I wanted the title of this post to be serious, but don't think this is some lovey-dovey romance story. I think many people share my feelings on this subject, and as I sit in my bed early on this Saturday morning I decided to share my thoughts.
The love of my life, is sleeping, and unfortunately as I have entered this thing we call the "real world" it evades me. In college, especially my last semester or two, I had an amazing class schedule. Many times I was able to sleep in until 11am or noon, and that doesn't include after a rough night of partying. In fact, more than half my college career was without classes on Friday (How is that preparing us for the real world?!). So there I was, having a 3 day weekend, with very little responsibility. My biggest concerns on a Saturday were: What am I going to eat? What sport games are on TV? and When to start pregaming for that nights activities? That was the life of a college student. Not only was I able to sleep in, but my body physically allowed me to do so.
Now we fast-forward to the present day, at a time when I'm up early 5 days a week to begin the work day. And unlike school, you can't get away with being half asleep in your seat. It was a rough transition even though I had been used to it the last few summers.
The work week isn't really what I'm upset about as I've come to a realization that waking up early Monday-Friday will be my routine for the next 40 years. What I have an issue with is how this routine effects my weekend plans. I'd love to sleep in and sometimes mimic a day in the life of a college student, but that just doesn't happen. My body has become used to the idea of waking up early and sleeping in on the weekend is now 9am. That's just way too early.
For all you youngsters, it is better to accept what I am saying then try denying it. Even if you have nothing to do on the weekend, you will end up waking early.
Like taxes and death that are inevitable, so is the death of sleeping in.
I guess after writing this post I can say I've been productive today...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Challenges of Blogging
So I've taken a bit of a break from updating this blog, and as much as I'd like to say it was because I was away on vacation, it wasn't. It was purely me being lazy and not coming across a topic I really felt like writing about. Every time I have mentioned my dilemma to people they respond by suggesting a topic or two for me to discuss. And although I appreciate the ideas, it's not always that easy.
Some people manage a blog on a full-time basis and are therefore forced to create content daily. Others maintain blogs that are focused on a certain topic and that tends to give them guidelines to write within. And maybe that is what makes keeping a blog such as Unsophisticated Banter difficult. I created this blog with the intentions to write about any and all topics I came across that I was passionate about, or at least that interested me enough.
The problem here is trying to come up with enough thoughts and/or analysis on a subject that you can write a well thought out post. You would think it's easy to write what comes to our mind, but in fact maintaining a blog is more then that.
Even as I write this I find that I am forcing myself to keep typing.
This is going to end up being a shorter post then I normally do, but I encourage all you fellow bloggers out there to share your blogging experience.
Where do you get your ideas?
How to you develop your thoughts for the blog?
Any tips for me or others with hopes of starting a blog?
Some people manage a blog on a full-time basis and are therefore forced to create content daily. Others maintain blogs that are focused on a certain topic and that tends to give them guidelines to write within. And maybe that is what makes keeping a blog such as Unsophisticated Banter difficult. I created this blog with the intentions to write about any and all topics I came across that I was passionate about, or at least that interested me enough.
The problem here is trying to come up with enough thoughts and/or analysis on a subject that you can write a well thought out post. You would think it's easy to write what comes to our mind, but in fact maintaining a blog is more then that.
Even as I write this I find that I am forcing myself to keep typing.
This is going to end up being a shorter post then I normally do, but I encourage all you fellow bloggers out there to share your blogging experience.
Where do you get your ideas?
How to you develop your thoughts for the blog?
Any tips for me or others with hopes of starting a blog?
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tuesday Night Football
The wintry weather the past few days has been a hassle for a lot of people across the northeast. Roads became impassable, flights were canceled leaving thousands stranded, and football was postponed in Philadelphia.
The announcement was made late Sunday morning that the Eagles vs. Vikings game was going to be postponed due to the expected snow fall that evening. NFL officials were afraid that with a huge snowfall, roads wouldn't be safe, and fans would be stuck at the stadium.
People around the country have been complaining that the NFL is becoming weak. Fans of the NFL believe that this is the one sport that should be played regardless of the weather, that it is a tough man's game. One person that has been very vocal on this position is Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Rendell has been extremely outspoken about the NFL moving the game to Tuesday night, and continued his rant this morning on ESPN First Take. He has even gone as far as calling American's a bunch of "wussies".
Is this for real?
First off, I do realize the NFL plays in all weather. But let's be realistic here, when they are expecting a blizzard with anywhere from 1-2 feet of snow, is there a need to risk the safety of thousands of people? Sure many may have not gone to the game anyway, but why take the chance? As it turns out there wasn't as much snow as predicted in the Philadelphia area, but without knowing that prior it makes no difference.
What annoys me the most with this story is that Governor Ed Rendell believes this is a matter he needs to go public with. As an elected official, it is his responsibility to do what is best for the people. Included in that should be doing everything possible to ensure their safety. With an expected blizzard, shouldn't it make sense to close down the roads and make sure people are not traveling.
Rendell's argument this morning on ESPN First Take was that that the decision was made too early. He believes that the game could have been called around 5pm (only two hours prior to the game). To Rendell, this would be more appropriate then what MLB does - where they sometimes make a decision at game time or even mid-game. Although this is true, it is a very different comparison. When they postpone baseball games, as much of a hassle as it is, it is rain that forces the decision. Rain is more manageable then snow, especially during a blizzard when snowfall and wind can lead to zero visibility. That being said, fans generally tailgate before a football game, and would have already shown up prior to 2 hours before - I believe they wanted a decision prior to people showing up.
I digress.
The players on the Eagles and Vikings may not be excited about waiting to play, fans preparing to brave the weather may have been let down, and others may just be upset that Sunday tradition has been ruined for this game. But it is just that, a game. A game that is not worth risking the safety of the fans, stadium employees, or even the teams playing.
I support the decision of the NFL, and appreciate that they care not only about their players but the fans that support them as well.
For those that argue the NFL and/or America have become "wussies", tell that to the players suffering from concussions. Maybe people are becoming soft, or maybe it's called becoming smarter?
Lastly to Governor Rendell, I cannot comment on your performance as a politician, but please get your priorities straight. The postponement of a football game should not be high on your list. In fact, if you're judging the NFL on their decision, maybe you should take a look at the decisions of your peers and judge them.
The announcement was made late Sunday morning that the Eagles vs. Vikings game was going to be postponed due to the expected snow fall that evening. NFL officials were afraid that with a huge snowfall, roads wouldn't be safe, and fans would be stuck at the stadium.
People around the country have been complaining that the NFL is becoming weak. Fans of the NFL believe that this is the one sport that should be played regardless of the weather, that it is a tough man's game. One person that has been very vocal on this position is Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Rendell has been extremely outspoken about the NFL moving the game to Tuesday night, and continued his rant this morning on ESPN First Take. He has even gone as far as calling American's a bunch of "wussies".
Is this for real?
First off, I do realize the NFL plays in all weather. But let's be realistic here, when they are expecting a blizzard with anywhere from 1-2 feet of snow, is there a need to risk the safety of thousands of people? Sure many may have not gone to the game anyway, but why take the chance? As it turns out there wasn't as much snow as predicted in the Philadelphia area, but without knowing that prior it makes no difference.
What annoys me the most with this story is that Governor Ed Rendell believes this is a matter he needs to go public with. As an elected official, it is his responsibility to do what is best for the people. Included in that should be doing everything possible to ensure their safety. With an expected blizzard, shouldn't it make sense to close down the roads and make sure people are not traveling.
Rendell's argument this morning on ESPN First Take was that that the decision was made too early. He believes that the game could have been called around 5pm (only two hours prior to the game). To Rendell, this would be more appropriate then what MLB does - where they sometimes make a decision at game time or even mid-game. Although this is true, it is a very different comparison. When they postpone baseball games, as much of a hassle as it is, it is rain that forces the decision. Rain is more manageable then snow, especially during a blizzard when snowfall and wind can lead to zero visibility. That being said, fans generally tailgate before a football game, and would have already shown up prior to 2 hours before - I believe they wanted a decision prior to people showing up.
I digress.
The players on the Eagles and Vikings may not be excited about waiting to play, fans preparing to brave the weather may have been let down, and others may just be upset that Sunday tradition has been ruined for this game. But it is just that, a game. A game that is not worth risking the safety of the fans, stadium employees, or even the teams playing.
I support the decision of the NFL, and appreciate that they care not only about their players but the fans that support them as well.
For those that argue the NFL and/or America have become "wussies", tell that to the players suffering from concussions. Maybe people are becoming soft, or maybe it's called becoming smarter?
Lastly to Governor Rendell, I cannot comment on your performance as a politician, but please get your priorities straight. The postponement of a football game should not be high on your list. In fact, if you're judging the NFL on their decision, maybe you should take a look at the decisions of your peers and judge them.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Is This Sports Fan Heaven?
Living in the suburbs of Boston where I support all of my local sports teams, and having recently graduated the University of Connecticut - my life as a sports fan is about as perfect as it could be. Is this real? Maybe a better question would be, will it last?
If you are a sports fan at all, you should know about the recent success I am about to describe...
The New England Patriots are 12-2, tied for the best record in the league. They are playoff bound behind an offense that seems unstoppable and a young defense that is finally starting to show it's potential.
The Celtics are riding a 14-game win streak, that has allowed them to top the Eastern Conference. Even with injuries to key players such as Rondo, Shaq, Jermaine O'Neal, and Delonte West - they have managed to use their experience and depth to win in various fashions.
Making the biggest splash this off-season would be the Red Sox. Having come off a disappointing season in which they missed the playoffs, serious moves had to be made. With the loss (or expected loss) of some big name players, the Sox needed to replenish their offense and fill in gaps around the diamond. With pickups including Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, the Sox are considered favorites in the AL.
Even the Bruins who have been far from perfect recently would make the playoffs if the season were to end today. The team's biggest asset this year has been the stellar performance of Tim Thomas. With Thomas in net for a majority of games, the Bruins have had the best goals against average in the league.
In case that isn't enough for a sports fan to love, let's take a look at my alma mater, UConn.
Whether you appreciate it or not, the UConn Women's Basketball team just set the D-1 basketball record for consecutive wins at 89, surpassing the UCLA record of 88 under the legendary coach John Wooden. On the back of Maya Moore, the Huskies have gone two full seasons undefeated with two national championships. Ranked #1 in the country, they have easily handled the competition, and look to extend their streak next week.
One highly ranked team at a school would be great, but UConn has two - unexpectedly of course. The UConn Men's Basketball team that didn't make the tournament last March started this season unranked. In fact, they were ranked rather low in the Big East, until they beat two top 10 teams to win the Maui Invitational this year. They immediately jumped into the top 10 themselves and have worked their way to 4th in the nation. Still a fairly young team, they are carried by Kemba Walker who is leading the nation in scoring with over 26 points per game. There are still many games to be played, but the Huskies should only get better in time.
Last but certainly not least, is UConn Football. A team that has had a ton of potential the last few years, finally has the opportunity to prove itself on the big stage. Winning the Big East, Randy Edsall and his unranked team will be heading to the Fiesta Bowl to play Oklahoma. Edsall has taken this program to new heights, and with a chance to win a BCS bowl game this would certainly be another huge step in Connecticut's path the next level.
Now, if that doesn't scream sports fan heaven, I don't know what does. 5 of these seven teams are nearly the best, if not the best, in their respective leagues. In the last decade I have considered myself to be spoiled with the success of many of the above teams. Many fans around the country have never seen their teams win a single championship, let alone a double digit count. With such a successful year, and hopefully more to come, one can only ask how long this will last. Will anything less than a few championships be a failure?
The next few months should be extremely fun to watch, and in that time I will bask in what I'm calling my "Sports Fan Heaven".
Happy Holidays!
If you are a sports fan at all, you should know about the recent success I am about to describe...
The New England Patriots are 12-2, tied for the best record in the league. They are playoff bound behind an offense that seems unstoppable and a young defense that is finally starting to show it's potential.
The Celtics are riding a 14-game win streak, that has allowed them to top the Eastern Conference. Even with injuries to key players such as Rondo, Shaq, Jermaine O'Neal, and Delonte West - they have managed to use their experience and depth to win in various fashions.
Making the biggest splash this off-season would be the Red Sox. Having come off a disappointing season in which they missed the playoffs, serious moves had to be made. With the loss (or expected loss) of some big name players, the Sox needed to replenish their offense and fill in gaps around the diamond. With pickups including Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, the Sox are considered favorites in the AL.
Even the Bruins who have been far from perfect recently would make the playoffs if the season were to end today. The team's biggest asset this year has been the stellar performance of Tim Thomas. With Thomas in net for a majority of games, the Bruins have had the best goals against average in the league.
In case that isn't enough for a sports fan to love, let's take a look at my alma mater, UConn.
Whether you appreciate it or not, the UConn Women's Basketball team just set the D-1 basketball record for consecutive wins at 89, surpassing the UCLA record of 88 under the legendary coach John Wooden. On the back of Maya Moore, the Huskies have gone two full seasons undefeated with two national championships. Ranked #1 in the country, they have easily handled the competition, and look to extend their streak next week.
One highly ranked team at a school would be great, but UConn has two - unexpectedly of course. The UConn Men's Basketball team that didn't make the tournament last March started this season unranked. In fact, they were ranked rather low in the Big East, until they beat two top 10 teams to win the Maui Invitational this year. They immediately jumped into the top 10 themselves and have worked their way to 4th in the nation. Still a fairly young team, they are carried by Kemba Walker who is leading the nation in scoring with over 26 points per game. There are still many games to be played, but the Huskies should only get better in time.
Last but certainly not least, is UConn Football. A team that has had a ton of potential the last few years, finally has the opportunity to prove itself on the big stage. Winning the Big East, Randy Edsall and his unranked team will be heading to the Fiesta Bowl to play Oklahoma. Edsall has taken this program to new heights, and with a chance to win a BCS bowl game this would certainly be another huge step in Connecticut's path the next level.
Now, if that doesn't scream sports fan heaven, I don't know what does. 5 of these seven teams are nearly the best, if not the best, in their respective leagues. In the last decade I have considered myself to be spoiled with the success of many of the above teams. Many fans around the country have never seen their teams win a single championship, let alone a double digit count. With such a successful year, and hopefully more to come, one can only ask how long this will last. Will anything less than a few championships be a failure?
The next few months should be extremely fun to watch, and in that time I will bask in what I'm calling my "Sports Fan Heaven".
Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Goodbye 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
The Senate is about to go to a final vote to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' which prohibits homosexuals from openly serving in the military. My question is how has such a law taken so long to be repealed?
If someone is brave enough to risk their life to protect this country, who is to stop them? Whether they are gay or straight, white, black or green, tall or short, why should we prevent them from fighting for our freedom?
America is a country filled with a variety of people that prides itself on the freedom people have to be who they want. Too many people have issues with the way other people live their lives. In my eyes, as long as someone is not hurting others, or forcing me to change my ways - leave them be. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is going against everything this country stands for and I'm glad such a law will finally end.
We're in the 21st Century and still struggling with the same issues that have torn people apart for decades. Everyone has a right to their opinion and I cannot force you to change yours. That being said don't limit the choices of others because you disagree with who they are.
If someone is brave enough to risk their life to protect this country, who is to stop them? Whether they are gay or straight, white, black or green, tall or short, why should we prevent them from fighting for our freedom?
America is a country filled with a variety of people that prides itself on the freedom people have to be who they want. Too many people have issues with the way other people live their lives. In my eyes, as long as someone is not hurting others, or forcing me to change my ways - leave them be. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is going against everything this country stands for and I'm glad such a law will finally end.
We're in the 21st Century and still struggling with the same issues that have torn people apart for decades. Everyone has a right to their opinion and I cannot force you to change yours. That being said don't limit the choices of others because you disagree with who they are.
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