Thursday, December 10, 2009

pln 26

There is a good chance that the 2009-2010 season will be the last in New York for the New York Islanders hockey club. With a dismal record, poor attendance, an outdated coliseum and a devalued organization, the time is ripe for this storied franchise to relocate to another city. There are many options including Kansas City, which has recently completed a state-of-the-art arena to attract an NHL team like the Islanders. Several cities in Canada, including Quebec City are trying to recapture an NHL team since the departure of several teams in the 1990’s. Although it makes sense on several levels to move the Islanders, it would be a sad day in hockey. The Islanders are one of only four teams in professional sports to ever win four consecutive championships. Their dynasty in the 1980’s generated tremendous interest in hockey throughout the United States. Here’s hoping that this once great franchise can quickly turn around a bad situation and remain in New York for years to come.

pln 25

Could there be a worse team in professional sports than the New Jersey Nets? With an 0-18 record, they just set an NBA record for the worst start in the history of the league. Although they have won two games since their awful start, they are on pace to break the NBA season record for futility, which is held by the 1972-1973 Philadelphia 76ers who won a total of nine games. Although it is not kind to root for a team to lose, it would be fun to see the New Jersey Nets break this infamous record.

pln 24

There are now two undefeated teams in the National Football League; the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. This is the first time in the history of the NFL that there have been two undefeated NFL teams through twelve weeks of play. If both teams remain undefeated in the regular season and are able to reach the Super Bowl, this would become the greatest storyline in the history of the NFL. The interest in a Super Bowl pitting two undefeated teams would be at an all time high. This would generate incredible interest all over the world. It would make advertising a premium, which would make the commercials even better than usual. True fans of the NFL are rooting for this epic battle to happen in Super Bowl 44.

pln 23

When people talk about the top NHL goaltenders, they think of Martin Brodeur, Miikka Kiprusoff and Roberto Luongo. This year, another goaltender should be added to that list; Craig Anderson of the Colorado Avalanche. Craig Anderson has started the season on a tear, leading the league in shots faced and near the top in save percentage and goals-against average. The best news is that the Avalanche was able to sign Craig Anderson as a free agent, not costing the team any draft picks or players. As any hockey fan knows, a great goaltender is essential if your team wants to compete for a Stanley Cup. The addition of Craig Anderson makes the Avalanche a team to watch closely as they make a run towards the playoffs.

pln 21

Today I woke up and read the very depressing news that the top goal scorer for the Colorado Avalanche, David Jones tore his ACL. He will miss the remainder of the 2009-2010 NHL season. This is a huge loss for an Avalanche team that is making a run at another Stanley Cup. In order for the Avalanche to continue as one of the best teams in hockey, many young players, including rookies like Matt Duschene and Ryan O’Reilly will need to step in to fill the void left by David Jones injury. If they can make the difficult transition to the fast pace and hard hitting of the NHL, the Avalanche will be a strong contender for the Stanley Cup in 2010.

pln 20

The Colorado Avalanche have jumped out to an incredible start to the 2009-2010 NHL season. They have set three new team records including the best record to start the season. The previous record for best start was held by the 1995-1996 Avalanche team that won the Stanley Cup in a four game sweep of the Florida Panthers. This is a great sign for the Avalanche who have not won a Stanley Cup since 2001. The great start has more people excited about professional hockey in Denver and hoping for another Stanley Cup.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

PLN 20

PLN 20
It is no surprise that the DU Pioneers and the number 2 college hockey team in the nation thanks to the help of some of their great players including their top point getter Rhett Rakhshani.
The Pioneers had a great jump on the season with an outstanding record of 5-2-1, only second to Miami who has started this season 6-1-1. The Pioneers have been a good team for a while now but they have had some major problems closing out the season on a strong note and making it deep in the tournament. It is too early in the season to tell what the future for the Pioneers but from what I can tell they are setting themselves up for a great run. This is a very important thing for me because in the future I would love to play for DU.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

PLN 19

PLN 19
Will The NHL Ever See 50 Goals in 50 Games Again?
Total Pro Sports – It has been over 17 years since we have last seen a player in the NHL score 50 goals in 50 games. It is a feat that has only occurred 8 times throughout NHL history. Five players: Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mike Bossy, Maurice Richard and Brett Hull have been the only players to ever achieve this illustrious milestone. With the last being Brett Hull in the 1991-1992 season, when he scored exactly 50goals in 50 games.
According to NHL regulations the record must occur in the teams first 50 games of the season, not the players first 50 games. With the change in the style of play in the NHL and the quality of players and goaltenders this record may become simply a forgotten thing of the past, as players struggle to simply remain healthy and play an entire 82 game season. However, there are two players currently on pace to reach 50 in 50 : Alexander Ovechkin (11 goals in 11 games) and Ilya Kovalchuk (9 goals in 8 games).
Wayne Gretzkey holds the record as the fastest player to meet the mark of 50 goals in 50 games. Gretzky reached the milestone in the Oilers 39th game during the 1981-1982 season. Gretzky scored an incredible 9goals in two games to complete this record, and had 50 goals before anyone else in the league even reached 30. It’s safe to assume that Gretzky’s record will never be broken. Simply put Gretzky was a player ahead of his time. Not to take anything away from “The Great One”, but if either of the two players currently on pace to reach 50 in 50 (Ovechkin, and Kovalchuk) played in the 80’s they to, would have been able to put up the same type of numbers, guaranteed. Goalies and players then were simply not at the same caliber as they are now. It is for this reason that if player were to reach the 50 in 50 milestone again, they should be held at a higher standard than those who previously met the mark.
In todays NHL it is rare that players are able to score 50 goals in even 82 games, as last season only one player scored 50 or more (Ovechkin had 56 goals in 79 games). It is hard to imagine that a player in this era of hockey will ever be able to complete the sought after 50 in 50 mark again…but one can dream.
This will be the year that Alexander Ovechkin reaches the rare milestone of scoring 50 goals in 50 games. This is a feat that only 5 players have ever accomplished. The reason Alexander Ovechkin will accomplish this is due to his amazing ability to score, even in impossible situations. His highlight reel of amazing goals has become the norm for Alexander Ovechkin on a nightly basis. Another reason is the number of times Ovechkin shoots the puck each game. In 2008-2009 season, Ovechkin took 528 shots (6.4 shots per game), 156 more shots than the next closest player. This will bring much needed attention to the NHL and the sport of hockey.

PLN 18

PLN 18

A commercial aired today for a children’s weight loss program called Slimkids (www.slimkids.com). It is incredible how much advertising goes into weight loss programs. It is understandable that many adults would turn to these programs as their weight increases towards middle age. But a demand for weight loss programs for children is very disturbing. A 2007 survey indicates that 25% of American children are not just overweight but obese. This trend needs to change quickly or there will be repercussions for many generations. The cost of health care and the strain put on the health care system will cripple the medical profession. This will have adverse affects on our economy as well. It would be good to have mandatory education at the elementary school level that teaches children about health eating and exercise. One idea to encourage healthy choices would be to create incentives that reward good decisions with regards to diet and exercise.

PLN 17

PLN 17

It has become shocking what people will do for their 15 minutes of fame. When it was revealed that the “Balloon Boy” incident was a hoax, it generated a variety of emotions. The fact that this situation was done to try and get a reality T.V. show was appalling. Unfortunately, it is wishful to think that this publicity stunt will cause other to think twice before pursuing their dreams of becoming the next reality star. Sadly, with a difficult economy, conflicts throughout the world and natural disasters that seem to strike every week, it would be nice to see a positive story make the headlines. But in the constant pursuit for the most scandalous headlines, there will unfortunately be more stories like the Balloon Boy. Thankfully no one was hurt in this ridiculous situation.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

PLN 16

PLN 16

Kyle Quincey, Defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, is a little bothered that the Detroit Red Wings voted and said he wouldn't get his name on the '08 Stanley Cup. Red Wings fans are annoyed that Quincey is bothered. Quincey is now a member of the Colorado Avalanche. Perfect.

Wings fans are saying it's a joke that Quincey is making an issue of this and that he's nothing but a baby. Talk about a fan base just aching to have somebody to deride. The Wings do good? Poke fun at other teams and players. The Wings do bad? Poke fun at other teams and players. Talk about a joke.

Quincey said:
"It bothers me a little that I didn't get a ring. That's kind of a gray area, and they decided not to give us one. That's their decision," Quincey said. "It just drives me more and more to have an opportunity to get one with this team."

Even though Kyle Quincey only played 6 games with the Detroit Red Wings in 2007, he should receive a championship ring and his name on the Stanley Cup, the biggest honor in all of hockey. Many teams provide these honors to players even if they play a handful of games, as there are many circumstances that can affect a player’s status such as injury or being traded. The issue seems to be that Kyle Quincey now plays for the Colorado Avalanche, one of the Detroit Red Wings biggest rivals. This is very petty and a huge disappointment from an organization that was once the most classy team in hockey.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

PLN 14

PLN 14

I found the article Educational Leadership by Tony Wagner very interesting. While there were several fascinating ideas such as the seven survival skills that were presented in the article, I was left feeling somewhat worried by the information. I was surprised that many of the best and brightest students in AP classes seemed to not posses many of the seven survival skills mentioned in the article. If it is clear that schools are not teaching many of the skills employers are demanding, how do today’s students prepare for the workplace of the future? Certainly, many of the skills can be learned in settings away from school, but many survival skills are best learned at school. Another question is if students in America lack these skills, how will that impact our country in the future? Both schools and students will need to change the way we are taught and the way we learn to ensure we all have a bright future.

PLN 15

PLN 15

While it is obvious that learning is critical to the growth of students, the importance of what and how we learn will impact our lives well beyond school. The article from Googleblog quoting management guru Peter Drucker drives home this point. What is interesting is that many of the skills and talents desired by companies like Google are not learned in a traditional school environment. For example, risk taking can be detrimental to a student’s grade. If a student were to take a risk by preparing an assignment in a manner contrary to the desire of the teacher, it might lead to a lower grade. However, the corporate environment is demanding these skills more each year. The question is how do today’s students gain these critical, alternative skills? Both schools and students will need to adapt to ensure the best possible education for students. This will provide all of us with a promising future.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

PLN 13

I feel like writing with a pen is way better than typing, the words flow out so much faster and you can be more efficient in your writing. Although I think pen is a better way to write a computer is a great tool and from this year using computers it has made me a better writer. I like how I have the opportunity to use both tools in class. I think using a pen is great especially for the kids that are not the best at typing they don’t have to search for keys and waste there time worried about spelling.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

PLN 10

PLN 10
Indonesian Earthquake and Tsunami

With the exposure provided by the internet and instant media, the impact of natural disasters is now felt world wide. Living in Colorado, we are sheltered from the natural disasters that impact many areas of the world, such as typhoons and tsunamis. I am amazed at the recent destruction that occurred in Indonesia and Samoa. It is a quick reminder of how fragile our life and world truly are. We are fortunate to live in a country that has building codes that help structures withstand the forces of an earthquake and flood walls that can help withstand the surge of tsunami like waves. I am very sad for the families that have experienced such an incredible tragedy.

PLN 11

PLN 11
20/20 Vision

The technology envisioned by Karl Fisch in 20/20 vision is nothing short of amazing. If half of the ideas expressed in the video were to happen, it would literally change the world for the better. The differences between the first world and third world seem to grow everyday. The issues such as clean water, adequate food and medical supplies that plague most of the world, may be solved with technology. The flow of creative ideas can only help our world become a better place. It is exciting to be growing up in an age where technology can not only open up a world of opportunities, but can provide hope of a better world for future generations.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

PLn 9

PLN 9
Usain Bolt did not use drugs
Posted on 19 August 2009 at 14:16
Tags: 100 meters, drugs, negative, test, usain bolt

Usain Bolt is not on drugs, according to the verdict from the IAAF, which took the unusual step of issuing a statement to say that all eight finalists from the men’s 100 metres final on Sunday night had tested negative to performance-enhancing drugs.
It was a declaration not issued in relation to any other event at the world championships.
Bolt’s commanding performance on Sunday – in which he set a world record of 9.58 seconds – has added to the three world records he set in Beijing and left some questioning whether any human is capable of such performances without chemical assistance. Bolt has long maintained he is clean and has taken a strong anti-drugs stance.
Scepticism always surrounds the men’s sprints after a string of top contenders and champions have tested positive in the past two decades. Men such as Justin Gatlin, Linford Christie and Ben Johnson have all been embroiled in drug-cheating scandals.

It is very difficult to believe that Usain Bolt did not use performance enhancing drugs to help him smash the world record in the 100 meter final in the World Championships. In an age where every sports record is tarnished by a drug scandal, Usain Bolt is guilty by association. It is my hope that he truly is a “clean” athlete, but I will not be holding my breath. If he is a natural athlete, this is truly an incredible performance that may never be equaled again.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

PLN 8

PLN 7 A Vision of Students Today

In the video A Vision of Students Today by Michael Wesch, we are presented with many facts about today’s student. What is clear is that students today not only have access to new ideas and information, but learn in ways very different than the traditional classroom setting. In order to respond to the constant changes we experience each day, I believe this should make school one of the most dynamic learning environments. If schools do not respond by providing more technology friendly environments to learn, this will not only slow down the process of learning, but see many more students lose interest in the education process.

PLN 4

PLN 4 The Machine is Us/ing Us

In Michael Wesch video “The Machine is Us/ing Us”, many interesting ideas are presented. The most interesting idea to me is the concept of how the internet is redefining the way we think about almost everything. We now have access to a world that grows increasingly smaller each day as we are exposed to new ideas and information. This constant reshaping of society should make us rethink our own ideas and beliefs and possibly create a better world for everyone.

pln 7

watch video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-XEMlMRP-M&feature=player_embedded


Flames-Islanders the Preseason Game for the Ages
09.18.2009 | Posted in Flames, Islanders | Author: Steven Ovadia

Last night’s Calgary-Islanders might have been the game of late 2008. It was like some kind of movie.

You had Dion Phaneuf’s massive open-ice hit on Islander Kyle Okposo (Okposo has a mild concussion).

The one bright spot for the Islanders was that Okposo’s teammates immediately came to his defense, attempting to fight Phaneuf the whole game. Not that Phaneuf would even entertain the idea…

I was shocked none of the Isles resorted to dropping an S-bomb on Phaneuf.

The Islanders are a young team, and what talent they have is nowhere near fully developed. But seeing them try and avenge their comrade makes me think what the team lacks in skill, they’ll make up for in energy and passion.

Intense game, right? But wait. There was more. Last night was Theo Fleury’s return to the Flames. As crazy as it sounds, his return was uneventful except for his winning the shootout for Calgary. Which also sums up the final years of his original NHL career: stretches of tedium punctuated with bursts of excitement.

I’m pulling for Fleury but the longer he sticks around the Flames, the worse his heartbreak will be if he’s cut from the team. If Calgary doesn’t want him around (and I’m not quite sure what role Fleury or the Flames sees for him), I hope he’s cut sooner rather than later.

reaction

PLN 7
What was your opinion on Dion Phaneuf’s huge open ice hit on Kyle Okposo in the second period of last Thursdays preseason NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the New York Islanders? I think the hit was late and he should have been given a major penalty. The league should issue a suspension to Phaneuf and send a message to the rest of the NHL that hits like this will not be tolerated. The hit was clearly high and Phaneuf lead with his elbow with the intention of causing serious damage. Phaneuf was lining up the hit for several strides and could have easily backed off. It is clear that he was trying to enforce his status as the NHL’s biggest hitter. Although I was surprised that the Islanders did not go after Phaneuf during the third period, I am sure they will be looking for him the next time these two teams face off.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

PLN 2

The article that we read in class Friday "Women raise bar at colleges" by Tamar Lewin was showing the difference between men and women. A lot of it was saying that the girls were out numbered but they had better grades and better prepared. A lot of colleges were taking more boys because that is what they need in there college. There are more boys on college campuses because more boys get scholarships for sports. There are a couple reasons why girls get better grades in school because boys are more social and boys tend to put things off till the last minute and girls don't.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

PLN 1

In Karl Fischs video "Did You Know" what mattered to me was all the facts about the diffrent places. What is important to you? Could you live with out that? How would you life be diffrent if you did not have what mattered to you? I think this vidoe shows that the people in the U.S. and even in arapahoe are more forchanit than most people in china or india.