Reasons traveling is great for a person’s mind

Travel Therapy Michael Volitich

One of many people’s greatest passions in life is travel. It’s an endeavor that they believe to be worth the time, money, and effort. Indeed, it’s something we should do at least once in their lives.

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Travel doesn’t mean simply heading over to the next county, of course. Real travel is all about visiting places that are strange and exotic, meeting people you’d otherwise never meet in your lifetime, and experiencing cultures you’ve only read in books or seen in movies. Michael Volitich

Traveling is especially beneficial to those who work 9-5 office jobs. Traveling takes our minds away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and the droning, draining routines of everyday office work. Michael Volitich.

Travel, when done right, lowers one’s stress levels and provides a feeling of freedom that you’ll never feel doing anything else. It also gives one a sense that the world is a lot bigger than you can imagine, which in many cases, people have found life-altering. Michael Volitich

Has Trae Young done enough to beat Luka Doncic for NBA ROTY?

As far as the entire 2018-19 NB season is concerned, there’s no question that Mavericks rookie Luka Doncic is the more dominant and consistent player. The Slovenian star had already made his mark on the professional league within just the first month of the regular season, averaging a team-high 18.5 points. 6.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, notes sports buff Michael Volitich.

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By the time he logged in his first 10 games, Luka had chalked in 198 points, 66 rebounds, and 44 assists, the first teenager (he just turned 20 this past February) to do so in NBA history. Even that early, most NBA experts thought the 6’7” was the shoo-in Rookie of the Year winner. And this trend continued until the end of 2018.

But Trae Young, the player he was traded for by the Hawks during draft night, had other things in mind. The equally young point guard started to post monster numbers after the NBA All-Star break, averaging 25.8 points, 9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds since. He also became only the eighth rookie in league history to score at least 35 points and dish out 11 assists in a game.

As of this writing, there’s just a couple of games left per team in the regular season. And talks are now turning to whether Young has done enough to best Doncic for the coveted rookie award. But while the crafty Atlanta guard has been flashy and has led his team with few game-winners, Doncic still has the edge. For one, the larger rookie is less of a defensive liability than Young. Moreover, it’s not as though Doncic has slacked off in the second half of the season. In fact, he became just the fourth rookie in NBA history to record at least seven triple-doubles in a game against the Kings.

So, as the season ends, is it now Young over Doncic? It’s highly unlikely, says Michael Volitich. With Antetokounmpo also playing stellar basketball, the NBA might just be on the eve of crowning two foreign-born players as ROTY and MVP.

Michael Volitich is a University of Florida Creative Writing student, sports writer and fanatic, lit geek, film buff, and occasional traveler. More on Michael’s hobbies and interests here.

Jarrett Allen is key to the Brooklyn Nets’ postseason run

While the focus in this season’s success of the Nets are on its guards Spencer Dinwiddie, D’Angelo Russell, and Joe Harris (who topped Steph Curry in the All-Star three-point contest), a key cog that’s allowing the team’s resurgence is power forward Jarrett Allen. In this blog, sports enthusiast Michael Volitich looks at the importance of Allen in the Brooklyn basketball team.

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As of this writing, the Nets are on 7th spot in the East with an even 36-36 record. With just three wins ahead of number nine Orlando Magic and two from 8th spot Miami Heat, the season is still in peril for Brooklyn. It doesn’t help that the team’s remaining games are mostly against playoffs-bound franchises. The role 6’11” Allen’s plays on both sides of the floor are thus very crucial if the Nets are to return to the postseason.

Allen is already among the top big men in the NBA East, his renown bolstered by stellar defensive plays against some of the league’s all-stars including Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, and the King himself, LeBron James, whom he blocked in a drive a few weeks back. Of course, this put him quickly on the radar, as very few NBA players have been able to swat a LeBron dunk.

But the real beauty of Jarrett Allen’s game is his commitment to hustle, rebounding, and overall role in the middle. The 22nd overall pick of the 2018 draft is an imposing presence in the paint, the recipient of multiple passes from the team’s guards, and a dunking highlight.

If the Nets are going to pass the daunting test of its remaining games this regular season and get into the playoffs, Allen needs to figure more into the offense. He is already a solid defender. Brooklyn would do well to run more plays through and for their rising sophomore, adds Michael Volitich.

Michael Volitich is a Creative Writing student at the University of Florida. He is into literature, films, and sports, particularly famous athletes and teams. More on his hobbies and interests here.

Are the Philadelphia Sixers now the team to beat in the East?

One of the most impactful developments coming out of the NBA trade deadline at the beginning of February was the Sixers’ acquisition of Tobias Harris from the Clippers. On paper, the new-look Philly team’s starting five is poised to rival the defending champs Warriors, with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, Harris, and JJ Redick, says NBA enthusiast Michael Volitich.

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The Sixers, as of this writing, is sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Ahead of them are the Bucks, Raptors, and Pacers. It should be easier for the Sixers to catch up with Indiana soon, as many experts believe the Pacers will have a hard time maintaining its run because of the injury to Victor Oladipo.

The arrival of Harris is lauded by many pundits because it gives the Sixers even more shooting from the perimeter and outside the arc to aid Redick. Harris is also a solid defender who can complement the two-way game of Butler. One of the main criticisms of the Philly team is Simmons’ inability to shoot from the outside, and now the team has found the solution for it.

Though the Raptors and Bucks are still ahead in the standings, there’s no doubt that the conferences’ attention is now focused on the Sixers, as they now have the depth and the combination of talent to roar into the lead. And even the teams in the West understand that, barring any injury to its core players in the remainder of the season, the Sixers are now committed to getting to the finals this year, adds Michael Volitich.

Michael Volitich is a Creative Writing student at the University of Florida. He is a sports writer and fanatic, lit geek, film buff, and occasional traveler. More on his hobbies and interests here.

Top most expensive travel destinations on the planet

When planning for an overseas vacation or an extended backpacking trip, budget is always a concern. Some cities like Bangkok, Manila, and Bali are quite affordable, that you can stay there comfortably for a few weeks and really immerse yourself in the culture. However, there are some travel destinations which are on the opposite side of the spectrum. These are cities with extremely high cost of living, as well as those hard to reach paradise destinations. According to travel enthusiast Michael Volitich, these destinations doesn’t always yield the same satisfaction as other destinations, but prices are justified. Here are some of the most expensive travel destinations in the world.

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Oslo, Norway

Simply put, everything is more expensive in Norway, especially in its capital. From going on trips to see the many great cliffs, waterfalls, and gorges to going around and eating local cuisine, expect to shell out a lot of cash. To save a bit of money, try going when the weather isn’t freezing to save up on buying additional heat-wear.

Tokyo, Japan

According to Michael Volitich, getting around Tokyo can rack up if you don’t ride trains. But even trains aren’t as inexpensive as most cities. Tokyo is filled with several tourist destinations, from theme parks to districts selling high end electronics. It’s a haven for those who want to feel a truly unique cultural experience.

Paris, France

Filled with art, some of the best restaurants in the world, and the finest designer stores in the planet, there isn’t much to see in Paris if you’re not willing to spend a lot. And while museums and other art galleries are priced reasonably, accommodations and food are known to be some of the most expensive in terms of major cities around the world.

Michael Volitich is a creative writing student at the University of Florida. He loves writing about his passions like traveling and literature. For more reads on his hobbies and interests, check out this page.

Some tips and advice for the beginning sportswriter

Sports writing has its own set of jargon and nuances which could take the rookie sports reporter some time to master. But it all begins with a familiarity with such terms and phrasings, as well as the embracing of some key writing habits. Below are some tips from yours truly, Michael Volitich, to make you a good and convincing sportswriter, maybe even faster than you can say “touchdown.”

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First off, remember to know your sport thoroughly, inside out. It all begins with an in-depth understanding of the rules of a given sport. You can’t really expect to write solid articles on, say, basketball if you don’t even know what constitutes an eight-second violation.

Before you even begin to formulate your sentences, it would help to read other sportswriters’ works first and see how they execute their pieces even as you distinguish their various approaches and distinct styles. For yourself, remember to be terse and concise. No need to be too wordy; you’re not writing a thematic essay. Clear up the clutter and go for more action-based phrasings that capture the emotion of players.

It goes without saying that a sports report is not a feature nor an opinion piece, so be objective. (Take note future self, sports journalist Michael Volitich.) Avoid any bias you may have for one team, as well as all spins that may favor one team over the other. Even if your favorite team gets blown out, maintain impartiality.

Lastly, remember that you’re not writing for fellow sports writers; write with your readers in mind and keep it easy to comprehend, especially for those who might be new to the sport.

Hey, everyone. My name is< a href=”https://www.pinterest.com/michaelvolitichUS/”>Michael Volitich, a Creative Writing student, sportswriter and fanatic, lit geek, film buff, and occasional traveler. I’m currently enrolled at the University of Florida. More on my hobbies and interests here.

Why the GoPro Hero 7 Black is a godsend for travelers

Travelers and backpackers always face the dilemma of what to bring at the start of each trip. Throughout the duration of their trip, they always want to document every excursion, every activity, every location. DSLR cameras are great at taking photos and videos but not everyone has the space to fit these big cameras. That’s why a lot of travelers rely on their phones and their action cameras. Of course, the most popular action camera today is the GoPro. And with the release of the Hero 7 Black, backpackers and travelers alike have so much to look forward to.

Most GoPros suffer from audio problems. You can remedy this by attaching a microphone to the device, but that would mean exposing the outlet. Some opt to buy attachments, so they can mount the microphone. But with the Hero 7 Black, the audio is simply amazing. Even in high wind conditions, the audio remains crisp.

The Hero 7 Black also has a few new features, as well as major improvements for existing ones. The most notable improvement that people have seen is the stabilization. The built-in stabilization in the chipset gives buttery smooth and almost gimbal-like movement. Even if you mount it on a bike and go off road, your shots will be stabilized and come out great.

A new feature is the hyperlapse mode. Traditionally, doing a hyperlapse is a pain. You’d have to have a tripod, a steady camera, and all these calculations just to make sure the camera is pointing at the right angle. But with the this mode, you can easily do hyperlapse even without prior experience.

Hello, I’m Michael Volitich, a creative writing student at the University of Florida. I love writing about my passions, which are literature and travel. For similar reads, check out this webpage.

Can the Miami Heat make it to this season’s NBA playoffs?

The Heat has been in the middle of the pack of teams in the NBA’s East in the last few years, not helped by very few roster changes and the rise of other franchises in the conference. With LeBron having left for L.A., Miami should make the most of the situation and compete better. However, Boston, Milwaukee, Toronto, and Philadelphia are now the top favorites.

Nonetheless, Vegas odds-makers predict that the Heat has a nearly 45 percent chance of still making it to the postseason. While this was predicted before the season even started, it is arguably on point, with the team as of this writing currently sporting a 6-9 record. However, the resurgence of the Hornets and the Magic in recent games position them two slots below the top eight.

In any case, erratic and inconsistent play by its starters, including Dragic and Whiteside, is not helping the Heat’s case. And their leader Wade is due to miss another week as he celebrates the birth of his daughter. Winslow, Richardson, and Waiters must step up if the team is to get to a winning percentage.

All in all, the Heat will find it harder to ensure a playoff stint this year if it doesn’t get its act together soon. The Pistons, with new coach Dwane Casey and Griffin’s monster games of late, is doing much better. Orlando also seems set on making the top eight with stellar plays from Gordon, Vucevic, and Fournier. Perhaps focusing on developing its younger set of talents (and perhaps considering parting ways with Whiteside and Dragic) is the way to go for this “mid-tier” Heat team.

Hi, there. My name is Michael Volitich, and I’m a student at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in creative writing. I’m also an aspiring sports writer and fanatic, lit geek, film buff, and occasional traveler. For more on my hobbies and interests, follow me on Twitter.

Traveling to Asia: Where to go to Thailand

Thailand is always a part of everyone’s backpacking list if they are ever in the Southeast Asian region and for good reasons. It’s arguably one of the cheapest destinations where one could enjoy paradise-like beaches, explore various temples, experience nature up close, and eat the most delicious and exotic meals this side of Asia can muster.

Getting around Thailand is quite easy given the propagation of affordable domestic flights, trains, as well as bus services that can get you from one tourist destination to another. Here are some of the top places to go to in Thailand.

Bangkok: Unless you are entering Thailand from the borders of Cambodia, Malaysia, or Laos, Bangkok will most probably be your entry point. Bangkok is one of the largest cities in the whole of Asia that’s sprawling with unique areas like the floating market, the backpacking haven Khaosan Road, and the King’s Palace.

Chiang Mai: Another destination tourists go to that isn’t beach-related is Chiang Mai. Tucked away at the northwest end of Thailand, Chaing Mai is close to the highest point of elevation in the country. A popular activity here is volunteering at the elephant sanctuary to spend a day learning about elephants and feeding them.

Koh Phi Phi: Koh Phi Phi is the party island of Thailand. It is most famous for being the location for the ’90s film “The Beach,” particularly Maya Bay where parts of the film were shot. It’s filled with pristine islands, majestic beaches, and snorkeling spots that feature breathtaking aquatic ecosystems.

Hello, I’m Michael Volitich, a creative writing student at the University of Florida. For more on my hobbies and interests, check out this page.

Family vacation 101: Safety precautions

shutterstock_286469927 Never pass up on the chance to go on a family vacation, especially if your kids still love being around you. The money, effort, and time are all worth it to create new memories that you’d all talk about decades later.

But first thing’s first – prepare for the trip and prepare well. One of the most important aspects of preparing for a family vacation is coming up with the safety protocols in case anything unplanned happens.

Perhaps the most crucial step when it comes to safety is doing research on the place you’re planning to visit. What’s the place like? Is it kid-friendly? Do the locals speak English? What will the weather be like during your trip? Be sure to read some reviews of the place. Check out any negative reviews to see if there are any safety risks that you need to be aware of.

After learning about the place, you should take the time to talk to your kids about what they should do if they get separated from you during the trip. It’s easier to get lost in some places than others. Kids should know who to talk to or where to go just in case they wander off.

Finally, if they’re old enough, you can give your kids a mobile phone with a GPS tracker for them to take along. This makes finding them easier on your part.

University of Florida student Michael Volitich here. I’m a creative writing major, and I focus on sports writing. I’m also crazy about traveling. Check out this blog to read more of my writings.