Assessment Strategies Assignments

So I just got out of my Assessment Strategies class and we just got a bnch of work thrown at us that's all due before break. First we have to create a test, read a chapter in the book and do a notecard on it. Then we have to create an authentic type of assessment, read chapter's two more chapters and do notecards for them. After all that, we have a final project that's due the class after we return from break. Is it just me or does everyone feel a little overwhelmed with the workload that we seem to have before break. I'm going to go nuts!

NFL Scouting Combine

I've been watching the combine and there are some pretty impressive performances. One of the running backs ran 4.24 in the 40 yard dash. Another imprssive performance was that Jake Long of Michigan and Vernon Gholston of Ohio State tied for the combine lead with 37 reps with 225 pounds on the bench press. There were also some impressive performances in the broad jump with one athlete jumping 11'4'' from a standing position. By far the most frightening sight to see was linemmen over 300 pounds running 4.9 in the 40 yard dash. There is still two more days of workouts so there's bound to be some more great marks put up.

Digital Camera Photography

I'm sure most people love their digital camera, but I think I'm a little more obsessed with. I got it about two years ago and use it like it's my job. Besides mountain biking, photography is my other hobby that I just love. When I'm bored I will just go for walks and take pictures because I enjoy it so much. My favorite themes of photography are nature and taking action shots during sporting events. I've gotten really good at timing the shutter and flash to take great action shots that some athletes actually ask me to take their picture. I would have to say that nature is by far the best subject area. I love taking pictures of animals and diferent types of fungus the best. My camera's resolution surprises me as well. I've developed many 8 x 10's and they come out so crisp and clear. Right now I am pleased with the camera I have now, an Olympus Stylus 7.1 megapixel. Eventually I am definitely going to get a Cannon or Nikon Digital SLR and continue taking pictures of anything and everything.

High School Basketball

I went to watch a few high school basketball games these past couple weekends. Usually I'm not a huge fan of high school sports, but there was one team that was pretty amazing. North East High School is awesome. The game I went to they won 93-47, they have no starters over six feet tall. They are ranked first in class AA in District 10 and fourth in the state of PA. From what I have seen, I think they have a pretty good chance at taking the stae title. They are fast, they constantly pass, and they are very unselfish. Seeing high school athletes do no look, behind the back, and through the leg passes like it's routine for them is something to see. I hope the team goes far into the playoffs and possibly win the state title.

Parents and Computers

Is it just me, or are most parents dead to the world when it comes to computers? I recently had to help my parents look for a new computer because they have no idea what to look for. The only thing they know how to do is type and use the internet. Other than that, my parents don't really understand the other things the computer can do. I even have to help my dad turn the computer off sometimes. My mom is a little better, but niether of them know how to look at or download attachments sent through email. If all they need to do is type then they should just still use a type writer. I had to explain to my parents what to look for and why some things are better than others, and then I had to print out a breakdown of all the features and tech specs that the computer would come with. Hopefully they get to know more about computers becasue I won' be around forever.

Assessment Strategies Lesson

Today I had to teach a lesson to the class in Assessment Strategies. I'm always nervous before I teacha lesson but it always turns out very well. My lesson was on locomotor movements and then I capped it off with a game of Ultimate Frisbee to incorporate all the skills. The class really seem to love the game of Ultimate Frisbee. After the lesson was complete I got feedback from Dr. Nichols and all it was all pretty good, he was pleased with how the lesson went. It's tough to get the lesson going but once it starts I feel a whole lot better and everything just seems to flow.

Are young throwing athletes making a mistake?

I'm sure many athletes have heard of Tommy John Surgery. This surgery is done for those who have had a major elbow injury mainly caused from the overhead throwing motion. The claim is that those that have had the surgery come back htrowing stronger. The problem is that young pitchers and any other young athletes that use the overhead throwing motion a lot in their sports are getting this surgery for no reason. They are taking a perfectly good ligament from their arm and replacing it with one usually taken from the leg just because some athletes say they come back from surgery stronger. What are these athletes and there parents thinking going through with this surgery that is only done for major elbow injuries when their elbow is in great condition as it is? I think this will eventually hurt these athletes down the road in their respective sports. Also, do doctors actually think that they are helping an athlete doing this surgery when it is not needed? At this point parents, doctors, and the athletes themselves really need to think about what they are doing with their health and how it might affect them later in life.

PDA's and Pocket PC's

I'd love to get a PDA or pocket PC, but I don't know which model or brand to choose. I've been doing a little research on my own through PC MAgazine and online and have came across a few that are said to be pretty near the top of the list. The one I always hear about is the Palm TX which I am kind of leaning towards. However, the other two that I also have heard good things about are the HP pocket PC's and the Dell Axim's. I've seen and looked at many different HP ones but only a few are available from their website. The Dell which I have also looked at doesn't seem to be available at all on their website the last few times I've looked. I've heard good things about all of them, but if anyone knows more than me or which brand/model is the best then please comment back.