Memorable Season Comes to an End

     The city was energized.  The stadium was electric.  45,999 fans packed Great American Ballpark to see their Reds play in October.  And even for just one night, Cincinnati got a taste of playoff fever.
     The Reds lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 Sunday night, ending their remarkable season in lackluster fashion.  Phillies starting pitcher, Cole Hamels, threw a complete game, 5-hit shutout to close the door on the series.  Brandon Phillips led off the bottom of the 9th with a single, but Joey Votto grounded into a double play and Scott Rolen struck out to end the threat.  The Reds, who led the National League in batting average, home runs, RBI, and slugging percentage, looked like they were over-swinging against the Philadelphia aces.  They were only able to amount four runs in the series (all in the first five innings of Game 2).
     For the life of me, I cannot curse or abandon this team.  This was not supposed to be the year.  We could say what we wanted in March, but we all wondered if this club was ready for the pressures of a pennant race, let alone a playoff series.  But, the Reds exceeded expectations.  They overcame massive obstacles again and again: the brutal meltdown in Atlanta in June, the sweep at the hands of the Cardinals in July, etc.  However, they did what good, experienced teams do: they beat the teams they were supposed to.
     Cincinnati fans will be saying "what if" all winter.  We will ponder the Game 2 debacle, the constant struggles of Rolen, and the defensive woes that showed up out of nowhere in the playoffs.  But when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in February, Reds fan should be reassured that they will be watching a playoff baseball team.  And this was no fluke.  This team will be back.  They are young, talented, deep, and now experienced.  For the first time ever I can say, without any doubt, that I am confident in this team.  See you on March 31st; this team is here to stay.

Upset Bid Falls Short

     A career day for Randall Cobb was not enough for the Kentucky Wildcats to overcome Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers Saturday night at Commonwealth Stadium.  Down 31-17 at halftime, Kentucky fed off of an electric crowd to score twice in the 3rd quarter to tie the game at 31.  After exchanging field goals early in the 4th, the Tigers got the ball back with 5 minutes left.  Auburn quarterback and Heisman hopeful, Cam Newton, methodically led his team down the field, killing clock, and setting up a last-second 24-yard field to win 37-34.
     Although Kentucky played their most well-rounded game of the season, they struggled to slow Newton, particularly on the ground.  The Tiger quarterback finished with 210 yards passing and 198 yards rushing, including four rushing touchdowns.  Cobb had four touchdowns: one passing, one receiving, and two rushing.  Mike Hartline also had a great game, going 23-28 for 220 yards and a touchdown.  The Wildcats, who fell to 3-3 with the loss, welcome South Carolina to Lexington next Saturday, who just beat #1 Alabama.  The game will be broadcasted on ESPN2 at 6:00 ET.

Halladay Dominates Game 1

     We waited 15 years to watch our beloved Reds play in the postseason.  I guess we can wait another two days to see a postseason base hit.  Roy "Doc" Halladay threw the second no-hitter in the history of the MLB playoffs Wednesday night as the Phillies beat the Reds 4-0.  To put it simply, Halladay was absolutely brilliant.  He struck out eight, walked one, and left Cincinnati hitters clueless time and time again.  It was the best pitching performance I've ever seen.  He did exactly what he wanted, when he wanted.  He threw first pitch strikes to 25 of the 28 hitters he faced.  Granted, he may have received a few generous strike calls, but that comes with being the most dominant pitcher in the game.
     Reds' starter Edinson Volquez was chased after just 1.2 innings.  After giving up one run in the 1st, Volquez allowed an RBI single to Halladay (yes, the pitcher), to extend the inning.  After a walk to Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino singled in two more runs to make it 4-0.  Travis Woods then relieved Volquez and quieted the Philadelphia momentum.  The Phillies would only be able to generate one hit the rest of the game, but Halladay made sure that was plenty.
     Luckily, it's a best of five series.  Being no-hit is the same as losing 20-18.  A loss is a loss.  The truth of the matter is that there will be another game on Friday night that is pivotal to the Reds' chances of advancing.  And to the delight of Cincinnati fans, Roy Halladay will not pitch until at least Monday.  Friday is a new day and a new game.  The Reds have been hit with some pretty hard punches this season, and they've prevailed each and every time.  This team will not roll over and they will not give in.  Bronson Arroyo faces Roy Oswalt in Game 2.  First pitch is at 6:07 ET.

Journalism in Democracy Q&A

On Journalism
Q:  What is your definition of journalism?
A:  Journalism is the art of captivating and informing an audience.  It is the goal of a journalist to create a more knowledgeable and intelligent society through his/her writing.

Q:  How many different models of Journalism exist today?
A:  There are three models of journalism.
          Advocacy Journalism - Seeks social change and justice
          Traditional Elite Journalism - Seeks the truth to better inform the audience in their decision making
          Public or Civic Journalism - main goal is community problem solving
On Democracy
Q:  What is the definition of democracy?
A:  Democracy is a government in which the power is entrusted in the people or, in a more indirect version, the power is entrusted in those elected by the people.

Q:  What is the difference between "election politics" and "public politics?"
A:  I think that these two political strategies could be similar, save the ego of the politician.  When a political party begins to focus its entire campaign on pointing out the flaws of the other, "public politics" becomes very ugly.

Q:  What was the Lippmann v. Dewey debate?
A:  These two men argued through their writing in the 1920's over what constituted the best form of representative government.  Lippmann argued that the world was so large and complex that we can't trust the common people to be informed enough to make the right decision.  Dewey countered by saying without a healthy democratic government, no society could be trusted to make the right decision consistently.  He said that journalists should play the role of "fact finder" and that decisions would be still be made by public opinion.
On the First Amendment
Q:  What does the First Amendment say exactly?
A:  The First Amendment says, and I quote, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Q:  Are any of the protections important in your life?
A:  Absolutely.  Without the First Amendment, I would not be able to express myself and be an individual.  I would not be able to practice my religion, or possibly even write this blog.
On Diversity
Q:  Everybody keeps talking about diversity: Why is diversity in religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition so important to a democracy?
A:  As I stated in the previous post about Journalism in Democracy, the true power of the common citizen is in his/her's right to express their opinion and individuality.  If we don't have these simple liberties, how can we possibly have a democracy?  If the power truly is in the hands of the people, whether direct or indirect, these rights should be for all to use and enjoy.

Q:  How do journalists and the First Amendment ensure that people hear diverse voices in the marketplace of ideas?
A:  Journalists work because of and along with the First Amendment to ensure the rights, safety, and liberty of the people.  This means that all people have a voice.  Every person has these rights, regardless or race or gender.  This is because of the First Amendment and the work of journalists to validate these rights.

Q:  Can you speak from personal experience about how diversity, protected by the First Amendment or championed by journalists, made a difference in your life?
A:  I can't speak from personal experience on this matter, but I think that is a good thing.  The fact that my rights or the rights of anybody I know have not been challenged is a testament to the protection of these rights that we have been given.

Why Does a Democracy need Journalism and the First Amendment?

     In 1863, Abraham Lincoln described the United States of America in the Gettysburg Address as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  These famous words have stood the test of time and are very much prevalent in our present-day American democracy.  I, as an American, believe that we should strive for a political system comprised of selfless citizens who work for the betterment of the world.  We all have the right to vote men and women into office.  Those men and women are then given the right to use their abilities to better the world in which we live.   But, where the citizen’s power truly lies is in their right to voice their opinion. 

     This is where the art of journalism comes in.  Throughout history, journalists have been arguably the most resented people in society.  It is the job of the journalist to report the truth without exception.  And in many cases, especially those involving politics, the truth can be a very ugly thing.  This is why a true, honest democracy needs journalism.  No government of the people, by the people, and for the people can thrive if those same people are being misguided and betrayed.  A journalist must captivate the audience.  He/she must preach the truth in order to create a more informed and intelligent audience. 

     In order to embody the dream that Lincoln had for this country, we must welcome a diverse and unique population.  Not only through race or ethnicity, but in the practice of the citizen’s basic rights and privileges.  The First Amendment to our Constitution states that Congress shall not deny the practice of religion, free speech, or press.  This was written with the idea that people would not be afraid to express themselves, while also not being afraid to challenge one another.  A healthy democracy needs this mentality to succeed.  We must live our lives freely within the law, yet we must have the courage to be a voice of reason that will better the world. 

            

Heads Up

     Later today I'm going to post a few things for an assignment for my Journalism class.  They'll be focused on the art and purpose of journalism, rather than current sports news.  However, as always, feel free to read and comment!

MNF Recap 10/4: New England at Miami

     In the third installment of Monday Night Football this season, the New England Patriots exposed several glaring weaknesses in the Miami Dolphins to run away with a 41-14 victory.  Miami jumped out to a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter on a touchdown pass from Chad Henne to Davone Bess.  However, that was about all the momentum the Dolphins could muster.  Hampered by three interceptions by Henne, Miami could't overcome the miscues by its special teams.  New England's Brandon Tate returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown for the second time this season.  Then, after a Miami three-and-out, the Patriots blocked a punt that was recovered and led to a BenJarvus Green-Ellis score.  Then early in the fourth quarter, New England safety Patrick Chung blocked a field goal that was returned for a touchdown.  Chung also intercepted Henne midway through the fourth quarter and returned it for a score.
     The Patriots look very scary right now.  In this game, Tom Brady became the fastest quarterback to reach 100 wins (131 starts).  With Brady at the helm, a solid defense, and an exciting, play-making special teams, this team has a real chance to return to the Super Bowl, where it virtually called home during the mid 2000's.

"The Tale of Two Cities"

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     Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia. The Enquirer vs. the Inquirer.  Youthful talent vs. Professional experience. These are just a few of the storylines surrounding the NLDS series between the Reds and the Phillies.  As the Giants closed out the Padres early Sunday evening, the Reds' road to the World Series was set: and it runs straight through Philadelphia, PA.  In their first playoff series in 15 years, the Reds will play the 2-time defending National League Champion without home-field advantage.  The Phillies won the season series 5-2, although four of those games were decided by one run.  And the last time these two teams played, a four-game sweep by the Phillies in early July, the Reds were a very different team.  Jonny Gomes and Jay Bruce were going through the worst month-long slumps of their careers, Aroldis Chapman was still dominating Triple-A hitters, and Edinson Volquez had not even pitched a game yet.  To be fair, the Phillies were also dealing with several significant injuries at the time.  
     In my opinion, this series will be much closer than many experts predict (I sure hope so, since a sweep would waste the money I spent on Game 4 tickets in Cincinnati).  The Reds have not been on this kind of stage yet, but if they don't get too star-struck, their talent should shine through.  Starting pitching will be very key.  Philadelphia has maybe the best three front-end starters in baseball with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels.  Hamels, although the third starter, was the 2008 World Series MVP.  If the Reds starting pitching can keep the Phillies offense at bay, the series will become very interesting.  Cy Young Award favorite Roy Halladay will start Game 1 for Philadelphia, while Edinson Volquez will take the hill for Cincinnati.  First pitch is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:07 ET.  

Offense Clicks, But Defense Falters as Bengals lose to Browns

      What was supposed to be a blowout ended up being a struggle turned failure.  As Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens, and the rest of the Cincinnati Bengals offense finally took flight, the defense was dominated for the majority game in Cleveland on Sunday.  The Bengals really never had control of the game versus a less talented and less experienced Browns squad.  Cleveland running back Peyton Hillis finished the game with 27 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown.  While the numbers weren't overwhelming, Hillis seemed to get the necessary yardage just when his team needed it, with little resistance from a normally exemplary Bengals rush defense.  In Bengals notes, Carson Palmer finished 25/36 for 371 yards and two touchdowns.  Terrell Owens had his best game as a Bengal, notching 10 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown.  

Turnovers, Defensive Inconsistency Plague Wildcats

     The Kentucky Wildcats struggled after a fast start to lose 42-35 to Mississippi in Oxford on Saturday.  After an impressive first drive on offense led to a score, the Wildcat defense failed to keep Ole Miss at bay. Led by dynamic quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, the Rebel offense seemingly did what they wanted on a sluggish, undisciplined UK defense.  The loss dropped Kentucky's record to 3-2, and 0-2 in SEC play.  Randall Cobb led the Wildcats with 6 receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown, his first career 100-yard receiving game.

Wildcats Hit the Road, Look to Rebound

     The University of Kentucky football team will play Mississippi on Saturday in Oxford, MS.  After losing 48-14 to Florida last week, Kentucky will look to get back on track as SEC play heats up.  The Wildcats will need to stop a potent Rebel offense, who posted 55 points last week on a well-rounded Fresno State team.  Kickoff is at 12:20 as the SEC Network Game of the Week.