The end of the semester is kicking my proverbial ass, so many papers to write, so little time. The feeling of stress has been ripping through my mind lately, creating a feeling of angst as I move through the last part of the semester.
But in effort to not sound like a cry-baby, I'll just end with this. I don't have much time right now, so check out my final blog on reflections as posted below . . .
p.s. I wish everyone the best of luck on all their finals, and a Merry early Christmas too.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Final Blog: Reflections
This class has been the most challenging course I have ever taken for writing. Coming from a journalism studies program, I have been forced to conform to a certain style of writing that has started to become like second nature. When thinking of sports writing, I see a very journalist, direct and to-the-point style of writing, far from the style that was taught in class.
At first I did not agree with the methodology of the class, most of the chalkboard days seemed utterly pointless other than to provide us with busy work. As the semester went on and clarity struck, I realized it was an effective tool to break down the works of these other great authors.
In most writing class, the professors find my writing to be instantly impressive—but in this class that was not the case. My first assignment came off flat and un-inspired, far from the level of work I am used to producing. I started to become frustrated, blaming the class structure itself, instead of looking within at my own flaws.
I was published from the very tender age of 16, giving me a certain sense of confidence and accomplishment that most writers have to wait years to obtain. I was given a monthly column in my local, hometown newspaper to express my views through the eyes of high school student. The instant popularity my column generated shifted my confidence into overdrive, giving me a slight ego that makes it hard for me to understand the imperfections in my writing. Professor Emerson’s plan to make our writing better through editing and revision were two areas that were vastly unfamiliar to me and often became frustrating throughout the course.
I have often had trouble condensing my writing without becoming wordy or saying too much in a single sentence. Grammar has always been my biggest flaw, especially with comma splicing, which has always been my most prevalent weakness. This course has given me the opportunity to work on those issues, sharpening my writing, and giving me a firmer grasp on the grammatical aspects of the English language.
Overall, it was a pretty good class, I feel like I learned a great deal about the importance of revising my writing. The other students were a good bunch to be around, lots of different personalities that blended together for some entertaining moments. I appreciate everything I’ve learned and I only hope to improve my writing as I gain experience and maturity.
At first I did not agree with the methodology of the class, most of the chalkboard days seemed utterly pointless other than to provide us with busy work. As the semester went on and clarity struck, I realized it was an effective tool to break down the works of these other great authors.
In most writing class, the professors find my writing to be instantly impressive—but in this class that was not the case. My first assignment came off flat and un-inspired, far from the level of work I am used to producing. I started to become frustrated, blaming the class structure itself, instead of looking within at my own flaws.
I was published from the very tender age of 16, giving me a certain sense of confidence and accomplishment that most writers have to wait years to obtain. I was given a monthly column in my local, hometown newspaper to express my views through the eyes of high school student. The instant popularity my column generated shifted my confidence into overdrive, giving me a slight ego that makes it hard for me to understand the imperfections in my writing. Professor Emerson’s plan to make our writing better through editing and revision were two areas that were vastly unfamiliar to me and often became frustrating throughout the course.
I have often had trouble condensing my writing without becoming wordy or saying too much in a single sentence. Grammar has always been my biggest flaw, especially with comma splicing, which has always been my most prevalent weakness. This course has given me the opportunity to work on those issues, sharpening my writing, and giving me a firmer grasp on the grammatical aspects of the English language.
Overall, it was a pretty good class, I feel like I learned a great deal about the importance of revising my writing. The other students were a good bunch to be around, lots of different personalities that blended together for some entertaining moments. I appreciate everything I’ve learned and I only hope to improve my writing as I gain experience and maturity.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Matters of the Heart
I've always felt like it was kind of like my mission to educate people on just how important heart is, I sometimes felt like I was speaking to the deaf. On January10th of last year I had the privilege of going from Owego to Wayne, NJ, and on that night, I, along with four of my buddies, got to see a very emotional retirement speech from Vince Russo (former WWE television writer). In his speech Vince talked about heart and how important having lots of heart is. Sound familiar? Vince stated that people do good deeds because of the heart they have, and that the reason people do bad things is because of their lack of heart.
I personally don't really know much about living the "college life." I have no idea what it is like to get drunk everyday, nor do I want to know. I just don't understand why people continue to harm themselves in this manner. There is no way that this "college life" of partying, drinking, and having mindless sex could make them happy, so why does it take place? Why do I not partake in these activities? Is it because I have common sense - or is it that I am too intelligent to be that stupid with my body?
Another part of having heart is caring for fellow members of society and having compassion for others. I will admit that I preach my values and morals a lot of the time but it is not without reason. You see, I know a lot of people that follow my path in life, they carry themselves with the same respect and morals that I do, they have heart. . It would be easy for me to quit, stop fighting, and become one of them - the heartless establishment - but if I did that, I would hate myself even more than all those heartless people already do
I personally don't really know much about living the "college life." I have no idea what it is like to get drunk everyday, nor do I want to know. I just don't understand why people continue to harm themselves in this manner. There is no way that this "college life" of partying, drinking, and having mindless sex could make them happy, so why does it take place? Why do I not partake in these activities? Is it because I have common sense - or is it that I am too intelligent to be that stupid with my body?
Another part of having heart is caring for fellow members of society and having compassion for others. I will admit that I preach my values and morals a lot of the time but it is not without reason. You see, I know a lot of people that follow my path in life, they carry themselves with the same respect and morals that I do, they have heart. . It would be easy for me to quit, stop fighting, and become one of them - the heartless establishment - but if I did that, I would hate myself even more than all those heartless people already do
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A Look Back at My Angry Teen-age Years
The great poem I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes was read to me as a part of Owego Free Academy's English 12 curriculum. In studying this poem my English 12 teacher, Mr. Evans, had our class write our own I, too, sing America poem about a time in which we felt disenfranchised from society, as how Langston Hughes felt during the writing of his poem.
I thought this was a great idea as I could write whatever I felt disconnected me from society, and anyone who is a teenager knows that we always feel in some way disconnected from this society that we are trying to find our identity in. I wrote the following poem in response:
I, too, sing America
I am just a young adult, so they say.
Outcasted by the people "wiser" than I.
Everything I say is looked at with a critical eye. Stereotyped in my prime, forgotten in the days beyond.
We are the future, not just mindless adolescents. If I am not given the respect, I will take it. I will show you one milestone at a time. No matter what you say I can't be stopped. My confidence is like steel, unbreakable.
I am determined to win the battle and show you all that . . .
. . . I, too, sing America.
I wrote this poem for all the adults that will not give young people the opportunities some of us have earned. Nothing makes me feel more disenfranchised from society than when an adult tells me that just because I am younger that I cannot handle responsibility. I use this monthly column to make my voice heard, to speak out, and connect with an audience. I encourage all of you teenagers to do something like me, not just with writing - but anything that makes your voice heard; show the older, "wiser," adults that we should be respected and if we are not we will take that respect no matter what they say or do to stop us.
This is something I did for a 12th grade English assignment. Looking back on it now, it is amazing how much I've changed and how angry I sounded at this time. It's funny how people changed with age and maturity.
I thought this was a great idea as I could write whatever I felt disconnected me from society, and anyone who is a teenager knows that we always feel in some way disconnected from this society that we are trying to find our identity in. I wrote the following poem in response:
I, too, sing America
I am just a young adult, so they say.
Outcasted by the people "wiser" than I.
Everything I say is looked at with a critical eye. Stereotyped in my prime, forgotten in the days beyond.
We are the future, not just mindless adolescents. If I am not given the respect, I will take it. I will show you one milestone at a time. No matter what you say I can't be stopped. My confidence is like steel, unbreakable.
I am determined to win the battle and show you all that . . .
. . . I, too, sing America.
I wrote this poem for all the adults that will not give young people the opportunities some of us have earned. Nothing makes me feel more disenfranchised from society than when an adult tells me that just because I am younger that I cannot handle responsibility. I use this monthly column to make my voice heard, to speak out, and connect with an audience. I encourage all of you teenagers to do something like me, not just with writing - but anything that makes your voice heard; show the older, "wiser," adults that we should be respected and if we are not we will take that respect no matter what they say or do to stop us.
This is something I did for a 12th grade English assignment. Looking back on it now, it is amazing how much I've changed and how angry I sounded at this time. It's funny how people changed with age and maturity.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Is This Destiny?
I thought since I got caught up in the Thanksgiving day celebration I would do two blogs tonight to make up for not doing one on Thursday:
Being able to express my opinions and help people in the process gives me an indescribable rush. One specific event brought me back to where I was supposed to be; it was the kind of defining moment that comes along once in a life time, the moment where one realizes why they were put on this earth. This event was like no other in my life, one that touched my heart, one that I will never forget.
It was a typical night at Mario's Pizza, nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary—I was just working at a solid, steady pace. Out of nowhere I hear my boss calling my name, her voice un-assuming, almost unsure. On the surface I thought maybe I had done something wrong and would now be reprimanded for it. As I make my way over to the counter I am told there is someone who would like to see me. As I make my way over to the register I see an elderly women with tears in her eyes. At this point I was frantic I thought to myself could I have possibly offended this women somehow—I had no idea what I was about to hear would change me, once again. All of a sudden she looks up at me with tears in her eyes and proceeds to tell me that she is the grandmother of Jarid Henry and that the article I wrote about her deceased grandson (he killed himself) was one of the few things that helped carry her through that summer.
Ever since that moment I have been in a daze; I have thought to myself does my writing really make a difference? Can it make a difference? Is this why I was created? This event certainly raised so many un-answered questions within my heart and soul. The thought that I actual helped fill someone's emotional void is unbelievable; a feeling which is undescribable. I thank Jarid's Grandmother from the bottom of my heart for she has helped me re-discover the passion that drives me—that is the best gift one could ever receive.
The moral of this story is if you as a reader have not found your passion, seek and you shall find. Everyone has a passion some just haven't realized it yet. I lost my passion once, when I was younger—but thanks to a lovely grandmother I felt re-born, and ready to serve whoever needs me. After writing this I can honestly say I have my passion, do you?
Being able to express my opinions and help people in the process gives me an indescribable rush. One specific event brought me back to where I was supposed to be; it was the kind of defining moment that comes along once in a life time, the moment where one realizes why they were put on this earth. This event was like no other in my life, one that touched my heart, one that I will never forget.
It was a typical night at Mario's Pizza, nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary—I was just working at a solid, steady pace. Out of nowhere I hear my boss calling my name, her voice un-assuming, almost unsure. On the surface I thought maybe I had done something wrong and would now be reprimanded for it. As I make my way over to the counter I am told there is someone who would like to see me. As I make my way over to the register I see an elderly women with tears in her eyes. At this point I was frantic I thought to myself could I have possibly offended this women somehow—I had no idea what I was about to hear would change me, once again. All of a sudden she looks up at me with tears in her eyes and proceeds to tell me that she is the grandmother of Jarid Henry and that the article I wrote about her deceased grandson (he killed himself) was one of the few things that helped carry her through that summer.
Ever since that moment I have been in a daze; I have thought to myself does my writing really make a difference? Can it make a difference? Is this why I was created? This event certainly raised so many un-answered questions within my heart and soul. The thought that I actual helped fill someone's emotional void is unbelievable; a feeling which is undescribable. I thank Jarid's Grandmother from the bottom of my heart for she has helped me re-discover the passion that drives me—that is the best gift one could ever receive.
The moral of this story is if you as a reader have not found your passion, seek and you shall find. Everyone has a passion some just haven't realized it yet. I lost my passion once, when I was younger—but thanks to a lovely grandmother I felt re-born, and ready to serve whoever needs me. After writing this I can honestly say I have my passion, do you?
Scars
I've found myself doing some heavy soul searching lately and after much thought my mind somehow got on the subject of sign/symbols and how they relate to all aspects of life. I now see that almost everything is a symbol for something else.
The rigid scar behind my left ear is a symbol of when I could have lost everything. Serious ear surgery resulting from a growing cyst on my ear drum that could have cost me everything, including, my hearing, my ability to talk, my facial nerve, and even my life. It is a symbol that I will forever have with me to show that I shouldn't take anything for granted--especially life itself.
The cross I wear around my neck is a symbol that represents the life of my deceased Uncle Mike. It was given to me on the day after he passed away and I will always hold it near to my heart as a reminder of not only his life--but where I received my writing talents from.
The blue diamond ring I wear on my finger is a symbol of love, given to me by my Uncle Mike in his last couple months of earthly life. The ring is meant to symbolize love and the bond between two relatives close in spirit--but distant in miles traveled.
The OFA Class of 2004 ring I wear on my finger is a symbol of accomplishment. When I was a freshman, I was kicked out of OFA and given very little chance to graduate. I stayed determined and I never quit, regardless of failure. The ring is like a trophy from a time that I took on the establishment and won hands down. In the beginning I was given little chance or opportunity, by the end I was respected by not only my peers, but the administration as well. This accomplishment will probably go down as the single most meaningful one of my life and I have the symbol to prove it, now and forever.
What do some of your scars mean?
The rigid scar behind my left ear is a symbol of when I could have lost everything. Serious ear surgery resulting from a growing cyst on my ear drum that could have cost me everything, including, my hearing, my ability to talk, my facial nerve, and even my life. It is a symbol that I will forever have with me to show that I shouldn't take anything for granted--especially life itself.
The cross I wear around my neck is a symbol that represents the life of my deceased Uncle Mike. It was given to me on the day after he passed away and I will always hold it near to my heart as a reminder of not only his life--but where I received my writing talents from.
The blue diamond ring I wear on my finger is a symbol of love, given to me by my Uncle Mike in his last couple months of earthly life. The ring is meant to symbolize love and the bond between two relatives close in spirit--but distant in miles traveled.
The OFA Class of 2004 ring I wear on my finger is a symbol of accomplishment. When I was a freshman, I was kicked out of OFA and given very little chance to graduate. I stayed determined and I never quit, regardless of failure. The ring is like a trophy from a time that I took on the establishment and won hands down. In the beginning I was given little chance or opportunity, by the end I was respected by not only my peers, but the administration as well. This accomplishment will probably go down as the single most meaningful one of my life and I have the symbol to prove it, now and forever.
What do some of your scars mean?
Monday, November 19, 2007
The Nothing Blog
I don't really have much to write about, the up-coming end of the semester has me pretty burnt out and I'm looking forward to getting home for a few days to relax.
The mini-sports blog:
The Mets really haven't signed any free agents yet. The Lakers still haven't traded Kobe (now I don't think they should.) Notre Dame still sucks, but they got a mighty win over Duke last week. Duke is looking good in basketball, but I don't think they can beat North Carolina. And I just found out hockey was still on TV, who knew? HAHA, just kidding to all you NHL fans out there.
The mini-personal blog:
It's hard to believe that after the break the semester will be over in just a little over two weeks . . . it always seems to go by faster and faster; not that I'm complaining or anything.
I hate suffering from burn out, everything just seems to become more stressful, it becomes more annoying as the end of the semester draws near. It always amazes me how college students deal with stress, but in the end, somehow, we all manage (at least the strong ones anyway) to get through it.
Being away at college, it becomes harder to connect with family and friends from back home; I always miss out on so much. At times I feel guilty for not being more readily available, especially for my parents. I guess it is just one of those necessary parts of growing up that comes with trying to achieve the dreams that makes a college education worth it.
I hope everyone has a good break. It is almost crunch time here, but don't take that into the break. Leave time to relax and enjoy the moments spent with family during the Thanksgiving holiday. I wish I had something witty to say to end this blog, but I really don't, not this time, but hopefully after the break I will . . .
The mini-sports blog:
The Mets really haven't signed any free agents yet. The Lakers still haven't traded Kobe (now I don't think they should.) Notre Dame still sucks, but they got a mighty win over Duke last week. Duke is looking good in basketball, but I don't think they can beat North Carolina. And I just found out hockey was still on TV, who knew? HAHA, just kidding to all you NHL fans out there.
The mini-personal blog:
It's hard to believe that after the break the semester will be over in just a little over two weeks . . . it always seems to go by faster and faster; not that I'm complaining or anything.
I hate suffering from burn out, everything just seems to become more stressful, it becomes more annoying as the end of the semester draws near. It always amazes me how college students deal with stress, but in the end, somehow, we all manage (at least the strong ones anyway) to get through it.
Being away at college, it becomes harder to connect with family and friends from back home; I always miss out on so much. At times I feel guilty for not being more readily available, especially for my parents. I guess it is just one of those necessary parts of growing up that comes with trying to achieve the dreams that makes a college education worth it.
I hope everyone has a good break. It is almost crunch time here, but don't take that into the break. Leave time to relax and enjoy the moments spent with family during the Thanksgiving holiday. I wish I had something witty to say to end this blog, but I really don't, not this time, but hopefully after the break I will . . .
Thursday, November 15, 2007
I Hated High School
In 10th grade I almost quit school, got my GED, and took the easy way out. As I was about to quit, I was taken aside by my Global History teacher Mrs. Brown. In a total act of unselfish caring she explained to me exactly how quitting school would affect the rest of my life. She gave me the confidence to realize my full potential, and she did it because she saw something in me that not many did at the time. After hearing her words I had to stay in school, I had to graduate, and I had to turn myself into the person I knew I could be. Without Mrs. Brown I wouldn't be writing this today. Words cannot even begin to describe how much I appreciated that talk we had. Without it, I would only be a shell of what I have become today.
Even after Mrs. Brown gave me the strength to continue on, I still never thought I would miss OFA. I claimed to hate high school, as many students do. In essence I never really hated it at all. I was immature and I couldn't appreciate the benefits of a good high school education. Instead of having fun, going to dances, and playing sports like most of the other students, I was anti-school spirit, portrayed an arrogant attitude, and caused trouble for teachers and other students just for the "fun" of it. In the end, the only one who missed out was me. I kept myself from having the time of my life in high school; I was my own worst enemy. I would see other students having fun in school and I would often wonder "how, this place sucks."
As I look back on it now, I realize OFA didn't suck. It was actually the security blanket that kept me away from many harmful situations. I knew that no matter how alone I felt or how down I was about life, that I could always go to school and see all the teachers and friends that made me feel good about myself.
Even after Mrs. Brown gave me the strength to continue on, I still never thought I would miss OFA. I claimed to hate high school, as many students do. In essence I never really hated it at all. I was immature and I couldn't appreciate the benefits of a good high school education. Instead of having fun, going to dances, and playing sports like most of the other students, I was anti-school spirit, portrayed an arrogant attitude, and caused trouble for teachers and other students just for the "fun" of it. In the end, the only one who missed out was me. I kept myself from having the time of my life in high school; I was my own worst enemy. I would see other students having fun in school and I would often wonder "how, this place sucks."
As I look back on it now, I realize OFA didn't suck. It was actually the security blanket that kept me away from many harmful situations. I knew that no matter how alone I felt or how down I was about life, that I could always go to school and see all the teachers and friends that made me feel good about myself.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Rant: The Act of Drinking
A subject that has been frying my brain as of late, is when people go to these grimy downtown parties and then proceed to come to school and act like it is the greatest accomplishment of their lives that they got drunk there. I don't know how many times I have heard people at Cortland, dead to the world and say, "Oh, man, I got so wasted last night, and then me and my boys almost got into a fight." This sounds like a great time – I couldn't think of anything better to do with my time (obvious sarcasm.)
First of all, I don't care how wasted people got because half the time these people don't even get wasted. They fake it to be apart of the crowd. I have been to parties where I have seen people get "wasted" after one drink, and then they brag about how they downed a whole bottle of vodka. Sound familiar, anyone? Plainly stated, the act is getting old.
I hate it when people talk about club/party fights that almost happened. Everything is "almost." No one ever "does." I'm not a big fan of fighting, but if you are going to talk about it, then why not do it? I can't begin to count how many times I have heard people say they almost got into a brawl, but didn't. It usually starts with two people that have an issue and then all of the sudden it's a 10 on 10 ramble because people cannot fight for themselves. I'm sure there are some instances when fights do happen, but usually it's just more club style BS that does nothing but give American society a bad name.
This blog may catch me heat with some of my friends that live the "party scene" lifestyle. I have told them all on many occasions that I hate that scene. It's a terrible way to live and it causes nothing but problems. Many of you are probably saying that I am wrong in my thought process. That's fine, but at least prove it. I would be happy to hear the thoughts of anyone on this subject.
I am outspoken about the partying lifestyle because it almost destroyed people very close to me. People that I love deeply have almost been killed by abusing drugs and alcohol. It's difficult seeing friends that I care about, taking the same path as those I love. It's not about totally destroying the "partying" lifestyle, it's about enlightening people about the reverse side of their "good time," while helping them see a better path in life.
First of all, I don't care how wasted people got because half the time these people don't even get wasted. They fake it to be apart of the crowd. I have been to parties where I have seen people get "wasted" after one drink, and then they brag about how they downed a whole bottle of vodka. Sound familiar, anyone? Plainly stated, the act is getting old.
I hate it when people talk about club/party fights that almost happened. Everything is "almost." No one ever "does." I'm not a big fan of fighting, but if you are going to talk about it, then why not do it? I can't begin to count how many times I have heard people say they almost got into a brawl, but didn't. It usually starts with two people that have an issue and then all of the sudden it's a 10 on 10 ramble because people cannot fight for themselves. I'm sure there are some instances when fights do happen, but usually it's just more club style BS that does nothing but give American society a bad name.
This blog may catch me heat with some of my friends that live the "party scene" lifestyle. I have told them all on many occasions that I hate that scene. It's a terrible way to live and it causes nothing but problems. Many of you are probably saying that I am wrong in my thought process. That's fine, but at least prove it. I would be happy to hear the thoughts of anyone on this subject.
I am outspoken about the partying lifestyle because it almost destroyed people very close to me. People that I love deeply have almost been killed by abusing drugs and alcohol. It's difficult seeing friends that I care about, taking the same path as those I love. It's not about totally destroying the "partying" lifestyle, it's about enlightening people about the reverse side of their "good time," while helping them see a better path in life.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Why Do People Die???
The title of this commentary sums up the whole subject matter - I ask again - why do people die? Now, don't get it mixed up. I don't mean why do 90-year-old people die. That answer is simple - because they are old, they lived a full life, and now it's their time to go.
What I mean by this is why do babies die just after birth? Why do kids die at the age of 12 from car accidents? Why do kids die at the age of 13 from cancer? Why do kids kill themselves at the age of 15?
The reason I am so specific with the ages is because I know people, families, that have seen their children and friends die this young. My questions is why are some people born to die so young? Why are people born to die without living full lives? Without having a career? Without having a family?
I guess I will never understand why people are put on this earth to die young. I just don't see the point. One thing I know, is that I have always been scared of dying young. In general, I am scared of death. But, even more so, I am scared of dying without living everything that a person should experience in life.
In seeing all of this "early" death, I realize that life as I know it could end at any moment. Death is the one thing that no one can escape. This experience has given me the opportunity to be grateful for what I have and who I love. I have learned the hard lesson that life could end in the blink of an eye - my question is, have you?
What I mean by this is why do babies die just after birth? Why do kids die at the age of 12 from car accidents? Why do kids die at the age of 13 from cancer? Why do kids kill themselves at the age of 15?
The reason I am so specific with the ages is because I know people, families, that have seen their children and friends die this young. My questions is why are some people born to die so young? Why are people born to die without living full lives? Without having a career? Without having a family?
I guess I will never understand why people are put on this earth to die young. I just don't see the point. One thing I know, is that I have always been scared of dying young. In general, I am scared of death. But, even more so, I am scared of dying without living everything that a person should experience in life.
In seeing all of this "early" death, I realize that life as I know it could end at any moment. Death is the one thing that no one can escape. This experience has given me the opportunity to be grateful for what I have and who I love. I have learned the hard lesson that life could end in the blink of an eye - my question is, have you?
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Getting More Personal
Starting at the tender age of 16, I began working at Marios Pizza as a dish washer - a tenure that would last 69 months. In real time that equals five years and nine months, in teen-age time that equals almost an entire lifetime. At the time of my hire, I was nothing to be proud of—far from it actually. I had just been expelled from Owego Free Academy for making "terrorist threats," my clothes looked like something straight out of an inner-city gangsta movie, and my attitude toward people was generally less than acceptable. I was the typical adolescent—only a little more deviant.
My first few months at Marios were borderline pathetic. I broke dishes, I was careless with equipment, and my attitude toward fellow employees was just plain disrespectful. If something did not go my way, I would throw a fit, staining the air with more "colorful" language than a George Carlin HBO comedy special. To this day, I am still baffled that Marios kept me around. Perhaps they saw something in this brash, foulmouthed punk kid or maybe they were just desperate for help at the time, whatever the reason - I'm glad they did.
As the years passed, I changed . . . and so did my relationship with the people of Marios. Gone were the days of the angry, cold, and calloused Keith Zimmer. Upon replacing those old feelings with the emotions of caring, love, and compassion, a new Keith was born. Without the people of Marios, my change would never have been complete. Whenever I needed a crutch, someone from that kitchen was always there to give me the support I needed–something that I will never forget.
Even though every person in that kitchen has touched my heart in a special way, there is one man that sticks out above the rest. That man is Mr. Tony Pettinato–or "Mr. P" as he is often referred to by the kitchen staff. It is hard for me, as I sit here choking back tears, to put into words just how much this man has done for my life and contributed to the man I am today.
Mr. P is 75 years old . . . and he has not missed a single beat. I would love to see anyone challenge the man to a push up contest. Mr. P once told me that he often does more than 1,000 push-ups "just" for a morning workout. Most 75-year-olds cannot even walk, let alone do 1,000 push-ups every day at 6am. I do not know about, you, the reader–but if I even attempted 1,000 push-ups, I would be like a fish out of water, flopping around on the floor in unimaginable amounts of pain. Oh yeah, and did I mention that Mr. P still works at Marios . . . every day? I cannot remember a night when I did not see Mr. P out in the dining room working his PR magic or busing tables with the rest of the dishwashers; the man is truly amazing.
Plain and simple, Mr. P is an idol to me. Under his wing I have learned so much about work ethics, respect, and unconditional love. Over the years Mr. P became like a grandfather to me, a relationship with memories that will live on in my heart forever.
My first few months at Marios were borderline pathetic. I broke dishes, I was careless with equipment, and my attitude toward fellow employees was just plain disrespectful. If something did not go my way, I would throw a fit, staining the air with more "colorful" language than a George Carlin HBO comedy special. To this day, I am still baffled that Marios kept me around. Perhaps they saw something in this brash, foulmouthed punk kid or maybe they were just desperate for help at the time, whatever the reason - I'm glad they did.
As the years passed, I changed . . . and so did my relationship with the people of Marios. Gone were the days of the angry, cold, and calloused Keith Zimmer. Upon replacing those old feelings with the emotions of caring, love, and compassion, a new Keith was born. Without the people of Marios, my change would never have been complete. Whenever I needed a crutch, someone from that kitchen was always there to give me the support I needed–something that I will never forget.
Even though every person in that kitchen has touched my heart in a special way, there is one man that sticks out above the rest. That man is Mr. Tony Pettinato–or "Mr. P" as he is often referred to by the kitchen staff. It is hard for me, as I sit here choking back tears, to put into words just how much this man has done for my life and contributed to the man I am today.
Mr. P is 75 years old . . . and he has not missed a single beat. I would love to see anyone challenge the man to a push up contest. Mr. P once told me that he often does more than 1,000 push-ups "just" for a morning workout. Most 75-year-olds cannot even walk, let alone do 1,000 push-ups every day at 6am. I do not know about, you, the reader–but if I even attempted 1,000 push-ups, I would be like a fish out of water, flopping around on the floor in unimaginable amounts of pain. Oh yeah, and did I mention that Mr. P still works at Marios . . . every day? I cannot remember a night when I did not see Mr. P out in the dining room working his PR magic or busing tables with the rest of the dishwashers; the man is truly amazing.
Plain and simple, Mr. P is an idol to me. Under his wing I have learned so much about work ethics, respect, and unconditional love. Over the years Mr. P became like a grandfather to me, a relationship with memories that will live on in my heart forever.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Reflecting on a Life Changing Experience
The hospital waiting room, a place of discomfort and mental anguish—it was a cozy room with a slight chill in the air, off to the side sat a television with the sole intent of easing a patients troubled mind. The impending ear surgery had a venomous grip on my mind, body, and soul. I see my parents to the left of me -- I can tell they are trying to be strong for me, but I can see the worry through the blank expressions on their faces. As the nurses feverishly work to do their jobs skillfully—with a hint of joy in their voices to lighten the mood, I notice the IV slightly itches at the point of contact with my wrist. The four hours of waiting felt like a decade of despair--the thoughts racing through my mind wondering what course of action my life would take after this day.
The surgery itself was four hours in length and of a very complex nature; over a ten year period a cyst had developed in my inner ear creating a very dangerous infection that not only destroyed my hearing but also easily could have caused me facial paralysis. The surgeon, a thirty-year veteran of the medical profession from the country of Pakistan, even had his doubts if I would come out of this in the same form as I had before the surgery.
The last thing I remember before actually going into surgery was being wheeled from the waiting room to the ice cold morgue-like room where my surgery would be performed—my thoughts raced, I thought of everything I deemed important in life, truly just trying to think of something different from the impending "hell" I was about to face.
The next thing I remember I awoke in a state of confusion; my mind had not yet caught up with my eyes that were trying to once again open to the free world. Over to my right I see my parents; my mom with tears of joy in her eyes; my dad as well as my step-dad stand with wide eyes and closed mouths—not showing much emotion, playing the man's-man character so to speak.
After clearing the cobwebs, I surveyed the damage; I found an abnormally huge bandage that completely covered my ear as well as most of the left side of my face. After feeling the bandage that was soaked with clear drainage, which came from having my ear canal widened, I turned my attention to behind my ear where the surgery was performed. Upon feeling behind my ear I found many stitches that were rough to the touch feeling almost as how rusted barbed wire would feel on bare flesh.
The next eighteen hours were the most painful of my life; for the first few hours the pain wasn't that bad as I had my parents and many other visitors talking to me at all times, not to mention the steady dose of painkillers they were giving me. As the night came and my parents left, the pain started to intensify; perhaps it was the night air, or maybe it was the fact of being all alone with the only comfort being the television on the wall. It was an endless night, with sleep not being an option. Every couple of hours a nurse would come in to change my IV or give me something to subside the physical pain. When morning finally came I realized that in only a few short hours it would be time to go home and try to move on with life. The doctor had told my parents that in his thirty years of performing this surgery that I was one of the worst cases he had ever had—and that it was a miracle that the surgery turned out as well as it did without any damage other than some hearing damage and no facial paralysis. My mom came in mid-morning, looking much better than the evening before; perhaps now she knew everything would be ok. The nurses as well as my mom tried frantically to get me to eat and walk two things I had no desire to; actually if I could have stayed in that hospital bed without moving for a week I would have, I actually never felt that down and out before; surely it was a helpless feeling. Finally after much resistance I agreed to eat and walk around.
The first mistake I made in agreeing to this was that I actually had to eat the hospital food; that by it self could kill a man. The food basically made the weight watchers program seem like a four star restaurant. On the other hand, the walking part was where it became interesting and rather pathetic; the doctor said that I would experience somewhat of a balance problem at first due to your hearing being connected to your balance, but what I experienced was nothing compared to what I thought it would be. As I started to walk I realized my legs felt like rubber, I was walking like an old man who had too much to drink. A simple thing like walking quickly became very trivial; once again I felt like an infant taking his first steps.
I figured it would take forever to regain my balance, but much to my surprise after two laps around the hospital I felt a little more confident, but still I was unsure about the legs under me or the life in general that lay ahead.
By late morning I was discharged from the hospital; finally it was time to leave and start my "new" life. I never really thought anything like this would ever happen to me; I thought I was just another healthy adolescent with a bright future ahead. Sometimes in life you need something major to happen in order for you to learn reality of the hardships you can be faced with in life; for me this was it. This surgery made me gain a newfound respect for life; I realized the small things shouldn't matter and that everything you thought you knew about life could be changed in the blink of an eye.
The surgery itself was four hours in length and of a very complex nature; over a ten year period a cyst had developed in my inner ear creating a very dangerous infection that not only destroyed my hearing but also easily could have caused me facial paralysis. The surgeon, a thirty-year veteran of the medical profession from the country of Pakistan, even had his doubts if I would come out of this in the same form as I had before the surgery.
The last thing I remember before actually going into surgery was being wheeled from the waiting room to the ice cold morgue-like room where my surgery would be performed—my thoughts raced, I thought of everything I deemed important in life, truly just trying to think of something different from the impending "hell" I was about to face.
The next thing I remember I awoke in a state of confusion; my mind had not yet caught up with my eyes that were trying to once again open to the free world. Over to my right I see my parents; my mom with tears of joy in her eyes; my dad as well as my step-dad stand with wide eyes and closed mouths—not showing much emotion, playing the man's-man character so to speak.
After clearing the cobwebs, I surveyed the damage; I found an abnormally huge bandage that completely covered my ear as well as most of the left side of my face. After feeling the bandage that was soaked with clear drainage, which came from having my ear canal widened, I turned my attention to behind my ear where the surgery was performed. Upon feeling behind my ear I found many stitches that were rough to the touch feeling almost as how rusted barbed wire would feel on bare flesh.
The next eighteen hours were the most painful of my life; for the first few hours the pain wasn't that bad as I had my parents and many other visitors talking to me at all times, not to mention the steady dose of painkillers they were giving me. As the night came and my parents left, the pain started to intensify; perhaps it was the night air, or maybe it was the fact of being all alone with the only comfort being the television on the wall. It was an endless night, with sleep not being an option. Every couple of hours a nurse would come in to change my IV or give me something to subside the physical pain. When morning finally came I realized that in only a few short hours it would be time to go home and try to move on with life. The doctor had told my parents that in his thirty years of performing this surgery that I was one of the worst cases he had ever had—and that it was a miracle that the surgery turned out as well as it did without any damage other than some hearing damage and no facial paralysis. My mom came in mid-morning, looking much better than the evening before; perhaps now she knew everything would be ok. The nurses as well as my mom tried frantically to get me to eat and walk two things I had no desire to; actually if I could have stayed in that hospital bed without moving for a week I would have, I actually never felt that down and out before; surely it was a helpless feeling. Finally after much resistance I agreed to eat and walk around.
The first mistake I made in agreeing to this was that I actually had to eat the hospital food; that by it self could kill a man. The food basically made the weight watchers program seem like a four star restaurant. On the other hand, the walking part was where it became interesting and rather pathetic; the doctor said that I would experience somewhat of a balance problem at first due to your hearing being connected to your balance, but what I experienced was nothing compared to what I thought it would be. As I started to walk I realized my legs felt like rubber, I was walking like an old man who had too much to drink. A simple thing like walking quickly became very trivial; once again I felt like an infant taking his first steps.
I figured it would take forever to regain my balance, but much to my surprise after two laps around the hospital I felt a little more confident, but still I was unsure about the legs under me or the life in general that lay ahead.
By late morning I was discharged from the hospital; finally it was time to leave and start my "new" life. I never really thought anything like this would ever happen to me; I thought I was just another healthy adolescent with a bright future ahead. Sometimes in life you need something major to happen in order for you to learn reality of the hardships you can be faced with in life; for me this was it. This surgery made me gain a newfound respect for life; I realized the small things shouldn't matter and that everything you thought you knew about life could be changed in the blink of an eye.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Negativity
The amount of negativity in this country is nauseating. We have everything literally handed to us on a silver (and sometimes golden) platter, yet, we always find something to complain about. I am going to let everyone in on something right here and now: most of our problems are small, minuscule, and not even on the radar compared to the issues much of the world faces on a daily basis. We are a spoiled group of people, and America is hated because of its imperialistic and often arrogant attitude. Here, in the United States, we complain about the price of our $300 iPods, whereas people in other countries are ravaged by crippling disease, and poverty-stricken hunger; the rationale does not add up.
Furthermore, the amount people make fun of each other in this day and age is mind boggling . . . and it only gets worse from there. As a population, we are busy people; most of our time is either spent at work, school, with the family, or out with our friends. Mix in all of that with a healthy social life and we are spreading ourselves pretty thin, however, we still mange to make time to shoot barbs at the innocent passerby. Often, we have no idea who these people are, where they come from, or what they could be going through at the time. All we care about is a good laugh, a simplistic, yet, ignorant chuckle to suppress the flawed imperfections that exist within our own lives. Regardless if the person can hear the insults or not, this practice still enables certain sense of negativity that needs to start being avoided by everyone. Negativity is like a disease that breeds contempt, and eats away at the very foundation at which humanity was created.
Life is hard; it has many challenges and pitfalls. No one person can make the world a better place; it has to be a collective effort amongst those who want to make a change, and those who have the "know-how" to do so. The time has come for personal growth . . . and the "day to day" gossip has to stop now! We are capable of so much more, yet, we do so little to create a better situation for ourselves and the people around us. Take value in true friendship, the benefits can and will be truly rewarding. Lose the second face, even if it means standing up for whom or what you believe in the face of persecution and self doubt.
Furthermore, the amount people make fun of each other in this day and age is mind boggling . . . and it only gets worse from there. As a population, we are busy people; most of our time is either spent at work, school, with the family, or out with our friends. Mix in all of that with a healthy social life and we are spreading ourselves pretty thin, however, we still mange to make time to shoot barbs at the innocent passerby. Often, we have no idea who these people are, where they come from, or what they could be going through at the time. All we care about is a good laugh, a simplistic, yet, ignorant chuckle to suppress the flawed imperfections that exist within our own lives. Regardless if the person can hear the insults or not, this practice still enables certain sense of negativity that needs to start being avoided by everyone. Negativity is like a disease that breeds contempt, and eats away at the very foundation at which humanity was created.
Life is hard; it has many challenges and pitfalls. No one person can make the world a better place; it has to be a collective effort amongst those who want to make a change, and those who have the "know-how" to do so. The time has come for personal growth . . . and the "day to day" gossip has to stop now! We are capable of so much more, yet, we do so little to create a better situation for ourselves and the people around us. Take value in true friendship, the benefits can and will be truly rewarding. Lose the second face, even if it means standing up for whom or what you believe in the face of persecution and self doubt.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wrekonition: 101
Since we are talking about publishing in class, I figured I would share the idea I once had for a book in the memoir genre that I wanted to write. I thought of the idea when I was 20--but I never really got started on it. I sent the idea out to a few different publishing housing with a couple of positive responses. I've recently thought about starting the project, but I'm having trouble finding a good starting spot. I just wanted to quickly share the idea and maybe get some thoughts on it.
The title of Wrekonition: 101 means that I now recognize the respect I have for life after living through these experiences.
The meaning of the book is to showcase my journey through young life, highlighting the positive/negative experiences and how they help mature me from the vicious person I once was, to the kind hearted and respectful person I am today.
The topic that will be touch on in the book will be:
-peer pressure
-being kicked out of school for allegedly making "terrorist" threats
-being let back into school and my eventual graduation
-drug and alcohol use
-thoughts on 9-11-01
-finding/losing my first love
-losing touch with God at an early age, only find my way back to faith later on
-the differences between high school and college life
-living on my own for the first time, only to move back home three months later
-spitting in the face of a beautiful young girl and how that changed my outlook on life
-picking on the death of a classmates mother and how that change my outlook on life
-dealing with the death of family early in my life
-dealing with the death of fellow classmates
-venturing into hip-hop music despite not having any talent or flow
-venting into the wrestling business and losing almost $8,000
-commentary on being skinny vs. being fat
-threatening to throw my sixth grade English teacher out the window
-and many more
The title of Wrekonition: 101 means that I now recognize the respect I have for life after living through these experiences.
The meaning of the book is to showcase my journey through young life, highlighting the positive/negative experiences and how they help mature me from the vicious person I once was, to the kind hearted and respectful person I am today.
The topic that will be touch on in the book will be:
-peer pressure
-being kicked out of school for allegedly making "terrorist" threats
-being let back into school and my eventual graduation
-drug and alcohol use
-thoughts on 9-11-01
-finding/losing my first love
-losing touch with God at an early age, only find my way back to faith later on
-the differences between high school and college life
-living on my own for the first time, only to move back home three months later
-spitting in the face of a beautiful young girl and how that changed my outlook on life
-picking on the death of a classmates mother and how that change my outlook on life
-dealing with the death of family early in my life
-dealing with the death of fellow classmates
-venturing into hip-hop music despite not having any talent or flow
-venting into the wrestling business and losing almost $8,000
-commentary on being skinny vs. being fat
-threatening to throw my sixth grade English teacher out the window
-and many more
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Quick Blog
I have a test tommorow, and the paper for this class due on Thursday, so this one is going to be short.
The Red Sox are back in the World Series, in short, I feel bad for the Colorado Rockies. Boston has such experienced players on that club. They know how to win, and it showed in the ALCS. The Rockies have the disadvantage of being cold, as they have not played in eight days. The Red Sox are riding high on emotion, and that gives the definitive edge going into the World Series. Boston has the experience, pitching, and a potent offense; the Rockies aren't out of it by any stretch--but they need to be careful because Boston is playing like a team with something to prove.
Notre Dame lost again this weekend. SURPRISE, SURPRISE. That is total sarcasm, as I know ND is going to be fine in the long run, but losing week after week is a bitter pill to swallow, especially when it comes against our biggest rival USC who has looked weak in recent games. The last four games (against Navy, Duke, Air Force, and Stanford) should help ND gain confidence going into next season, but even those are far from gimme games this season.
Basketball season is starting soon, thank God for March Madness, but the NBA . . . not so much. I never have to worry about my Duke Blue Devils, Coach K always brings a talented and competitive team that usually holds my attention throughout the year.
The Lakers, my NBA team on the other hand, are in big trouble, and I do not see this season being any better than the last couple. I love Kobe Bryant, but if he wants to be traded, trade him!!! His presence may hurt in the short term--but in the long run, it will help the franchise immensly. Possible suitors are the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks, two teams with good young talent that could really help address some of the positions problems the Lakers have all over their depth chart. Kobe has some baggage, but he is hands down one of the best players EVER, any time would be lucky to have him!!! His scoring titles speak for themselves, put him on a good team, with decent talent around him, and he is like Michael Jordan all over again.
Ok, that's enough, it's time to hit the books . . .
The Red Sox are back in the World Series, in short, I feel bad for the Colorado Rockies. Boston has such experienced players on that club. They know how to win, and it showed in the ALCS. The Rockies have the disadvantage of being cold, as they have not played in eight days. The Red Sox are riding high on emotion, and that gives the definitive edge going into the World Series. Boston has the experience, pitching, and a potent offense; the Rockies aren't out of it by any stretch--but they need to be careful because Boston is playing like a team with something to prove.
Notre Dame lost again this weekend. SURPRISE, SURPRISE. That is total sarcasm, as I know ND is going to be fine in the long run, but losing week after week is a bitter pill to swallow, especially when it comes against our biggest rival USC who has looked weak in recent games. The last four games (against Navy, Duke, Air Force, and Stanford) should help ND gain confidence going into next season, but even those are far from gimme games this season.
Basketball season is starting soon, thank God for March Madness, but the NBA . . . not so much. I never have to worry about my Duke Blue Devils, Coach K always brings a talented and competitive team that usually holds my attention throughout the year.
The Lakers, my NBA team on the other hand, are in big trouble, and I do not see this season being any better than the last couple. I love Kobe Bryant, but if he wants to be traded, trade him!!! His presence may hurt in the short term--but in the long run, it will help the franchise immensly. Possible suitors are the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks, two teams with good young talent that could really help address some of the positions problems the Lakers have all over their depth chart. Kobe has some baggage, but he is hands down one of the best players EVER, any time would be lucky to have him!!! His scoring titles speak for themselves, put him on a good team, with decent talent around him, and he is like Michael Jordan all over again.
Ok, that's enough, it's time to hit the books . . .
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Who Shot Mohammed?
When I first sat down to read "Who Shot Mohammed Al-Dura?" I really had no expectations for it, and I really did not care to read it at all. As I got into the first page or so, it drew my interest closer and closer as it went on. I do not remember the incident as it happened, because I've barely paid attention to politics until the last year or so. I guess the part that caught my attention was how the Palestinian world martyred Mohammed so quickly, and actually martyred him at all. I guess in the Palestinian world a martyr is perceived differently then what I am accustomed to. The other interesting part is the amount of evidence that is stacked up to rebuttal the claim that the Israeli's shot Mohammed Al-Dura. I think James Fallows does a good job of showing the sides of the incident, and then focuses on the hard evidence a lot towards the middle and the end.
When Fallows shows the evidence that rebuttals the Palestinian version of the incident, he talks about a teacher at the Israel Military Academy, Gabriel Weimann, and when his class was assigned a project a student stood up and said "I was there, we didn't do it" and then Weimann just says "prove it." The kids went on to do a project that proves to them, that the Israeli's did not do it. Fallows also introduced Nahum Shahaf, a physicist and engineer who became obsessed about the shooting. He would keep tapes of the shootings running at all times, just to see if he could spot something he hadn't seen before. Now, Shahaf did some investigating of the physical evident of the shooting. The physical evident showed that the Israeli's could not of shot Mohammed based on physical evidence. This part wasn't a huge shock to me, but the obviousness of the science of it was, and how the Israeli's went out and said that they did it, and apologized, without investigation. Because if they did investigate it, with ease they would've found that it would be near impossible. In the article, Fallows mention a website ( http://www.masada2000.org/al-dura.html) and I went to it when I was done reading it, that's how I know that the article had me interested and hooked on this incident. That website showed pictures, and a video clip of the shooting, and I am convinced that the Israeli's did not shoot Mohammed. It's interesting how the movie clip that it zooms off of Mohammed and his father when shots from a Palestinian post that had a direct shot fired, and how Mohammed's father's first words at the hospital were "They shot my boy in the back" when the only people to the back of them we're Palestinians. The end of the essay had a nice message to it, Fallows ends it with "The case of Mohammed al-Dura suggests the need for much more modest assumptions about the way other cultures-in particular today's embattled Islam-will perceive our truths." This caught my attention because I've always wondered how other cultures perceived things in America that happen, and obvious a lot of the Islam nations do not perceive American too well. I think it's something to think about when Americans ridicule or jump to conclusions about other countries problems.
When Fallows shows the evidence that rebuttals the Palestinian version of the incident, he talks about a teacher at the Israel Military Academy, Gabriel Weimann, and when his class was assigned a project a student stood up and said "I was there, we didn't do it" and then Weimann just says "prove it." The kids went on to do a project that proves to them, that the Israeli's did not do it. Fallows also introduced Nahum Shahaf, a physicist and engineer who became obsessed about the shooting. He would keep tapes of the shootings running at all times, just to see if he could spot something he hadn't seen before. Now, Shahaf did some investigating of the physical evident of the shooting. The physical evident showed that the Israeli's could not of shot Mohammed based on physical evidence. This part wasn't a huge shock to me, but the obviousness of the science of it was, and how the Israeli's went out and said that they did it, and apologized, without investigation. Because if they did investigate it, with ease they would've found that it would be near impossible. In the article, Fallows mention a website ( http://www.masada2000.org/al-dura.html) and I went to it when I was done reading it, that's how I know that the article had me interested and hooked on this incident. That website showed pictures, and a video clip of the shooting, and I am convinced that the Israeli's did not shoot Mohammed. It's interesting how the movie clip that it zooms off of Mohammed and his father when shots from a Palestinian post that had a direct shot fired, and how Mohammed's father's first words at the hospital were "They shot my boy in the back" when the only people to the back of them we're Palestinians. The end of the essay had a nice message to it, Fallows ends it with "The case of Mohammed al-Dura suggests the need for much more modest assumptions about the way other cultures-in particular today's embattled Islam-will perceive our truths." This caught my attention because I've always wondered how other cultures perceived things in America that happen, and obvious a lot of the Islam nations do not perceive American too well. I think it's something to think about when Americans ridicule or jump to conclusions about other countries problems.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sports Most Important Events
The five most significant events in the history of sports are:
5. In 1966, Ohio University established the first sport management program in the country. The sport industry is a 600 billion dollar industry, and it only seems right to have a college level program to prepare students for that business. Now there are over 200 sport management programs in America, and they're growing at about the pace of the sport industry.
4. In 1919, some Chicago Black Sox players got involved with gambling on the World Series that they played in, and they ended up throwing the World Series. In response to this, Major League Baseball created a ruling authority in baseball, which was to be one person, who has complete control, and the man they named was Kennesaw Mountain Landis. The name they gave him was commission of Major League Baseball. This event created the commission in sports, now commissioners in sports are the most important people in that sport and have played major roles throughout the history of sport.
3. On September 7th, 1979 the first 24-hour a day sports broadcast channel was launch, it was called ESPN, or Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. ESPN has become a staple in the American society, it hosts many sporting events over a variety of sports ranging from bowling to football, it has also been in several movies. What ESPN did was show broadcast channels that America wants sports, and a lot of sports and they want to watch sports on television. This has led to many other 24-hour sport networks and even 24-hour networks devoted to a certain league or sport, for example racing is on the speed channel and the NFL Network.
2. In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first all-paid professional sport team. The team was ten players on salary for eight months. This was the spark of the professionalism in sport. Now there are plenty of professional teams over many leagues. You can find multiple leagues for specific sports, all with paid sports teams. And of course, it can't be called professional sports and sports wouldn't be as big as they are today without the first paid professional sports team.
1. It should only make sense that the most influential person in the history of sport be apart of the most important event. In 1945, baseball was reintegrated when Branch Rickey signed Jackie Robinson to the Dodgers. This opened the door for Negro athletes to play professional sports and to compete with the rest of the professionals. And now, all of the sports are integrated and Negro's are getting important positions high up in the management of teams and the leagues. The one event, signing Jacking Robinson has sparked a change in sport that will forever be realized.
5. In 1966, Ohio University established the first sport management program in the country. The sport industry is a 600 billion dollar industry, and it only seems right to have a college level program to prepare students for that business. Now there are over 200 sport management programs in America, and they're growing at about the pace of the sport industry.
4. In 1919, some Chicago Black Sox players got involved with gambling on the World Series that they played in, and they ended up throwing the World Series. In response to this, Major League Baseball created a ruling authority in baseball, which was to be one person, who has complete control, and the man they named was Kennesaw Mountain Landis. The name they gave him was commission of Major League Baseball. This event created the commission in sports, now commissioners in sports are the most important people in that sport and have played major roles throughout the history of sport.
3. On September 7th, 1979 the first 24-hour a day sports broadcast channel was launch, it was called ESPN, or Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. ESPN has become a staple in the American society, it hosts many sporting events over a variety of sports ranging from bowling to football, it has also been in several movies. What ESPN did was show broadcast channels that America wants sports, and a lot of sports and they want to watch sports on television. This has led to many other 24-hour sport networks and even 24-hour networks devoted to a certain league or sport, for example racing is on the speed channel and the NFL Network.
2. In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first all-paid professional sport team. The team was ten players on salary for eight months. This was the spark of the professionalism in sport. Now there are plenty of professional teams over many leagues. You can find multiple leagues for specific sports, all with paid sports teams. And of course, it can't be called professional sports and sports wouldn't be as big as they are today without the first paid professional sports team.
1. It should only make sense that the most influential person in the history of sport be apart of the most important event. In 1945, baseball was reintegrated when Branch Rickey signed Jackie Robinson to the Dodgers. This opened the door for Negro athletes to play professional sports and to compete with the rest of the professionals. And now, all of the sports are integrated and Negro's are getting important positions high up in the management of teams and the leagues. The one event, signing Jacking Robinson has sparked a change in sport that will forever be realized.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Sports Most Important People
Throughout the history of sports, there have been important people and events that have had a major impact on the sport industry that can never or maybe have not been felt to their fullest yet. The list of people who have had an impact on the sport industry ranges from Billy Beane to Branch Rickey. And the important events that have impacted the sport industry range from sports illustrated being launch in 1954 to the re-integration of sport in 1945.
In my opinion, the top five most influential people in sport industry at as follows:
5. Robert Bowman. Robert Bowman is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Bowman's impact may not be felt for a long time, but right now he is leading the sport industry, specifically baseball into the future of television, which is Internet Protocol Television. In 2001, MLB planned live video streaming, which began the next year. This live video streaming was the first step into taking MLB into the future of television and the internet. Now, season packages can be bought and you can watch out of market games online through your computer, in the future you could watch them online on your television. But, the impact made is that Bob Bowman paved the way for MLB to head into the future, and it has spread on to other sports, CBS puts the march madness basketball games online through live video streaming, CSTV had pay per view football games through live video streaming and the World Cup plans on having live video streaming soccer games.
4. Curt Flood. On October 7th, 1969 the St. Louis Cardinals traded Curt Flood to the Philadelphia Phillies, but Flood did not want to play there due to their poor standings and their stadium. So, he forfeited a lucrative $100,000 contract by refusing the trade. Flood demanded to the commissioner that he become a free agent and challenged the old reserve clause that MLB had in place. On January 16th, 1970 Flood filed a $4.1 million dollar lawsuit against the then MLB Commissioner, Bowie Kuhn, saying that the reserve clause violated federal anti-trust laws. He would later on lose the case in the Supreme Court by a 5-3 count. By his case raised awareness about the reserve clause and gave the players an opportunity to become on unity. In 1970 the MLBPA was able to collective bargain for impartial arbitration which led to the Messersmith/McNally arbitration, and when the arbitrator, Peter Seitz ruled in favor of the players it created free agency in baseball. Flood took the ultimate sacrifice, his career, for something that he believed in, which gave future players a chance at a better way of life.
3. Roone Arledge. Roone Arledge was a television product for ABC during its rise in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. Arledge helped bring international sports to America; he also produced games to make the viewers closer to the action. He used things like unusual camera angles, hand held cameras and microphones on the field of play, these kinds of things are now a fixture in every game shown on television. In 1970, he and then NFL Commissioner, Pete Rozelle, convinced ABC to showing sports in primetime with Monday Night Football. Now, Monday Night Football has its on spot in American society, a fixture on Monday night, watched by many each week it is on. Roone Arledge's vision led to sporting events being shown in ways never imagined, and now it is his vision that helps connect fans to the team, players and organizations through the way a game is shown on television.
2. Pete Rozelle. Pete Rozelle was an NFL Commission for 29 years during 1960 and 1989. He obtained and antitrust exemption so that NFL teams could sell their broadcast rights at a collective unit, he introduced revenue sharing among teams and in 1963 he introduced NFL Properties, which was the first league-wide licensing effort. He worked with Roone Arledge to get Monday Night Football and he turned the Super Bowl into the greatest single event in sport. The latest Super Bowl drew a rating of 57.1, which means roughly 63 million people watched the Super Bowl. Rozelle has turned the NFL into arguably the biggest sport in America, and he did that through innovations like NFL Properties and broadcast rights deals.
1. Brady Rickey. Branch Rickey has the greatest impact on the sport industry and sports as a whole, his impact will never be fully estimated. He introduced the farm system in baseball, which is probably one of my favorite parts of baseball, seeing ball players develop through the minor leagues and seeing how they develop is important to me, especially since I'm an Oakland A's fan and their farm system is very important in their organization. The main thing he did, and the one thing that should and hopefully will never be forgotten was that he reintegrated baseball with the signing of Jackie Robinson in 1945. Not only did he reintegrate baseball, but he also picked the right player to do so. Rickey's impact can never fully be understood as long as integration in sports is going on, which will never go away, so he will have the biggest, longest lasting impact on sports.
In my opinion, the top five most influential people in sport industry at as follows:
5. Robert Bowman. Robert Bowman is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Bowman's impact may not be felt for a long time, but right now he is leading the sport industry, specifically baseball into the future of television, which is Internet Protocol Television. In 2001, MLB planned live video streaming, which began the next year. This live video streaming was the first step into taking MLB into the future of television and the internet. Now, season packages can be bought and you can watch out of market games online through your computer, in the future you could watch them online on your television. But, the impact made is that Bob Bowman paved the way for MLB to head into the future, and it has spread on to other sports, CBS puts the march madness basketball games online through live video streaming, CSTV had pay per view football games through live video streaming and the World Cup plans on having live video streaming soccer games.
4. Curt Flood. On October 7th, 1969 the St. Louis Cardinals traded Curt Flood to the Philadelphia Phillies, but Flood did not want to play there due to their poor standings and their stadium. So, he forfeited a lucrative $100,000 contract by refusing the trade. Flood demanded to the commissioner that he become a free agent and challenged the old reserve clause that MLB had in place. On January 16th, 1970 Flood filed a $4.1 million dollar lawsuit against the then MLB Commissioner, Bowie Kuhn, saying that the reserve clause violated federal anti-trust laws. He would later on lose the case in the Supreme Court by a 5-3 count. By his case raised awareness about the reserve clause and gave the players an opportunity to become on unity. In 1970 the MLBPA was able to collective bargain for impartial arbitration which led to the Messersmith/McNally arbitration, and when the arbitrator, Peter Seitz ruled in favor of the players it created free agency in baseball. Flood took the ultimate sacrifice, his career, for something that he believed in, which gave future players a chance at a better way of life.
3. Roone Arledge. Roone Arledge was a television product for ABC during its rise in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. Arledge helped bring international sports to America; he also produced games to make the viewers closer to the action. He used things like unusual camera angles, hand held cameras and microphones on the field of play, these kinds of things are now a fixture in every game shown on television. In 1970, he and then NFL Commissioner, Pete Rozelle, convinced ABC to showing sports in primetime with Monday Night Football. Now, Monday Night Football has its on spot in American society, a fixture on Monday night, watched by many each week it is on. Roone Arledge's vision led to sporting events being shown in ways never imagined, and now it is his vision that helps connect fans to the team, players and organizations through the way a game is shown on television.
2. Pete Rozelle. Pete Rozelle was an NFL Commission for 29 years during 1960 and 1989. He obtained and antitrust exemption so that NFL teams could sell their broadcast rights at a collective unit, he introduced revenue sharing among teams and in 1963 he introduced NFL Properties, which was the first league-wide licensing effort. He worked with Roone Arledge to get Monday Night Football and he turned the Super Bowl into the greatest single event in sport. The latest Super Bowl drew a rating of 57.1, which means roughly 63 million people watched the Super Bowl. Rozelle has turned the NFL into arguably the biggest sport in America, and he did that through innovations like NFL Properties and broadcast rights deals.
1. Brady Rickey. Branch Rickey has the greatest impact on the sport industry and sports as a whole, his impact will never be fully estimated. He introduced the farm system in baseball, which is probably one of my favorite parts of baseball, seeing ball players develop through the minor leagues and seeing how they develop is important to me, especially since I'm an Oakland A's fan and their farm system is very important in their organization. The main thing he did, and the one thing that should and hopefully will never be forgotten was that he reintegrated baseball with the signing of Jackie Robinson in 1945. Not only did he reintegrate baseball, but he also picked the right player to do so. Rickey's impact can never fully be understood as long as integration in sports is going on, which will never go away, so he will have the biggest, longest lasting impact on sports.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Honesty
The basis of friendship is supposed to entail a certain amount of trust, respect, and thought for the well-being of those you associate with. The special bond of friendship has been flawed, and mightily taken for granted. We, as people, need to get back to basics, relearn the meaning communal bonding, and the deep understand a true friendship requires. Personal one-on-one confrontation is often replaced with a "he said, she said" folklore that blurs the line between responsibility and accountability. What happened to the days when people would solve problems through verbal communication, understanding, and an eventually compromise?
The amount of negativity in this country is nauseating. We have everything literally handed to us on a silver (and sometimes golden) platter, yet, we always find something to complain about. I am going to let everyone in on something right here and now: most of our problems are small, minuscule, and not even on the radar compared to the issues much of the world faces on a daily basis. We are a spoiled group of people, and America is hated because of its imperialistic and often arrogant attitude. Here, in the United States, we complain about the price of our $300 iPods, whereas people in other countries are ravaged by crippling disease, and poverty-stricken hunger; the rationale does not add up.
Furthermore, the amount people make fun of each other in this day and age is mind boggling . . . and it only gets worse from there. As a population, we are busy people; most of our time is either spent at work, school, with the family, or out with our friends. Mix in all of that with a healthy social life and we are spreading ourselves pretty thin, however, we still mange to make time to shoot barbs at the innocent passerby. Often, we have no idea who these people are, where they come from, or what they could be going through at the time. All we care about is a good laugh, a simplistic, yet, ignorant chuckle to suppress the flawed imperfections that exist within our own lives. Regardless if the person can hear the insults or not, this practice still enables certain sense of negativity that needs to start being avoided by everyone. Negativity is like a disease that breeds contempt, and eats away at the very foundation at which humanity was created.
In closing, life is hard; it has many challenges and pitfalls. No one person can make the world a better place; it has to be a collective effort amongst those who want to make a change, and those who have the "know-how" to do so. The time has come for personal growth . . . and the "day to day" gossip has to stop now! We are capable of so much more, yet, we do so little to create a better situation for ourselves and the people around us. Take value in true friendship, the benefits can and will be truly rewarding. Lose the second face, and proudly display the one God gave you, even if it means standing up for whom or what you believe in the face of persecution and self doubt. This is your mission, should you choose to accept it the entire complexion of your life may just change, forever!
The amount of negativity in this country is nauseating. We have everything literally handed to us on a silver (and sometimes golden) platter, yet, we always find something to complain about. I am going to let everyone in on something right here and now: most of our problems are small, minuscule, and not even on the radar compared to the issues much of the world faces on a daily basis. We are a spoiled group of people, and America is hated because of its imperialistic and often arrogant attitude. Here, in the United States, we complain about the price of our $300 iPods, whereas people in other countries are ravaged by crippling disease, and poverty-stricken hunger; the rationale does not add up.
Furthermore, the amount people make fun of each other in this day and age is mind boggling . . . and it only gets worse from there. As a population, we are busy people; most of our time is either spent at work, school, with the family, or out with our friends. Mix in all of that with a healthy social life and we are spreading ourselves pretty thin, however, we still mange to make time to shoot barbs at the innocent passerby. Often, we have no idea who these people are, where they come from, or what they could be going through at the time. All we care about is a good laugh, a simplistic, yet, ignorant chuckle to suppress the flawed imperfections that exist within our own lives. Regardless if the person can hear the insults or not, this practice still enables certain sense of negativity that needs to start being avoided by everyone. Negativity is like a disease that breeds contempt, and eats away at the very foundation at which humanity was created.
In closing, life is hard; it has many challenges and pitfalls. No one person can make the world a better place; it has to be a collective effort amongst those who want to make a change, and those who have the "know-how" to do so. The time has come for personal growth . . . and the "day to day" gossip has to stop now! We are capable of so much more, yet, we do so little to create a better situation for ourselves and the people around us. Take value in true friendship, the benefits can and will be truly rewarding. Lose the second face, and proudly display the one God gave you, even if it means standing up for whom or what you believe in the face of persecution and self doubt. This is your mission, should you choose to accept it the entire complexion of your life may just change, forever!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Rant
A subject that has been frying my brain as of late, is when people go to these grimy downtown clubs/parties and then proceed to come to school and act like it is the greatest accomplishment of their lives that they got drunk there. I don't know how many times I have heard people at Cortland say, "Oh, man, I got so wasted last night, and then me and my boys almost got into a fight." This sounds like a great time – I couldn't think of anything better to do with my time (obvious sarcasm.)
First of all, I don't care how wasted people got because half the time these people don't even get wasted. They fake it to be apart of the crowd. I have been to parties where I have seen people get "wasted" after one drink, and then they brag about how they downed a whole bottle of vodka. Sound familiar, anyone? Plainly stated, the act is getting old.
I hate it when people talk about club/party fights that almost happened. Everything is "almost." No one ever "does." I'm not a big fan of fighting, but if you are going to talk about it, then why not do it? I can't begin to count how many times I have heard people say they almost got into a brawl, but didn't. It usually starts with two people that have an issue and then all of the sudden it's a 10 on 10 ramble because people cannot fight for themselves. I'm sure there are some instances when fights do happen, but usually it's just more club style BS that does nothing but give American society a bad name.
This column may catch me heat with some of my friends that live the "party scene" lifestyle. I have told them all on many occasions that I hate that scene. It's a terrible way to live and it causes nothing but problems. Many of you are probably saying that I am wrong in my thought process. That's fine, but at least prove it. I would be happy to hear the thoughts of anyone on this subject.
I am outspoken about the partying lifestyle because it almost destroyed people very close to me. People that I love deeply have almost been killed by abusing drugs and alcohol. It's difficult seeing friends that I care about, taking the same path as those I love. It's not about totally destroying the "partying" lifestyle, it's about enlightening people about the reverse side of their "good time," while helping them see a better path in life. In this situation, if trying to help out people is wrong, then I never want to be right.
First of all, I don't care how wasted people got because half the time these people don't even get wasted. They fake it to be apart of the crowd. I have been to parties where I have seen people get "wasted" after one drink, and then they brag about how they downed a whole bottle of vodka. Sound familiar, anyone? Plainly stated, the act is getting old.
I hate it when people talk about club/party fights that almost happened. Everything is "almost." No one ever "does." I'm not a big fan of fighting, but if you are going to talk about it, then why not do it? I can't begin to count how many times I have heard people say they almost got into a brawl, but didn't. It usually starts with two people that have an issue and then all of the sudden it's a 10 on 10 ramble because people cannot fight for themselves. I'm sure there are some instances when fights do happen, but usually it's just more club style BS that does nothing but give American society a bad name.
This column may catch me heat with some of my friends that live the "party scene" lifestyle. I have told them all on many occasions that I hate that scene. It's a terrible way to live and it causes nothing but problems. Many of you are probably saying that I am wrong in my thought process. That's fine, but at least prove it. I would be happy to hear the thoughts of anyone on this subject.
I am outspoken about the partying lifestyle because it almost destroyed people very close to me. People that I love deeply have almost been killed by abusing drugs and alcohol. It's difficult seeing friends that I care about, taking the same path as those I love. It's not about totally destroying the "partying" lifestyle, it's about enlightening people about the reverse side of their "good time," while helping them see a better path in life. In this situation, if trying to help out people is wrong, then I never want to be right.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Fear
I hate a certain four letter F-word - and no, it is not the one that you all are probably thinking (tsk, tsk, people). I hate anything and everything to do with the word fear. Fear can cause people to do crazy things. Think about to a time when you did something or did not do something solely based on fear for what the outcome could be.
I am tired of fear controlling not only my life but the lives of people I care about. It is time for me and others to start taking risks. Life is too short to live in fear! How many people continually look back on life and say "Wow, I wish I would have done that differently" or "I wish I would have taken that risk." Many people say that, in fact I hear it too much. Even I say it too much.
Don't get me wrong, fear is a scary emotion. Fear can over take your life and make you feel about pint sized. It is crippling. It is an emotion that I cannot stand. The sad part about fear is that it never fully goes away. Life wouldn't be life without fear. People are meant to be scared, it is just our human nature to be afraid of what we don't know or understand.
I have many fears - a few of them shape and mold the way I think or react to everyday life, they include:
The fear of death - something about dying (especially young) scares me to no end. I am not even sure why, I think it has to do with the fear of the unknown. Who knows what really happens after death; so many people believe in so many different "after life" scenarios that is becomes difficult to come to grips with one belief or idea on the subject. I think I write so much in order to counteract death. I always want to leave the world with a little part of me, even after I am gone. Writing helps me do that, similar to what Tupac Shakur did with his musical career.
The fear of getting into a deep relationship only to get crushed by the "love of your life." Who out there hasn't felt this fear? I don't think anyone can say that they haven't. This is currently a strong fear in my life. Love is a scary emotion as well. This is also fear of the unknown. I think some people need to forget the fear and follow their hearts. There is no reason why people have to miss out on a potentially great relationship just because they are afraid of how it might end. Again, life is too short not to take the risk!
The fear of failure - I believe that I have been put on this earth to do great things. What exactly? I don't know yet. I would like to think that I am going to write works that change the way people look at life. Will it happen? Who knows! But I do know that failure is not an option. It is my mission to prove that I should have been voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by my fellow class of 2004 classmates.
In closing, my question to all of you, is what are you afraid of? What scares you? What makes you emotional? I have been kind enough to share my feelings - why don't all of you do the same? What's holding you back - fear? Nah, couldn't be that, right?
I am tired of fear controlling not only my life but the lives of people I care about. It is time for me and others to start taking risks. Life is too short to live in fear! How many people continually look back on life and say "Wow, I wish I would have done that differently" or "I wish I would have taken that risk." Many people say that, in fact I hear it too much. Even I say it too much.
Don't get me wrong, fear is a scary emotion. Fear can over take your life and make you feel about pint sized. It is crippling. It is an emotion that I cannot stand. The sad part about fear is that it never fully goes away. Life wouldn't be life without fear. People are meant to be scared, it is just our human nature to be afraid of what we don't know or understand.
I have many fears - a few of them shape and mold the way I think or react to everyday life, they include:
The fear of death - something about dying (especially young) scares me to no end. I am not even sure why, I think it has to do with the fear of the unknown. Who knows what really happens after death; so many people believe in so many different "after life" scenarios that is becomes difficult to come to grips with one belief or idea on the subject. I think I write so much in order to counteract death. I always want to leave the world with a little part of me, even after I am gone. Writing helps me do that, similar to what Tupac Shakur did with his musical career.
The fear of getting into a deep relationship only to get crushed by the "love of your life." Who out there hasn't felt this fear? I don't think anyone can say that they haven't. This is currently a strong fear in my life. Love is a scary emotion as well. This is also fear of the unknown. I think some people need to forget the fear and follow their hearts. There is no reason why people have to miss out on a potentially great relationship just because they are afraid of how it might end. Again, life is too short not to take the risk!
The fear of failure - I believe that I have been put on this earth to do great things. What exactly? I don't know yet. I would like to think that I am going to write works that change the way people look at life. Will it happen? Who knows! But I do know that failure is not an option. It is my mission to prove that I should have been voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by my fellow class of 2004 classmates.
In closing, my question to all of you, is what are you afraid of? What scares you? What makes you emotional? I have been kind enough to share my feelings - why don't all of you do the same? What's holding you back - fear? Nah, couldn't be that, right?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
In Light of My Paper, Re-living an Old Wrestling Drama (4/13/)
The following is a lesson in Pro Wrestling Sovranty (there are a few people who should listen up and take detail notes)
In my journey of planning Pro Wrestling Hybrid's debut show I have heard that line said by more people than I care to count. Being so young to the inner-workers of the business I have been exposed to the more ugly side of wrestling over these last couple months and the results are stomach turning. Sure, I've dealt with the politics before; rival promoters have gotten my shows cancelled, and people in the business fake posting have definitely nailed me on those all-important message boards—but this time is different.
Before I was a punk kid on the fringe of the business; on the outside looking in as the old cliché would say. But with Pro Wrestling Hybrid I have taken a hands on approach with a real sense of running a successful show with substantial (hopefully) money making result. Some people will always look at me as the kid that conducted a fake interview with Joel Maximo and then posted all over the interview as if I had just struck pro wrestling journalism gold. There was a time when I was naïve enough to believe anything in this business as long as it sounded somewhat accurate; making money did not matter, I just wanted to run a show . . . and I did not care how or with whom I did it.
On Friday the 13th of April, 2007 I will prove all the doubters wrong, I guarantee that to everyone reading this right now. Pro Wrestling Hybrid is not a solo mission, not a conjoined effort between my financial partners and some of the top professionals in the wrestling business today. I could not run this show by myself . . . and thinking I could of would have been not only foolish but also detrimental to the operations of Pro Wrestling Hybrid.
This show has not been without issue or a fair amount of stress. Dealing with the politics of the business is often a tedious practice that requires a certain amount of patience that a young man of my age needs to thoroughly work on to avoid an emotion-filled explosion. At times I've wanted to blow up and lash out at the people who have made this show difficult for me; I am very quick to react and my lack of thought about certain situations has gotten me in trouble at times. Pro Wrestling Hybrid has been an education in the business that I love, a valuable experience that will push me forward in my quest to become a prominent member of this wrestling fraternity we all pledge to be apart of.
Apart from making money, which is the ultimate goal of the wrestling business (despite what some people will tell you), my main goal in created Pro Wrestling Hybrid, was to have fun and create a product the fans will enjoy. I have been to so many shows in the Northeast that lack direction, good matches, and a creative theme that leaves the fans craving more. Pro Wrestling Hybrid will have all three of these elements and more. On 4/13 I promise a product that every single kind of wrestling fan will enjoy. The action will be fierce, in-your-face, and the drama will have a certain sense of creative controversy that will leave a lasting impression on ANY and ALL fans of professional wrestling.
I am in this business for the love of the game, there is no other way I can simply describe it. I could do without the politics and the in-fighting amongst promoters and wrestlers. It is a shame when a business like wrestling gets as much negative press as it does from the outside world, yet no one on the inside of the business is willing to ban together and do what is good for the business as a whole. Everyone in the business has a specific agenda, myself included, but it is what you as a promoter or worker does about the agenda that separates you from the best or just being all the rest. I am just not willing to step on other promoters or workers to get to the top; I will not act out against a competitor unless previous provoked or personally attacked. I personally feel sorry for the egos that run rampant in this business; promoters with little experience in the business acting like the promoters they see on TV by putting exclusive limits on independent talent, running down the competition by any means necessary, and acting like their show is the be all and end all of the wrestling industry. When people start to take the wrestling business that seriously all the fun is lost, drama is created, and the passion we all claim to have for the business comes off as fake as the outsiders say the business really is. We are a business of grown men and women; we should try to act that way at all times. There is no way certain promoters would act the way they do inside the business on the outside of the business; the real world does not under any circumstances work that way and the neither should the inside of the wrestling business.
From here on out, I'll do my show, and you do yours. As a supporting member of the industry I wish all of you the best of luck, but can I expect the same in return from you, a rival promoter? From that question in lies the answer to who is really helping the business and who is contributing to its downfall. The question remains, which side are you on?
In my journey of planning Pro Wrestling Hybrid's debut show I have heard that line said by more people than I care to count. Being so young to the inner-workers of the business I have been exposed to the more ugly side of wrestling over these last couple months and the results are stomach turning. Sure, I've dealt with the politics before; rival promoters have gotten my shows cancelled, and people in the business fake posting have definitely nailed me on those all-important message boards—but this time is different.
Before I was a punk kid on the fringe of the business; on the outside looking in as the old cliché would say. But with Pro Wrestling Hybrid I have taken a hands on approach with a real sense of running a successful show with substantial (hopefully) money making result. Some people will always look at me as the kid that conducted a fake interview with Joel Maximo and then posted all over the interview as if I had just struck pro wrestling journalism gold. There was a time when I was naïve enough to believe anything in this business as long as it sounded somewhat accurate; making money did not matter, I just wanted to run a show . . . and I did not care how or with whom I did it.
On Friday the 13th of April, 2007 I will prove all the doubters wrong, I guarantee that to everyone reading this right now. Pro Wrestling Hybrid is not a solo mission, not a conjoined effort between my financial partners and some of the top professionals in the wrestling business today. I could not run this show by myself . . . and thinking I could of would have been not only foolish but also detrimental to the operations of Pro Wrestling Hybrid.
This show has not been without issue or a fair amount of stress. Dealing with the politics of the business is often a tedious practice that requires a certain amount of patience that a young man of my age needs to thoroughly work on to avoid an emotion-filled explosion. At times I've wanted to blow up and lash out at the people who have made this show difficult for me; I am very quick to react and my lack of thought about certain situations has gotten me in trouble at times. Pro Wrestling Hybrid has been an education in the business that I love, a valuable experience that will push me forward in my quest to become a prominent member of this wrestling fraternity we all pledge to be apart of.
Apart from making money, which is the ultimate goal of the wrestling business (despite what some people will tell you), my main goal in created Pro Wrestling Hybrid, was to have fun and create a product the fans will enjoy. I have been to so many shows in the Northeast that lack direction, good matches, and a creative theme that leaves the fans craving more. Pro Wrestling Hybrid will have all three of these elements and more. On 4/13 I promise a product that every single kind of wrestling fan will enjoy. The action will be fierce, in-your-face, and the drama will have a certain sense of creative controversy that will leave a lasting impression on ANY and ALL fans of professional wrestling.
I am in this business for the love of the game, there is no other way I can simply describe it. I could do without the politics and the in-fighting amongst promoters and wrestlers. It is a shame when a business like wrestling gets as much negative press as it does from the outside world, yet no one on the inside of the business is willing to ban together and do what is good for the business as a whole. Everyone in the business has a specific agenda, myself included, but it is what you as a promoter or worker does about the agenda that separates you from the best or just being all the rest. I am just not willing to step on other promoters or workers to get to the top; I will not act out against a competitor unless previous provoked or personally attacked. I personally feel sorry for the egos that run rampant in this business; promoters with little experience in the business acting like the promoters they see on TV by putting exclusive limits on independent talent, running down the competition by any means necessary, and acting like their show is the be all and end all of the wrestling industry. When people start to take the wrestling business that seriously all the fun is lost, drama is created, and the passion we all claim to have for the business comes off as fake as the outsiders say the business really is. We are a business of grown men and women; we should try to act that way at all times. There is no way certain promoters would act the way they do inside the business on the outside of the business; the real world does not under any circumstances work that way and the neither should the inside of the wrestling business.
From here on out, I'll do my show, and you do yours. As a supporting member of the industry I wish all of you the best of luck, but can I expect the same in return from you, a rival promoter? From that question in lies the answer to who is really helping the business and who is contributing to its downfall. The question remains, which side are you on?
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Notre Dame: In Short
I could go on about this for hours and very in-depth, but I'll keep it short, sweet, and to the point!!!
For the first time in their storied existence the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 0-4 to start a season. As a diehard ND fan it pains me to see the team in such bad shape. Not only has ND lost their first four games, they have looked uninspired . . . and borderline pathetic during the current losing streak.
The offensive line has shown in-experience, a lack of speed, and the overall talent to fit into the ND scheme. Jimmy Clausen, the freshmen quartback that was touted as the "Lebron James of football" has struggled showing a lack of a arm strengh, poor pocket presence, and the ability to fit the ball into tight defensive coverage. up until today, the Irish running game has been extremely poor managing just 1 rushing yard over the first three games.
The defensive has looked good times, only faultring when they are forced to be on the field for 40+ minutes a game. The offensive has been 10 shades of terrible, showing very little signs of life, going three plays and out the majority of the time. All Irish fans knew this was going to be a tough season, that seeds of rebuilding were planted long ago when ND lost its star quartback Brandy Quinn and many other offensive weapons that made the time click.
ND expects excellence out of their football program, other than academics, football is the flagship of the university. ND is kind of like the Yankees, they expect to win . . . and losing is rarely a feesible option.
I love coach Weis, the man is an offensive genius, and is responsible for the great play calling that made Tom Brady a premier quarterback . . . and Brandy Quinn the toast of college football in 2005.
People, fans and announcers alike, seem to hate ND, I guess it just comes with the territory of being the most successful team in division I football history. Laugh it up now, haters, because Notre Dame may be down and out now, but trust me when I say the talent is coming . . . . and all the so-called "experts" will soon regret dis-counting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Coach Charlie Weis.
For the first time in their storied existence the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 0-4 to start a season. As a diehard ND fan it pains me to see the team in such bad shape. Not only has ND lost their first four games, they have looked uninspired . . . and borderline pathetic during the current losing streak.
The offensive line has shown in-experience, a lack of speed, and the overall talent to fit into the ND scheme. Jimmy Clausen, the freshmen quartback that was touted as the "Lebron James of football" has struggled showing a lack of a arm strengh, poor pocket presence, and the ability to fit the ball into tight defensive coverage. up until today, the Irish running game has been extremely poor managing just 1 rushing yard over the first three games.
The defensive has looked good times, only faultring when they are forced to be on the field for 40+ minutes a game. The offensive has been 10 shades of terrible, showing very little signs of life, going three plays and out the majority of the time. All Irish fans knew this was going to be a tough season, that seeds of rebuilding were planted long ago when ND lost its star quartback Brandy Quinn and many other offensive weapons that made the time click.
ND expects excellence out of their football program, other than academics, football is the flagship of the university. ND is kind of like the Yankees, they expect to win . . . and losing is rarely a feesible option.
I love coach Weis, the man is an offensive genius, and is responsible for the great play calling that made Tom Brady a premier quarterback . . . and Brandy Quinn the toast of college football in 2005.
People, fans and announcers alike, seem to hate ND, I guess it just comes with the territory of being the most successful team in division I football history. Laugh it up now, haters, because Notre Dame may be down and out now, but trust me when I say the talent is coming . . . . and all the so-called "experts" will soon regret dis-counting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Coach Charlie Weis.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Justified Hatred?
Growing up as a middle class, white male, in a small suburban town in New York named Owego has shown me nothing about the world, or the culture that surrounds it. Many Americans feel they have a tough life; little do they know, even on their worse day they have it better than many foreign countries. We are a spoiled country; most of us have lived sheltered lives away from the true horror seen by minorities and third world countries.
It appears that every American has some kind of a problem with their lives; we take the pettiest of problems and turn them into overblown, dramatic situations. Sure, these are big problems in America, however, if you look at countries like Africa and Iraq where poverty and disease is destroying lives on a daily basis-our problems do not seem so big, now do they?
As an American, I enjoy every freedom America has given me-but American's (including myself) tend to abuse those freedoms to a point of sickness. The society we live in shows us that more is better-more money, bigger houses, and luxury cars are the way too live based on what America teaches us. With this being taught, American's tend to gripe over the luxuries they do not have, instead of praising the luxuries they have earned.
The hot topic of terrorism has ruled the airwaves in the United States since the deadly World Trade Center attacks; many Americans feel that the terrorists hate us due to jealousy and the envy for what we have. The issue of terrorism is much deeper than that; one reason Arab terrorists hate us is because we whine about the possessions we do not have, when they would "kill" just to have half of what we do. They live in dirty slums where disease, civil war, and hunger rip families apart each day; yet we despise being "only" middle class.
Another issue American needs to address is how to really define terrorism. The word terrorism is normally only thrown around if an Arab commitments a violent act against Americans or our allies; whereas, in America when a white man commitments a violent crime on a black man or vice-versa it is called a "hate crime." Why are there two separate names for the same crime? Could it be because America is afraid to admit that Americans may be staging violent acts of terrorism against each other?
In closing, due to our sheltered American lives we may not be able to see that we let our own petty problems over shadow the world's even bigger problems. As Americans it is OK to be proud that we are the world's #1 country - but we need to keep our imperialistic egos in check and, realize that our worst day is much better than some countries' best day. Sometimes we need to put our problems aside and feel sympathy for those less fortunate than us; if we cannot do that is it safe to say the world's hate for our country may be justified?
It appears that every American has some kind of a problem with their lives; we take the pettiest of problems and turn them into overblown, dramatic situations. Sure, these are big problems in America, however, if you look at countries like Africa and Iraq where poverty and disease is destroying lives on a daily basis-our problems do not seem so big, now do they?
As an American, I enjoy every freedom America has given me-but American's (including myself) tend to abuse those freedoms to a point of sickness. The society we live in shows us that more is better-more money, bigger houses, and luxury cars are the way too live based on what America teaches us. With this being taught, American's tend to gripe over the luxuries they do not have, instead of praising the luxuries they have earned.
The hot topic of terrorism has ruled the airwaves in the United States since the deadly World Trade Center attacks; many Americans feel that the terrorists hate us due to jealousy and the envy for what we have. The issue of terrorism is much deeper than that; one reason Arab terrorists hate us is because we whine about the possessions we do not have, when they would "kill" just to have half of what we do. They live in dirty slums where disease, civil war, and hunger rip families apart each day; yet we despise being "only" middle class.
Another issue American needs to address is how to really define terrorism. The word terrorism is normally only thrown around if an Arab commitments a violent act against Americans or our allies; whereas, in America when a white man commitments a violent crime on a black man or vice-versa it is called a "hate crime." Why are there two separate names for the same crime? Could it be because America is afraid to admit that Americans may be staging violent acts of terrorism against each other?
In closing, due to our sheltered American lives we may not be able to see that we let our own petty problems over shadow the world's even bigger problems. As Americans it is OK to be proud that we are the world's #1 country - but we need to keep our imperialistic egos in check and, realize that our worst day is much better than some countries' best day. Sometimes we need to put our problems aside and feel sympathy for those less fortunate than us; if we cannot do that is it safe to say the world's hate for our country may be justified?
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Destiny Realized or a Shattered Dream?
I can't say it any more simply, I love the wrestling business. Growing up I've watched many people struggle with what they wanted to be. The question, "what do you want to be when you grow up" has literally driven people to the brink of insanity as the possibilities (or lack therefore) begin to unfold.
I consider myself lucky because I have not had to deal with such thought, I've known since I was 12 years old that the wrestling business was for me and nothing else (not even being a rock star) would cut the proverbial mustered. At first I wanted to be a wrestler, I mean, who at first doesn't want that. At 12-years-old it is difficult to grasp all of the components that go into making a successful wrestling show. The words "promoter," booker," and "worker" had yet to enter into my mind frame and wrestling for the WWE (then the WWF) or WCW was decidedly my career of choice. Unfortunately my genes did not agree with this plan, and my body (standing now at a mighty 5'8, 130 lbs) size never quite grew into my minds BIG dreams.
As I grew older I started to smarten up to the business, focusing more on the entertainment aspect and how the weekly shows came together from a production and creative standpoint. My dreams of main eventing Wrestlemania had been dashed (with much aguish,) but my passion and love for the wrestling business would not be deterred by anyone or anything.
In the passing years I became obsessed with becoming a known part of the wrestling business. I did not care what I had to do, who I had to bother, or how it happened, I just knew I had to become apart of the business as soon as possible.
As weird as it may sound I've always had a complex about dying young, it is just something that has always haunted me. In relating it to the wrestling business that complex has always driven me to want to do everything first, younger, and ultimately better than anyone has ever done it before. Promoters alike have praised me for my ambition and overall energy toward all aspects of wrestling—but the downside to my attitude was just as damaging and nearly ended my dream before it ever really began.
Being only 22 years old, I'm prone to mistakes. My mind lacks general wisdom that is developed only through age and life experience. I can remember trying to promote shows at the tender age of 17-years-old, what a nightmare . . . and boy was I clueless. I remember vividly promoting two shows in West Chester, PA around the end of 2002. This was it; the Mecca . . . my dream was finally going to be realized. I was going to be bigger than McMahon, Turner; Heyman . . . hahaha, the joke was definitely on me. I watched in horror as 25 people entered the building on BOTH nights and the $7,000 my friend supplied to me for the shows dwindled down to a mere $300. For most people the writing would have been on the wall, but for me, it was merely a setback in an often bumpy road toward professional success.
For about a year I stopped trying to promote shows at all cost and devised a plan to do something that had never been done before. I wanted to promote a show in the town of Owego, NY. I know, I know most of you are sitting there reading this and saying, "Where???" Owego, NY is a small town near Binghamton, NY that had/s NEVER seen a live wrestling event. I found a building where the owner was willing to pay for half of everything, cheap talent, and an audience that was starving for something like this to happen in such an ordinary town. The only thing I did not have was a NYSAC license to run the event, but who needed it? The show went to my head, I had 150 pre-sold tickets, a building owner that loved my progressive thinking, and I was running in a town that no one has ever heard of; the chances of me getting caught were slim to none, right? WRONG!!! One day before the event someone (???) called the NYSAC and got the show cancelled. I was crushed, a broken down defeated kid that was finally showing his age through salted tears and a mangled sprite. The most disheartening event that I have ever encountered was standing in front of that building on the day of the show watching my ticket sellers hand out refunds to disappointed fans and explaining to business associates the error of my ways. After that day I vowed to never do show again without the proper backing, talent, insurance, and/or state permits. And I won't, but when I do, it will be better than anything the wrestling business has ever seen before . . . this I gurantee.
I consider myself lucky because I have not had to deal with such thought, I've known since I was 12 years old that the wrestling business was for me and nothing else (not even being a rock star) would cut the proverbial mustered. At first I wanted to be a wrestler, I mean, who at first doesn't want that. At 12-years-old it is difficult to grasp all of the components that go into making a successful wrestling show. The words "promoter," booker," and "worker" had yet to enter into my mind frame and wrestling for the WWE (then the WWF) or WCW was decidedly my career of choice. Unfortunately my genes did not agree with this plan, and my body (standing now at a mighty 5'8, 130 lbs) size never quite grew into my minds BIG dreams.
As I grew older I started to smarten up to the business, focusing more on the entertainment aspect and how the weekly shows came together from a production and creative standpoint. My dreams of main eventing Wrestlemania had been dashed (with much aguish,) but my passion and love for the wrestling business would not be deterred by anyone or anything.
In the passing years I became obsessed with becoming a known part of the wrestling business. I did not care what I had to do, who I had to bother, or how it happened, I just knew I had to become apart of the business as soon as possible.
As weird as it may sound I've always had a complex about dying young, it is just something that has always haunted me. In relating it to the wrestling business that complex has always driven me to want to do everything first, younger, and ultimately better than anyone has ever done it before. Promoters alike have praised me for my ambition and overall energy toward all aspects of wrestling—but the downside to my attitude was just as damaging and nearly ended my dream before it ever really began.
Being only 22 years old, I'm prone to mistakes. My mind lacks general wisdom that is developed only through age and life experience. I can remember trying to promote shows at the tender age of 17-years-old, what a nightmare . . . and boy was I clueless. I remember vividly promoting two shows in West Chester, PA around the end of 2002. This was it; the Mecca . . . my dream was finally going to be realized. I was going to be bigger than McMahon, Turner; Heyman . . . hahaha, the joke was definitely on me. I watched in horror as 25 people entered the building on BOTH nights and the $7,000 my friend supplied to me for the shows dwindled down to a mere $300. For most people the writing would have been on the wall, but for me, it was merely a setback in an often bumpy road toward professional success.
For about a year I stopped trying to promote shows at all cost and devised a plan to do something that had never been done before. I wanted to promote a show in the town of Owego, NY. I know, I know most of you are sitting there reading this and saying, "Where???" Owego, NY is a small town near Binghamton, NY that had/s NEVER seen a live wrestling event. I found a building where the owner was willing to pay for half of everything, cheap talent, and an audience that was starving for something like this to happen in such an ordinary town. The only thing I did not have was a NYSAC license to run the event, but who needed it? The show went to my head, I had 150 pre-sold tickets, a building owner that loved my progressive thinking, and I was running in a town that no one has ever heard of; the chances of me getting caught were slim to none, right? WRONG!!! One day before the event someone (???) called the NYSAC and got the show cancelled. I was crushed, a broken down defeated kid that was finally showing his age through salted tears and a mangled sprite. The most disheartening event that I have ever encountered was standing in front of that building on the day of the show watching my ticket sellers hand out refunds to disappointed fans and explaining to business associates the error of my ways. After that day I vowed to never do show again without the proper backing, talent, insurance, and/or state permits. And I won't, but when I do, it will be better than anything the wrestling business has ever seen before . . . this I gurantee.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
A More Serious Blog About Life
It was September 2003 and My Life was About to Change . . . Forever
The hospital waiting room, a place often associated with discomfort and mental aguish; this particular hospital room was no different, especially for me. It was a cozy room with a slight chill in the air, off to the side sat a television with the sole intent of easing a patients troubled mind. The impending ear surgery had a venomous grip on my mind, body, and soul. I see my parents to the left of me, looking visibly shaken as any parent would at this particular moment. I can tell they are trying to be strong for me, but I can see the worry grimly shine through the blank expressions on their faces. As the nurses feverishly work to do their jobs skillfully—with a hint of joy in their voices to lighten the mood, I notice the IV slightly itches at the point of contact with my wrist. The four hours of waiting felt like a decade of despair--the thoughts racing through my mind wondering what course of action my life would take after this day.
The surgery itself was four hours in length and of a very complex nature; over a ten year period a cyst had developed in my inner ear creating a very dangerous infection that not only destroyed my hearing but also easily could have caused me facial paralysis. The surgeon, a thirty-year veteran of the medical profession from the country of Pakistan, even had his doubts if I would come out of this in the same form as I had before the surgery.
The last thing I remember before going into surgery was being wheeled from the waiting room to the cold, morgue-like room where my surgery would be performed. My thoughts, admittedly scattered were dis-jointed by the powerful anesthetic that was coursing through my body. No matter how I tried to rationalize it, the thoughts went something like this: why was this happening to me, why didn’t the doctors catch it sooner.”
The next memory I can re-call is awaking in a state of confusion; my mind had not yet caught up with my eyes that were trying to once again open to the free world. Over to my right I see my parents; my mom with tears of joy in her eyes; my dad standing up tall and firm with wide eyes showing very little emotion, being strong during the time of my biggest internal weakness.
After clearing the cobwebs, I surveyed the damage. I found an abnormally huge bandage that completely covered my ear as well as most of the left side of my face. After feeling the bandage that was soaked with clear drainage and freshly warmed blood that was dispersing from the widen canal of my damaged ear drum. I then turned my attention to behind my ear where the surgery was performed; upon feeling behind my ear I found many stitches that were rough to the touch feeling almost as how rusted barbed wire would feel rubbed against bare flesh.
The next eighteen hours were the most painful of my entire life. The first few hours were not terribly bad as my parents were there talking and giving me steady encouragement at all times. As the night came and my parents left, the pain started to intensify; perhaps it was the night air, or maybe it was being all alone in that dark, empty room with the only comfort being the television that sat on the wall? It was an endless night, with sleep barely being a plausible option. Every couple of hours a nurse would come in to change my IV or give me some strong medicine that would take away the physical pain for a mere couple of hours.
When morning came I opened my tired eyes and realized that within only a few short hours it would be time to go home and move on with my life. The doctor told my parents that in his thirty years of performing this surgery that I was undoubtedly the worst case he had ever seen. In his medical opinion, he felt that it was a miracle the surgery turned out as well as it did without any real damage other than some hearing loss. My mom came in mid-morning, looking much better than she had the evening before. The nurses frantically tried to get me to eat and walk, two things I had no desire to. In all actuality if I could have stayed in that hospital bed for a week without moving, I would have, no questions asked. I never felt that down and out before; surely it was a helpless feeling of exhaustion and nervousness that plagued my kindred sprit. Knowing it was for my own benefit, finally after much resistance, I agreed to eat the “delicious” hospital food and walk for this first time since the surgery.
The first mistake I made was agreeing to all this was I actually had to eat the hospital food; that by itself figured to prolong my hospital stay, rather than shorten it. The food basically made the weight watchers program seem like a four star restaurant deep in the heart of NYC. The walking part was where it became interesting and rather pathetic; the doctor said that I would experience a balance issue at first due to how the ear drum is connected to the equilibrium in terms of walking. As I started to walk my legs felt like play-doh that was being bent beneath the fingers of the small child. A simple task like walking quickly became very trivial; I felt like a small infant taking steps for the very first time. I thought it would take forever to regain my balance, but after just two laps around the hospital I felt more confident and ready for next step in my rehabilitation.
By late morning I was discharged from the hospital; finally it was time to go home and start my life as if it were starting all over again. I never really thought anything like this would ever happen to me. I was the typical happy, healthy adolescent with a bright future ahead of me . . . or so I thought. Sometimes in life you need something major to happen in order to learn the reality of the hardship and just how unfair life can be. There are times in life, like a defining moment where you mature; turning from a mere boy, into a man--for me this experience was that defining moment. After this surgery I gained a newfound respect for life, took nothing for granted, and realized that everything I knew about life could change in the mere blink of an eye.
The hospital waiting room, a place often associated with discomfort and mental aguish; this particular hospital room was no different, especially for me. It was a cozy room with a slight chill in the air, off to the side sat a television with the sole intent of easing a patients troubled mind. The impending ear surgery had a venomous grip on my mind, body, and soul. I see my parents to the left of me, looking visibly shaken as any parent would at this particular moment. I can tell they are trying to be strong for me, but I can see the worry grimly shine through the blank expressions on their faces. As the nurses feverishly work to do their jobs skillfully—with a hint of joy in their voices to lighten the mood, I notice the IV slightly itches at the point of contact with my wrist. The four hours of waiting felt like a decade of despair--the thoughts racing through my mind wondering what course of action my life would take after this day.
The surgery itself was four hours in length and of a very complex nature; over a ten year period a cyst had developed in my inner ear creating a very dangerous infection that not only destroyed my hearing but also easily could have caused me facial paralysis. The surgeon, a thirty-year veteran of the medical profession from the country of Pakistan, even had his doubts if I would come out of this in the same form as I had before the surgery.
The last thing I remember before going into surgery was being wheeled from the waiting room to the cold, morgue-like room where my surgery would be performed. My thoughts, admittedly scattered were dis-jointed by the powerful anesthetic that was coursing through my body. No matter how I tried to rationalize it, the thoughts went something like this: why was this happening to me, why didn’t the doctors catch it sooner.”
The next memory I can re-call is awaking in a state of confusion; my mind had not yet caught up with my eyes that were trying to once again open to the free world. Over to my right I see my parents; my mom with tears of joy in her eyes; my dad standing up tall and firm with wide eyes showing very little emotion, being strong during the time of my biggest internal weakness.
After clearing the cobwebs, I surveyed the damage. I found an abnormally huge bandage that completely covered my ear as well as most of the left side of my face. After feeling the bandage that was soaked with clear drainage and freshly warmed blood that was dispersing from the widen canal of my damaged ear drum. I then turned my attention to behind my ear where the surgery was performed; upon feeling behind my ear I found many stitches that were rough to the touch feeling almost as how rusted barbed wire would feel rubbed against bare flesh.
The next eighteen hours were the most painful of my entire life. The first few hours were not terribly bad as my parents were there talking and giving me steady encouragement at all times. As the night came and my parents left, the pain started to intensify; perhaps it was the night air, or maybe it was being all alone in that dark, empty room with the only comfort being the television that sat on the wall? It was an endless night, with sleep barely being a plausible option. Every couple of hours a nurse would come in to change my IV or give me some strong medicine that would take away the physical pain for a mere couple of hours.
When morning came I opened my tired eyes and realized that within only a few short hours it would be time to go home and move on with my life. The doctor told my parents that in his thirty years of performing this surgery that I was undoubtedly the worst case he had ever seen. In his medical opinion, he felt that it was a miracle the surgery turned out as well as it did without any real damage other than some hearing loss. My mom came in mid-morning, looking much better than she had the evening before. The nurses frantically tried to get me to eat and walk, two things I had no desire to. In all actuality if I could have stayed in that hospital bed for a week without moving, I would have, no questions asked. I never felt that down and out before; surely it was a helpless feeling of exhaustion and nervousness that plagued my kindred sprit. Knowing it was for my own benefit, finally after much resistance, I agreed to eat the “delicious” hospital food and walk for this first time since the surgery.
The first mistake I made was agreeing to all this was I actually had to eat the hospital food; that by itself figured to prolong my hospital stay, rather than shorten it. The food basically made the weight watchers program seem like a four star restaurant deep in the heart of NYC. The walking part was where it became interesting and rather pathetic; the doctor said that I would experience a balance issue at first due to how the ear drum is connected to the equilibrium in terms of walking. As I started to walk my legs felt like play-doh that was being bent beneath the fingers of the small child. A simple task like walking quickly became very trivial; I felt like a small infant taking steps for the very first time. I thought it would take forever to regain my balance, but after just two laps around the hospital I felt more confident and ready for next step in my rehabilitation.
By late morning I was discharged from the hospital; finally it was time to go home and start my life as if it were starting all over again. I never really thought anything like this would ever happen to me. I was the typical happy, healthy adolescent with a bright future ahead of me . . . or so I thought. Sometimes in life you need something major to happen in order to learn the reality of the hardship and just how unfair life can be. There are times in life, like a defining moment where you mature; turning from a mere boy, into a man--for me this experience was that defining moment. After this surgery I gained a newfound respect for life, took nothing for granted, and realized that everything I knew about life could change in the mere blink of an eye.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Random Observations
I really do not have a one-topic blog planned for today, so I figured I'd keep it short with some random observations from the world of sports.
For the first time in NCAA Division I football both Notre Dame and Michigan have both started the season 0-2!!! Being a Notre Dame fan myself, I have been vastly un-impressed with the Irish offense that has only produced one rushing yard in the first two games. Young, inexperienced talent has hindered the Irish on the offensive line, making it nearly impossible to run the ball or open up the passing game. The defense has played up to par thus far, but spending to much time on the field has created fatigue that has led to easy scoring by the opposition. Who would of thought at the beginning of the season that Notre Dame and Michigan would be battling it out at the "BIG HOUSE" in third week of the season, both searching for their first win between them???
Pedro Martinez made his second start since returning from the disabled list on Sunday against the Houston Astros. Martinez looked reasonably sharp, throwing five shutout innings, giving up six hits, while walking just one, and striking out four in a 4-1 Mets victory. Martinez had better command on his pitches and was able to throw 92 pitches, many of them for strikes. Martinez threw 66 pitches within the first three innings which led to an earlier than usual departure for a pitcher that has thrown 92 pitches in a game.
It continues to amaze me that people are continually surprised when more people are named in the latest MLB steroid/HGH scandal that includes Troy Glaus, Rick Ankiel, and Jay Gibbons. Like it or not, steroids are a major problem in professional sports, and this epidemic is only going to get worse in the passing months when more athletes are accused and proved of "cheating on the game." Sadly, Performance-enhancing drugs are widely used in all sports, this is just a fact of the current competition that is obsessed with winning, even at the expense of integrity.
TNA Wrestling (the company I really want to work for when I finish college) has obtained a two-hour television time slot on Spike TV. Prior to the announcement last night TNA had a one-hour slot that just wasn't enough for their deep talent roster. TNA will debut its two-hour show on October 4Th, running from 9-11pm Thursday nights on Spike TV. The show will include such wrestling SUPERSTARS as Kurt Angle, Sting, the Steiner Brothers, the New Age Outlaws, and recently suspended NFL star Adam "Pacman" Jones (who has done a great job since his debut.) If you are a wrestling fan, but have quickly tired of the current WWE product, TNA is the best wrestling available in America today.
Quick NFL Observations:
Tom Brady and Randy Moss both looked amazing on Sunday, they are the time to beat easily; the Colts better take notice.
The Browns looked awful against the Steelers. Brady Quinn will be starting soon, but hopefully not to soon as the Browns have some very tough defenses ahead.
The Falcons should have kept Matt Schwab, everyone seemed to know that already, everyone except for the Falcons themselves.
Rather it be Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle, this could be a disastrous year for K.C. and Herm Edwards.
Why haven't the Falcons signed Byron Leftwitch yet? Oh wait, because they are the Falcons and they obviously do not know any better!!!
Eli, who threw a touchdown pass on the drive where he "hurt" his shoulder should have stayed in and finished the game. People dispute that, saying the game was over--but the Giants were only down 10 points with two minutes to go; stranger things have happened in the NFL.
Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys looked great, the Giants defensive did not. Just imagine if they had a healthy Terry Glenn . . .
It's just my opinion, but Rex Grossman is NOT the Bears quarterback of the future . . . and neither is Brian Griese.
The Miami Dolphins wasted the 9Th overall pick in the 2006 draft on a kick returner with little wide-out skills; Ted Ginn Jr. is no Devin Hester . . . and hopefully the Dolphins will quickly see that. Ted Ginn over Brady Quinn is logical, right? This question warrants no real answer as all I can do is chuckle when the mere thought of it pops into my head.
I am so sick and tired of people saying all that Vince Young does is win. Vince Young's numbers were less-than average once again--but the Titans managed to pull off the tight victory late in the game. Tom Jackson was praising Young on ESPN, saying, "the kid is just a winner;" because I'm sure Chris Brown's 175 yards on the ground, mixed with a poor Jacksonville offense had nothing to do with it, right Tom???
CORRECTION: Eli Manning will reportedly have to sit out a month with a hurt shoulder. I apologize for my critical comments earlier in this blog. Being a Giants fan for many years, I am very passionate about their win-loss record, but it should never come at the expense of any player, let alone one as important to the Giants franchise as Eli Manning.
This is fun, and I could run with it all day--but since I have many more entries to write, I mite as well save some of this firepower another day . . . in another blog.
Until then, take care everyone, and God bless Kevin Everett, the man who truly left his entire life on the field.
For the first time in NCAA Division I football both Notre Dame and Michigan have both started the season 0-2!!! Being a Notre Dame fan myself, I have been vastly un-impressed with the Irish offense that has only produced one rushing yard in the first two games. Young, inexperienced talent has hindered the Irish on the offensive line, making it nearly impossible to run the ball or open up the passing game. The defense has played up to par thus far, but spending to much time on the field has created fatigue that has led to easy scoring by the opposition. Who would of thought at the beginning of the season that Notre Dame and Michigan would be battling it out at the "BIG HOUSE" in third week of the season, both searching for their first win between them???
Pedro Martinez made his second start since returning from the disabled list on Sunday against the Houston Astros. Martinez looked reasonably sharp, throwing five shutout innings, giving up six hits, while walking just one, and striking out four in a 4-1 Mets victory. Martinez had better command on his pitches and was able to throw 92 pitches, many of them for strikes. Martinez threw 66 pitches within the first three innings which led to an earlier than usual departure for a pitcher that has thrown 92 pitches in a game.
It continues to amaze me that people are continually surprised when more people are named in the latest MLB steroid/HGH scandal that includes Troy Glaus, Rick Ankiel, and Jay Gibbons. Like it or not, steroids are a major problem in professional sports, and this epidemic is only going to get worse in the passing months when more athletes are accused and proved of "cheating on the game." Sadly, Performance-enhancing drugs are widely used in all sports, this is just a fact of the current competition that is obsessed with winning, even at the expense of integrity.
TNA Wrestling (the company I really want to work for when I finish college) has obtained a two-hour television time slot on Spike TV. Prior to the announcement last night TNA had a one-hour slot that just wasn't enough for their deep talent roster. TNA will debut its two-hour show on October 4Th, running from 9-11pm Thursday nights on Spike TV. The show will include such wrestling SUPERSTARS as Kurt Angle, Sting, the Steiner Brothers, the New Age Outlaws, and recently suspended NFL star Adam "Pacman" Jones (who has done a great job since his debut.) If you are a wrestling fan, but have quickly tired of the current WWE product, TNA is the best wrestling available in America today.
Quick NFL Observations:
Tom Brady and Randy Moss both looked amazing on Sunday, they are the time to beat easily; the Colts better take notice.
The Browns looked awful against the Steelers. Brady Quinn will be starting soon, but hopefully not to soon as the Browns have some very tough defenses ahead.
The Falcons should have kept Matt Schwab, everyone seemed to know that already, everyone except for the Falcons themselves.
Rather it be Damon Huard or Brodie Croyle, this could be a disastrous year for K.C. and Herm Edwards.
Why haven't the Falcons signed Byron Leftwitch yet? Oh wait, because they are the Falcons and they obviously do not know any better!!!
Eli, who threw a touchdown pass on the drive where he "hurt" his shoulder should have stayed in and finished the game. People dispute that, saying the game was over--but the Giants were only down 10 points with two minutes to go; stranger things have happened in the NFL.
Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys looked great, the Giants defensive did not. Just imagine if they had a healthy Terry Glenn . . .
It's just my opinion, but Rex Grossman is NOT the Bears quarterback of the future . . . and neither is Brian Griese.
The Miami Dolphins wasted the 9Th overall pick in the 2006 draft on a kick returner with little wide-out skills; Ted Ginn Jr. is no Devin Hester . . . and hopefully the Dolphins will quickly see that. Ted Ginn over Brady Quinn is logical, right? This question warrants no real answer as all I can do is chuckle when the mere thought of it pops into my head.
I am so sick and tired of people saying all that Vince Young does is win. Vince Young's numbers were less-than average once again--but the Titans managed to pull off the tight victory late in the game. Tom Jackson was praising Young on ESPN, saying, "the kid is just a winner;" because I'm sure Chris Brown's 175 yards on the ground, mixed with a poor Jacksonville offense had nothing to do with it, right Tom???
CORRECTION: Eli Manning will reportedly have to sit out a month with a hurt shoulder. I apologize for my critical comments earlier in this blog. Being a Giants fan for many years, I am very passionate about their win-loss record, but it should never come at the expense of any player, let alone one as important to the Giants franchise as Eli Manning.
This is fun, and I could run with it all day--but since I have many more entries to write, I mite as well save some of this firepower another day . . . in another blog.
Until then, take care everyone, and God bless Kevin Everett, the man who truly left his entire life on the field.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Silly, Scripted, and Dull: Pro Wrestling in a Nutshell?
I’d far rather watch high school wrestling than the silly, scripted presentation euphemistically call professional “wrestling.” It’s a show, a movie, theater, not a sport—and it’s dull.-Professor Emerson
I have heard it all before, probably a million times at the very least.
Pro Wrestling is "fake." Pro Wrestling is "silly." Pro Wrestling is "scripted male dominated soap opera."
Newsflash people, pro wrestling is constantly the #1 rated cable show on television today.
Is pro wrestling scripted? Yes. It would be foolish for me to say otherwise at this point. My major "pet peeve" with the wrestling business today is the people in charge continually try to insult the intelligence of the viewer by passing the show off as legitimate. Sure, the action in the ring has to be taken as legitimate, or else the show loses all focus and meaning. I am talking about the dialogue, how the performers talk often comes off as corny and highly unlike what the ordinary person would say in a heated "fight" with a "rival." I want the dialogue to put the viewer on the edge of their seat; it is a television show with the point being to entertain the viewer by any means necessary. The story lines need to deal with real life issues that the casual and "smart" (the ones that know the inner workings of the business) fan can relate to, without being insulted by the "grade-school content" that lies within them.
My job as a wrestling television writer (my dream job since I was 12 years-old) is to make sure as many eyes are watching the show as humanly possible. My idea of a professional wrestling television show would be much different than the current product being shown by the WWE. My brand of television would be edgy, full of crafty, intelligent dialogue, plot twists aplenty, and exciting in-ring action that would be far from DULL.
Aside from the entertainment of a pro wrestling show, the life of a pro wrestler is far from easy. People often debate if pro wrestling is a sport or not,and regardless of personal opinion, it must be noted that the pain and injuries of being inside that ring 250 days a year takes an undeniable toll on the human body. As recently seen with the tragic death of Chris Beniot and family, the pro wrestling business has a dark underbelly that is filled with drugs, injuries (mainly concussions that led to brain deterioration, which seemingly caused Beniot to snap,) and greed.
Despite all the skeletons looming in the closet, Pro Wrestling will always be a business I love and admire. Something about being inside the arena during a show has me hooked, borderline obsessed. The combination of glitz, glamor, pageantry, showmanship, and charisma drives something inside me that gets the adrenaline going to the point of near heart pumping insanity.
Despite all of its recent issues, pro wrestling is something I will always be proud to be apart of. I appreciate the athletes who risk their bodies every time out for the sake of entertaining the fans. Knowing everything I do about the wrestling business, it is hard for me to consider anything "fake" about what these men and women do in the ring 250 nights a year. The ring itself, being made of solid wood and metal, with little padding provides almost no support to an aching WWE Superstar that is working on the back-end of a 10 day cross country road trip. Regardless of how you feel about pro wrestling, due credit has to be given to these gutsy performers that exhibit an uncanny work ethic that gives instant credibility to this "fake" sport.
To the casual critic, pro wrestling may come off as "silly," "scripted," or "dull." But for the people like me, who have an unconditional passion for this "sport-entertainment" industry that is only merely the tip of the iceberg in an industry where there is so much more than what meets the "un-trained" eye.
I have heard it all before, probably a million times at the very least.
Pro Wrestling is "fake." Pro Wrestling is "silly." Pro Wrestling is "scripted male dominated soap opera."
Newsflash people, pro wrestling is constantly the #1 rated cable show on television today.
Is pro wrestling scripted? Yes. It would be foolish for me to say otherwise at this point. My major "pet peeve" with the wrestling business today is the people in charge continually try to insult the intelligence of the viewer by passing the show off as legitimate. Sure, the action in the ring has to be taken as legitimate, or else the show loses all focus and meaning. I am talking about the dialogue, how the performers talk often comes off as corny and highly unlike what the ordinary person would say in a heated "fight" with a "rival." I want the dialogue to put the viewer on the edge of their seat; it is a television show with the point being to entertain the viewer by any means necessary. The story lines need to deal with real life issues that the casual and "smart" (the ones that know the inner workings of the business) fan can relate to, without being insulted by the "grade-school content" that lies within them.
My job as a wrestling television writer (my dream job since I was 12 years-old) is to make sure as many eyes are watching the show as humanly possible. My idea of a professional wrestling television show would be much different than the current product being shown by the WWE. My brand of television would be edgy, full of crafty, intelligent dialogue, plot twists aplenty, and exciting in-ring action that would be far from DULL.
Aside from the entertainment of a pro wrestling show, the life of a pro wrestler is far from easy. People often debate if pro wrestling is a sport or not,and regardless of personal opinion, it must be noted that the pain and injuries of being inside that ring 250 days a year takes an undeniable toll on the human body. As recently seen with the tragic death of Chris Beniot and family, the pro wrestling business has a dark underbelly that is filled with drugs, injuries (mainly concussions that led to brain deterioration, which seemingly caused Beniot to snap,) and greed.
Despite all the skeletons looming in the closet, Pro Wrestling will always be a business I love and admire. Something about being inside the arena during a show has me hooked, borderline obsessed. The combination of glitz, glamor, pageantry, showmanship, and charisma drives something inside me that gets the adrenaline going to the point of near heart pumping insanity.
Despite all of its recent issues, pro wrestling is something I will always be proud to be apart of. I appreciate the athletes who risk their bodies every time out for the sake of entertaining the fans. Knowing everything I do about the wrestling business, it is hard for me to consider anything "fake" about what these men and women do in the ring 250 nights a year. The ring itself, being made of solid wood and metal, with little padding provides almost no support to an aching WWE Superstar that is working on the back-end of a 10 day cross country road trip. Regardless of how you feel about pro wrestling, due credit has to be given to these gutsy performers that exhibit an uncanny work ethic that gives instant credibility to this "fake" sport.
To the casual critic, pro wrestling may come off as "silly," "scripted," or "dull." But for the people like me, who have an unconditional passion for this "sport-entertainment" industry that is only merely the tip of the iceberg in an industry where there is so much more than what meets the "un-trained" eye.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Pedro Martinez: How Quickly Everything Changes
As of my last writing, Mets ace pitcher Pedro Martinez was scheduled to make his MLB season debut on Saturday, September 8th at Shea Studium against the Houston Astros.
After throwing a bullpen session on August 31st in Atlanta, Martinez deemed to the fans, media, and most importantly Mets management that he was ready to make his season debut . . . albiet a week early.
Opting to forego his last minor league rehab start, Martinez made his return to a major league mound for the first time in 11 months, today, on Labor Day. In an odd, symbolic sort of way it was sweet vindication for Martinez, returning on a day where work . . . and the pay off for it all is celebrated. Martinez, a 35 year-old pitcher with a history of injuries battled back from what is the most serious injury any pitcher can face. No pitcher that has ever suffered a torn rotart cuff has ever pitched again within a year, Martinez did it in just 11 months.
Pedro, on a pitch count of 75, showed flashes of the pitcher that leads all active pitchers in career ERA (2.81,) mixing in a nasty changeup with a fastball that reached in upwards of 91mph, consistantly hitting 88mph. The first inning was more of a feeling out process for Martinez, he looked cautious and his first few fastballs failed to reach 85mph. But as the inning progressed, Martinez gained confidence, cranking his fastball up to 89mph, while mixing in his assortment of nasty breaking pitches. Martinez, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in the first inning looked poised as ever, and grateful just to be out on the mound.
After the first inning, Martinez settled in nicely, retiring the next nine Reds he faced. In the midst of that streak, Martinez was able to record strikeout 3,000 in the 2nd inning when he struck out opposing pitcher Aaron Harang on a high, inside 88mph fastball.
After giving up two in the 1st, Martinez would only give up one more run. That run came in the 4th inning on a base hit that turned into a field error, which allowed Adam Dunn to score from first base, by the usually sure handed Carlos Beltran in center field.
The 5th inning would be the last of the day for Martinez; tiring quickly and close to his pitch limit, Martinez quickly allowed two baserunners with just one out. Martinez would get Brandon Phillips to fly out deep to right field for the 2nd out, moving Adrian Gonzales to third. With two on and two out, Martinez had to get one more out . . . and that out came in the form of the power hitting horse Adam Dunn. Martinez, reaching down deep, even without his best stuff, got the dangerous Dunn to ground weakly into the defensive shift at 2nd base for the third out of the fifth inning.
A fist pump from Martinez ensued, and after five innings, giving up just two earned runs on 76 pitches Martinez made a successful return to the major leagues. Martinez had far from his best stuff, but that was to be expected in the wake of surgery and painstaking rehibilitation that Martinez fought his way back from over the last 11 months.
From just barely throwing off the mound three months ago, to the long road back of pitching in Class-A ball in Port St. Lucie Florida, it took Perdo Martinez just four starts to get back to the major league level. A huge boost for a Mets team that is clinging to a five game lead in the National League East . . . and even further proof of how quickly in professional sports everything can change in the blink of an eye.
After throwing a bullpen session on August 31st in Atlanta, Martinez deemed to the fans, media, and most importantly Mets management that he was ready to make his season debut . . . albiet a week early.
Opting to forego his last minor league rehab start, Martinez made his return to a major league mound for the first time in 11 months, today, on Labor Day. In an odd, symbolic sort of way it was sweet vindication for Martinez, returning on a day where work . . . and the pay off for it all is celebrated. Martinez, a 35 year-old pitcher with a history of injuries battled back from what is the most serious injury any pitcher can face. No pitcher that has ever suffered a torn rotart cuff has ever pitched again within a year, Martinez did it in just 11 months.
Pedro, on a pitch count of 75, showed flashes of the pitcher that leads all active pitchers in career ERA (2.81,) mixing in a nasty changeup with a fastball that reached in upwards of 91mph, consistantly hitting 88mph. The first inning was more of a feeling out process for Martinez, he looked cautious and his first few fastballs failed to reach 85mph. But as the inning progressed, Martinez gained confidence, cranking his fastball up to 89mph, while mixing in his assortment of nasty breaking pitches. Martinez, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits in the first inning looked poised as ever, and grateful just to be out on the mound.
After the first inning, Martinez settled in nicely, retiring the next nine Reds he faced. In the midst of that streak, Martinez was able to record strikeout 3,000 in the 2nd inning when he struck out opposing pitcher Aaron Harang on a high, inside 88mph fastball.
After giving up two in the 1st, Martinez would only give up one more run. That run came in the 4th inning on a base hit that turned into a field error, which allowed Adam Dunn to score from first base, by the usually sure handed Carlos Beltran in center field.
The 5th inning would be the last of the day for Martinez; tiring quickly and close to his pitch limit, Martinez quickly allowed two baserunners with just one out. Martinez would get Brandon Phillips to fly out deep to right field for the 2nd out, moving Adrian Gonzales to third. With two on and two out, Martinez had to get one more out . . . and that out came in the form of the power hitting horse Adam Dunn. Martinez, reaching down deep, even without his best stuff, got the dangerous Dunn to ground weakly into the defensive shift at 2nd base for the third out of the fifth inning.
A fist pump from Martinez ensued, and after five innings, giving up just two earned runs on 76 pitches Martinez made a successful return to the major leagues. Martinez had far from his best stuff, but that was to be expected in the wake of surgery and painstaking rehibilitation that Martinez fought his way back from over the last 11 months.
From just barely throwing off the mound three months ago, to the long road back of pitching in Class-A ball in Port St. Lucie Florida, it took Perdo Martinez just four starts to get back to the major league level. A huge boost for a Mets team that is clinging to a five game lead in the National League East . . . and even further proof of how quickly in professional sports everything can change in the blink of an eye.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Pedro Martinez: The Immient Return
Pedro Martinez, the embattled Mets righty ace pitcher is inching closer to a return to the majors.
Since having rotator cuff surgery on Octocer 5th of last year, Martinez has since limted action, pitching in just four minor league games. As a mid-September return to Flushing draws more evident, Pedro, along with Mets fans see the silver lining to once was a very dark cloud.
Since signing Martinez to a high-dollar contract in 2004 4yr, 54mil,) fans and management have seen Pedro on the mound far less than they had hoped. In games Martinez has pitched the Mets have looked like a different team, with far more fire and drive to succeed. The signing of Martinez has boosted Mets attendence and unlitmately lead to the signings of Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. Since becoming a Met Martinez has posted a 24-16 record with a 3.45 ERA; pitching effectively in a limted number of outings.
Martinez looked sharp in his latest rehab outing for the Class-A Port St. Lucie Mets, pitching 6 innings, while giving up just one un-earned run, and striking out four. Martinez will again pitch Saturday, making his last rehab outing (for either Class-A Brooklyn or AA Binghamton) before joining the MLB Mets on August 8th or 9th against the Houston Astros at Shea Studium.
Martinez has 205 wins and is just two strikeouts from career number 3,000; a milestone that many pitchers strive for, but only few ever reach. Only time will tell if Martinez can come back and resume his position as one of the most dominate pitchers of this era; or has time and injuries finally caught up to the 35 year-old righty that is most known for the dazzling movement on all his pitches. The key(s) for Martinez on Saturday will be to get command on all of his pitches and to feeling continually comfortable on the mound after this devestating injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
The Mets are counting on Martinez to anchor a pitching staff that is full of vetern (the age-less wonders Orlando Hernandez and 300-game winner Tom Glavine,) youthful inexperience (John Maine and Oliver Perez have pitched well, but have struggled down the stretch,) and tiring arms (mainly Heilman, Mota, and Sosa out of the bullpen.) Now, just three games up on the rival Phillies in the NL East, Mets management is hoping Martinez is the guy that can spark them into October and beyond. . . .
Since having rotator cuff surgery on Octocer 5th of last year, Martinez has since limted action, pitching in just four minor league games. As a mid-September return to Flushing draws more evident, Pedro, along with Mets fans see the silver lining to once was a very dark cloud.
Since signing Martinez to a high-dollar contract in 2004 4yr, 54mil,) fans and management have seen Pedro on the mound far less than they had hoped. In games Martinez has pitched the Mets have looked like a different team, with far more fire and drive to succeed. The signing of Martinez has boosted Mets attendence and unlitmately lead to the signings of Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado. Since becoming a Met Martinez has posted a 24-16 record with a 3.45 ERA; pitching effectively in a limted number of outings.
Martinez looked sharp in his latest rehab outing for the Class-A Port St. Lucie Mets, pitching 6 innings, while giving up just one un-earned run, and striking out four. Martinez will again pitch Saturday, making his last rehab outing (for either Class-A Brooklyn or AA Binghamton) before joining the MLB Mets on August 8th or 9th against the Houston Astros at Shea Studium.
Martinez has 205 wins and is just two strikeouts from career number 3,000; a milestone that many pitchers strive for, but only few ever reach. Only time will tell if Martinez can come back and resume his position as one of the most dominate pitchers of this era; or has time and injuries finally caught up to the 35 year-old righty that is most known for the dazzling movement on all his pitches. The key(s) for Martinez on Saturday will be to get command on all of his pitches and to feeling continually comfortable on the mound after this devestating injury that sidelined him for almost a year.
The Mets are counting on Martinez to anchor a pitching staff that is full of vetern (the age-less wonders Orlando Hernandez and 300-game winner Tom Glavine,) youthful inexperience (John Maine and Oliver Perez have pitched well, but have struggled down the stretch,) and tiring arms (mainly Heilman, Mota, and Sosa out of the bullpen.) Now, just three games up on the rival Phillies in the NL East, Mets management is hoping Martinez is the guy that can spark them into October and beyond. . . .
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