The Odyssey of Allen Iverson “Only the Strong Survive”
Before I begin, let me clarify how I got in contact with this book. The answer is: creativity. I’m into Arts and Creativity as well as Writing and Literature.
Searching at a public library for a book was getting sort of dreary. Looking at some of the book covers gave me the impression that the books would bore me. Martin Luther King Jr? Everyone has researched him already. Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King? Yeah, most of us know that they were great leaders and activists. Or how about Barry Bonds, Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Michael Jordan? I have heard and learned about them numerous times; in school, and on BET. As for Michael Jordan, I would say that sixty-percent of students in public schools had or have at least one pair of Jordan sneakers. Positively, he is one of the best NBA players of all time, but what about those other players that are good and are rarely talked about? Allen Iverson? I grabbed the book. Allen Iverson’s Only the Strong Survive has an intellectual and artistic cover with the strong title that caught my attention. I looked no further.
Personally, this book can and has helped me in various ways, starting with the author. Larry Platt and I have one thing in common. We enjoy writing. [It is quite interesting reading other writer’s work.] It sort of builds comprehension and visuals from different styles of writing. In addition, Larry Platt is very successful; he is the editor in chief of Philadelphia Magazine and the author of Keeping it Real: ( A turbulent season at the crossroads with NBA). Larry Platt’s work has appeared in Gentlemen’s Quarterly, Playboy, and details. Coming as a runner-up, I can learn from Larry Platt.
Academically, this book has strong vocabularies. I am familiar with some of the words. Words like: berate, unkempt, incredulous, impetus, and more. After reading this book, I enhanced my vocabulary, gained new words: perplexed, gridiron, amok, and sporadic. Expanding my vocabulary is propitious towards my career goals as a writer.
I relish this book in which I can take to my advantages. This book and my life are paralleled, but in different aspects. I can relate to this book because most of the events that the writer stated, I’ve lived something similar. For instance, he talked about living in a ghetto environment, and how tough it is. The way he explains the ghetto is exactly how it is.
So far, I didn’t make a bad decision choosing this book.
As I continued reading, I learned about Allen Iverson’s childhood, and NBA career. The book clarifies Iverson’s life and the people around him: his family and close friends, which were living in a society where drugs and violence surrounded the environment. Iverson’s milieu was not bright and vivid as someone living in Bel Harbor, Miami Beach. Allen grew up, living only with his mother, Ann Iverson, stepfather; Michael Freeman, and his two sisters; Brandy and Liesha. Primarily, with an absent father (Allen Broughton), Iverson and his stepfather got along pretty well. Iverson respected him (stepfather) for that. Iverson’s biological father was in the county’s jail for stabbing his girlfriend-not Iverson’s mother. Iverson’s close friends considered themselves as Cru Tik.
Despite the mise en scene, Iverson had talent. He had an avid enthusiast in sports; football and basketball. He was good at both, however, basketball was his favorite. Realizing, Iverson disliked his environment, and didn’t want to continue his whole life in his neighborhood because of its climatic imperilment. Iverson knew he had to make a change for himself and his family. Unfortunately, selling drugs was not the answer. Iverson took his talent and made something out of it. He started playing football and basketball at his high school, Bethel High School (home of the Bruins) in Hampton, Virginia. Iverson converged more into his abilities and became more adroit at both sports. He led the Bethel to the 1993 football and basketball state championship. Iverson became a skillful ball player in the basketball court.
The whole attention was not quite easy and soothing as people thought of it. Iverson had a lot of down times especially with his coaches. His controversial life altered his thinking and actions. Progressing, Iverson worked harder and drilled his adeptness, becoming more dominant on the court.
Luckily, Iverson had supporters that helped him in his weak point: school; he had bad grades.. With the help of Spike Lee, Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Iverson was able to complete his education at Milburn High. All Iverson needed was a helping hand and an extra boost to rise to the top.
“That kid is incredible,” the commentaries proclaimed. After a multitude of games and tournaments, his hard worked paid off. Iverson was drafted to the NBA to play for the 76ers in the 1996-1997 seasons with a contract of $14,625,000 for eight years.
As a pro, without a doubt, Iverson had the skills to play. Matter of fact, in 2001 he got nominated for BET award category: Male Athlete of the year. He also won Big East Defensive Player of the year in 1996.
Even with so many awards, Iverson was not considered professional. He missed practice several times, came to the league with braids and tattoos. The league didn’t recognize Iverson as an idol due to his what they called “thug appearance.” Iverson encountered multiple problems with the media due to this reason, causing more attention on every move that he made. They once accused him of starting a brawl at a local bowling alley. Iverson was sent to jail. Miraculously, during Iverson’s time in jail, fans and the Philadelphia public were protesting for him. They carried billboards, signs, and wore shirts that wrote: Free Iverson. Later, Iverson was freed and back to the court.
Over subsequent months, Iverson’s good time ceased, again. The media started disliked him, his team lost continuously, and his relationship with his coach was out of proportion. Iverson was even getting threats from fans, and was getting criticized by the media. Fracture injuries caused his states to dwindle. The star was facing a turbulent moment. One of his closest friends, Ra, was shot. His other closest friends, turned against him. Even so, he continued to do what he does best.
Slowly but surely, Iverson worked on professionalism. He attended practice more, became wiser in all that he did. Thus, he developed professionalism. He later got married. Life was not changing for the worse but for the better. As of now, Iverson is still surviving, being one of the top categories of all time legends. I give much respects to Allen Iverson.
Credits: Written By: Luigi “TheStorian”
The Hollywood Reporter and Variety Marketing Advertising
Like any other “product”, a film needs marketing and advertisement. You may ask, why marketing and advertisement? Well, marketing is the process of getting the “product” to the audience, and in order to that you will need advertising – the process of getting the audience to learn and desire the product.
The Preferred Transportation Car , Bus or Train
NOWADAYS, there are different ways to get around: cars, buses, trains, and even airplanes. Most certainly, we may give thanks to those noble figures in History whom improved our ways of getting around. Indeed, traveling has improved especially in the 21st century. Hence, despite airways traveling, I would go with a car.
Murch evaluates Non Linear and Linear systems
What does Murch misses from editing “the old way.”?
Inspired by The Blink of an eye.
Well to start with, Murch evaluates Non Linear and Linear systems. In one hand, Murch declares that a non-linear system is precisely non-linearity. The non-linear machine gives you only what you ask it for, sort of like a perfect assistant. However, Murch expects the material itself to tell him what to do next, not what he asks for exactly.
The Power of Attraction: Graphic Design & Logo
The word attraction which comes from the root word attract, plays an important role for most companies. Why is it important? Well, the word “attraction” says it all. Take a youth fair for example. A youth fair has rides and “attractions.” These attractions may not necessarily be subjected to one thing. It may be the lights, decorations, colors, or people. As an example, lights and decorations are bright and colorful so anyone that is driving from a distance can see the youth fair.
