SKATE

SKATE is a video game that has recently brought back old skateboarding memories. Most of my skateboarding memories were good but some were not so pleasing. I started skating freshman year of high school and finished approximately four and a half years later.

While everyone in high school was doing extracurricular activities, I was out and about skateboarding. If one were to look at me now, no one would assume I was once a skater. However, listening closely to my speech pattern, you might be able to figure it out.

Skateboarding put a lot of excitement in my life. There are many situations the guys and I would get into. I recall plenty of times running away from cops, principals, or any authority figures. We constantly would find ourselves trying to get out of trouble. It would give us a thrill seeing how much we could get away with.



As I said before, skating put a lot of excitement in my life but it also brought pain. Falling was a reoccurring theme everyday. I would tweak my ankles countless times. Scrapes and bruises were always to be expected. However, breaking a bone was the worst possible thing that can occur in skateboarding. I broke my right wrist skating and had worn a cast for over 2 months.

Every time I play SKATE more memories come back. Skateboarding was a major part of my life, for it is one thing that has shaped who I am.

Let’s play SKATE.



Image Credit: http://www.gamesradar.com, http://z.about.com/d/skateboard

Left, Right?

At a young age, I became aware that I was a different: I am left-handed. It has not always been an enjoyable experience being left handed.

I recall a classmate in Elementary School telling me that I was associated with the Devil for being left handed. At that moment, I could not think of a single thing to say to counter argue her statement. Till this day, I can still hear that classmate telling me that.

It is has been over 13 years since I was told I was associated with the Devil. Finally, I have come up with a counter argument.

If being left-handed means being associated with the Devil then that is perfectly fine with me. Being left-handed, I have a good chance of making more than my right-handed counterparts.

According to a study done by Kevin Denny of University College Dublin and Vincent O'Sullivan of the University of Warwick, it turns out that left-handed males earn 4% more per hour than right-handed workers. It may not seem like a lot but no one would decline a 4% increase in pay.

Just like the researchers, I was surprised with the findings. They expected left-handers to earn less because “left-handers are living in a right-handed world. They are more accident prone and have more health problems.”

Denny stated that left-handers tend to earn more because they are more creative. This “points to neurological studies, which have shown that left-handers, particularly males, are better at divergent thought or thinking outside the box.”

Denny claims that left-handers seem to have the ability to adapt in certain and bosses must notice that. That would explains why left-handers would get paid more.

Being left handed might not be bad after all.



Image Credit: http://www.reddevils86.com/Assets/RedDevil_Med_JPG.jpg

Those Damn MySpace Angles

My intention for this entry is not to discuss MySpace as a whole. Rather, to focus primarily on MySpace angles. MySpace angles are an Internet disease that was created in the MySpace community and has infested the entire online community.

MySpace angles are pictures taken in specific angles that make unattractive people appear attractive. Thereby fooling us all. This epidemic must be stopped. Unattractive people need to stop spending their time creating these down right misleading images.

If you consider yourself unattractive then do something about it. If you’re a little on the heavy side, go out and run. If you’re a toothpick, then go lift some weights. If you do not have a problem with how you look that is perfectly fine. However, if you feel fine with your appearance please do not use MySpace angles to make yourself look attractive.

If you want the world to see what you look like, show them the real you. Don’t show them close up facial pictures or side views of yourself where we can’t tell a damn thing. If you can’t seem to let go of using MySpace angles at least have a few frontal full body pictures. That way the world can see the real you.

Remember, if you feel unattractive and you take MySpace angles, you are not only lying to the world but also yourself. On the other hand, if you are unattractive and are perfectly fine with that then more power to you. Just don’t lie to us all by using MySpace angles.



If you would like to get educated more on MySpace angles click here. It is worth the extra minute investment, it has pictures that show exactly what MySpace angles are. Enjoy.




Image Credit: http://www.steveklotz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/liar.jpg

Graduation

No, I am not talking about graduating from college. I am referring to Kanye West’s third album, Graduation. In simple terms, I think it is by far his best one.

Kanye’s songs are not like most artists in the industry. He writes about life issues and not about drugs, cars, fighting, or killing.
When comparing Graduation to his previous albums, College Drop Out and Late Registration, you can hear the artistic growth with each verse. Each album is unique in its own way.

College Drop Out stems from his decision to drop out of college and pursue his dream of becoming a well-known and respected lyricist. Late Registration, metaphorically, is West’s way of picking up the pieces and getting back to work. Finally, Graduation is success.

On Graduation, West tried to assess the problems his first two albums had. He cut out all the skits that would plague his previous albums and kept everything short and simple.

“This is an album that you first like, then love. “Good Morning” elevates from a gentle hook to a perfectly chosen Jay-Z sample; “Barry Bonds” is a mix-tape song with a moaning groove that you could listen to for weeks; and on “Flashing Lights” and “Stronger,” West single-handedly takes hip-hop back to its pre-Run-DMC disco days.” -Nathan Brackett, Rolling Stone.

In my opinion his best song in the album is “I Wonder.” He tries to express how people have no idea as to what they really want, and they never act on fulfilling their dreams/goals. As a result life just passes them by without them finding their dreams.

Graduation is exactly that, it is Kanye’s graduation. I, for one, stand up and applaud him for a job well done. Hopefully the next graduation I’ll talk about will be my own.




“On that independent shit,
Trade it all for a husband and some kids,
You ever wonder what it all really means?
You wonder if you'll ever find your dreams?” –Kanye West, “I Wonder”.


Image Credit:http://musicmedia.ign.com/music/image/article/819/819703/graduationinline_1189642853.jpg

G-R- you kidding m-E Exam

According to the GRE website, the exam “measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study.”

If you’d ask me, I think it is an exam that is full of ****. Yes, I said it.

The GRE exam is one of many standardized exams. The only difference with all the exams is the cost to take them. The price tag for the GRE exam is $140.

Unfortunately, I will be taking this exam in late October. I plan on furthering my education in the Graduate realm. Most students in Political Science take the Law School route. I just want to take the time to tell them: Thank you, thank you for not being competition.

I thought about taking the Law School route but I realized if I did, all I could be is a lawyer. Weird, huh? Meanwhile, if I took the Grad school route I can be whatever I want.

I will never understand why it is that we need to take an exam in order to complete an application for Grad school. As much as I detest the exam and bash on it, I have to submit to it and take it.

I’ll put the effort to study for it, but let the record show I am not pleased. I’d rather have an interview of any kind, than take an exam. Especially, one that expects to test me on knowledge “acquired over a long period of time.”

If you know what a tome is then your ahead of the curve. (Oh, and if you have a Masters and/or Doctorate and you know the definition of the word, then you don’t count.) Now, if you don’t have a clue as to what the meaning of the word is then join the group. The creators of this exam have got to be kidding me.



Image Credit: http://www.someecards.com

XX + XY + 1 Contract = Marriage?

Marriage, what does it really mean? Every single one of us has a different definition of what marriage is, but it’s my blog so you’re only going to get my definition. Marriage, for me, is a process that a couple goes through which eventually creates a contract with unlimited uncertainty. It also is something that society pushes one into doing.

You might be asking yourself “how does society push one into getting married?” Well, if you think about it, when you’re in a relationship for quite sometime, somehow it gets expected. Your friends, siblings, and parents start asking you or your significant other “when are you guys going to get married?”

If you think like I do, then you’re going to agree with me about my next statement. I don’t think that getting married is something we all need to do. I mean honestly, what are the real benefits of signing your life away to another person? I can only think of one reason to get married, and that is (drum roll please) taxes.

Reality is that most marriages in the United States just don’t last. 2006 statistics show that for every 1,000 people there are 7.5 marriages and 3.6 divorces. Those figures might not mean a whole lot but it is something to think about.

Reading the news this morning I came across a piece on Gabriele Pauli. She is a politician in Germany running for a leadership position in her respective party. She spoke today on a new approach to marriage. She suggested that marriage should be a contract that should terminate after seven years. Once the time has expired then the partners can renew their contract or go their separate ways.

I think that is an excellent idea. One thing that I would suggest is that it be five year contracts and not seven; seven years seems to long. Imagine, you’re into the 3rd year of your marriage and you absolutely regret getting married. It’s ok though because just two more years and your home free. (Sigh of relief)

Once your contract is over it basically means no strings attached, nothing. No paying spousal support, nothing. I love that idea. Although I believe that most people around the world will probably shut that idea down. Some will say it devalues the concept of marriage. I think that it will actually give it value. Celebrating 10, 20, 30, or 40 year wedding anniversaries would mean that much more.

Some couples last together for the rest of their lives. Others aren't so lucky with this whole concept of marriage. What is certain though is that marriage is something we all come across. So what does it really mean? Who really knows what marriage is?

Image Credit : http://www.bankruptcyprofessor.com/lrc/images/divorce.jpg

The Value of College Basketball

It was bound to happen. I’m a guy and it’s only normal that I talk about sports. As a kid I never watched sports, but somehow one day I turned on the TV and watched a college basketball game. It has been over 11 years now since that fateful day. I continue to watch college basketball and I seem to find myself enjoying it more and more.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like watching NFL, MLB, and NBA games but they aren’t as pure as NCAA Basketball. Professional athletes attempt to perform at the highest levels for economic incentives. In college basketball, the players aren’t getting paid to play. They play for the love of the game, and for on court respect. What college players do receive are benefits like scholarships, which ultimately allow them to earn a degree, and they get to travel around the country.

When college basketball players take the court they seem to live for the moment. Each game they play with heart, intensity, and a fiery passion. Watching a game where a team hits a desperation three-pointer, with a few tenths of a second left, to win is what its all about. Following such a scenario results in the masses rushing the court to collectively celebrate the improbable win. I’m going to be honest; I get on the edge of my seat when a game goes down to the last shot.

College basketball isn’t just basketball, reputations are earned or destroyed. Dynasties are created or erased by a single shot. Traditions are established with each win. Every loss is taken with disdain and regret.

Around late February that’s when the real excitement begins. March Madness arrives and 64 teams begin their quest to be crowned the National Champs. Each game that passes is more intense than the previous one. Each team is constantly reminded that if they lose, they go home and it’s the end of the season for them.

Every year there are major upsets where an underdog takes down a heavily favorite in the early rounds of tournament. Just like every year there are favorites that make it deep into the tournament. Yet, the idea that anyone of the 64 teams can win it all, makes watching college basketball that much more interesting. March Madness is a tournament that everyone should watch to experience the true definition of college ball. It’s indescribable the feelings one gets watching the tournament unfold. College basketball isn’t just basketball; it’s a game that has value.



Photo Credit: http://content.clearchannel.com/Photos/sports_photos/College/Basketball/college_basketball_EzraShaw.jpg