been a licensed driver since age 17, and I have NOT EVER had a speeding ticket or any other type of moving violation or points on my license? I didn’t say I haven’t been STOPPED; I just have never been given a ticket. I AM SO AWESOME, just like my KOBE.

© 2011 SportsFanLunatic.com
By posting our content, you agree to credit this author and/ or provide a link to this website.

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