A quick question for the knowledgeable readers out there. This NYT magazine called Play recently contacted me about writing a piece for a section they call "Master Class" -- they want me to go someplace warm and get some swimming instruction of some sort.
I know that USMS used to have some kind of program where masters swimmers could apply to go out to Colorado Springs for intensive coaching, stroke analysis in the ICAR flume, etc. Is this still going on, do any of you know, and would it be possible to just do a "lite" version of this (a day or two; bypass the application process; not actually need to be an elite swimmer; etc.)
The other possibilities would be one of Terry's TI camps (though, God help me, front quadrant swimming really hurts my shoulders, and I feel this dog is just too old to learn that particular new trick).
Or--and this might be my favorite of all--didn't Gary Hall, Jr. start some sort of Sprint Club training camp down in Key West or the Bahamas or some similar place that would prove the perfect antidote to Pittsburgh this time of the year, especially if I don't have to pay for it?
Please let me know the details of any such possibiities--the editor did specify he'd prefer me to go someplace "warm and outdoors-y." Which makes two of us.
I have, however, read several objectionable posts in which Misters Geek, Gull et al have tried to curtail free speech to their sensibilities, in which they've insinuated that those who post a double entendre or a flirtacious post are immoral, bad and a threat to family values.
I think you hit the nail on the head here. This is what has bothered me about some of the recent posting. The insinuation. No one wants to be labeled immoral or frivolous just because they make a joke or engage in some good natured banter. It can be very insulting and simply isn't true. I know this is a swimming forum, but even the righteous ones who are so very "bored" with the banter engage in their own NSR posting. Which is fine.
And the swimming threads and comments far outweigh anything else. I'm not sure I would ever have learned to SDK properly and improved my swims without Ande's input on all his threads, for example. And I've gotten some great breaststroke tips amidst all the *** vs. fly joking.
I also agree with Kyra that excessive fighting or nastiness on strictly SR topics (as on all the older closed TI threads) isn't necessarily superior to the friendly banter on SR or NSR topics just because it's SR. And no one group should preside. It seems that most, not all, posters have an SR and NSR side anyway. We are actual people, not information machines.
Going for the hot moist compress for the eye tonight ...
OMG, I read about that cure in an SR thread.
I have, however, read several objectionable posts in which Misters Geek, Gull et al have tried to curtail free speech to their sensibilities, in which they've insinuated that those who post a double entendre or a flirtacious post are immoral, bad and a threat to family values.
I think you hit the nail on the head here. This is what has bothered me about some of the recent posting. The insinuation. No one wants to be labeled immoral or frivolous just because they make a joke or engage in some good natured banter. It can be very insulting and simply isn't true. I know this is a swimming forum, but even the righteous ones who are so very "bored" with the banter engage in their own NSR posting. Which is fine.
And the swimming threads and comments far outweigh anything else. I'm not sure I would ever have learned to SDK properly and improved my swims without Ande's input on all his threads, for example. And I've gotten some great breaststroke tips amidst all the *** vs. fly joking.
I also agree with Kyra that excessive fighting or nastiness on strictly SR topics (as on all the older closed TI threads) isn't necessarily superior to the friendly banter on SR or NSR topics just because it's SR. And no one group should preside. It seems that most, not all, posters have an SR and NSR side anyway. We are actual people, not information machines.
Going for the hot moist compress for the eye tonight ...
OMG, I read about that cure in an SR thread.
