Article: Redskins' McNabb benched; Grossman to start vs. Cowboys
Source: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81cfa243/article/redskins-mcnabb-benched-grossman-to-start-vs-cowboys
1. This article is about the benching of long-time Philadelphia Eagles qarterback Donovan McNabb for Rex Grossman.
2. The other players on the team are not very happy with the benching.
3. Coach Shanahan does not know whether McNabb will be back next season.
1. Why did the Redskins play McNabb all season if Grossman was who they're looking at for the future?
2. Will McNabbs NFL career continue after this season is the Redskins don't want him?
I think that McNabb was a great player back in the day, but now that he has left the Eagles and he's not as good as he once was, his career is coming to an end. I don't think he should be benched for Grossman though; McNabb is still much better than him.
Article with player reactions to benching: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/12/daryl_johnston_on_mcnabb_bench.html
Friday, December 17, 2010
IR Blogpost 3-NPR Topics: News
Article: "Prospects Look Bright For 'Don't Ask' Repeal"
Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2010/12/17/132140253/prospects-look-bright-for-ending-dont-ask-policy
1. This article is about how the "don't ask don't tell" policy in the military is coming to an end.
2. The GOP leaders in Congress are the ringleaders of this movement.
3. Although many government officials have voted to repeal it, the military and the President have to sign off as well.
1. Why is the government voting to repeal this? Why do they care so much about having gays in the miltary?
2. Will the President sign off on this bill?
I think the GOP senators shouldn't be meddling in the affairs of the military, even if their personal beliefs would have them do so. Several key GOP senators are with-holding their votes on the bill.
Article about GOP senators: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/17/dadt.debate/
Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2010/12/17/132140253/prospects-look-bright-for-ending-dont-ask-policy
1. This article is about how the "don't ask don't tell" policy in the military is coming to an end.
2. The GOP leaders in Congress are the ringleaders of this movement.
3. Although many government officials have voted to repeal it, the military and the President have to sign off as well.
1. Why is the government voting to repeal this? Why do they care so much about having gays in the miltary?
2. Will the President sign off on this bill?
I think the GOP senators shouldn't be meddling in the affairs of the military, even if their personal beliefs would have them do so. Several key GOP senators are with-holding their votes on the bill.
Article about GOP senators: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/17/dadt.debate/
Thursday, December 16, 2010
IR Blogpost 3-NYT > Books
Main Article: "Funny Guys, Serious Business"
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/17/books/17book.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
1. Author Bill Carter wrote a book called “The War for Late Night".
2. The book is about the conflict between Conan O'Brian and Jay Leno for "The Tonight Show".
3. The book shows remarkable empathy to all sides concerned, whereas a previous novel the author wrote about Jay Leno and David Letterman in 1994.
1. I thought all these guys had their own shows. Why are they all competing for the same job?
2. Is there a limit to the amount time that a late-night television host can keep his/her job for?
1. I think it's important for these types of social models to keep their business matters more private. They're all the same type of people, and I don't think they should be competing this much for a job, and the networks shouldn't have such paying discrepancies.
Article about similarities between hosts: http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977994145
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/17/books/17book.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
1. Author Bill Carter wrote a book called “The War for Late Night".
2. The book is about the conflict between Conan O'Brian and Jay Leno for "The Tonight Show".
3. The book shows remarkable empathy to all sides concerned, whereas a previous novel the author wrote about Jay Leno and David Letterman in 1994.
1. I thought all these guys had their own shows. Why are they all competing for the same job?
2. Is there a limit to the amount time that a late-night television host can keep his/her job for?
1. I think it's important for these types of social models to keep their business matters more private. They're all the same type of people, and I don't think they should be competing this much for a job, and the networks shouldn't have such paying discrepancies.
Article about similarities between hosts: http://entertainment.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977994145
Thursday, December 2, 2010
IR Blogpost 2-NYT > Books
Article: Do Zombies Eat Ivy? The Undead Reach Academia
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/do-zombies-eat-ivy-the-undead-reach-academia/?partner=rss&emc=rss
1. The article starts with the emergence of recent zombie-related literature.
2. It talks about a new Zombie-based novel about zombie academics.
3. The article mentions a previous novel written about zombie economics.
1. Why is literature about zombies so popular?
2. Where did the idea for zombies originate?
I think that people who write literature about zombies are kind of wasting their time. The books have funny premises, but don't really add much to the progress of humanity. Anyone who gets a Ph.D in the humanities is not likely to make a lot of money, but I doubt those people care too much.
Article about getting a Ph.D in Humanities: http://zombieacademy.wordpress.com/
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/do-zombies-eat-ivy-the-undead-reach-academia/?partner=rss&emc=rss
1. The article starts with the emergence of recent zombie-related literature.
2. It talks about a new Zombie-based novel about zombie academics.
3. The article mentions a previous novel written about zombie economics.
1. Why is literature about zombies so popular?
2. Where did the idea for zombies originate?
I think that people who write literature about zombies are kind of wasting their time. The books have funny premises, but don't really add much to the progress of humanity. Anyone who gets a Ph.D in the humanities is not likely to make a lot of money, but I doubt those people care too much.
Article about getting a Ph.D in Humanities: http://zombieacademy.wordpress.com/
IR Blogpost 2-NPR Topics: News
Article: Polygamist Leader Extradited From Utah To Texas
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/02/131725422/polygamist-leader-extradited-from-utah-to-texas?ft=1&f=1001
1. This article is about the polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs and his charges of bigamy, aggravated sexual assault and assault.
2. Jeffs was the head of a church in Utah.
3. The extradition was signed by the governors of both Utah and Texas.
1. Did the members of his church in Utah know about his practices? Do they all hold the same values?
2. Why is he being tried in Texas? Are Utah's laws on polygamy the same as the rest of the country?
I am glad that the two states are working together to bring criminals such as Warren Jeffs to justice. Although polygamy may be okay in the Church of Latter Day Saints, it is not allowed within the U.S. We should not punish people for their religious beliefs, but they should know and abide by the laws of the land they inhabit.
Article about interstate extradition: http://www.suite101.com/content/interstate-extradition-in-the-united-states-a108152
http://www.npr.org/2010/12/02/131725422/polygamist-leader-extradited-from-utah-to-texas?ft=1&f=1001
1. This article is about the polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs and his charges of bigamy, aggravated sexual assault and assault.
2. Jeffs was the head of a church in Utah.
3. The extradition was signed by the governors of both Utah and Texas.
1. Did the members of his church in Utah know about his practices? Do they all hold the same values?
2. Why is he being tried in Texas? Are Utah's laws on polygamy the same as the rest of the country?
I am glad that the two states are working together to bring criminals such as Warren Jeffs to justice. Although polygamy may be okay in the Church of Latter Day Saints, it is not allowed within the U.S. We should not punish people for their religious beliefs, but they should know and abide by the laws of the land they inhabit.
Article about interstate extradition: http://www.suite101.com/content/interstate-extradition-in-the-united-states-a108152
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
IR Blogpost 2-NFL.com
Main Article: Eagles WR Jackson says there is no problem between him, Reid
Source: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81c89bde/article/eagles-wr-jackson-says-there-is-no-problem-between-him-reid?module=HP_event_tnf
1. This article is about how the Philadelphia Eagles' top received Desean Jackson has been quiet for the past three weeks.
2. He has had 2 outstanding years in the NFL, with numerous touchdowns and a pro bowl appearance at receiver and kick returner.
3. Jackson says he is unfazed by the drop in production recently, and the team is already past the loss to the Bears this past Sunday.
1. Why are people making so much of one player's slump?
2. Will Jackson and the team play the next game any differently in terms of getting Jackson the ball more often?
I think the Eagles should use Jackson as a decoy until other teams start to respect the rest of the receiving corps as well. The rest of the team is quite talented, and I think they should be able to win games without Jackson, who is a great player but not the only great player on the team.
Article about recent drama: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/01/andy-reid-desean-jackson-apparently-on-same-page-after-earlier/
Source: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81c89bde/article/eagles-wr-jackson-says-there-is-no-problem-between-him-reid?module=HP_event_tnf
1. This article is about how the Philadelphia Eagles' top received Desean Jackson has been quiet for the past three weeks.
2. He has had 2 outstanding years in the NFL, with numerous touchdowns and a pro bowl appearance at receiver and kick returner.
3. Jackson says he is unfazed by the drop in production recently, and the team is already past the loss to the Bears this past Sunday.
1. Why are people making so much of one player's slump?
2. Will Jackson and the team play the next game any differently in terms of getting Jackson the ball more often?
I think the Eagles should use Jackson as a decoy until other teams start to respect the rest of the receiving corps as well. The rest of the team is quite talented, and I think they should be able to win games without Jackson, who is a great player but not the only great player on the team.
Article about recent drama: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/01/andy-reid-desean-jackson-apparently-on-same-page-after-earlier/
Sunday, November 28, 2010
IR Blogpost 1-NYT > Books
Main Article: "Only Collect"
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/28/books/review/Jacobs-t.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
This article is about Steve Martin's third book, "An Object of Beauty." The story is about a girl who is sought after for her looks by several men, including the narrator (as the title entails). However, the girl cares not for them; she is more interested in art. Martin's expertise in art is evident throughout the story.
What is Martin saying about men having the narrator being one of the guys chasing the main character?
How did Martin come across such a strange idea for his novel?
I think it's very interesting that Steve Martin is writing novels, and that it's good for people to try new things.
Article: "An Object of Beauty"
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/An-Object-of-Beauty/Steve-Martin/e/9780446573665
pratfalls-stupid and humiliating actions
paean-a song of praise or triumph
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/28/books/review/Jacobs-t.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
This article is about Steve Martin's third book, "An Object of Beauty." The story is about a girl who is sought after for her looks by several men, including the narrator (as the title entails). However, the girl cares not for them; she is more interested in art. Martin's expertise in art is evident throughout the story.
What is Martin saying about men having the narrator being one of the guys chasing the main character?
How did Martin come across such a strange idea for his novel?
I think it's very interesting that Steve Martin is writing novels, and that it's good for people to try new things.
Article: "An Object of Beauty"
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/An-Object-of-Beauty/Steve-Martin/e/9780446573665
pratfalls-stupid and humiliating actions
paean-a song of praise or triumph
IR Blogpost 1-NPR Topics: News
Main article: "WikiLeaks Release Reveals Ugly Side Of Diplomacy"
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/28/131648175/wikileaks-releases-huge-cache-of-u-s-diplomatic-cables?ft=1&f=1001
The article is about the news source WikiLeaks, which is an organization that releases confidential U.S. government secrets. Such secrets include what the U.S. government knows about Iran, a country they don't know much about. These releases could potentially help enemies of the U.S. by providing them important information about foreign affairs concerning those countries.
Are the people posting these secrets Americans?
What are these people hoping to accomplish?
I think WikiLeaks should not be publishing government secrets just because it can. This is highly unpatriotic--government officials are people too; their freedom of speech should not be infringed upon.
Article: "Pentagon condemns WikiLeaks, boosts intel security"
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN28173625N20101128
dearth-lack or scarcity of something
http://www.npr.org/2010/11/28/131648175/wikileaks-releases-huge-cache-of-u-s-diplomatic-cables?ft=1&f=1001
The article is about the news source WikiLeaks, which is an organization that releases confidential U.S. government secrets. Such secrets include what the U.S. government knows about Iran, a country they don't know much about. These releases could potentially help enemies of the U.S. by providing them important information about foreign affairs concerning those countries.
Are the people posting these secrets Americans?
What are these people hoping to accomplish?
I think WikiLeaks should not be publishing government secrets just because it can. This is highly unpatriotic--government officials are people too; their freedom of speech should not be infringed upon.
Article: "Pentagon condemns WikiLeaks, boosts intel security"
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN28173625N20101128
dearth-lack or scarcity of something
IR Blogpost 1-NFL.com
"Source: Hobbs 'very likely' to retire after latest neck injury" (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81c77151/article/source-hobbs-very-likely-to-retire-after-latest-neck-injury)
This article is about the defensive back Ellis Hobbs's severe neck injuries incurred in last week's game, and how he will likely retire. Hobbs's agent, however, says that his player is just concerned about making it through surgery, then he will assess his ability to continue playing. The hit that Hobbs sustained was a helmet-to-helmet hit, something that the league is trying very hard to prevent.
What kind of basis for saying Hobbs will retire did the source have?
Why does the source's information not match the agent's?
I think the league should try harder to prevent potentially career-ending helmet-to-helmet hits.
article: "League could suspend players for helmet-to-helmet hits" http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b6d381/article/league-could-suspend-players-for-helmettohelmet-hits
This article is about the defensive back Ellis Hobbs's severe neck injuries incurred in last week's game, and how he will likely retire. Hobbs's agent, however, says that his player is just concerned about making it through surgery, then he will assess his ability to continue playing. The hit that Hobbs sustained was a helmet-to-helmet hit, something that the league is trying very hard to prevent.
What kind of basis for saying Hobbs will retire did the source have?
Why does the source's information not match the agent's?
I think the league should try harder to prevent potentially career-ending helmet-to-helmet hits.
article: "League could suspend players for helmet-to-helmet hits" http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b6d381/article/league-could-suspend-players-for-helmettohelmet-hits
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Intro Post IR MP2
For my Independent Reading during the 2nd Marking Period, I will be following three different RSS feeds and blogging about them periodically. The feeds I will be following are "The New York Times Books" (http://feeds.nytimes.com/nyt/rss/Books); "National Public Radio News" (http://www.npr.org/rss/rss.php?id=1001); and "NFL.com" (http://www.nfl.com/rss/rsslanding?searchString=home). I hope to learn a lot about many different topics, and hopefully I'll pick up important messages and lessons from America and around the world.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Online Reading 11/15/10
I do a fair amount of online reading. I generally read magazine and newspaper articles if they look interesting. I usually find good articles at "Time Magazine", and "The New York Times".
Monday, September 20, 2010
Meaning vs. Pleasure
There are definite differences between reading books for pleasure and reading books for meaning. Usually books read for meaning are not epic fantasies, or books with fantastic story lines. Meaningful books are those that use symbolism and other literary techniques to try to prove a point. Books that I would read for pleasure would be ones that have great story lines, fantasy/science-fiction type novels, or thrillers. These types of books are not necessarily written for this purpose, but they are more fun to read than other types of books. Some books that I would consider to be read for meaning would be such books as "Animal Farm," "Lord of the Flies," or "Into the Wild." Books for pleasure could be "The Da Vinci Code," "Harry Potter," or "Twilight."
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