Article: Unemployment Drops To 9.4 Percent In December
Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/07/132732781/unemployment-drops-to-9-4-percent-in-december?ft=1&f=1001
1. This article is about the recent unemployment shift down from 9.8% to 9.4% over the last month.
2. 103,000 new jobs were added, which is a lower amount than many thought would be added in December.
3. The job market it growing, but many experts and politicians say unemployment should be decreasing faster.
1. What was the unemployment rate at the start of last year?
2. Should we be worried that the unemployment rate is not decreasing faster?
1. I think it's good that the unemployment rate has dropped so much recently, and this shows that the change in government policy over the past 2 years has had a good effect on fighting unemployment.
Article about payoff of democratic policies: http://www.talkradionews.com/quicknews/2011/1/7/reid-unemployment-drop-shows-dems-policies-are-paying-off.html
Showing posts with label IR MP2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IR MP2. Show all posts
Friday, January 7, 2011
IR Blogpost 4-NYT > Books
Article: Publisher Tinkers With Twain
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/books/05huck.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
1. This article is about a new version of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" that has been censored by the publisher.
2. The published replaced the N-word 219 times with the word "slave".
3. Many people have conflicting views on the issue: Twain admirers are against it, while many teachers are for the change.
1. What effect will this have on other literature of the same genre?
2. Is this actual censorship? Or is it just an attempt to reduce the usage of offensive language?
1. I feel that people shouldn't feel awkward for reading the N-word in literature because the author was just using it to make the novel more real, but people should abstain from using it in everyday speech.
Article about Roger Ebert apologizing for his comment about the new "Huckleberry Finn" http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=20239&count=0
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/books/05huck.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
1. This article is about a new version of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" that has been censored by the publisher.
2. The published replaced the N-word 219 times with the word "slave".
3. Many people have conflicting views on the issue: Twain admirers are against it, while many teachers are for the change.
1. What effect will this have on other literature of the same genre?
2. Is this actual censorship? Or is it just an attempt to reduce the usage of offensive language?
1. I feel that people shouldn't feel awkward for reading the N-word in literature because the author was just using it to make the novel more real, but people should abstain from using it in everyday speech.
Article about Roger Ebert apologizing for his comment about the new "Huckleberry Finn" http://www.worstpreviews.com/headline.php?id=20239&count=0
IR Blogpost 4-NFL.com
Article: With Young on his way out, Titans to explore all QB options
Source: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d81dd5/article/with-young-on-his-way-out-titans-to-explore-all-qb-options
1. This article is about the Tennessee Titans getting rid of quarterback Vince Young.
2. They are searching for a new quarterback because of Young's problems with coach Jeff Fisher.
3. The team will decide on their new quarterback after deciding whether or not to keep the coaching staff.
1. What quarterback on the market would the Titans like to have most?
2. Are there any quarterbacks on the market that are better than their current quarterback, Kerry Collins?
1. I think that Kerry Collins should play as long as he is still effective in the game, which he will be next year.
Article about how Kerry Collins wants to continue playing next season:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d5e082/article/titans-qb-collins-ive-got-some-good-football-left-in-me
Source: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d81dd5/article/with-young-on-his-way-out-titans-to-explore-all-qb-options
1. This article is about the Tennessee Titans getting rid of quarterback Vince Young.
2. They are searching for a new quarterback because of Young's problems with coach Jeff Fisher.
3. The team will decide on their new quarterback after deciding whether or not to keep the coaching staff.
1. What quarterback on the market would the Titans like to have most?
2. Are there any quarterbacks on the market that are better than their current quarterback, Kerry Collins?
1. I think that Kerry Collins should play as long as he is still effective in the game, which he will be next year.
Article about how Kerry Collins wants to continue playing next season:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d5e082/article/titans-qb-collins-ive-got-some-good-football-left-in-me
Friday, December 17, 2010
IR Blogpost 3-NFL.com
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
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
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
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