Here's a confession. I talk to boats. No, not all the way out loud, and no, they do not have verbal conversation back, but I talk to the racing shells. Have since I was a junior in high school, and I don't know why I started. There is no moment that stands out in my memory as when I started talking to boats.
I do believe that boats have personalities. After all, people have been naming boats since time immemorial. Sailing ships carried figureheads that were fanatically cared for by the crew (perhaps the young female figures had something to do with that. These were long voyages away from land with a bunch of smelly other guys.) Rowing shells were named like any other ship when the sport was beginning. Harvard and Yale's boat club records list names of the first racing boats, rather than their configuration. (Bonus "get out of erg hell day pass" to any rower that finds the correct configuration and names for those shells.) Boats take on personality, sometimes from the crew or sometimes from their names or sometimes their manufacturer.
Our freshman Empacher 8+ in 1996 was dubbed the Rolling Thunder by our coach, after his description of our signature power move in the middle of the race. That boat reminded me of a German Shepard. It was menacing on the water to just hear; the finishes boomed across the course in a way common Vespolis just didn't. The riggers were custom jobs from Englishman Carl Douglass (these can been seen as standard equipment now on Resolute shells). The bow cut the water with a viciousness when on race pace that our JV learned to dread. Like a Shepard, the shell was protective of it's "family;" only ten guys ever filled its nine seats and we never took on much water in a cruel New England spring. It was athletic, stiff and mean. We loved it, and I badly wanted to row it again next year, when it was retired from racing duty. I would mentally sweet talk that boat, alternating with growls and shouts. We all yelled on the settle stroke after the start, sort of an attack call to a dog.
The first carbon Millennium from Vespoli in 1998 had an otherness to it that was a little eerie. The internal parts were familiar, the hull shape the same as every other Vespoli in the fleet. The stiffness was out of the ordinary. I swear I could feel the stroke's heartbeat from 5 seat. It was a race car, a Lotus: simple, light, stiff, responsive to the slightest touch. Like a Lotus, it required skill to use properly, and always felt small. I rowed every seat in that boat from bow to 7. It never felt like an 8+, it always felt smaller like a 4+. That boat rewarded oarsmen who could "feel" what was happening rather than watching the stroke rating.
I have two new "ladies" in my life this spring. Fox Chapel has a new Vespoli V1. Jesse was going to meet me when we rigged the V1 for the first time, but ran late. I was halfway done when he got to the bay, listening to my iPod and murmuring to the hull as I measured and adjusted. This is something new, something that just isn't like everything else out there. Not the same old Vespoli "needle" hull design, not the brutish lines of a Resolute. A new Ferrari, perhaps? A Peregrine falcon? An F/A-22? I'll have a better idea when it goes on the water.
Pitt has a 4 year old Empacher midweight 8+, formerly of Columbia's lightweights. I'm taking my time with this boat. I want everything to be perfect with her. Jesse said my eyes lit up when I saw this boat for the first time, waiting for us on a trailer in the cold New York sunshine. This Empacher hasn't been rowed for almost 8 months, and there are little flaws that I'm learning. Bolts bent off true, shoes a little floppy from so long upside down and dusty riggers. But I see another Empacher from my past in this newer boat. Old familiar Empacher quirks that might drive my Pitt rowers mad (like feet that require a wrench to adjust) seem welcome and graceful to me. The kids want to come down and learn about rigging from me while I get the boat ready. I'm only happy to teach; I'm known to teach too much in a long-winded method (just look at this post). But I don't want them around just now. I want some alone time with this younger sister of an old flame. I want to know if she's lighter on her feet, like a samurai swordsman rather than a medieval knight. The Thunder was subtle like a sledgehammer, this new lady feels more limber, precise and sophisticated.
Coaches are supposed to be a little strange. We all have our little quirks. Just call me......The Boat Whisperer.
Categories: Boats, Memories, Coaching, Rowing, Yale, FC, Pitt
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
Gym class
I simply need a little help here from the high school parents. Nobody at the school will listen to me, but comments and calls by the parents will make a difference.
I know that gym class at FC is a little different than what I grew up with. The kids get to pick out what activities they engage in, I suppose to keep their interest up. I know that its impossible to keep them from trying out things they find fun, usually in-line skating or something of the sort. My problem seems to be with the supervision of the class.
Twice this winter, there have been accidents in gym that have sent one of my oarsmen to the ER. Last winter saw the same rate of injury. Each rower has lost between a week to a month of training. I can't understand how this rate of injury is acceptable in gym class. Somebody isn't thinking. Doors shouldn't be left open during skating for people to run into. The skates need to be inspected so the brakes work and the bearings are in good order. Dodgeball needs soft balls, not soccerballs.
I know the guys have a responsibility to protect themselves, but the instructor has the same duty, and the injury rate just doesn't suggest that is happening. The ski outings are bad enough (and are finally done this week!), but getting hurt in gym is adding insult to the injury.
Categories: FC, Safety, Rowing
I know that gym class at FC is a little different than what I grew up with. The kids get to pick out what activities they engage in, I suppose to keep their interest up. I know that its impossible to keep them from trying out things they find fun, usually in-line skating or something of the sort. My problem seems to be with the supervision of the class.
Twice this winter, there have been accidents in gym that have sent one of my oarsmen to the ER. Last winter saw the same rate of injury. Each rower has lost between a week to a month of training. I can't understand how this rate of injury is acceptable in gym class. Somebody isn't thinking. Doors shouldn't be left open during skating for people to run into. The skates need to be inspected so the brakes work and the bearings are in good order. Dodgeball needs soft balls, not soccerballs.
I know the guys have a responsibility to protect themselves, but the instructor has the same duty, and the injury rate just doesn't suggest that is happening. The ski outings are bad enough (and are finally done this week!), but getting hurt in gym is adding insult to the injury.
Categories: FC, Safety, Rowing
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Can somebody explain how this is good for students?
The elimination of the International Baccalaureate program in Upper St. Clair was front page news on the Post Gazette this morning. It's great to see education issues getting such coverage in this day and age, but maddening to see the reason why.
Read the article, and then hit the comments section. One comment in support, and countless against. Every comment against this action by the school board expressed dismay and disbelief that people want to limit educational opportunities for students.
And that's what has happened here; an opportunity to prepare extremely gifted students for the highest colleges in our country has been eliminated. Go to the IB website and browse around a little. I didn't see anything there that suggested any comment, positive or negative, on religion. Look at the diploma program curriculum. Languages, computer science, service and an extended essay. People, that is what isn't being taught to students around this country, but what is expected of those same students when they get to college. The service requirement is one that is required by some school districts here in Pittsburgh, and is also a part of several different honor programs students join to pad that college application. All of this wrapped into one integrated curriculum and taught by the best teachers the school has, who also must undergo extensive training.
The excuse of cost-cutting is laughable. Has anyone been to Upper St. Clair high school recently? Beautiful facility. Looks only a few years old. Has A/C. (My high school didn't and doesn't to this day.) Great athletic facilities. A pool. Nice synthetic football field. Lots of land around the school, plenty of parking for the cars the students drive in every day. Am I describing a school system in financial peril here? If anyone really wants to see the numbers, download the district's budget. Be patient, it's a big file, but the $184,000 paid for tax collection services I found to be rather interesting, or the $1.15 million for the guidance department.
I've been seething about this all day. I talked to the FC guys about it today, something I usually wouldn't do. Subjects like this fall in "blog zone" where discussions can be more free-form and people can express their opinions without names attached, if they prefer. However, I felt that my role as mentor to the guys called for a comment on my part.
I've written this more times than I can count, but will write it here again: please, PLEASE THINK. REASON. TELL ME I'M WRONG. I want that here. I welcome that. Write out your position and defend it, because that is what is expected of people out here in the real world, in the business world, in every facet of our society. People who can express themselves and their positions sell more stuff, make better deals, read and comprehend better and generally kick more ass.
If people had a problem with some facet of the IB program, or how something was taught, why didn't they talk to a teacher, or (gasp) educate their own kids on their values? Perhaps some people feared their kids might examine their values and......find them wanting? Isn't that part of raising your kids? They are supposed to become their own people, with their own thoughts and ideas.
Anyone who reads this blog can guess my political leanings pretty quickly. However, I defy anyone to accuse me of being a socialist or anti-American. Read two posts down. I believe our students should be taught about the wider world, because they will come to the conclusion I have: the world has lots of problems and lots of cultures. There's good ideas in most cultures. But I believe my culture (western) and country (America) to be the best in the world, and unlike some politicians here and in Washington, I can speak on that issue with some intelligence and logic. The IB program helps the brightest kids to form their own conclusions, and isn't that what education is supposed to be?
So answer the question: How have the students of Upper St. Clair school district benefited from dropping International Baccalaureate?
Categories: Politics
Read the article, and then hit the comments section. One comment in support, and countless against. Every comment against this action by the school board expressed dismay and disbelief that people want to limit educational opportunities for students.
And that's what has happened here; an opportunity to prepare extremely gifted students for the highest colleges in our country has been eliminated. Go to the IB website and browse around a little. I didn't see anything there that suggested any comment, positive or negative, on religion. Look at the diploma program curriculum. Languages, computer science, service and an extended essay. People, that is what isn't being taught to students around this country, but what is expected of those same students when they get to college. The service requirement is one that is required by some school districts here in Pittsburgh, and is also a part of several different honor programs students join to pad that college application. All of this wrapped into one integrated curriculum and taught by the best teachers the school has, who also must undergo extensive training.
The excuse of cost-cutting is laughable. Has anyone been to Upper St. Clair high school recently? Beautiful facility. Looks only a few years old. Has A/C. (My high school didn't and doesn't to this day.) Great athletic facilities. A pool. Nice synthetic football field. Lots of land around the school, plenty of parking for the cars the students drive in every day. Am I describing a school system in financial peril here? If anyone really wants to see the numbers, download the district's budget. Be patient, it's a big file, but the $184,000 paid for tax collection services I found to be rather interesting, or the $1.15 million for the guidance department.
I've been seething about this all day. I talked to the FC guys about it today, something I usually wouldn't do. Subjects like this fall in "blog zone" where discussions can be more free-form and people can express their opinions without names attached, if they prefer. However, I felt that my role as mentor to the guys called for a comment on my part.
I've written this more times than I can count, but will write it here again: please, PLEASE THINK. REASON. TELL ME I'M WRONG. I want that here. I welcome that. Write out your position and defend it, because that is what is expected of people out here in the real world, in the business world, in every facet of our society. People who can express themselves and their positions sell more stuff, make better deals, read and comprehend better and generally kick more ass.
If people had a problem with some facet of the IB program, or how something was taught, why didn't they talk to a teacher, or (gasp) educate their own kids on their values? Perhaps some people feared their kids might examine their values and......find them wanting? Isn't that part of raising your kids? They are supposed to become their own people, with their own thoughts and ideas.
Anyone who reads this blog can guess my political leanings pretty quickly. However, I defy anyone to accuse me of being a socialist or anti-American. Read two posts down. I believe our students should be taught about the wider world, because they will come to the conclusion I have: the world has lots of problems and lots of cultures. There's good ideas in most cultures. But I believe my culture (western) and country (America) to be the best in the world, and unlike some politicians here and in Washington, I can speak on that issue with some intelligence and logic. The IB program helps the brightest kids to form their own conclusions, and isn't that what education is supposed to be?
So answer the question: How have the students of Upper St. Clair school district benefited from dropping International Baccalaureate?
Categories: Politics
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Florida sucks
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Political Post: I'm not really that Liberal
Okay, before I inflict the latest political slop on everyone, I'm giving a shout-out to both teams. I was getting a little worried about performance this past weekend, but today really kicked ass. Both teams performed very well, but the attitude everyone showed was what really pleased me. Everyone took pride in attacking the workout; there was joking and smiles all around. Seeing that behavior in the middle of February points to relaxed crews. Relaxed crews train well and go fast.
Emily and I were having a conversation in the car this past weekend, and somehow the subject of the Middle East came up again. If the supposedly "leftist" position is to be pro-Palestinian, we're the exact opposite. I wasn't leaning one way or another until the last days of the Clinton administration, when the two sides came as close as ever to lasting peace. Israel was giving back over 90% of the occupied lands. Arafat said no, and the violence resumed.
I do believe in self-determination and various democratic ideals, but I simply will not support a people that believes blowing up families in pizza restaurants. That is not a struggle for independence, that is simply killing children. As far as I'm concerned, the Palestinians forgot a few key facts: Israel had beaten the combined Arab armies 4 times. Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip was rather restrained considering the results of those fights. Frankly, Cairo, Amman and Damascus could be under the Star of David had the US not intervened. If Israel was going down in defeat as Hamas claims to desire, would the remaining military officers not release nuclear weapons on every Arab capital? Finally, I cannot support the cause of a people who elect the same terrorists responsible for blowing up wedding receptions.
As far as I'm concerned, Israel can go ahead and build the fence the Arab world seems so upset about. The Palestinians had an opportunity to get something in return for this fence. Now they will get nothing, which is exactly what they deserve.
Spreading democracy around the Arab world will not suddenly bring peaceful, stable states friendly to the US. What many people seem to forget is the election that brought Hitler to power was free and fair as well. People with freedom sometimes choose directions we as a nation do not like. Call me whatever you like, I simply don't believe the Arab world is ready for democratic elections, if we do not want the Mosque to take control across the region.
Categories: Politics
Emily and I were having a conversation in the car this past weekend, and somehow the subject of the Middle East came up again. If the supposedly "leftist" position is to be pro-Palestinian, we're the exact opposite. I wasn't leaning one way or another until the last days of the Clinton administration, when the two sides came as close as ever to lasting peace. Israel was giving back over 90% of the occupied lands. Arafat said no, and the violence resumed.
I do believe in self-determination and various democratic ideals, but I simply will not support a people that believes blowing up families in pizza restaurants. That is not a struggle for independence, that is simply killing children. As far as I'm concerned, the Palestinians forgot a few key facts: Israel had beaten the combined Arab armies 4 times. Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip was rather restrained considering the results of those fights. Frankly, Cairo, Amman and Damascus could be under the Star of David had the US not intervened. If Israel was going down in defeat as Hamas claims to desire, would the remaining military officers not release nuclear weapons on every Arab capital? Finally, I cannot support the cause of a people who elect the same terrorists responsible for blowing up wedding receptions.
As far as I'm concerned, Israel can go ahead and build the fence the Arab world seems so upset about. The Palestinians had an opportunity to get something in return for this fence. Now they will get nothing, which is exactly what they deserve.
Spreading democracy around the Arab world will not suddenly bring peaceful, stable states friendly to the US. What many people seem to forget is the election that brought Hitler to power was free and fair as well. People with freedom sometimes choose directions we as a nation do not like. Call me whatever you like, I simply don't believe the Arab world is ready for democratic elections, if we do not want the Mosque to take control across the region.
Categories: Politics
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Toughest creature of the week
It can't be seen in this shot, but the toughest creature of the week is the frog that lives in Will's fishtank. While cleaning out the tank yesterday, we removed all the fish. The frog didn't like being caught in the net, and promptly jumped out, hitting the floor from a height of 4 feet. I couldn't see where it went, and an immediate search turned up nothing. After getting a flashlight, the frog was observed hiding behind some electrical cords. As I reached in to get it, the frog did what frogs do: it hopped away. Readers can imagine the havoc this caused in our household, with Will wondering what all the shouting was about, Emily trying to shoo Will out of the room and Harry the cat sniffing around looking for something entertaining.
Frog was captured again, all the way across the room. He got there totally undetected by anyone; I saw it hopping after the cat. Brave and not so smart, but Harry wasn't too much better having not noticed the creature following him. Frog is back in the tank and doing fine, despite trailing several inches of collected dust bunnies into the water. I don't think the frog will be removed the next time the tank is cleaned out.
Categories: Misc, Personal
Some equipment has multiple uses
That's me in my new survival suit giving Will a push down the hill today. I'd like to say now that I really don't care how ridiculous I look in that suit. It's the warmest thing I've ever put on, and I'll be getting the last laugh every time I'm out in nasty weather with my crews.Categories: Coaching, Personal, Will, Photo
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Quiet
More than anything, much of the training the rower must accomplish is mental. Endurance training is very important, but being able to use that endurance in a racing situation is a mental exercise in pain control. This is a painful sport, one that pushes the human body to high limits. Being able to work at such a high level requires mental courage and high tolerance for discomfort.
One of the real problems with the sport is the type of athlete usually attracted. Rowing teams always have the higher GPAs than most teams. We're usually up there with swim teams and the golf team. Unlike those sports, where mentally the athletes must think for themselves, we discourage real thinking in rowing. That's what we have coxswains for.
Rowers must therefore find what I call the "quiet" place in their minds and be able to go there during a competition. The only thing they should be thinking about is what the coxswain is telling them to concentrate on. Championship crews never have stories of oarsmen screaming out suggestions during races, or telling the coxswain to move over. The event is hard enough; rowers don't need to try and steer a racing eight as well.
Winter training is a perfect time to practice tuning out an athlete's own thoughts. The erg doesn't need to be steered, and the scenery never moves. This is one of the reasons I like the kids listening to music during long workouts. I don't want them thinking about their social lives or what they're having for dinner. Frankly, I don't want them thinking at all.
Which is one of the reasons watching coxless boats is so fun. A few athletes trained not to think suddenly needing to steer. I just make sure I've got my repair kit handy.....
Categories: Training, Rowing, Motivational, Ergometers, Coxswains
One of the real problems with the sport is the type of athlete usually attracted. Rowing teams always have the higher GPAs than most teams. We're usually up there with swim teams and the golf team. Unlike those sports, where mentally the athletes must think for themselves, we discourage real thinking in rowing. That's what we have coxswains for.
Rowers must therefore find what I call the "quiet" place in their minds and be able to go there during a competition. The only thing they should be thinking about is what the coxswain is telling them to concentrate on. Championship crews never have stories of oarsmen screaming out suggestions during races, or telling the coxswain to move over. The event is hard enough; rowers don't need to try and steer a racing eight as well.
Winter training is a perfect time to practice tuning out an athlete's own thoughts. The erg doesn't need to be steered, and the scenery never moves. This is one of the reasons I like the kids listening to music during long workouts. I don't want them thinking about their social lives or what they're having for dinner. Frankly, I don't want them thinking at all.
Which is one of the reasons watching coxless boats is so fun. A few athletes trained not to think suddenly needing to steer. I just make sure I've got my repair kit handy.....
Categories: Training, Rowing, Motivational, Ergometers, Coxswains
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Super Bowl
Perhaps I'll put up another football post. Why not? It was fun typing my thoughts out during the Indy game, though it took a lot of self-control not to throw the laptop across the room at certain situations.
I've looked over various sports websites, and there seems a mix of pick between both teams. The only common theme seems to be calling for a close game. With two teams as closely matched as these, that really seems to be a "well, DUH!" moment for America's sports writers. I've learned this week that players have been right for years: any idiot (and I mean true morons) can be a sportswriter. Watching Bill Cowher play the media like a fiddle through the Troy Polamalu ankle "tweak" drove home the point that sportswriters are incapable of any true creative, independent thought at all.
Close game? No s*** genius. Sort of like "It's going to snow today. Unless it stays too warm and it doesn't." It will be a close game, unless one team really dominates the other one, then it will be a blowout.
My attitude has stayed consistent throughout. After the struggles the Steelers went through this season, it's already been a huge success. Remember, there have been THREE starting quarterbacks for the team this year, nobody knew who would be the starting running back before the season and Plexico Burress had just left, along with any deep threat from the wide receivers. Heck, beating the Colts was a huge win, much less finally getting the AFC crown. Doing it all on the road simply added gravy to the meal. They've kicked ass all year and deserve all the props in the world from this football-mad town.
I still really hope they win. It would be cool to watch and be around here the next few weeks. I'll put in my comments as the game goes on, as long as Emily allows me access to her laptop. Remember, the commercials are worth watching here as well.
Categories: Personal, Football
I've looked over various sports websites, and there seems a mix of pick between both teams. The only common theme seems to be calling for a close game. With two teams as closely matched as these, that really seems to be a "well, DUH!" moment for America's sports writers. I've learned this week that players have been right for years: any idiot (and I mean true morons) can be a sportswriter. Watching Bill Cowher play the media like a fiddle through the Troy Polamalu ankle "tweak" drove home the point that sportswriters are incapable of any true creative, independent thought at all.
Close game? No s*** genius. Sort of like "It's going to snow today. Unless it stays too warm and it doesn't." It will be a close game, unless one team really dominates the other one, then it will be a blowout.
My attitude has stayed consistent throughout. After the struggles the Steelers went through this season, it's already been a huge success. Remember, there have been THREE starting quarterbacks for the team this year, nobody knew who would be the starting running back before the season and Plexico Burress had just left, along with any deep threat from the wide receivers. Heck, beating the Colts was a huge win, much less finally getting the AFC crown. Doing it all on the road simply added gravy to the meal. They've kicked ass all year and deserve all the props in the world from this football-mad town.
I still really hope they win. It would be cool to watch and be around here the next few weeks. I'll put in my comments as the game goes on, as long as Emily allows me access to her laptop. Remember, the commercials are worth watching here as well.
Categories: Personal, Football
Saturday, February 04, 2006
SHOTS FIRED!!! SHOTS FIRED!!!
Before I get to the latest story, hit this link first. It's Bill Simmons, and it's one of his best columns.
Here's the poop from last night. I had the Pitt truck and trailer, moving around a boat from Steel City, then taking the trailer over to Millvale. We put it there so it wouldn't be underwater in a flood and so Jesse and I can get it easily in two weeks to pick up some boats in the Northeast.
I had Will with me. He was asleep in the back seat of the truck (and the Pitt truck is a BIG TRUCK) and I was unhooking the trailer. It was about 7:30pm and dark. That's when I heard gunshots. Close, multiple gunshots. It sounded like they were over the "berm" separating me from the railroad tracks.
That was the fastest unhook ever seen from a trailer. I checked to make sure there weren't any holes in Will or the truck, and drove off to a "safe" distance. Then I called the cops. We've had to call the police down there before for various issues. Sometimes it takes a little while for them to get out there. I guess a call like "Shots fired" really livens up their evening, because a cop was there in about 2 minutes, followed by four more as I was driving off.
I don't know if they caught anyone, or what was going on in the first place. I suppose crime is something that most coaches have to deal with at some point in time. Rivers and riverfront property aren't usually the best neighborhoods and many times are ex-industrial areas in the East and Mid-West. A good relationship with the local constabulary is in a coach's best interest, despite my usual comments about police of the water-borne variety.
Categories: Personal, Coaching, Misc
Here's the poop from last night. I had the Pitt truck and trailer, moving around a boat from Steel City, then taking the trailer over to Millvale. We put it there so it wouldn't be underwater in a flood and so Jesse and I can get it easily in two weeks to pick up some boats in the Northeast.
I had Will with me. He was asleep in the back seat of the truck (and the Pitt truck is a BIG TRUCK) and I was unhooking the trailer. It was about 7:30pm and dark. That's when I heard gunshots. Close, multiple gunshots. It sounded like they were over the "berm" separating me from the railroad tracks.
That was the fastest unhook ever seen from a trailer. I checked to make sure there weren't any holes in Will or the truck, and drove off to a "safe" distance. Then I called the cops. We've had to call the police down there before for various issues. Sometimes it takes a little while for them to get out there. I guess a call like "Shots fired" really livens up their evening, because a cop was there in about 2 minutes, followed by four more as I was driving off.
I don't know if they caught anyone, or what was going on in the first place. I suppose crime is something that most coaches have to deal with at some point in time. Rivers and riverfront property aren't usually the best neighborhoods and many times are ex-industrial areas in the East and Mid-West. A good relationship with the local constabulary is in a coach's best interest, despite my usual comments about police of the water-borne variety.
Categories: Personal, Coaching, Misc
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)