Four Links We Will Need in Class Tonight

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/10/AR2009121003638.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/28/AR2009042803254.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/10/AR2009111013891.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/14/AR2009071402892.html

Important News from Perfesser Green

-- The 500-700 word political endorsement editorial is due BEFORE 6:30 on Monday
-- 3 blog posts are also due. I hope you spaced them out over the week.
-- Be prepared to discuss and defend your endorsement
-- We will spend some time discussing the work of Pulitzer winner Kathleen Parker. Consider this question: Is she an award-winning conservative columnist or is she an award-winning columnist who bashes conservatives?
-- There are two more classes after Monday. At the 4/26 class we will be discussing the columnist-as-crusader. The 5/1 class is our final -- and optional -- class.
-- I urge you attend the last class to obtain extra credit if you: missed more than one class; if you missed two classes in a row; if you want to boost your grade. The last class will be a deadline column-writing exercise that I will tell you more about later.

Political Candidates that WE WILL BE WRITING ABOUT MONDAY.

HINT: It might be a good idea to take a few notes when you research these candidates.

Peter Schiff: http://schiffforsenate.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Schiff

Rob Simmons: http://www.joinrobsimmons.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Simmons

Linda McMahon: http://www.linda2010.com/frontpage/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_McMahon

Merrick Alpert: http://merrickforachange.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrick_Alpert

Richard Blumenthal: http://richardblumenthal.com/?gclid=CKK2nL2j_6ACFUFM5QodET8qxw
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Blumenthal

April 12 Class -- Political Endorsement Editorials

We will be writing political editorials in class this week and as homework. In class we will be writing an "institutional" editorial where you will be endorsing a candidate as if you are the New York Times or the Hartford Courant. Those of you who were in class last week know that we are looking at the FIVE major candidates for U.S. Senate.

To be prepared for class, you must:
1. Re-read CHAPTER 4 in FINK on "institutional editorials."
2. Google the websites of the five candidates that we looked at briely in class: Richard Blumenthal; Merrick Alpert, Linda McMahon, Peter Schiff, Rob Simmons.
3. On each site, watch the videos, read the position papers, read the news articles. Make sure you are familiar WITH EACH CANDIDATE enough so that you could write about that person. Google the names of the candidates and read some recent news articles about the campaign. They had a debate this past week so you should be able to find something. Spend a couple of hours on this.
4. Make sure you have done the three blog entries for the week.
5. If you are not coming to class YOU MUST CONTACT ME.

Reading for April 5 Class: When Columnists Go Bad

We will be discussing the Mike Barnicle disaster at the Boston Globe as part of our columnists-gone-wrong discussion for our next class.

It is important that everyone reads the following in order to be prepared. There might be a quiz.

http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archive/features/98/08/13/MIKE_BARNICLE.html

http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archive/features/98/08/20/MIKE_BARNICLE_STEALS.html

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/media/july-dec98/columnists_8-24.html

http://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/20/us/boston-globe-columnist-resigns-over-authenticity-of-1995-story.html


Be prepared to talk about Barnicle, his career and the role of a prominent columnist at a big paper. You may be asked to defend Barnicle -- or you may have to say why he should have been fired long before he was.

A neat little video

Hey all,

Here's a video I attached to my "Is Google Making us Stoopid" article that you might not get to see. It puts some stuff in perspective, but in youtube form, so we are all more interested. Enjoy. (For some reason it won't fit into the blog, so just click on the video itself and it will take you to youtube)

-Matt

MoDo on Monday Night

Hey Gang,

Go to this site and read ALL 10 entries for Maureen Dowd's 1999 Pulitize Prize for commentary.

If you don't know about Monica Lewinsky, the black dress, Ken Starr and what happened to Bill Clinton, do a little research. If you like it, read some more recent stuff by MoDo.

Please come to class Monday ready to talk and talk and talk about Dowd, her writing style, her effectiveness and what you think after reading her winning entry. Be prepared to talk about what works, what's over the top and what you think about her insider, gossipy style. How would you compare her to Steve Lopez?

It's possible I will ask you to write something in class about her. Hint.

E-mail me if you have any questions.

See you Monday evening. Please send me an e-mail if you won't be in class.

News From Perfesser Green

• Read Is Google Making us Stupid and write a blog post about agreeing or disagreeing with it. Be prepared to discuss the article in class. That means you will have questions and ideas to bring up so we have a discussion.
• Revise your 3/15 assignment if you want.
• Look for Maureen Dowd reading assignments on the blog by Friday.
• Compare and contrast the four Connecticut-based news websites I told you about: New Haven Independent, Connecticut Mirror, Connecticut News Junkie, Ameriborn News. Write a blog post -- for example, how they reported the same story, something you liked on one of the websites, something you strongly disagree with. Write about something where you can link to at least two of the four websites. We will discuss the websites in class, so you better bring some game to class next week.
• You MUST do three blog entries this week. I've given you two of them.
• IF YOU MISS CLASS, you need to contact me, preferably BEFORE you miss class.
• Matt: call me about your makeup assignment.

Don't Miss the Big Vote on Obamacare

March Madness

Hello all,

I appreciate the blog posts. Courtney, Darrell and Ramata -- I've enjoyed your postings. Matt, Kristen and Kels remember I'm looking for around three posts a week. Please don't just post your latest assignment from class.

PLEASE remember to self edit. Carefully re-read and re-edit your blog posts before you hit PUBLISH.

The short Chris Dodd editorials are due before class on Monday. Those of you who missed class (and the assignment) should see me.

Happy spring and see you tomorrow.

Back in Action Tomorrow

Hello Everyone,

I hope you had a good week off.

I'm looking forward to seeing you folks in class tomorrow. Remember to get your assignment in before class. Some of you have been blogging regularly. Remember, the blog will be 20 percent of your grade.

In class tomorrow we will:

• review what we've learned so far
• discuss Mortenson assignment and read our columns
• discuss blogs
• talk about the Chris Dodd Disaster (CDD) assignment: we will read, discuss and prepare for column assignment for next class.

See you.

Rick

Saturday Morning Check-In

It looks like nearly everyone -- six out of seven -- has a blog up and running. Thanks for sending me the URL. I have posted all of them on the blog roll on our class blog. Good job.

Please remember I don't want you to do five posts on March 14 and 15.

It was my mistake that I said the next column was due March 8. I realize that is the spring break week. Columns are due March 15. If you have any questions or concerns, contact me by email.

Remember, the column has to be about the Greg Mortenson lecture or another event that you discussed with me beforehand.

Rick

The NBA: Finally a Reason to Start Caring

Whether you like sports or not, you probably know what the NBA is. I wouldn't fault you if you didn't, however, because according to ratings like the 4.6 this year's All-Star game drew (the second lowest rating ever for an All-Star game), not too many people are watching. (Compare that to things like, American Idol, which frequently draws in the 10-15 range, or the regular season Packers-Vikings Monday Night Football game that drew a 14.2).

The All-Star game is supposed to showcase the game's best players, and was drawing in the in the 13's and 14's in the mid 90's when a little player named Michael Jordan was amazing everybody with his talents. In just a little over a decade since his 2nd retirement (we won't count the third one after an atrocious comeback with the Wizards), the NBA has still yet to recover.

"Well why should we watch now, Matt?" The answer is simple, Lebron James.

I think in American sports, at least when I was growing up, I was always told about legendary figures like Babe Ruth, Willy Mays, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, but never got to see them play. I wasn't quite old enough to appreciate Jordan's greatness at the time, but now I have the opportunity to witness greatness play on a nightly basis, but like you don't do it.

This could all change over the summer when Lebron James becomes a free agent and has the opportunity to go to a different team. The team with the most money, the New York Knicks, is a natural fit for King James because he has always showed love for the city of New York. What's better is that the Knicks have enough money to sign not one superstar, but two, this summer and if the stars fall into place, we might see the biggest media market in America fielding a team that includes James and possibly Dwayne Wade  (perhaps the league's third best player), Chris Bosh (top 10 in the league), or one of the many other star free agents.

So this summer keep an eye out for what happens with these big time stars and what they decide to do, if things end up where Lebron stays in Cleveland, then the NBA can expect more low ratings, but if things work out the other way, then we would be seeing basketball history, and maybe we'd start watching.

-Matt

(btw, here's another youtube video of Kels, this time he's shooting some hoop at the gym, he's number 23)

Ananda Ashram

When my mother first suggested we take a trip to the Ananda Ashram, which offers yoga classes called “Vinyasa,” “Iyengar,” and “Ashtanga,” I said “bless you.” After a bit of research, however, I found out that the Ananda Ashram in Monroe, New York, is actually the center of the Yoga Society. I didn’t even know there was a society. This Ashram was established by Shri Brahmananda (see the “Ananda” in his name?) Sarasvati in 1964, and continues today as a spiritual retreat, offering different types of yoga (Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Hatha), meditation, Sanskrit, even Eastern dance and music classes. The property, at the foot of the Catskill Mountains, is preserved in a natural and tranquil environment, complete with log cabins, weeping willows, and wooded trails weaving through the acres owned by the Ashram. I noticed a few people sleeping in their Hybrid cars overnight, with their front windows facing the not-so-distant mountains.

When my mom and I made our pilgrimage, there wasn’t anything in particular going on at the Ashram. But for the vegetarian, yoga-enthusiast mom, Ananda Ashram is a fool-proof plan. We pull into the gravel driveway, following the hand painted, wooden sign pointing us onward. The branches of a large weeping willow tree, like long, gentle arms, grazed the roof of the car, beckoning us to the peaceful setting. 

We squeeze between two Priuses, each adorned with dozens of bumper stickers. “Tree Hugger,” “Green is Good,” “Nothing Dumber than a Hummer,” and my favorite, with the words “Put the Fun Between Your Legs” written over a picture of a bicycle. A young eco-couple steps out of the car on the left (the “Legs” one), takes one collective glance at our ozone-destroying auto, and seem to immediately decide what kind of people we were. They head off, yoga mats swinging in hemp-cases over their backs, down a dirt path in the direction of the “Cosmic Temple,” as designated by another wooden sign. I spot a white cottage behind the willow tree, which has the look of a “Welcome/Register Here” kind of place, so we somewhat guiltily grab our plastic water bottles from the car, and make our way down the gravel path. A kind faced woman greets us on the front steps, serenely asks us to take off our shoes before entering, and then leads us over to a sign-in table. There’s a Level Two/Three Hatha yoga class at 11am that we decide to try, leaving us about ten minutes to kill (or should I say, use resourcefully).

We hike back up the gravel path to the artistically worn, gray wooden building which we’d been told would house our yoga class. Inside, the room was rather full, though not as much as it is during the week, according to a woman setting up her mat next to me. The instructor, a middle aged woman with a strange European-who-moved-to-New-York accent, asked the group, who had never been to a yoga class before? A bearded man in a red bandana, another mother and daughter duo, and a slightly nervous looking pregnant woman all raised their hands. The instructor advised them to only attempt poses they felt comfortable doing, and that yoga is not about holding one’s balance in a difficult position, but getting back up when one falls. I instantly thought of the bike bumper sticker. 

The sudden sound of exaggerated inhaling and exhaling brought me back: the class was beginning. Plinky-plunky music, like the sound of chimes in a soft breeze filled the room. Yoga, I’ve found, no matter what the type of class you try, has the same effect each time: a sort of ‘flow’ occurs, the instructor leads the group through poses, and participants of all levels move together, some holding their balance and others not. This class was different, though. It was probably the ridiculously peaceful setting, or the organic food (which looked delicious, and was apparently made out of flowers and sunshine). Or it could have just been the lingering scent of hemp. But somehow, I could feel the earth beneath my feet, through the wooden floor. And somehow, even the most pressing stressors seemed silly right now. Soon the instructor’s voice began to flow as well, and at the end of class, it was time to lie back on our mats and close our eyes for meditation and reflection. 

Despite the sarcastic remarks I’d been voicing to my mom about the people, the atmosphere, and pretty much everything, I could feel myself succumbing to the tranquil flow, my eyes closing as though I could drift off to sleep. Funny, I think drowsily, I’m actually being put to sleep without the help of a pill with “PM” in the name. But then its over. After only a few blissful minutes the instructor brings us back to the present with a hand-held chime, which she strikes sharply three times. I hate that chime. She wishes everyone ‘Namaste,’ and we turn to one another and do the same (like in church) before standing up with creaking knees (OK, just mine). We roll up our mats, and leave with better karma than we had when we entered. There seems to be a pleasurable, heavy sensation lingering with us, like how you feel when you finally sit down after hours on your feet. I felt like I’d been standing for a hundred years, and just now took a seat. Must be all that good karma.
Krystin Barnett

U.S. Team Loses the Cold War

Yesterday the U.S. Men's Olympic hockey team was dealt a severe blow, losing not only for themselves, but for their country; beaten by the Evil Empire in what was a surely a low point in the Cold War against Soviet oppression, leaving their dreams and hopes shattered like so much...  I'm sorry, what was that?

They played Canada?  The guys in red were from Canada?  They weren't Soviets?

Then why, oh why, did the NBC commentators keep blathering on about the "Miracle on Ice" team of the 1980 games as if they were playing this year?

Okay, so the U.S. Men's team hasn't won the gold medal in hockey since that 1980 game, but yesterday's match up had about as much in common with that Cold War battle as it did with the 1960 games when the U.S. took the gold and Canada won the silver.

Let's look at some of the differences:
- 1980 U.S. team:  college students.  2010 U.S. team: NHL professionals.
- 1980 matchup: U.S vs. Soviet Union.  2010 matchup: U.S. vs. Canada (I would think this was obvious, but maybe it's just me).
- 1980: Cold war going strong between the two global superpowers with enough nuclear weaponry to obliterate the Earth.  2010: U.S. and Canada still have the longest unprotected border in the world, and share a big beer maker (MolsonCoors).

NBC should have presented this as a rematch from the Salt Lake City games when Canada beat the U.S. 5-2, and needs to accept that in spite of their desperate need to produce a heartwarming story of victory every few minutes, they will never be able to cover the 1980 victory in Lake Placid.  It happened already.  Find another story, fellas.

And another thing, NBC, when are you going to stop making our U.S. athletes feel like total failures for winning silver?  It is not like the U.S. team rolled over and humiliated themselves in a 17-0 loss.  They took Canada into overtime for Pete's sake.  They should feel proud of themselves for their performance.

I'll wager we'll hear about that 1980 game again in 2014 when the games are held in Russia.  Whaddya bet?

--Darrell McChesney

America's Big Problem (Pun absolutely intended)

I know you all have been dying for a post from me, I was away for the weekend but don't worry, I'm ready to rock this blog.

A recent survey shows that 63.1% of adults in the U.S.A. were either overweight or obese in 2009, up from 62.2% in 2008.

There were 673,000 telephone interviews conducted, meaning 424,663 of them were overweight. If the survey is any indication about everyone in America, then that is a lot of bulge.

It's no secret America is one of the most unhealthy nations in the world, and it would appear we're not doing much about it. Sure, there are programs in place and there are initiatives to bend childhood obesity with the gym programs, but Americans themselves aren't doing much to combat it.

The health risks from obesity are obvious, but so are the health risks for smoking and there are still plenty of smokers. Our society would much rather buy a 1 dollar burger than spend the extra money at Whole Foods and eat healthy. Mostly anywhere you can go you can shell out 1.50 for a Pepsi or Coke but it would probably be harder to find OJ and milk.

What is striking to me is that America is contradicting itself. Fat people are generally looked down upon, yet it is surprisingly easy to become fat. There's a McDonald's on every corner and all you need is a 5 dollar bill to scarf down a few thousand calories, eat up.

"But Matt, they don't have to eat there, they can go to gyms," is what some would say. I agree, but then again Americans are lazy, and in our go go society there's not enough time for gyms, not enough money to buy health food, and not enough will to sit down and eat homemade dinner when you can drive down the street and get a heart attack on a sesame seed roll.

Unless the government shuts down the fast food nation and mandates gym time, America will probably continue to grow. As a bigger guy who has lost a lot of weight and is a former division 1 athlete, I can say from experience that losing weight starts with yourself, and lazy America probably won't get motivated anytime soon.

-Matt

(to lighten things up, I found a video of Kels Dayton at the gym, looks can be deceiving but I know this is him. Enjoy)

Here Comes the Cheese Truck

Have you seen the Cheese Truck? If you’re driving around the streets of New Haven, you just might pass it….or the line of people waiting for a gooey five-cheese grilled sandwich.

Caseus, an artisan cheese shop and bistro in New Haven, recently added the mobile café to its repertoire and it’s been a big hit.

Folks can follow the Cheese Truck on Twitter to find out is location and race to grab the previously mentioned grilled cheese, tomato soup, salads and other daily offerings to pleaee your pallet.

If those choices don’t strike your fancy, stop by their flagship store on the corner of Whitney Ave. and Trumbull St. Italian cookies and crackers spices, olive oils, honey and preserves abound. Those willing to venture into “the cave” can check out more than 100 choices of cheese. Enjoy a Pastrami Ruben for lunch or indulge in Pasta with Pistachio Pesto for dinner. Those who like to grab and go should stay on the lookout for a truck with a big cheese wheel painted on the side.

Fighting Back Against Prescription Drug Abuse

A growing epidemic in our country lies in the abuse of prescription drugs. Rather than buying illegal drugs such as marijuana or cocaine off the streets, users are getting their fix from the doctors office.

Recently, there was a story done about several clinics in Florida which were giving out prescription drugs without a prescription! How ridiculous! Let's think about this, what is the only reason someone would not be able to get a prescription from a doctor? Maybe because they don't really need it and aren't really in pain, but using the pharmaceuticals for another reason?

Now, it has just been announced that Florida has decided to fight back against this epidemic. They have crafted two bills that will attempt to reduce the rate of prescription drug abuse. The bill prohibits cash-paying customers to buy more than a three day supply, requires criminal background checks on doctors and owners, and allows state health department to search patient records.

This is definately a step in the right direction, taking some action to cease current prescription drug abuse and deter any new abuse from occuring. While, many will always find a way to get their fix atleast our government will not be handing abusers the tools to do it.

~Courtney Parent~

Fast Food Diet?

For years we have been hearing about Jared and his incredible weightloss, thanks in large part to Subway's low calorie subs. Well there's a new gun in town, Taco Bell is promoting their new Drive-Thru Diet. The spokesperson; a woman named Christine who claims to have lost over 50 pounds eating at Taco Bell.

Now I can understand losing weight by eating at Subway; that actually makes sense! Load up on the veggies, little meat, no oil or mayo, etc. That's pretty easy to understand, but Taco Bell, come on now. I'll be the first to admit that Taco Bell is one of my many dirty pleasures. Having said that, I am well aware that it is probably the most high-sodium, nutrient-lacking food that i consume.

I do not doubt that Christine lost weight abiding to the Drive-Thru Diet, but if she did it was simply due to calorie count. Anyone can lose weight by simply consuming less calories, the question is; is it worth it to you to lose weight when you are actually harming your body?

Of course, Taco Bell ends their commercials with a disclosure, saying that the results of this "diet" are not typical. Well if results aren't typical and this is not even a nutrient sufficient diet, then why bother promoting this at all? Isn't that basically saying you probably won't be able to lose weight through this diet and you won't gain any valuable vitamins or nutrients, but one woman did so you should try it anyways?



~Courtney Parent~

Again, another sponsor dumped Tiger

Gatorade, PepsiCo Inc’s sport drink, drops Tiger Woods this Friday. Tiger’s world is collapsing since his marital affairs were made public. Companies stopped their business with him. He does not meet their requirements, the requirement of integrity coupled with that of a model figure to society.
In addition to companies, many supposed mistress of Tiger are making shows expressing their disappointment, crying they once loved and might still love him even though they know he is married. They dumped him too. What irony of fate! Mistresses dumping a married man because he cheated on them. And what would be the stand of the official spouse?
Since the affairs have been made public, Eileen, Tiger’s wife, is still there, and no divorce has been announced. She stays quiet on the subject, indicating that she still supports her husband. One day she will talk, but she must make her final decision. Stand by or leave Tiger. Whatever her decision, her stand will deeply count. The fortune of the worldwide golf player depends on that.
A split will be more damaging to Tiger. It would reinforce stands from companies that have dropped him, and could encourage other companies to do the same.
Fortunately for Tiger, Eileen has said nothing for now. That makes her the only woman besides his mother who will take him in. Otherwise, Tiger’s personal life could totally blow up no matter the amount of money he lost.
Ramata