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.

The Perfect Night

     September 28th, 2010.  For the rest of my life, I will associate this date with the most amazing feeling that I could have imagined while watching a sporting event.  While I longed to be at Great American Ballpark for the 7:10 start, I knew that if things went as planned, I would have no motivation to return to Lexington for class the next morning.  But, I had a seat on the couch with some of my closest buddies, wearing my red Jay Bruce jersey, watching for the inevitable result that I had waited my whole life to celebrate.
     The game played out just as any other.  Edinson Volquez had great stuff, giving up two earned runs and striking out eight in six innings.  After only getting one run out of a bases loaded, no out scenario in the 7th inning, the game was tied entering the 8th inning. Nick Masset and Aroldis Chapman pitched a smooth 8th and 9th, respectively.  That set the picture. Jay Bruce leading off in a tie game, bottom of the 9th, with a chance to set the city of Cincinnati ablaze.  One pitch.  One swing.  Pandemonium.  All of Cincinnati was suddenly in sheer and utter joy.  With one sweet swing from the Reds young, yet inconsistent slugger, 15 years of turmoil were erased.
     The things running through my head in the moments after that are hard to explain.  It was as if every emotion that I had ever invested into the Reds organization was pouring out.  I mean, think about.  For the past 15 years, we, as Reds fans, have endured a wide array of emotion.  We have welcomed Ken Griffey Jr. back to town, only to watch him never reach his full potential.  We've seen 10 different Opening Day starters.  Every April, we've told anyone who would listen that "this is the year."  We've spent hundreds of dollars a year on bleacher seats, $1 hot dogs, and souvenirs.  We've cursed up a storm every time Francisco Cordero entered the game, loaded the bases, and then struck out the side to preserve the victory.  But, it was all worth it.  Every disheartening trip to the ballpark was forgotten.  Every minute of ups and downs and wins and losses became a distant memory when Jay Bruce's home run slammed into the batter's eye in center field.  That is why this feeling is so indescribable.  My entire life as a Cincinnati Reds fan culminated with one swing.  And boy, was it sweet.        
     When I was walking home that night, I really couldn't describe my feelings.  I talked to some people who experienced the same thing I did, and others who couldn't understand what the big deal was.  But I slipped my Jay Bruce jersey back on the next morning and walked out of my room like I was on top of the world.  I didn't have any complaints.  I wasn't already looking to next year.  I wasn't questioning the front office, the managing, or the bullpen.  Everything was right.  September 28th, 2010: a great day to be a fan of the Cincinnati Reds.

One More Day

The Cardinals beat the Pirates tonight, 6-4, to keep their miniscule postseason hopes alive.  That means that the Reds will take the field at Great American Ballpark tomorrow night with an opportunity to clinch the National League Central Division title for the first time since 1995.  Edinson Volquez will get the start for Cincinnati, opposing Houston Astros' left-hander Wandy Rodriguez.  First pitch is at 7:10.

Reds Have Their Eyes on October

        The city of Cincinnati is abuzz with excitement.  Aroldis Chapman is striking out big league hitters with 103 MPH fastballs, Joey Votto is a legitimate MVP and Triple Crown candidate, and for the first time in 15 years, it looks as though the hometown Reds may make the postseason.
        At 79-59, the Reds hold a 6-game lead in the National League Central Division over the Cardinals.  While the head-to-head series between the two teams atop the division is mainly one sided (St. Louis has won 12 of 18), the division thus far has been decided outside of the two cities.  In what is largely an easy schedule in the final two months of the season, Cincinnati has beaten the teams they are supposed to while St. Louis, who have an almost equally elementary schedule, has stumbled over mediocre teams like Arizona, Milwaukee, and Washington.  As of this past weekend, if the Reds were to finish the rest of the season with a .500 record, St. Louis would need to finish 24-7 just to TIE.  

        Personally, I cannot contain my excitement.  The last time my hometown team even sniffed the playoffs this late was in 1999, when Al Leiter thew a complete game to shut down the Reds hopes in a one game playoff with the New York Mets.  Before that, Cincinnati was swept by the Atlanta Braves in the 1995 NLCS...when I was three years old!  So, I've never really seen the oldest franchise in professional baseball play a postseason series.  And as much as any big market team may dispute it, Cincinnati has the best and most knowledgeable baseball fans in the country.  The past ten years have been a struggle watching a team with a lackluster record, but every year there is a full house on Opening Day.  

        And this year has been different.  I was in the right field seats for the Civil Rights Game on May 15th against the Cardinals.  As Orlando Cabrera's relay throw gunned down Skip Schumaker at home plate for the final out to win 4-3, I looked around (after frantically screaming with the rest of the 41,326 fans).  I couldn't help but just smile and clap.  There was an indescribable hope and joy in the stadium.  It was something I had never seen before at a sporting event.  That's what makes this year different.  When the Reds are good, the city is different.  This is a baseball town, and will always be a baseball town.  And as long as the Reds are winning, the nation will see that.

Do the Reds have TOO many young arms?

    Last week Aroldis Chapman made his first relief appearance for the Louisville Bats, the Cincinnati Reds AAA affiliate.  In what was previously stated to be unlikely, it appears that Reds general manager, Walt Jocketty, will find a place in the bullpen for young Chapman. "We may look at that," Jocketty said.  "if Volquez comes back and [Homer] Bailey isn't far away, the best opportunity [for Chapman] will be out of the bullpen."  However, if you look closely at that quote, something doesn't add up.  Let's fast-forward to late July.  The Reds are still hovering around first place and the dog days of summer are kicking in.  Edinson Volquez is back in the majors, Chapman is in the Reds' bullpen, and Bailey is nearly through rehab and ready to start again.  That gives the Reds 6 starters: Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Edinson Volquez, and Homer Bailey.  That's not mentioning Sam LeCure, who has a 4.86 ERA in the majors this year, and Travis Wood and Matt Maloney, who have 3.12 and 3.60 ERAs, respectively, in Louisville.  Besides Harang and Arroyo, the oldest of the other 6 is 26 years old.  And let's not forget about Chapman.  There's no way that he remains in the bullpen for more than 6 months.  The goal is for him to be front-end starter for years to come.  Putting Chapman in the bullpen will only be to gain experience.  So what will the front office do with the over-abundance?  A likely solution is to make a move at the trade deadline for another offensive weapon.  Jocketty has previously said that this would be likely if the club was still in a pennant race come that time.  Either way, the situation can only turn out well.  The Reds look great for the next several years.  They have loads of talented players who are only getting better and more experienced.  The future looks bright for this fiery team.   

Historic Rivalry Renewed

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Boston Celtics tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.  This storied matchup began to take flight in the mid 1980's, as Magic Johnson's Lakers clashed with Larry Bird's Celtics several times in memorable playoff games.  Those series' were especially memorable due to the fact that 8 world championships in the 1980's were won by either Los Angeles or Boston.  This series is a rematch of the 2008 finals, when the Celtics beat the Lakers in 6 games.  Now, after the Lakers won a title last season, the previous two champions meet.  Kobe Bryant, arguably the greatest Laker player of all time, is in pursuit of his 5th championship ring, which would be one shy of the legend, Michael Jordan.  A key factor to this series could be the play of Boston point guard, Rajon Rondo.  Rondo, a former University of Kentucky guard, has propelled his game to a new level in leading this mediocre regular season team to a finals appearance.  He will be a tough defensive matchup for the Lakers whose starting point guard, Derek Fisher, is a 35-year old veteran who will struggle to combat Rondo's quickness.  If the Lakers can contain Rondo, I think they win the series going away.

Prediction:  Kobe proves to be too much.  Lakers in 7

Reds Vault into 1st Place

The Cincinnati Reds took 2 of 3 from the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend to take a 0.5 game lead in the NL Central.  Winning 7 of their last 8 games, the Reds are showing they can compete with the consensus favorites in the National League.  In the last 8 games, Cincinnati starters have a league best 1.88 ERA and the defense hasn't committed an error in 11 games, the best streak since 1997.  This team is finally starting to show the potential that has hovered over it for several years.  "It definitely means something," said Bronson Arroyo, who pitched a complete game Sunday.  "I think it means more on this club right now than it does if we had a winning club the last few years - just because of the confidence and keeping the ball rolling."  The Reds welcome the Milwaukee Brewers to town tonight for a two-game series before traveling to Atlanta.

Back but not quite "Back"

Should we really expect Tiger Woods to immediately return to the dominant force we are accustomed to seeing?  After a 6-month absence from the game stemming from a massive adultery scandal that turned the sporting world upside-down, Tiger's return to professional golf has been less than spectacular.  In three tournaments, he has a T-4 in the Masters, a missed cut at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, and a withdrawal due to an apparent neck injury at The Players Championship.  This isn't the Tiger Woods the world is used to watching.  We have been conditioned over the past twelve years to a man who has little to no competition when at his best.  But, when will his best return?  The problem, from a fan's perspective, is that we hold Tiger on a high pedestal.  If any other golfer went through the media and tabloid circus that he did, no one would ever expect a swift and painless return.  However, this isn't just "anybody else."  This is, arguably, the greatest and most dominant player to ever step foot on a golf course and the most iconic athlete of the 21st century.  The world needs to leave Tiger alone and let him get his mojo back.  He's played merely a fraction of the golf of any other pro since last November.  The old Tiger will return, but not without a great deal of patience and hard work.  Once he learns to juggle it all, he will again be back in the winner's circle.

Celtics Deny "The King' His Crown

The Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals last night with a 94-85 Game 6 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.  A close game through the first half, the Celtics pulled away in the last 20 minutes behind an impressive display of team basektball.  Kevin Garnett led Boston win 22 points and Kentucky native Rajon Rondo added 21.  In what could be the last game of his Cavaliers career, LeBron James notched a triple-double, with 27 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists.  However, he also had 9 turnovers.  While much of the focus should be aimed at the surging veteran Celtics, most of the media attention is being aimed at James and whether he will become a free agent on July 1st.  "It's all about winning for me, and I think the Cavs are committed to doing that," he said.  "But at the same time I've given myself options to this point, and like I said before, me and my team, we have a game plan that we're going to execute, and we'll see what we get."  A few of the possible destinations being mentioned for James are the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat.  It will be a very difficult summer for James, as well as for the Cavaliers faithful.  But not taking anything away from Boston, they are hot at the right time.  In the 3rd quarter, as the Cavs had just cut the lead down to 5, Celtics coach Doc Rivers was mic'd up during the timeout.  "I know you want to win", he told his players. "But you have to do it TOGETHER."  That has been the Celtics mentality throughout these playoffs.  And if they continue, they have a good shot at yet another NBA title. 

Welcome!

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