People have been blaming their problems on others for centuries. It seems to be the common thing to do. For the past ten years or so, it has been fast food's turn. People have been hitting the fast food industry with a barrage of accusations such as "I didn't know it would make me fat!" or "You're not supposed to eat this for every meal?"
I agree with the bill passed over the last few years that requires the fast food industry to show their nutrition facts. The FDA requires all other food products to do so, why not fast food? It's good for people to know what is in their food. Also, the elimination of trans-fats for healthier food in general is a good step in the right direction.
Portion control, however, is going a bit far. Why doesn't anyone tell the vehicle companies that their trucks are too big and eat too much gas? The fast food industry is also a corporation and should get the same courtesy. Leave it up to the American public to decide how much they want to eat.
Also, people need to get smarter about these obesity law suits. Did you really not realize your fried burger coated in thousand island dressing and fried potatoes wouldn't make you fat? While the 540 calories in a Big Mac is a little high, people really should know better.
The government is passing laws on the fast food industry because the consumers are getting stupid. Maybe if people exercised a little more nutritional savvy practices - or just exercised more in general - , there wouldn't be this problem. Instead, laws are having to be passed just to protect the fast food industry from its stupid consumers. Some of these bills have been a step in the right direction, but it's getting out of hand. Following the same FDA practice and showing nutrition is good. Reducing harmful ingredients is also good. But making sure people eat the right amount is a bit much. If ignorance of the law is no excuse, ignorance of your nutrition should be the same.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Risky Business
Obesity is a problem that has been around for quite some time and is still on the rise reaching 60% of the American population.
Most of the blame has been put on the fast-food industry. Since the fast food industry’s creation, Americans, and recently the rest of the world, has clung to the fast food notion. It fits the American lifestyle perfectly. The idea that people are busy and rarely have precious time to go out and eat food of good quality, has fueled the fast food revolution.
However, despite the fast food industry’s risky lure, the health effects are known by all who eat it. According to National Public Radio (NPR) fast food outlets already provide information about calories, fat and other nutritional values. The risks have been determined and people have chosen to eat fast food anyway.
So should Congress legislate the fast food industry with regard to portion sizes, fat content and other nutritional considerations? I do not think that this is necessary. The possible health threats from eating fast foods have been established and made known to the public. Yet people still form lines to get their hands on greasy hamburgers and salt infested fries.
Attempts have been made to provide customers with healthier options. And this is a noble step towards a healthier fast food industry. But it is clear that people do not care whether they are eating healthy food or not. People do not go to eateries like McDonald’s to get something healthy. They know what the options are and deliberately chose the Big Macs over salads.
So if Congress did pass legislation that controlled what and how the fast food industry distributed its food, they would clearly have the consumers best interest in mind, but what would it change?
Most of the blame has been put on the fast-food industry. Since the fast food industry’s creation, Americans, and recently the rest of the world, has clung to the fast food notion. It fits the American lifestyle perfectly. The idea that people are busy and rarely have precious time to go out and eat food of good quality, has fueled the fast food revolution.
However, despite the fast food industry’s risky lure, the health effects are known by all who eat it. According to National Public Radio (NPR) fast food outlets already provide information about calories, fat and other nutritional values. The risks have been determined and people have chosen to eat fast food anyway.
So should Congress legislate the fast food industry with regard to portion sizes, fat content and other nutritional considerations? I do not think that this is necessary. The possible health threats from eating fast foods have been established and made known to the public. Yet people still form lines to get their hands on greasy hamburgers and salt infested fries.
Attempts have been made to provide customers with healthier options. And this is a noble step towards a healthier fast food industry. But it is clear that people do not care whether they are eating healthy food or not. People do not go to eateries like McDonald’s to get something healthy. They know what the options are and deliberately chose the Big Macs over salads.
So if Congress did pass legislation that controlled what and how the fast food industry distributed its food, they would clearly have the consumers best interest in mind, but what would it change?
One Chubby Country
From Big Macs to Baconators to Bean Burritos, millions of Americans continue to pull around to the second window each year. According to CBSNEWS.COM, nearly 15 percent of children in the United States are obese, with nearly one-third of the adult population also being overweight.
The obesity levels in America have continued to grow at a rapid rate since the early 1980s, and much of this is a direct result of the fast food industry. The government already requires fast food chains to reveal the nutritional content of their food, but this has clearly not reduced our country’s fetish for flab. Obesity leads to heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, causing 2.6 million deaths worldwide each year; therefore, why shouldn’t the United States government pass legislation on fast food chains to protect its people?
I believe that we as individuals are capable of making our own decisions, but I also feel that the government could provide some assistance to help us make these decisions. The lifestyles within our country are changing, forcing us to often grab meals on the go, but why can’t we restrict the fat and calorie content within these meals to make them more hale and hearty? "Fast food emphasizes [elemental] preferences for salt and fat, which may promote overeating," said obesity researcher Mark Pereira. “To combat a high calorie intake along with overeating, the government should pass legislation to limit portion sizes and promote healthier eating habits. Smaller portion sizes would directly result in smaller calorie consumption. One could argue that even if the government were to reduce portion sizes, people would simply just order more food; however, the more food they buy, the more money they spend, thus fast food would no longer be a cheap alternative. Very few things influence our lives the way money does, which is why I believe fast-food related obesity would certainly decrease if people were forced to spend more money at the drive-thru.
Governmental regulations on fast food may anger many famished Americans at first, but the restrictions will only benefit them in the long run. CNN.COM revealed that fast food adds 6 pounds to the average American each year. With numerous ways to reduce the fat content in food, let’s take our chubby county and put forth the effort to make it a healthy one.
The obesity levels in America have continued to grow at a rapid rate since the early 1980s, and much of this is a direct result of the fast food industry. The government already requires fast food chains to reveal the nutritional content of their food, but this has clearly not reduced our country’s fetish for flab. Obesity leads to heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, causing 2.6 million deaths worldwide each year; therefore, why shouldn’t the United States government pass legislation on fast food chains to protect its people?
I believe that we as individuals are capable of making our own decisions, but I also feel that the government could provide some assistance to help us make these decisions. The lifestyles within our country are changing, forcing us to often grab meals on the go, but why can’t we restrict the fat and calorie content within these meals to make them more hale and hearty? "Fast food emphasizes [elemental] preferences for salt and fat, which may promote overeating," said obesity researcher Mark Pereira. “To combat a high calorie intake along with overeating, the government should pass legislation to limit portion sizes and promote healthier eating habits. Smaller portion sizes would directly result in smaller calorie consumption. One could argue that even if the government were to reduce portion sizes, people would simply just order more food; however, the more food they buy, the more money they spend, thus fast food would no longer be a cheap alternative. Very few things influence our lives the way money does, which is why I believe fast-food related obesity would certainly decrease if people were forced to spend more money at the drive-thru.
Governmental regulations on fast food may anger many famished Americans at first, but the restrictions will only benefit them in the long run. CNN.COM revealed that fast food adds 6 pounds to the average American each year. With numerous ways to reduce the fat content in food, let’s take our chubby county and put forth the effort to make it a healthy one.
Education is the problem, not the food
| “Society fails to educate themselves about the long term damage that can be obtained by eating bad foods” says People’s Media Company. The problem of wanting to eat fast food is becoming more prevalent in the United States. Are there any educational programs to show the effects of eating too much fast food? Some companies like People’s Media say no. There is no reason for Congress to step in and regulate portions and sizes at fast food restaurants. All that does is reduce what is served in one serving, but it doesn’t prevent how much anyone could buy at a given time. Reducing the portion sizes of fast foods will not solve the over consumption of fast food problems, because it will only lead to people buying more. For example, if I went to Burger King and there was no longer a King size fry available, I would just order more fries until I was satisfied. Essentially, I still get about the same amount that I originally would get with a King size. While obesity is a major problem in the United States, things are already being done to fix the problem. In 2003, the Ban Trans fats campaign sued Kraft to eliminate trans fats in Oreos. After this suit, government officials decided that trans fats were a major contribution to obesity and they can lead to heart disease. As of now, fast food restaurants are being told to get rid of their trans fats because of its risk. The public is starting to get word of the whole trans fat problem, but it’s not as prevalently known as we think. If we are going to tackle obesity and cut the rate of obesity in America down, we Americans need to educate ourselves on issues such as trans fats. Obviously fast food restaurants are the first target because they supply people with foods that are not as healthy as we’d like them to be, but let’s be fair and notice that fast food restaurants are much healthier than they were ten years ago. |
Being Able to Know What You Eat
Obesity is a major issue in the United States today. According to www.obesityhelp.com, a quarter of the population in the U.S. is obese. The rate of obesity has climbed 60% in the last decade and continues to rise. Obesity is responsible for 300,000 deaths each year and is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and many others serious medical diseases.
While obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking, it is questionable whether the government needs to step in to help. Every individual is responsible for their actions and the government should not be responsible for its peoples’ eating habits. However, there are certain solutions the government can influence and regulations they can make.
The government can play a role with education in its public schools that can help teach children nutrition as well as provide healthy alternatives and ideas in eating. Classes could be offered beginning in elementary school to teach children about nutrition and how what they eat effects their bodies. High schools turning off school soda machines during lunch and providing their students with healthy meals help influence children about how to eat and live healthy.
We see supermarkets that include information about calories, fat and other nutritional values. Why shouldn’t fast-food restaurant chains do the same? In a National Pubic Radio Morning Edition: Nutrition Labels for Fast Foods, fast food chains including McDonald's, Domino's, Burger King, Wendy's, Pizza Hut and Subway are voluntarily provide nutrition information.
If Congress were to pass a bill that would require all fast food restaurants to provide nutritional information on the food they serve. This would enable people who are interested in eating healthily to be able to see and know what they are putting into their bodies.
Informative nutrient considerations would influence people who seek healthy lifestyles and could help decrease the amount of obesity in the United States.
Good Food Served Quickly
Karen Varner, a female of age twenty from Cabot, Arkansas, slowly drives her car up to the intercom system at a local McDonalds’s drive through service.
After ordering a meal, which comes with a double cheeseburger, large fries, and a large milkshake, she completes her transaction with the employee and drives home.
According to Fatcalories.com, a website that lists the nutritional facts of fast food products, Karen has purchased 1340 calories of food, which is more than half of her recommended daily calorie intake.
Millions of Americans eat at fast food restaurants everyday, regardless of the health hazards associated with their products. Throughout the past decade, though, the media has created a growing, public awareness on the fast food industry. Many Americans are concerned to the point where they are pushing for legislation on the fast food industry.
According to Supersize Me, a documentary film that criticizes the McDonalds Corporation, the government forces fast food franchises to reveal the nutritional facts of their food products. The government also inspects restaurants for health hazards, and places their scores on the wall for all to see.
Obesity, a disease associated with being overweight, is becoming more and more common in America. According to Discovery Health, a cable television network, obesity is an epidemic.
“Obesity, to a large extent, is an avoidable condition that leads to a number of avoidable diseases,” says Dr. Moshe Shike, a professor of medicine at Cornell University Medical College.
In March of 2004, Congress passed a bill that banned all lawsuits regarding fast food franchises from obese Americans who claim that fast food caused their obesity.
If I were in the United States Congress, I would have supported this bill, because I agree with Dr. Shike. Obesity is avoidable. Thanks to the media, the public can be aware of the health hazards associated with fast food. These people should take responsibility and blame themselves for eating the food. They know the consequences of fast food consumption, and it was their choice to eat it.
I do not believe that the United States Congress should pass legislation to restrict fast food restaurants from producing their unhealthy food products. As long as the nutritional information is out in the open, American citizens should be allowed to make their own decisions.
“I know it’s unhealthy,” says Varner, “but I know don't gain much from it. And besides, it’s not fast food- it's good food served quickly.”
After ordering a meal, which comes with a double cheeseburger, large fries, and a large milkshake, she completes her transaction with the employee and drives home.
According to Fatcalories.com, a website that lists the nutritional facts of fast food products, Karen has purchased 1340 calories of food, which is more than half of her recommended daily calorie intake.
Millions of Americans eat at fast food restaurants everyday, regardless of the health hazards associated with their products. Throughout the past decade, though, the media has created a growing, public awareness on the fast food industry. Many Americans are concerned to the point where they are pushing for legislation on the fast food industry.
According to Supersize Me, a documentary film that criticizes the McDonalds Corporation, the government forces fast food franchises to reveal the nutritional facts of their food products. The government also inspects restaurants for health hazards, and places their scores on the wall for all to see.
Obesity, a disease associated with being overweight, is becoming more and more common in America. According to Discovery Health, a cable television network, obesity is an epidemic.
“Obesity, to a large extent, is an avoidable condition that leads to a number of avoidable diseases,” says Dr. Moshe Shike, a professor of medicine at Cornell University Medical College.
In March of 2004, Congress passed a bill that banned all lawsuits regarding fast food franchises from obese Americans who claim that fast food caused their obesity.
If I were in the United States Congress, I would have supported this bill, because I agree with Dr. Shike. Obesity is avoidable. Thanks to the media, the public can be aware of the health hazards associated with fast food. These people should take responsibility and blame themselves for eating the food. They know the consequences of fast food consumption, and it was their choice to eat it.
I do not believe that the United States Congress should pass legislation to restrict fast food restaurants from producing their unhealthy food products. As long as the nutritional information is out in the open, American citizens should be allowed to make their own decisions.
“I know it’s unhealthy,” says Varner, “but I know don't gain much from it. And besides, it’s not fast food- it's good food served quickly.”
Obesity and Fast Food
According to Weight-control Information Network, almost one-third of adults in the United States are obese, which is approximately 63.6 million. Why are millions of adults so overweight? The average American should eat a specific number of a calories a day that corresponds to their height, current weight, age, and how much exercise performed in a day. However, it is hard to calculate how many calories are in each snack or meal that you are consuming. The only experience that I know of with someone strictly counting every calorie would be those individuals who are on a diet and individuals who have eating disorders, such as anorexia.
Since Americans work about twenty-five hours a week, according to Forbes magazine, many grab a “quick bite” to eat. I know I have used that terminology more than once over the summer. When I worked at a local movie theater, I had twenty minutes to eat my dinner. And of course, I went to Wendy’s. My favorite meal at Wendy’s was a homestyle chicken fillet, which is around 430 calories. When adding a large fry, the calories increase by 540. Now, let’s add a large drink… what about coca-cola? That is another 270 calories. The grand total of my meal is 1240 calories. Many college students eat fast food often, when, for example, either restaurants or the cafeteria has closed. Klint Davis eats McDonalds about five to six times a week and his meal of choice is two double cheese-burgers, a McChicken, a medium fry, and a large coca-cola. Klint’s total calories from his McDonalds meal is 1930 calories.
Should Congress have more control over portion sizes or fat content at fast food restaurants? I personally do not think so. Even if the government were to interfere with the fast food restaurants, it would not prevent Americans from gaining weight and eating unhealthily. If the portion size were to decrease, Americans would just order more things, like Klint.
Since Americans work about twenty-five hours a week, according to Forbes magazine, many grab a “quick bite” to eat. I know I have used that terminology more than once over the summer. When I worked at a local movie theater, I had twenty minutes to eat my dinner. And of course, I went to Wendy’s. My favorite meal at Wendy’s was a homestyle chicken fillet, which is around 430 calories. When adding a large fry, the calories increase by 540. Now, let’s add a large drink… what about coca-cola? That is another 270 calories. The grand total of my meal is 1240 calories. Many college students eat fast food often, when, for example, either restaurants or the cafeteria has closed. Klint Davis eats McDonalds about five to six times a week and his meal of choice is two double cheese-burgers, a McChicken, a medium fry, and a large coca-cola. Klint’s total calories from his McDonalds meal is 1930 calories.
Should Congress have more control over portion sizes or fat content at fast food restaurants? I personally do not think so. Even if the government were to interfere with the fast food restaurants, it would not prevent Americans from gaining weight and eating unhealthily. If the portion size were to decrease, Americans would just order more things, like Klint.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Assignment Due Monday, November 19
Should Congress legislate the fast food industry with regard to portion sizes, fat content and other nutritional considerations?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Baseball
While I do not enjoy too many sports, one I can get into is baseball.
Baseball evolved from old British folk games. The earliest known account is in the early 1800's, but it can be traced back even further to a game called "stoolball."
Many of the earlier games were similar to each other, but there certainly were local, regional and national variations, both in how they were played and what they were called: names included "stoolball", "poison ball", and "goal ball". Few details of how the modern games developed from earlier folk games are known. Some think that various folk games resulted in a game called town ball, from which baseball was eventually born. Others believe that town ball was independent from baseball. Other games, such as cricket, evolved from the same series of games.
A number of early folk games in the British Isles had characteristics that can be seen in modern baseball (as well as in cricket and rounders). Many of these early games involved a ball that was thrown at a target while an opposing player defended the target by attempting to hit the ball away. If the batter successfully hit the ball, he could attempt to score points by running between bases while fielders would attempt to catch or retrieve the ball and put the runner out in some way.
Since they were folk games, the early games had no 'official' rules, and they tended to change over time. To the extent that there were rules, they were generally simple and were not written down. There were many local variations, and varied names.
Many of the early games were not well documented, first, because they were generally peasant games (and perhaps children's games, as well); and second, because they were often discouraged, and sometimes even prohibited, either by the church or by the state, or both.
Baseball, while considered and American tradition, is not isolated to our nation. Japan too has a very high baseball fan populace. Europeans have their own leagues as well. It's practically world-wide.
The thing I like most about baseball is that I, with my limited sports knowledge can still sit down and watch it. I don't have to necessarily understand fully what is going on. I can just enjoy it.
I wasn't really into the sport when all the accusations of steroids began and it's not a major issue at the moment. However, i feel that it does not present itself as sportsmanlike conduct. Athletes should be on their own abilities, not some from a bottle. While not everyone will be on an equal playing field, merits alone should be what counts. Training and practicing and getting better is what it's about.
Baseball evolved from old British folk games. The earliest known account is in the early 1800's, but it can be traced back even further to a game called "stoolball."
Many of the earlier games were similar to each other, but there certainly were local, regional and national variations, both in how they were played and what they were called: names included "stoolball", "poison ball", and "goal ball". Few details of how the modern games developed from earlier folk games are known. Some think that various folk games resulted in a game called town ball, from which baseball was eventually born. Others believe that town ball was independent from baseball. Other games, such as cricket, evolved from the same series of games.
A number of early folk games in the British Isles had characteristics that can be seen in modern baseball (as well as in cricket and rounders). Many of these early games involved a ball that was thrown at a target while an opposing player defended the target by attempting to hit the ball away. If the batter successfully hit the ball, he could attempt to score points by running between bases while fielders would attempt to catch or retrieve the ball and put the runner out in some way.
Since they were folk games, the early games had no 'official' rules, and they tended to change over time. To the extent that there were rules, they were generally simple and were not written down. There were many local variations, and varied names.
Many of the early games were not well documented, first, because they were generally peasant games (and perhaps children's games, as well); and second, because they were often discouraged, and sometimes even prohibited, either by the church or by the state, or both.
Baseball, while considered and American tradition, is not isolated to our nation. Japan too has a very high baseball fan populace. Europeans have their own leagues as well. It's practically world-wide.
The thing I like most about baseball is that I, with my limited sports knowledge can still sit down and watch it. I don't have to necessarily understand fully what is going on. I can just enjoy it.
I wasn't really into the sport when all the accusations of steroids began and it's not a major issue at the moment. However, i feel that it does not present itself as sportsmanlike conduct. Athletes should be on their own abilities, not some from a bottle. While not everyone will be on an equal playing field, merits alone should be what counts. Training and practicing and getting better is what it's about.
Tennis
The popular sport of tennis, originally called “La Soule,” can be traced back to 1500BC, shown in carvings from the Egyptian temples. Tennis was first played as a part of religious ceremonies and in the 8th century, Tennis had reached the Moor Empire, in which was incidentally spread into Europe. Christian monks, curious about the Moor Empire, were introduced to the game so much that the Christian church wanted to ban the game because it was so popular among the monasteries. The game was soon adopted by French royalty and spread to the English royalty. Around 1875, the All England Croquet Club tried to attract more members by adding “Lawn Tennis” to their activities. It was so successful that in 1877, the All England Croquet Club became known as the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club. A tournament was later established, known as the Wimbledon Championship. Originally, there were twenty-two players and around 200 spectators. The Wimbledon Championship is still valid today, and over 6,000 spectators attend the tournament, which is held annually between late June and the beginning of July.
Sometimes known as “lawn tennis,” tennis is a very popular sport and can be played by either two or four people. The court is separated by a net, which divides the player(s) equally. The first person to begin the game is known as a server, who has two tries to hit a ball with a racket, sending the ball across the net onto the opponent’s side of the court, who is also known as the receiver. Play continues between the two players by hitting the ball to the opponent’s court, and if a player fails to hit the ball across the net, the opponent scores a point. To win a game, a player must score four points, and to win a set, players must play six games. If players are competing against each other to win a match, they must play two or three sets. The beginning score of 0-0 is known as “love.” The first two points in a game are counted by fifteens. Thus, the first point is fifteen; second is thirty; and not following the previous rule is the third point, which is forty. The winning point of the game occurs when the score returns to love. If the score is tied, it is known as deuce, in which case one player must win by two points. If the server wins the next point and thus, ends the game, it is called an advantage-in. If the situation is reversed with the receiver winning the game, it is called an advantage-out.
Although I am not a big fan of sports, I have played tennis and I enjoyed it. However, there is a big difference between playing it yourself and watching it. I try to watch tennis, since I do not play anymore, but I do not enjoy it. I cannot sit still long enough to pay attention to a ball being passed between the two courts; it is a little tedious.
Sometimes known as “lawn tennis,” tennis is a very popular sport and can be played by either two or four people. The court is separated by a net, which divides the player(s) equally. The first person to begin the game is known as a server, who has two tries to hit a ball with a racket, sending the ball across the net onto the opponent’s side of the court, who is also known as the receiver. Play continues between the two players by hitting the ball to the opponent’s court, and if a player fails to hit the ball across the net, the opponent scores a point. To win a game, a player must score four points, and to win a set, players must play six games. If players are competing against each other to win a match, they must play two or three sets. The beginning score of 0-0 is known as “love.” The first two points in a game are counted by fifteens. Thus, the first point is fifteen; second is thirty; and not following the previous rule is the third point, which is forty. The winning point of the game occurs when the score returns to love. If the score is tied, it is known as deuce, in which case one player must win by two points. If the server wins the next point and thus, ends the game, it is called an advantage-in. If the situation is reversed with the receiver winning the game, it is called an advantage-out.
Although I am not a big fan of sports, I have played tennis and I enjoyed it. However, there is a big difference between playing it yourself and watching it. I try to watch tennis, since I do not play anymore, but I do not enjoy it. I cannot sit still long enough to pay attention to a ball being passed between the two courts; it is a little tedious.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
America's Game
My entire life I have been passionate about sports. This passion runs wild, pumping through my veins to the point where athletic competition becomes an extreme obsession. I long for Sundays in the fall when the gladiators of our generation take to the gridiron. I crave the sound of skates scraping on that sparkling icy surface every winter, but more than anything, I love the game of baseball. Ty Cobb once said, “Baseball is a red-blooded sport for red-blooded men. It’s no pink tea, and mollycoddles had better stay out. It’s a struggle for supremacy, a survival of the fittest.”Baseball is America’s game, it is our pastime, and our most treasured outdoor activity.
The history and tradition associated with baseball dates back before the Civil War and arrived from alterations in Cricket and Stick-ball. Since the 1800s, little revisions to the rules have been made, creating “nostalgia among the American people, more so than any other sport… Baseball is also a very democratic game. Unlike football and basketball, baseball can be played well by people of average height and weight.” Players barely hovering above 5 feet, such as current Los Angeles Dodger Rafael Furcal have had outstanding careers in professional baseball.
According to baseball-almanac, the first professional baseball game was played in 1871, many years before the professional organizations of other major sports. Several years later in 1876, the first National League teams took the field. Since then, players from 50 different countries have played in the Major Leagues, making the game more diverse than most may think. Even in the poverty stricken countries of Latin America, baseball is played with sticks as bats and a can as a ball. Baseball academies sponsored by numerous professional teams allow these young men to showcase their skills and someday become professionals. The game’s popularity did not really come of age until the glory days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was these men who helped to make the game, and it was Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa who helped to save the game. Baseball was struggling for survival in the early 90’s, but the homerun race in 1998 increased attendance in Major League parks. Since 1998, attendance has dropped below 70 million fans only twice, and this past season over 79 million fans trudged through the turnstiles, reports MLB.com. Baseball is again gaining popularity among the youth, as 2.7 million boys and girls headed to the sandlots as part of Little League Baseball in the 2006 season.
Hopefully, this popularity will not decline with players like Barry Bonds and Jose Canseco destroying decades of baseball history, and just maybe, the game will again be played the way it was meant to be played, “ninety percent mental, with the other half physical.”
Baseball is played in the greatest seasons of the year, under beautiful blue skies and fireworks on the fourth. The crack of the bat and pop in the glove are common sounds to ears of all ages; they are common to each and every American. The USA Today ranked hitting a baseball the hardest thing to do in all sports. But Tom Hanks said it best in A League of Their Own when he said, “It's supposed to be hard! If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great!” This hard keeps me coming back day after day and year after year. 162 games are played every year by every Major League team, and I can honestly say that I enjoy every single one of them.
The history and tradition associated with baseball dates back before the Civil War and arrived from alterations in Cricket and Stick-ball. Since the 1800s, little revisions to the rules have been made, creating “nostalgia among the American people, more so than any other sport… Baseball is also a very democratic game. Unlike football and basketball, baseball can be played well by people of average height and weight.” Players barely hovering above 5 feet, such as current Los Angeles Dodger Rafael Furcal have had outstanding careers in professional baseball.
According to baseball-almanac, the first professional baseball game was played in 1871, many years before the professional organizations of other major sports. Several years later in 1876, the first National League teams took the field. Since then, players from 50 different countries have played in the Major Leagues, making the game more diverse than most may think. Even in the poverty stricken countries of Latin America, baseball is played with sticks as bats and a can as a ball. Baseball academies sponsored by numerous professional teams allow these young men to showcase their skills and someday become professionals. The game’s popularity did not really come of age until the glory days of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. It was these men who helped to make the game, and it was Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa who helped to save the game. Baseball was struggling for survival in the early 90’s, but the homerun race in 1998 increased attendance in Major League parks. Since 1998, attendance has dropped below 70 million fans only twice, and this past season over 79 million fans trudged through the turnstiles, reports MLB.com. Baseball is again gaining popularity among the youth, as 2.7 million boys and girls headed to the sandlots as part of Little League Baseball in the 2006 season.
Hopefully, this popularity will not decline with players like Barry Bonds and Jose Canseco destroying decades of baseball history, and just maybe, the game will again be played the way it was meant to be played, “ninety percent mental, with the other half physical.”
Baseball is played in the greatest seasons of the year, under beautiful blue skies and fireworks on the fourth. The crack of the bat and pop in the glove are common sounds to ears of all ages; they are common to each and every American. The USA Today ranked hitting a baseball the hardest thing to do in all sports. But Tom Hanks said it best in A League of Their Own when he said, “It's supposed to be hard! If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great!” This hard keeps me coming back day after day and year after year. 162 games are played every year by every Major League team, and I can honestly say that I enjoy every single one of them.
Going global with basketball!
Basketball is considered by most to be a sport. However, in my family basketball is almost a religion. It was not simply passed down through generations as a favorite pastime, it’s in my genes.
Basketball, which was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, is the third most popular sport in the United States behind baseball and football.
In the United States, baseball is considered the national pastime, yet basketball is making a run for top billing. However, basketball is taking a different route that baseball.
In the past few years the NBA has gone global. This has caused the fan base of basketball to rise at a considerably fast pace. Not only are other countries tuning in to watch Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but they are now watching players who are representing their country.
According to NBA.com, in the 2007 playoffs there were 60 International players representing 28 different countries and territories. This diversity has extremely helped the overall popularity of basketball.
Although most people seem to think that basketball, especially the NBA, is down in popularity, it isn’t. According to ESPN.com, the NBA broke its attendance record for the third straight year, drawing more than 21.8 million fans and averaging 17,757 fans during the 2006-07 season.
Who can forget the magic of college basketballs March Madness, the single elimination tournament for the best 65 teams in the country? This is arguably one of the most exciting championship tournaments in all of sports. It provides action, energy, enthusiasm, skill, upsets, glory, and heartache.
Basketball has come a long way since its creation in 1891. It has since become an international language that communicates through competition. Since basketballs globalization it is clear to see that we not only have to practice to keep up with the best players in the United States, but to keep up with the best players in the world.
Basketball, which was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, is the third most popular sport in the United States behind baseball and football.
In the United States, baseball is considered the national pastime, yet basketball is making a run for top billing. However, basketball is taking a different route that baseball.
In the past few years the NBA has gone global. This has caused the fan base of basketball to rise at a considerably fast pace. Not only are other countries tuning in to watch Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but they are now watching players who are representing their country.
According to NBA.com, in the 2007 playoffs there were 60 International players representing 28 different countries and territories. This diversity has extremely helped the overall popularity of basketball.
Although most people seem to think that basketball, especially the NBA, is down in popularity, it isn’t. According to ESPN.com, the NBA broke its attendance record for the third straight year, drawing more than 21.8 million fans and averaging 17,757 fans during the 2006-07 season.
Who can forget the magic of college basketballs March Madness, the single elimination tournament for the best 65 teams in the country? This is arguably one of the most exciting championship tournaments in all of sports. It provides action, energy, enthusiasm, skill, upsets, glory, and heartache.
Basketball has come a long way since its creation in 1891. It has since become an international language that communicates through competition. Since basketballs globalization it is clear to see that we not only have to practice to keep up with the best players in the United States, but to keep up with the best players in the world.
Boxing Deserves Popularity
Nearly four decades ago, boxers such as Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier attracted thousands of fans worldwide. "Anyone could have told you who the heavyweight champion was back in the day, but nowadays I can't even name three boxers," says Tommy Floyd, a male from Griffin, Georgia.
"Everyone knows who Ali is," says Sandra Campus, a female from Winder, Georgia.
Many years ago, boxing aired on CBS, NBC, and ABC, which were the three major network stations at that time. Now, though, boxing is barely even mentioned on these stations. The reason for this is because of the Nielson Ratings. According to the Nielson Ratings, Americans do not watch boxing as much as they use to.
According to posters on Yahoo! Answers, a public message board, there are several reasons for this. A few reasons why people are not attracted to boxing include the brain damage that boxing can create, the lack of sportsmanship in the past two decades, and even the fact that now there are several different divisions, each of which claims to have the champion.
I believe that boxing is still a sport worth viewing, and it has potential to gain back a lot of the popularity it has lost.
Boxing is an easy sport to follow and keep up with. The rules are extremely straight-forward, and this could make the sport more fun to watch. Also, the sport is very fast-paced. There are up to fifteen three minute rounds, and the fighters have to stay on their guard at all times. Boxers are some of the most physically fit athletes in the world, and it can be stunning to watch their techniques. Lastly, there are new programs that twist boxing into reality television shows.
The Contender, which airs on ESPN, is a reality television show in which several people compete in a tournament to decide which person is the best boxer. Reality shows like have been popular throughout the past decade, and I believe many people would enjoy The Contender if they tuned in on ESPN.
According to Yahoo! Answers, boxing can once again reign as a popular sport among Americans. One poster on the website says, "Get rid of the notion that boxing is fueled by the heavyweight division." There are talented athletes who would be fun to watch, but the higher-ups in the boxing world place heavy-weights in the spotlight.
Also, one obvious way to regain popularity would be to receive attention on national television again. If boxing events were shown on CBS, NBC, and ABC, more people would watch, because these stations are cheaper to watch than ESPN and HBO.
Although boxing has lost its popularity over the years, it is still an exciting sport and may hopefully regain its fame in the future.
"Everyone knows who Ali is," says Sandra Campus, a female from Winder, Georgia.
Many years ago, boxing aired on CBS, NBC, and ABC, which were the three major network stations at that time. Now, though, boxing is barely even mentioned on these stations. The reason for this is because of the Nielson Ratings. According to the Nielson Ratings, Americans do not watch boxing as much as they use to.
According to posters on Yahoo! Answers, a public message board, there are several reasons for this. A few reasons why people are not attracted to boxing include the brain damage that boxing can create, the lack of sportsmanship in the past two decades, and even the fact that now there are several different divisions, each of which claims to have the champion.
I believe that boxing is still a sport worth viewing, and it has potential to gain back a lot of the popularity it has lost.
Boxing is an easy sport to follow and keep up with. The rules are extremely straight-forward, and this could make the sport more fun to watch. Also, the sport is very fast-paced. There are up to fifteen three minute rounds, and the fighters have to stay on their guard at all times. Boxers are some of the most physically fit athletes in the world, and it can be stunning to watch their techniques. Lastly, there are new programs that twist boxing into reality television shows.
The Contender, which airs on ESPN, is a reality television show in which several people compete in a tournament to decide which person is the best boxer. Reality shows like have been popular throughout the past decade, and I believe many people would enjoy The Contender if they tuned in on ESPN.
According to Yahoo! Answers, boxing can once again reign as a popular sport among Americans. One poster on the website says, "Get rid of the notion that boxing is fueled by the heavyweight division." There are talented athletes who would be fun to watch, but the higher-ups in the boxing world place heavy-weights in the spotlight.
Also, one obvious way to regain popularity would be to receive attention on national television again. If boxing events were shown on CBS, NBC, and ABC, more people would watch, because these stations are cheaper to watch than ESPN and HBO.
Although boxing has lost its popularity over the years, it is still an exciting sport and may hopefully regain its fame in the future.
Football is my religion
| The National Football League is the best thing that ever happened to the United States. Since I was born, I was raised in a family of football maniacs. Monday Night Football is more like a sacred day in my household. The Philadelphia Eagles have been more of a religion to me. My family and I breathe and speak about the Eagles. No matter who plays, we stand by the TV and cheer on any team that looks hungry for a win. According to many sports fanatics in America, the NFL is the largest and most prestigious professional sport. Football is a sport that involves many large and fast men that play vigorously through four quarters. Each quarter is 15 minutes in length and every minute of it is intense. The United States is not the only country that enjoys this prestigious sport. Canada and Australia collectively have their own football leagues that derive from the same structure of American Football. Football is a great sport to cheer on because of the high intensity that is involved. Football is a sport that is played through out most schools in the United States and on many different levels. Professional football is not classified alone in the spectrum of football. College football has grown to be an addictive sport that brings forth many rivalries. Television has a great deal to do with the popularity of football. Monday Night Football, originally airing in 1970 has been more of a tradition for football fans every season. Hall of Famer John Madden is one of football’s popularly known names. He was the famous personality on Monday Night football. The NFL celebrates “Turkey Day” with two of the same teams playing every year. It is tradition for the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions to have games on Thanksgiving. Football attracts people of all ages around the world. For children, it is not enough to go to a ball game, or watch it on TV; they must somehow be in the game. Electronic Arts, an American developer and publisher of video games, publishes a football game every year intended for the younger generations. John Madden has a contract with Electronic Arts and “Madden NFL” is published to many video game platforms. Football is a fun sport to play on video games when football season is over. I have played every Madden NFL game since 1999, and every year it gets better with new ways to view the game. There is no argument that Football is one of America’s greatest pastimes and will continue to always be my favorite sport and can considerably be my religion. This sport will continue to flourish and fanatics will continue to support their teams. The NFL alone draws over 67,000 spectators per game and it continues to rise as team and talent get better. |
The Greatest Sport Ever Played
The sport of baseball is a passion shared among many Americans today. It is a recreational activity that involves skill, decision making and teamwork that make it an admirable sport. It has been watched and played for generations and continues to thrive as a popular sport.
Baseball has expanded internationally since it was first formed in New York in the late 1830’s. According to the International Baseball Federation, baseball is a global sport and is played by millions of children and adults in 100 different countries and has been played at the Olympics since 1904.
With baseball being created in the United States, it would evolve and change with its country.
Mark Twain would write that, "Baseball, is the very symbol, the outward and visible expression of the drive and push and rush and struggle of the raging, tearing, booming nineteenth century.”
The sport of baseball has evolved overtime, but its history is not forgotten in the faces of its heroes such as Babe Ruth, CY Young and Jackie Robinson who influenced the sport and were shinning examples of how it was meant to be played.
Baseball shows teamwork, as all players rely on each other when fielding so they each will succeed in their position when defending
Baseball is a mental and physical game. It is fast passed and requires concentration to be a successful player. One must possess hand-eye coordination, precise timing, and accuracy in hitting as well in fielding.
As a player as well as fan, baseball is a very emotional game. There is emotion in the hopes and dream that their team will make it to and win the World Series championship. That the glories and celebration of winning will be theirs and that their team is the greatest in the land.
This is why I feel baseball is one of America’s greatest pastimes and sports.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Assignment Due Wednesday, November 7
What is your favorite sport (or sports) and why? (Or, if you don't like any sport, explain why.)
To get a good grade on this assignment, you must reference lots of research about the topic, for example, what sports are popular in the United States and other countries, what is appealing about them and how have these findings changed over time.
To get a good grade on this assignment, you must reference lots of research about the topic, for example, what sports are popular in the United States and other countries, what is appealing about them and how have these findings changed over time.
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