[LUconn]

Can anybody find any info on these gravity parks? I've googled and wikipedia'd all I can stand and have come up with nothing.

[Sly Fox]

I believe this is what they have in mind:

Gravity Sport

My only question is about liability for the inevitable injuries that follow these sports.

[LUconn]

Are you sure? I was thinking it was something more along the lines of the ever popular youth group get away: the ropes course. I can't see skating down a mountain as a big hit.

[cws1007]

cws, how is LU a circus side show? the educational quality is pretty good right now, and it will continue to improve. there is nothing wrong with development, which you know brings in revenue. the concept of this potential project is a bit weird though.

I

I actually stated “LU is turning into a circus with a side show” (the gravity whatever). Meaning, everyone likes a circus, and LU is doing much better than when I was there, but there is no need for this side-show development to be associated with the university.

You stated it quite well yourself, “this potential project is a bit weird.”

My thought is, why not develop a research facility where nature can be studied, maybe build something in that direction that will not eliminate the natural beauty. Yes, it may not help recruit the earring wearing, ID forgetting, long haired, “I want to stay at my girlfriends place.” type of students (see whiny students thread), but would it hurt to recruit biologist and other science majors?

I know of no other college looking to do this. If Falwell ministries or TRBC wants to build a youth or family camp there, then go for it. Don’t associate it with LU, but the students would have to opportunity to enjoy it possibly.

[LUconn]

other colleges are not the world's most exciting university! I think this is just thinking outside the box. And I think they would plan on keeping things looking aesthetically pleasing. But all of your nature stuff might not work because there's already quite a bit of develpment going down on the mountain already.

[SuperJon]

Will there be a dress code at said theme park?

[LUconn]

No shorts. Capris only.

[mrmacphisto]

I'm sorry, but this is just the latest in a string of ridiculous ideas. I hope it doesn't happen.

[LUconn]

A string? What preceeded this? The ops center? The Hockey rink? The law school? Man, those wacky guys in charge have no idea what they're doing.

[Brokeback Flamer]

A string? What preceeded this? The ops center? The Hockey rink? The law school? Man, those wacky guys in charge have no idea what they're doing.

A whole lot, mostly things that never quite turn out how they should or were supposed to:
1. "Temporary Housing" on the circle
2. Trailers
3. Vines Center. That is where the ice rink was supposed to be along with the BB floor. However, as badly as it leaks maybe that could serve as the new water park
4. Schilling
5. DeMoss floors 3 and 4. Who knew they built em just for aesthetics.
6. The Golf course
7. The new church. You remember when we all took that walk from the stadium to the new site. Now it is buildings. I know they have Ericsson now. But.....
8. Ericsson. They have made that into a money pit. EX: The weight room - Is that REALLY supposed to service 10,000 students??? Pool - NCAA regulation or not? LCA Cafeteria Gymnasium
9. Ice Rink. Operation expenses are about triple what they had originally budgeted (BUT what a typical one would cost) And how about them bleachers??? And locker rooms??? Ready to move from Club level to Intercollegiate level??
10. Heritage USA (Ok old school on that one)
11. We will beat ND in football in the next 20 years. (Circa 1971)
12. And for others feel free to read the Forbes article.

These are but a few. Unlike stocks, I think we can draw the conclusion that past performance DOES predict future results.

[Sly Fox]

Never fear ... Brokenack or Haize are always quick to remind us of every misstep of the last two decades.

[El Scorcho]

A whole lot, mostly things that never quite turn out how they should or were supposed to:
1. "Temporary Housing" on the circle
2. Trailers
3. Vines Center. That is where the ice rink was supposed to be along with the BB floor. However, as badly as it leaks maybe that could serve as the new water park
4. Schilling
5. DeMoss floors 3 and 4. Who knew they built em just for aesthetics.
6. The Golf course
7. The new church. You remember when we all took that walk from the stadium to the new site. Now it is buildings. I know they have Ericsson now. But.....
8. Ericsson. They have made that into a money pit. EX: The weight room - Is that REALLY supposed to service 10,000 students??? Pool - NCAA regulation or not? LCA Cafeteria Gymnasium
9. Ice Rink. Operation expenses are about triple what they had originally budgeted (BUT what a typical one would cost) And how about them bleachers??? And locker rooms??? Ready to move from Club level to Intercollegiate level??
10. Heritage USA (Ok old school on that one)
11. We will beat ND in football in the next 20 years. (Circa 1971)
12. And for others feel free to read the Forbes article.

These are but a few. Unlike stocks, I think we can draw the conclusion that past performance DOES predict future results.

Thanks for that. A number of these have been explained, and have perfectly reasonable explanations. And yet, you can't let it go for some reason. Thank you, again. You're awesome.

[TallyW]

If I'm not mistaken there are 10,000 students on campus and many millionares (read: people who make money because they are wise and know a good investment) who continue to give millions upon millions (and yes have provided oversight) to the University. When you have a huge vision and you're working to push it forward you can't sit around on your rear until the stars line up... you move forward and take what you get. Of course when you do that there are opportunities for people who have never tried the same thing to come behind you later and criticize in spite of success. I heard two quotes long ago that continue to be proven true each time I read comments like this...

"When you soar with like an eagle, you're bound to attract hunters."

and

"There has never been a statue built in honor of a critic."

[Purple Haize]

Never fear ... Brokenack or Haize are always quick to remind us of every misstep of the last two decades.

I would like the record to show I have said at LEAST two good things!!!!!

[SuperJon]

On the topic of the ice rink, there's talk that they may have to close it down for a little while, take out the glass at the top of the entrance, and put the bleachers in that way.

[ATrain]

I'm still waiting for the weight room on East Campus to get done...we're very unhappy about that over here, as well as the new dumpsters in our parking lot (thats at least 20 spaces we've lost b/c of LU's stupidity...and the one outside my dorm has bees in it...grrrr).

[Brokeback Flamer]

Actually, I was responding to LUCONN's request for more info on those types of "wacky" things. And they are wacky not quite to the level of Jerryworld, but a pattern none the less. OF COURSE they have "reasonable" explainations, if they didn't it would be REALLY bad. But the fact remains these were just some of the things that didn't go quite as planned and instead of being fixed were just sorta left for later. Why is it "hatin" if I point those out? Some things you should let go, for instance undersized River Trout, but some things it is always good to file away. BTW, I am glad you think I am awesome. While I would not convey that title to myself, I appreciate it. As for you, you strike me as a fairly fine fellow yourself! (LOVED the Capri's line!!)
TALLYW - We should take this act on the road.
1. You actually ARE mistaken. There are not 10,000 students on campus. And even if there were, how's that infrastructure holding up?
2. Just because you are a millionaire does not automatically make you a paragon of financial virtue. Ted Kennedy anyone? My former boss? If I am not mistaken, Ernest Hemmingway left all of his millions to..................his cats. BRILLIANT I say BRILLIANT. Howard Hughes? A model of stability
3. The philosophical quote you cite is from Will Rogers. And while it sounds good, you sort of have to define "critic". There are several statues of the one guy.....what's his name......hold on.......oh yeah MARTIN LUTHER. He was sortof a critic. So was that George Washington fella and his pal Thomas Jefferson. Pretty sure THEY have statues. Aristotle? Not a big hero of some. (I would mention Clement Greenberg, Charles Augustin Saint Beuve and Vladimir Stasovv, but those are a little too obscure) And they actually GAVE Michael Moore a statue. (Probably because actually MAKING one of him would be cost prohibitive.

You ARE absolutley right. Those that have vision and try to push things forward ALWAYS open themselves up to criticism. Some if not most of it unwarranted. Also, someone about ready to drive off a cliff with a car full of people will probably get some criticism too. They should probably listen to that.
I love the concept of Liberty University. I have a good hope that the future generations can turn the vision into reality. To put it in some context (just so I don't get exiled to the Flamefans version of Papmus or anything) I think of it as a relationship. I am sure in your pastoral duties you have run into a couple or two that have had issues: infidelity, abuse, theft, all sorts of fun stuff. The "violating" partner usually says they are sorry and they will never do it again, they are taken back and forgiven. Sometimes, thankfully that is the end of the story. I messed up, my bad, let's move on. And after a period of winning trust back things get better. Then there are those that mess up, say they are sorry, are taken back and do it again. Then they move to another relationship and the same thing happens. This person continues to get into relationships that they continue to abuse. And you have people that continue to get into abusive relationships. Pointing this out to those people does not make you anti relationship does it?


(Sly as for EVERY missstep, I am sure there are a lot I don't know about !!!! )

[TallyW]

1. I'm sure any number of people could speak to the number of residential students LU has at present. 10,000 are in residential programs. In fact over 8400 people (students and community alike) watched a game in the rain to show their support for this mismanagement of cooky ideas called LU.

2. Millionares get that way because they know how to handle money. Most of the key supporters to LU are great businessmen and they continue to give to LU on a regular basis. I suppose you believe they are brainwashed...

3. There is a difference between revolutionaries and critics. Revolutaniaries act while critics talk. You have given us a list of revolutionaries.... We have a lot of critics around here.

Vision and suicide? Yeah... great analogy.

Your relationship analogy again seems misguided unless you feel that LU students are getting abused. In that case you may want to start some sort of campaign or website warning people to stay away.

I think I read the difference between you and I... you "love the CONCEPT of Liberty University" where as I love it warts and all. I'm also glad my wife loves me for who I am and not the simply the "concept" of what I aspire to be.

[El Scorcho]

Actually, I was responding to LUCONN's request for more info on those types of "wacky" things. And they are wacky not quite to the level of Jerryworld, but a pattern none the less. OF COURSE they have "reasonable" explainations, if they didn't it would be REALLY bad. But the fact remains these were just some of the things that didn't go quite as planned and instead of being fixed were just sorta left for later. Why is it "hatin" if I point those out? Some things you should let go, for instance undersized River Trout, but some things it is always good to file away. BTW, I am glad you think I am awesome. While I would not convey that title to myself, I appreciate it. As for you, you strike me as a fairly fine fellow yourself! (LOVED the Capri's line!!)

The Capris line wasn't mine.

If you just pointed them out, it would be one thing. You, however, point it out, paint it orange, put up guideposts, alert the media and then serve it to everyone for dinner. It's old. We get it. Things haven't always gone as planned, and for some reason that invalidates any future efforts by anyone who might have been involved with those things. You can't change the past, but you can certainly dwell on it. I don't know what your beef is, but there are a lot of people who believe in the mission of the school and are doing their very best to make it happen, from the bottom up to the top. None of them are perfect, and I don't think it's right to act like they should be. At least they're trying.

Get over it or do something about it, but please don't just keep talking about it. It's a little more than annoying.

[LUconn]

Every single thing you've listed brokeback, has served it's intended purpose so far. On one hand you'll take a shot at them for building an ice rink that's costing them more money than they thought. On the other hand you're bashing them for not wasting their money to replace perfectly good dorms that are hard on the eyes just because they were originally labeled "temporary". Hypocrisy for the sake of making LU look bad. What's the point? It's fine that you can see some things at LU that you disagree with, but you're just another typical student or former student who thinks they know what's best for the school, when in reality, if you were given command, the doors would be closed in 5 years. Just another monday morning QB.

[Brokeback Flamer]

Sorry about the Capri mix up. Still a funny line!!

I actually just listed all of those items, I am pretty sure no one was invited for dinner. I put them out there as a way to remeber what has happened in the past. I am sorry it annoys you, but life is like that sometimes. I would say it annoys me that there are a core of people who take everything that comes down from the mountain as the latest greatest divine revelation. I would say it, but it does not annoy me b/c I realize there are people like that, and that those people may actually make one of those proclomations a reality.
As for the relationship analogy, I am sure you will find a host of alum who feel they were "abused" by this school, especially in the business and registrar's office. While admittedly not the same type of abuse, it was after all an analogy. When dealing with "ministry" type organizations, there will always be people who take the company line and run with it, no matter how many times it is changed or altered. (Or in extreme cases lied to) As for the Reality vs Potential debate (for lack of a better phrase) the end result desired is the same. We would like to see LU succeed. Most rpersonal elationships are based on who that person is, and most business relationships are based on what the company can be. So while our approaches may be different, the desired result is the same. At least I hope we can agree on that. (If the world stops on its axis, I know you agree!) As for your warts, can't help you there all though Dr Scholls' has this new stuff
As for the "Hypocrisy for the sake of making LU look bad" line, I am not sure you see the point. You ARE correct, that most of those things listed above served their purpose. But if you are going to build a dorm to specs that make it "Temporary" then that is what it should be, temporary. There is an old agage "Let your yea's be yea's and your nay's be nay's" (KJV version!) If you say something, do it. If you say you are NOT going to do something, don't. As for the Ice Rink, let me put it this way. The administration had hard (dare I say "cold") facts as to what ice rinks of that size in this type of climate cost to run. It was ignored and a much lower amount was budgeted. It was said to house the D1 hockey team with seating for spectators. Obviously, we do not have a D1 hockey team, nor are there seats for those fans. I am not sure how that is either A) Hypocrisy on my part or B) Running it up a flag pole and inviting everyone for dinner. (Although you would all be welcome!)
Finally, I prefer the term Tuesday Evening QB. After all, with all the games from Thursday thru Monday nite now, it takes a little while to digest and evaluate!! Also, since you do not know my background (nor I yours) you may want to avoid some of the financial assumptions. My bank account or ability to start and sustain a business is not really a topic for this post. I give everyone here the courtesy of assuming they are compotent people (maybe not typist - See GMTM , me and Manger! ) I humbly suggest you do the same.

[PAmedic]

Just to be difficult, I'd like to point out that there ARE seats in LaHaye, with additional bleachers being installed, well- probably right now. Tonight.

And though we have moved from D2 club hockey to D1 club hockey- there ARE plans to move to NCAA hockey. All in good time.

you're welcome- that's why I'm here.

[Brokeback Flamer]

Just to be difficult, I'd like to point out that there ARE seats in LaHaye, with additional bleachers being installed, well- probably right now. Tonight.

And though we have moved from D2 club hockey to D1 club hockey- there ARE plans to move to NCAA hockey. All in good time.

you're welcome- that's why I'm here.

"Be sure to tip your wait staff, I'll be at Trump Tahoe on the 14th"
I know they are planning on putting bleachers in there, I think they are going to roll some of the old LCA ones in there. Good idea, just think they could have done better then that. As for going 1A in hockey, they planned on going 1A in football too. BUT I think this is a little more realistic. We COULD be a nice regional power. Would like to see it happen.

[Libertine]

For the record, there is no NCAA Division 1A hockey. There is Division I and Division III. If LU were to make hockey a NCAA sport, it would be automatically at the D1 level.

[TallyW]

Being supportive of progress doesn't mean you take everything without a filter. The guys on this board who do support the University have filters and acknowledge that things don't go according to the first plan.

Dr. Falwell uses initial plans to raise capital and then as the money comes in plans do often get changed. Such is the life of a non-profit. Raising capital this way does not mean that the change is equal to failure. As I stated before, major donors continue coming back. They obviously do not see the results as failures.

Some people prefer to critique tree by tree while many choose to look out and see the beautiful forest. Liberty is in fact blooming and many of us are very excited about it.