As the end of the golf season approaches, I thought I would share my thoughts on the game and my new found love for it. I started playing earlier this summer with some friends and have played on average of once a week since. It's quite disgusting how quickly I went from thinking golf was a boring game, to thinking it is absolutely great. I will admit, it's still not the most exciting game to watch, but while playing it's perfect.
Using an old set of clubs belonging to my father I hit up the driving range and course with not much knowledge of the game. Sure, aim for the hole and just tap it in. Well... easier said then done. Let's just say I couldn't hit the ball if my life depended on it. Heck, I'm still horribly inconsistent. Nonetheless I attempted to pick up some tips here and there from friends, and was hooked. A few weeks later I found myself purchasing a new set of clubs. Nothing fancy of course, but next thing I knew I had a new glove, pair of golf spikes, and any other accessory you could think of.
Some people thought my interest in golf would only last for a few weeks and eventually die out like many others have in the past. Well, when I began golfing at 8:30, 8:00, and eventually 7:00am during the weekend instead of sleeping in, I knew it was more. Now as November approaches I'm still playing. I purchased my first pair of golf pants the other week, along with a pull-over and am quite prepared for the change in weather. In fact, I've already had to wait in the clubhouse on two separate occasions while frost covered the ground. I continue to think I'm crazy for this, but it is well worth it.
The truth is that on the golf course I think about nothing else in life. I have no worries (except my putting), and it is a great way to relax. What's better then spending four hours without a care in the world, hanging out with friends, and getting some fresh air?
Is this corny? Most definitely. Is it true? Yes. It's great to be out on the links and not think about work, responsibilities, or anything else that may be bugging you.
Here's to golf!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Student Loans Suck
Folks, the title of this post pretty much sums it up. Students entering college take out loans like they're nothing. Not many students think about the amount they are borrowing, and the fact that they will be paying them back - plus interest - in just over 4 years. Nonetheless, we all do it, and all learn to hate the first 6 months after college. Everyone say's to stay in school as long as you can, and let me just say, I agree.
Most of the summer, and now into the fall/winter I have been getting notices from various lenders. Of course they're only informing me of my balance, interest rates, grace period and when my first payments are due. Seems simple enough, but when you get dozens of these notices, all completely different it can become overwhelming. I spent a solid hour tonight (if not more) organizing my loans, determining the best way to consolidate, etc. Oh yea, that's another thing... if you don't consolidate you could be sending out multiple checks each month to multiple different lenders and locations. This becomes such a hassle, and I'm excited that I'll only have to send one check (either online or by mail) to one lender.
To those of you reading this, either at the same stage I am, or especially to those graduating in the next year or two please take my advice. As early as you can, know which loans you have, how much they are each worth, interest rates, and when your first payment is due. I also highly recommend consolidating as many loans as you can. This will make it easier going forward, and you won't have to worry about sending half a dozen checks each month.
I realize anyone who has been out of college for a while, especially parents of current students, will say the "real world is all about responsibilities" and I totally agree. I have ZERO problem with paying off these loans (obviously I hate seeing money earned leave my wallet, but that's not my complaint). I hate the fact that you have graduates, hopefully starting their first job, that are adjusting to a new style of living. And while all this is going on, you throw them to the lions and say here - now figure out your loan situation and if you mess up, you'll be paying more in fees. This is a recipe begging for students to mess up, and if you are slightly disorganized, best of luck to you.
Most of the summer, and now into the fall/winter I have been getting notices from various lenders. Of course they're only informing me of my balance, interest rates, grace period and when my first payments are due. Seems simple enough, but when you get dozens of these notices, all completely different it can become overwhelming. I spent a solid hour tonight (if not more) organizing my loans, determining the best way to consolidate, etc. Oh yea, that's another thing... if you don't consolidate you could be sending out multiple checks each month to multiple different lenders and locations. This becomes such a hassle, and I'm excited that I'll only have to send one check (either online or by mail) to one lender.
To those of you reading this, either at the same stage I am, or especially to those graduating in the next year or two please take my advice. As early as you can, know which loans you have, how much they are each worth, interest rates, and when your first payment is due. I also highly recommend consolidating as many loans as you can. This will make it easier going forward, and you won't have to worry about sending half a dozen checks each month.
I realize anyone who has been out of college for a while, especially parents of current students, will say the "real world is all about responsibilities" and I totally agree. I have ZERO problem with paying off these loans (obviously I hate seeing money earned leave my wallet, but that's not my complaint). I hate the fact that you have graduates, hopefully starting their first job, that are adjusting to a new style of living. And while all this is going on, you throw them to the lions and say here - now figure out your loan situation and if you mess up, you'll be paying more in fees. This is a recipe begging for students to mess up, and if you are slightly disorganized, best of luck to you.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
If I See One More Political Ad...
Seriously folks, can anybody say they are not annoyed with the onslaught of political ads running 24/7 on television. I get it folks, I graduated with a degree in marketing. These politicians are trying to get their name out there, and get as many negatives thoughts about their opponents into our heads as they can. But after about 20 minutes it gets old. By now, anyone old enough to vote should realize most of these ads are exaggerated and skewed one way or the other. The trick to good marketing is getting your audience to trust you and believe your message. When the entire country no longer trusts government, they will not believe your quick 30 second messages that are played 50 times a day.
In addition to being extremely annoying, these ads become extremely expensive. Let's see if this makes sense... politicians and wannabe politicians spends millions of dollars on advertising that nobody wants to listen to, nobody believes, and in a country where a majority of those eligible to vote, don't. During a time when there are so many issues in this country, there are no great politicians - they all stink! Okay, some may be better then others (Bush, I'm looking at you).
Here's a suggestion. Don't allow candidates to run TV commercials until maybe the final week or two prior to the election. Instead, only have a handful of debates in the months prior to the election. This will cut down spending, keep everything organized and slightly more legitimate. If anything, we will avoid having those not educated on the subject voting based on one horrible statement about a candidate. This will keep most of the candidates on an even playing ground and give voters a chance to vote for the candidate they truly believe will do the best job.
While we're at it, can we get rid of the half a dozen recorded messages left on my answering machine when I come home from work? All I have to hear is "Hi, this is ______" and I delete the message.
So politicians, and anyone with the dream of one day sitting in office, please listen to me. Stop wasting money, stop wasting my time, and get off my television!
In addition to being extremely annoying, these ads become extremely expensive. Let's see if this makes sense... politicians and wannabe politicians spends millions of dollars on advertising that nobody wants to listen to, nobody believes, and in a country where a majority of those eligible to vote, don't. During a time when there are so many issues in this country, there are no great politicians - they all stink! Okay, some may be better then others (Bush, I'm looking at you).
Here's a suggestion. Don't allow candidates to run TV commercials until maybe the final week or two prior to the election. Instead, only have a handful of debates in the months prior to the election. This will cut down spending, keep everything organized and slightly more legitimate. If anything, we will avoid having those not educated on the subject voting based on one horrible statement about a candidate. This will keep most of the candidates on an even playing ground and give voters a chance to vote for the candidate they truly believe will do the best job.
While we're at it, can we get rid of the half a dozen recorded messages left on my answering machine when I come home from work? All I have to hear is "Hi, this is ______" and I delete the message.
So politicians, and anyone with the dream of one day sitting in office, please listen to me. Stop wasting money, stop wasting my time, and get off my television!
Celtics vs. Heat
The most anticpated game of the season, The Old Big 3 vs. The New Big 3. The story lines of Celtics vs. Lebron. A rematch of last years playoff series vs D-Wade and the Heat. Shaq vs. his old teammates. This has the potential to be the Superbowl of football or the World Series of baseball, when in fact it is only the first game of the new season. Let's be honest here, does it mean a little more then your average first game? Sure. For the Celtics it would be an additional mental win. For the Heat, they'd sure be happy getting their first W, and starting the season.
But in an 82 game season, 1 game doesn't mean a whole lot. We can expect to see both of these teams playing in the post-season, and we already know neither team honestly expects to go 82-0.
I will fully support the Celtics, and will laugh in Miami's face if that huge decision led to an 0-1 start. Nonetheless, I expect a great game, and a good start to the 2010-2011 NBA season.
Go Celtics... 97-92 Green!
But in an 82 game season, 1 game doesn't mean a whole lot. We can expect to see both of these teams playing in the post-season, and we already know neither team honestly expects to go 82-0.
I will fully support the Celtics, and will laugh in Miami's face if that huge decision led to an 0-1 start. Nonetheless, I expect a great game, and a good start to the 2010-2011 NBA season.
Go Celtics... 97-92 Green!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Time puts the NO in Technology
I was browsing through a piece on Boston.com that discussed obsolete technology of that past. Luckily I'm in my early 20s and remember using a handful of these now ancient items. Things such as the Walkman, Analog TV, Floppy disk, and the VCR are all items that I used for a large portion of my young life. I realize I've been getting older as I recently joined the "Real World" after college, but technology is changing so quickly I feel like I can't even keep up anymore.
Recap: A walkman played one tape - sometimes two sides, with a handful of songs on it. In the year 2010 we have this thing called an iPod, that can hold thousands and thousands of songs without being much bigger (if not smaller) then the good ole walkman.
Recap: A VCR was used to play and record movies or shows. At this point I don't even need a separate device to record my favorite show. In fact, I can use a portable dvd player, or an ipod to watch a show or movie anywhere I want (and yes, even DVD is becoming outdated).
I won't get into the other items, but it stuns me to think about how technology evolves over the years. My parents remember when they got their first black and white TV. Me? I've had my own TV in my room for as long as I can remember. I've had multiple computers, cell phones, music players all becoming more advanced then the last. It's truly insane how much technology has taken over our lives, and how before we blink the newest and hottest version of some device is hitting your local Wal-Mart shelves.
Just think where we will be in 5,10,20 years... Google is working on a car that drives itself! I'll leave you with a note and one of my favorite videos.
We live in a very fast and unusual time. Things change around us so quickly that we don't have time to take in the beauty of it. Although technology is beneficial in many ways, remember what life is really about. Enjoy the company of those around you and the simplicity of nature. These are the things that change slowly overtime, yet the things we seem to forget first.
Video: Did You Know? Technology
Recap: A walkman played one tape - sometimes two sides, with a handful of songs on it. In the year 2010 we have this thing called an iPod, that can hold thousands and thousands of songs without being much bigger (if not smaller) then the good ole walkman.
Recap: A VCR was used to play and record movies or shows. At this point I don't even need a separate device to record my favorite show. In fact, I can use a portable dvd player, or an ipod to watch a show or movie anywhere I want (and yes, even DVD is becoming outdated).
I won't get into the other items, but it stuns me to think about how technology evolves over the years. My parents remember when they got their first black and white TV. Me? I've had my own TV in my room for as long as I can remember. I've had multiple computers, cell phones, music players all becoming more advanced then the last. It's truly insane how much technology has taken over our lives, and how before we blink the newest and hottest version of some device is hitting your local Wal-Mart shelves.
Just think where we will be in 5,10,20 years... Google is working on a car that drives itself! I'll leave you with a note and one of my favorite videos.
We live in a very fast and unusual time. Things change around us so quickly that we don't have time to take in the beauty of it. Although technology is beneficial in many ways, remember what life is really about. Enjoy the company of those around you and the simplicity of nature. These are the things that change slowly overtime, yet the things we seem to forget first.
Video: Did You Know? Technology
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Thanks San Diego!
Did you watch the New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers game this afternoon?
If so, you're asking yourself did the Pats win it, or Chargers turn it over? The Chargers had a total of 4 turnovers (3 "fumbles", 1 INT) and if not for such sloppy play, the Patriots may have never moved the ball in the first half. The Patriots had less then 40 total yards in the first half and yet still led 10-3 - lucky? Yea, that's just how bad the Chargers turning over the ball was. During the game, the Chargers had two "fumbles" that were simply lack of awareness.
I don't recall the names, and am too lazy to look them up, but here is the gist of it. First, guy catches the ball, goes to ground while never being touched. Rather then getting up and running for more yards he drops the ball - this would be a fumble - and soon became the Patriots ball. The second not heads-up play was a backwards lateral pass that was never caught. As the whistle was never blown, the Patriots picked up the live ball and took it inside San Diego's 10 yard line. Let me remind you, San Diego was ranked top in both offense and defense. If this teaches us anything, it is that stats aren't always everything. Coming into the game 2-4, San Diego had a lot to prove. And prove something they did... a team can pass for all the yards they want, and can hold the other team to as few yards as they can - but if you turnover the ball 4 times in a game you are bound to lose.
Since I'm ranting about this game, I have to question Belichick and his decision to go for it on 4th and 1 around midfield with a 3-point lead in the 4th quarter. Come on Bill! Did we not learn anything from the incident against the Colts? The entire world knows you have more faith in your offense then defense, but this offense converts on 3rd down less then 50% on the season. Odds aren't great, and you're giving the opponent great field position if you don't convert. Just be lucky the right upright isn't a few inches wider, otherwise we'd have to hear all week about how Bill has lost his mind.
At the end of the day, a win is a win. The Patriots are now 5-1, tied for first in the AFC East with the New York Jets. Let's enjoy the win for the night, and prepare for old man river next week.
If so, you're asking yourself did the Pats win it, or Chargers turn it over? The Chargers had a total of 4 turnovers (3 "fumbles", 1 INT) and if not for such sloppy play, the Patriots may have never moved the ball in the first half. The Patriots had less then 40 total yards in the first half and yet still led 10-3 - lucky? Yea, that's just how bad the Chargers turning over the ball was. During the game, the Chargers had two "fumbles" that were simply lack of awareness.
I don't recall the names, and am too lazy to look them up, but here is the gist of it. First, guy catches the ball, goes to ground while never being touched. Rather then getting up and running for more yards he drops the ball - this would be a fumble - and soon became the Patriots ball. The second not heads-up play was a backwards lateral pass that was never caught. As the whistle was never blown, the Patriots picked up the live ball and took it inside San Diego's 10 yard line. Let me remind you, San Diego was ranked top in both offense and defense. If this teaches us anything, it is that stats aren't always everything. Coming into the game 2-4, San Diego had a lot to prove. And prove something they did... a team can pass for all the yards they want, and can hold the other team to as few yards as they can - but if you turnover the ball 4 times in a game you are bound to lose.
Since I'm ranting about this game, I have to question Belichick and his decision to go for it on 4th and 1 around midfield with a 3-point lead in the 4th quarter. Come on Bill! Did we not learn anything from the incident against the Colts? The entire world knows you have more faith in your offense then defense, but this offense converts on 3rd down less then 50% on the season. Odds aren't great, and you're giving the opponent great field position if you don't convert. Just be lucky the right upright isn't a few inches wider, otherwise we'd have to hear all week about how Bill has lost his mind.
At the end of the day, a win is a win. The Patriots are now 5-1, tied for first in the AFC East with the New York Jets. Let's enjoy the win for the night, and prepare for old man river next week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)