Pages
Summary:
President Obama reacted to Mummar Gaddafi's death in Libya today by warning authorities in the Middle East that the "Iron-Fist-Ruler" must inevitably comes to an end. Obama offered for the United states to partner with Libya's interim government and will help with a quick transition into democracy. John Mcain pointed out that Gaddafi's death represents an end to the first phase of the Libyan revolution. Senator Carllerin said it was a blow to dictatorship everywhere. The strongest reactions to Gaddafi's death were probably from the families who were affected by the 1988 terrorist attack on a Pam-Am flight over Scotland, where Gaddafi's government was responsible. For the people of Libya and all those affected by his tyrannic dictatorship, they can now feel a sigh of relief as justice has been served.
Reactions:
Not knowing much about what happened today, this article was a good reference on how the United States was handling things. However, I think this article would have been made better with the story and background information on how Gaddafi was killed. I also Feel that this article lacked organization of the topics discussed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/20/us-libya-gaddafi-whitehouse-idUSTRE79J6WJ20111020
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Nelson, Amy K. "Searching for Meaning in the Mistake" (Online Article)
Pages
(You need to see the video too!)
Summary: This Article is about the life of MLB umpire Jim Joyce after the fateful night in the summer of 2010. Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was on the verge of throwing a perfect game. It was the ninth inning and center fielder Austin Jackson had already made an incredible catch to save Armando's perfect game with 2 outs. The next batter hit a slow roller and Armando Fielded the the ball at first. The runner was out by a good foot, but Jim Joyce called him safe, ruining his perfect game.
After the game, Joyce saw the replay and instantly knew he was safe. This article is about all of the hate that Joyce received, but also about all of the encouragement that people gave to him, even though he ruined the spirit of all Detroit, and of baseball. Right after the game Joyce requested an audience with Armando, where the two hugged and made up. This shows the character of Galarraga, being able to forgive after his only chance at baseball history was taken away from him with a single call. "We are all human"
Reactions:
Amy Nelson did an excellent job describing how hard it is for Jim Joyce after that game, and how his life will never be the same. When I saw this game last year, I was so devastated for Galarraga that I hated Jim Joyce for a long time. After reading this article, it reminded me that we are all human. If I were to have made that call, I would not want my family and I to be hated for the rest of our lives. If Armando Galarraga can find it in his heart to forgive an unforgivable call, then so should Detroit fans.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=5993137
(You need to see the video too!)
Summary: This Article is about the life of MLB umpire Jim Joyce after the fateful night in the summer of 2010. Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was on the verge of throwing a perfect game. It was the ninth inning and center fielder Austin Jackson had already made an incredible catch to save Armando's perfect game with 2 outs. The next batter hit a slow roller and Armando Fielded the the ball at first. The runner was out by a good foot, but Jim Joyce called him safe, ruining his perfect game.
After the game, Joyce saw the replay and instantly knew he was safe. This article is about all of the hate that Joyce received, but also about all of the encouragement that people gave to him, even though he ruined the spirit of all Detroit, and of baseball. Right after the game Joyce requested an audience with Armando, where the two hugged and made up. This shows the character of Galarraga, being able to forgive after his only chance at baseball history was taken away from him with a single call. "We are all human"
Reactions:
Amy Nelson did an excellent job describing how hard it is for Jim Joyce after that game, and how his life will never be the same. When I saw this game last year, I was so devastated for Galarraga that I hated Jim Joyce for a long time. After reading this article, it reminded me that we are all human. If I were to have made that call, I would not want my family and I to be hated for the rest of our lives. If Armando Galarraga can find it in his heart to forgive an unforgivable call, then so should Detroit fans.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=5993137
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Schafer, Aaron "Fuzzy Math: Why the BCS Doesn't Work" (Online Article)
Summary: This article is about Aaron Schafers opinion on how and why the Bowl Championship Series is flawed. He was listening to the radio and Doug Gottlieb was talking about how the transitive property applies to college basketball. Underdogs Boston College defeated No. 1 North Carolina, and then a few days latter, Harvard played Boston College and won. Since "a=b", "b=c", then "a" must ="c". According to this Statement, Harvard is the best team in the country. The point he was making is that it doesn't work! If the Transitive property doesn't apply to sports, why does the BSC use it? The BCS has a large formula that it uses to determine the two champions that play in the final game at the end of the year. It basically takes a certain match-up, take the victor and assign them points for how strong their opponent was. In Sports, any team has the ability to beat any other team on any given day, and no matter how good the team was before that game, they should not necessarily give extra big point totals for the occasional upset. Football is not based on the transitive property
Reactions: I completely agree with Schafers argument that there should be a playoff system in college football. He gave very convincing evidence on why the BCS doesn't work. The best example from last year was when the big ten "Champion" was selected to go to the rose bowl. Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin were tied at first place, all with one loss. Logic tells us that since Ohio state lost to Wisconsin, Wisconsin Lost to Michigan State, and Michigan State lost to a 3 loss team Iowa, That Michigan State should be the overall Champion and play in the Rose Bowl, since they won the Head-to Head against Wisconsin. However, Michigan State lost late in the year, where Ohio State and Wisconsin lost earlier, so they had time to make up ground in the BCS rankings. The computer behind the BCS does not take into account the head to head games, only what kind of schedule your team played. Because Wisconsin was ahead in the BCS rankings, they went to the Rose Bowl (and then lost to TCU). A simple playoff system would settle any ranking dispute, and leave no doubt in anyone's mind who the best team is.
http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/therundown/2009/01/fuzzy_math_why_the_bcs_doesnt_add_up.php
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Hack, Damon "Zeros to Heroes" (Magazine article)
Zeros to Heroes
4 Pages (Magazine equivalent)
This article is about the Detroit Lions game Sunday against Minnesota, and how this team has changed so dramatically from the 2008 team.
Summary
The Lions, surprised everyone in 2008, by going undefeated in the preseason, and then shocked America even worse when they didn't win a single game in the regular season that year. In the 2011 preseason the Lions went Undefeated once again, but this year, Detroit fans are seeing a totally different team. In their first game against the Tampa Bay Bucs, the Lions Struggled early, but came back to win 27-20. Their second win came against an absolute blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. This article is mainly about the amazing comeback win that the Lions had against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.
For Lions Fans, it was a familiar sight. The Vikings took a 20-0 lead and it looked like that the Lions would continue their losing streak in Minneapolis. However, the Vikings had blown a lead in both of their two previous starts. Mathew Stafford lead an incredible rally in the second half, tying the game at 23-23. The game would eventually go into overtime, where Jason Hanson kicked the game winning field goal. If the Lions can comeback from such a large deficit, then the Lions can do just about anything this season. (maybe even make it to the playoffs)
"There is nothing that can happen on the field, that this offense, defense and special teams can't overcome"
Reactions
I think that Damon Hack did a good job recapping the action of Sunday's game. He used quotes from players and analysts to describe the remarkable turnaround from the win-less 2008 season. He uses examples from around the league to show how well the Lions are doing. The article was well written and I would read any other stories that he publishes.
4 Pages (Magazine equivalent)
This article is about the Detroit Lions game Sunday against Minnesota, and how this team has changed so dramatically from the 2008 team.
Summary
The Lions, surprised everyone in 2008, by going undefeated in the preseason, and then shocked America even worse when they didn't win a single game in the regular season that year. In the 2011 preseason the Lions went Undefeated once again, but this year, Detroit fans are seeing a totally different team. In their first game against the Tampa Bay Bucs, the Lions Struggled early, but came back to win 27-20. Their second win came against an absolute blowout of the Kansas City Chiefs. This article is mainly about the amazing comeback win that the Lions had against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.
For Lions Fans, it was a familiar sight. The Vikings took a 20-0 lead and it looked like that the Lions would continue their losing streak in Minneapolis. However, the Vikings had blown a lead in both of their two previous starts. Mathew Stafford lead an incredible rally in the second half, tying the game at 23-23. The game would eventually go into overtime, where Jason Hanson kicked the game winning field goal. If the Lions can comeback from such a large deficit, then the Lions can do just about anything this season. (maybe even make it to the playoffs)
"There is nothing that can happen on the field, that this offense, defense and special teams can't overcome"
Reactions
I think that Damon Hack did a good job recapping the action of Sunday's game. He used quotes from players and analysts to describe the remarkable turnaround from the win-less 2008 season. He uses examples from around the league to show how well the Lions are doing. The article was well written and I would read any other stories that he publishes.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Popular Mechanics "What Really Happened in Area 51?" (Essay from Magazine)
What Really Happened in Area 51?
7 pages
This article is about the conspiracy theory's surrounding the strange events that happened at Area 51 and in Roswell Nevada.
Summary
The biggest conspiracy involving the infamous Area 51, is what crash landed in Roswell. In 1947, an extra terrestrial flying saucer was recovered, and inside were two short creatures with huge heads, bug eyes and green skin. This incident sparked national fear and countless stories, but what really happened. The most probable explanation for this mysterious event is that it was actually a complex Soviet Scheme to completely freak America out, to buy more time for Stalin in the Cold war race, using technology taken from German engineers right before the end of the war. As for the two Aliens inside the saucer, they were human children mutilated and transformed by Soviet doctors under the command of Stalin.
Is this true, or a government cover up? First of all, there is no evidence of the Soviets created any flying discs, let alone carry two passengers. For the "Aliens", the worlds perception of what creatures from outer space looked like were humanoids with long tentacles, not the modern little green men (which came from Steven Spielberg's movie "Close encounters of the Third Kind), so it is highly unlikely that the Soviets would create two children to look like they did. Whatever happened in Roswell, was moved to Area 51, where people still speculate it is still there. Even if it was Aliens who crash landed on earth, the Soviets, as well as the Americans were in a huge race to see who could build the biggest and the best technology, and some of which has really impacted our lives today.
Reactions
This was a very interesting story to read, and brought up a few convincing arguments for both sides. I believe that we will never know for sure what was really responsible for the UFO crash in 1947, but I think that anything is possible. Whether it was a Soviet scare tactic, or real aliens, Popular Mechanics put out a good article that got us to think.
"What Really Happened in Area 51?." Popular Mechanics Sept. 2011. Web.
What Really Happened in
7 pages
This article is about the conspiracy theory's surrounding the strange events that happened at Area 51 and in Roswell Nevada.
Summary
The biggest conspiracy involving the infamous Area 51, is what crash landed in Roswell. In 1947, an extra terrestrial flying saucer was recovered, and inside were two short creatures with huge heads, bug eyes and green skin. This incident sparked national fear and countless stories, but what really happened. The most probable explanation for this mysterious event is that it was actually a complex Soviet Scheme to completely freak America out, to buy more time for Stalin in the Cold war race, using technology taken from German engineers right before the end of the war. As for the two Aliens inside the saucer, they were human children mutilated and transformed by Soviet doctors under the command of Stalin.
Is this true, or a government cover up? First of all, there is no evidence of the Soviets created any flying discs, let alone carry two passengers. For the "Aliens", the worlds perception of what creatures from outer space looked like were humanoids with long tentacles, not the modern little green men (which came from Steven Spielberg's movie "Close encounters of the Third Kind), so it is highly unlikely that the Soviets would create two children to look like they did. Whatever happened in Roswell, was moved to Area 51, where people still speculate it is still there. Even if it was Aliens who crash landed on earth, the Soviets, as well as the Americans were in a huge race to see who could build the biggest and the best technology, and some of which has really impacted our lives today.
Reactions
This was a very interesting story to read, and brought up a few convincing arguments for both sides. I believe that we will never know for sure what was really responsible for the UFO crash in 1947, but I think that anything is possible. Whether it was a Soviet scare tactic, or real aliens, Popular Mechanics put out a good article that got us to think.
"What Really Happened in Area 51?." Popular Mechanics Sept. 2011. Web.
What Really Happened in
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Dahlin, Tom. "A Pitcher in His Prime" (Essay from Magazine)
A Pitcher in His Prime
5 Pages
This is an article on why the Detroit Tigers star Justin Verlander should be considered for the American league MVP.
Summary
Tom Dahlin Starts off by stating Justin Verlanders' incredible stats for the 2011 season. He has 22 wins, an ERA of 2.44, 231 strikeouts, a WHIP of 0.91, and batting average against of .191, all first in the American League. "In other words, Justin Verlander is having a season to please old-school and new-school number crunchers alike---the result, [Verlander] says, is a long accumulation of knowledge that has suddenly all clicked into place." That is what Justin Verlander's season has been like. He has been absolutely dominant in almost all of his starts this year, and is currently in line to win the AL Cy Young and Triple Crown, and possibly the MVP. The strongest argument against Pitchers winning the the MVP is that they play only every five games, and thus do not have as big of an impact as day-to-day batters. However, Justin Verlander has been the Tiger's most valuable player because of the huge relief it is knowing that your bullpen going to get the day off, and your batters are only going to need a few runs. If the Detroit Tigers get in to the World Series, it will be the combination of a good batting order, and outstanding starting pitching by Justin Verlander.
Reactions
I completely agree with Tom Dahlin and his belief that pitchers, if deserving, should be considered in MVP voting. I think that Justin Verlander has had a season for the ages, and with 24 wins and a no-hitter this year, I think that he has the record to persuade voters to give him the AL MVP. If he were to win the MVP this year, he would be the first pitcher to win since 1992 when Dennis Eckersley won. This was a very well written article and gives good defense for the best pitcher in baseball right now.
Duhlin, Tom. "A Pitcher in His Prime." Sports Illustrated Sept. 2011: 62. Web
5 Pages
This is an article on why the Detroit Tigers star Justin Verlander should be considered for the American league MVP.
Summary
Tom Dahlin Starts off by stating Justin Verlanders' incredible stats for the 2011 season. He has 22 wins, an ERA of 2.44, 231 strikeouts, a WHIP of 0.91, and batting average against of .191, all first in the American League. "In other words, Justin Verlander is having a season to please old-school and new-school number crunchers alike---the result, [Verlander] says, is a long accumulation of knowledge that has suddenly all clicked into place." That is what Justin Verlander's season has been like. He has been absolutely dominant in almost all of his starts this year, and is currently in line to win the AL Cy Young and Triple Crown, and possibly the MVP. The strongest argument against Pitchers winning the the MVP is that they play only every five games, and thus do not have as big of an impact as day-to-day batters. However, Justin Verlander has been the Tiger's most valuable player because of the huge relief it is knowing that your bullpen going to get the day off, and your batters are only going to need a few runs. If the Detroit Tigers get in to the World Series, it will be the combination of a good batting order, and outstanding starting pitching by Justin Verlander.
Reactions
I completely agree with Tom Dahlin and his belief that pitchers, if deserving, should be considered in MVP voting. I think that Justin Verlander has had a season for the ages, and with 24 wins and a no-hitter this year, I think that he has the record to persuade voters to give him the AL MVP. If he were to win the MVP this year, he would be the first pitcher to win since 1992 when Dennis Eckersley won. This was a very well written article and gives good defense for the best pitcher in baseball right now.
Duhlin, Tom. "A Pitcher in His Prime." Sports Illustrated Sept. 2011: 62. Web
Douglas, Geoffrey. " The Game of Their Lives" (Book)
The Game of Their Lives
Part II
7 Pages
This Book is about the amazing story of the 1950 World Cup, where the American underdogs Stunned the world when they upset England 1-0.
Summary
This chapter is about the contrasting point of views of the soccer match. The English were favored to win the entire cup at odds of 3:1. The post-war record of the English team was 23-3-4 and they were considered unstoppable. Most fans in England were completely bypassing the first few rounds in the world cup, assuming a possible championship match-up with the Brazilian soccer team.
The Americans, on the other hand, had the odds of winning the entire world cup of 1:500. In the 1948 world cup, They suffered embarrassing losses to Italy, 9-0, to Norway, 11:0, to Northern Ireland, 5:0, and Scotland 4:0. Fans of the American team were divided into three groups. One, the passive followers. These fans are mainly college students who come from rich parents, and play soccer on well tended fields at their Prep-Schools. Two, the passionate fans. These are the poor sons of immigrants who play soccer on the street, and some play professionally on Immigrant Leagues and have a greater interest in the game. Three, the Non-fans. This is most every body in America at the time. Not many people care about team that will lose most games they play in.
Reactions
I like how Geoffrey Douglas described how America didn't have the resources, players, or fan support that the English team had, but still managed to pull the upset of the century against the best soccer team in the world. He explained the incredible odds our country had to overcome to beat the British.
Douglas, Geoffrey. The Game of Their Lives. New York: H. Holt and, 1996. Print.
Part II
7 Pages
This Book is about the amazing story of the 1950 World Cup, where the American underdogs Stunned the world when they upset England 1-0.
Summary
This chapter is about the contrasting point of views of the soccer match. The English were favored to win the entire cup at odds of 3:1. The post-war record of the English team was 23-3-4 and they were considered unstoppable. Most fans in England were completely bypassing the first few rounds in the world cup, assuming a possible championship match-up with the Brazilian soccer team.
The Americans, on the other hand, had the odds of winning the entire world cup of 1:500. In the 1948 world cup, They suffered embarrassing losses to Italy, 9-0, to Norway, 11:0, to Northern Ireland, 5:0, and Scotland 4:0. Fans of the American team were divided into three groups. One, the passive followers. These fans are mainly college students who come from rich parents, and play soccer on well tended fields at their Prep-Schools. Two, the passionate fans. These are the poor sons of immigrants who play soccer on the street, and some play professionally on Immigrant Leagues and have a greater interest in the game. Three, the Non-fans. This is most every body in America at the time. Not many people care about team that will lose most games they play in.
Reactions
I like how Geoffrey Douglas described how America didn't have the resources, players, or fan support that the English team had, but still managed to pull the upset of the century against the best soccer team in the world. He explained the incredible odds our country had to overcome to beat the British.
Douglas, Geoffrey. The Game of Their Lives. New York: H. Holt and, 1996. Print.
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