Click on the link below to join the "Rename the Renaissance Coliseum facebook group
Monday, October 18, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
What were you thinking, Bradley?
Bradley decided to name its new arena the Renaissance Coliseum. I think its a really tacky name. Here's a letter I'm writing to Bradley and it pretty much says what I think about the naming:
Dear Bradley University,
I was shocked to find out that the new on-campus arena was named the “Renaissance Coliseum.” The online news release on the BU website gave no indication as to why the university chose the name Renaissance Coliseum, a name that I feel is extremely ill-suited for the arena. Without a doubt, the new facility is an impressive structure and the university should be commended for it. However, naming it the Renaissance Coliseum presents many flaws.
First and foremost, choosing a name simply to flaunt a building misrepresents the ideals that are taught at Bradley, namely modesty. As Shakespeare said “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Likewise, the new facility would be associated with excellence, no matter what it is named. After all, the signature building on Bradley’s campus is simply referred to as Bradley Hall, not “The Magnificent Castle of Learning.” Also, no student is going to constantly say the name “Renaissance Coliseum” in conversation, as in “I’m going to have to pick up tickets at the Renaissance Coliseum,” “I’m passing by the Renaissance Coliseum.” The name is going to be shortened to “The Ren” which doesn’t indicate any sort of prestige.
Secondly, the name Renaissance Coliseum does nothing as far as preserving the history of BU. There would be nothing wrong in naming the facility the Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse, which was a huge branding aspect of the university. When you have a great name for an arena, you should keep it. When the New York Yankees built a new stadium, they only name on their mind was Yankee Stadium. The name Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse evokes some of the great moments of BU history, while the Renaissance Coliseum evokes confusion as to why the facility was named that.
Even if the university was set on another name, there were many good choices available. The arena could have been a way to honor one of the many people who have made a great contribution to the university or Bradley Athletics. Everything at Bradley has a named attached to it, except the arena. The Smith Career Center, Cullom-Davis Library, even the new practice court is named after Mitchell Anderson. But no name could be given to the new arena? Were naming rights available for a generous donor?
In writing this letter, I hope one of two things can be accomplished. I hope sometime in the near future, the facility can be renamed to honor someone who has made a significant contribution to the university or Bradley Athletics. I can think of no better person than Coach Joe Stowell, a BU player, coach, administrator, and broadcaster associated with BU for the past 60 + years. If the school does not want to name the facility after a person, I hope BU will allow corporations to bid for the naming rights, allowing the school to generate revenue. Perhaps Caterpillar would have some interest.
Sincerely,
Aaron Friedman
Dear Bradley University,
I was shocked to find out that the new on-campus arena was named the “Renaissance Coliseum.” The online news release on the BU website gave no indication as to why the university chose the name Renaissance Coliseum, a name that I feel is extremely ill-suited for the arena. Without a doubt, the new facility is an impressive structure and the university should be commended for it. However, naming it the Renaissance Coliseum presents many flaws.
First and foremost, choosing a name simply to flaunt a building misrepresents the ideals that are taught at Bradley, namely modesty. As Shakespeare said “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Likewise, the new facility would be associated with excellence, no matter what it is named. After all, the signature building on Bradley’s campus is simply referred to as Bradley Hall, not “The Magnificent Castle of Learning.” Also, no student is going to constantly say the name “Renaissance Coliseum” in conversation, as in “I’m going to have to pick up tickets at the Renaissance Coliseum,” “I’m passing by the Renaissance Coliseum.” The name is going to be shortened to “The Ren” which doesn’t indicate any sort of prestige.
Secondly, the name Renaissance Coliseum does nothing as far as preserving the history of BU. There would be nothing wrong in naming the facility the Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse, which was a huge branding aspect of the university. When you have a great name for an arena, you should keep it. When the New York Yankees built a new stadium, they only name on their mind was Yankee Stadium. The name Robertson Memorial Fieldhouse evokes some of the great moments of BU history, while the Renaissance Coliseum evokes confusion as to why the facility was named that.
Even if the university was set on another name, there were many good choices available. The arena could have been a way to honor one of the many people who have made a great contribution to the university or Bradley Athletics. Everything at Bradley has a named attached to it, except the arena. The Smith Career Center, Cullom-Davis Library, even the new practice court is named after Mitchell Anderson. But no name could be given to the new arena? Were naming rights available for a generous donor?
In writing this letter, I hope one of two things can be accomplished. I hope sometime in the near future, the facility can be renamed to honor someone who has made a significant contribution to the university or Bradley Athletics. I can think of no better person than Coach Joe Stowell, a BU player, coach, administrator, and broadcaster associated with BU for the past 60 + years. If the school does not want to name the facility after a person, I hope BU will allow corporations to bid for the naming rights, allowing the school to generate revenue. Perhaps Caterpillar would have some interest.
Sincerely,
Aaron Friedman
Monday, October 11, 2010
In Case you Missed It: First Half Recap
For the most part, the college football season has crossed the halfway point (many, but not all teams have played 6 of their 12 games so far). I know a lot of people probably don't follow college football as closely as I do, so I'm making a first-half recap of the college football season.
Here are the big things that have happened so far: the transformation of the Pac-10, decline of major powers, and a cloudy national championship picture.
USC is no longer the big dog in the Pac-10. After a demoralizing off-season, the Trojans have lost two consecutive conference games and have not resembled the dominant teams of the 2000s. In their demise, Oregon and Stanford are among the conferences two best teams. Oregon is a lot of college football reporters' picks to make it into the national championship. Led by LaMichael James, the Ducks feature flashy uniforms and an explosive offensive that can put points on the toughest defenses. Stanford, who suffered a loss to Oregon already, has also impressed early in the season. Don't discount Oregon State, who is 2-0 in the Pac-10.
USC is not the only traditional power going through tough times. Penn State just lost to Illinois and is 3-3. Texas has already lost to UCLA and Oklahoma. Florida already has two losses. Notre Dame is also 3-3 and has shown any form of dominance. Unlike last season where Texas and Alabama were in the driver's seat for most of the 2009 college football season, no two teams have emerged as clear-cut favorites to make it to the BCS National Championship Game
There are now just 13 unbeaten teams left in college football. 4 of the 13 are from non-BCS conferences, Utah, Nevada, Boise State, and TCU. #21 Nevada is ranked for the first time in a half-century, and its offensive formation, The Pistol, has gained national attention. Meanwhile, Boise State, the preseason Cinderella story, took care of Virgina Tech and Oregon State during their first two games of the season, and most likely will cruise through their schedule until meeting Nevada on November 26th. I also think Boise will be tested during a November 6th game against Hawai'i.
One of the biggest upsets of the season happened last weekend, as South Carolina defeated #1 Alabama, ending a 19 game winning streak. Up until this past weekend, Alabama was seen as practically a shoe-in for the national championship. The Crimson Tide still have National Championship hopes, though they still have a tough schedule ahead and face a pair of currently undefeated teams in LSU and Auburn later in the season.
In its final season in the Big 12, Nebraska too, is a national championship contender. Last Thursday against Kansas State, freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez (nicknamed T-Magic), ran for 241 yards, and has emerged as a Heisman candidate. I watched the game, and Martinez is an absolute stud. The 'Huskers could meet #6 Oklahoma in the Big 12 Conference Championship, which could determine one of the 2 teams to play in the national championship.
Next year, Nebraska will be in the Big Ten, where Michigan State (after beating Michigan) and Ohio State look to contend for the Big Ten title and an national championship appearance. MSU and OSU will not play each other, which further complicates the national championship picture In the two other BCS conferences, the ACC and Big East, no teams are really having that great of a season.
The initial BCS standings, which play a large factor in determining the national championship, come out on October 17th, and there is still plenty of football left to deciding who will make it to the national championships.
Aaron's Midseason Heisman
1. LaMichael James, Oregon
2. Kellen Moore, Boise State
3. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
4. Denard Robinson, Michigan
5. Andrew Luck, Stanford
Here are the big things that have happened so far: the transformation of the Pac-10, decline of major powers, and a cloudy national championship picture.
USC is no longer the big dog in the Pac-10. After a demoralizing off-season, the Trojans have lost two consecutive conference games and have not resembled the dominant teams of the 2000s. In their demise, Oregon and Stanford are among the conferences two best teams. Oregon is a lot of college football reporters' picks to make it into the national championship. Led by LaMichael James, the Ducks feature flashy uniforms and an explosive offensive that can put points on the toughest defenses. Stanford, who suffered a loss to Oregon already, has also impressed early in the season. Don't discount Oregon State, who is 2-0 in the Pac-10.
USC is not the only traditional power going through tough times. Penn State just lost to Illinois and is 3-3. Texas has already lost to UCLA and Oklahoma. Florida already has two losses. Notre Dame is also 3-3 and has shown any form of dominance. Unlike last season where Texas and Alabama were in the driver's seat for most of the 2009 college football season, no two teams have emerged as clear-cut favorites to make it to the BCS National Championship Game
There are now just 13 unbeaten teams left in college football. 4 of the 13 are from non-BCS conferences, Utah, Nevada, Boise State, and TCU. #21 Nevada is ranked for the first time in a half-century, and its offensive formation, The Pistol, has gained national attention. Meanwhile, Boise State, the preseason Cinderella story, took care of Virgina Tech and Oregon State during their first two games of the season, and most likely will cruise through their schedule until meeting Nevada on November 26th. I also think Boise will be tested during a November 6th game against Hawai'i.
One of the biggest upsets of the season happened last weekend, as South Carolina defeated #1 Alabama, ending a 19 game winning streak. Up until this past weekend, Alabama was seen as practically a shoe-in for the national championship. The Crimson Tide still have National Championship hopes, though they still have a tough schedule ahead and face a pair of currently undefeated teams in LSU and Auburn later in the season.
In its final season in the Big 12, Nebraska too, is a national championship contender. Last Thursday against Kansas State, freshman quarterback Taylor Martinez (nicknamed T-Magic), ran for 241 yards, and has emerged as a Heisman candidate. I watched the game, and Martinez is an absolute stud. The 'Huskers could meet #6 Oklahoma in the Big 12 Conference Championship, which could determine one of the 2 teams to play in the national championship.
Next year, Nebraska will be in the Big Ten, where Michigan State (after beating Michigan) and Ohio State look to contend for the Big Ten title and an national championship appearance. MSU and OSU will not play each other, which further complicates the national championship picture In the two other BCS conferences, the ACC and Big East, no teams are really having that great of a season.
The initial BCS standings, which play a large factor in determining the national championship, come out on October 17th, and there is still plenty of football left to deciding who will make it to the national championships.
Aaron's Midseason Heisman
1. LaMichael James, Oregon
2. Kellen Moore, Boise State
3. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
4. Denard Robinson, Michigan
5. Andrew Luck, Stanford
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Breast Cancer Support should be more than just a status
In a departure from my usual sports posts, I would like to use my blog to focus on something actually important: breast cancer. If you haven't been living under a rock, you must be aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The color pink appears in everything from NFL games to yogurt tops, and lately, through Facebook.
Probably like most guys, I was confused when my female friends on Facebook began posting "I like it on (fill in the blank location)." I then learned the status updates were for breast cancer awareness and the location is simply the place where you leave your purse.
Breast Cancer is a brutal and vicious disease that affects tens of thousands of women (and men) in a given year. Most of the time, any awareness for cancer is a good thing. Using the power and influence of Facebook to promote breast cancer awareness is great idea. As the piece in the Canadian National Post states, is the "I like it on __________" campaign, really helping to promote breast cancer awareness and fundraising?
I don't really see how saying where your purse is, directly impacts breast cancer awareness and research. I think its a catchy way to market breast cancer awareness, but there are flaws to it. Breast cancer awareness also involve fundraising, and include both men and women. The fact that men do not carry purses and thus cannot participate in the "I like it on _______" campaign, risks alienating men who can be afflicted by this disease and who can actively donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation and other breast cancer awareness groups.
Seeing the "I like it on_________" statuses has inspired me to make a small donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and I hope other people do the same. If you already donate to breast cancer, you should be commended. Encourage your family and friends about why its important to donate and how critical research is to finding a cure. If you have not donated, even a donation of $1 or $5 would make a difference. If you really care about making a statement, you should do something to contribute to a cause you believe in.
A donation of any size matters more than letting friends know where you keep your purse.
Probably like most guys, I was confused when my female friends on Facebook began posting "I like it on (fill in the blank location)." I then learned the status updates were for breast cancer awareness and the location is simply the place where you leave your purse.
Breast Cancer is a brutal and vicious disease that affects tens of thousands of women (and men) in a given year. Most of the time, any awareness for cancer is a good thing. Using the power and influence of Facebook to promote breast cancer awareness is great idea. As the piece in the Canadian National Post states, is the "I like it on __________" campaign, really helping to promote breast cancer awareness and fundraising?
I don't really see how saying where your purse is, directly impacts breast cancer awareness and research. I think its a catchy way to market breast cancer awareness, but there are flaws to it. Breast cancer awareness also involve fundraising, and include both men and women. The fact that men do not carry purses and thus cannot participate in the "I like it on _______" campaign, risks alienating men who can be afflicted by this disease and who can actively donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation and other breast cancer awareness groups.
Seeing the "I like it on_________" statuses has inspired me to make a small donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and I hope other people do the same. If you already donate to breast cancer, you should be commended. Encourage your family and friends about why its important to donate and how critical research is to finding a cure. If you have not donated, even a donation of $1 or $5 would make a difference. If you really care about making a statement, you should do something to contribute to a cause you believe in.
A donation of any size matters more than letting friends know where you keep your purse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)