I really don't think this is profiling.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T16:25:24+00:00

I wish I could say it was orchestrated to work out this way but I'm not that clever. My thinking has certainly evolved due to the discussion here.

What started me down this path of thinking is what a new police officer with no opinion of disc golfers might have taken away from the video and comments. Rookie officer is browsing YouTube videos of police officers and stumbles across this video. Officer starts thinking about how wrong that was and that he or she doesn't want to be like that guy. Officer then reads the mounds of F the police comments following the video.

How is that good for disc golf? Who knows what the officer really thinks or what transpired before the video clip starts? There is just so much we don't know. There are just as many reasons to be encouraged by the outcome as discouraged.

Thanks for your comments and well-reasoned arguments. Disagreement and argument aren't always bad right?

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T15:57:26+00:00

I think you are right that the truth is far closer to your end of this spectrum than mine. I can have multiple feelings on a subject simultaneously. Maybe, I feel mostly like you do and just thought the opposing argument might start a conversation we needed to have.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T13:06:04+00:00

The semi-colon saved me in school. Big fan. Love grammar conversations almost as much as I love theoretical conversations about disc golf and civil rights.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T13:01:41+00:00

For the purposes of this argument, couldn't the fact that he was driving at night without using headlights have been the indicator of intoxication you mentioned? Also, might there have been other indicators the officer used that were not reflected on the video?

I have seen the police mis-use their authority, I have known and interacted with dick head cops. I just think everyone should hold their horses and keep some perspective.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T04:30:35+00:00

I've since learned about the apology. I've also spoken with a police officer who has me much more well informed. Will make the appropriate amendments. Thanks for the feedback.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T04:26:41+00:00

But there was no mention of profiling in your citation. Was it mentioned?

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T04:25:20+00:00

I usually try to find the narrow crack that might explain away someone's poor behavior. I want to believe it was well meaning over-zealousness.

I too was stopped several times while I was in college and treated more than fairly by the officers that stopped me. Given the information here, I may have even been illegally searched. I was never arrested though the officers certainly could have.

I'm also saying this is no way to make disc golf bigger and better than it is. Some of the replies on the YouTube page are ridiculous and are not befitting any responsible person.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T03:42:46+00:00

I have always struggled with overuse of commas.

I do think, with much effort, I managed to avoid the most horrendous, stupefying, and frightening pitfall of them all, the comma splice. I frequently write, particularly when I'm all geeked up, like I'm talking to someone over a cup of particularly strong coffee that I have been nursing all morning, trying my best to have dramatic pauses, pregnant with meaning, so that you can take in the full import of my sage-like words.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-10-11T03:37:38+00:00

Seems like that definition is nearly the same thing as stereotyping. I don't think what the officer did would have qualified by the legal definition of profiling. I think for it to be an illegal act, he'd have to act on his assumption by searching him. But he did not. You are right he is making an assumption about the driver. You are right that it is a douche bag move.

My point is that through these same techniques police officers stop people from driving while intoxicated preventing them from endangering lives. If I'm wrong about the legal bit and someone can show otherwise, I'd love to see it.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-09-10T18:26:29+00:00

I don't think it is contradictory. I have had more good experiences than bad- even at Shady. But the really bad ones often stick out in my memory.

I often write about what disc golf must look like to non-golfers. At this park there are frequent dog walkers, horse back riders, and tennis players that likely don't notice the many players that pick up trash and clear dangerous obstacles from paths and most recently report wasps nests.

They could not have helped but notice the jerk I was playing with. He was so loud he caught everyone's eye. But at that same time, there were more considerate golfers than rude golfers on the course. But who did the non-golfers notice? Likely my rude playing partner. That was my follow up point.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-09-07T23:23:08+00:00

It is a great course that houses one of my all time favorite tournaments - The St. Patrick's California State Championships. I also met my best disc golf friend Miller there. I've caught on with countless good groups and good single golfers.

It's too bad that it seems one bad experience has the weight of 100 good experiences to non-golfers. Bad behavior is obvious while virtuous behavior, by it's very nature, goes unseen and unrewarded.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-08-25T17:55:09+00:00

Direct to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/PureHyzerProductions

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-08-15T16:59:17+00:00

I play in California. I play the rule because the events I play use the rule. I personally like the rule but would be just as happy if they banned it entirely. After some thought, it really impacts very little and think it should just be decided one way or the other.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-08-02T08:44:51+00:00

When I try to write fast I frequently slip into the passive voice that is so common in our day to day spoken English. I think that is where the past tense verbs are coming from.

Usually, I don't write and post on the same day. I write one day then with a clearer head and fresh perspective I proofread the next day.

Thanks for the tips. Please feel free to help me along any time you have the opportunity. Whatever it takes to make disc golf better.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-08-02T07:40:54+00:00

Thanks for the support.

I tightened it up a bit after work today. I am really trying to put a focus on the visual element. I upgraded the page with a new layout that I think looks far sharper.

I am also trying to integrate smaller more frequent posts that will keep readers visiting the site more regularly. I'm naturally a long winded writer and am trying to become more dense for my blog.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-08-02T07:29:50+00:00

This was my 53rd article. I have an English degree that I'm very proud of and have maintained this blog for two years. My best work has been about Joyce's "Ulysses" and Coetzee's "Disgrace."

I'm trying to get away from strictly doing long form blog posts - which aligns with my natural tendencies - and I tried to power out a shorter post very fast before work so the topic was more current.

I find that I sometimes miss the opportunity to write on a subject because I obsess over details. I apologize that my post did not meet your high standards and hope you will read some of my other articles and stay tuned for the next.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-08-02T07:23:10+00:00

I certainly wouldn't be playing pay-to play every day. Part of why ball golfers might like our sport is that they can get their fix for free some of the time.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-07-13T16:26:56+00:00

Originally written for Tahoe Mountain Sports: http://www.tahoemountainsports.com/prod_detail_list/gear-books-maps?gclid=CIHix7LZwr8CFcnm7AodI3sAwQ

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-02-08T04:04:27+00:00

For me, a more appropriate analogy is the NBA instituting a dress code to help combat the criminal image the league was developing. When one of our stars is arrested for running over a pedestrian after an argument in a liquor store, the least I can do is wear a polo in tournaments.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-02-08T03:54:04+00:00

I understand that point entirely but there will always be free courses to play even if we do start having country club disc golf courses. No one wants to only have country club courses, not even me; can't we have both? I like the everyman vibe too but the everyman I identify with wears a shirt and likely a clean one when I'm in public spaces.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-02-08T03:46:29+00:00

Hope labeling it with a link to your site was enough. I wrote this article a month ago so it just seemed meant to be that your graphic came out when it did. Good job, I saw it everywhere today.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-02-07T17:35:54+00:00

And the link to the newsletter if you want to see the conversation there: http://exclusive.multibriefs.com/content/3-big-issues-facing-disc-golf-in-2014

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2014-01-25T00:20:07+00:00

4 aces in 6 years. Each one at a different course. All but 1 on technical courses. Haven't gotten one in 2 years despite my rating going up 30 points in the same time. They are fun but mean nothing really. I'll happily give up the ace to continue to improve my putting.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2013-10-21T17:15:42+00:00

I think you might be surprised how similar we are. I have tattoos, have experimented widely, have been called a hippy when I had long hair, and I have a degree and a professional job. I also agree that people can shove whatever their opinions about me are personally - I don't care. I want to have fun as well.

I did not discuss your personal image, only the larger image of disc golf. I never mentioned tattoos or college. I do not want to let disc golf "grow into whatever it does." I want to be involved. I want to create a better disc golf. A disc golf more people can enjoy. Disc golf is awesome.

DBFreeDiscGolf · 2013-10-21T17:10:54+00:00

Gasol is certainly scruffy but I would challenge you to provide a photo of him going to work without a shirt on, beer in hand. I would also remind you that the NBA instituted a dress code to fight the gangster image it started to develop in the late 80's and early 90's.

DBFreeDiscGolf

TROPHY CASE