The Sporting Scholar

Tag: travel

  • Bridges

    Bridges

    Before you are two bridges between buildings. One is from my college, The University of Georgia. The other is from The University of Oxford.

    In Oxford, the bridge is called, “The Bridge of Sighs.” At UGA, the bridge is nameless. Let’s call it, “Pharmacy Building Bridge.”

    The Bridge of Sighs in Oxford is referencing a similar bridge Venice, Italy, also called the Bridge of Sighs. In Italy, the bridge connected the interrogation rooms to the prison. It was said that as the prisoners walked over the bridge, they would give a “sigh”, taking their last look into the free world, wishing they could escape. In Oxford, it is said that if you stand below this bridge, close your eyes, and make a wish silently, your wish will come true (but don’t tell anyone your wish).

    This bridge represents something greater than the connection between two buildings. It represents the idea that we are living in freedom. We are not a prisoner, looking out over the city and wishing we could have lived a better life, but rather, we are the ones the prisoner wishes to be. We have the freedom that other’s don’t. We still have the possibilities, the opportunities. It’s a constant reminder of the blessings in life that we have, and to never take our positions for granted. Nearly every day, 1000s of tourists walk under this bridge. Millions of students, Oxford or not, have made big wishes below this bridge.

    Back to the real world at The University of Georgia. A grand pillar of public education. 2.5 billion dollars in revenue annually. 40,000 students attend this university. Nearly double that of Oxford.

    Pharmacy Building Bridge has no history. There is no historical reference in the name. It doesn’t even have a name. The bridge is too insignificant to be named. It is merely a tool. The structure does not mimic some great architectural achievement of the human. Nor does it invoke a historical reference. It does not inspire. It does not remind us that we are living in a world that others would die for the opportunity just to live one day in our shoes. That others have died so that we can live one more day. It merely exists to allow students and professors to walk from one building to the other without going outside. Because it’s only a bridge. Why should it be inspiring?

  • The Sporting Scholar’s Christmas List 25′

    I love Christmas. I have always enjoyed finding unique gifts to give to loved ones that might make them say, “Wow I cant believe you thought of that!” Sometimes though, you just cant find the perfect gift. If you or your friend/brother/father/boyfriend/cousin enjoy the Ivy-Prep style, the outdoors, reading, or just general quality items, this list is for you.

    A Proper Oxford Collar Button Down (OCBD): 100-200$

    An Ivy closet staple. You really cant have too many of these things. Brooks Brothers are a go too, but smaller brands offer unique quality and more variations at similar prices. Above is the Japanese brand Kamakura with their ‘Vintage Ivy’ at 120$. J.Press also offers an OCBD, with a slightly fuller fit (not slim), but at a higher price point. Proper Cloth offers custom sized shirts for the same price as J.Press, but it takes a bit to get the sizing right. Don’t hesitate to find one for resale online for a fraction of the price, just make sure to check the measurements with a shirt you own. Watch a helpful video on resale shirts here.

    Something Good to Read

    Above are a few books that I highly recommend for the sporting scholar. Mainly fiction, as not everyone wants to talk big and smart around the tree come Christmas morning. Do some research to find topics they like and movies they enjoy, and find a book that relates to that. Mission Impossible? Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series. Good Will Hunting? John Steinbeck’s East of Eden.

    Threw in the Wall Street Journal just incase. A year long Sunday paper subscription is quite informative and entertaining (I tend to head directly to the ‘Off Duty’ section).

    Outdoor Prints and Art: 10-50$

    These kinds of “sportsman” or “outdoorsman” prints can be found everywhere, just go to ebay or look at local estate sales and your bound to find something that speaks to you. This kind of gift is something you will see day after day, and they give a nice ‘lodge flare’ to a room. I have two we found at estate sales up right now.

    Toy Car of Their Car: 1-25$

    Now this one is situational. If they love their car, this works great. However, if you buy a 2008 Nissan Altima Hot-wheels Car, I cant promise their reaction will be as joyous. If this is the situation, try and find their exact dream car, down to the year and color. If you don’t know this, an older Porsche 911 Turbo S will do the trick. These can be found with a simple search of the web, but if youโ€™re not having any luck, try Etsy or eBay.

    Casual Mocs: 75-150$

    Casual mocs are so rare to see in public nowadays. On campus you find most people wearing either On-clouds or some type of cowboy boot. Getting some nice leather mocs helps spice things up and give you a nice ‘early accept’ look. L.L.Bean mocs are great. Rubber for versitlity, leather for longevity. I have a pair of Camp Mocs myself that I love. They break in great and really are comfortable. Try and get hand-sewn if you can. Buy 2 sizes just incase one doesn’t fit.

    Coffee Table Books: 10$

    Version 1.0.0

    The trick here is to find something so unique, so them, that the book may actually be opened. My parents have loads of England photography books from estate sales back home, and they’re just awesome to look through. The older the better. Look on eBay, estatesales.com, and Amazon.

    Quality Sweater: 50-350$

    Can’t forget the classic holiday sweater. Shetland wool is best, though lambswool and cashmere are good for different purposes. A true shetland sweater is made from Shetland wool, sourced from Scotland. I like the big ones that make you feel like a northeastern sailor. Check out O’Connells Scottish sweaters and Harley of Scotland for some brand new knits, while resale sites offer vintage Pendleton, Woolrich, and L.L. Bean at great prices and nice fits. Just make sure to get some measurements, and that its not stretched/shrunken or smelly. This video by Coyote Sharp will help you navigate.