Monday, February 14, 2011
You Learn More Through Adversity Than any Other Time in Your Life...
As I have learned throughout my life, I believe adversity, although tough, can be one of the biggest factors in shaping a person. Yesterday, I competed in another intramural basketball game. The game was close but we lost in a low scoring game, 25-30. I was not extremely disappointed about the loss as a whole, but I was discouraged by the fact that I did not score in points in the game. I do not know exactly why, but for some reason, this loss was one of the tougher experiences to fully swallow. I had big expectations for this game, as well as the fact I was coming into the game averaging over sixteen points a game. I know my limitations, and I know that I am not an extraordinary talent by any means. However, I wanted this game to be a special game for myself. When we lost the game without me scoring a point, I felt like I let people down. Worst of all, I fell short of my expectations. I believe that I am a strong willed individual. When I analyze situations and realize I have a chance to succeed in them, I often work very hard towards achieving my goal. When I do not reach these goals, I often leave the situation feeling dejected. However, I know that adversity has always shaped me in who I am as a person. I will always want to succeed, but I realize that I must be willing to take the hits in life if I want to continue to build myself into a better person. Adversity always hits hard, but when a person is still standing after wards, they can provide inspiration and become stronger than ever. In conclusion, I want everyone (including myself) to realize that adversity can be a gift in disguise, constantly shaping who we are as people and helping us achieve our ultimate goals in life.
Reading: Juiced, by Jose Canseco (pgs. 167-206)
After completing the next section of Juiced, by Jose Canseco, I did found several areas of disagreement between myself and Canseco. In chapter fifteen, Canseco scans through his career and describes his return to the Oakland A's organization. He returned to join Mark McGwire, and also newcomer, Jason Giambi. He describes Giambi as a huge character, as well as the most obvious steroid abuser in the game of baseball. Overall, Canseco describes how Giambi was protected as he was a white player and also how he became a great player through the use of steroids.
In chapter sixteen, Canseco goes into extensive detail describing the benefits steroids have had on the MLB and also the players in the league. He specifically details the journey of Miguel Tejada, a star baseball player that started from an underprivileged background. He describes how steroids could truly make a player a star, save their career, and also help the player's family by providing money through the player.
In chapter seventeen, Canseco describes one of the lowest points in his life. He was going through a difficult time in his life with his second wife, Jessica. The two were separated and Jessica was seeing another man in Kansas City. Canseco, with all of the anger over both his marital problems and nonacceptance in baseball, was on the verge of taking his own life. However, he believed that he heard his daughter far away when he was about to take his own life. He rushed to her, held her, and eventually overcame his suicidal feelings. He repaired his relationship with Jessica better, and overall, his perspective improved. He describes his daughter as the person who saved his life.
In my opinion, I think Canseco has made more than his fair mistakes in his life. Not to say we have not all made mistakes, because I know how I constantly disobey and make mistakes. However, some of Canseco's intentions and overall morals go against my own. For example, he had problems with his wife to the point she was seeing another man. I plan to do my best to never separate from any spouse that I may have down the road. I will not see divorce or separation as an option. Canseco also describes a moment in which he felt that there was another being saving his life. I believe he may be correct on this assumption. I have also heard stories about other people whom saw divine intervention save their lives. Overall, I agree with Canseco in some areas of this reading, while I disagree in several other areas.
In chapter sixteen, Canseco goes into extensive detail describing the benefits steroids have had on the MLB and also the players in the league. He specifically details the journey of Miguel Tejada, a star baseball player that started from an underprivileged background. He describes how steroids could truly make a player a star, save their career, and also help the player's family by providing money through the player.
In chapter seventeen, Canseco describes one of the lowest points in his life. He was going through a difficult time in his life with his second wife, Jessica. The two were separated and Jessica was seeing another man in Kansas City. Canseco, with all of the anger over both his marital problems and nonacceptance in baseball, was on the verge of taking his own life. However, he believed that he heard his daughter far away when he was about to take his own life. He rushed to her, held her, and eventually overcame his suicidal feelings. He repaired his relationship with Jessica better, and overall, his perspective improved. He describes his daughter as the person who saved his life.
In my opinion, I think Canseco has made more than his fair mistakes in his life. Not to say we have not all made mistakes, because I know how I constantly disobey and make mistakes. However, some of Canseco's intentions and overall morals go against my own. For example, he had problems with his wife to the point she was seeing another man. I plan to do my best to never separate from any spouse that I may have down the road. I will not see divorce or separation as an option. Canseco also describes a moment in which he felt that there was another being saving his life. I believe he may be correct on this assumption. I have also heard stories about other people whom saw divine intervention save their lives. Overall, I agree with Canseco in some areas of this reading, while I disagree in several other areas.
Reading: Juiced, by Jose Canseco (pgs. 129-166)
After completing the next section of Jose Canseco's book, Juiced, I feel that I have more agreements with Canseco as well as disagreements. In chapter eleven, Canseco describes the trade he went through from the Oakland A's to the Texas Rangers. Canseco, along with the rest of the baseball world were both shocked and disappointed. However, the move proved to be a great move for Canseco. Canseco also describes working with other players, specifically Latinos, and showing them steroids. He describes in detail how many people gradually leaned towards steroid use as he continued to advocate them in the league.
In chapter twelve, Canseco describes his second wife, Jessica. He met her at a Hooters restaurant, hit it off with her, and eventually the two married each other. Canseco also describes the birth of his child, Josie. He describes how he gained a new sense of purpose and responsibility with his new kid and he was living with a completely different perspective after Josie was born.
In chapter thirteen, Canseco describes the strike baseball went on during the 1994 season in which they did not even have a World Series. Canseco states that both sides of the player's committee, led by Donald Fehr, and the rest of baseball acted immaturely. Canseco states that the strike affected everyone in baseball, including the economy surrounding baseball. Canseco describes his time with the Rangers at the end of the chapter. He tells about his good times with manager Kevin Kennedy, and highlights some of his top moments while on the Texas Rangers.
In chapter fourteen, Canseco goes into great detail concerning the world of umpires in the MLB. He describes several situations and umpires that he and other players disagreed with during their at bats. In addition, he describes some of the codes and standards the umpires hold throughout the league that many people are not aware of concerning the MLB. Canseco states at the end of the chapter that umpires must be monitored so that they do not make the game completely unfair and biased.
After completing the section of reading, I feel that Canseco had some strong points when he describes his new found fatherhood. I am no where close to fatherhood, yet I can see how having a child would completely change a person's perspective. I read about the difference in fatherhood in Drew Brees's book as well as Canseco's book. Fatherhood gives a person someone else to live their lives for, in addition to their wives. I believe Canseco was also right when he said that the strike in baseball was a foolish action. I believe that the season should have been saved simply for economic reasons. There would have been people who lost tremendous income from the strike. Overall, I believe Canseco had some valid points in this section of reading, despite the fact I disagree with some of his morals.
In chapter twelve, Canseco describes his second wife, Jessica. He met her at a Hooters restaurant, hit it off with her, and eventually the two married each other. Canseco also describes the birth of his child, Josie. He describes how he gained a new sense of purpose and responsibility with his new kid and he was living with a completely different perspective after Josie was born.
In chapter thirteen, Canseco describes the strike baseball went on during the 1994 season in which they did not even have a World Series. Canseco states that both sides of the player's committee, led by Donald Fehr, and the rest of baseball acted immaturely. Canseco states that the strike affected everyone in baseball, including the economy surrounding baseball. Canseco describes his time with the Rangers at the end of the chapter. He tells about his good times with manager Kevin Kennedy, and highlights some of his top moments while on the Texas Rangers.
In chapter fourteen, Canseco goes into great detail concerning the world of umpires in the MLB. He describes several situations and umpires that he and other players disagreed with during their at bats. In addition, he describes some of the codes and standards the umpires hold throughout the league that many people are not aware of concerning the MLB. Canseco states at the end of the chapter that umpires must be monitored so that they do not make the game completely unfair and biased.
After completing the section of reading, I feel that Canseco had some strong points when he describes his new found fatherhood. I am no where close to fatherhood, yet I can see how having a child would completely change a person's perspective. I read about the difference in fatherhood in Drew Brees's book as well as Canseco's book. Fatherhood gives a person someone else to live their lives for, in addition to their wives. I believe Canseco was also right when he said that the strike in baseball was a foolish action. I believe that the season should have been saved simply for economic reasons. There would have been people who lost tremendous income from the strike. Overall, I believe Canseco had some valid points in this section of reading, despite the fact I disagree with some of his morals.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Reading: Juiced, by Jose Canseco (pgs. 101-128)
I finally found an area in which I can agree with Jose Canseco, after reading my next section of his book, Juiced. In chapter nine, Canseco details his long and rather interesting history with pop star, Madonna. Madonna basically wanted to find a man that she could marry. She particularly wanted to have a kid with a Latino. She contacted Canseco and eventually the two of them met. Madonna made it obvious that she was interested in Canseco from the start and the two eventually became at the least, good friends. Madonna contacted Canseco often and their relationship was all over the media. However, the two never really were intimate and Canseco eventually stopped seeing Madonna.
In chapter ten, Canseco details the media and their unfair treatment of minority groups. Specifically, Canseco notes one specific time in which he was unfairly judged by a reporter name Tom Boswell. Boswell told the world that Canseco was on steroids without any clear evidence. As a result, Canseco lost both respect from others as well as endorsement opportunities. Canseco describes several other cases in which he felt he was unfairly scrutinized simply because he was Latino. He states that if a player like Mark McGwire or Cal Ripken Jr. did some of the things he did, they would never be treated with the same disrespect because they are all American, white men. Canseco stood up to racial injustice in baseball a few times, but he always had a target on his back because he was a Latino star player.
After reading this section of Juiced, I have to agree with some of Canseco's points. He speaks the truth about injustice in the media. Reporters are always looking for a juicy story, even if they have to create one out of nothing. More specifically, reporters in the United States are mostly looking for non whites to be the target of their controversial stories. I have not faced racial discrimination personally, but when I see it in the real world, I am often disgusted. The color of your skin never will determine who you are or how much respect you deserve in my opinion. In addition, I believe media in today's world should calm down. I think media should stick to stories that are true and unbiased. Media reporters should never sacrifice morals for a juicy story. Overall, I have to agree with Canseco in a few of his points in this particular section of my reading.
In chapter ten, Canseco details the media and their unfair treatment of minority groups. Specifically, Canseco notes one specific time in which he was unfairly judged by a reporter name Tom Boswell. Boswell told the world that Canseco was on steroids without any clear evidence. As a result, Canseco lost both respect from others as well as endorsement opportunities. Canseco describes several other cases in which he felt he was unfairly scrutinized simply because he was Latino. He states that if a player like Mark McGwire or Cal Ripken Jr. did some of the things he did, they would never be treated with the same disrespect because they are all American, white men. Canseco stood up to racial injustice in baseball a few times, but he always had a target on his back because he was a Latino star player.
After reading this section of Juiced, I have to agree with some of Canseco's points. He speaks the truth about injustice in the media. Reporters are always looking for a juicy story, even if they have to create one out of nothing. More specifically, reporters in the United States are mostly looking for non whites to be the target of their controversial stories. I have not faced racial discrimination personally, but when I see it in the real world, I am often disgusted. The color of your skin never will determine who you are or how much respect you deserve in my opinion. In addition, I believe media in today's world should calm down. I think media should stick to stories that are true and unbiased. Media reporters should never sacrifice morals for a juicy story. Overall, I have to agree with Canseco in a few of his points in this particular section of my reading.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Teenagers, Friends, and Bad Decisions: Analysis of The New York Times Article
I found several components of "Teenagers, Friends, and Bad Decisions," by Tara Parker-Pope to be rather interesting in The New York Times. The article mostly describes a study done on both teenagers and adults comparing peer pressure's effect on them. Specifically, the study targeted the effect peer pressure had on their driving in cars. The study seemed to show that teenagers show quite a difference in their decision making, specifically behind the wheel, with their friends around them. After reading the article, I personally agree with the study. I am a teenager myself, and I know the effects peer pressure can have on an individual. I must admit that I consider myself to be person of morals. However, I have made some foolish and illogical decisions when I have been around my friends as opposed to when I am alone. I honestly believe that parents must realize that their children most likely make their worst decisions with their friends. Parents do not always realize this fact when they evaluate their kids. In conclusion, I believe parents need to take peer pressure into account when they evaluate their child's behavior and decide how to deal with their behavior.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Reading: Juiced, by Jose Canseco (pgs. 73-100)
After I completed my next section of Juiced, I unfortunately have absolutely no love for the author currently. In chapter six, Canseco describes his experiences working with fellow Oakland A's slugger, Mark McGwire. Canseco said that he helped McGwire bulk up from being a thinner guy to becoming one of the strongest players in the MLB. Although they were dubbed "the Bash Brothers," Canseco and McGwire were never extremely good friends. Canseco describes how McGwire was always treated with the utmost respect from the media while he himself was left out to dry. Canseco writes about the fact McGwire was an all-American and he himself was a Cuban caused them to be treated differently. Even when he became the first person to steal forty bases and hit forty home runs in the same season, Canseco was still not protected from the media as McGwire was in baseball. Canseco was accused of using steroids, while McGwire was never accused even though he got stronger in a smaller frame than even Canseco.
In chapter seven, Canseco describes his love for cars. He bought many different cars when he began to find success in the MLB. Specifically, Canseco loves fast, sports cars. He describes one time when he was pulled over by cops whom only wanted to get a glimpse at his car. In addition, he describes a time with Frank Thomas, a fellow baseball player, in which he scared the man half to death when he almost got in a wreck with him by going to fast in his car.
In chapter eight, Canseco describes the life of whom he believed to be the majority of MLB players. He describes going on road trips, with many people, including himself, cheating on their wives with other women. He describes how common sex was for proffessional players. In addition, he describes some of the terms and methods players would use and describe women with on the road. At the end of the chapter, Canseco addresses the side effects of steroids. He believes that the side effects are minor. He also believes that basically none of the side effects are negative and some are even positive for the steroid user.
After completing another section of reading, I continue to find philosophies in which I disagree with Canseco. I was saddened to learn about the apparent life of baseball players when they go on the road. My personal morals do not agree with many of the morals of some baseball players if Canseco was telling the complete truth. In addition, I found it rather funny that Canseco only used a small section to describe the side effects of steroid use. He did not mention any real negative factors with steroid use. Personally, even if steroids were completely healthy, I still would not do them because they are illegal and against my moral system. However, Canseco, and others, would beg to differ I am sure.
In chapter seven, Canseco describes his love for cars. He bought many different cars when he began to find success in the MLB. Specifically, Canseco loves fast, sports cars. He describes one time when he was pulled over by cops whom only wanted to get a glimpse at his car. In addition, he describes a time with Frank Thomas, a fellow baseball player, in which he scared the man half to death when he almost got in a wreck with him by going to fast in his car.
In chapter eight, Canseco describes the life of whom he believed to be the majority of MLB players. He describes going on road trips, with many people, including himself, cheating on their wives with other women. He describes how common sex was for proffessional players. In addition, he describes some of the terms and methods players would use and describe women with on the road. At the end of the chapter, Canseco addresses the side effects of steroids. He believes that the side effects are minor. He also believes that basically none of the side effects are negative and some are even positive for the steroid user.
After completing another section of reading, I continue to find philosophies in which I disagree with Canseco. I was saddened to learn about the apparent life of baseball players when they go on the road. My personal morals do not agree with many of the morals of some baseball players if Canseco was telling the complete truth. In addition, I found it rather funny that Canseco only used a small section to describe the side effects of steroid use. He did not mention any real negative factors with steroid use. Personally, even if steroids were completely healthy, I still would not do them because they are illegal and against my moral system. However, Canseco, and others, would beg to differ I am sure.
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