EliteXC

Man... the closing of EliteXC means two different things. As a fight fan I saw it coming and I cannot say I am that mad about it. The fights for the most part were garbage and I might go far enough to say they were fixed. The fighters were protected (Carano and Kimbo). So as a fan who knows and respects the game I cannot be too sad about the folding of EliteXC. I can, however, be sad that EliteXC was the only prime time demonstration of MMA. The organization had the opportunity to bring the MMA game to people who cannot afford to buy paper views, buy tickets to events or run up a tab at the bar, however; they failed miserably to bring an intelligent and well thought out game plan to the public. As a female fighter though, I am uneasy. EliteXC was the only current organization to offer so many women a contract and opportunity. And we all know the UFC will not afford women the same opportunity. First of all there is no sense in arguing with Dana White because he would not listen and he has some valid reasons for not putting women on the card. So, the fact remains is everything is ridding on the AFL to come through and give women the deals that EliteXC did. OR maybe no one will give women the shot they deserve and everyone will blame the amount of women in EliteXC on the folding of the organization.

Digital Journalism Hobby Story

Some people have hobbies they love and enjoy. Some people dislike their jobs and or careers. Why not turn a hobby into a career to love and enjoy?

Twenty-five year old Oakland University business student Jon Aniano has turned his childhood hobby of playing with computers and the Internet into a career. Since 2004 he has worked at Active Media Architects, an Internet design company. His current job title is chief operating officer.

"I was roughly 11 years old when I began working on computers," said Aniano. "Back then, computers weren't so "turn key." They quite frequently "broke" and were costly to fix. I quickly became adept at troubleshooting hardware and software issues, mostly by trial and error with a few costly and explosive mishaps, until I was comfortable tackling larger and larger computer projects."

According to a Monster.com article, there are a few things to decide before turning a hobby into a career path. First and most important is to decide how marketable the hobby is. The hobby has to be researched to see if the revenue it can offer can support the cost of living.

Monster.com also suggests thinking through the idea of your hobby taking over every minute of everyday. They suggest that sometimes hobbies are not as interesting when turned into a full time career.

"I will definitely continue to go to school to grow myself as a person and to add value to myself as an employee," said Aniano. "But, I will definitely strive to keep computers and the Internet a major part of my lifetime employment. I ultimately would like to help make an impact on the way people or businesses use and interact with computers and the Internet - wherever that takes me I will go."

According to Olivia CrosbyÕs "Turn your Hobby into a Career" on Jobjournal.com turning a hobby into a career is often an exercise in critical thinking.

Recent Eastern Michigan University journalism graduate and Specs Howard School of Broadcasting graduate Paul Cicchini, 24, loves listening to sports talk radio and writing. He also loves and knows facts about most sports. Cicchini decided to get his degrees in order to turn his sports obsession into a broadcasting and writing career.

"When I first heard Jim Rome in 2003 I knew I wanted to be on the radio," said Cicchini. "As for writing, I always liked writing, but it wasn't until 2004 that I decided to study journalism."

Cicchini is on his way to turning his dream of sports reporting into a reality.

"I work for Mentor Partners; it's a small radio group," said Cicchini. "One day I hope this radio gig, or one in the future leads to bigger things. I want to write a newspaper column, have a sports talk radio show and be on TV."

Crosby also insists that pursuing a hobby as a career must be looked at as an adventure. Seeking this career path may be a failure, which is why Crosby suggests thoroughly researching the options the hobby presents.

Fists for Freedom

The Olympics provide a stage for the entire world to, not only watch sports, but also fight for beliefs. Yet in recent Olympic history, the world has ignored the true calling of the Olympics.

The 2008 Olympics comes at a time when the first African American is running for the U.S. Presidency, Tibet is fighting for freedom from China, and Iraq is searching for its identity from the coalition, among many other world issues. Why then has the Olympic Committee decided to hold the Olympics in China?

Given the current state of international affairs, many human beings do not respect the decision to hold the Olympics in China.

On the other hand, China may be the perfect place to make a political statement.

Often times, athletes in the Olympics are fighting for rights or freedoms in their home countries. If the world believes that China has violated human rights and freedoms, then what better place is there to bring the world's eyes to the attention of human injustice? And who better to protest than the athletes themselves?

The 1968 Olympics is a perfect example of how a controversial location and an unstable international climate could lead to an everlasting memory of the human spirit and a symbol of rights and freedom for oppressed people across the globe.

Mexico City was a turbulant place when the Olympics moved in. And 1968 was a time of wars and international unrest—America itself was fighting an internal freedom struggle.

The Vietnam war was in full swing entering its ninth year and Martin Luther King Jr. died shortly before the Olympics in April of 1968. The world, alongside of America, would mourn.

Mexico City was plagued with violence. Many young citizens of Mexico believed the Olympics was a waste of social funding and authority. Mexican student protesters were massacred a few days before the Olympics and nearly 300 died.

The world's eyes were on the 1968 Olympics not only for the joy and fuffilment of watching the athletes and believing in passion but also because of the international and political climate of the time.

San Jose University African American track runners, John Carlos and Tommie Smith, understood then that this was an opportunity for them to peacefully protest the injustices of the U.S. racial system and the hopelessness of human rights injustices around the world.

Smith took the gold with an impressive 19.5 second 200 meter run. Carlos finished with a bronze.

The two solemnly walked to the podium where they were adorned with flowers and medals. Both men wore black socks with no shoes and sported human rights badges. They climbed the podium and their black socks clashed with the white boxes beneath their feet.

Slowly the national anthem began to play. Both men bowed their heads and proudly raised a fist encased in a black glove into the air in the black power salute.

These men were good enough to compete for their country but were not good enough to share the liberties that other Americans enjoyed. They understood that.

They used the controversial stage set at the Mexico City Olympics to their advantage.

While they were barred from further competition in the Olympics and were not heroically received in the U.S., Carlos and Smith are looked upon as heroes of the civil rights movements and heroes of human rights around the world.

China, much like Mexico City, is a controversial place to hold the Olympics. The Iraq war, much like the Vietnam War, is a controversial war. The Tibetan Freedom Fight, much like the African American Freedom Fight, is one that the world is watching.

If the actions of two men in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City can be a part of the reason why an African American man can run for the 2008 presidential seat, then China is the perfect stage to set the Olympics.

The world should not boycott the Olympics for its location—instead the world should celebrate the athletes who made the games, and the athletes should use the Olympics to make a small, yet meaningful, difference.

London allotments and the 2012 Olympics

The stage has been set for the 2012 Olympics in London. While many Olympic fans in England are extraordinarily happy to host the Olympics others are upset with the cost.

One side effect of the Olympics is reconstruction. While the reconstruction efforts can add diversity and new life to areas that otherwise are not thriving some areas are essentially being destroyed.

London has a series of land allotments that are a traditional part of society. Many people use these allotments to feed their families and friends and to experience nature.

When the Olympic committee and delegates moved in they deemed these land allotments a destructible part of the reconstruction projects.

Hundreds of allotment holder's lands have been forcibly removed and relocated to unsuitable areas. Many British are out of their land and out of hope.

Some of these allotments have been in families for generations. The Olympics are supposed to be a sine of peace and worldly togetherness so why is it so destructive? Why not use these allotments to the advantage of everyone and display them for the world to see as an integral part of British society?

Has the Olympic Committee and the Olympic games gone too far?

What Would The Founding Fathers Think?

I look at this coming presidential election as both exciting and sad. I do not believe that the founders of this country could have foreseen an African American man winning a presidential candidate nomination nor do I believe they could have foreseen a women coming in at a close second. This is an exciting time for any man, woman or child no matter how you feel about who has been nominated.

Our country is changing and our political structure will surely change too. But I believe some of the changes have been negative ones. The fact that a two-party system exists really ruins the integrity of our "democracy." The fact is this system really is not democratic. I do not want to vote for McCain or Obama yet in November I will be forced to decide between the two.

Yes I have seen a presidential ballot before! And yes I do understand that there are Libertarians and the Green Party with others, but do you know who is running for those parties? Have you seen them debating Obama or McCain? Do you sincerely believe that is a true democracy?

I believe the two-party system is an unfortunate side effect of a divisive American past and that the system has ruined the integrity of America, of freedom, and of the democratic process.

Enterprise Story- Unpublished Version For Class

Echoes of Fear Still Ring Out

A year and a half after the Dec. 15, 2006 murder of Laura Dickinson committed on Eastern Michigan University’s campus students still fear for their safety.
“I would tell them I completely understand their apprehension,” said Student Body President Greg Jones. “However, the problems that have occurred in the past are largely a result of systematic failures that have now been highlighted and are being resolved.”
According to the Program Review Report by the U.S. Department of Education from June 29, 2007, from the time of the murder to the time of the arrest “EMU did not provide any relevant information to the campus that would alert it of a potential safety threat.”
“It was frustrating because the misinformation and then the murder revelation caused students to fear and be angry,” said former Student body President during the Dickinson murder Daniel Cicchini. “What the police did may not necessarily have endangered students but the way the information came out created terrible fear. Students were never in danger but the way the info was handled was irresponsible.”
“There are no benefits for covering up crimes,” said the new DPS Chief Greg O’Dell. “I think it is important to be completely open and honest.”
The Department of Education in their Program Review Report concluded EMU was noncompliant in several areas with the Clery Act.
EMU failed to provide a “Timely Warning” in response to a homicide investigation, had a lack of administrative capability, lacked a timely warning policy, failed to properly disclose crime statistics, lacked adequate policy statements, failed to report all required statistics occurring on public property and in non-campus buildings or property, and failed to properly maintain a crime log.
“I can think of one or two incidents in all of the years that I have been working where it was briefly beneficial to withhold information,” said Chief O’Dell. “Withholding information almost never makes sense.”
According to the report EMU misreported sexual offense crimes in the Annual Security Report for 2003-2005. Four non-forcible sex offenses in 2003, one non-forcible sex offense in 2004, and three non-forcible sex offenses in 2005 met the definition for and should have been reported as forcible criminal sexual conduct incidents.
EMU also misreported campus judiciary referrals and arrest statistics related to alcohol, drug and illegal weapons possession violations.
The report also points out information listed in electronic form and on the Internet has conflicted with information in the Annual Security Report. For example, crimes have not been categorized by location as required by law. Time frames have also been left out of reporting. EMU has also been accused of inaccurately or not in a timely matter updating the campus crime log maintained by DPS and required by law.
“I would absolutely comply with federal law,” said Chief O’Dell. “You are doing a great disservice not to come forward with information. If we have information that applies why not tell [the community].”
Security on Campus, Inc filed a formal complaint against EMU for violating the Clery Act. EMU was accused of withholding information and not presenting the campus community with a “timely warning” that a potential murder was committed on campus.
On Dec. 15, 2006, 22-year-old Laura Dickinson of Hastings was found dead on the floor of her dorm room on the fifth floor of Hill Hall. Dickinson was found naked from the waist down with a pillow over her head.
On Dec. 16, 2006 EMU released a written statement explaining, “at this point there is no reason to suspect foul play.” A series of reasons for Dickinson’s death soon followed. A potential drug and/or alcohol overdose was ruled out by an autopsy. A heart condition was also blamed for the death and later ruled out.
In Eastern Echo reporter Christine Laughren’s “Student Found Dead in Dorm,” Dickenson’s father is quoted as saying he did not believe his daughter died as a result of violence. The article was published on Jan. 9, 2007.
On Feb. 23, 2007, 21-year-old Orange Taylor III was arrested and charged with the rape and murder of Dickinson.
“Students did not necessarily have the right to know all of the details of the investigation,” said Cicchini. “But students had a right to not deliberately be lied to and to be informed.”
“There was a complete lack of the proper structure to handle an on-campus murder,” said Jones. “As a result, EMU was caught off guard and some people made some decisions that hurt the university pretty badly.”
After the complaint was lodged by Security on Campus, Inc, Vice President for Student Affairs Jim Vick was placed on paid administrative leave. Eventually, Vick, President John Fallon, and Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Cindy Hall were fired.
“To my understanding they were involved in the investigation,” said Cicchini. “I did not know more than what other students were told. I think there was a series of poor decisions and correctable mistakes.”
According to the Ann Arbor News, EMU settled with the Dickinson family for $2.5 million. However, the settlement did not include an admission of liability on the part of the university.
According to Transcript.com EMU was fined $357,000 for violating the Clery Act. The University was found guilty of committing 13 offenses against the federal law.
According to the Ann Arbor News even after EMU was cited for violating federal law, the campus failed to issue a campus wide security alert four months after the incident.
Two students witnessed an intruder grab a computer and flee from their room Nov. 1, 2007. EMU failed to comply with the Clery Act while being scrutinized for violating the Clery Act.
“One thing I am doing is evaluating all procedures,” said Chief O’Dell. “I have issued new ones and worked with legal council. Some have already taken affect.”
While there was a murder on campus and there are occasional crimes EMU’s crime statistics are comparable to other large universities. According to the EMU safety and security website the Dickinson murder was the only on-campus homicide in EMU’s 159-year history.
“I did a matrix of crime statistics,” said Chief O’Dell. “I put together the MAC schools and local Michigan schools. We are in the middle or bottom third of most of the statistics.”
The Department of Education Report does site errors in statistical reporting of crimes by EMU, however, also points out EMU has seen a decline in sex offenses, robberies and aggravated assaults since 2005 to 2006.
“Campus safety efforts have been stepped up in hiring an outside security firm to augment the existing framework, SEEUS hours have been expanded and just about every member of the administration was required to attend a two-day training session on the Clery Act,” said Jones. “The systematic issues that caused the subsequent debacle seems to have been resolved.”
According to the EMU safety and security website EMU has experienced a drop in the number of forcible sexual offenses. The sexual offenses on EMU’s campus have dropped from 11 to six during the last year.
EMU also installed over 200 security cameras, added swipe cards at the entrances of 11 residence halls and changed more than 5,500 locks.
“I think the university offers many services to assist in being prepared to deal with crime,” said Jones. “The situation is slowly improving.”
EMU offers crime prevention seminars. Since 1987 there have been over 1,200 seminars.
Some seminars include rape aggression defense, theft prevention and self-defense protection. For more information on crime prevention seminars contact Officer Candice Dorsey at (734) 487-0987.

City Council Story- Unpublished

Concerned with parking issues, Berkley residents confronted the city council at the bimonthly meeting on Monday.
Residents living on Edgewood Street voiced their concerns to the council about the potential dangers of a new local restaurants parking situation.
Bagger Daves’, located at the corner of Edgewood Street and Coolidge Highway, patrons are parking on Edgewood Street when the lot is full.
Resident Mary Nelson voiced her concern about being unable to park in her driveway.
“It is very inconvenient, more than inconvenient, in fact, dangerous when they park on either side of my driveway in particular,” said Nelson. “I don’t think we are getting a fair share of our tax dollars.”
Resident, Michelle Buckler, voiced her concerns about child safety.
“I think it is rather dangerous,” said Buckler. “We have a lot of children on our block who play outside and run around.”
The solution may be as simple as stop sign at the exit or making the street permit paring only.
“Why couldn’t e make this permit parking for residents?” asked Buckler
Another resident Lyoness Borowski is trying to sell his house but fears the constant traffic on his street will drop property values.
“ Seven days a week there is no chance for anyone stopping by to visit to park there,” said Borowski. “Property values with the way they are going is going down and people aren’t going to want to move here with the parking situation.”
Councilman Phil O’Dwyer said most Berkley citizens are receptive to the new businesses coming to the area.
“We will need to look to a way to work with Bagger Daves to allow business to continue but also satisfy the citizens,” said O’Dwyer.
The city council welcomed a new member to the Berkley Police Force. Dennis Greary was sworn in as a Public Safety Officer.
“There are roughly 45 officers in the Berkley Police Department,” said O’Dwyer. “There were two sworn in this year because of retirements”
Another major topic of discussion was the closing of the Berkley Veteran’s of Foreign War Post 9222.
Resident Ben Baily wants the community to understand that VFW Post 9222 is not just for socializing and drinking.
“We are currently doing things like adopt a highway and we are staying active,” said Baily. “We are not trying to receive recognition or accolades we are trying to get an understanding from the community that we are more than just old guys who sit at a bar.”
Post 9222 served the community for 54 years.
“The VFW was present in the community through service,” said O’Dwyer. “This certainly is a nostalgic time.”

Court Story Example-unpublished

ROSEVILLE – A Fraser man pleaded not guilty to illegal possession of a narcotic on Feb. 27 at the 39th District Court of the State of Michigan.
Matthew Gordon was pulled over by Roseville police on Dec. 15, 2007 and allegedly had Oxycodone on his person without a prescription. He was charged with illegal possession of a narcotic and faces a felony conviction.
Judge Catherine B. Steenland asked Gordon if he had anything to say. Gordon proceeded to apologize and was stopped by Judge Steenland.
“You don’t want to do that Mr. Gordon,” said Judge Steenland. “Do you have the money to post bond; at least $1,000?”
Judge Steenland noticed a baby in the courtroom.
“Is that your baby?” asked Judge Steenland.
Gordon nodded.
“Ok, can you post $500?“ asked Judge Steenland. “I am being extremely generous here.”
“Yeah, I can do that,” said Gordon. “Thank you judge.”
Gordon is expected to appear in court on March 5 for a preliminary examination.
Another Fraser man pleaded guilty to his second Operating While Under the Influence offense. In order to plead guilty Kenneth Bender had to corroborate the charges.
On Dec. 2,2007 Bender was pulled over by Roseville Police and according to his attorney Bender had a blood alcohol content of 0.18.
“I went out around 9 p.m. and had my share of three pitchers of beer,” said Bender. “I left the bar at around 12:30 a.m. and that’s when I was pulled over.”
Judge Steenland dropped Bender’s other charge of failure to change the address on an operator’s license.
“I will dismiss this charge since you are pleading guilty today,” said Judge Steenland.
Bender was convicted of his first OWI offense on June 24, 2003.
Bender was released on a $750 bond and will be sentenced on March 26.
A Chesterfield man also pleaded guilty to his second OWI offense. Roseville Police pulled over Edward Lavender on Feb. 12.
“I had four Long Island Iced Teas your honor,” said Lavender. Lavender was given two breathalyzers and subsequently had a BAC of 0.22 and 0.21.
“That’s a lot of liquor Mr. Lavender,” said Judge Steenland.
Lavender was convicted of his first OWI offense in Nov. 2007. He was released on a $250 bond. His sentencing will be on March 26.
Taminia Miller of Ypsilanti appeared for sentencing. The court did not state her offense.
Miller’s attorney argued she was in a tight financial situation and could not afford to pay large fines.
“She has three teenagers,” said Miller’s attorney. “Her paychecks are already being garnished because she previously filled for bankruptcy.”
Steenland sentenced Miller to 12 months probation. Miller is also ordered to attend an alcohol education program and a victim education panel. She must maintain employment and under no circumstances is permitted to use non-prescription drugs or drink alcohol.
Miller will be subject to random drug and alcohol screens. She must pay her $900 court fees within 180 days.
“I don’t expect to see you back here,” said Steenland. “I have been extremely generous and if I see you back that means you broke probation.”

Fighter Diary #5

Wow I need a sponsor. These as prices are killing me. Driving 120 mi round trip every time I have to go to school and paying for classes are breaking my bank so bad that I can't train right now without a sponsor. We moved to a new gym and as opposed to being 1 mi from my house it is not 20 mi from my house, which relatively speaking is not far, but when I am driving so much already it is not so good. Plus I am going to HI in July and I don't get paid vacation days so I am hurting. And before anyone thinks poorly of my decision to go to HI it may be my last opportunity to go for just the plane ride. I don't have to pay for lodging and all of my friends know the non-tourists spots to hit. I am actually hoping to get some features and compositions out of the trip. So Bill Gates if you are out there and find this blog I really could use a sponsor :)

School board story example- unpulished

WARREN - The Royal Oak Chapter of the Chinese Cultural Exchange Program joined the Warren Consolidated School District’s School Board at their March 19 meeting.
“We are all very aware that the global economy is a reality today,” said Executive Director of Secondary Education Todd Biederwolf. “We have to ensure our students that they will be competitive in business.”
Biederwolf and the Chinese Cultural Exchange Program members asked board members to support their initiative to begin a program that would eventually lead to high school students from China graduating from Warren Consolidated High Schools. Warren Consolidated Students would also have the opportunity to graduate from Chinese high schools.
Biederwolf and his supporters, including Principal of Sterling Heights High School Bob Scheonerr, believe programs such as these will allow American students to be competitive in business, understand the global economy, and learn Mandarin Chinese.
“Teaching our students Chinese is incredibly important to be well versed in today’s culture,” said Principal Scheonerr. “We hope that next year we can bring Shanghai students to Michigan. They will live in a boarding style home with adult supervision and graduate from Sterling with an American diploma.”
Eastern Michigan University and the International Higher Education Exchange Center have teamed up with Sterling Heights High School to aid in developing the program so all Warren Consolidated students can partake in the cultural exchange.
The board members were also asked to support changes in testing policies in the district in order to be compliant with policy 545 of the Michigan Merit Curriculum.
“I think it is important we talk about a waiver here,” said Biederwolf. “It’s not that we don’t care about health in education, but a student should be allowed to get that half credit in an area of interest.”
The board supported the change in the testing policy. Students will no longer be required to fulfill their half credit in health class in order to graduate. Now students may take another unrestricted elective, such as art, and will be eligible to graduate.
“Students may also be exempted from gym class with two seasons on the same J.V. or Varsity sport, two years of marching band, or one year of passing grade in WCS performing arts classes,” said Biederwolf. “The question is should we continue to do this?”
The board voted to allow students to continue to be exempt from gym class if they fulfill the requirement another way.
Students may also test out of classes so long as they receive a C-plus or higher. This raised concern with some board members.
“My own concern is a C-plus,” said Vice President Brendan Wagner. “I think we need to raise the bar. For testing, this is too low and most can do that with little effort.”
According to Biederwolf, the board cannot mandate students must receive a higher test score while testing out of classes because a C-plus is acceptable in Michigan law.
The Board also announced that Carter, Grissom and Carleton Middle Schools made it to the state band competition.

CHINA

As an aspiring journalist I am really struggling now. With the cyclone a few weeks ago and now the Earthquake that has claimed 12,000 to date with he tole steadily rising I have begun to ask myself can I do this job? Will I be able to hold back the tears as countless lifeless bodies of children are pulled from the rubble of what once was a safe place for them to be. The tiny frozen hand clutching the pencil as if the child was gong to write his next sentence when his life was so ruthlessly stolen from him? Should I have to hold back the tears when reporting on such a catastrophe? Is that healthy or even human? I am a very empathetic person. As I saw the mothers clutching the bodies of their now dead children I cried, and I felt a heart so sharp in my heart I thought I may be sick. But why as a journalist is that so wrong? Isn't the point of journalism to bring the facts to the world, to help people through print? So why should I have to leave out the pain I feel when such a horrific event occurs? I am a strong woman, I am independent, dependable, practical, timely, yet this struck a chord with me. I won't apologize for that and I am not sure I have to even if some of the old timers would believe differentially.

Fighter Diary #4

Grappling Update

4-3-1

I went to champions challenge a few weeks ago. I placed first but I realized I have a lot to work on. I have no guard passing skills whatsoever. And I am terrible at submission on top. I think that since when I am on top in fighting I throw punches I have not forced myself to learn submissions from an advantage position. I would love to train hardcore bjj but I cannot afford it. With school it is really hard to pay for anything else.

Maybe this summer since I don't have tot take summer classes I will be able to do a little bjj training. I think I would be an awesome grappler with my wrestling background if I could train hardcore.

I am going to Hawaii for to weeks in July to visit my best friend. I know there is some sweet bjj and MMA training out there. I am going to advantage of that.

Last weekend I went to a low level grappling tournament. I weighed in at 117. The one opponent I had weighed in at 135. Not a terrible disadvantage but I could not use my decent judo tossing abilities. She was just too heavy. I usually win grappling tournament on a good take down and quick knee on belly or mount. I have yet to submit anyone but I also have yet to catch myself on my back long enough to do so.

I went 1-1-1 with her. she beat me with a standing submission attempt and one by points. Then I won with take downs and a knee one belly in the second match. The third match I took her down and knee on belly to mount. She got a strong submission attempt. And they called it a draw. I say that is crap but it wasn't a ranked tournament so I don't care.

Fighter Diary #3

I competed in the NAGA Tournament at the Arnold Classic this past weekend. I did the no-gi division. I have never trained in BJJ nor do I own a gi so that was my only option.

I decided that I will have more money and no classes this summer so I am going to take BJJ then. I am hoping to have my Blue Belt within a year. I work hard so I think I can do it.

I faired well for my first tournament and since I don't train BJJ. I won my first match. Did well in my second. I faced the girl who took first in no-gi and second in gi. We were even on points until I slipped out the back door and left my arm behind.

She arm bard me with 10 seconds left to go. I freaked and tapped way too quickly but it was a learning experience,

In my third match I was going for third place. I lost by 1 point. she had the submission attempt from the air. She was probably a foot taller than me and just kept guillotining me. She could not take me down with the choke but got the point for the standing attempt.

All in all I had a blast. I saw a few UFC guys and chatted with Carter. That was really cool!

Fighter Diary #2

I had my second amateur fight last Thursday. The girl that I beat wanted a rematch. We were supposed to have that rematch a few weeks ago but she never showed up.

This time I won by TKO about one minute into the second round. This time she actually came back with a vengeance.

I have to hand it to her, she hit me with about seven good knees in a row before I ended it. And she took, with no exaggeration, at least seven straight rights to the face. I am pretty positive I broke her nose.

I thought I was going to knock her out cold. She made the mistake of trying to take me down. But with my wrestling experience unless my opponent is a very good wrestler, I am not getting taken down.

After being relentlessly kneed my adrenaline kicked in. As soon as I grabbed her leg as she kneed me she fell straight to her back. She has no sense of balance or mat awareness for someone who trains in grappling. My trainer wanted me to keep the fight standing so I let her back up.

As soon as she stood up I pounded her face until we hit the ropes in my corner. I then took her down and fell into her half guard. I still have a problem with quickly transitioning out of the guard when I take someone down.

Still yet, from half guard I managed to TKO her. Not bad!

I have to work on plenty of things before I move up to face harder opponents. But win or lose amateur competitions are always a learning experience. I guess knowing that is the first thing to learn. I am ready to start moving up. I have decided that being a pro fighter is what I want to do.

No there is not a lot of money in it for women. And yes I will have a double degree by December. But continuing to a Doctorate in history, or going back to school for my teaching degree, or sitting on my ass in an office just is not me. At least not yet.

This fighting thing is a bug. And it has been inside of me since I could remember. Except now I have finally figure out what I want to do. And nothing will stop me!

Fighter Diary #1

So I had my first amateur cage fight a few weeks ago. I won in 47 secs by TKO. That was pretty cool, but I know that I have a long road ahead to be the great fighter I hope to be.

I have another fight coming up on Thurs. The girl I beat wants a rematch so I am accepting. And then on Sat it is time for the NAGA tourney at the Arnold Classic. I love the Arnold Classic. Cheap dietary products and many cool people. All in all it will be a fun weekend.

The it is back to the grind next week. Train hard, work, and school. I sacrifice a lot in order to fight and I hope this will all pay off in the end.

fate

I BELIEVE IN FATE. FATE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN TOUCH OR TASTE. FATE HAS NO ODOR OR COLOR. FATE IS UNRECOGNIZABLE AS A TANGEABLE OBJECT. BUT I KNOW WHEN FATE TAKES HOLD. I KNOW WHEN FATE WORKS ITS MAGIC. I BELIEVE THAT I AM IN THE HERE AND NOW BECAUSE OF FATE. A SERIES OF DECISIONS HAVE LANDED ME IN MY CURRENT CONDITION; A SERIES OF DECISION BROUGHT ABOUT BY FATE. ALTHOUGH I HATE MY LIFE SOMETIMES I CANNOT FAULT FATE FOR THAT HATRED. LIFE WILL HAND YOU LEMONS SOMETIMES SO GO AHEAD AND GRAB A SPOON FULL OF SUGAR AND MAKE LEMONADE. DONT HATE WHERE FATE HAS BROUGHT YOU BUT EMBRACE IT FOR WHERE IT MAY TAKE YOU.

SO HERE I AM RIGHT NOW. I AM ON THE VERGE OF GRADUATING COLLEGE, ON THE VERGE OF BECOMING SOMETHING I AM UNAWARE OF. HERE I AM ON THE VERGE OF BECOMING THE FIGHTER I WANT TO BE. HERE I AM ON THE VERGE OF SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL THAT I MIGHT ONE DAY CALL IT LOVE. HERE I AM WONDERING IF I SHOULD LEAVE THE PAST COMPLETELY BEHIND AND JUMP OFF THE LEDGE OF THIS PLACE THAT I AM STUCK IN. I KNOW I WANT TO BE A PRO FIGHTER AND I WANT TO WORK FOR THAT. I KNOW I WANT TO GO TO GRADUATE SCHOOL I JUST DON'T KNOW FOR WHAT. I KNOW I COULD FALL HEAD OVER HEALS FOR YOU IF YOU WOULD ONLY LET ME. I KNOW I WANT TO TRAVEL TO PLACES I HAVE NEVER BEEN. I KNOW I AM A DREAMER I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT MY DREAMS ARE.

INSTEAD OF TRYING TO FORCE MY LIFE AND MY RELATIONSHIP STATUS IN THE DIRECTION I THINK IT SHOULD GO, I LEAVE MY LIFE AND MY LOVE TO YOU FATE. SO IF FATE GOES MY WAY I WILL BE ABLE TO FIGHT FOR MANY YEARS TO COME AND BE PAID TO DO SO, YOU WILL REALIZE THAT WE MIGHT BE GOOD TOGETHER, I WILL GET A GOOD JOB THAT WE SUPPORT ME FINANCIALLY AND GIVE ME THE FREEDOM TO TRAIN AND TRAVEL, I WILL SOMEHOW FALL INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL, AND I WILL BE HAPPY. SO HERES TO YOU FATE. I YET AGAIN PUT MY LIFE IN YOUR HANDS. I TRUST YOU WILL POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AS YOU ALWAYS HAVE.