Dubai - proposed changes

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Mon, 05 Apr 2004 13:10:22 GMT

Tom.....HOOOOOAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!! Army Rules!!!!!! Spent some time at Camp Pendleton..Took the easy way out... joined the Army!!!!:D At least it wasn't the Air Force!!!!!;)

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2004 17:44:20 GMT

Kiwi: I am seriously impressed with your accomplishments especially since you deal with type two diabetes…. I have never swam an open water swim over 10K…and that was akin to being in the grinder. I was totally blown away at some of the serious long distances you swim and what makes it more incredible is your starting so late in life. As with Old Dog, my hat is off to you…..your an animal my friend….a serious animal….and that is a complement here in USA Swimming.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2004 17:28:26 GMT

Thanks Old Dog, I always wanted to be a swimmer as a child but the opportunity wasn't there. So I learnt to swim at 33. When I first joined a masters team I thought they were so serious, caps and goggles and speedos. (I thought speedos were for Olympic athletes) I knew sidestroke and a form of freestyle. I thought the workouts on the board were like a foreign language. So, with pun intended, I have come a long way. OVercoming a huge fear of the open water, but totally loving anything and most strokes, (I can only do breastroke with a fly kick) that has to do with swimming. I am proud of all of my achievements, but the one I especially love was at 45 I was selected to swim in the National 10km Open Water swim. IN a very cool 55 degrees I jumped in with the other swimmers. We swam in the ocean in a quite confusing loop system. I had to fight the incoming and cold water for 45 mins at the end. The first swimmer ( 18 yr old male) completed the course in 1hr 57. The first female (17) finished in 2 hrs 02. And I finished in 2 hours and 36 mins. Managing Type 1 Diabetes during training and especially during the swims longer than 45 mins, I have to stop to take on carbs. this is extremely costly in time (45 secs+), which in the National Championship 5km Open Water is a lot. In swims longer than 90 mins I have to also stop and test my blood for sugar levels and then take on a measured amount of carbs and or protein drinks. It is not easy treading water and drying a hand, testing keeping the thing dry. I can tell you cramps in the legs are awful out there !! I keep these times seperate from feeding breaks (every 45 mins for the first 30 mins and 30 mins after that. But I simply love to swim. I so much love to set new goals, challenge myself and achieve them. As my team mates say, Look out if you swim in that lane you will be doing those crazy distances. And at meets they love to remind me, 2 lengths and get out. Our coach started the 26km race last year by saying, "your workout is one length. Pace well and stay even" :p My Motto: To motivate add water.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2004 08:15:59 GMT

Wayne: You big knuckle head...I knew all of that stuff about Connie...I was attempting to make her out as some tough guy Jar Head ...so none of these guys would have an interest...then....I could have had a shot for myself...Now I am going to have to compete with the rest of these animals... :( Heck, now I'll have to use VO2 Max Shampoo just to keep up....Gosh, she is already giving MY gold stars to Tracy... and he isn't a former Jar Head like we are...he is a retired dog face...can it get any worse Wayne...the single poster girl for USMS giving a ret. dog face a Jar Head's gold star....wow, what is this world coming to....

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2004 07:56:26 GMT

Wow, I can't believe I read all 11 pages. I have Ion on my ignor list, unfortunately others bring up his words as quotes. Simply amazing how self centered. There are so many peole in Masters swimming with stories such as Tom's, all who value hard work over praise. The rest of the world is really just like us, it is the FINA officials who are messed up. I do like the way Australia had more events though, every thing from 25 meters to 400 meters. What would be really cool would be for someone to have the record in a stroke and age group for say the 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 meters breaststroke or fly. I can think of a few americans who could do it. Just would be very hard to be good from a true sprint like the 25 all the way to a 400 in the same stroke! Tom was wrong about Connie, she would not make a good marine Drill sargent, but she is cute. Also very very smart. And single guys! But you would have to get past her 17 pound attack cat.:D Every swim meet or workout I am always humbled by the classy, wonderful people I meet as part of Masters swimming. I remember one regional championship here at SPMA, we had two generals and an Admiral present the US flag at the start of the meet. No one knew they were of such high rank. We swim with CEO's, attornies who have stood in the US Supreme Court, Olympic gold medal winners, and guess what? We all all the same in our Speedo's. What a wonderful lifelong sport. Just too bad some one has all day at his work to mis-quote and ruin our enjoyment of our friends here.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2004 07:39:51 GMT

Karen: GREAT, SUPER IDEA..and positive for all USMS. Perhaps we could call it.... Walking into the Arena For I believe...even being broken as I have been these past 19 months.. You can neither win or lose unless you walk into the Arena and give it a whack... Just my thoughts..... Tom

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

swimr4life — Sat, 03 Apr 2004 07:13:10 GMT

Ion, I would like to apologize to you for my remarks earlier in the thread. I should've just walked away from the computer and let myself calm down before my fingers started typing. I was very angry, I was actually shaking, while I wrote that post. I thought you had insulted Tom, who I think the world of....a very classy & kind man. In some of the following posts you said you did not mean to insult him. If you did not mean your statement that way, I am sorry for attacking you. You are often misunderstood by many on this thread. You are entitled to your opinions. That is what makes this country great. You are entitled by USMS to voice your opinions on this site. Please stop attacking people personally though. I'm sorry if I hurt you.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Karen Duggan — Sat, 03 Apr 2004 02:26:14 GMT

I have an idea, and I'm serious, for once. (VO2 shampoo and bloomers aside of course.) Since SWIM magazine obviously doesn't have the space to give everyone the recognition they deserve, why don't we start a thread where we can "obtain recognition" and "warm fuzzys" about our every day "challenges" and things we have overcome. SWIM wouldn't have to send interviewers or photograhers, we could be our own editors (although Ion seems to edit for everyone) and we could share with each other encouraging words, and perhaps kudos. That might fix Ion. I mean help Ion feel better. That is why we are all here isn't it? I'll start. Hmm, what to name the thread? "Hey, look what I've done?" "It's been challenging and I want everyone to know" "Ion's Inspirations" Yes, I think I like the last one. That way we can all share, and, hey, know A LOT more about each other, and Ion will get the honor of a thread named after him (a positive nuisance, I mean nuance to be sure). Here I go. Check it out. P.S. Tom, I was hoping you could post your story again. It is truly inspirational.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 17:14:06 GMT

Incredible story Tom. Congratulations on being stong enough to overcome. Also, good luck with the difficulties you are experiencing now.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 17:02:31 GMT

Originally posted by aquageek ... I cruised over to usswim.org yesterday to check out their forums. Beza was active over there but I guess he got bored talking about teen idols and favorite color Speedos and came back to torture us with his never endin nonsense. ... I agree with one thing, the usswim forums do seem to be filled with a lot of pre-teen and teen chatter. I for one feel much more comfortable here.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 16:55:56 GMT

Ion, what's so great about Tom is not simply what he had to overcome but what he achieved in the end. My son understands this--born with CP he still plays basketball with the local YMCA league and has a great (one handed) outside shot. He doesn't want recognition for participating with a disability, he wants to have a big game and score a lot of baskets. And the other kids play him straight up, as they should (he wouldn't have it any other way). Confront your adversity, overcome it, and achieve (NQT's, Top 10 times, whatever). Then you'll get your recognition. That's how things work. And stop disrespecting the efforts of others.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 16:49:25 GMT

Ion, YOU HAVEN'T "OVERCOME" ANYTHING to earn special recognition or support in swimming, no matter how much you demand it. Look at Tom's post; look at the Americans suffering every day in Iraq; how about the homeless, the poor, the family friend of ours suffering from terminal cancer in a hospital in Atlanta-he's not yet three years old. No one cares for your condescension or your self-important blather. Please, if you want to talk about challenges, stick to what you overcame to simply get here. Otherwise, leave us alone.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 16:39:38 GMT

I am a new guy to WY...but lived in Colo many years in the high mtns.....and since the heat is free in my apt...I love fresh air.... But, your right Doc.....the seasons are...winter, Aug. and winter here in WY...

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 16:16:01 GMT

Originally posted by Tom Ellison I was awakened this fine morning at 4 am here in beautiful Cody, WY by snow blowing in my You haven't lived in WY long have ya? Not wise to leave your windows open at night until about the last 2 weeks in July-1st week in Aug. Unless of course you like your bedroom at 40º ;)

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 15:59:54 GMT

Now that the reults are in......It has been pointed out to me by my alter ego Spaceman Spiff that Ion would not even be able to carry Tom's bags to the pool!:D

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 15:47:42 GMT

Thank you Dorthy and others for the kind words... I will not be at Nationals this year..I am working through some tough times in my life....and with a bit of luck and God's blessings....I will be there next year....I look so forward to meeting you all....and my bent, demented sense of humor is still stead fast in some very tough times....Heck, if I can't laugh at myself, then who can I laugh at...? You should laugh at yourself dummy because your such a dork....hush up...I am writing this...No, really your such a dork...you should laugh at yourself...I said hush up, or I am going to turn you off....can not, can to, not, to Kindest regards, Tom

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 15:47:27 GMT

Tom I have a lot of respect for you. I think we all need to follow your example. It is amazing that you keep such good humor about life. Sometimes it is so easy to feel sorry for ourselves instead of rising to the occasion and showing what we as humans are really able to do. We need more people like you in this world. Your an insperation!!!!!;)

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 15:36:56 GMT

Tom, I did not know your story and I just have to say WOW. This is why I like Masters. There are so many people who inspire. As for Ion, ignore him. He only posts to inflame. I have never seen a post where he does not try to stir up controversary. Some people just thrive on that. As for me and many others, I sure had a laugh over this thread and the other VO2 shampoo thread. I thrive on humor, keep it up and I will be honored to see you swim at Nationals!

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 15:33:01 GMT

Wow! Sums it up in one word! Guess I know where your good nature comes from! One Day At A Time!!! Live each day Like it is your last! Cause it very well could be! Hat's off to you Tom!

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 15:22:35 GMT

Ion: I looked this word up; ob•scur•ant•ism n. 1. The principles or practice of obscurants. 2. A policy of withholding information from the public. 3. a. A style in art and literature characterized by deliberate vagueness or obliqueness. b. An example or instance of this style. ob•scur ant•ist n. obscurantism \Ob*scur"ant*ism\, n. The system or the principles of the obscurants. --C. Kingsley. Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc. obscurantism n 1: a policy of opposition to enlightenment or the spread of knowledge 2: a deliberate act intended to make something obscure. Source: WordNet ® 1.6, © 1997 Princeton University I was awakened this fine morning at 4 am here in beautiful Cody, WY by snow blowing in my window. I left the window open last night before going to bed, for it was a beautiful warm day yesterday and I figured a good nights sleep would be best served with fresh air. After cleaning the snow off my window sill and a few flakes off my bed, which sits right next to the window, I got up, made a cup of coffee and pulled up the late night USMS posts. As I read the late night posts I found myself starting my day in a bad mood, filled with anger, hostility, indignation and pain. I read Ion’s post many times and figured the most appropriate response would be to ask for a clarification to his post. I then looked up the word obscurantism on the internet dictionary. I posted that meaning above. PLEASE read my thoughts as they are intended. That is, to enlighten Ion to his incessant attacks, belligerent manner and inaccurate posts. My understanding of Ion’s post is that I have been lumped into this USMS secret conspiracy that fosters deceit, misrepresentation and a policy of opposition to enlightenment or the spread of knowledge. For the record….and I warn the USMS forum readers that the following information is graphic in nature and possibly disturbing: • On 28 November 1977 while working on a paving crew right out of college, I was backed over by the rear right four tires of a dump truck carrying asphalt. The dump truck had a scale ticket that listed its weight at 27.7 tons. It had no back up bells and was not supposed to be backing up in the area it was….and I got squashed in the street. • I spent the next five to six straight months in the hospital. • During the first three days after being squashed I underwent five serious life or death operation to repair the damage caused by being squashed. • Those operations included reconstruction of my intestines to place a colostomy in my stomach. • Temporary rebuild my blown out rectum where my intestines were squashed through. • Temporary rebuild of my right hip which was crushed out of my body. • Massive blood transfusions to replace a massive loss of blood loss caused by evisceration. I took over forty pints of blood during the first three days. • My pelvis was CRUSHED, my right hip was CRUSHED, my sacrum was CRUSHED and the entire right side of my buttocks was SQUASHED of in my Levis. When they removed (cut off) my Levis they literally picked up my right buttocks and tossed it in a pan next to the operating table. As a point of reference, I was conscious and watched this happen. • To date, I have undergone twenty one operations, suffered from Hepatitis C contracted from the massive blood transfusions, two total right hip replacements and three rectum reconstructive surgeries to repair a blow out rectum (which leads to the removal of my colostomy which I had for two years after the accident). • Thirteen or fourteen years ago while living in Greensboro, NC I started back swimming with some very, very unique and inspiring people. • One year later I moved to Texas and continued swimming with a great group of USMS. • NOT ONE TIME over the past thirteen or fourteen years that I have competed in Masters Swimming have I ever asked for special consideration, expected special consideration or wanted special consideration. • I have competed in four USMS Nationals and I have worked very, very hard to swim seven Top Ten USMS times and one FINA International Top Ten Time. • I won the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim in 1997 in the (10 year age groups then) 40-49 year old Non-Wet Suit div. • I placed second on the Golden Gate Bridge Swim the following day. • In 1998 I again swam both San Francisco Bay events as the proud father of an outstanding 12 year old son who became the youngest person in the world to race across the Golden Gate Bridge, which he won in the 10-19 year old age group, Non-Wet Suit division. Then the following we raced the Alcatraz Sharkfest together. At first glance after reading your post ION, where you refer to me as a member of USMS obscurantism, I became angry. After a few cups off coffee and a few hours to think about your post, I am going to set you straight once and for all. My record of USMS speaks for itself. My record of hard work is well known by all who swam with me. My record of attempting to help and guide new USMS is well known. My record of never ever loafing in workout is well known, my record of leaving every single ounce of strength in the pool after a mile swim is also well known. Every single mile I ever competed in was swum right up on the very edge of human conditioning. Your reference to me by lumping me into this nonsense regarding obscurantism is a perfect example of your indifference to the truth and your inability to see dedication, hard work and grit…as opposed to making excuses why your times are not comparative with the MEN in your own age group. Please, think about what and who you write about.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 14:55:45 GMT

Ion - This thread wasn't about you. Every time you post, and on every subject, you somehow mange to twist the thread into an argument about your situation, abilities and opinions. Everyone was just having some fun. I think that 99% of all USMS members would list FUN as a reason for swimming and membership. Relax, enjoy the swimming, test your skills and have fun. Michael

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 14:48:27 GMT

Originally posted by Ion Beza or like Shannan's who envisioned sarcastically many categories of competitors -to which I say that it should be awareness of these challenges instead of envisioning new categories in a sarcastic way-. If you don't like my sarcasim to bad. This deserves sarcasim. We all have are own challenges. The difference is do we use those challenges as an excuse for what we can't accomplish or do we try our very best to overcome those challenges? I have many challenges in my life that causes me to be slow. You don't hear me whining about how they keep me from being faster then others. I hope that someday I can overcome them and soon be a better swimmer. And If I am not faster then the person in the next lane, oh well. I'm here to enjoy swimming not make excuses.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 14:40:30 GMT

Originally posted by Ion Beza my position is not to create special categories outside timed events, but to value research and awareness of challenges that people undertake; challenges like this: What good is any of this if you don't do something with it. Such as create more categories.

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 14:38:58 GMT

Oh, here we go again!!!! This should be good!!! Now just sit back, relax and enjoy the show!!!!:D Ion, a shot was fired back over your bow, whacha gonna do bout it?;)

RE: Dubai - proposed changes

Former Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2004 13:24:03 GMT

kiwi, You are amazing. I don't remember Mr Beza making substantive replies to your posts. Correct me if I am wrong. You are a shining example of contradiction to the norm.... Congrats! Big time.