As I said on Facebook, I generally don't condone breaking the ules, and I don't condone covering it up when it does happen. And I don't this time.
But in this case, I think some people should step back and take a look at just what happened here. And what that was entailed some college kids who sold objects that had belonged to them.
Yes, I realize that it's a bit more complicated than that. But that is, in fact, what happened-- some college kids sold some objects that had belonged to them.
OK, I know the NCAA is concerned about schemes that amount to what might be considered a situation where its players are being paid for their play. But for one thing, it seems to me that if you give a player objects of value, then in fact you have paid that player, whether or not the player turns around and sells the objects right away, or in a month, a year, or hangs onto it forever.
All right, putting that issue aside, you let a player receive objects of value, and then tell him that he can't sell them? Really? So to what extent does the player really own that object?
Think about the position the players are in. NCAA football is big business, and they all know it. They see all the money it brings in-- to the schools, to the coaches, the sponsors and everyone else. They know that the money is ultimately coming in because people want to see them play. Yet they're not allowed to get any of the money.
It doesn't excuse what they did, but it has to be difficult for some of them, especially the ones who come from poor families. Again, I'm not saying that the players aren't culpable-- I'm just saying: Is it really that difficult to understand why they did what they did? And keeping that in mind, is what Ray Small said so unbelievable? Not that he didn't exercise poor judgment by saying what he said publicly when he said it, but that the actual content of what he said is not surprising. Players are selling memorabilia that has been given to them? Excuse me while I stand here paralyzed in shock---not!!!
Still, it's the rule, and you're supposed to follow the rules. And Tressel, who is older and was in a position where he was responsible for keeping the program in line, should definitely know that. If he was at all confused about what to do, then he should have consulted an attorney. Or maybe he did, in which case the problem was that he sould have consulted a *good* attorney.
Therefore, I do think that punishment was merited. I just don't think it was deserved anywhere near to the point that it was served. But by the time all the Barney Fifes of the NCAA jump all over it (or in this case, merely the *threat* of them jumping all over it, because it still hasn't gotten that far), you would think that someone broke into the National Archives and tore up the Constitution.
And the result is that, among other things, a good man's reputation has been tarnished forever. Also, great coach. I have been following Ohio State football since 1968, and to me, Jim Tressel is by far the best football coach the Buckeyes have had during my fandom. (Yes, I said 1968, and yes, I said "the best." And no, I didn't forget anyone.)
Shame on the NCAA. I know it's too much to hope it will change its rules any time soon, but for Pete's sake, can't it just take a few minutes to step back and take a good look at what's really happening? With all the truly serious transgressions that are going on, such as drug usage and recruiting violations, the NCAA sorely needs to reevaluate the importance of the issues that exist in today's world of college football.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
New Words
I don't know if they still do it, but Reader's Digest used to make up new words with definitions. My favorite is "xiidigitation: The process of determining the age of a TV show or film by deciphering the Roman numerals."
I decided to make my own list. It's a short one thus far. The first three all have to do with driving:
aviglace -- noun. definition: ice that flies off of a vehicle in motion
maintedroit-- verb. definition: the act of staying to the right side of the road until the last possible moment when merging onto a highway from the right
(note: the final t may be silent, in keeping with the French root, or it may be pronounced. Also, the sister word to this is "maintegauche" in cases where the merge is from the left.)
leftdangle-- verb. Definition: The action of, when attempting to make a left turn against oncoming traffic, encountering a vehicle heading in the other direction and also attempting to make a left turn, then drifting into the opposite lane, only to have the other vehicle complete the turn, leaving the given vehicle in the position where it is blocking lanes in both directions
popblockage-- Noun. Definition: When one is attempting to drink pop from a glass or cup, the situation caused by an ice cube that positions itself just below the rim, making it impossible to drink
I decided to make my own list. It's a short one thus far. The first three all have to do with driving:
aviglace -- noun. definition: ice that flies off of a vehicle in motion
maintedroit-- verb. definition: the act of staying to the right side of the road until the last possible moment when merging onto a highway from the right
(note: the final t may be silent, in keeping with the French root, or it may be pronounced. Also, the sister word to this is "maintegauche" in cases where the merge is from the left.)
leftdangle-- verb. Definition: The action of, when attempting to make a left turn against oncoming traffic, encountering a vehicle heading in the other direction and also attempting to make a left turn, then drifting into the opposite lane, only to have the other vehicle complete the turn, leaving the given vehicle in the position where it is blocking lanes in both directions
popblockage-- Noun. Definition: When one is attempting to drink pop from a glass or cup, the situation caused by an ice cube that positions itself just below the rim, making it impossible to drink
Do you Twitter?
I don't. I'm wondering whether I should though.
I don't always want everyone to know what I'm doing. And I often don't want everyone to know what I'm thinking. If I do, it usually takes me more than a couple lines to relate it.
Also, I don't have an iphone and don't think Twitter is a good enough reason by itself to get one. So I would only Twitter from home, for the most part, so none of this on-the-go stuff.
On the other hand, it might help to enhance my sports writing contacts.
I don't know--- a lot of me is like Austin Carr as far as this subject is concerned-- no true desire to jump on the bandwagon.
Any thoughts?
I don't always want everyone to know what I'm doing. And I often don't want everyone to know what I'm thinking. If I do, it usually takes me more than a couple lines to relate it.
Also, I don't have an iphone and don't think Twitter is a good enough reason by itself to get one. So I would only Twitter from home, for the most part, so none of this on-the-go stuff.
On the other hand, it might help to enhance my sports writing contacts.
I don't know--- a lot of me is like Austin Carr as far as this subject is concerned-- no true desire to jump on the bandwagon.
Any thoughts?
A quandary...
That thing in the INFP description that explains that we can become confused and paralyzd when it come to what to do with their lives... I'm dealing with some of that right now.
I'm looking to increase my income, because one of my part-time positions has been a disappointment as far as producing work. That leaves me part-time at one pension company and part-time with the newspaper. I want to keep doing both, but I need more income over the long-term, and I am thinking I might like to add on by doing something totally different from anything I have done before.
The problem is, I'm not sure how to go about searching for something like that, and so I feel stuck at the moment-- which goes back to the INFP description. In a way, it's comforting to know that this difficulty is something that has to do with my personality, because it doesn't feel so much like a personal weakness. But I don't want that to prevent me from moving forward with my search, whatever form that takes.
I've been a bit spoiled in recent years. Things that I end up doing have mostly found me rather than the other way around. I know I can't rely on that happening though.
But how do I look for something when I can't even identify what it is? I have looked through the classifieds in the newspaper to see if they give me any ideas. But there aren't as many there as there used to be, and nothing has jumped out.
Maybe I should find a career coach? I don't know.
I don't like feeling paralyzed. And I feel as though I have more to give, and I want to follow through on it. It bothers me that I don't know what that would be, and that I don't know how to find it.
I don't mean to sound so negative. I can't complain overall. But I would sure like to at least make some progress on this...
I'm looking to increase my income, because one of my part-time positions has been a disappointment as far as producing work. That leaves me part-time at one pension company and part-time with the newspaper. I want to keep doing both, but I need more income over the long-term, and I am thinking I might like to add on by doing something totally different from anything I have done before.
The problem is, I'm not sure how to go about searching for something like that, and so I feel stuck at the moment-- which goes back to the INFP description. In a way, it's comforting to know that this difficulty is something that has to do with my personality, because it doesn't feel so much like a personal weakness. But I don't want that to prevent me from moving forward with my search, whatever form that takes.
I've been a bit spoiled in recent years. Things that I end up doing have mostly found me rather than the other way around. I know I can't rely on that happening though.
But how do I look for something when I can't even identify what it is? I have looked through the classifieds in the newspaper to see if they give me any ideas. But there aren't as many there as there used to be, and nothing has jumped out.
Maybe I should find a career coach? I don't know.
I don't like feeling paralyzed. And I feel as though I have more to give, and I want to follow through on it. It bothers me that I don't know what that would be, and that I don't know how to find it.
I don't mean to sound so negative. I can't complain overall. But I would sure like to at least make some progress on this...
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Greetings from an INFP...
This week, I looked over a summary of my personality inventory, which was derived from an assessment I once took.
For those of you not familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality inventory, it's an assessment that is widely used. Realizing, of course, that everyone is an individual, and that personalities have a tendency to change over time, it can be very helpful in understanding how we react to things, why we do things, etc.
I took it some time ago, probably in the early 90's, when I was looking into changing careers. Right now, I'm looking into perhaps starting a new career while keeping a foot in pensions and one in sports writing (I know, that doesn't leave a lot of feet to go around), so when I happened to look over the summary of my personality inventory the other day, it was helpful.
Myers-Briggs uses four categories, and groups people into two classifications in each category. Thus, there are 16 possible outcomes. Mine is INFP (Introverted vs Extroverted, iNtuitive vs Sensing, Feeling vs Thinking, Perceiving vs Judging). According to what I was told when I took the test, INFPs comprise less than 1% of the population. I guess that makes us really special. Hahahaha.
When I took the test, it helped me to realize that some of my traits that I tended to think of as weaknesses were actually neither that nor strengths-- just aspects of my personality. That was a useful lesson, and it helped me to feel better about myself. When I looked at it the other day, it reminded me of the same thing with regard to things that are applicable to what I'm going through now. For example, it shed some light on why I seem to be stuck right now on how to expand my career.
Below is a description of an INFP, from personalitypage.com. Reading it, not everything about me is accurate. But so much of it is dead-on:
Portrait of an INFP - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving
(Introverted Feeling with Extraverted Intuition)
________________________________________
The Idealist
As an INFP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.
INFPs, more than other iNtuitive Feeling types, are focused on making the world a better place for people. Their primary goal is to find out their meaning in life. What is their purpose? How can they best serve humanity in their lives? They are idealists and perfectionists, who drive themselves hard in their quest for achieving the goals they have identified for themselves
INFPs are highly intuitive about people. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life. The goal at the end of the path is always the same - the INFP is driven to help people and make the world a better place.
Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.
INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right. They don't want to feel badly. This trait sometimes makes them appear irrational and illogical in conflict situations. On the other hand, INFPs make very good mediators, and are typically good at solving other people's conflicts, because they intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them.
INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".
When it comes to the mundane details of life maintenance, INFPs are typically completely unaware of such things. They might go for long periods without noticing a stain on the carpet, but carefully and meticulously brush a speck of dust off of their project booklet.
INFPs do not like to deal with hard facts and logic. Their focus on their feelings and the Human Condition makes it difficult for them to deal with impersonal judgment. They don't understand or believe in the validity of impersonal judgment, which makes them naturally rather ineffective at using it. Most INFPs will avoid impersonal analysis, although some have developed this ability and are able to be quite logical. Under stress, it's not uncommon for INFPs to mis-use hard logic in the heat of anger, throwing out fact after (often inaccurate) fact in an emotional outburst.
INFPs have very high standards and are perfectionists. Consequently, they are usually hard on themselves, and don't give themselves enough credit. INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group. In group situations, they may have a "control" problem. The INFP needs to work on balancing their high ideals with the requirements of every day living. Without resolving this conflict, they will never be happy with themselves, and they may become confused and paralyzed about what to do with their lives.
INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkard and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper. INFPs also appear frequently in social service professions, such as counselling or teaching. They are at their best in situations where they're working towards the public good, and in which they don't need to use hard logic.
INFPs who function in their well-developed sides can accomplish great and wonderful things, which they will rarely give themselves credit for. Some of the great, humanistic catalysts in the world have been INFPs.
Jungian functional preference ordering:
Dominant: Introverted Feeling
Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition
Tertiary: Introverted Sensing
Inferior: Extraverted Thinking
For those of you not familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality inventory, it's an assessment that is widely used. Realizing, of course, that everyone is an individual, and that personalities have a tendency to change over time, it can be very helpful in understanding how we react to things, why we do things, etc.
I took it some time ago, probably in the early 90's, when I was looking into changing careers. Right now, I'm looking into perhaps starting a new career while keeping a foot in pensions and one in sports writing (I know, that doesn't leave a lot of feet to go around), so when I happened to look over the summary of my personality inventory the other day, it was helpful.
Myers-Briggs uses four categories, and groups people into two classifications in each category. Thus, there are 16 possible outcomes. Mine is INFP (Introverted vs Extroverted, iNtuitive vs Sensing, Feeling vs Thinking, Perceiving vs Judging). According to what I was told when I took the test, INFPs comprise less than 1% of the population. I guess that makes us really special. Hahahaha.
When I took the test, it helped me to realize that some of my traits that I tended to think of as weaknesses were actually neither that nor strengths-- just aspects of my personality. That was a useful lesson, and it helped me to feel better about myself. When I looked at it the other day, it reminded me of the same thing with regard to things that are applicable to what I'm going through now. For example, it shed some light on why I seem to be stuck right now on how to expand my career.
Below is a description of an INFP, from personalitypage.com. Reading it, not everything about me is accurate. But so much of it is dead-on:
Portrait of an INFP - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving
(Introverted Feeling with Extraverted Intuition)
________________________________________
The Idealist
As an INFP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.
INFPs, more than other iNtuitive Feeling types, are focused on making the world a better place for people. Their primary goal is to find out their meaning in life. What is their purpose? How can they best serve humanity in their lives? They are idealists and perfectionists, who drive themselves hard in their quest for achieving the goals they have identified for themselves
INFPs are highly intuitive about people. They rely heavily on their intuitions to guide them, and use their discoveries to constantly search for value in life. They are on a continuous mission to find the truth and meaning underlying things. Every encounter and every piece of knowledge gained gets sifted through the INFP's value system, and is evaluated to see if it has any potential to help the INFP define or refine their own path in life. The goal at the end of the path is always the same - the INFP is driven to help people and make the world a better place.
Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.
INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right. They don't want to feel badly. This trait sometimes makes them appear irrational and illogical in conflict situations. On the other hand, INFPs make very good mediators, and are typically good at solving other people's conflicts, because they intuitively understand people's perspectives and feelings, and genuinely want to help them.
INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".
When it comes to the mundane details of life maintenance, INFPs are typically completely unaware of such things. They might go for long periods without noticing a stain on the carpet, but carefully and meticulously brush a speck of dust off of their project booklet.
INFPs do not like to deal with hard facts and logic. Their focus on their feelings and the Human Condition makes it difficult for them to deal with impersonal judgment. They don't understand or believe in the validity of impersonal judgment, which makes them naturally rather ineffective at using it. Most INFPs will avoid impersonal analysis, although some have developed this ability and are able to be quite logical. Under stress, it's not uncommon for INFPs to mis-use hard logic in the heat of anger, throwing out fact after (often inaccurate) fact in an emotional outburst.
INFPs have very high standards and are perfectionists. Consequently, they are usually hard on themselves, and don't give themselves enough credit. INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group. In group situations, they may have a "control" problem. The INFP needs to work on balancing their high ideals with the requirements of every day living. Without resolving this conflict, they will never be happy with themselves, and they may become confused and paralyzed about what to do with their lives.
INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkard and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper. INFPs also appear frequently in social service professions, such as counselling or teaching. They are at their best in situations where they're working towards the public good, and in which they don't need to use hard logic.
INFPs who function in their well-developed sides can accomplish great and wonderful things, which they will rarely give themselves credit for. Some of the great, humanistic catalysts in the world have been INFPs.
Jungian functional preference ordering:
Dominant: Introverted Feeling
Auxiliary: Extraverted Intuition
Tertiary: Introverted Sensing
Inferior: Extraverted Thinking
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