Journal 3 Revised: The Quest to Remain Unbeaten

Quarterback Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons (Courtesy of http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/41286/is-this-real-your-6-0-atlanta-falcons)

      I recently read an article titled "Is This Real? Your 7-0 Atlanta Falcons", by Bill Barnwell. In the article, Barnwell talks about the Atlanta Falcons and their current undefeated record in the NFL. This is an overall well written article, that I enjoyed reading. Barnwell does a great job of pointing out some minute details that people do not think about when you talk about a team winning football games. However, this article is missing a very important element; the Falcons are simply injury free. This is a major part of their ability to win games and stay on this winning streak. Other teams that have lost a game or more have all had key players go down. The reason why Atlanta is able to compete at such a high level each game is because they always have their best players on the field. This has a major role in the Falcons ability to win close games. Another point that Barnwell does not mention, is how long the team has been playing together. For the Falcons, the core of the team has all played together for a number of years. This helps the team gain chemistry and work better as a team.. Overall, Barnwell made many valid points on why the Falcons have started 7-0. However, I wish he would have included some nonfactual arguments.

You can find this article at http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/41286/is-this-real-your-6-0-atlanta-falcons

Journal 4 Revised: The Best of the Best

JJ Watt of the Huston Texans ( Courtesy of http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/41798/nfl-midseason-awards-who-deserves-the-hardware)

     I recently read an article titled ,"NFL Midseason Awards: Who Deserves the Hardware," by Robert Mays. In the article, Mays talks about who deserves the most honorable awards in the NFL half way through the season. The players that he has picked are overall in my opinion good picks. Mays believes that the MVP should go to J.J Watt, the offensive player of the year to Peyton Manning, and the defensive player of the year to Cameron Wake. I think these are all good choices and strongly agree with each and every one of them. I believe that no one in the NFL has been playing better than JJ Watt this early in the season. JJ is on pace to set the single season record for sacks in a season. I also agree with his choice for Manning for the Offensive player of the year. Peyton has helped a  surging Broncos team to first place in the AFC west and has done so in a dominant manner. The only player that I strongly disagree with is Cameron Wake for defensive player of the year. Mays makes a strong case for Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, who I believe should be the defensive player of the year. Von is tied for second in the NFL in sacks and has played really well. Mays makes some good choices overall that I strongly agree with. He also is able to back up his choices with relevant information and stats and ranks the players accordingly.
This article can be found at http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/41798/nfl-midseason-awards-who-deserves-the-hardware.

Journal 6 Revised: A Closer in Football?

Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick quarterbacks for the 49ers. (Courtesy of David Dermer/Diamond Images/ Getty Images http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/43466/fourth-and-short-niners-could-use-a-closer-qb)

      I recently looked at an article by Bill Barnwell. In his article, Barnwell talks about Alex Smith current role on the 49ers. He makes the argument that Alex is a great decision maker, and that he could come in late in the game to play a closer role. Barnwell has a lot of valid points including the fact that it would give Smith a chance to stay healthy if the 49ers make a playoff push. He also makes that argument that this would give current quarterback Colin Kaepernick a chance to develop and improve. Although Barnwell makes a sound argument, he forgets to mention one of the most important attributes a quarterback has. Announcers and broadcasters constantly talk about a quarterback and an offense getting into a rhythm. In Barnwell's scenario, Colin would be pulled in the most critical point in the game, while a quarterback who has not had the chance to warm up is put in. This would disrupt the entire teams movement and rhythm. A second idea that could be used is to include Kaepernick into the offence in would to place him into a role  similar to Tim Tebow in New York. Kaepernick could come in on short third down situations to put both the threat of pass and run. This would also give the chance for Kaepernick to get game time experience while the starter Alex Smith is getting a quick breather. This would be an overall better option for the 49ers in my opinion. Barnwell raises a very interesting question. Having a rotation at quarterback has never been done in the NFL and is definitely something that the 49ers and other teams should look into.                                                                                                                                   

     The article can be found at http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/43466/fourth-and-short-niners-could-use-a-closer-qb

A Closer in Football?

Alex Smith and Colin Kaepernick quarterbacks for the 49ers. (Courtesy of David Dermer/Diamond Images/ Getty Images http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/43466/fourth-and-short-niners-could-use-a-closer-qb)

     I recently looked at an article by Bill Barnwell. In his article, he talks about Alex Smith current role on the 49ers. He makes the argument that Alex is a great decision maker and that he could come in late in the game to play a closer role. Barnwell has a lot of valid points including the fact that it would give Smith a chance to stay healthy if the 49ers make a playoff push. He also makes that argument that this would give current quarterback Colin Kaepernick a chance to develop and improve. Although Barnwell makes a sound argument, he forgets to mention one of the most important attributes a quarterback has. Announcers and broadcasters constantly talk about a quarterback and an offense getting into a rhythm. In Barnwell's scenario, Colin would be pulled in the most critical point in the game, while a quarterback who has not had the chance to warm up is put in. This would disrupt the entire teams movement and rhythm. A second idea that could be used is to include Kaepernick into the offence in other ways similar to Tim Tebow in New York. Kaepernick could come in on short third down situations to put both the threat of pass and run. This would also give the chance for Kaepernick to get game time experience while the starter Alex Smith is getting a quick breather. This would be an overall better option for the 49ers in my opinion. Barnwell raises a very interestion question. Having a rotation at quarterback has never been done in the NFL and is definitely something that the 49ers and other teams should look into.

The Sport for Everyone

Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat showing just how "Mainstream" the NBA is. (Courtesy  of  NATHANIEL S. BUTLER /GETTY IMAGES  http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8602142/the-nba-transformation-internet-friendly-juggernaut)

I came across an article titled "Has The NBA Gone Mainstream" written by Carles. In his article, Carles talks about how the NBA is starting to become a mainstream sport. In the years past, the fan base was made primarily of small groups of people. Now with the many topics surrounding the NBA and the use of the Internet and social media, the NBA has begun to rise in popularity. Carles points out how the internet has made the NBA fan base transform from a brotherhood to something that even casual sports fans enjoy. The one thing that I wish Carles would of talked about more in his blog was the rise in popularity of NBA players. He does not mention how the increase of talent in the NBA has correlated well to the rise in popularity. People are now following teams because they know and like particular players on the team, rather than the team itself. I think the author could also have considered the amount of advertising the NBA does. During the playoffs or for important games, the NBA floods television stations with advertisements for the game. I really agree with his point that the NBA has had an increase in fan support because of social media and the internet. Players now talk about key match ups weeks before the game. They also talk to players of the opposing teams publicly which raises excitement for a particular game. People now feel more connected to the players. Through the use of social media, fans can now follow their favorite players and feel like they are a part of a player’s life. I agree that social media and the use of the internet have brought the NBA into the living rooms of many households.

The Best of the Best

JJ Watt of the Huston Texans ( Courtesy of http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/41798/nfl-midseason-awards-who-deserves-the-hardware)

     I recently read an article titled ,"NFL Midseason Awards: Who Deserves the Hardware," by Robert Mays. In the article, Mays talks about who deserves the most honorable awards in the NFL half way through the season. The players that he has picked are overall in my opinion good picks. Mays believes that the MVP should go to J.J Watt, the offensive player of the year to Peyton Manning, and the defensive player of the year to Cameron Wake. I think these are all good choices and strongly agree with each and every one of them. I believe that no one in the NFL has been playing better than JJ Watt this early in the season. JJ is on pace to set the single season record for sacks in a season. I also agree with his choice for Manning for the Offensive player of the year. Peyton has helped a  surging Broncos team to first place in the AFC west and has done some in a dominant manner. The only player that I strongly disagree with is Cameron Wake for defensive player of the year. Mays makes a strong case for Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, who I believe should be the defensive player of the year. Von is tied for second in the NFL in sacks and has played really well. Mays makes some good choices overall that I strongly agree with. He also is able to back up his choices with relevant information and stats. 

The Quest to Remain Unbeaten

Quarterback Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons (Courtesy of http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/41286/is-this-real-your-6-0-atlanta-falcons)

      I recently read an article titled "Is This Real? Your 7-0 Atlanta Falcons", by Bill Barnwell. In the article, Barnwell talks about the Atlanta Falcons and their current undefeated record in the NFL. This is an overall well written article, that I enjoyed reading. Barnwell does a great job of pointing out some minute details that people do not think about when you talk about a team winning football games. However, this article is missing a very important element; the Falcons are simply injury free. This is a major part of their ability to win games and stay on this winning streak. Other teams that have lost a game or more have all had key players go down. The reason why Atlanta is able to compete at such a high level each game is because they always have their best players on the field. This has a major role in the Falcons ability to win close games. Another point that Barnwell does not mention is how long the team has been playing together. For the Falcons, the core of the team has all played together for a number of years. This also helps the team to win games; the chemistry between these players also helps them win. Overall, Barnwell made many valid points on why the Falcons have started 7-0. However, I wish he would have included some nonfactual arguments.

You can find this article at http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/41286/is-this-real-your-6-0-atlanta-falcons

Gaining Respect

Mattie crossing the river. (Courtesy of http://www.soulfilledlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Picture-17.png)

                The scene that I chose to evaluate in the movie True Grit begins at 34:40. In this scene, the main character Mattie Ross decides to cross the river, to meet back up with Rooster Cogburn and LaBoeuf. This is an important scene in the movie because for the first time, Cogburn realizes how important this mission is to Mattie. She is initially turned away from crossing the river by a man who helps people cross the river. As he attempts to take her back into town, Mattie throws an apple at him and races to the river front where her horse Little Blackie and Mattie attempt to cross. While she is crossing, the film goes to close up shots of Cogburn while he watches her cross and lights up a cigarette.  Finally when Mattie reaches the bank, Cogburn looks at her in amazement and says “That is some Horse,” and offers her ten dollars for it. Mattie quickly refuses and tells the Marshall that she will turn him into the authorities if she cannot go along. LaBoeuf gets off of his horse, and proceeds to rip Mattie off of her horse and beat her over her bottom. Mattie asks if the Marshal will allow this to happen any longer and he replies “I don’t believe I will.” After LaBoeuf continues to beat Mattie, Cogburn draws his gun and the scene ends. This is an important scene because for the first time Cogburn treats Mattie like an equal. Cogburn sees the fight in her and respects her for it. This scene begins the friendship between Mattie and Cogburn that develops throughout the remainder of the film.

Coppola's Sequal

Michael Corleone on the original movie poster for Godfather Part II. ( Courtesy of http://movies.wikia.com/wiki/The_Godfather_Part_II)

     My favorite movie is the Godfather part 2. The reason why I find this movie to be so compelling and interesting is because of the character development that takes place throughout the whole film. The other main reason why I enjoy the movie, is because of the Coppola's directing style. The way he pays attention to detail really makes the movie great for me. The parts in the Godfather that matter to me the most are the formal elements in film. However some cultural aspects also make the movie great. The whole plot of rooting for the bad guys and following the mob goes against all social norms, but you can't help but root for them. The scene that sticks out most in my mind is the near the end of the film, when the family sits down for dinner. The dinner is centered around the family deciding what to do after the prior don Vito Corleone recent illness. Coppola does a phenomenal job at setting the scene for the dinner. He makes it feel as if the viewer is apart of the major event. Coppola also does a great job in the various business meetings, setting the mood of the room. Often times I was left on the edge of my seat wounding what was going to happen next in the twisted gangster plot. The final piece about the Godfather that makes the movie my favorite is the plot. The plot is always changing and kept me engaged throughout the film. I never knew what was going to happen next. Overall, the use of formal elements of film makes the Godfather part 2, my favorite movie.

Blog Post 1. One Bad Call

                One Bad Call

Replacement Referee's debating a call

. (Courtesy of Deadspin.com   http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/1807djmkm0srujpg/original.jpg)

 Author David Maraniss in his article, talks about the controversial call during the Monday night game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks. The call gave the Seahawks, the game winning touchdown as the game expired.  He first talks about the attitude of winning. How important winning really is to us as sports fans, even when we say that it is not the most important thing.  Maraniss goes into detail about how he felt when he saw the reaction of the Seattle coaching staff and players’ reaction following the call. Finally, Maraniss talks about what he would of done if he was in the shoes of the Seahawks, and his overall dismay for the way the Seahawks reacted.

                I disagree with the position held by David Maraniss on the final call of the game.  Maraniss fails to realize that the Seahawks, like all athletes are paid for their performance. The way the Seahawks reacted was completely acceptable and expected of a professional athlete winning a close match.  Maraniss is also very biased on the topic, which affects the way that he forms his argument.  He fails to recognize the other side of the argument in any part of his article. The other reason why I disagree with Maraniss’s point of view is because of the way that he describes that call as being “The difference between black and white.”  The call was a difficult call to make for any ref let alone a replacement ref, who is already playing out of his league. Marniss focuses his article on the refs, rather than the real problem, the NFL.

The Believing Game part B

               However, Favre also is the leader in all time interceptions as well as incompletions. He also was known for his “Gun slinger” mentality often times forcing the ball to covered receivers. His one super bowl win was the only high point of his otherwise catastrophic playoff record. He also went through a period of time when he was addicted to prescription pain killers and had other off the field complications. Favre was unable to complete his career in Green Bay. Instead, Favre went to the New York Jets and later the Minnesota Vikings where he continued to go downhill.

The Believing Game Part A

Brett Favre is considered to be the greatest quarterback of all time. Favre’s numerous records and awards help give this argument a strong backbone. He is the all-time leader in touchdowns, passing yards and also has won a super bowl. He helped to turn a franchise around the moment he stepped on the field. Equally important to Favre’s career are the things he accomplished off of the field. He was a leader in the community and spent a large amount of his time working at the Brett Favre Forward Foundation and other charities.

Test Video Post

 

Brock Osweiler interview (Courtesy of Youtube)

Test

Jellyfish (Courtesy of Microsoft)

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