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.
Former Member
These SR/NSR and taboo/allowable discussions have annoyed me to no end.
I haven't posted yet on this topic, so I'd like my say.
I have benefited greatly from the swimming related posts on this forum and I have yet to read anything immoral on the non-swimming related ones. 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 enjoy the humor, I enjoy the banter, I enjoy the harmless flirting. I take great offense at the insinuation that because I enjoy reading and take part in such conversations that I am acting inappropriately. I take offense that those whom I come to know on this forum are treated even worse. Frankly, I think the self-righteous, self-important censors are acting inappropriately.
Because of those few, we have fair moderators looking to shut down threads and tear apart the "community" part of swimming community. Why must those few individuals have that power over the entire forum?
Swimming is what we have in common, but why must it be the only thing we discuss? When I get together with others in my profession, we talk shop, but we also chat about our lives, our kids and have a few laughs. My preference is for this forum to retain its current character.
Thank you. I've had my say, and I'm sure I'll take it in the ear for it. For the sake of the moderators and the others on this thread, please attack me in private. I'll be happy to discuss this further.
Barb
I guess because I'm one of those opinionated women (and somewhat guilty of trying to get the last word) I can't just leave it be......
Self-Moderation is the best means of control. The Advertising industry is almost entirely self regulated. Yes, they have the higher powers of the FCC and what not, but before it even gets to that level it goes through an intense self-moderation process. A process done by everyone, not just a select few. The majority has to agree before action can be taken, and no one group, or organization or person has supreme control or more sway than any other. My point is we have to take into account the will of everybody rather than a select few and no one should try to assert precedence over another, whether it be the sillys trying to lighten it up or the diehards trying to keep the content.
I think we're all in agreement that this is a swimming forum first and for most, and it does at times sway off topic. But IMHO the non-swimming related is greatly outshadowed by the swimming related. At times the NSR may reign supreme, but it always goes back to real swimming issues. And the NSR isn't running rampent in every thread that is posted here (from what I've seen).
IMHO I think having to slog through the pages upon pages of agruing about which side is better HUGELY outweighs any skipping that might have been done when this first become an issue about having too much NSR on these forums.
It seems obvious that the moderators want us to work this out on our own, which I think is a good idea. People don't always inherently get along and you have to make things work. So let's be the civil adults we can all be, stop the mudslinging and come to a peaceful conclusion. There's enough other real issues going on in the world right now to have such a heated and never ending debate over to much NSR on a voluntary forum.
Just my :2cents:
*I shudder to think what would happen if this were a politic forum. ;)
Donna, Its too bad that slander is acceptable there on the island! Too bad he didn't slander you in the states b/c we could get Fort to sue him back to the stone ages...LOL!!
Newmastersswimmer
Jim:
Did you not read that Caped is a lawyer too? I believe he is quite an experienced litigator, much more experienced than me. I have a mommy handicap (which is just fine with me). So I think Donna is in good hands with Caped. Note: This is how bad things have gotten. I just read this last sentence and worried that someone would think I was double entendre-ing. Not! Jeez.
Now, I'm not sure I've forgiven Matt for his yucky slander of Rich and I on another thread. So I will keep your post in mind! Maybe I can hire Caped myself. Or just do the head high thing with Donna and have a Monkey La-La.
Were you really a breaststroker too?
You're right Matt. This one was much more appropriate:
"So would it be safe to say that an evening was spent together? Not that there is anything wrong with that ... just curious."
I know you were just jesting, and you later posted you were jesting in response to PMs, but so was Jim here. I think he could use a break from being picked on. I know I could.
Here's the best advice I've read on the attack issue from my twin:
"I don't think anyone wins. It just makes people feel bad. If it is one thing I can't stand, it is people being mean for no reason. It's my pet peeve. If you say something mean and blindside someone for no reason, especially if it is a nice person, you can expect a response or retalliation. It's called baiting and I'm really tired of it."
Was someone insinuating that I am a loud, bossy, female flyer? Where'd that come from ... when I was little those Little Miss and Mister books were popular. They are about these little cartoon charcters that have to learn a lesson and not be so x ... well, my mom bought me Little Miss Bossy & Little Miss Chatterbox ... :dunno:
People on here need to seriously chill the heck out ...
I like Fort's future better ...
You are kinda argumentative. Are you sure you're not a lawyer too? LOL.
Trying to decide on lunch. Should I have a tuna sandwich or chicken salad?
My eyes are actually just blue ... and dry.
Fort, I meant your version of the future better than Peter's ... in yours I marry a rich, hot, doctor. Okay, I added the rich & hot part ... Peter's I just am sad ... I don't want to be sad ...
And I second the big back and flat chest thing ... *sigh* ... makes us faster in the water.
I have no life ... I don't sleep, I just wait for someone to post on the boards ... sit and wait all night long hoping for some activity ...
As an argumentative male I had no choice to but fire off a counterattack.
I don't think this is a "guy" thing but human nature to get in that last shot. I know I'm guilty of it and I don't consider myself "arguementive". But I've started to use the "preview post" feature and re-read what I write with the thought of "is this going to offend or hurt someone?" before I hit the submit button.
I agree with Rich. Let's move on and not look back. :)
I don't think this is a "guy" thing but human nature to get in that last shot. I know I'm guilty of it and I don't consider myself "arguementive". But I've started to use the "preview post" feature and re-read what I write with the thought of "is this going to offend or hurt someone?" before I hit the submit button.
I agree with Rich. Let's move on and not look back. :)
:thhbbb: :thhbbb: :thhbbb:
No way. Matt and I are going to argue about who gets the last word. ;)
Here it is: I'm having a tuna sandwich!
Bravo to Ensignada (Barb), way to go so that's the thing your ear will hear from me. I just don't think there is anything wrong with a topic getting off subject as long as people are joking and lighthearted; I certainly hope that when topics get off content, it is viewed as a way for all of us to find out about one another's personalities; humor is a great tool, humor alleviates any stress that a poster may have mis-spoke to another; I am all for it.
So until I am notified that this forum needs to be run like a strict workout, I look forward to the quick-wit that this board is filled with.
And, I have really taken some huge hits from someone who is not present on this forum right now. there are always some bad apples in anythihg. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. I laugh when I see a post morph into something ridiculous for 5 or 10 replies. The word allies comes to mind.
Marching on,
Donna
