Thursday, March 18, 2010
Final editorial
Harvard, Princeton, and Yale are the clear-cut standouts when it comes to colleges. The stamp of any of these colleges on your diploma will guarantee you a financially secure life. However the money that is spent for not only these colleges but for universities around the country is utterly ridiculous. The way I see it, if you aren’t going to a top twenty-five school, or if your parents are making enough income to fully pay off a college tuition bill, taking loans north of one hundred thousand dollars is unacceptable. I’m not saying loans shouldn’t be taken, it’s just they should be taken with an intent of graduate school and full knowledge of a situation. If it were me, I’d take a max loan of fifty thousand dollars, that also depending on what field I plan to pursue. I realize the counter argument is that you should pay for the best education, but if you can get a good education for less money why not do it? I was recently watching a documentary on student loans and the interest they rack up. The average interest rate for a student loan by Sallie Mae is an astounding eighteen percent! In that documentary, for example, was a social worker who ten years ago took a hundred thousand dollar loan to go to an out of state school. After ten years her loan had nearly doubled to one hundred and ninety thousand dollars. With a low paying job as a social worker she was unable to pay her loans and was on the verge bankruptcy. Even if she claimed bankruptcy, she would not be able to forgo her loans. Another situation that came to my attention was a story posted on Yahoo a few weeks ago. A doctor from Cleveland had taken out loans for her undergrad, grad and medical schools and now faced three hundred thousand dollars worth of loans, plus an additional two hundred thousand for late fees and interest. At the age of 35, she will make her full earning potential; however that five hundred thousand will loom on her head for the rest of her life. In summation, I’m not saying loans are horrible things that should not be taken, I’m saying they should be taken out in moderation after thoroughly researching the situation.
max editorial
1. Yes he says he wants the old days of sugar and caffiene in school
2. he states the problem but no solution
3. Somewhat but to its fullest extent no.
4. Its one of the funniest pieces ive read in a while.
5. Yes they are organized
6. somewhat.
7. Yes the writing is clear
2. he states the problem but no solution
3. Somewhat but to its fullest extent no.
4. Its one of the funniest pieces ive read in a while.
5. Yes they are organized
6. somewhat.
7. Yes the writing is clear
Luke editorial
1. Yes, hes stating how ridiculous the price is for parking tickets
2. He states the problem but really no solution
3. No
4. It definitely is interesting
5. The drawing makes sense
6. yes
7. yes
2. He states the problem but really no solution
3. No
4. It definitely is interesting
5. The drawing makes sense
6. yes
7. yes
editorial draft
Undergraduate college loans
Harvard, Princeton, and Yale are the clear-cut standouts when it comes to colleges. The stamp of any of these colleges on your diploma will guarantee you a financially secure life. However the money that is spent for not only these colleges but for universities around the country is utterly ridiculous. The way I see it, if you aren’t going to a top twenty-five school, or if your parents are making enough income to fully pay off a college tuition bill, taking loans north of one hundred thousand dollars is unacceptable. I’m not saying loans shouldn’t be taken, it’s just they should be taken with an intent of graduate school and full knowledge of a situation. If it were me, I’d take a max loan of fifty thousand dollars, that also depending on what field I plan to pursue. I was recently watching a documentary on student loans and the interest they rack up. The average interest rate for a student loan by Sallie Mae is an astounding eighteen percent! In that documentary, for example, was a social worker who ten years ago took a hundred thousand dollar loan to go to an out of state school. After ten years her loan had nearly doubled to one hundred and ninety thousand dollars. With a low paying job as a social worker she was unable to pay her loans and was on the verge bankruptcy. Even if she claimed bankruptcy, she would not be able to forgo her loans. Another situation that came to my attention was a story posted on Yahoo a few weeks ago. A doctor from Cleveland had taken out loans for her undergrad, grad and medical schools and now faced three hundred thousand dollars worth of loans, plus an additional two hundred thousand for late fees and interest. At the age of 35, she will make her full earning potential; however that five hundred thousand will loom on her head for the rest of her life. In summation, I’m not saying loans are horrible things that should not be taken, I’m saying they should be taken out in moderation after thoroughly researching the situation.
Harvard, Princeton, and Yale are the clear-cut standouts when it comes to colleges. The stamp of any of these colleges on your diploma will guarantee you a financially secure life. However the money that is spent for not only these colleges but for universities around the country is utterly ridiculous. The way I see it, if you aren’t going to a top twenty-five school, or if your parents are making enough income to fully pay off a college tuition bill, taking loans north of one hundred thousand dollars is unacceptable. I’m not saying loans shouldn’t be taken, it’s just they should be taken with an intent of graduate school and full knowledge of a situation. If it were me, I’d take a max loan of fifty thousand dollars, that also depending on what field I plan to pursue. I was recently watching a documentary on student loans and the interest they rack up. The average interest rate for a student loan by Sallie Mae is an astounding eighteen percent! In that documentary, for example, was a social worker who ten years ago took a hundred thousand dollar loan to go to an out of state school. After ten years her loan had nearly doubled to one hundred and ninety thousand dollars. With a low paying job as a social worker she was unable to pay her loans and was on the verge bankruptcy. Even if she claimed bankruptcy, she would not be able to forgo her loans. Another situation that came to my attention was a story posted on Yahoo a few weeks ago. A doctor from Cleveland had taken out loans for her undergrad, grad and medical schools and now faced three hundred thousand dollars worth of loans, plus an additional two hundred thousand for late fees and interest. At the age of 35, she will make her full earning potential; however that five hundred thousand will loom on her head for the rest of her life. In summation, I’m not saying loans are horrible things that should not be taken, I’m saying they should be taken out in moderation after thoroughly researching the situation.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Final Draft
Barry Bonds waits anxiously for a 0-1 pitch from Chan Ho Park of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bonds sits tied with Mark McGwire atop the single season home run record with 70 home runs. Just 400 feet separate him from breaking the most glamorous record in baseball. Park’s unusual delivery begins and Bonds’ focus jumps to new levels. He has only four tenths of a second to decide if this pitch is the right one to swing at. Will this be the moment for heroics or is it just another pitch to him? Four-tenths of a second later, horsehide meets wood and the ball is elevated towards the bleachers. The trot that bonds takes is no ordinary one. He has just vaulted himself into the number one position for single season home runs with 71. This moment is not only a high in Bonds’ career, but also the city of San Francisco. Fast forward to 2007, another record-breaking year for Bonds. Yet the aura around is this night, August 5th, 2007, is different from anything anyone has ever felt. Bonds stands on the cusp of breaking the record of all records, the all time home run mark. He sits atop the leader board, tied with Henry Aaron at 755. After he lifts 2-2 pitch from Mike Bascik of the Washington Nationals into the right center bleachers, not only does AT&T Park erupt, but also so does the city of San Francisco. Their maligned star has finally achieved a milestone that will stand for many years to come. However while the city celebrates, the rest of the nation sits quietly for they show no respect to a cheater. Who knew that the greatest batter in sports history would be marred by a dark secret kept hidden for years, steroids. Ever since 2007, little has been known about bonds. He has become a hermit, due to both his ego and arrogance. The game he loves finds no need for a once great champion. Now all the world sees of the king is rare appearances at Giants’ functions and games. However the attitude of hatred and disgust remain towards him.
Bonds fall from grace first began in December of 2003. It was during that time that he was indicted for perjury pertaining to questioning on whether he used performance-enhancing drugs. He stated to the feds that he unknowingly used a substance called Tetrahydrogestrinone or THG. This substance is a masking agent that can build lean muscle. Yet the best part about THG is its undetectable nature on drug tests taken by major league players. Nonetheless, when the public found out about Bonds’ alleged steroid use, they lost all admiration and respect for his accomplishments upon the baseball field. To escalate the situation, Bonds became even more arrogant and cocky towards to the public and media. He would refuse autograph requests consistently and would lose self-control at any question that implicated his steroid use. The satirical media had a field day with his personality, mocking him to the furthest extent. Yet through all the negativity Bonds continued to do what he did best, play baseball. With each long fly ball into the starry night, his ego began to grow as well as the hatred towards him. The situation escalated to the point where Bonds’ family received death threats for his chase towards the home run record. The only satisfaction that the fans saw in Bonds’ breaking the record was that it would surely be broken by baseball’s golden boy Alex Rodriguez a few short years after bonds would do it. Obviously we were all mislead as Rodriguez has also been cited as a steroid user, but at the time that was the only hope baseball fans around the world had.
Though he has never actually tested positive for steroids, a poll taken by ESPN’s Jayson Stark in May of 2007 saw 73 percent of the American people believe he took it at some point in his career. Race also played a big factor in the survey. In the survey, only 37 percent of African Americans thought he used steroids compared to 74 percent of caucasians. Then came the most important part of the survey, those who thought bonds deserved the home run record. 74 percent of African Americans believe Bonds deserved to break the record while a measly 28 percent of Caucasians wanted him to succeed. Without a doubt, Bonds not only faced the allegations of steroid use, but he also faced the race factor as he neared the record. When asked if he thought bonds deserved the record, Paul Thompson stated, “I think that anyone who cheats to break records not only deserves an asterisk, but they also deserve a stripping from the record books.” Thompson insists race has nothing to do with his decision; it’s just that he doesn’t believe steroid users belong with the game’s greats. Yet Thompson’s view is met with staunch rebellion from fans of bonds, namely one Joe Gramstad. Gramstad is one of those few caucasians who believe bonds deserves the record he’s worked hard for. “The way I see it, he still has to swing the bat and hit the home runs. Steroids build your body, they don’t make you hit the home runs, otherwise anybody could go out and do it”. If there can ever be a solution for his record, it will quickly lead to another debate, one pertaining to Bonds’ enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bonds himself said he expects to be giving an acceptance speech in Cooperstown. Bonds’ statement reflects the idea that the majority of people share with him. In that 2007 survey, 58 percent of the population said they would like to see Bonds inducted into the Hall of Fame. Our resident “experts” managed to come to a consensus on this topic. Gramstad and Thompson both agreed that Bonds should be inducted; yet Thompson believes that an asterisk should stand next to all his records. Only time will tell what happens to our now intrepid “hero”.
As we look back on the years passed, we can all agree no matter how bloated bonds’ ego becomes his skills upon the diamond were other-worldly. His plays and numbers now belong to father time, but for a short 20 years we were able to witness the type of athlete that comes every generation. We were mystified by every long fly ball that touched a piece of heaven and somehow returned to our ordinary earth. Yet with each of those fly balls our minds grew with curiosity, itching to know how a mortal was capable of achieving immortal feats. Finally curiosity killed the cat, and a cheater was exposed. Barry Bonds’ is a name that now lives in infamy, not for the way he played or the things he said, but for his deeds off the field. Many stray the course for a lavish life of luxury, but one stands out. Barry Bonds: the athlete gone awry.
Bonds fall from grace first began in December of 2003. It was during that time that he was indicted for perjury pertaining to questioning on whether he used performance-enhancing drugs. He stated to the feds that he unknowingly used a substance called Tetrahydrogestrinone or THG. This substance is a masking agent that can build lean muscle. Yet the best part about THG is its undetectable nature on drug tests taken by major league players. Nonetheless, when the public found out about Bonds’ alleged steroid use, they lost all admiration and respect for his accomplishments upon the baseball field. To escalate the situation, Bonds became even more arrogant and cocky towards to the public and media. He would refuse autograph requests consistently and would lose self-control at any question that implicated his steroid use. The satirical media had a field day with his personality, mocking him to the furthest extent. Yet through all the negativity Bonds continued to do what he did best, play baseball. With each long fly ball into the starry night, his ego began to grow as well as the hatred towards him. The situation escalated to the point where Bonds’ family received death threats for his chase towards the home run record. The only satisfaction that the fans saw in Bonds’ breaking the record was that it would surely be broken by baseball’s golden boy Alex Rodriguez a few short years after bonds would do it. Obviously we were all mislead as Rodriguez has also been cited as a steroid user, but at the time that was the only hope baseball fans around the world had.
Though he has never actually tested positive for steroids, a poll taken by ESPN’s Jayson Stark in May of 2007 saw 73 percent of the American people believe he took it at some point in his career. Race also played a big factor in the survey. In the survey, only 37 percent of African Americans thought he used steroids compared to 74 percent of caucasians. Then came the most important part of the survey, those who thought bonds deserved the home run record. 74 percent of African Americans believe Bonds deserved to break the record while a measly 28 percent of Caucasians wanted him to succeed. Without a doubt, Bonds not only faced the allegations of steroid use, but he also faced the race factor as he neared the record. When asked if he thought bonds deserved the record, Paul Thompson stated, “I think that anyone who cheats to break records not only deserves an asterisk, but they also deserve a stripping from the record books.” Thompson insists race has nothing to do with his decision; it’s just that he doesn’t believe steroid users belong with the game’s greats. Yet Thompson’s view is met with staunch rebellion from fans of bonds, namely one Joe Gramstad. Gramstad is one of those few caucasians who believe bonds deserves the record he’s worked hard for. “The way I see it, he still has to swing the bat and hit the home runs. Steroids build your body, they don’t make you hit the home runs, otherwise anybody could go out and do it”. If there can ever be a solution for his record, it will quickly lead to another debate, one pertaining to Bonds’ enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bonds himself said he expects to be giving an acceptance speech in Cooperstown. Bonds’ statement reflects the idea that the majority of people share with him. In that 2007 survey, 58 percent of the population said they would like to see Bonds inducted into the Hall of Fame. Our resident “experts” managed to come to a consensus on this topic. Gramstad and Thompson both agreed that Bonds should be inducted; yet Thompson believes that an asterisk should stand next to all his records. Only time will tell what happens to our now intrepid “hero”.
As we look back on the years passed, we can all agree no matter how bloated bonds’ ego becomes his skills upon the diamond were other-worldly. His plays and numbers now belong to father time, but for a short 20 years we were able to witness the type of athlete that comes every generation. We were mystified by every long fly ball that touched a piece of heaven and somehow returned to our ordinary earth. Yet with each of those fly balls our minds grew with curiosity, itching to know how a mortal was capable of achieving immortal feats. Finally curiosity killed the cat, and a cheater was exposed. Barry Bonds’ is a name that now lives in infamy, not for the way he played or the things he said, but for his deeds off the field. Many stray the course for a lavish life of luxury, but one stands out. Barry Bonds: the athlete gone awry.
1. What is a problem/issue that our entire student body (our school, community, country, etc.) faces today?
College tuition has risen 20 percent since last year. Its becoming even more unaffordable for normal people today.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
Both colleges and the government need to help the average american with their ability to pay for college.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I want people to see the damage is of paying an exorbant amount of money for college and what can be done to prevent it.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
Overall cost
Private colleges
Out of state tuition
debt of loans after college
Potential scholarships and loans
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
I will show them surveys and potential extreme cases of college debt and what it does to a persons life. Also potentially some cost effiecent colleges
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
It effects many upcoming freshman for the road to college.
College tuition has risen 20 percent since last year. Its becoming even more unaffordable for normal people today.
2. What is your view/position on the problem or situation?
Both colleges and the government need to help the average american with their ability to pay for college.
3. What would you like to achieve with your editorial? (What is the desired result?)
I want people to see the damage is of paying an exorbant amount of money for college and what can be done to prevent it.
4. How will you persuade your audience to adopt your viewpoint as theirs? List at least 4 persuasive points.
Overall cost
Private colleges
Out of state tuition
debt of loans after college
Potential scholarships and loans
5. How will you motivate your readership to action in your conclusion?
I will show them surveys and potential extreme cases of college debt and what it does to a persons life. Also potentially some cost effiecent colleges
6. How will your editorial serve a public purpose?
It effects many upcoming freshman for the road to college.
Monday, March 15, 2010
blog reading Ari
I think maybe a little bit more details on what you do in One Act and Bravo would help. It would emphasize even more how exhausted you are if you state what you are doing.
I think a teacher would be a better source rather than a counselor. The lead does a good job in leading me into the story.
The scenes are well described. Between ari at home and at school you almost feel her workload as she does it.
I think some grammar needs fixing otherwise its a really good read.
I think a teacher would be a better source rather than a counselor. The lead does a good job in leading me into the story.
The scenes are well described. Between ari at home and at school you almost feel her workload as she does it.
I think some grammar needs fixing otherwise its a really good read.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Feature story
Bonds: an athlete gone awry
Barry Bonds waits anxiously for a 0-1 pitch from Chan Ho Park of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bonds sits tied with Mark McGwire atop the single season home run record with 70 home runs. Just 400 feet separate him from breaking the most glamorous record in baseball. Park’s unusual delivery begins and Bonds’ focus jumps to new levels. He has only four tenths of a second to decide if this pitch is the right one to swing at. Will this be the moment for heroics or is it just another pitch to him? Four-tenths of a second later, horsehide meets wood and the ball is elevated towards the bleachers. The trot that bonds takes is no ordinary one. He has just vaulted himself into the number one position for single season home runs with 71. This moment is not only a high in Bonds’ career, but also the city of San Francisco. Fast forward to 2007, another record-breaking year for Bonds. Yet the aura around is this night, August 5th, 2007, is different from anything anyone has ever felt. Bonds stands on the cusp of breaking the record of all records, the all time home run mark. He sits atop the leader board, tied with Henry Aaron at 755. After he lifts 2-2 pitch from Mike Bascik of the Washington Nationals into the right center bleachers, not only does AT&T Park erupt, but also so does the city of San Francisco. Their maligned star has finally achieved a milestone that will stand for many years to come. However while the city celebrates, the rest of the nation sits quietly for they show no respect to a cheater. Who knew that the greatest batter in sports history would be marred by a dark secret kept hidden for years, steroids. Ever since 2007, little has been known about bonds. He has become a hermit, due to both his ego and arrogance. The game he loves finds no need for a once great champion. Now all the world sees of the king is rare appearances at Giants’ functions and games. However the attitude of hatred and disgust remain towards him.
Bonds fall from grace first began in December of 2003. It was during that time that he was indicted for perjury pertaining to questioning on whether he used performance-enhancing drugs. He stated to the feds that he unknowingly used a substance called Tetrahydrogestrinone or THG. This substance is a masking agent that can build lean muscle. Yet the best part about THG is its undetectable nature on drug tests taken by major league players. Nonetheless, when the public found out about Bonds’ alleged steroid use, they lost all admiration and respect for his accomplishments upon the baseball field. To escalate the situation, Bonds became even more arrogant and cocky towards to the public and media. He would refuse autograph requests consistently and would lose self-control at any question that implicated his steroid use. The satirical media had a field day with his personality, mocking him to the furthest extent. Yet through all the negativity Bonds continued to do what he did best, play baseball. With each long fly ball into the starry night, his ego began to grow as well as the hatred towards him. The situation escalated to the point where Bonds’ family received death threats for his chase towards the home run record. The only satisfaction that the fans saw in Bonds’ breaking the record was that it would surely be broken by baseball’s golden boy Alex Rodriguez a few short years after bonds would do it. Obviously we were all mislead as Rodriguez has also been cited as a steroid user, but at the time that was the only hope baseball fans around the world had.
Though he has never actually tested positive for steroids, a poll taken by ESPN’s Jayson Stark in May of 2007 saw 73 percent of the American people believe he took it at some point in his career. Race also played a big factor in the survey. In the survey, only 37 percent of African Americans thought he used steroids compared to 74 percent of caucasians. Then came the most important part of the survey, those who thought bonds deserved the home run record. 74 percent of African Americans believe Bonds deserved to break the record while a measly 28 percent of Caucasians wanted him to succeed. Without a doubt, Bonds not only faced the allegations of steroid use, but he also faced the race factor as he neared the record. When asked if he thought bonds deserved the record, Paul Thompson stated, “I think that anyone who cheats to break records not only deserves an asterisk, but they also deserve a stripping from the record books.” Thompson insists race has nothing to do with his decision; it’s just that he doesn’t believe steroid users belong with the game’s greats. Yet Thompson’s view is met with staunch rebellion from fans of bonds, namely one Joe Gramstad. Gramstad is one of those few caucasians who believe bonds deserves the record he’s worked hard for. “The way I see it, he still has to swing the bat and hit the home runs. Steroids build your body, they don’t make you hit the home runs, otherwise anybody could go out and do it”. If there can ever be a solution for his record, it will quickly lead to another debate, one pertaining to Bonds’ enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bonds himself said he expects to be giving an acceptance speech in Cooperstown. Bonds’ statement reflects the idea that the majority of people share with him. In that 2007 survey, 58 percent of the population said they would like to see Bonds inducted into the Hall of Fame. Our resident “experts” managed to come to a consensus on this topic. Gramstad and Thompson both agreed that Bonds should be inducted; yet Thompson believes that an asterisk should stand next to all his records. Only time will tell what happens to our now intrepid “hero”.
As we look back on the years passed, we can all agree no matter how bloated bonds’ ego becomes his skills upon the diamond were other-worldly. His plays and numbers now belong to father time, but for a short 20 years we were able to witness the type of athlete that comes every generation. We were mystified by every long fly ball that touched a piece of heaven and somehow returned to our ordinary earth. Yet with each of those fly balls our minds grew with curiosity, itching to know how a mortal was capable of achieving immortal feats. Finally curiosity killed the cat, and a cheater was exposed. Barry Bonds’ is a name that now lives in infamy, not for the way he played or the things he said, but for his deeds off the field. Many stray the course for a lavish life of luxury, but one stands out. Barry Bonds: the athlete gone awry.
Barry Bonds waits anxiously for a 0-1 pitch from Chan Ho Park of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bonds sits tied with Mark McGwire atop the single season home run record with 70 home runs. Just 400 feet separate him from breaking the most glamorous record in baseball. Park’s unusual delivery begins and Bonds’ focus jumps to new levels. He has only four tenths of a second to decide if this pitch is the right one to swing at. Will this be the moment for heroics or is it just another pitch to him? Four-tenths of a second later, horsehide meets wood and the ball is elevated towards the bleachers. The trot that bonds takes is no ordinary one. He has just vaulted himself into the number one position for single season home runs with 71. This moment is not only a high in Bonds’ career, but also the city of San Francisco. Fast forward to 2007, another record-breaking year for Bonds. Yet the aura around is this night, August 5th, 2007, is different from anything anyone has ever felt. Bonds stands on the cusp of breaking the record of all records, the all time home run mark. He sits atop the leader board, tied with Henry Aaron at 755. After he lifts 2-2 pitch from Mike Bascik of the Washington Nationals into the right center bleachers, not only does AT&T Park erupt, but also so does the city of San Francisco. Their maligned star has finally achieved a milestone that will stand for many years to come. However while the city celebrates, the rest of the nation sits quietly for they show no respect to a cheater. Who knew that the greatest batter in sports history would be marred by a dark secret kept hidden for years, steroids. Ever since 2007, little has been known about bonds. He has become a hermit, due to both his ego and arrogance. The game he loves finds no need for a once great champion. Now all the world sees of the king is rare appearances at Giants’ functions and games. However the attitude of hatred and disgust remain towards him.
Bonds fall from grace first began in December of 2003. It was during that time that he was indicted for perjury pertaining to questioning on whether he used performance-enhancing drugs. He stated to the feds that he unknowingly used a substance called Tetrahydrogestrinone or THG. This substance is a masking agent that can build lean muscle. Yet the best part about THG is its undetectable nature on drug tests taken by major league players. Nonetheless, when the public found out about Bonds’ alleged steroid use, they lost all admiration and respect for his accomplishments upon the baseball field. To escalate the situation, Bonds became even more arrogant and cocky towards to the public and media. He would refuse autograph requests consistently and would lose self-control at any question that implicated his steroid use. The satirical media had a field day with his personality, mocking him to the furthest extent. Yet through all the negativity Bonds continued to do what he did best, play baseball. With each long fly ball into the starry night, his ego began to grow as well as the hatred towards him. The situation escalated to the point where Bonds’ family received death threats for his chase towards the home run record. The only satisfaction that the fans saw in Bonds’ breaking the record was that it would surely be broken by baseball’s golden boy Alex Rodriguez a few short years after bonds would do it. Obviously we were all mislead as Rodriguez has also been cited as a steroid user, but at the time that was the only hope baseball fans around the world had.
Though he has never actually tested positive for steroids, a poll taken by ESPN’s Jayson Stark in May of 2007 saw 73 percent of the American people believe he took it at some point in his career. Race also played a big factor in the survey. In the survey, only 37 percent of African Americans thought he used steroids compared to 74 percent of caucasians. Then came the most important part of the survey, those who thought bonds deserved the home run record. 74 percent of African Americans believe Bonds deserved to break the record while a measly 28 percent of Caucasians wanted him to succeed. Without a doubt, Bonds not only faced the allegations of steroid use, but he also faced the race factor as he neared the record. When asked if he thought bonds deserved the record, Paul Thompson stated, “I think that anyone who cheats to break records not only deserves an asterisk, but they also deserve a stripping from the record books.” Thompson insists race has nothing to do with his decision; it’s just that he doesn’t believe steroid users belong with the game’s greats. Yet Thompson’s view is met with staunch rebellion from fans of bonds, namely one Joe Gramstad. Gramstad is one of those few caucasians who believe bonds deserves the record he’s worked hard for. “The way I see it, he still has to swing the bat and hit the home runs. Steroids build your body, they don’t make you hit the home runs, otherwise anybody could go out and do it”. If there can ever be a solution for his record, it will quickly lead to another debate, one pertaining to Bonds’ enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bonds himself said he expects to be giving an acceptance speech in Cooperstown. Bonds’ statement reflects the idea that the majority of people share with him. In that 2007 survey, 58 percent of the population said they would like to see Bonds inducted into the Hall of Fame. Our resident “experts” managed to come to a consensus on this topic. Gramstad and Thompson both agreed that Bonds should be inducted; yet Thompson believes that an asterisk should stand next to all his records. Only time will tell what happens to our now intrepid “hero”.
As we look back on the years passed, we can all agree no matter how bloated bonds’ ego becomes his skills upon the diamond were other-worldly. His plays and numbers now belong to father time, but for a short 20 years we were able to witness the type of athlete that comes every generation. We were mystified by every long fly ball that touched a piece of heaven and somehow returned to our ordinary earth. Yet with each of those fly balls our minds grew with curiosity, itching to know how a mortal was capable of achieving immortal feats. Finally curiosity killed the cat, and a cheater was exposed. Barry Bonds’ is a name that now lives in infamy, not for the way he played or the things he said, but for his deeds off the field. Many stray the course for a lavish life of luxury, but one stands out. Barry Bonds: the athlete gone awry.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Feature story
My topic is the fall from grace of barry bonds and his future in the game.
The people i will interview are Joe Gramstad, who is an avid supporter of bonds, and paul thompson, a critic of bonds.
My questions for both interviewees:
1. how much do you know of Bonds since his departure from major league baseball in 2007?
2. What are your thoughts and feelings on bonds bonds?
3. What is the mark left by bonds on the game, and how big is that mark?
4. Do you see bonds in the hall of fame in 3 years?
5. Do you think his records should be kept or should they be thrown out?
Im going to incorporate surveys into my feature piece and the anwsers that coincide will prove my point even better
The people i will interview are Joe Gramstad, who is an avid supporter of bonds, and paul thompson, a critic of bonds.
My questions for both interviewees:
1. how much do you know of Bonds since his departure from major league baseball in 2007?
2. What are your thoughts and feelings on bonds bonds?
3. What is the mark left by bonds on the game, and how big is that mark?
4. Do you see bonds in the hall of fame in 3 years?
5. Do you think his records should be kept or should they be thrown out?
Im going to incorporate surveys into my feature piece and the anwsers that coincide will prove my point even better
Friday, March 5, 2010
My Article
The snow is melting, the birds are coming back and soon the Eastview Lighting Boys track team will start yet another season. The 2009 team had great success, with multiple athletes placing at state. While this is a new year for the boys of black and blue, some of the experienced veterans remain. Senior captains Paul Thompson, Ryan Carriere and David Pearcill return to lead the team to another successful season, while junior standouts Khalil Jordan and Frank Veldman wait in the wings to take over the captaincy. In the underclassmen ranks lies Ken Hoffman, a sophomore, who may have a major impact in just his second season. While the season has yet to pan out, I asked Paul and fellow senior David Hudson what it would be like to suit up for one last run at state. Says Paul “From a personal standpoint, I’m angry because my track career has been hampered by nagging injuries. However, I feel like if I can run as well as I can this year, some of that bitterness can be taken away.” While Paul tries to redeem himself, David isn’t really caught up in the emotions of his last go around. He states “I’m not really taking it different from the start of any other season, or in other words I'm taking it as it is". Asked what goals he would like the team to achieve, Thompson said, “I want this team to go as far as they can. I want to see as many Eastview athletes go to state as I can”. Though it would not be surprising to see both Thompson and Hudson on a podium, in all likelihood, the majority of state participants from Eastview will participate in the three major jumps, long jump, triple jump, and high jump. The jumping events are Eastview’s bread and butter, essentially their safe haven of all events. Leading the jumpers is the aforementioned Frank Veldman and Khalil Jordan. Veldman and Jordan won multiple events last year at the state level and look forward to repeating their success.
Now we turn our attention to the schedule itself. Captains practices have been going on for a few now but soon the real trek will begin for the boys. The first track practice of the season starts next week. While it will take the boys some time to get back into shape and to acclimate themselves to the weather, they cannot take too long because of what looms in the near future. Two weeks after practice begins, the team will take the field for the first meet of the season on March 27th. With some snow perhaps left in the forecast, the meet will be held in an indoor stadium in River Falls. Barring injuries everyone is expected to perform in their respective events. For Paul, those events would be the 1600 and 3200 meter race. He will also be an alternate for the javelin throw. For David, he plans to run in the 100 and 200-meter races. Finally Frank will look to execute his jumps perfectly as he will participate in all three jumping events. All three of these outstanding scholar athletes will look to master their crafts by the time section meets come around. Those meets are to start on the 11th of May, where they will face some of the elite track programs in the state. Schools like White Bear Lake and Stillwater look to thwart Eastview, but little do they know of the power that lies in the Blue Black and White.
Now we turn our attention to the schedule itself. Captains practices have been going on for a few now but soon the real trek will begin for the boys. The first track practice of the season starts next week. While it will take the boys some time to get back into shape and to acclimate themselves to the weather, they cannot take too long because of what looms in the near future. Two weeks after practice begins, the team will take the field for the first meet of the season on March 27th. With some snow perhaps left in the forecast, the meet will be held in an indoor stadium in River Falls. Barring injuries everyone is expected to perform in their respective events. For Paul, those events would be the 1600 and 3200 meter race. He will also be an alternate for the javelin throw. For David, he plans to run in the 100 and 200-meter races. Finally Frank will look to execute his jumps perfectly as he will participate in all three jumping events. All three of these outstanding scholar athletes will look to master their crafts by the time section meets come around. Those meets are to start on the 11th of May, where they will face some of the elite track programs in the state. Schools like White Bear Lake and Stillwater look to thwart Eastview, but little do they know of the power that lies in the Blue Black and White.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Anwsers
Frank Veldman
1. The first track meet is on March 27th
2. David Pearcill, Ryan Carriere, and Paul Thompson
3. Some returning stars for the team are khalil jordan and frank himself
4. The first meet is at River Falls, indoors.
5. Sections begin on May 11th.
Paul Thompson
1. From a personal standpoint, Paul is angry because his once promising track career has been hampered by nagging injuries. He feels like if he can run as well as he can this year, some of that bitterness can be taken away.
2. Paul runs the 1600 and 3200 meter races. On rare occasions he will throw javelin.
3. The events that are the teams bread and butter are the three jumps, triple, long and high jump.
4. As far as upcoming stars,Ken Hoffman is one of the bright futures of the track program. Hoffman is a sophomore. (Paul)
5. The team plans to do very well, hoping to have multiple athletes make it to state. (Paul)
David Hudson
1. David not really taking it different from the start of any other season, or as he put it "I'm taking it as it is".
2. "Frank, Khalil Jordan, Leandre Kennedy and the whole girls department."
3. White Bear Lake, and Stillwater look to present a challenge to Eastview.
4. Hudson runs the 100, 200, 4 x 2, and the 4 x 1.
5. Practices start next week, while captains practices are finishing up right now.
Frank Veldman
1. The first track meet is on March 27th
2. David Pearcill, Ryan Carriere, and Paul Thompson
3. Some returning stars for the team are khalil jordan and frank himself
4. The first meet is at River Falls, indoors.
5. Sections begin on May 11th.
Paul Thompson
1. From a personal standpoint, Paul is angry because his once promising track career has been hampered by nagging injuries. He feels like if he can run as well as he can this year, some of that bitterness can be taken away.
2. Paul runs the 1600 and 3200 meter races. On rare occasions he will throw javelin.
3. The events that are the teams bread and butter are the three jumps, triple, long and high jump.
4. As far as upcoming stars,Ken Hoffman is one of the bright futures of the track program. Hoffman is a sophomore. (Paul)
5. The team plans to do very well, hoping to have multiple athletes make it to state. (Paul)
David Hudson
1. David not really taking it different from the start of any other season, or as he put it "I'm taking it as it is".
2. "Frank, Khalil Jordan, Leandre Kennedy and the whole girls department."
3. White Bear Lake, and Stillwater look to present a challenge to Eastview.
4. Hudson runs the 100, 200, 4 x 2, and the 4 x 1.
5. Practices start next week, while captains practices are finishing up right now.
Interview 1: Frank Veldman
1. When is the first track meet
2. Who are the captains this year
3. Who are some returning track stars
4. Where is the first meet
5. When do sections start
Interview 2: Paul Thompson
1. This is your last year, how do you feel
2. What events do you run
3. What events are the teams strong events
4. Who are some upcoming stars
5. How do you expect the team to fare this year
Interview 3: David Hudson
1. This is also your last year, how do you feel
2. Who are the great runners in your events
3. Who do you think will qualify for state
4. Who are some powerhouse programs that could present a challenge
5. When do practices start?
1. When is the first track meet
2. Who are the captains this year
3. Who are some returning track stars
4. Where is the first meet
5. When do sections start
Interview 2: Paul Thompson
1. This is your last year, how do you feel
2. What events do you run
3. What events are the teams strong events
4. Who are some upcoming stars
5. How do you expect the team to fare this year
Interview 3: David Hudson
1. This is also your last year, how do you feel
2. Who are the great runners in your events
3. Who do you think will qualify for state
4. Who are some powerhouse programs that could present a challenge
5. When do practices start?
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