It seems the perfect time to tell this story, with the Fourth of July coming up this weekend. This past weekend, I had an uniquely American experience, on my way to the Nation's Capitol.
As part of my patriotic duty to stimulate the economy and not produce greenhouse gases, I took a trip on public transportation to see a dear friend of mine in Washington D.C.
My train took me to Penn Station in New York, right under Madison Square Garden, and from the Garden I took a bus to downtown D.C., where I took the subway to meet my friend.
Growing up in the Midwest, public transportation is rare and generally unreliable (with the exception of the Chicago systems). I cherish these opportunities to keep my car in its spot and travel with others. The others traveling with me on this trip turned out to be quite the international group.
While waiting for the bus to arrive, I met two young men waiting for the same line. Rob and Max were on their way to Virginia Beach. We talked about where we came from and what we do. Max was from Russia, did his undergrad work in Russia and Germany, and now studies molecular biology at NYU. He's planning to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Rob is a web designer, who went to school in the Philippines, where his parents are from. It made my venture from Wisconsin to Indiana for school look a bit pale. But they were kind and inquisitive, and eventually it was discovered that Max was familiar with the endless fields of the Midwest -- he had spent time in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was intimidating but so enjoyable to talk to these guys. And it was a slight preview of the rest of my ride.
A girl who looked to be my age sat with me on the coach. We did not speak for the first few hours of the trip, mostly because I was away in iPod-running-drool-inducing-jello-neck-bobbing-napland. Early mornings do not agree with me.
After I woke up, and wiped the attractive pile of spittle from my chin, the girl next to me asked where I was from. When I told her Wisconsin, she asked, "In the United States, correct?" I said yes. She seemed a little disappointed, but her explanation made sense. She said I looked European, and wondered if I was from Germany. I said no, but thanked her for the compliment. I have always had the thought that women from Europe were not necessarily more beautiful than American women, but they hold themselves differently, more elegantly. I think of Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and, more recently, Princess Diana. So I was thrilled with her question.
The conversation rolled naturally after that (amazing what a kind question can accomplish). My seatmate was from Denmark and was working as an Au pair for a family from Long Island. She graduated from high school recently, and was working before going to (free!) college in Copenhagen.
I asked Pinella about her travels in the United States, and she said she had been to Buffalo and Philadelphia, and this was her second trip to D.C. She was attending her first baseball game this weekend.
So we discussed different sports (another comfortable place for me to be), and how Denmark's men's handball team is the Euro champion, but their soccer team has more work to do. She told me that she wants to take a trip around the country when she is done working, and is saving up to try to make it to California.
We talked about how Wisconsin has been compared to Germany in terms of climate and landscape. Of course, discussing my home state brought out my Badger Pride, and I explained to her how I get made fun of for my love of all things Wisconsin. And that rolled into a fascinating discussion of how, in the U.S., there is so much less history and tradition than in Denmark, people tend to not take pride in their country. Pinella said it is becoming that way in Europe with younger generations, especially with the globalization of American culture, but there is still a large population of people who take pride in their customs.
We talked about how that had happened in the U.S., with all of the combining cultures and the need to incorporate everyone. Pinella said how our holidays seem to lack the true spirit intended, how they lacked soul. We wondered if it came from materialism or just the newness of our nation.
The topic of the American Dream came up, and luckily my high school freshman English teacher forced us to define the American Dream after reading The Great Gatsby. Like Gatsby, or so I feel, the American Dream is to give your kids what you never had, to become what your parents could never become. And, as the richest generation to come along, that is becoming harder and harder to achieve.
Pinella said her Long Island family was wonderful, yet she is always amazed at the amount of toys the 4- and 6-year-old have. She said they are good kids, but they do not comprehend what they have already and tend to always ask for more. Always more -- the real American Dream.
It was so interesting to hear a fresh view point on many of the things going on in our country. I did not bash the U.S., but we did discuss some of the not-so-apparent issues the country is facing.
Am I proud to be an American? Yes, wholeheartedly (where's Lee Greenwood when you need him?). But am I worried about where our country is headed? You bet.
I wonder what the other passengers on the bus were thinking about our conversation. The blond girl with the flawless English and me. It felt good to have a deep conversation with someone near my own age, and I hope I represented myself and my fellow Wisconsinites well.
And, I think this weekend I'm going to try to remember the spirit behind the Fourth of July.
Then again, I'm not going to miss out on fireworks and jell-o salad, either.
Happy Fourth, everyone.
June 30, 2008
June 17, 2008
Blogging Through Golf History
As I wrote for the Daily Commute blog, every once in a while I like to in-game blog, like my favorite writers John Buccigross and Rick Riley. The U.S. Open Playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate seemed like the perfect event. Historic, tension filled and televised.
11:45 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
I'm settled on the couch with all of my necessities: coffee, bottled water, grapes, chips, lip balm, extra pens and a writing pad. Rocco just gave his pre-round interview sipping on a Starbucks frappachino. The "every man's golfer" is going to need that ice running through those veins today. 18 holes against Tiger? I'd need a frapp pumped intravenously in order to keep my cool. And yes, I feel comfortable enough referring to both golfers by their first name.
11:51
I'm not sure if Scott Van Pelt and Andy North are over exaggerating the David vs. Goliath match up or if they've been underplaying it. A man's first major at 46 after back surgery against a man's fourteenth major after knee surgery. Other than Golf Digest subscribers, who has ever heard of Mediate? The two have had opposite weeks. Mediate has been playing out of his head, consistently hitting greens and fairways. He's not a long driver, but he's solid. Tiger, knee issues or no, couldn't keep his drives on the fairway, needing spectacular short plays that only he can make to get to this point in the tournament. Can he continue to make ridiculous shots to combat his abnormal driving and knee pain?
11:58
The two approach the first tee. I'm getting pumped. Who gets giddy for televised golf? I guess this girl does.
12:02 P.M.
I still don't know who I'm rooting for. I love underdogs, but Tiger is why I started watching golf (like most of my generation). And the playoff begins. Rocco's first drive is beautiful, Tiger's drive bounces off the right ruff and onto the fairway. Wood hitting the fairway on hole one is like a bear not catching any salmon for four days, and on the fifth day in the stream, nabs a whale. If Tiger continues this good start, it may be over quickly.
12:07
The commentators are listed, and Dottie Pepper is not part of the crew. That's a shame -- I really enjoyed her work over the weekend. She wasn't afriad to jump in with real insight while the boys club was yukking it up over something.
12:15
Tiger, even, Rocco +1 after one hole. The first time Tiger's been ahead after one hole all weekend. And now the ESPNBC crew is replaying all of Rocco' midrange putt misses. Yes, he could've been outright champ. And I could've played nose-tackle for the Cleveland Browns, but we can't have everything. The playoff makes for great TV, and is good for the game. Rocco seems like the type of guy who would do anything for the good of the game.
12:20
Another Rocco interview with him sipping on Starbucks. Quick, someone get this man a corporate sponsorship! By the way, ESPNBC aired the entire interview without sound and no one in the truck noticed. But the soft chirping of birds and the caddy-talk is a rather peaceful sound.
12:42
The two golfers traded bogies and birdies, giving Rocco a 1-stroke lead going onto the fourth. The fourth is one of those holes running along the ocean. I bet this is one of those places where candle and air freshener designers come to determine what "Ocean Breeze" really smells like. What I would do for smell-o-vision. Tiger hits his second shot in the rough. He looks so frustrated it's making me uncomfortable. Rocco just used a hybrid club to get 25 feet from the hole. A hybrid, eh? Environmental enthusiasts everywhere have found their golfer. Quick, someone get that man an audience with Al Gore!
12:45
ESPNBC is re-airing the Roccobucks interview, this time with the sound. There really was no point to showing it now, except to waste time while the golfers walk the course. I wonder how many hours of extra footage the crew had to come up with to fill time inbetween shots.
12:48
Tiger lifts one to within one foot of the hole. Beautiful. Never count him out. Rocco's long putt goes 6 inches past Tiger's mark. This is great golf. Both par, and onto the fifth.
12:51
The NBC broadcast crew is hyping ESPN Monday Night Baseball. I wonder if this is as awkward for them as it is for us to hear it. And how on Earth did the bigwigs at ABC/Disney/ESPN okay this partnership? You would've thought ABC would jump all over the tourney rights.
1:02
What a shot from the cart path from Rocco. Each golfer answers the challenges from the other. I hope DVDs of this playoff will be made available, so we can show our kids and grandkids what the best of golf looks like.
1:19
I'm watching Rocco follow his shots, and it makes me feel like I'm watching my brother playing MarioKart. They both lean at every curve, grimacing and smiling depending on their success. One more endearing quality that makes him the everyday fan's man.
1:34
Tiger takes a 2 shot lead on a perfect putt. The announcers have been focusing on how he took over-the-counter pain killers yesterday during the round, and they seemed to loosen him up. As a Brett Favre fan, any mention of pain killers during competition makes my stomach turn. I'm sure it's no big deal, but if too big of a deal is made of it, it could cloud the eventual winner's achievement, no matter who it is. Only 25 minutes until ESPNBC switches to NBCSPN, and we trade Scott Van Pelt and Andy (Go Badgers!) North for Bob Costas and Curtis Strange at the desk.
3:00
Oops. I fell into the time honored trap of the golf-nap. The calm, quiet tones of the announcers, the chirping birds, the serene vistas ... snore. I missed the 10-13th holes. Tiger has a one shot lead, but it had fluctuated greatly during my siesta. Rocco's comeback from 3 shots behind will be talked about for a long time. Thank goodness this is an 18-hole match. By the way, I've heard the announcers use the word "chunky" more this weekend than at a peanut butter convention. Ooh, Rocco birdied the 14th to pull back to +1, even with el Tigre. Ahh, the drama.
3:13
Is Tiger falling apart? He's in the right bunker on 15 with a lousy lie. If Rocco gains another shot on Tiger, he will have dropped four shots in a row. And Rocco's second shot is terrific. In terms of history, the most important part may not be whose name goes on the trophy, but that Rocco Mediate, the 158th ranked player on the tour, ended Tiger's streak of 13 straight victories when leading after the third round.
3:16
Why would I ever doubt Tiger? That bunker shot? Ended up four feet front he hole. That should be illegal. He should have to play blindfolded or on LSD or something, just to make it fair. I'm amazed at the gallery for a Monday -- very large, very vocal and moving quickly with the players. I'm waiting for a video shot of the cliff to show hundreds of people in Bermudas and visors leaping into the Pacific like lemmings.
3:20
Rocco just dropped in a lovely, curving birdie putt. Tiger's got to make this putt to keep up with Mediate. That's not something you write often. Wow, missed it badly. Tap in for par and onto the 16th. I think I can feel the tension in my living room.
3:39
Listening to Tiger and his caddy, Steve Williams, discuss yardage and wind before every shot is a treat. This is something you just don't get while TV coverage bounces from hole to hole to cover every golfer. Williams just backed Tiger off and told him to switch clubs. A true partnership, Williams' advice put Tiger on the green 20 feet from the pin.
3:48
With a one-shot lead on 17 and a four foot putt, how would you react? Rocco nails it. On to the 18th, Rocco at Even, Tiger at +1. 18 is a par 5 and Tiger gobbles up par 5's. Rocco's in the bunker. Tiger is liming and grimacing, but he's in the fairway. I smell sudden death. Or that may be the cold coffee in my mug.
3:52
The commercial with Earl Woods talking about Tiger's toughness is really moving, and appropriate for this tournament. Kudos to Nike for putting it together.
3:55
NBC is interrupting golf for a tornado warning in Pennsylvania. Thank goodness Tiger takes so long to set up his shot - we missed nothing, except for a few heartbeats. Tiger is on the green in two, and Rocco's third shot will need to get on the green perfectly to keep the lead.
3:59
Rocco nailed it. Rocco nailed it, 10 feet from the hole. He deserves the roaring ovation he's getting while walking up the 18th.
4:03
First whole-body shiver of the day. Tiger misses an eagle putt by three feet and Rocco has to make this putt to secure the win. And as I write, the air comes out of the crowd as Rocco misses it by the same amount as Tiger.
4:05
I can feel my heart beating through my shirt. Assuming Rocco makes his putt, if Tiger makes his, his birdie forces sudden-death. If he misses it, Rocco Mediate, U.S. Open Champion.
4:08
Tiger birdies 18 AGAIN. Eagle Saturday, birdie Sunday, birdie Monday. On to sudden death. I can't imagine what they're going through. I'm dying here. Like I said, I want a DVD and I want a one-by-one inch square of Rocco's sweat towel in a trading card, like the game-worn jersey cards. Autographed is preferred, unwashed is required.
4:16
Sudden Death Hole #1: I still don't know who I'm rooting for. Why does someone have to lose? Can't they both win? My air conditioning is shutting off when the quiet sign goes up in fear of Tiger's glare. It becomes more and more apparent, by each shot, that Rocco's miss on 18 really did take the air out his game. You have to feel for this guy. He sticks with Tiger for 72, then 90 holes, and on the 91st, he hits a bad drive and a wild second. The crowd is chanting "lets go Rocco" -- since when does a golf-crowd do chants? The magic of this playoff is appearing over and over again.
4:27
I don't want this to end. Tiger leaves a putt two inches short, and leaves the door open for Rocco. A 15-foot putt to continue the sudden death. The whole world is holding its breath.
4:29
The putt roles just past the hole. Tiger adds to his legend, and the world has a new favorite, Rocco. I'm happy, I'm sad, and most of all, I'm so glad I was able to watch this golf history being made. Four-and-a-half hours later, I am filled with golf's glory. Bring on the British!
Tuesday update:
Although I feel competent in my telling of this story, I found another voice who chronicled the feelings of the day much better. For a more concise and generally better telling of the match, visit http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3447810&sportCat=golf&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2.
I had a similar experience to Wojo, watching the 2006 World Cup Championship match in an O'Hare Airport bar with soccer fans of all countries and economic levels. When my plane landed, the flight attendant announced that Italy had won, and half the plane cheered and half booed.
What would our life experience be like without the moments like these that sports produce?
11:45 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
I'm settled on the couch with all of my necessities: coffee, bottled water, grapes, chips, lip balm, extra pens and a writing pad. Rocco just gave his pre-round interview sipping on a Starbucks frappachino. The "every man's golfer" is going to need that ice running through those veins today. 18 holes against Tiger? I'd need a frapp pumped intravenously in order to keep my cool. And yes, I feel comfortable enough referring to both golfers by their first name.
11:51
I'm not sure if Scott Van Pelt and Andy North are over exaggerating the David vs. Goliath match up or if they've been underplaying it. A man's first major at 46 after back surgery against a man's fourteenth major after knee surgery. Other than Golf Digest subscribers, who has ever heard of Mediate? The two have had opposite weeks. Mediate has been playing out of his head, consistently hitting greens and fairways. He's not a long driver, but he's solid. Tiger, knee issues or no, couldn't keep his drives on the fairway, needing spectacular short plays that only he can make to get to this point in the tournament. Can he continue to make ridiculous shots to combat his abnormal driving and knee pain?
11:58
The two approach the first tee. I'm getting pumped. Who gets giddy for televised golf? I guess this girl does.
12:02 P.M.
I still don't know who I'm rooting for. I love underdogs, but Tiger is why I started watching golf (like most of my generation). And the playoff begins. Rocco's first drive is beautiful, Tiger's drive bounces off the right ruff and onto the fairway. Wood hitting the fairway on hole one is like a bear not catching any salmon for four days, and on the fifth day in the stream, nabs a whale. If Tiger continues this good start, it may be over quickly.
12:07
The commentators are listed, and Dottie Pepper is not part of the crew. That's a shame -- I really enjoyed her work over the weekend. She wasn't afriad to jump in with real insight while the boys club was yukking it up over something.
12:15
Tiger, even, Rocco +1 after one hole. The first time Tiger's been ahead after one hole all weekend. And now the ESPNBC crew is replaying all of Rocco' midrange putt misses. Yes, he could've been outright champ. And I could've played nose-tackle for the Cleveland Browns, but we can't have everything. The playoff makes for great TV, and is good for the game. Rocco seems like the type of guy who would do anything for the good of the game.
12:20
Another Rocco interview with him sipping on Starbucks. Quick, someone get this man a corporate sponsorship! By the way, ESPNBC aired the entire interview without sound and no one in the truck noticed. But the soft chirping of birds and the caddy-talk is a rather peaceful sound.
12:42
The two golfers traded bogies and birdies, giving Rocco a 1-stroke lead going onto the fourth. The fourth is one of those holes running along the ocean. I bet this is one of those places where candle and air freshener designers come to determine what "Ocean Breeze" really smells like. What I would do for smell-o-vision. Tiger hits his second shot in the rough. He looks so frustrated it's making me uncomfortable. Rocco just used a hybrid club to get 25 feet from the hole. A hybrid, eh? Environmental enthusiasts everywhere have found their golfer. Quick, someone get that man an audience with Al Gore!
12:45
ESPNBC is re-airing the Roccobucks interview, this time with the sound. There really was no point to showing it now, except to waste time while the golfers walk the course. I wonder how many hours of extra footage the crew had to come up with to fill time inbetween shots.
12:48
Tiger lifts one to within one foot of the hole. Beautiful. Never count him out. Rocco's long putt goes 6 inches past Tiger's mark. This is great golf. Both par, and onto the fifth.
12:51
The NBC broadcast crew is hyping ESPN Monday Night Baseball. I wonder if this is as awkward for them as it is for us to hear it. And how on Earth did the bigwigs at ABC/Disney/ESPN okay this partnership? You would've thought ABC would jump all over the tourney rights.
1:02
What a shot from the cart path from Rocco. Each golfer answers the challenges from the other. I hope DVDs of this playoff will be made available, so we can show our kids and grandkids what the best of golf looks like.
1:19
I'm watching Rocco follow his shots, and it makes me feel like I'm watching my brother playing MarioKart. They both lean at every curve, grimacing and smiling depending on their success. One more endearing quality that makes him the everyday fan's man.
1:34
Tiger takes a 2 shot lead on a perfect putt. The announcers have been focusing on how he took over-the-counter pain killers yesterday during the round, and they seemed to loosen him up. As a Brett Favre fan, any mention of pain killers during competition makes my stomach turn. I'm sure it's no big deal, but if too big of a deal is made of it, it could cloud the eventual winner's achievement, no matter who it is. Only 25 minutes until ESPNBC switches to NBCSPN, and we trade Scott Van Pelt and Andy (Go Badgers!) North for Bob Costas and Curtis Strange at the desk.
3:00
Oops. I fell into the time honored trap of the golf-nap. The calm, quiet tones of the announcers, the chirping birds, the serene vistas ... snore. I missed the 10-13th holes. Tiger has a one shot lead, but it had fluctuated greatly during my siesta. Rocco's comeback from 3 shots behind will be talked about for a long time. Thank goodness this is an 18-hole match. By the way, I've heard the announcers use the word "chunky" more this weekend than at a peanut butter convention. Ooh, Rocco birdied the 14th to pull back to +1, even with el Tigre. Ahh, the drama.
3:13
Is Tiger falling apart? He's in the right bunker on 15 with a lousy lie. If Rocco gains another shot on Tiger, he will have dropped four shots in a row. And Rocco's second shot is terrific. In terms of history, the most important part may not be whose name goes on the trophy, but that Rocco Mediate, the 158th ranked player on the tour, ended Tiger's streak of 13 straight victories when leading after the third round.
3:16
Why would I ever doubt Tiger? That bunker shot? Ended up four feet front he hole. That should be illegal. He should have to play blindfolded or on LSD or something, just to make it fair. I'm amazed at the gallery for a Monday -- very large, very vocal and moving quickly with the players. I'm waiting for a video shot of the cliff to show hundreds of people in Bermudas and visors leaping into the Pacific like lemmings.
3:20
Rocco just dropped in a lovely, curving birdie putt. Tiger's got to make this putt to keep up with Mediate. That's not something you write often. Wow, missed it badly. Tap in for par and onto the 16th. I think I can feel the tension in my living room.
3:39
Listening to Tiger and his caddy, Steve Williams, discuss yardage and wind before every shot is a treat. This is something you just don't get while TV coverage bounces from hole to hole to cover every golfer. Williams just backed Tiger off and told him to switch clubs. A true partnership, Williams' advice put Tiger on the green 20 feet from the pin.
3:48
With a one-shot lead on 17 and a four foot putt, how would you react? Rocco nails it. On to the 18th, Rocco at Even, Tiger at +1. 18 is a par 5 and Tiger gobbles up par 5's. Rocco's in the bunker. Tiger is liming and grimacing, but he's in the fairway. I smell sudden death. Or that may be the cold coffee in my mug.
3:52
The commercial with Earl Woods talking about Tiger's toughness is really moving, and appropriate for this tournament. Kudos to Nike for putting it together.
3:55
NBC is interrupting golf for a tornado warning in Pennsylvania. Thank goodness Tiger takes so long to set up his shot - we missed nothing, except for a few heartbeats. Tiger is on the green in two, and Rocco's third shot will need to get on the green perfectly to keep the lead.
3:59
Rocco nailed it. Rocco nailed it, 10 feet from the hole. He deserves the roaring ovation he's getting while walking up the 18th.
4:03
First whole-body shiver of the day. Tiger misses an eagle putt by three feet and Rocco has to make this putt to secure the win. And as I write, the air comes out of the crowd as Rocco misses it by the same amount as Tiger.
4:05
I can feel my heart beating through my shirt. Assuming Rocco makes his putt, if Tiger makes his, his birdie forces sudden-death. If he misses it, Rocco Mediate, U.S. Open Champion.
4:08
Tiger birdies 18 AGAIN. Eagle Saturday, birdie Sunday, birdie Monday. On to sudden death. I can't imagine what they're going through. I'm dying here. Like I said, I want a DVD and I want a one-by-one inch square of Rocco's sweat towel in a trading card, like the game-worn jersey cards. Autographed is preferred, unwashed is required.
4:16
Sudden Death Hole #1: I still don't know who I'm rooting for. Why does someone have to lose? Can't they both win? My air conditioning is shutting off when the quiet sign goes up in fear of Tiger's glare. It becomes more and more apparent, by each shot, that Rocco's miss on 18 really did take the air out his game. You have to feel for this guy. He sticks with Tiger for 72, then 90 holes, and on the 91st, he hits a bad drive and a wild second. The crowd is chanting "lets go Rocco" -- since when does a golf-crowd do chants? The magic of this playoff is appearing over and over again.
4:27
I don't want this to end. Tiger leaves a putt two inches short, and leaves the door open for Rocco. A 15-foot putt to continue the sudden death. The whole world is holding its breath.
4:29
The putt roles just past the hole. Tiger adds to his legend, and the world has a new favorite, Rocco. I'm happy, I'm sad, and most of all, I'm so glad I was able to watch this golf history being made. Four-and-a-half hours later, I am filled with golf's glory. Bring on the British!
Tuesday update:
Although I feel competent in my telling of this story, I found another voice who chronicled the feelings of the day much better. For a more concise and generally better telling of the match, visit http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3447810&sportCat=golf&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2.
I had a similar experience to Wojo, watching the 2006 World Cup Championship match in an O'Hare Airport bar with soccer fans of all countries and economic levels. When my plane landed, the flight attendant announced that Italy had won, and half the plane cheered and half booed.
What would our life experience be like without the moments like these that sports produce?
June 13, 2008
The Butler Way
As I begin the job search process once again, the self-evaluating and "here I am, world" attitudes have lead me to some conclusions.
The main conclusion being my resume is not flashy or overloaded by any means. It's a conglomeration of student experiences and paid work, that on paper (no pun intended) looks like a collection of multimedia dabblings in search of one's calling. Which, in essence, it is.
But when I look at my resume, I see several years worth of hard work and life changing experiences. And I see evidence of beginning my career The Butler Way.
The Butler Way is not only a mass-branding effort by my Alma mater's athletic department, but a true foundation of principles students are taught from day one on campus. Butler may call itself the Ivy League of the Midwest, but the true essence of the school is more "Hoosiers" than "A Beautiful Mind."
The Butler Way is made up of core values like quiet hard work, accountability, reliability, team before self, humility before glamour and especially doing things the right way instead of the easy way.
The Butler Bulldog basketball team has demonstrated The Butler Way to the nation by being the underdog, scrappy, fundamentally sound small school that seems to worm its way into the national spotlight every spring. Commentators consistently marvel at the sound defense, unselfish passing and free throw consistency the Bulldogs rely on to win. But isn't that how basketball was originally intended to be played?
The real student-athletes on the court reflect the attitude, determination and vision of the other 3,987 students on campus, not to mention 151 years worth of graduates.
When I look at my not-so-flashy resume, I may not see the same things as others because I look through Butler-Blue colored lenses.
My sorority experience may not look like it's career worthy enough to be on a resume, but I see innovation, teamwork, peer leadership, flexibility and accountability.
My time at a local news station, in the production and sports departments, may not seem as impressive as others, but I see the development of professionalism and hours of basic grunt work that is thankless but necessary to the operations of a newscast. I see being at the studio for eight hours and being paid for four, but not mentioning it to anyone.
My skills may say intermediate Spanish, non-linear editing and basic Microsoft Office, but I think about studying "flashitos," working overnight in edit bays and spending a few panicked evenings on the phone with technical support, fixing my own computer.
But how do you write that amazing resume when you've been taught to let your work speak for itself? Maybe The Butler Way gets nudged to the side ... on second thought, if The Butler Way can get a no-name team to two Sweet 16s in four years, it's good enough for me.
The main conclusion being my resume is not flashy or overloaded by any means. It's a conglomeration of student experiences and paid work, that on paper (no pun intended) looks like a collection of multimedia dabblings in search of one's calling. Which, in essence, it is.
But when I look at my resume, I see several years worth of hard work and life changing experiences. And I see evidence of beginning my career The Butler Way.
The Butler Way is not only a mass-branding effort by my Alma mater's athletic department, but a true foundation of principles students are taught from day one on campus. Butler may call itself the Ivy League of the Midwest, but the true essence of the school is more "Hoosiers" than "A Beautiful Mind."
The Butler Way is made up of core values like quiet hard work, accountability, reliability, team before self, humility before glamour and especially doing things the right way instead of the easy way.
The Butler Bulldog basketball team has demonstrated The Butler Way to the nation by being the underdog, scrappy, fundamentally sound small school that seems to worm its way into the national spotlight every spring. Commentators consistently marvel at the sound defense, unselfish passing and free throw consistency the Bulldogs rely on to win. But isn't that how basketball was originally intended to be played?
The real student-athletes on the court reflect the attitude, determination and vision of the other 3,987 students on campus, not to mention 151 years worth of graduates.
When I look at my not-so-flashy resume, I may not see the same things as others because I look through Butler-Blue colored lenses.
My sorority experience may not look like it's career worthy enough to be on a resume, but I see innovation, teamwork, peer leadership, flexibility and accountability.
My time at a local news station, in the production and sports departments, may not seem as impressive as others, but I see the development of professionalism and hours of basic grunt work that is thankless but necessary to the operations of a newscast. I see being at the studio for eight hours and being paid for four, but not mentioning it to anyone.
My skills may say intermediate Spanish, non-linear editing and basic Microsoft Office, but I think about studying "flashitos," working overnight in edit bays and spending a few panicked evenings on the phone with technical support, fixing my own computer.
I almost feel guilty for explaining my experiences like this -- I believe I violated the code just by writing this blog!
I understand that a resume is intended to grab an employer's interest enough to offer an interview. The interview is where the intangibles are supposed to be revealed.
But how do you write that amazing resume when you've been taught to let your work speak for itself? Maybe The Butler Way gets nudged to the side ... on second thought, if The Butler Way can get a no-name team to two Sweet 16s in four years, it's good enough for me.
A Few Thoughts on the NBA
Normally, a title like that would automatically go from my Inbox to the Trash, but bear with me for a moment.
I generally don't like the NBA. I like college basketball better, and I gave up on the pros after Ray Allen was traded to Seattle from Milwaukee for a battered, uninspired Gary Payton.
But after watching Game 4 of the super-over-hyped NBA Finals tonight, I made some surprising observations. Let me share ...
I generally don't like the NBA. I like college basketball better, and I gave up on the pros after Ray Allen was traded to Seattle from Milwaukee for a battered, uninspired Gary Payton.
But after watching Game 4 of the super-over-hyped NBA Finals tonight, I made some surprising observations. Let me share ...
- Ray Allen may be to Milwaukee what Kevin Garnett is to Minnesota. Allen did bounce around the league more than Garnett, but he made an impact on Milwaukee's community during his time there. He even miraculously delivered the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2001 with the cloudy (allegedly) post play of Glenn Robinson at his disposal (I'm not sure if I'm alleging Robinson's recreational used drugs or that he actually played in the post). Both are fighting for their first title and causing mass loyalty issues back in the Midwest. Are you a fan of the team or the player? Can a Bucks fan or Timberwolves fan root for the Celtics? Boston Bruin fans cheered passionately for Ray Bourque when he won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche. Does that kind of loyalty translate to other sports?
- No one mentions (that I've heard) that Allen and every one's favorite extraterrestrial point guard, Sam Cassell, were part of Milwaukee's 'Big Three' with Robinson. Although Cassell isn't in the Celtics' Big Three, the thought of not mentioning the connection seems odd to me.
- The post-game press conference after the Celtics huge comeback was some of the most entertaining live television I've seen in a while. I believe, in the era of spying, steroids and gambling, many players and coaches understand the way to regain the trust of the fan base is to be completely honest with the fan base. Doc Rivers was thoughtful but sincere when describing his team's amazing turnaround, including giving the real story behind going to the strategy of using four guards with Garnett. Kobe Bryant, admittedly one of my least favorite players, was mature about his team's poor second-half performance. He cracked jokes, he admitted their weaknesses and he didn't throw his team under the bus. And he did all of this while still sounding reasonably devastated at being down 3-1 in the series. Good television -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWfCLiPcRxU.
As much as I hate to admit it, Game 4 lived up to the extreme hype surrounding the "historic" series. Despite his use of the word "ginormous" during a toss, Stuart Scott did a great job navigating the post-game show (I missed half-time).
Although I doubt this series alone will return my interest in professional basketball, I will admit to being excited for Sunday's Game 5. I'll liken my relationship with the NBA to my relationship with vegetables; generally, I'll have nothing to do with them, but if it is done the right way, sign me up. Now, the question is, are the Celtics "spinach green," or is spinach "Celtics green?"
As a follow up to the last entry, I realized that my first choice for a Dave Matthews inspired blog title would also be inappropriate. It would be from the song "Granny," and I am neither old nor wise (nor matriarchal).
June 11, 2008
Naming a Blog
Naming a blog is difficult. I was looking for something that says passionate and quirky, modern and in-tune with pop culture, fast paced and young. But mostly, I wanted it to say brilliant. Okay, I'll settle for clever.
My first working title was "1000 Julys," after an unreleased song on Third Eye Blind's sophomore album, "Blue." To me, the power chord ode to spandex-and-hairspray rock spoke of passion, an exciting new time and youthful discovery. The "How we living?/Young American," lyric summarized my current state in a perfect nutshell.One problem, though. The, um, sexual nature of Third Eye Blind's music would most definitely mislead readers and future employers. Not the message I want to send, and not something you think about at age 11 when you pick a favorite band.
But I felt going on the lyrical route was the right way to go. Being of the 1990's and early-2000's alt-rock/pop loving scene, great hooks and memorable lyrics are not difficult to come by. Although, if I see one more blog named after a Dave Matthews Band song, I may give up all hope for my generation. Don't get me wrong, I love Dave, but how many Billies, Nancies, Ants and Spoons are needed in cyberspace? Sorry, that was a tangent.
Going through my CD collection provided some ideas. "I'd Do Anything" (Simple Plan) sounds too desperate, "Thoughts on God" (Dishwalla) is too philosophical, and who knows what a "Yellow Ledbetter" (Pearl Jam) is?
"Sympathy" (Goo Goo Dolls) speaks of emotional neediness, "Polyamerous" (Breaking Benjamin) comes with the same issues as Third Eye Blind, and "Inside Out" (Eve 6) sounds like a whole bunch of confusion.
My thoughts kept drifting back to 3EB, who have bailed me out on many occasions. I once wrote a paper on the virtues of "Semi-Charmed Life" for a high school English class. I praised the instrumentation, the pop sensibility and the irrepressibly catchy melody. Tell me you don't smile when you hear the opening "do do do"s. I cheered the clever lyrics and their underlying anti-drug message. I got an A on that paper. I could have written a tome on the handsome lead singer, Stephan Jenkins, and his piercing blue eyes and sly delivery, but I refrained (as I will now).
And then it hit me -- I needed another front man with a unique handsomeness and deliciously clever lyrics. Brandon Boyd, of Incubus, became my muse. Sorry, Stephan. The wiry front man reminds me of some of my favorite sporting attributes (not necessarily personal characteristics).
The raw yet controlled aggression of a middle linebacker.
The fluidity of a European-trained hockey player.
The cockiness and innovation of a point guard.
The youthful energy of pre-draft workouts.
"Make Yourself" is not only the name of a critically and commercially successful album, but a title-track anthem of self-reliance and self-knowledge. The young American's dream of making something of yourself on your own merits. As part of a generation that has been hand fed through much of our young lives, the idea of self-sufficiency is daunting yet welcome.
I like how "Make Yourself" speaks to the focus of this blog: the various ways a young woman tries to make something of herself. It's a rather wide topic, from job searching to personal discovery to pet peeves.
With this entry, I invite you to join me on my journey of making myself. And if you happen to have the CD or MP3s available, I encourage you to pop in the wonderful post-coming-of-age album and look at the lyrics. It's enjoyable.
So here we go, World, watch me make myself.
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