Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
What's getting you out of bed this morning?
Good morning. Here's some motivation to go with that first cup of coffee.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Sport's "Modern Condition"
As the early dawn rises on another college football season (though with it's current length, I'd consider it more of a "semester"), it's time to catch up on the NCAA's favorite storyline: Johnny Football. Johnny Manziel shocked, dazzled, and amazed the nation last year as he quarterbacked a resurgent Texas A&M football team on his way to a Heisman Trophy (college football's highest honor). And he did all of this as a freshman.
Witnessing such a nebula of talent like Johnny Manziel makes it easy to understand why the media would have such a focus on his budding career. What you wouldn't expect is that the majority of that attention is for all of the wrong reasons. Numerous incidents this past summer involving social media, club appearances, gambling trips, and an infamous signing incident have created an alarmingly polarizing figure in the eyes of the American public. The attention surrounding Johnny Manziel rivals that of an overnight Hollywood celebrity super-craze. Many cheer on who they see to be the best thing since sliced bread, while all the others sit around and wait for the next chance to chime in on a messageboard about why so-and-so's behavior was "so reprehensible". But why does this phenomena exist? Is it the money flooding into college sports? Is it too much pressure for a 20 year old? Or is it just that we have a kid who wants to express himself the only way he knows how; by beaming footballs into the endzone on Saturdays? We are far from knowing how this story will play out, but in the meantime it is worthwhile to read this ESPN feature article on Manziel to catch a glimpse of what the "modern condition" seems to have done to Texas' own: "Johnny Football".
"The work of Kafka sums up the modern condition better than anything else: a fruitless search for meaning while you are persecuted for nameless offenses." - Milarepa
Witnessing such a nebula of talent like Johnny Manziel makes it easy to understand why the media would have such a focus on his budding career. What you wouldn't expect is that the majority of that attention is for all of the wrong reasons. Numerous incidents this past summer involving social media, club appearances, gambling trips, and an infamous signing incident have created an alarmingly polarizing figure in the eyes of the American public. The attention surrounding Johnny Manziel rivals that of an overnight Hollywood celebrity super-craze. Many cheer on who they see to be the best thing since sliced bread, while all the others sit around and wait for the next chance to chime in on a messageboard about why so-and-so's behavior was "so reprehensible". But why does this phenomena exist? Is it the money flooding into college sports? Is it too much pressure for a 20 year old? Or is it just that we have a kid who wants to express himself the only way he knows how; by beaming footballs into the endzone on Saturdays? We are far from knowing how this story will play out, but in the meantime it is worthwhile to read this ESPN feature article on Manziel to catch a glimpse of what the "modern condition" seems to have done to Texas' own: "Johnny Football".
"The work of Kafka sums up the modern condition better than anything else: a fruitless search for meaning while you are persecuted for nameless offenses." - Milarepa
Calvin & Hobbes: True Sportsmen
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Tuesday, September 3, 2013
The Crash Reel: An in-depth look at how one head injury changes everything
The Crash Reel is a "game-changing" documentary presented by HBO on the life and career of champion Snowboarder Kevin Pearce, and his struggles with the reality of a severe head injury suffered in a training accident. Anyone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury, or even a concussion will be able to relate to this young man's story as his life (and Olympic dreams) were tossed into a sea of uncertainty after a crash on the half-pipe.
Kevin's long, delicate recovery and the unconditional care of his family stand in stark contrast to a reckless sporting culture that constantly strives to push through the boundaries of what is thought to be possible. As the effects of head injuries continue to gain attention from concerned sport officials and parents, this documentary could not be more relevant nor hit closer to home. It is gut-wrenching to watch former athletes struggle through simple tasks of their daily lives because of head injuries sustained from sports that provide no support for those who are no longer able to perform. The Crash Reel is a powerful documentary and a must see for anyone who has ever put their mind at risk for sport.
Kevin's long, delicate recovery and the unconditional care of his family stand in stark contrast to a reckless sporting culture that constantly strives to push through the boundaries of what is thought to be possible. As the effects of head injuries continue to gain attention from concerned sport officials and parents, this documentary could not be more relevant nor hit closer to home. It is gut-wrenching to watch former athletes struggle through simple tasks of their daily lives because of head injuries sustained from sports that provide no support for those who are no longer able to perform. The Crash Reel is a powerful documentary and a must see for anyone who has ever put their mind at risk for sport.
The Sporting Mind is back!
It feels good to be back!
The Sporting Mind has been busy making some big transitions this summer but is now ready to deliver your favorite daily content from the world of sport and performance. Now comfortably set up in a great new office, The Sporting Mind looks forward to presenting quality daily content from the far reaches of the internet in a pleasant an presentable way. Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
-TSM
The Sporting Mind has been busy making some big transitions this summer but is now ready to deliver your favorite daily content from the world of sport and performance. Now comfortably set up in a great new office, The Sporting Mind looks forward to presenting quality daily content from the far reaches of the internet in a pleasant an presentable way. Thank you for reading, and enjoy!
-TSM
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