I'll Play Rugby...I guess

I wanted to start a new team sport similar to soccer but that involves more training. Luckily, my best friend's dad is an ex-rugby player and now referee and referred me to the sport for exactly what I wanted. As part of my research, I found that although many people think rugby is extremely dangerous it actually is much safer than football. The rules are more complex, but in short the tackles must be made with the arms first never the body. So after reading this, I at 5'9" 150 pounds knew I would not break my clavicle or backbone in practice or even a match. So I decided to sign-up and watch some intra-mural games at UM.

After watching the games I am extremely pumped and excited. The games are raunchy but civilized. Like baseball, there is an immense amount of tactic and in-play decisions that every player must make to score points and win the match. The game also involves a lot of sprinting, which I love. Overall, I am excited to start the sport and build on my burly man attitude and beard. Hopefully, I will have an update in the coming weeks on how practice is going.

Our Dysfunctional Relationship

As an engineer or even a scientist, math is expected to be an accomplice, a best friend, or a respected side-kick. However, me and math have not been that good of friends.

In middle school, I was limited to pre-algebra which has affected my math background all-the-way until now in college. As an engineer, I take more calculus and physics courses than a math major and am expected to maintain a 3.0 in those core courses. For this reason, mathematics and it's ranging friends and studies and I have never really hit it off. Geometry, specifically, is my arch-nemesis. It deceives me into thinking I understand but when it comes to the moment to display knowledge not just copy-paste what the teacher did on the board.....I stare at the paper, eternally.

This difficulty I have with spatial geometry has led me to understand that I am an extremely kinesthetic learner. In other words, if a teacher tells me to prove that a square is not a rectangle by manipulating variables instead of showing with a model; I give up. This is not something I ever do. However, me and math aren't ever-lasting friends. I hope one day I can find a subject in mathematics that I can understand and grow fond off, but until then math and I are like two ex-best friends at a party: avoiding each other unless it is absolutely necessary to acknowledge each other.

Sailor

Every year before Halloween, I sit and think whether I will dress up as something for Halloween. This year, as most of us have, I have chosen to not select a costume until the last second. Thankfully, my friends are well connected.

It is commonly said that women like men in uniform, so why not dress as a sailor? My best friend's brother is in the Navy so I have a guaranteed costume. However, he is 6'4" and weighs something around 250 pounds so it might be slightly bigger. So I think I have learned my lesson on Halloween costumes and next year I will definitely chose something cooler and more creative more than a week before.

iPhone vs. Android

The Apple Iphone vs. Android

As a Macbook user my opinion on this debate is slight one-sided. However, the statistics on how many Americans buy iPhones over Androids is startling.

In the last decade, many flip-phoners have now assimilated into the new age of smart phones. However, many of these users are scared away from the Android in its capability to be customizable and virtually, infinitely programmable. This coupled with the aesthetically pleasing design of iPhones has led to the rise in sales of iPhones since the first iPhone.

Over time, the market for iPhones has fluctuated depending on the amount of features of the newest iPhones compared to the values associated with a new Android phone. For example, the Smasung Galaxy has directly attacked iPhone users and Apple with a political-type commercial on the lack of modifications and new technology.

Overall, I still think the iPhone is the best phone because it is so user-friendly but as a technology savvy user I would consider the Android.

Time Flies

As the deadline for early voting, and voting in general, inches closer I am noticing that just four years ago this topic was not relevant to me or even on my mind. "Four score and seven years ago" I was too a freshman but more fresh than man.

I was a middle-schooler jumping into the ever-complicated world of politics and an integral time.

The possibilities of the first black president or first female president had set the states into a frenzy. The tantalizing smell of opportunity was rich in the local and national air. But now, this election cannot promise the same. The smell is gone, the hairs are gray, and the bags under our political and economic policies how signs of tiredness. Yes, the presidential race may be the most influential in some time but the real battle is not for the Head of the iceberg but instead for the mass underwater.

The average citizen will vote for who they want to take over and take care of this fiscal situation. However, those who have stood up to the challenge must remember that they too are freshman, and in four years all they have done will be challenged at a new level.

Snow Day in Miami

As the end of October approaches and the cold months of December and January draw near, I wish (ever so slightly) that I lived farther North.

Snow has been described with countless adjectives because of it's ability to bring smiles and wonder to children and adults alike. Most people love snow because it is the  of the holidays. When the most frustrated or adverse men smile at the idea of Christmas Day football. This promise of vacation and an overall lax attitude has given the idea of Snow Days and snow in general a great connotation.

When I think of snow I too get that feeling of excitement that holidays are soon. That I can whip out my fancy clothes because they are so thick or look better layered. That I can walk outside in the sun and not sweat but instead feel the cold gentle breeze of the Miami winter. Sure, we don't have snow, but that has only caused me to see snow as an experience appreciated in its rarity. Eventually, I hope to find the city with its perfect mix of snow days and sunshine, but until then I will enjoy the sunny-chilly mornings of my winter.

The Fiscal Cliff

This year the circulating term for the crisis of the year award is "The Fiscal Cliff." What exactly is the fiscal cliff? Most people don't know except that it means ultimate doom and armageddon.

The fiscal cliff is not a real cliff. The term is just a political term for the end of the Bush tax cuts. These tax cuts have been in effect for many years and have slashed taxes for lower and upper class alike. However, the taxes are favored toward the upper class or top tax bracket. These individuals already had low tax rates and were reduced during the Bush era. Whether you beleive this or not based on your political opinion or belief in political history is not important. The cliff is only a cliff because the markets will collapse if nothing is done and tax rates spike.

Now the question is have we elected the proper "lawmakers" to deal with this challenge or will they fail once again at our cost?

Dead Rabbits vs. Bowery Boys

One of my all-time favorite movies is Gangs of New York. Recently AMC has been showing the movie on random Saturdays in aticipation for movies of both Daniel-Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio, and it's a good thing they are doing it.

The reason I love the movie is because I watched once when I was younger and now as I'm older and have read the history behind it. The movie itself is addicting and may be even too gorey for some, but I correctly depicts immigrant-fille burroughs of early New York. Besides historical context, the movie also has the literature connection. The story of Amsterdam trying to avenge his father's death by killing the Butcher is similar to Shakspeare's Hamlet. Although many movies have roots in Hamlet, Gangis in New York  is definitely one of the most creative and interesting films with the motif of revenge. The final reason I am completely attached to this movie is that the final fight scene between the self-proclaimed Americans and the immigrants is one of the greatests fight scenes in cinematic history. The use of color and the smoke made me, as a student in film/literature class, find more than the superficial meaning of the actions by both sides.

In short, I love Gangs of New York; not because of the action but beecause of it's style of telling an almost true story.

The Apex Predator

An apex predator is an animal that is at the top of the food chain. It has no predators over it. The King of the Food Chain as we like to call ourselves. However, the moments when other humans lose their life to the infection caused by a tiny bot fly can really show how we are not the Apex Predator we think.

I am very philosophical. I like to think about theories of life and inspect the larger and smaller picture of any subject. Some call it being cynical, I call it being realist and critical. Regardless, I like to understand and scrutinize these smaller details on the abilities that we have and the abilities we think we have. One such ability is man's idea of control of the animal kingdom. We believe we understand animals and our predators because of zoos and animal preserves yet we have discovered only about 10% of the animals in this world. It is easy to consider yourself King of the Hill when the hill is the smallest one in sight. Although we are the most developed animals, we are not as strong and abled as we believe. So next time you see a spider or fly, consider that they two have their own abilities.

Rap It Out, White Boy!

I renewed my love for rap music and hip-hop.

After several years apart, my old hip-hop library and I have been reunited. Albums that are currently circulating in my mind are Graduation and Late Registration by Kanye West and Bastard by Tyler, the Creator. Two very different albums. The Kanye West album is very upbeat, very old-school Kanye where he talks about himself. The Tyler album on the other-hadn is dark, demonic and downright genius. Instead of talking about himself Tyler paints scenes, more like a poet than a rapper. These scenes have been contorversial like one recent verse that depicted an an old, white man raping young girls. However, most of his other songs are less controversial. I would post a song by him but he is extremely explicit.

These albums have been on replay on my iPod because I have needed some pump up music to get me to do my homework. Between online math homework, english blogs, and chem labs I have not had a chance to just chill when I get home for a while. These songs, although some find them crude, are amazingly poetic and are perfect pump-up music to any activity.

I like Talking

As a tutor in the STEM Lab I get a lot of different kinds of students walking in for my help.

Many of them are just confused to the point that if I use any large word, they quit listening from there. This gets frustrating when I am answering a question very eloquently and efficiently and I get a blank stare back, like Kanye West at a meeting for particle physicists.

Surprising at it is though, my patience has increased, and hopefully my maturity too. The more people I deal with, the more comfortable I get with having to explain and publicly speak about any course relating to my major. I was hoping this would happen, but didn't know whether it would. Now I am recommending everyone become a tutor or go to the STEM lab.

Mary Jane

"It's for school," I retort as people pass by and see that on my screen is the research paper I am finishing for Chemistry, on marijuana.

I understand them. Marijuana, weed, whatever you want to call it is one of the most controversial topics in the recent history of politics and drugs. So controversial that in the upcoming elections many states will make breakthrough decisions on legalizing marijuana for recreational use. Raising the spirits of both medical users and culture enthusiasts across the U.S. But, as I do this project I notice that the simple divide between and pro and anti weed Americans is not as solid and straight as it seems.

At least, 1/3 of the population has tried it once or more times. This number suggests that even those who do not support it have tried it. Quite hypocritical if you ask me, but maybe it take some time to know if you don't like it. Regardless, this proves that marijuana has a diverse history that is still being developed.

Dolphins Sink

It has become apparent that the only sustainable team in Miami is the Heat. The Dolphins and Marlins should be sold out in an auction and just forgotten.

SInce the glory days of Dan Marino and Mike Lowell, either team has been extremely lackluster and at times an outright embarrassment. Hopefully, something can be done about it because my friends from Miami who are going to schools in Boston are slowly turning into Red Sox fans.  And, the shift from Dolphins fans to any team besides the Dolphins fans has already happened.

I think we should fire all management of either team and start anew from the inside, but I have not vote...yet.

Too Many Pills

 

     Recently, I have noticed that both my parents and even some of my friends take several different pills in their morning regiment. One for their blood pressure, one for lactose intolerance, one for stomach pains,  and so on; each pill has a purpose, but can always give undesired effects. Even the commercials keep going on endlessly with the long list of side effects for prescription drug X! Well, I think there are too many pills we are taking, and everyone should cut down. Granted it is much easier to swallow a small pill in the morning compared to eating a healthy diet everyday, but just removing one pill and exchanging it with a fruit or liquid that will do the same is better. I have always stayed away from pills and medications because I was taught that we are exposed to enough chemicals as it is. Therefore, I have been trying to spread this mentality to my friends and relatives. I don't expect a revolution, but hopefully I can help at least the ones close to me not have to worry about 60 pills when they reach sixty.

Listen Between the Silence

Today is the first of three presidential debates between the two main political candidates. Where candidates can become internet sensations for hilarious rebuttals, or turned into cartoons for accidental slip-ups. The stakes are high, as is commonly said, but these stakes are higher than ever for these two in my eyes. I am still an undecided voter, with no political affiliation in the state of Florida which has been notably influential in presidential elections. So, as I watch the debate I am making sure that I can see between the key terms that the candidates use like: jobs, taxes, and businesses. Honestly, I have no interest in jobs, taxes or businesses because I am not directly affected by any of these. I do not have a job, I do not pay taxes, and I am not opening or running a business. What I will listen for is either candidate admitting they are human, or showing their true beliefs on a topic and risking some voters or some contribution money. In short, I want either president to "show their b***s" as my grandpa said. I want to vote for someone who in addition to wanting the best for the general population (which includes gays, lesbians, transvestites, democrats, liberals, republicans, immigrants, etc.) and will fight against anything to pass something that will show that generations will look back and give us the thumbs up.

Madrid vs. Barca

Hala Madrid! Hala Madrid! Hala Madird!

     You can hear the chants from the thousands of supporters at El Bernabeua through the television audio. They scream, chant and join together to support el Merengue against the biggest rivals in Europe, Barca. Although many of the fans of either team do not know how extensive the rivalry between the twi cities are, they certainly display how partisan they are to either on the day of the Casico.

    On the day the two Spanish soccer powerhouses play, the game is called El Classico. The classic game between the rival cities, the capital city and one of the infamous cities who seeks independence. This game splits friendships and even families on game day. Each supporter in the crowd grew up with the players, and learned how to play from watching the teams battle. In this, teams develop fan bases that last generations and extend to the millions watching outside of Barca or Madrid. This is where I fell in love with soccer, and specifically these teams. In watching how passionate the fans and even players were, I knew I had to get into the action; and, I did. I am now a proud Madrid fan and will wear my white jersey on Sunday in support of the team that taught me how to be passionate about a sport.