Red Wings vs Avalanche

Pavel Datsyuk scored twice and Johan Franzen picked up his sixth goal of the series. This gave Detroit a 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals. The Avalanches lost another star player. Paul Stastny went down with a knee injury in the first period. The Red Wings can wrap up the series Thursday night. The Avalanche has lost to Detroit all seven time they played this season. As the way things are going I think the Red Wings will definitely win again to take the semifinals.

Norstrom give Dallas another Win.

Mattias Norstrom scored from the top of the left circle 4:37 into overtime to give Dallas a 2-1 overtime win over the Sharks. This win gave Dallas a 3-0 lead in the series. Norstrom scored his second goal in 47 playoff games when taken a pass from Mike Ribeiro. The last time the Stars had a 3-0 series lead was 9 years ago in 1999. That year they went to the Stanley Cup. Nabokov stopped 27 shots, including Niklas Hagmans penalty shot. It’s been 16 past season series since Dallas has won a 3-0 series so hopefully they can finish it as 4-0.

Can the Rangers Survive?

The Ranger’s are faced with a big task of overcoming 0-3 deficit against the Penguins. Not only is this their problem but the Rangers may have to do it without veteran center Chris Drury. Drury was sent to the locker room with an undisclosed injury at 13:45 into the second period. He was clearly struggling in the third period. He said that he was hurt on a hit during the first period and was feeling pain when leaving the ring. Blair Betts was also hurt when he was struck by Ryan Malone in the second period. With so many things going on, Coach Tom Renney doesn’t think the team has played there best. Renney said that he isn’t sure if he is giving the guys enough credit because when watching the tapes they do things well. He said that it is possible for us to win the other seven teams that are left. The main thing right now is to beat the Penguins. Unfortunately bad new has arise a couple days later when the Ranger lost to the Penguins and their season is finished now.

History of Sports

The history of sports they say come from the Chinese engaging in sporting activities around 4000BC. A popular sport in China was gymnastics. Swimming and fishing were developed several thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt. Egyptian sports include high jumping and wrestling. Ancient Persian sports were traditional Iranian martial art of Zourkhaneh. Sports became such a prominent part of the culture of the Greeks that they created the Olympic Games. Every four years in ancient time these events took place in a small village in the Peloponnesus called Olympia. Activities where the outcome is determined by judgement over execution are considered performances, or competition. In the new generation, new sports have been going further from the physical aspect to the mental aspect of competing. Cyber sports organizations are becoming more and more popular.

Meaning of Sport

Many people do not know the true definition of sports. Sport is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. The word sport comes from old French desport which means leisure. Sports are referred to physical activity and are to be determined by winning and losing. The term sport is also referred to mind games. Mind games are commonly used in card games and board games with no elements. Motor sports are when equipment quality plays a major factor. Most physical sports include football, basketball, and baseball.

The Cavaliers Finish the Wizards

Lebron James was everywhere on the court and did about everything. As always Lebron James led the team to win the first round of the playoffs. James scored 27 points, 13 rebounds, and had 13 assists for his third career playoff triple-double. The Cavaliers beat the Wizards 105-88 on Friday night to end their contentious series in six games. It was the third consecutive season that the Cavaliers had eliminated the Wizards. Each year the series ended on Washington’s home floor. Cleveland will now be facing Boston or Atlanta. Lebron played an awesome game but he didn’t do it alone. Wally Szcerbiak scored a career high playoff best 26 points and Daniel Gibson scored 22 points combining for 10 of Cleveland’s 11 three pointers. Lebron James accomplished a triple-double by the time the third quarter was over and had more assist than the whole Wizard team combined. A few days ago Washington won at Cleveland 88-87, led by Butler who scored 50 percent of the game. The

Robinson Goes to Denver.

The long talk about trading defensive lineman Dewayne Robertson was finally completed. On April 24, 2008, Robertson was drafted to the Denver Broncos for the 2009 NFL Draft. The pick is contingent on Robertson’s playing time this season though. The Denver’s and the Jet’s have different defense setups. Denver plays a 4-3 defense and the Jet’s have a 3-4 scheme. It is said that Robertson will fit better with the Denver defense. The Jet’s figure to get back at least a third-round picks. Robertson was due to earn 9.8 million this season including an extra 3 million roster bonus in June. All together he was supposed to receive 11.19 million for the year. The Jet’s are only saving 8.4 million this season. The Broncos though have a concern with Robertson. They were worried about his knees. The Broncos were close to trading him in mid-March but stalled when their manager was fired. Ted Sundquist was fired on March 12th. Sunquist was the main man in the works with the Jets. The Broncos restructured Robertsons contracts but the terms of the deals are unavailable.

Will Schneider Return?

Catcher Brian Schneider was hospitalized April 24, 2008 in Manhattan with an infection to his left thumb. This happened just one day after he made his return to the lineup. His returned to the lineup from a three day absence from a bruised forearm. After all this appeared it left the Mets looking for a replacement and had those questioning what caused these injuries. At first, Schneider was said to undergo surgical procedure where the doctors would lance his thumb. But then there was a second opinion where doctors recommended antibiotics to be used. The Mets are thinking the worst and are saying that it will be hard for Schneider to avoid the disabled list. If surgery was issued, Schneider would be missing 3 weeks of games and practices. He was treated with antibiotics but on April 30, 2008 his condition became worse. It was said that Schneider had been bothered with his thumb since their series against the Cubs. Schneider’s had got so bad that he was sent to a specialist for hands. As of right now Schneider has lots of things to worry about. There is no update if he will make a full recovery and return to the game. The Mets are worried about if he will ever play again but I think the most important thing right now is to make sure Schneider is healthy.

A-Rod is Returning Soon

Alex Rodriguez was showing good signs that he was back with his team. The Yankees are wondering if Rodriguez will be able to play for them this weekend. Alex Rodriguez suffered a strained right quadriceps last week and missed two games because of the birth of his daughter. Rodriguez was unable to practice to see if his leg was okay to play due to the weather. Rodriguez said, “Hopefully I’ll be ready to go pretty soon.” The biggest challenge for him is to see if he could run. Manager Joe Girardi was using Rodriguez as a DH one day over the weekend and then returning him to third base. Overall, the Yankees started off weak in the season but I think once Alex Rodriguez returns the Yankees will begin to improve. On the other hand, Alex Rodriguez and his wife had a girl on April 21, 2008. Her name is Ella Alexandra Rodriguez.

No Limit for Robinson Cano

The New York Yankees think Robinson Cano is capable of accomplishing anything on the baseball field. Robinson Cano is 25 years old and is Dominican. Cano has already been an All-Star and the Yankees figure there are more to come in the future. Everyone questioned that Cano might even receive a Most Valuable Player Award. For Cano's first three years as a major, he has shown great numbers. Last season he batted .306 with 19 home runs and 97 RBI. Manager Joe Girardi even said, "I haven't seen a play he can't make, I haven't seen a ball he cant hit." With the season arriving, I wonder if the Yankees will succeed. I feel everyone has to much expectations in Cano and might be disappointed. When told to Cano that he could be MVP, he laughed. We will have to wait and see what the results of 2008 MLB season will be.

Pedro is Feeling Good.

Lately, much of the Mets team is going to Fort Myers. As of now Pedro Martinez is the center of attention at Mets camp. Martinez is ready for the season to start and is feeling great. Martinez said himself, "I'm thinking that if it was a real game-and I felt so good-it would have been the same." His main goal this season is just to feel healthy. Martinez threw 59 pitches in three innings, 43 of those were strikes. His max speed was 87 mph. Martinez tells us that he will reach 91 mph by time the season begins. He is scheduled to pitch the second game verse the Florida Marlins on April 1st. As we can see Martinez is pumped for this season and is expected to play great. Its good to know that he wants to stay healthy and strong without using drugs such as steroids used by previous baseball players.

Walsh Denies He Has a Deal.

Donnie Walsh denied to ESPN reporters that he has accepted the three year contract with the Knicks for $15 million. This is a great offer but no one knows if Walsh will accept or not. Donnie Walsh was the ex-Pacer boss previously and could be part of the Knicks soon. Reporters are saying its only a matter of time before a deal is reached and an announcement is made. Monday Night on ESPN, it was said that Walsh did come to an agreement but Walsh who resigned as Indiana Pacers team president said it is not true. Lately the Knicks practices have been cancelled. Knicks head coach Thomas' future is one of the most important aspects with the agreement of Walsh. Many want Thomas gone but we do not know the results. So I guess we will have to wait and see what Walsh's answer will be.

Cason Could be a Giant Soon

The Giants are looking to add another cornerback in the next NFL Draft. In 2005, the Giants selected a cornerback with their first pick. The following year, they signed two veterans corners. Last year, they drafted the Jim Thorpe who was named award winner in first round. So everyone is wondering why are the Giants looking to trade? The answer is the Giants believe they can never have enough pass rushers. They also believe they cannot get enough cornerbacks. Cornerbacks are wanted by everyone too. Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason is projected by many. The Giants, at No. 31 overall, are most likely taking a long, hard look at Cason. Many don't understand why they would want more cornerbacks. I feel that they are obviously doing something right because the Giants just recently won the Superbowl. No matter what they will improve with or without a new cornerback.

What Does Creative Nonfiction Mean?

Today in literature there are many types of genres that books are classified as. Such genres are fiction, nonfiction, and romance. Each genre stands out in there own way but one that caught my attention was Creative Nonfiction. Creative Nonfiction is a genre that many people do not understand what its meaning is. In the past, Creative Nonfiction was known as “literary journalism”. Literary journalism means that the author had to connect the information to the readers just like a speaker to an audience. Also Creative Nonfiction was review as “literary journalism” because it had much information including nature and personal memoirs. In 1983, Lee Gutkind who was known as the Godfather of Creative Nonfiction said the genre was officially identified. Lee Gutkind was the one that helped someone understand that while writing Creative Nonfiction, the author will come upon many challenges before finishing.
Creative Nonfiction is a type of literature genre that involves personal and outside experiences. Creative Nonfiction can we be presented in different ways. For example, it can be shown in autobiographies, biographies, researches, and interviews. Creative Nonfiction is a combined source of nonfiction fundamentals and the literary fundamentals. Creative Nonfiction is supported in the stories through plot, setting, personal experiences, characteristics, and narrative. It presents an educational work through much needed research.
Two works of literature that are written in the form of Creative Nonfiction are All Around Town by Herbert Asbury and The Curve of Binding Energy by John McPhee. These two books show the theme of real events that take place in history and provide us, the reader with factual information. But these events can only become presented to the reader through setting, plots, and narration. All Around Town is an example because it is a book with many different stories about the background of New York and how it transformed over the years; even though Asbury likes to exaggerate when writing and tells facts about New York in a humorous way. Asbury’s sense of humor attracts the reader’s attention and makes it easier for the readers to understand clearly what is going on in the story. In the book, The Curve of Binding Energy, McPhee uses the same method as Asbury when expressing the life story of Theodore B Taylor. McPhee does not only express the story with research and facts but shows a creative fun side which grasps the reader’s attentions.
In my opinion, I feel Creative Nonfiction is one of the best types of stories to read. Creative Nonfiction is a literature that requires important information and facts. It also challenges the write to show the information in a creative way to help the reader understand. Creative Nonfiction is unique because it has actual facts and information based on a true story or topic. Creative writing is an easier way of understanding the reader and it helps us learn from the information given to us. At the same time Creative Nonfiction lets you enjoy the story by its humorous literary style. Overall, I think Creative Nonfiction is a great way to keep readers entertained and help those understand who struggle in comprehending reading.

Reaction and Thoughts

When I first began reading the book The Curve of Binding Energy, I knew from the beginning that this book dealt with nuclear bombs and scientific facts. The Curve of Binding Energy, by John McPhee is based about the life of Theodore b. Taylor. McPhee briefly discusses Theodore B. Taylor’s theory on making a nuclear bomb and ways terrorism should be prevented. The theme of this book consisted on many procedures Taylor had completed during his time. Taylor was involved with the Orion Project which started up his career. His life consisted of being an atomic bomb designer and safeguards. The information given in the book about safeguards fascinated me and I wanted to know more about it once I finished the book.
Reading about safeguards made me wonder where we would be today if we did not have the security we use today. Taylor new how to create an atomic bomb but at the same time he was very concerned with the fact that anyone can do it themselves. He realized that this could cause massive damages to other countries and cities. In the book, McPhee expresses how Taylor is believed safeguards play a strong role and are needed.
The thought of safeguards stuck in my head for so many odd reasons. I began to see in the book that safeguards were laidback and it wasn’t strictly worried about. At the time many were not concerned but Taylor was. During Taylor’s years, gaining the material to make an atomic bomb could have been easily done. It made me wonder what could happen today in our society. Access was open more freely than it is now. It also made me wonder if people had access today to design bombs, what would happen to us because of all our new technology.
For an example, today we cannot leave the country without being searched. To have access to go on a plane we must have certain IDs, certain accessories are not aloud, and our bags must be searched thoroughly. Also as we travel through certain areas police officers now make check points for trucks that are full of stuff. Back then this was not a necessity and things were overlooked until a huge crash occurred. Not until September 11, 2001, was when security made a drastic change all around. Since this day, we get searched in places as if we are criminals because we have to protect our nation from terrorist attacks such a 9/11.
I began to wonder why McPhee specifically chose Theodore B. Taylor to write about. I realize how he chose his topics to tell about Taylor’s life. He spoke about the safeguards and Taylor’s thought because this is something that still could happen in our generation. Nuclear attacks can take place at anytime if someone has the right material for it. It’s hard to find now but still can happen. I completely agree with Taylor’s ideas and thoughts about safeguards. By his feelings toward nuclear attacks it makes us more comfortable that in the future it will stop. Overall, McPhee’s book should be a wake up call to the United States warning then to make sure that these nuclear materials are safeguarded.
After finishing this book, it opened my eyes to new thoughts. The book made me realize that during Taylor’s time these materials were open but with such limited technology. I wonder what can happen now because our technology has reached such a level. We have internet and TV resources that could help people succeed. Now I see why Taylor did not violate any of the secrets. He made sure noone knew anything because he did not want any of his information let out.
Even though I feel our security is safe and couldn’t get any better because of September 11, we should still have precautions. We should still make sure our nuclear materials are secured safely and will keep strengthening. Throughout McPhee’s book we can tell Taylor was correct on how terrorist could easily steal nuclear materials and make there own bombs to harm others. I feel September 11, 2001 made a huge impact for everyone to rethink how important safeguards are and how our security should always be strong.

The Devils Reach the Top!

The Devils started off with a bad season but they have made a huge change. Through the past four months, they’ve been having a rough season. The Devil’s are on top now with a three way tie between Ottawa and Montreal for the Eastern Conference. For the first time, the Devils have been playing well the full game time. This was something they lacked in the beginning of the season. They lost a shoot out verse Buffalo and two days later lost to the Ducks at home. After loosing these games, the Devils made a turnaround. They started with a win verse the Carolina Hurricanes. The Devils then had a five in a row streak of winning to clinch the Atlantic Division. Sometimes you need to hit the bottom to realize you need to reach the top. In the beginning, the Devils were only playing well 20 to 30 minutes and gave a lot of points away. The Devils are playing well but the only concern they have is their defenseman Colin White. Colin White has been missing out on some games because of upper body soreness. Overall, the Devils are looking at a good season. Many did not have hope for the Devils but things have changed. I am happy the Devils made a turnaround because people think just because they start off bad; it’s down hill from there on. They have proved everyone wrong and show that anything could happen.

Major Crisis in NHL.

A major crisis has just happened in NHL Hockey. For the first time a player’s blade has injected into another’s throat causing much drama. Florida Panther’s forward Richard Zednik suffered a severe slash on the right side of his throat. Richard Zednik lost five units of blood and was rushed into emergency surgery. Zednik had his carotid artery nearly severed and underwent an hour of surgery to reconnect the artery. He is now in stabile condition and is expected to make a full recovery in about six to eight weeks. Zednik was sliced by teammate Olli Jokinens skate in the middle of Buffalo’s victory game. Doctors say he is very lucky because the skate blade just missed his jugular vein. The Doctors were also in shock that the skate blade did not hit any other artery or cause more damage. The only thing Zednik might suffer from afterward is some hoarseness. This crisis could have been avoided in many ways. I think hockey players should be wearing more protection. No one expected this to happen but it finally did and hopefully some changes will be made. I think all professional hockey players should have neck gear on because Zednik’s incident is so dangerous. Zednik’s incident could happen again in the future and could cause more damages such as even death.

Tynes Close to Signing $7M Deal with Giants

Lawrence Tynes gave the Giants a game winning field goal to win the NFC championship game. As a right now Tynes in a five year contract and will be a free agent in a month. The Giants do not want to take the chance of losing him, so they are thinking of offering him a new contract. The contract would be for $7 million dollars. I think Lawrence Tynes is a good kicker overall. Tynes did miss a 46 yard kick, when there was only 6:49 left on the clock to win the NFC championship. He later recovered himself in OT. Many say he's good and bad because he's unpredictable. He should stay on the Giants because he help them win the 2008 superbowl.

Shaq is Back

Shaquille O’Neal was the main player on the Miami Heat. Just recently he was traded to the Phoenix Suns. Shaq use to be a fast player but he has slowed down ever since his hip injury. Many people wonder if Shaquille would fit in with the Suns. They question his hip injury and his age of being 36 years old. Shaq is being paid $20 million but the criticism for Shaq is not good. I think Shaquille O’Neal would be a great addition to the Suns. Shaq is a big guy that many can’t get past. I predict that once Shaq starts to play, the Phoenix Suns will be happy they have him on the team.

The Giants Make a Killer Win!

The Giant have succeeded and won the superbowl. The Patriots thought they were going to recieve the title for a new record to be 19-0 but they did not succeed and finished 18-1. The Giants made a big play at the end with an overall score of 17-14. Everyone expected the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady to have a great game. He couldn't finish the game off the way we thought he could. The Giants quarterback Eli Manning received MVP for his outstanding play last minute to win the game. I think the Giants deserved everything they received. Everyone always has high expectation for Tom Brady and the Patriots just because of there record. The Giants ended up playing a great game last minute and should be proud to win the superbowl.

LeBron returns, leads Cavs

Lebron James has always been the Cavs best scorer. Lebron James sat out the game for a sprain right ankle. Lebron led the Cavaliers to a victory of 98-84 over the LA Clippers. Lebron James scored 28 points that night. Lebron missed the game verse Seattle on Thursday which they lost 101-95. Lebron injured himself during the Portland game. The Cavaliers have been 0-6 since Lebron has been out. In my opinion, without Lebron James the Cavaliers would have a terrible season. Lebron James is the Cleveland Cavaliers star player.

How will Giants cover Moss?

The Giants have a great shot at winning the superbowl this year but they were worried about the Patriots Randy Moss. Randy Moss is very fast and the Giants were told he is one of the hardest to defend. Sam Madison warned the Giants about Moss. After the December 29th game, the defenders were coming back saying, thank you for warning us about him. The Giants need to find a way to keep Moss from scoring and gaining more yards. Many people questioned, if Randy Moss would stop the Giants from winning the superbowl but they were wrong. The Giants accomplished covering one of the best receivers and won the superbowl. The Giants proved to all that anything can happen. The Patriots 18-0 record has come to an end thanks to the Giants hard work.