BOMB-BAY!

I just finished reading Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer in the last few weeks. One of the themes that seemed to occur throughout the book was the imagination of children and how they blow rumors out of proportion. This brought me back to a situation in my childhood that was very similar.

For either three or four years during my youth, I went to Wet N' Wild quite often. I went often enough to buy a season pass and get full value out of it. They were great times. I would often go with my friend, Greg, and we would explore the park on our own. We knew the park inside and out. We knew when and where there would be longer or shorter lines. For instance, in August there was an event called Hot August Nights (not to be confused with the car show in Reno). There would be a live band out by the wave pool along with fun and games beginning at around sundown. From that point forward all of the rides at the park were basically vacant. Greg and I would take advantage of this and ride the rides over and over again.

We rode every ride. Well, every ride except for one. As many times as we went to the park we never rode the Bomb-Bay. Bomb-Bay was a ride in which one had to climb a circular set of stairs about 75 ft high. At the top the rider was placed in a capsule, or known as the "Bomb-Bay." From there the capsule would open underneath your feet and you would drop into a slide that slid straight down the whole 75 ft. Sounds fun right???

Well, there was a bit of an urban legend about this "Bomb-Bay." It seems that everybody had a brothers, girlfriends, second cousin that either got stuck in the Bomb-Bay for hours on end or had lost a limb or digit when it got caught when the capsule opened.

Greg and I thought that most of these stories were jibberish, but then again what if they weren't? It seemed like every time we went to Wet 'N Wild that it would be the day that we finally conquered the colossal Bomb-Bay. And every night when we would leave we would pass the ride and it would laugh at us because it still haunted us.

Unfortunately, Wet N' Wild didn't stay open long enough for Greg and I to finally conquer the Bomb-Bay. It was closed down to make room for high rise condos on the strip. In fact, the stalled construction project, Fontainebleau, sits where the majestic Bomb-Bay used to rise over the entire park. And even though the park has been gone for years, I can still imagine the Bomb-Bay laughing at me every time I drive by its location on the strip.

A look into the Bucket List

Now that I'm graduated (well minus two exams), I can cross off another item on my bucket list. However that's not the only item left on my bucket list. I've decided to post a few of the other items that I have on my list (well there's not a real list, call it a mental list).

1. Attend a baseball game in each MLB stadium: Currently, I've traveled to five different MLB stadiums and each have been pretty awesome. Being a member of the every stadium club would really be a joy. Definitely Fenway Park, and Wrigley Field are the main priorities. If the old Yankee Stadium was still being used that would be a high priority as well.

2. Visit Washington D.C. and visit each Smithsonian Museum: In a middle school band trip I was fortunate enough to see many Washington attractions including the White House, the House of Archives, and numerous memorials. However, we only spent a half day exploring all things Smithsonian, and that was limited to the Air and Space Museum. That certainly doesn't do justice to all of the awesome stuff they have in that and all of the other museums in the "Mall."

3. Go Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center: This would probably be the biggest "letdown" on the entire list. It certainly wouldn't be like in the movies when the place is basically a ghost town. In reality there probably wouldn't be enough room to move, but I guess it's the "idea" that's presented in cinema that makes it appealing.

4. Baseball HoF visit in Cooperstown: This probably could be combined with my other baseball goal. I could probably spend like a week at that place. While I'm thinking about it I might as well thrown in, "attend college world series, attend little league world series game, and attend spring training."

5. See a tornado in real life and/or ride out a hurricane: When I was kid I was a weather nut. I watched the weather channel for hours sometimes... seriously. During hurricane season I could pop off all of the major stats for each tropical disturbance... wind speed, direction and speed it's traveling, barometric pressure, etc. I also owned a couple of videos on tornado chasers and was extremely interested in what they did. For quite a while I wanted to be a meteorologist when I grew up. I guess some of that never left me. I always thought it would be such an exciting experience chasing a tornado. Also, this video gave me the idea of riding out a hurricane in a parking garage. Yeah, it sounds nuts, but I think it would be an unforgettable experience.

6. Attend an SEC football game (preferably the Iron Bowl Alabama vs. Auburn): SEC football is my favorite football to watch. Period. Forget about the NFL. Forget about any other college conference. I want to be in a stadium that seats 100,000 screaming die-hard fans that live and die by their team's performance. I'll also throw in attend a final-four basketball game here.

7. Visit a Civil War battleground (Preferably Gettysburg or Antietam): These two battlegrounds were the most intriguing to me because they were where the most was on the line. These were the only two battles fought on union soil. In addition, both of these locations were north of Washington D.C. in which a Confederate victory could have had a substantial impact on the war.

8. Visit Normandy: This is where the march to Germany began. The idea of storming a heavily fortified beach is beyond me. How these guys were able to do it amazes me.

There are a ton of other things that I've missed, but these are the ones that come to mind currently. We'll see how it unfolds. It's certainly not something to do on a light budget, but who knows... maybe one day I'll be able to afford it all!

The end of an era

My undergraduate time at college is soon coming to an end. And just think, it took just 5 1/2 years! The last couple of days have left me pondering my college career and how I got from then to now. I think it'll be fun to list each of my semesters and give a recap of my classes. So here goes:

Fall 2005: Marching Band, Econ 102 (Principles of Microeconomics), Sociology 101, Political Science 101, English 098, Math 120.

I arrive to Reno roughly a week before classes begin. I'm allowed to move into Nye Hall before the majority of the students because of the required band camp. My dad and I had driven up to Reno the previous day. We took a detour into Carson City where my friend Stephen rendezvous and proceeded to Reno. We stay at the Eldorado Hotel and have dinner at Brew Brothers. I had the taco platter (don't ask me how I can remember this stuff). Steve and I retire to my room where we watch Star Wars III Revenge of the Sith. At the conclusion of the film Steve heads back to Carson City. And that's how my first night in Reno was spent.

The first semester was a very busy one. For whatever reason I didn't score well on my verbal portion of the SAT exam and needed to take English 098. While I enjoyed the content of the class it seemed to be pretty soft in terms of difficulty. We basically wrote 1-2 page narratives on topics of our choice and had peer edits. Math 120, on the other hand, was a class that proved to be much more difficult. Although my SAT score hinted that I had a solid foundation in math my performance in high school suggested otherwise. This particular class was a hodgepodge of several math subjects, which included some algebra, finance, probability, statistics, and trig. I managed to squeak by with a "C", but that wouldn't be my last encounter with the dreaded subject. This differed from Econ 102. This class was taught by professor Dobra, who used his famous beer analogy to lecture on all economic theories. Basically all you did was show up and do marginally well on his exams and you were guaranteed a "B+". Sociology was my first college experience that revealed the true bias of some professors. The vast majority of the class was spent learning about glass ceilings and the exclusion of women in all things society. I managed a "C" in that class, as well. In retrospect I really wish I would have done better in these "no brainer" classes to boost my cumulative GPA. My final class was a politcal science class taught by Eric Hertzic. He was one of the more engaging lecturers I've had in my college career. This was my favorite class in semester number one. And finally, there was marching band. This, by far, took the most time, as there was rehearsal on MWF (that's Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) from 1- 150. Wednesdays were especially tedious, as I lugged my bass drum from the band room (located on the south side of campus) to a parking lot just south of McCarran Blvd (about as far north as you can get on campus). In addition, in days in which there were home football games you could pretty much kiss that day goodbye. It was during this semester that I decided that if I wanted an academic career outside of music I would probably not be able to continue to participate in marching band.

Spring 2006: Econ 103 (Principles of Macroeconomics), English 101, History 102 (U.S. History Reconstruction to Present) History 387 (Modern Warfare and Society) Pep Band, Symphonic Band.

This semester was one of the lighter workloads during college. English 101 was basically a breeze. History 102 caused a few fits, as my teacher gave particularly bland lectures. History 387 was probably the most difficult of the bunch, as it was an upper level designed course. However, the difficulty was easy to bear due to the intriguing content of the class. This was my final semester as a member of a musical ensemble, something that I had been a part of since the 6th grade. In February, I began work at the Silver Legacy where I continue to work today. The decision to work there also contributed in my decision to stop participating in musical ensembles.

Summer 2006: Math 124 (College Algebra), IS 101 (Intro to Information Systems)

Perhaps the most notable part of my summer was outside of the classroom. Since I was enrolled in six credits I was able to apply for summer housing. It was by chance that my roommate for the summer happened to be a homosexual wiccan who lived a swinger lifestyle, which was basically my polar opposite. Living in that room during that summer may have been the most uncomfortable situation I've ever encountered. In addition, I faced my nemesis (college math) during the summer. Apparently my algebra needed some work, as a received a "D" for the class. I.S. proved to be a bit more successful where I received a "B".

Fall 2006: Accounting 201, English 102, History 101 (American History 1492-Civil War), History 409 (History of Sports in America), Physics 100.

After my tumultuous summer, I moved again, this time to Canada Hall. Fortunately my roommates were people that I knew and were more comfortable with. This was one of my more successful semesters in college, probably because of the two history courses and the easy Physics class. I mean c'mon, how could I not get an "A" in a class titled "History of Sports in America"? This was also my first encounter with Dick Davies. His lectures were told like a grandfather spinning off stories of the past. I didn't even have to take notes because the words just stuck with me. However, my first semester of accounting proved to be quite an eye-opener. My grade for the semester was a "C" and I wondered if making the decision to major in accounting would be such a good idea. History seemed to be a lot easier and fun, although I felt that there weren't many career choices with a background in History. In addition, I wasn't too interested in anything other than American history.

Spring 2007: Accounting 202 (Intro Managerial Accounting), Marketing 210 (Intro to Marketing), Math 124 (Repeated course), English 240 (Survey American Literature), Econ 261 (Statistics I).

This was a difficult semester. Classes, in terms of pre-business curriculum were quite difficult. Again, accounting proved to be difficult. I was only able to get a "C+" in class although I feel I got shafted and deserved a "B-", at minimum. Using the professors grading scale I qualified for the "B-" although for whatever reason he decided not to give me the grade. Then, of course, there was math. Even with the best math teacher I've ever encountered (Darren Ripley) I was still only able to get a "C". Fortunately, this was good enough for me to continue on to the dreaded "Calculus for Business." Wait a minute that doesn't really do justice.... "CALCULUS FOR BUSINESS" There, that's a more accurate representation of the hurdle that awaited. On top of all the difficulties I had with class was my accident. While driving one of the Silver Legacy limousines I had a head-on collision with a motorcycle. This was a very traumatic experience, as the driver flipped onto my hood and fell onto the pavement next to my drivers-side door. Fortunately for me, there was an officer only a few blocks away and was able to take care of the motorcyclist almost immediately. While the accident was my fault (I was executing a left-hand turn with a solid green light while the cyclist was attempting to cross the intersection) I was able to keep my job because I wasn't under the influence of any drugs and had been a good employee. Still, this incident, along with others like negotiating the purchase of my condo, among other things may have had an effect on my academic peformance, as the highest grade I received that semster was an "A-" in Survey of American Lit.

Summer 2007: C.H 201 (Core Humanities, basically a hybrid of ancient history and English)

This was my least favorite of my core humanity classes. And my grade, a "B-" reflected on my disinterest in the class. I still don't have much interest in Greek/Roman history.

Fall 2007: Econ 262 (Stats II), Communication 113, Environmental Science 100, and the Dreaded Business Calculus:

These four classes featured polar opposites: Two extremely easy classes, and two extemely difficult classes. Communication and Environmental Science are cake. Just show up, do the work and get your "A" or "A-" in environmental science. Econ was a struggle as the subjects were introduced at a freakish pace and business calc was.... well a disaster. I took my "D" (thank God I passed) and vowed never to open another calc textbook... ever! To this date I have not seen integrals or anything similar in nature in any of my upper level courses. At the conclussion of this semester I had completed all of my pre-business courses. There was only one problem. I was well below the minimum 2.75 required pre-business GPA requirement to enroll in COBA (college of business administration). I needed to re-take classes in Spring (which would delay my graduation)

Spring 2008: Accounting 201 (Retake), Accounting 202 (Retake), I.S. 101 (Retake), Music 121 (Music Appreciation), C.H. 202 (The Modern World).

I needed to get my act together. I attended class with more focus and drive. I paid more attention and engaged more in lecture. If I didn't do well on my retakes I would have to switch my major, as there was a limit on retakes to get my GPA up to the minimum 2.75. I did do well. This was my best semester in college in terms of GPA. I got "A's" in accounting 201 and music appreciation, a "B+" in I.S. and a "B" in accounting 202, while also getting an "A-" in CH 202. This was enough to push my GPA high enough to get me into business school.

Fall 2008: Accounting 401 (Financial Reporting I) Management 321 (Business Writing) Management 323 (Organizational Behavior), Econ 334 (History of American Economics), I.S. 201 (Computer Applications).

After my successes of the previous semester I had my second wind. I was motivated. I was ready to tackle accounting and whatever else came my direction. And... I was moderately successful in my first upper-level semester. Little did I know how difficult it was going to be. Classes that I thought would be simple (I.S 201) were actually quite difficult and time consuming. MGT 321 was filled with work, as was ECON 334. Luckily, MGT 323 was a bit lighter in content because I had no time to dedicate myself towards that class. And then, there was ACC 401, the class where I should be spending the majority of my time. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out this way. Projects in ECON, I.S., and MGT 321 took tons of time and kept me away from the accounting text. Although there were no "A's" there were plenty of "B's". This semester was probably the most difficult for me in terms of volume of work. There was a large project due basically every week. Looking back this semester was good for me because it showed me that I could endure anything that the college threw at me.

Spring 2009: ACC 402 (Financial Reporting II), Finance 301 (Intro to Finance), I.S. 301 (Management Information Systems) ACC 410 (Individual Taxation) HIST 210 (American Military History)

This semester overall was a bit lighter in content than the previous one. While ACC 402 and FIN 301 were very difficult, the other three classes were a bit lighter in content. This was a good thing because I was introduced to professor Carslaw who happened to be one of the most difficult professors in the accounting program. This would be the first of three semesters of Carslaw's wrath. This was my most successful semester in upper-level business, as I had three "A's" a "B" and my only "C" again coming in accounting.

Summer 2009: MUS 123 (History of American Pop Song)

This was one of the funnest classes I took at the university. It was pure joy getting to listen to the evolution of popular music in America from Stephen Foster to Rock 'n Roll to todays music.

Fall 2009: ACC 403 (Financial Reporting III), ACC 460 (Business Law for Accounting), C.H. 203 (American Experience), SCM 352 (Supply Chain Management), HIST 416 (American History 1929-Present).

This semester was when I made my biggest mistake of my academic career. I underestimated Carsaw and Accounting 403. I had figured that I made it through his 402 class and 403 would be a "winding down" of sorts. I couldn't have been more wrong. His lectures were designed to where each student would exit the room after class with a starry, glazed look coming from their eyes, similar to the 1000 yard stare that Vietnam Veterans were known for. After flunking his two tests (they weren't even close to passing) I decided that it would be a prudent decision to withdraw from his class and further delay my graduation. It was an average semester for my other three classes, with the main highlight being reunited with Dick Davies who taught the American History Class. Again I was memorized by his storytelling ability and again I thoroughly enjoyed his class.

Spring 2010: ACC 403 (Repeat), ACC 405 (Cost Accounting), ACC 461 (Corporate Taxation), MGT 480 (International Management)

Although I was only enrolled in 12 credits this was one of my more difficult semesters (highlighted by round III of Carslaw and two additional accounting courses). This, even with the fewest number of credits I've enrolled in for a full semester would be rated as my second most difficult semster of my academic career. However, it was a triumphent one, as i finally conquered Carslaw where I received a "C". Accounting 461 proved to be extremely difficult, as the case studies for the class were historically difficult. Tales of the difficulty of the case studies had floated through the ranks of the accounting students and were as difficult as advertised. And cost accounting, which had historically been an easier class had a adminstrative change and became a much more difficult class. While my grades were generally poor this semester it represented the climax of my academic career, as classes for my final semester proved to be lighter in content.

Fall 2010: ACC 470 (Audit and Assurance), ACC 325 (Financial Investigations), MGT 496 (Strategic Management), MUS 209 (Funcional Piano III), PEX 199 (Marathon Training).

And this is where I am now. And this is where it will end. Finally after 5 1/2 years I will have a degree in accounting with a minor in American History (almost an entirely unrelated subject). Obviously, I've had my struggles, as it's taken me quite some time to complete my studies. However, I feel that it's also showed my character, as there have been several instances in which I could have taken the easy path and chosen an easier route to a degree. So when I receive my real degree in the mail in a few weeks I will cherish the accomplishment that I've made and the crooked path it took to get there.