Tuesday, September 29, 2009

start of commentary assignment

Walking around campus, there is one thing in particular that frustrates as well as concern me. This frustration involves people using other things other than their feet to make their way through campus. Other then this being dangerous to themselves, it is dangerous to people around them. My first few weeks here it began to irritate me, but the longer I attend and the more incidents I have, the more it begins to frustrate me. From my perspective, we all need to go places, so why don’t we just be safe and use our feet in the way god attended us to use them.
The number one mode of transportation that frustrates me on campus is the bicycle. While the rest of us our walking casually at 5 to 6 miles per hour {around 10 if were late}, people riding bike can easily hit 20 miles per hour. Besides the fact that there whizzing by us at an alarming speed, they are also causing even more congestion then we already have on campus. Bicycles are a very enjoyable, healthy, fun – loving activity, but I don’t believe that there is much room for them on campus. Last week while walking to class along the breeze way, I was almost trampled by a two companion bicyclists speeding down the walkway. I was fortunate to being paying attention and quickly move out the way, but people are usually listening to their music which makes them more prone to not paying attention. It is still very dangerous and it is probably one of the most maneuverable modes of transportation there is.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

3 brainstorming ideas

1. People wearing other college shirts walking around the UCF campus. Then why did they come to UCF?
2. A lot of girls wear skimpy clothing. Are the trying to show off? Is it just the heat?
3. The over population of ths school. Effects classrooms, parking, learning ability, etc.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

FINAL DRAFT

One of my fondest memories had to be the first playoff football game I have ever been to. It was December 2007; the New England Patriots were playing the Jacksonville Jaguars. At around 11:00am my best friend Anthony and I arrived at Gillette stadium. The weather couldn’t have been more than a crisp 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Anthony surprised me with the tickets not letting me know where we were going to be sitting and observing the game; he said, “You will see for yourself, it’s a surprise”. A snarl from me soon followed, but I just wanted to get the day started so I let him have the satisfaction of surprising me.
As we pulled up, I noticed that we were pulling into the box seat parking lot; my smile couldn’t get any bigger. I was as happy as a 5 year old child opening up his presents on Christmas morning. Every parking lot was as full as it could be with at least a fifteen minute waiting period. We passed the gate and entered a practically empty parking lot. Before Anthony could put the car in park I opened my door and jumped out with anticipation. As soon as we became situated, we began to light a fire in the fire pit we brought to keep warm. Even though the weather was freezing, we began to set up around our car for tailgating. We ecstatically started to play beer pong in our snow gloves, Patriots sweatshirts and jackets. What first was an adrenaline rush soon became early stages of hypothermia; needless to say the first few beers took care of that. After starting the grill and polishing off a few hamburgers and hot dogs the game was just around the corner. We made our way up the packed escalator which seemed to be the stairway to heaven. As I walked by the concession stands into a crowd of 70,000 screaming fans, I knew I was in for the time of my life. As Anthony and I got to our seats all we saw was a sea of blue, silver, and red and white fans cheering for the game to start. As I sipped on my beer waiting for the horn to blow and the game to start, the Patriots marched onto the field with perfection and integrity. Everyone and I started shouting and chanting “P – A – T – S PATS! PATS! PATS!” as the Jacksonville Jaguars won the toss and elected to receive as the Patriots defended the North goal.
With the first quarter almost over and my heart beating like a lab rat, the Patriots could not be in control of the Jaguars, struggling to contain a surprise passing attack. The grip of my beer became more firm as the Jaguars shocked both the spectators and the Patriots with an 80-yard opening touchdown drive that were remarkable for the fact that the Jaguars took to the air. The Jaguars completed a 34-yard completion to Marcedes Lewis which was followed by an 8-yard touchdown pass that went to Matt Jones. It was the first time since Bill Belichick became the coach, that the Patriots have given up points on an opening drive in a playoff game. Now, it is finally time for the unstoppable Patriots to show what their unbelievable, record – setting offense was made of. The fans didn’t even seem fazed by Jacksonville’s score; confident that the Patriots couldn’t be subdued. The Patriots received the kickoff as the whole stadium erupts in udder chaos. Chad Jackson brings it out of the end zone like so many times before with intentions to run it back, but only made it to the 19 yard line. Finally, the anticipation was over, Brady and the phenomenal Patriots offense took the field like so many times before. Tom “terrific” walks up to the line for his first play with the sheer presence of greatness.”Blue forty two, blue forty two, set hut, hut, and the ball was snapped. Brady dropped back as Moss sprinted his way down the sideline, right before the ball left Brady’s hand, he was sacked. The fans were disappointed, but didn’t lose hope. They marched down the field and finished the drive with a touchdown pass to Ben Watson. At the end of the 1st quarter the score was 7 – 7 with the game tied.

Although we were feeling apprehensive about the second quarter Anthony and I knew the Patriots would come back with a bang. While the clumsy heavy set man next to us barely knew his name from being too intoxicated, the second quarter had begun. Just as we assumed the New England Patriots’ Maroney gets the ball back; with the crowd cheering as each of Maroney’s long strides came closer to a touchdown. As the spectators and I were all standing and shouting over joyful with the Patriots breaking the tie, the clumsy heavy set man next to me dropped his steaming hot nachos with cheese all over my brand new jersey. Holding my right hand in a fist ready to aim at his face, I tried not to lose my composure, cleaned up the mess and ignored the fact that I was sitting next to an ignoramus. Getting back in game mode everyone goes crazy as the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Garrard passes to Wilford scoring a touchdown. “BOO-BOO-BOO” everyone one is roaring. Toward the end of the 2nd quarter New England Patriots get the ball back but miss the field goal.
At the beginning of halftime, my right hand is numb from the bitter cold weather yet still clenched in a fist from wanting to punch ignoramus in the face. During halftime Anthony and I discussed the game over a cup of hot coffee roaming the concessions barely able to move with all the fans crowding around like a herd of cattle. Even though my jersey was ruined and I had almost got into a fight with the clumsy intoxicated man, I still was having the time of my life. I was at a New England Patriots game in box seats and couldn’t be happier. To spread my joy I decided to buy my two older brothers and I Tom Brady jerseys.
Starting the third quarter, I called my brothers and told them what a phenomenal time I was having and that I had some gifts for them when I got home. As the Patriots team of red, white, silver and nautical blue came trotting out from the locker rooms I knew they were ready to win it BIG. When your team is that good, you always have faith that the New England Patriots would come back strong and the second half. With the Patriots having the ball, wide receiver Wes Welker caught a pass scoring another TOUCHDOWN. My adrenaline was pumping as the Jaguars got the ball back and scored a field goal. Not to worry though, the New England Patriots came back with redemption, scoring a touchdown pass to Tight End Ben Watson ending the 3rd quarter.
The final quarter begins with the crowd chanting “P-A-T-S PATS! PATS! PATS! GO PATS”. The Jaguars start off the quarter driving the ball down the field and getting a field goal, leaving the Patriots no other option but to answer right back by getting a field goal for themselves. The crowd is so loud you can hardly hear the sports announcers. The Jacksonville Jaguars get the ball back with the clock ticking away. Rodney Harrison like the superstar that he is, comes out of nowhere intercepting the ball from the Jags and seals the deal. The volume of the spectators, cheerleaders, little children and the Patriots players had sprung to a deafening tone. Women and men hugging and kissing even pushing and shoving with gratification of the marvelous win by the New England Patriots.
As the chanting slowly came to a mumble, we reluctantly began to make our way to the parking lot. People were passing by still chanting for the Patriots as if they were still playing. As we made our way to the escalator I began to notice the effect the long day had on the fans. As I scanned the parking lot, I noticed people doing everything from sleeping to getting rowdy and “still” tailgating. My Friends and I made our way to the car arguing about who was the most sober to drive. As I look at Alex, I assertively announce to him that he is driving. As a few seconds passed I heard him mumble something about a play that he believed to still be going, immediately followed by a burp. As I turned to ask Greg, I noticed he was more focused on trying to walk, nonetheless drive. As Anthony and I started laughing we noticed that we were the only ones still consciously standing. I was reluctant to drive so I slide the keys over the hood to Anthony who began teasing me, announcing that he was the “Last man standing”. We both started laughing then proceeded to put our seatbelts on. As the car hit the highway and homebound we were, I began to reflect on the time that just passed. I took a look around at the noisy sleepers in the back and Anthony driving ever so intently. A smile boarded my face, as I knew that I had just experience one of the best times in my life.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

One of my fondest memories had to be the first playoff football game I have ever been to. It was December 2007; the New England Patriots were playing the Jacksonville Jaguars. At around 11:00am my best friend Anthony and I arrived at Gillette stadium. The weather couldn’t have been more than a crisp 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Anthony surprised me with the tickets not letting me know where we were going to be sitting and observing the game he said, “You will see for yourself, it’s a surprise”. Just wound up to get this day started and get to the game I let him have the satisfaction of surprising me.
As we pulled up, I noticed that we were pulling into the box seat parking lot; my smile couldn’t get any bigger. I was as happy as a 5 year old child opening up his presents on Christmas morning. Every parking lot was as full as it could be with at least a fifteen minute waiting period. We passed the gate and entered a practically empty parking lot. Before Anthony could put the car in park I opened my door and jumped out with anticipation. As soon as we became situated, we began to light a fire in the fire pit we brought to keep warm. Even though the weather was freezing, we began to set up around our car for tailgating. We ecstatically started to play beer pong in our snow gloves, Patriots sweatshirts and jackets. What first was an adrenaline rush soon became early stages of hypothermia; needless to say the first few beers took care of that. After starting the grill and polishing off a few hamburgers and hot dogs the game was just around the corner. We made our way up the packed escalator which seemed to be the stairway to heaven. As I walked by the concession stands into a crowd of 70,000 screaming fans, I knew I was in for the time of my life. As Anthony and I got to our seats all we saw was a sea of blue, silver, and red and white fans cheering for the game to start. As I sipped on my beer waiting for the horn to blow and the game to start, the Patriots marched onto the field with perfection and integrity. Everyone and I started shouting and chanting “P – A – T – S PATS! PATS! PATS!” as the Jacksonville Jaguars won the toss and elected to receive as the Patriots defended the North goal.
With the first quarter almost over and my heart beating like a lab rat, the Patriots could not be in control of the Jaguars, struggling to contain a surprise passing attack. The grip of my beer became more firm as the Jaguars shocked both the spectators and the Patriots with an 80-yard opening touchdown drive that were remarkable for the fact that the Jaguars took to the air. The Jaguars completed a 34-yard completion to Marcedes Lewis with an 8-yard touchdown pass that went to Matt Jones. It was the first time since Bill Belichick became the coach that the Patriots have given up points on an opening drive in a playoff game. Now it is finally time for the unstoppable Patriots to show what their unbelievable, record – setting offense was made of. The fans didn’t even seem fazed by Jacksonville’s score, confident that the Patriots couldn’t be subdued. The Patriots receive the kickoff as the whole stadium erupts in udder chaos. Chad Jackson brings it out of the end zone like so many times before with intentions to run it back, but only made it to the 19 yard line. Finally, the anticipation was over, Brady and the phenomenal Patriots offense took the field like so many times before. Tom terrific walks up to the line for his first play with the sheer presence of greatness.”Blue forty two, blue forty two, set hut, hut, and the ball snapped. Brady dropped back as Moss sprinted his way down the sideline, right before the ball left Brady’s hand, he was sacked. The fans were disappointed but didn’t lose hope. They marched down the field and finished the drive with a touchdown pass to Ben Watson . At the end of the 1st quarter the score was 7 – 7 with the game tied.

Although we were feeling apprehensive about the second quarter Anthony and I knew the Patriots would come back with a bang. While the clumsy heavy set man next to us barely knew his name from being too intoxicated the second quarter had begun. Just as we assumed the New England Patriots Maroney gets the ball back; with the crowd cheering as each of Maroney’s long strides came closer to a touchdown. As the spectators and I were all standing and shouting over joyful with the Patriots breaking the tie, the clumsy heavy set man next to me dropped his steaming hot nachos with cheese all over my brand new jersey. Holding my right hand in a fist ready to aim at his face I tried not to lose my composure, cleaned up the mess and ignored the fact that I was sitting next to an ignoramus. Getting back in game mode everyone goes crazy as the Jacksonville Jaguars player Garrad passes to Wilford scoring a touchdown. “BOO-BOO-BOO” everyone one is roaring. To end the 2nd quarter New England Patriots get the ball back but miss the field goal.
At the beginning of halftime my right hand is numb from the bitter cold weather yet still clenched in a fist from wanting to punch ignoramus in the face. During halftime Anthony and I discussed the game over a cup of hot coffee roaming the concessions barely able to move with all the fans crowding around like a herd of cattle. Even though my jersey was ruined and I had almost got in a fight the clumsy intoxicated man, I still was having the time of my life. I was at a New England Patriots game in box seats and couldn’t be happier. To spread my joy I decided to buy my two older brothers and I Tom Brady jerseys.
Starting the third quarter I called my brothers and told them what a phenomenal time I was having and that I had some gifts for them when I got home. As the Patriots team of red, white, silver and nautical blue came trotting out from the locker rooms I knew they were ready to win it BIG and had faith our New England team would come back strong and this second half. With the Patriots having the ball, player Welker caught a pass scoring another TOUCHDOWN. My adrenaline was pumping as the Jaguars get the ball back and scoring a field goal but not to worry New England Patriots come back for redemption scoring a touchdown pass to player Ben Watson ending the 3rd quarter.
The final quarter begins with the crowd chanting “P-A-T-S PATS! PATS! PATS! GO PATS”. The Jaguars start off the quarter driving the ball down the field and getting a field goal, leaving the Patriots no other option but to answer right back by getting a field goal for themselves. The crowd is so loud you can hardly hear the sports announcer, Jacksonville gets the ball back with the clock ticking away. Rodney Harrison like the superstar that he is comes out of nowhere intercepting the ball from the Jags and seals the deal. The volume of the spectators, cheerleaders, little children and the Patriots players had sprung to a deafening tone. Women and men hugging and kissing even pushing and shoving with gratification of the marvelous win by the New England Patriots.
As the chanting slowly came to a mumble, we reluctantly began to make our way to the parking lot. People were passing by still chanting for the Patriots as if they were still playing. As we made our way to the escalator I began to notice the effect the long day had on the fans. As I scanned the parking lot, I noticed people doing everything from sleeping to getting rowdy and still tailgating. My Friends and I made our way to the car arguing about who was the most sober to drive. That argument quickly came to a halt as Anthony and myself were the only ones still standing. I was reluctant to drive so I gave the keys to Anthony. As the car hit the highway and homebound we were, I began to reflect on the time that just passed. I took a look around the car at the noisy sleepers in the back and Anthony driving ever so intently, I knew that I had just experience one of the best times in my life.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Ms. Moody
Nicholas Byers
September 15, 2009
I believe that the review process that we did in class was extremely helpful. The proof reading of my draft was very particular in what I should improve and be more insightful about. I do not know if it was just the person’s personal opinion, but nonetheless, it was very helpful.
The most important information I got from my proof reader was to show more emotion. I am very passionate about the game and what I wrote about, but I think sometimes I fail to show my intensity. This occasion in my life has impacted me greatly and I believe that sometimes it is hard to write about and express all the emotions that I felt on that particular day. One important method that the proof reader gave me, which I’m extremely grateful for, is to sit down for a day and try and relive the situation. Relive all the emotions: the smell, the feeling, the excitement, even the cold. Tonight when I get home I’m going to sit in silence and project myself to this experience. This tool I feel could be very helpful. Another hint I was given, was to express the actual game more, and scenarios during the game. This could also enhance the memoir greatly, but I already planned on doing so. I just haven’t got to it yet.
I am very grateful for this exercise and the proof reader’s remarks. I know that by doing this, that this particular scenario in the memoir will get across very intensively and the reader will be able to relate a lot easier. I will take all of my critiquing very serious and it will show on my final copy.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

single scene from memior

One of my fondest memories had to be the first playoff football game I ever been too. It was December 2007; the patriots were playing the Jacksonville jaguars. I arrived at 11:00 at Gillette stadium. The weather couldn’t of been more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. My friend Anthony surprised me with tickets not letting me know where we were going to be sitting. Anthony said, “It’s a surprise”. Just excited to go to the game I let him get the satisfaction of surprising us.As we were pulling up, I noticed that we were pulling into the box seat parking lot. Every parking lot was as full as it could be with an at least a fifteen minute waiting period. We passed the gate and entered a virtually empty parking lot. As soon as we parked the car, we began trying to light a fire in this fire pit we brought. Even though the weather was freezing, we began to play beer pong in our snow gloves, sweatshirts and jackets. What first was an adrenaline rush, soon became early stages of hypothermia. Needless to say the first few beers took care of that. After starting the grill and polishing off a few hamburgers and hot dogs the game was just around the corner. We made our way up the packed escalator to which seemed to be the stairway to heaven. As I walked by the concessions into a crowd of 70,000 screaming fan, I knew I was in for a time I would never forget.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

3 ideas for memiors

1.Being in trouble with the law as an adolescent and how it effects me then. Also, how it changed me today.


2.How big of a part sports play in my life.


3. My close relationship with my grandmother and how her death as well as her life has impacted my life.


What is it about?

1. This idea is about the problems I had growing up. I've always been energetic and I guess looking for different outlets, I choose to go down the wrong path. I do believe that if i hadn't chosen to do so then i wouldn't be the person that I am today.
2. I love sports. My whole childhood I played every sport i could get my hands on. My one true love is football, but I just like getting out and competing.
3. My grandmother and I were inseparable until the age of seven. She was everything to me. She lived right below me and if she was home, I was by her side. Her death was very hard on me and it had a strong impact on me.

So What?

1. Getting into trouble growing up had sculpted me in the person I am today. I believe the chooses I made were wrong, but at the same time, I could still be making these wrong decisions if I hadn't got them out of my system at a young age.
2.Playing football is a way of life for me. Even though I didn't make the best decisions growing up, it could of been a lot worse if i hadn't had football as an outlet. Any time something is bothering me, football takes my mind off of it.
3. If i could spend a day with anyone dead or alive, hands down it would be my grandmother. She is the strongest person I have ever met, and I know if I could have half the strength she had, then everything will be OK.