Within hours of posting my blog which put into question the future of the ABA's Syracuse Raging Bullz, comes word that the team is in fact going to fold.
I spoke with Bullz captain Jon Ferris (Liverpool, NY) shortly after our final Mining the Net class and he told me the remainder of the team's season will be cancelled.
He said the team was scheduled to practice tonight, but that the practice was called-off.
He also said that it's been a "crazy and confusing week" for the team and that it appears as though the Bullz have played their last game.
General Manager Mike Brown could not be reached for comment.
(12/10/07): Confirmation of the cancelled season can be seen on the team's official website.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
A City of "Note"worthiness
In the summer of 1977, a band named The Grateful Dead played in a little Upstate New York town named Ithaca. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says of the 2000+ concerts performed by the group in its lifetime,(GRATEFUL DEAD ABOVE) this one is ranked #1 by Deadheads. In fact, this summer the current mayor of Ithaca, Carolyn K. Peterson, declared May eighth "Dead Day" in recognition of that influential concert. This act gathered national attention, putting Ithaca into the spotlight. Ithaca has had its fair share of the lime light. In the early 1900's Ithaca was a center for silent films. The industry eventually relocated to Hollywood, where studios could shoot year round without having to deal with winter weather. But maybe that was best for the Ithaca community. One of the most interesting things about the community is its ability to have internationally renowned musicians still use independent recording labels right in I-town.
I-town Records is an independent recording label used by most Ithaca bands. This is just one example of communal nature of the Ithaca music scene. John Brown's Body is probably the most noted band coming out of Ithaca right now. JBB was actually one of the first bands that helped I-town Records get off the ground. JBB has been performing for ten years and hasn't lost a step anywhere in the journey. They have been touted as America's best reggae band. In a review of JBB's latest album, Pressure Points, The Beat says the band is "confident and humble, edgy and easygoing, Pressure Pointsis a brilliantly realized step forward for John Brown's Body, for American reggae and for reggae in general." It seems like each band coming out of Ithaca, although ranging from reggae to jazz improvised cellists, each brings a little of the same flavor into their music.
This certainly applies to the cellist Hank Roberts . The New York Times says Roberts is "...able to shift through the best elements of European classical music, pop and jazz, and bring them to a reapproachment that sounds new." His ability to go from one style to another and do it with seamless transitions is one of the reasons that his sound is so unique.
Here he is playing with another local Ithaca band, and one of my personal favorites, Wingnut.
He has worked extensively with John Brown's Body and also another member of the I-Town crew, Sim Redmond.
The Sim Redmond Band has graced the music scene since 1999. Some classify the band as being in the same genre as Dave Matthews, but I think they're so much more. The band is made up of five guys and a girl. Sim Redmond and Unnit Carruyo's vocal harmonies are really spectacular, on top of a blend of almost folky roots-rock with an African under current. Right now, they are pretty much the number one band in Ithaca, and one of the growing stars in the Northeast. Just take a look at the press reviews on their web page and you can see how much people appreciate the sounds that they produce.
Ithaca is not a great music town solely because of the artists that it produces, but also because of the locations available for performances. Some of the venues are absolutely amazing. Yes, you have your Cornell, (where that 1977 Dead concert was played) and you h
ave Ithaca College. In fact, Ithaca College is one of the premiere music schools around. If you get a chance, check out ABC Café's open mike night, where a lot of music school students perform. In Downtown Ithaca the State Theater, as well as the Landmark Theater here in Syracuse, is one of the last great theaters of its kind. Opened in 1928, the State Theater was one of seventeen majestic theaters in Ithaca. As more television sets entered homes, more of the theaters went by the wayside. Thanks to a community effort to get it registered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and serious renovations, the State Theater is now a place where local, national, and international acts perform. This past year the Vienna Boys Choir performed. Los Lobos and Arlo Guthrie have also performed at the Theatre as well. This coming January, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be performing. The all-male group is from South Africa and is probably best known for their work with Paul Simon.
ave Ithaca College. In fact, Ithaca College is one of the premiere music schools around. If you get a chance, check out ABC Café's open mike night, where a lot of music school students perform. In Downtown Ithaca the State Theater, as well as the Landmark Theater here in Syracuse, is one of the last great theaters of its kind. Opened in 1928, the State Theater was one of seventeen majestic theaters in Ithaca. As more television sets entered homes, more of the theaters went by the wayside. Thanks to a community effort to get it registered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and serious renovations, the State Theater is now a place where local, national, and international acts perform. This past year the Vienna Boys Choir performed. Los Lobos and Arlo Guthrie have also performed at the Theatre as well. This coming January, Ladysmith Black Mambazo will be performing. The all-male group is from South Africa and is probably best known for their work with Paul Simon. A little outside the Downtown area of Ithaca, you'll run across another hotbed of Ithaca music. The Haunt: it's not as spooky as it sounds but sometimes it can get pretty close. The club used to be just a couple of doors down from the State Theater but has moved on to a bigger space. This club has seen the likes of Phish and many other bands pass through its doors. Unfortunately, just as buildings get facelifts, so do websites, and the Haunt's website is getting one right now, so it automatically takes you to their Myspace page. But since The Haunt's relocation in Ithaca, I can remember Quiet Riot and Whitesnake coming through for a show. While this was definitely after their glory days as hard hair rockers, they were still getting into clubs, nonetheless.
The main point is that Ithaca is such a crossroads for music and for life. Some might even see it as a hidden Shangri-La of music
, disguised in the hills of Central New York, on the shores of Cayuga lake. Such rich musical offerings have remained relatively untapped by commercial music, retaining that true Ithaca vibe. And that vibe is one of community, world rhythms and world sounds.
, disguised in the hills of Central New York, on the shores of Cayuga lake. Such rich musical offerings have remained relatively untapped by commercial music, retaining that true Ithaca vibe. And that vibe is one of community, world rhythms and world sounds.Ft. Liquordale: Once a Hot Spot Always a Hot Spot
I am third generation Ft. Lauderdale, Floridian. The hot spots that were hopping when my grandfather was hitting the town are still hopping, but are now Ft. Lauderdale landmarks.One of the only pictures I have of my grandfather is of him sitting at the Elbow Room. Since 1938, this has been “the” local bar. Aesthetically, it’s a dump. But once the locals start arriving, and people from the Ft. Lauderdale “Strip” start pouring in, the booze with a combination of some live music upstairs makes this place legendary.
The Elbow Room is positioned on the corner of the main party area of the Ft. Lauderdale “Strip”. Why is this area of beachfront bars and hotels called the “Strip”? Well I think it’s one of two reasons. First because it is a strip of the beach that is framed by a white wall that has a strip of fluorescent lights that change colors every few seconds. Or second because it’s sunny South Florida, a beach, a party spot, and people are always stripping off their clothes. Take your pick.The “Strip” is the best beach in Ft. Lauderdale because there is something always going on. And when Spring Break comes, it is jammed pack with college students.
Also on the “Strip” is Beach Place. Beach Place was a real party spot when it opened when I was in middle school. Now I’m in graduate school and the only time it is really hopping is during Spring Break. It’s basically this huge courtyard with a bunch of bars and places to eat. During Spring Break it’s busy because usually students don’t rent cars, and this is close to their hotels on the “Strip”. So if you’re looking for a real party spot, this is a seasonal place.
A little south, and a little past the strip is the best bar for Rum Runners. Bahia Cabana, my parents’ personal favorite, is a small waterfront restaurant on Ft. Lauderdale’s Intercoastal. The bar is positioned in the main docking area for some of the world’s largest yachts.Discovery Travel Channel says Ft. Lauderdale is, "Where spring break madness has long since given way to a deck shoe-clad yacht scene with a backdrop of twisting canals and some of the most blinged-out ships this side of Monaco." Bahia Cabana has food like conch fritters and blackened dolphin sandwiches, fabulous drinks like Rum Runner’s, live music, a pool, a hot tub, and it’s on the water. I know I am generalizing, but everyone in Ft. Lauderdale knows Bahia Cabana.
Now let’s go west over the bridge and drive to Las Olas Boulevard. Las Olas is a strip of restaurants, boutiques, and bars. This is the “it” spot in Ft. Lauderdale. Things can run a little expensive, especially if you plan on going shopping. This is not the cheap part of town, but if you want to see Ft. Lauderdale locals in their element, this is where to go.
O’Haras is the best place for live music in Ft. Lauderdale. This jazz bar has a different band to serenade you every night of the week. Mangos is a restaurant and lounge that also has live music.
If you drive a bit further west, literally three minutes, then you’re going to run into what locals call “Downtown,” for partying. In reality it’s actually the Las Olas Riverfront. The Las Olas Riverfront is an open building with bars, restaurants, waterfront view, movie theater and live entertainment.
After a while of going to Riverfront, it gets a tad boring, and the real party is when you exit Riverfront and hit the streets in front of the building. This is the hot spot for ages 18-35. I know 18 isn’t the legal drinking age, but someone always manages to get in with a fake ID. But the bars are 21 and older.
One of the first places you will see with a line around the corner is Automatic Slims. Automatic Slims originated in Ft. Lauderdale. It’s a club that when you walk in you’re confused because you might think you walked into a strip club. I can assure you it’s not a strip club, but the girls are wearing the tiniest outfits they can possibly can. So it’s real close! The gist of the club is that girls dance on the bars, the poles, whatever they can find, and pour shots of alcohol into your mouth. There’s an upstairs bar and a bar in the back too, but they're the only Slim girls you’ll find behind the bar serving you your drinks.
If you walk down the street, over the railroad tracks you will discover Tarpon Bend. This is mellower than Automatic Slims, but it is a great bar and hang out. All around Automatic Slims and Tarpon Bend and dozens of other bars are available to enjoy your night in good old Ft. Liquordale.
Now I’m going to take you all across Ft. Lauderdale for specific restaurants and bars to most definitely hit up. There is Grady’s Bar & Grill on Andrews Ave. This is the first bar in Ft. Lauderdale. Other places try to claim the name, but Grady’s Bar & Grill is it. Sometimes you can catch some live blues on Saturdays.
Next there is Shooter’s Waterfront Cafe. If you take away the S then you will know what the place is all about. Locals just call it Shooter’s. The place is known for the bikini contests. It’s a great place to have a drink and take a dip in the pool on a sunny South Florida day.
Mai-Kai is the next stop. Since 1956, Mai-Kai is the original Polynesian restaurant. Complete with dinner and a traditional Polynesian show with fire, this is a hot spot if you’ve never seen a show before. Again a generalization, but all Ft. Lauderdale locals have seen the show. So now, we just go for Mai-Kai’s amazing Happy Hour with Rum Barrels.
I’m going to end my rant on Ft. Lauderdale hotspots with the legendary places to eat. Discovery Travel Channel
reports, "Breakfast in the classic diner surrounds of The Floridian (1410 E. Las Olas Blvd. – no Web site) is a must. Weekend mornings are particularly bustling, with Fort Lauderdale natives mixing with nose-in-the-New York Times transplants for greasy-spoon feasts."
Carlos & Pepes 17th Street Cantina is an iconic restaurant for true locals. It’s the best spot for a taste of Mexico and the margaritas are to die for.
Then we have my sister’s absolute favorite, Rustic Inn. This crab house has been cracking since 1955. It’s famous for their garlic crabs. The restaurant is what it says, rustic. Wooden tables line the low ceilings, and paper lines the tables that are topped with wooden bowls filled with whole crabs and wooden hammers to crack the crabs. Never wear nice clothes. When the intercom announces a birthday and you’re splashed with crab butter from everyone picking up their hammers to bang the table, then you’ll know why I say that.
Last but not least, on you’re way back to the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you must stop at Ernie’s Barbeque. Also known as “Dirty” Ernie’s by locals. My parents hung out here when they were 17 years old and the food that was on the walls then is still there, but with a fresh coat of paint. This place is a landmark for pulled barbeque pork sandwiches and spicy conch chowder with brandy. Wow and I can’t forget the delicious Bimini bread that comes with everything. This is a must eat before a flight home.
JetBlue offers direct flights from Syracuse to Ft. Lauderdale for $99 one-way.
Type 2 Diabetes Growing in Children
I remember when my father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I automatically freaked out and became worried about his health. One thing I didn’t know at the time was that Type 2 diabetes can be successfully treated. Now I am happy to say that my father has improved. Better eating habits combined with frequent exercise have helped reduce the severity of his diabetes.
Out of this whole experience I began to think about my health and my eating lifestyle, wondering, am I at risk? I have always been a healthy eater and avid runner...but easily fall off the bandwagon for a piece of chocolate cake, or cookies…or well…anything with sugar.
I soon began to take a strong interest in studying Type 2 diabetes. And through my father’s experience, learned that even though I was only 19 years old, I was just as much at risk as he was.
Today, it seems hard to escape any media outlet without hearing of the “Type 2 Diabetic Epidemic” in children (includes teenagers). And as much as I would like to deny the severity of this, the numbers back it up.
In a recent study from New York University School of Medicine, Type 2 accounts for ninety-percent of diabetes in adults; tripling in the past thirty years. As for children, doctors say they have seen a “dramatic” increase. But how dangerous is Type 2 diabetes? And why does it have the nation in a panic?
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes (video) is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose-the main type of sugar in the blood. Glucose is essential for our bodies because it is a major source of energy. We get glucose from the foods we eat- breaking them down so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The rise in levels then trigger the pancreas to make the hormone insulin and release it into the bloodstream. But when someone has diabetes, their body either can’t make or respond to the insulin properly.
The most helpful metaphor I found for describing how insulin works is saying it is like a key. It is a key that opens the doors to cells and allows glucose to enter. Without insulin, the glucose (sugar) will not be able to get into the cell and will instead remain in the bloodstream. As a result, blood sugar levels rise and remain higher than normal. This can cause major health problems.
With Type 1 diabetes, a person’s immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. So a person with this needs insulin to help keep their blood sugar within normal range.
In contrast to Type 1, someone with Type 2 diabetes still produces insulin. But their body doesn’t respond to the insulin normally. The glucose has a harder time entering the cells and supplying the body with energy. This causes blood sugar levels to rise, forcing the pancreas to produce even more insulin. Eventually, the extra workload will tire out the pancreas, and it will be unable to produce enough insulin to keep a normal blood sugar level.
Are there any signs or symptoms?
There are signs (or short term effects) that reflect Type 2 diabetes, but each patient must be seen by a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The symptoms are not always obvious and generally take a long time to develop.
Short-term effects:
· Frequent urination
· Increased thirst
· Fatigue
· Weight loss
Long-term effects:
· Eye disease and vision loss
· Kidney disease
· Heart disease/circulatory problems
· Nerve damage
· Skin and bone damage
· Reduced life e
xpectancy
So why is there an epidemic in children?
It was not until recently that Type 2 diabetes started to be associated with children. In fact, it used to be called “adult onset diabetes” because it was not thought anyone younger than 40-years-old could get it. While Type 2 diabetes is more common in some racial groups (American Indians, Alaska Natives, African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian Americans, & Island Pacificers), research shows it is mainly due to inactivity, an unhealthy diet and genetics.
Through a study conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), they found that not only can Type 2 diabetes be prevented (in some cases), but it can also be “healed.” Through their website, the ADA provides a Guide to Healthy Living; sometimes, knowing what is good or bad for you can be hard to distinguish, especially when it comes to your children.
Another resource the ADA provides is a virtual grocery store (which I think everyone should check out!). This allows you to view nutritional information and teaches you how to read food labels. In addition, it tells you how to plan a meal using the Food pyramid; making sure you get all
the essential vitamins and nutrients and avoid any unnecessary sugars and fats.
But a healthy eating lifestyle will only go so far, exercise is just as important! Whether you have Type 2 diabetes or not, physical activity is great for burning any stored sugar or fat you have in your body.
For some children however, it is their genes that are the major players in the diabetic struggle. Genetic susceptibility combined with low physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns, all play important roles in determining a child’s weight. Not too mention they are at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes, and any other diseases as a result from obesity.
How is Central New York dealing with this Epidemic?
Thirty years ago medical researchers and doctors all over the nation began to notice that more and more children were being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Obesity was becoming more prevalent in all ages-especially children. The medical community thought something had to be done.
Joslin Diabetes Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University has joined a nation-wide study called “TODAY” (Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth
). Along with other researchers, they are looking for better ways to treat Type 2 diabetes. They are still looking for children volunteers between the ages of 10-17 years old to participate in the study. Children in TODAY are asked to eat healthier, exercise frequently, take medicine, and go to the hospital twice a week for check ups. To find out more about the study, you can contact the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Participating in a study however, is not the only way to fight Type 2 diabetes in adolescents. Organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offer Diabetes educators. The ADA has a Syracuse Chapter that will answer any questions or concerns you have about Diabetes. All you have to do is a pick up a phone and call.
If we are going to defeat this epidemic, it is about educating the children and not just the adults. Children need to be aware of the health risks that stem from eating too much junk food and inactive lifestyles.
Out of this whole experience I began to think about my health and my eating lifestyle, wondering, am I at risk? I have always been a healthy eater and avid runner...but easily fall off the bandwagon for a piece of chocolate cake, or cookies…or well…anything with sugar.
I soon began to take a strong interest in studying Type 2 diabetes. And through my father’s experience, learned that even though I was only 19 years old, I was just as much at risk as he was.
Today, it seems hard to escape any media outlet without hearing of the “Type 2 Diabetic Epidemic” in children (includes teenagers). And as much as I would like to deny the severity of this, the numbers back it up.
In a recent study from New York University School of Medicine, Type 2 accounts for ninety-percent of diabetes in adults; tripling in the past thirty years. As for children, doctors say they have seen a “dramatic” increase. But how dangerous is Type 2 diabetes? And why does it have the nation in a panic?
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes (video) is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose-the main type of sugar in the blood. Glucose is essential for our bodies because it is a major source of energy. We get glucose from the foods we eat- breaking them down so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The rise in levels then trigger the pancreas to make the hormone insulin and release it into the bloodstream. But when someone has diabetes, their body either can’t make or respond to the insulin properly.
The most helpful metaphor I found for describing how insulin works is saying it is like a key. It is a key that opens the doors to cells and allows glucose to enter. Without insulin, the glucose (sugar) will not be able to get into the cell and will instead remain in the bloodstream. As a result, blood sugar levels rise and remain higher than normal. This can cause major health problems.
With Type 1 diabetes, a person’s immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. So a person with this needs insulin to help keep their blood sugar within normal range.
In contrast to Type 1, someone with Type 2 diabetes still produces insulin. But their body doesn’t respond to the insulin normally. The glucose has a harder time entering the cells and supplying the body with energy. This causes blood sugar levels to rise, forcing the pancreas to produce even more insulin. Eventually, the extra workload will tire out the pancreas, and it will be unable to produce enough insulin to keep a normal blood sugar level.
Are there any signs or symptoms?
There are signs (or short term effects) that reflect Type 2 diabetes, but each patient must be seen by a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The symptoms are not always obvious and generally take a long time to develop.
Short-term effects:
· Frequent urination
· Increased thirst
· Fatigue
· Weight loss
Long-term effects:
· Eye disease and vision loss
· Kidney disease
· Heart disease/circulatory problems
· Nerve damage
· Skin and bone damage
· Reduced life e
xpectancySo why is there an epidemic in children?
It was not until recently that Type 2 diabetes started to be associated with children. In fact, it used to be called “adult onset diabetes” because it was not thought anyone younger than 40-years-old could get it. While Type 2 diabetes is more common in some racial groups (American Indians, Alaska Natives, African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian Americans, & Island Pacificers), research shows it is mainly due to inactivity, an unhealthy diet and genetics.
Through a study conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), they found that not only can Type 2 diabetes be prevented (in some cases), but it can also be “healed.” Through their website, the ADA provides a Guide to Healthy Living; sometimes, knowing what is good or bad for you can be hard to distinguish, especially when it comes to your children.
Another resource the ADA provides is a virtual grocery store (which I think everyone should check out!). This allows you to view nutritional information and teaches you how to read food labels. In addition, it tells you how to plan a meal using the Food pyramid; making sure you get all
the essential vitamins and nutrients and avoid any unnecessary sugars and fats.But a healthy eating lifestyle will only go so far, exercise is just as important! Whether you have Type 2 diabetes or not, physical activity is great for burning any stored sugar or fat you have in your body.
For some children however, it is their genes that are the major players in the diabetic struggle. Genetic susceptibility combined with low physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns, all play important roles in determining a child’s weight. Not too mention they are at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes, and any other diseases as a result from obesity.
How is Central New York dealing with this Epidemic?
Thirty years ago medical researchers and doctors all over the nation began to notice that more and more children were being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Obesity was becoming more prevalent in all ages-especially children. The medical community thought something had to be done.
Joslin Diabetes Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University has joined a nation-wide study called “TODAY” (Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth
). Along with other researchers, they are looking for better ways to treat Type 2 diabetes. They are still looking for children volunteers between the ages of 10-17 years old to participate in the study. Children in TODAY are asked to eat healthier, exercise frequently, take medicine, and go to the hospital twice a week for check ups. To find out more about the study, you can contact the Joslin Diabetes Center.Participating in a study however, is not the only way to fight Type 2 diabetes in adolescents. Organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offer Diabetes educators. The ADA has a Syracuse Chapter that will answer any questions or concerns you have about Diabetes. All you have to do is a pick up a phone and call.
If we are going to defeat this epidemic, it is about educating the children and not just the adults. Children need to be aware of the health risks that stem from eating too much junk food and inactive lifestyles.
Fakers (or) How Stewart and Colbert Saved News and Conquered the World
The man in wire-frame glasses triumphantly ran on stage to thundering applause and Cheap Trick’s “I Want you to Want Me” blasting in the background. After acknowledging the audience—and himself—with hops and fist pumps and victorious smiles, this titan of news somehow calmed the crowd, and his speech went on. “You people know I’m not real, right?”
The two sellout crowds at
And some might argue it’s an industry desperately in need of saving. According to the Project for Excellence in Journalism, nightly news audience numbers have been falling for more than 20 years, leaving a demographic averaging around 60 years old. Another study suggests cable news has turned into a battleground between the likes of CNN and Fox News, with little room for competition. Clearly, the business of broadcast is in flux.
But don’t tell that to the people at The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report. Stewart’s show—a “fake” news broadcast mocking the news and the news business—has been a ratings bonanza for parent network Comedy Central. Ditto for Colbert’s caricature of Fox News pundit Bill O’Reilly. These men gleefully expose the hypocrisy of newsmakers and reporters, and people are watching.
One of those people, Syracuse University Associate Professor Hub Brown, told the American Journalism Review he now believes in the value of Comedy Central’s news block.
"There are days when I watch 'The Daily Show,'” Brown said, “and I kind of chuckle. There are days when I laugh out loud. There are days when I stand up and point to the TV and say, 'You're damn right!'"
But something funny happened on the way to the punch line for these fake news heroes: they went legit. At least to some, the Comedy Central news block has become a bastion of honesty in a news business flooded with spin. Former
Audiences are also seeing truth in the comedy of these shows. According to at least one study from Indiana University, the actual amount of straight news content in The Daily Show during the run-up to the 2004 election was the same as that of traditional broadcast news programs.
"Our findings should allay at least some of the concerns about the growing reliance on this non-traditional source of political information,” author Julia Fox said, “as it is just as substantive as the source that Americans have relied upon for decades.”
In commenting about her findings, Fox also notes that at the end of the day, this is still an infotainment society, and that the substance in both isn’t enough, in her opinion. But it doesn’t appear that young people are going strictly to Comedy Central to get their news. Stewart said in a Washington Post article that it would be impossible for a viewer to participate fully in his show without understanding the news on which his jokes are based.
"We are not newsmen, but it's jokes about real news,” Stewart said. “We don't make anything up, other than the fact we're not actually standing in
Stewart’s not alone in his assumptions, either. CNN reported a study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that viewers of The Daily Show are more knowledgeable about current events than those who don’t watch late-night TV. But that’s not all:
“On top of that, ‘Daily Show’ viewers know more about election issues than people who regularly read newspapers or watch television news, according to the National Annenberg Election Survey.” In addition, “‘Daily Show’ viewers are 78 percent more likely than the average adult to have four or more years of college education…”
While Stewart seems to be an equal-opportunity satirist, he has taken stances against what he sees as a media afraid to ask the right questions and take its government to task. His appearance on CNN’s Crossfire in which he lambasted the program and others like it for playing into the hands of politicians instead of furthering political discourse is now infamous in Internet and media circles.
Only months later, web site arstechnica.com reported CNN President Jonathan Klein canceled the show and fired pundit Tucker Carlson. While Stewart’s appearance was not likely the only factor in the decision, according to Bill Carter of the The New York Times, his words were used by Klein as part of the reason for Crossfire’s cancellation.
“Mr. Klein said last night, ‘I agree wholeheartedly with Jon Stewart's overall premise.’ He said he believed that especially after the terror attacks on 9/11, viewers are interested in information, not opinion.”
Despite their apparent pull in the realms of both news and politics, Stewart and Colbert largely agree that their place in the world is only that of comedians, and because of that, they can be more forthright about their beliefs.
“What people in
“They believe everything has consequence in real-world terms,” he added. “And what we as comedians understand is, you bomb one night, you go on the next night and you do a little better.”
Colbert also chimed in, “We claim no respectability. There's no status I would not surrender for a joke. So we don't have to defend anything.”
As much as Stewart and Colbert are comedians first, they have also drawn the unfortunate task of defending the importance of government and the fourth estate to the younger half of
World AIDS Day 2007
It may seem virtually impossible to not see a red ribbon or several ad campaigns about HIV and Aids around December 1st. World Aids Day began in 1988 in an attempt to raise awareness, fight prejudice and educate the general public about HIV and Aids. The day has been recognized each year in order to remind people that the HIV and Aids is still around and affecting more people. World Aids Day was first organized by UNAIDS who chose to recognize the day each year with a theme. The themes were chosen in conjunction with other organizations in order to capture the true essence of what each year should be representative of. This year’s theme is leadership, which calls on various societies, families, and organizations to take personal action and responsibility toward being leaders for HIV and Aids. This theme is being used in conjunction with the slogan, “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise” by the World AIDS campaign, which has taken over the responsibility of making sure World AIDS Day is recognized.The theme of leadership for this year’s World AIDS Day has been chosen as a global campaign. Although this theme is selected to embody what the year should be focused on in the fight against HIV and Aids, according to the World Aids Day Campaign website, campaigns based on national and community levels better focus on their constituents. The organization advises other organizations to highlight how Aids is affecting their particular community while using the theme and slogan to bring their effort together with the global message.
According to the organization, “I Stand with Magic”, this is exactly what it’s trying to do. The organization was started by former NBA star Ervin “Magic” Johnson who has been living with HIV for about fifteen years. Magic has used this organization to educate the African American community about the rapid increase of HIV and Aids among these groups of people. This is a program focused on empowering people to take a stand against HIV and Aids. It offers up-to-date information on issues such as education, awareness, protection and prevention and getting tested regularly.
According to the Center for Disease and Control, the HIV and Aids epidemic is a health crisis among African Americans. The Chicago Tribune reports that Aids is the number one cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. Over the past ten years approximately 40,000 people have become infected with the virus yearly. Similarly, about one out of four people in the US who are living with HIV are unaware of it. Likewise the largest growing population of people infected with HIV and Aids is African American women. African American women are 23 times more likely to contract Aids than White women according to the CDC. The Oprah Winfrey website reports that African American women are 72% of all new cases of women with HIV. Sixty-seven percent of African American women contract the virus through heterosexual relationships.
There have been several assumptions for the rapid increase of this disease among African American women. The CDC says substance use, not knowing one’s status, other sexually transmitted diseases, socioeconomic issues and concealing homosexual behavior are just some of the suspected determinants. One of the most prevalent and recent studies has been conducted on sexual risk factors and 48% of African American men in 2005 had reported male to male contact as the primary risk factor for them contracting HIV and Aids. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the CDC is examining one group called “men on the down low” to see how they could be spreading the infection among African American women.
The newspaper describes “men on the down low” as men who have sexual relations with other men in private, while keeping their heterosexual identity public. These men are suspected of passing HIV and Aids on to their wives and girlfriends. New York Times best selling author JL Kingappeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and others to promote his book that spoke out about prominent public figures that live “on the down low”. This was many people’s first knowledge of the group because it is often kept a secret. An article in the San Francisco Chronicle reports that men that practice this type of lifestyle find it difficult to tell people about their homosexual relationships because of the stigma attached to being gay. According to the Aids Institute in Los Angeles, many of these men don’t identify with being gay even though they have private relationships with men. These men have been exposed and deemed as living double lives. The CDC is currently conducting five studies that are among the first to examine how White, African American, Asian and Latino men fit the “down low” profile and determine whether or not this has a role in infecting women with HIV.
The newspaper describes “men on the down low” as men who have sexual relations with other men in private, while keeping their heterosexual identity public. These men are suspected of passing HIV and Aids on to their wives and girlfriends. New York Times best selling author JL Kingappeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and others to promote his book that spoke out about prominent public figures that live “on the down low”. This was many people’s first knowledge of the group because it is often kept a secret. An article in the San Francisco Chronicle reports that men that practice this type of lifestyle find it difficult to tell people about their homosexual relationships because of the stigma attached to being gay. According to the Aids Institute in Los Angeles, many of these men don’t identify with being gay even though they have private relationships with men. These men have been exposed and deemed as living double lives. The CDC is currently conducting five studies that are among the first to examine how White, African American, Asian and Latino men fit the “down low” profile and determine whether or not this has a role in infecting women with HIV.
According to David Bloom, a professor at Harvard University, another alleged contributing factor the high rate of African American women being infected with Aids could be the resurgence of previously incarcerated African American men into the community. Several cases have shown that some African American men have entered prison HIV negative but return to civil society HIV positive. When these men are released they return to relationships with women.
Aids continues to be a hightened subject of debate in both social and political settings. The government has proposed The United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief to disperse medical support out to various countries. Although global efforts seem to be one of the main focuses of World AIDS Day, HIV and Aids is still on the rise locally. According to the Aids Community Resource Center in Syracuse New York, New York State continues to have the largest population of individuals living HIV and Aids. Although financial support has been cut for the state in programs such as the Ryan White Care Act, local organizations are still mobilizing to raise awareness among the general public. According to ACR, the fight against Aids requires the effortsof all people, and as an organization it will continue to provide prevention, education and support services to those infected and affected by Aids. Aids is no longer “their” problem but is now a problem that could potential affect us all.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
How Long Before Your Shows Go Dark?
“Network bosses, rich and rude...we don't like your attitude!”
It’s been exactly one month, and your favorite TV show might be feeling the effects of the writers strike.
Television shows like "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," "The Colbert Report" and "Saturday Night Live" are already airing reruns. Some midseason shows, beginning in January, like "24," are suspended until a new season can air continuously without interruption. Viewers now have to find alternatives to some of their favorite scripted shows, such as “The Office, “The Big Bang Theory” and “Heroes,” because production has stopped indefinitely. (Check out how many epidsodes are left for your favorite shows at TV Guide's Strike Chart.)
REALITY & ANIMATION
Another ease of dispute is how the WGA's Minimum Basic Agreement should apply to other reality television. Many producers of reality programming argue that since these shows are mostly, if not entirely, unscripted, there is no writer. The Writers Guild of America believes that the process of creating interesting scenarios, culling raw material, and shaping it into a narrative with conflict and storyline does constitute as writing and should fall under its contract.
Some late-night shows will be back on air. CNN.com reports that on December 3, NBC's "Last Call" with Carson Daly became the first late-night show to return to the air with fresh episodes since the Hollywood writers' strike began. Daly is not a member of the writers guild and produciton on his talk show, which tapes several days ahead, resumed to save members of his staff from being layed off.
"I said, 'Let's turn the lights on, I'm gonna come back.' It's that simple," Daly said on the show.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR CNY?
The general public questions whether their favorite TV shows will continue airing new episodes, while the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, faculty and students are concerned about how the strike will affect the television and film industry. The writers' strike could affect Newhouse students who want to be writers. What will happen for them after graduation? An article from TMCnet, talks about how one Syracuse alum is left unemployed by the strike.
The last such strike was the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike; it lasted 22 weeks, costing the American entertainment industry an estimated 500 million dollars. Currently this strike has lasted 6 weeks so far and could cost CBS, ABC and Fox a combined $300 million. It is unclear how long the present strike will continue, though insiders say a settlement is unlikely before the start of 2008.
It’s been exactly one month, and your favorite TV show might be feeling the effects of the writers strike.
Television shows like "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," "The Colbert Report" and "Saturday Night Live" are already airing reruns. Some midseason shows, beginning in January, like "24," are suspended until a new season can air continuously without interruption. Viewers now have to find alternatives to some of their favorite scripted shows, such as “The Office, “The Big Bang Theory” and “Heroes,” because production has stopped indefinitely. (Check out how many epidsodes are left for your favorite shows at TV Guide's Strike Chart.)
With over 12,000 writers affected by the strike, who primarily work on live-action, script-driven television programs, soon primetime will consist of heavy doses of reality, game shows and reruns.
And it’s not just behind-the-scenes people who are walking the picket line, many celebrities also support the strike. Such events like “Bring A Star to Picket with You” allowed actors to join in the picking. The Tonight Show" host Jay Leno rolled up to a picket line on his motorcycle with doughnuts for striking writers at NBC. Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus marched with picketers at Warner Bros. and in New York, Tina Fey of "30 Rock" joined strikers outside Rockefeller Center. (There is also a long list of over two hundred celebrities that are striking and many more who support the strike in general.)
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
The Writers Guild of America, both east and west, are two labor unions that represent film, television and radio writers working in the United States. The strike is against The Alliance of Motion Picutre and Television Producers, a trade organization that represents the interests of American film and television producers.
Every three years, the Writers Guilds negotiate a new basic contract with the Alliance of Motion Picutre and Television Producers by which its members are employed.
The three main reseasons for the strike: DVDs, reality and animation agreements and the Internet.
DVDs
In 1988, the Writer's Guild went on strike over the home video market. At that time, the entertainment companies argued that home video was an unproven market, with an expensive delivery channel manufacturing VHS. Movies were selling in the range of between $40-$100 per tape, and the writer's guild accepted a formula in which a writer would receive a small (0.3%) percentage of the first million of reportable gross (and 0.36% after) of each tape sold. As manufacturing costs for video tapes dropped dramatically and the home video market exploded, writers realized that agreeing to this formula may have been a mistake.
Debuting in 1997, DVDs replaced the more expensive VHS tapes slowly until they became the dominant format around 2001 and eventually became less expensive to produce, market and purchase, while the previous VHS residual formula continued to apply.
The members of the Writer’s Guild of America claim that a writer's profits made from subsequent airings or purchases of a program, are a necessary part of a writer's income that is typically relied upon during periods of unemployment that are common in the writing industry. The WGA has requested a doubling of the rate for DVD sales, which is eight cents (up from four cents) per DVD sold.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has refused to consider changing the formula. They say that DVD sales are necessary to offset rising production and marketing costs.
Every three years, the Writers Guilds negotiate a new basic contract with the Alliance of Motion Picutre and Television Producers by which its members are employed.
The three main reseasons for the strike: DVDs, reality and animation agreements and the Internet.
DVDs
In 1988, the Writer's Guild went on strike over the home video market. At that time, the entertainment companies argued that home video was an unproven market, with an expensive delivery channel manufacturing VHS. Movies were selling in the range of between $40-$100 per tape, and the writer's guild accepted a formula in which a writer would receive a small (0.3%) percentage of the first million of reportable gross (and 0.36% after) of each tape sold. As manufacturing costs for video tapes dropped dramatically and the home video market exploded, writers realized that agreeing to this formula may have been a mistake.
Debuting in 1997, DVDs replaced the more expensive VHS tapes slowly until they became the dominant format around 2001 and eventually became less expensive to produce, market and purchase, while the previous VHS residual formula continued to apply.
The members of the Writer’s Guild of America claim that a writer's profits made from subsequent airings or purchases of a program, are a necessary part of a writer's income that is typically relied upon during periods of unemployment that are common in the writing industry. The WGA has requested a doubling of the rate for DVD sales, which is eight cents (up from four cents) per DVD sold.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers has refused to consider changing the formula. They say that DVD sales are necessary to offset rising production and marketing costs.
REALITY & ANIMATION
Another ease of dispute is how the WGA's Minimum Basic Agreement should apply to other reality television. Many producers of reality programming argue that since these shows are mostly, if not entirely, unscripted, there is no writer. The Writers Guild of America believes that the process of creating interesting scenarios, culling raw material, and shaping it into a narrative with conflict and storyline does constitute as writing and should fall under its contract.
The Writers Guild of America has an ongoing disagreement with The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, also known as The Animation Guild about which union should represent animation writers. The only animated television programs that are affected by the strike are "The Simpsons," "Family Guy," "King of the Hill" and "American Dad."
INTERNET
Writers also want royalties from "new media," all the various places their works are now distributed, including Internet downloads, streaming and "on-demand."
Currently, the WGA has no arrangement with the companies regarding the use of content online. There are two specific types. The first is Internet sales where the consumer purchases a copy of the program and downloads it to a local storage device for subsequent viewing at their convenience. Examples include movies and television shows purchased through the iTunes Store. The second is "streaming video", the consumer watches a program in real time as it is transmitted to their computer but is usually not saved. Current examples of this model include those available at NBC.com, ABC.com and CBS.com.
The WGA has proposed that writers receive 2.5% of distributor's gross for new-media sales and distribution. The companies have thus far refused to address this proposal, and have instead proposed that Internet sales follow the same formula as DVD sales.
AGAINST THE WGA?
Some late-night shows will be back on air. CNN.com reports that on December 3, NBC's "Last Call" with Carson Daly became the first late-night show to return to the air with fresh episodes since the Hollywood writers' strike began. Daly is not a member of the writers guild and produciton on his talk show, which tapes several days ahead, resumed to save members of his staff from being layed off."I said, 'Let's turn the lights on, I'm gonna come back.' It's that simple," Daly said on the show.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR CNY?
The general public questions whether their favorite TV shows will continue airing new episodes, while the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, faculty and students are concerned about how the strike will affect the television and film industry. The writers' strike could affect Newhouse students who want to be writers. What will happen for them after graduation? An article from TMCnet, talks about how one Syracuse alum is left unemployed by the strike.
The last such strike was the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike; it lasted 22 weeks, costing the American entertainment industry an estimated 500 million dollars. Currently this strike has lasted 6 weeks so far and could cost CBS, ABC and Fox a combined $300 million. It is unclear how long the present strike will continue, though insiders say a settlement is unlikely before the start of 2008.
A Great Holiday Escape
Central New York winter weather already got you down? If winter isn’t really your thing, maybe it’s time to get out of the area. Why not a jaunt down to South Africa for a little safari? For starters, if you’re already sick of the cold, seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. So winter here equals summer in South Africa! In fact, Kruger National Park is offering special Christmas safari packages specifically for travelers that want to get away from the usual holiday experience. The Christmas packages involve a 4-5 day safari including a special dinner and several game drives. Game drives generally occur in the early morning or evening, offering the chance to see the variety of animals that are active at different times of the day. Game drive vehicles are equipped with handheld spotlights on the window-side seats. These come in handy during night drives, when guides tell riders to swirl the lights around outside of the vehicle, hoping to catch the eyes of an animal. Big predatory cats’ eyes reflect a different color than other animals l
ike impalas or waterbucks. During a night drive, visitors are advised to keep quiet as to not scare off the animals. Guides provide blankets in the vehicle as the sun goes down and the temperatures drop. Riders are often permitted to bring a small cooler with them on a night drive, and alcohol is allowed, making for quite a special evening.The Kruger National Park website says that game viewing is best in the morning, encouraging travelers to seek the Big Five. The Big Five - lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard - are major animals that can be tricky to find while on safari. Park guides communicate via radio during game drives, letting each other know where lions, for example, might be found that day. That way, they can make sure that people on the game drives get to see as many animals as possible.
Plants and animals are dispersed throughout the Park, and there’s certainly no guarantee that you’ll get to see everything on your list. Kruger National Park provides extensive maps that show where particular plants and animals can often be found. The Park also has detailed documentation of the wildlife, focusing on endangered species. Large safari parks like this one give travelers the chance to observe animals in as natural a setting as possible. However, Park guides do caution visitors to remain aware of the fact that these animals are un-caged and wild. Kruger National Park guides advise visitors to take normal precautions when on safari. Guides make sure to discuss safety, whether game viewing is done from a vehicle or on foot. The Park’s website says that while in some areas animals may be more familiar with people, they should never be teased or fed. You never know how an animal will respond, and the balance in the Park could be upset. The Park is home to a variety of species, including some potentially dangerous ones like snakes, scorpions, spiders, and inse
cts. Kruger National Park’s website says that generally, few visitors encounter problems with the animals. In lodging areas, the Park provides mosquito nets and other insect proofing. They do advise visitors to wear enclosed walking shoes, socks, and long pants as a precaution, however.These are not the only tips the Park offers for proper attire while on safari. Their main suggestion is to travel light. While most people dress for warm weather during the day, the Park’s website recommends long-sleeves and pants for the evening because temperatures drop and mosquitoes become more active. For daytime, loose cotton shirts are recommended in khaki, brown, olive, or beige colors if you hope to see wildlife. White is not a good color to wear if you’re going on a game drive or walk because it increases your visibility to the animals. Additionally, be sure to pack a sweater or light jacket for game drives because evenings can get chilly even in the summer. Layering is your best bet while on safari.
Kruger National Park offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from resort hotels to restcamp sites. Restcamp sites are especially good for those that prefer to independently enjoy the Park. Most restcamps have bungalow accommodations as well as safari tents and camping sites. The Crocodile Bridge Restcamp is particularly popular for those wishing to pursue the Big Five. There is a Laundromat, small grocery store, and even a liquor store at Crocodile Bridge. Staying at a restcamp such as this one certainly ensures that visitors have a more authentic safari experience than if they stay at a hotel or outside the Park itself.
To get to Kruger National Park, flying…is your only option from Syracuse. If you plan to visit the southern section of the Park, the destination airport is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). If you’re going to the central section, fly into Hoedspruit Airport. And if you’re headed for the north section, Phalaborwa Airport. SAAirlink and Nationwide Airlines are the airlines that fly into these airports. SAA is the only airline that travels between Johannesburg and KMIA, as well as Johannesburg and Phalaborwa Airport. So coming from Central New York, it’ll be quite a journey. First from here to maybe JFK then onto perhaps Amsterdam in order to reach Johannesburg. You can also fly into either Durban or Cape Town. Both cities have daily flights that will get you to Kruger National Park. Then it’s up to you! If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a car and drive through the Park at your own pace to see the animals and wildlife. Either way, if you go now, you’ll escape the snow.
Take Me Out to the Sticky Wicket
The game of cricket is wildly popular around the world but has never really caught on in the United States. The sport does have a presence at various levels, though, in America and in Central New York. And that presence has been growing in recent years.Syracuse University, where currently 9% of the student population is made up of international students, offers several options to students looking for cricket action. In 1991, it became one of the first schools in the nation to add cricket to its intramural schedule. The inagural match was featured in The New York Times. Syracuse is also one of a handful of colleges and universities in the region and around the state to have a cricket club team. The student-run team organizes matches against nearby schools during a season which stretches from May to October. During the winter, the students play weekly indoor pickup matches among the members of the team. In recent years Syracuse has scheduled matches with the Cornell University Cricket Club, the Sodas Bay Cricket Club, and the Rochester Cricket Club.
In other areas intercollegiate cricket is becoming more organized. The Intercollegiate Cricket League was created in 2004 among schools in the area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The league, which was started by Temple University's cricket club team, organizes a tournament among the schools every semester. Earlier this year, dreamcricket.com featured a story on the founding of the tournament. The author wrote that cricket had all but disappeared in the United States until 2004, "which is when intercollegiate cricket saw a rebirth thanks mainly to the initiative of the cricket club of Temple University." The event has doubled in size since its creation, now including ten teams. Temple University is the defending champion.
Cricket is played between two teams, each with eleven players. The ball used is a hard cork or wooden ball covered in leather. The bat is a thin flat paddle with a handle similar to, but harder than, a tennis raquet. One team bats until all of its players are out, then the teams switch. The goal is to score more runs than your opponent. Games can last hours or even days. The game is played on a field called a pitch. At either end of the field is a wicket, which is three stumps in the ground with two horizontal pieces of wood, called bails, across the top. The batsman stands at one wicket, the pitcher, called the bowler, stands at the other. The bowler pitches the ball and the batsman tries to hit it. If he hits the ball, he runs betweens the wickets to score runs. Each wicket reached is worth one run. The player can continue to score runs until the other team is able to get him out. Fielders can get the batsman out by throwing the ball and hitting one of the wickets when the batter is not touching it. The batsman is also out if a hit ball is caught in the air or if the bowler throws the ball by him and knocks over the bails behind him.New York City has taken one of the largest steps in introducing cricket to the mainstream. The city's Public Schools Athletic League has announced that it will initiate a Cricket Pilot Program in the spring of 2008. Over the summer, the PSAL organized several clinics to teach the basics and guage interest in the sport. The Daily News reported that at one such event in Queens a hundred students turned out, and the PSAL decided there was sufficient interest to go ahead with the program. Six schools in Brooklyn and Queens have signed on so far to form a team and take part in the program. Those schools have received $2,500 from the city in order to purchase cricket equipment. Dharmvir Gehlant, a high school math teacher and Indian immigrant, says he hopes to coach his school's team. He told The Daily News he was optimistic that the cricket pilot program would be a huge boost for his favorite sport, saying, "If you launch from the schools, it will take one generation to really popularize it, but I believe cricket can be as popular as baseball or basketball." In order to teach more students about cricket, the USA Cricket Association is putting together instructional materials that will be included in next year's physical education curriculum.
Participation in the game of cricket in New York City extends beyond the school-aged population. PSAL officials say they got the idea for the cricket program from watching adult-league matches throughout the city. The city's Department of Parks and Recreation currently grants permits to seven leagues, and maintains designated cricket fields in every borough. The department has even put together this video about the growing popularity of the sport. In May, the city held the inuagural Mayor's Cup Cricket Tournament featuring 28 of New York's top league teams.
Despite the inroads it has made, cricket still has a way to go in being accepted into the American mainstream. The successes the sport has achieved have been tempered by failures as well. In 2004 an ind
ependent group launched Pro Cricket, the first professional cricket league in the United States. Eight franchises were established, in major cities from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. Several rules changes were introduced to add speed and action to the game and make it more exciting for American viewers. The league struggled due to poor attendance, however, and folded after one season. The San Francisco freedom won the lone championship.
ependent group launched Pro Cricket, the first professional cricket league in the United States. Eight franchises were established, in major cities from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. Several rules changes were introduced to add speed and action to the game and make it more exciting for American viewers. The league struggled due to poor attendance, however, and folded after one season. The San Francisco freedom won the lone championship.The record of new professional sports leagues making it in the United States is not promising for a game like cricket. But for now, it continues to grow at the grassroots level. Players and enthusiasts are finding more outlets to enjoy the game they love. And people who didn't know anything about cricket are being exposed to it in their schools, universities, and communities. A sport that once was known only internationally is making its presence felt in America.
Photos courtesy of the Associated Press.
Slow Down Your Fork and Cut the Pork in Central New York
Central New York has a weight problem. Close to two-thirds of people in Central New York are obese or overweight (63%), according to a study released this fall by Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. The study found that more than one-third of the region's population (36%) is overweight, and 27 percent are obese. These percentages mirror what the report described as the national average for both obesity prevalence and overweight prevalence. However, the study also found that the percentage of people in CNY who are obese exceeds the national average by more than one percent.
The report also discusses how being overweight and/or obese greatly increases a person's risks for health problems. A person who is overweight is 142 percent more likely to get Diabetes (Type 2) compared to a person with a healthy weight. These health problems are costing Upstate New York an extra $1.1 billion in health care costs, according to the report. It also says Central New York is spending $233 million more in health care because of its overweight/obese population.
The Excellus report shows that health problems caused by being overweight and/or obese are a problem nationwide, and Upstate New York is no exception. Therefore, I have created this blog entry to help the 6 out of every 10 people in the region who are overweight and/or obese lose weight.
ARE YOU READY TO LOSE WEIGHT?
Before committing yourself to a weight loss plan, make sure you are 100 percent ready to lose weight. If you’re not ready to make a lifestyle change to lose weight, you won’t be able to maintain your weight loss. The MayoClinic provides a number of questions to ask yourself to judge how ready you are to lose weight.
FDA BROCHURE:
The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) provides a helpful brochure on its website about how to safely lose weight. It recommends that men and women eat 300 to 500 fewer calories every day to lose between 1 and 2 pounds a week. To achieve this weight loss, the FDA suggests fast walking or any other form of exercising for at least 30 minutes several days a week. When losing weight your metabolism may slow-down, and the FDA says physical activity may lessen that effect. It also advocates cutting down the number of fried and sugary foods one eats, and increasing the amount of high fiber foods you eat. Bright colored vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and lean meats with high protein content are recommended. In addition, the FDA suggests eating a variety of foods and avoiding fad diets. These fad diets, including the cabbage soup diet, the low-carbohydrate diet and high protein diet, contradict federal nutrition dietary guidelines that suggest eating a variety of foods rather than one type of food. The FDA does not recommend use of diet pills without a prescription, because it says these pills will not make a difference in how much weight you lose or how long you keep the weight off.
BMI:
The FDA suggests people who are ready to lose weight set a realistic goal for themselves by using a Body Mass Index (BMI) chart and talking to a physician. The BMI is used by health professionals to determine if a person is healthy, overweight or obese. The measurement compares a person’s body weight with their height; find out yours by using this interactive BMI calculator. And refer to the FDA’s BMI chart to determine if your weight is healthy or not. The FDA states that a BMI between 18.5 and 25 indicates a healthy weight, a BMI between 25 and 30 means that you are overweight, and you are obese if you have a BMI of 30 or higher.
LOVE EATING OUT?
The FDA provides the following tips for how to maintain your weight loss program while still enjoying meals out:
1) Avoid fried foods; instead opt for broiled, baked, roasted, poached or stir-fried items
2) Share main dishes and desserts with your dining partner.
3) Ask for dressings/sauces on the side, and don’t use very much.
4) Take half of your meal home with you.
DIET ADVICE WEBSITES:
In addition to FDA weight loss recommendations, there are a plethora of weight loss websites to help you pick and choose a diet plan that is right for you. To get your search started, check out Every Diet. This website includes a large list of the various weight loss diets with brief but informative descriptions of each.
Diet blog should be your next destination. This blog is written by health and fitness experts who filter through the latest weight loss news and advice, and provide their opinion on it to readers. It is built on the premise that weight loss is individualistic, and different plans work for different people. Make sure to click on the tab titled "Diet Reviews." This section provides detailed reviews of more than 35 diet books and programs, including several you might not have heard of, like the California Wine Country Diet.
WeKnowDiets.com is a good place to get information about a number of weight loss products, like diet pills, diet videos and diet books. It provides a brief synopsis of each product along with reviews.
Another website to find weight loss information is Lose Weight Group. This site is relatively new and still under construction, but it describes itself as the "complete online resource designed to teach people how to lose weight and keep it off for the long term." It has a Beginners Guide to Losing Weight, links to various weight loss articles, suggestions for healthy meal plans and recipes, and reviews of various diets. And, in addition to providing information about weight loss, Lose Weight Group provides a discussion form where participants can talk about the trials and tribulations of weight loss.
Yahoo! Health encourages individuals to be careful when deciding on a weight loss plan, describing a lot of diet advice as misleading and possibly dangerous. It provides a list of diet strategies that can potentially be dangerous, including diet pills, fasting and diuretics.
WEBSITES ABOUT SPECIFIC DIETS:
One of the most popular and controversial diets in the 21st century is the Atkins Diet. The diet allows individuals to eat lots of fatty meats and dairy products, but severely restricts a person's intake of carbohydrates, found in white potatoes or pasta. WebMD.com provides an excellent description of what the Atkins diet is, what you can eat while on it, how it works, and what experts have to say about the diet. If you're looking for an alternate opinion about the Atkins diet, check out atskinsexposed.org. This website was created by Dr. Michael Greger to teach the public that the Atkins diet is "unhealthy and can be dangerous." Dr. Greger supports his argument with various expert opinions and facts about the diet.
Another weight loss plan that has gained popularity in the past decade involves the fast food chain Subway. After Jared Fogel lost 245 pounds eating a Subway sandwich for lunch and dinner everyday for one year, people coined his weight loss plan "The Subway Diet." WeKnowDiets.com discusses how this diet plan works and its problems, including boredom and high costs. The Diet Channel website provides similar information.
Living Light provides a diet plan that involves the use of hypnosis to achieve your weight loss goals. The diet's creators state that hypnosis can help people remain motivated while losing weight by altering their belief system.
For a detailed overview of the popular South Beach Diet, check out this page on Yahoo! Health. You might avoid having to buy the book about this diet if you read this description of how to use this diet.
Make sure to sift through all of these websites carefully before making a decision about what diet plan is right for you. Remember, in order to lose weight and keep it off successfully, you must be ready to change your lifestyle. And you'll want to design a weight loss plan that you can stick with.
Photos Provided by Associated Press
The Evolution of the NFL Black Quarterback
Look at a collection of current black quarterbacks at the end of last season. They all have to be thankful for the past. You may not know that the first black quarterback to ever step foot on a pro football field and take a snap was an fitting name - Willie Thrower. He was a back-up quarterback for the Chicago Bears when he took the field. It was the start of the introduction of the black quarterback leading their teams. Granted, Thrower's appearance was not as formal and moving as Jackie Robinson's first appearance. Thrower lasted only that one game against the 49ers, going 3-8 passing and his life after football was much different than Robinson's life after baseball. Nonetheless it was a start to what had become a subject of controversy and a step to fame. All of the current quarterbacks now are thankful for those who paved the way to the success of the black quarterback.It is an old saying that you can not understand the present without understanding the past. So with that, here are some names from the past you may never had heard of. Eldridge Dickey of 
Tennessee State University was setting records in HBCU (Historically Black College & Universities) football in the late 1960s. Part of the complaints about black quarterbacks that sometimes comes up even today is that black quarterbacks lack the leadership or intelligence to lead a team to a championship. Dickey had to fight a stereotype that black players were better off playing at receiver or at running back. The first to be drafted in the first round was Marlin Briscoe. In fact, he was the first black quarterback to ever start a game, in 1968 for the Broncos. Briscoe was drafted in the first round by Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders. Marlin Briscoe was good in college but was quickly asked to switch positions.
Tennessee State University was setting records in HBCU (Historically Black College & Universities) football in the late 1960s. Part of the complaints about black quarterbacks that sometimes comes up even today is that black quarterbacks lack the leadership or intelligence to lead a team to a championship. Dickey had to fight a stereotype that black players were better off playing at receiver or at running back. The first to be drafted in the first round was Marlin Briscoe. In fact, he was the first black quarterback to ever start a game, in 1968 for the Broncos. Briscoe was drafted in the first round by Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders. Marlin Briscoe was good in college but was quickly asked to switch positions.Another one of the legendary HBCU programs was legendary Grambling State and Head Coach Eddie Robinson. 
Drafted out the 8th round, James Harris led them to a 24-5-1 record at Grambling State as a starter but even Coach Robinson
forewarned him of the chances of him getting to play quarterback in the NFL. After a stint with the Bills where he did not play quarterback, the Rams picked him up and Coach Chuck Knox picked him up and in 1974 he was playing quarterback. James Harris became the first quarterback to start in the playoffs. Harris considered himself a pocket passer and had a 12 year career and wound up getting a front office position with Jacksonville in the early part of this decade.
Drafted out the 8th round, James Harris led them to a 24-5-1 record at Grambling State as a starter but even Coach Robinson
forewarned him of the chances of him getting to play quarterback in the NFL. After a stint with the Bills where he did not play quarterback, the Rams picked him up and Coach Chuck Knox picked him up and in 1974 he was playing quarterback. James Harris became the first quarterback to start in the playoffs. Harris considered himself a pocket passer and had a 12 year career and wound up getting a front office position with Jacksonville in the early part of this decade.After the success of Harris, the increase in black quarterbacks in the pros started to grow among coaches and players. Warren Moon was a quarterback at Washington and a short stint and a community college, and did not experience too much racism out in Seattle. At Washington, he led them to a Rose Bowl victory to his time there, but went undrafted by the NFL. So Moon stayed near Seattle playing in the CFL in Edmonton. 
Many black quarterbacks had to go to CFL to play quarterback including Chuck Ealey and Sandy Stephens of Minnesota. Stephens was 4th in Heisman voting in college but wound up playing for the Montreal Alouettes. Warren Moon dominated in his six-year stay in Edmonton. Finally picked up as a free agent in Houston, Moon still had lots to prove. The run-and shoot offense Jack Pardee used really showed Warren Moon brilliance in a passing oriented offense. Moon's stats got him a place in the Hall of Fame, the first black quarterback to do so.
Many black quarterbacks had to go to CFL to play quarterback including Chuck Ealey and Sandy Stephens of Minnesota. Stephens was 4th in Heisman voting in college but wound up playing for the Montreal Alouettes. Warren Moon dominated in his six-year stay in Edmonton. Finally picked up as a free agent in Houston, Moon still had lots to prove. The run-and shoot offense Jack Pardee used really showed Warren Moon brilliance in a passing oriented offense. Moon's stats got him a place in the Hall of Fame, the first black quarterback to do so.The old and defunct USFL in the early to mid 80s paved another route for black quarterbacks along with the NFL strike that opened up black quarterbacks to play. The quarterback who had the most talent of the quarterbacks that played during the strike was Willie Totten. Totten went to Mississippi Valley State, quarterbacking for Jerry Rice, and one of their conference rivals was Grambling State and Doug Williams. Williams was a USFL quarterback for the Oklahoma Outlaws and a first round choice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, starting from 1980-82. Williams would move on the bigger 
things, and a much bigger stage. Playing in Tampa Bay was harsh times for Williams, facing hate mail, criticism and, like many of the predecessors that braved playing quarterback in pro football, racism from the southern city's fan base. He wrote about it in his book Quarterback: Shattering the NFL Myth (included are some editorial reviews). Williams moved on to Washington and Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs after he thought he was done playing football while coaching at Southern University in Baton Rouge. Gibbs needed a veteran back-up to starter Jay Schroeder. Schroeder was battling injuries and at play-off time, Williams was tabbed as the starter. Williams led the Redskins to 
the Super Bowl XXII against the Broncos and John Elway. 4 Touchdowns in the 2nd quarter led to a game that would change the perceptions of black quarterbacks on the pro football field.
things, and a much bigger stage. Playing in Tampa Bay was harsh times for Williams, facing hate mail, criticism and, like many of the predecessors that braved playing quarterback in pro football, racism from the southern city's fan base. He wrote about it in his book Quarterback: Shattering the NFL Myth (included are some editorial reviews). Williams moved on to Washington and Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs after he thought he was done playing football while coaching at Southern University in Baton Rouge. Gibbs needed a veteran back-up to starter Jay Schroeder. Schroeder was battling injuries and at play-off time, Williams was tabbed as the starter. Williams led the Redskins to 
the Super Bowl XXII against the Broncos and John Elway. 4 Touchdowns in the 2nd quarter led to a game that would change the perceptions of black quarterbacks on the pro football field. Before Super Bowl XXII in San Diego, one the media was seemingly fascinated by the fact that Doug Williams was a black quarterback and doing well. The previous link explains the media's handling of Doug Williams. William's never really understood the impact of his win, but this article copied onto a blog. explains how William's second chance in the NFL turned out to a great decision for Gibbs and the first super bowl ring for a black quarterback. Williams went on to coach at his Alma mater Grambling State and at Morehouse College but now holds a position in office with his first team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He may considered for nomination in to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
These men have led to the present day black quarterback success. The NFL has evolved into a league where a mobile quarterback is a plus and there although statements are made that black quarterbacks are running quarterbacks it does not deter them from succeeding. In the previous link, the Philadelphia chapter of the NAACP says Syracuse University alum Donovan McNabb does not run enough. This link goes more into black quarterbacks around today such as McNabb, Steve McNair, and David Gerrard. At one point last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars featured three black quarterbacks (read the Wilbon column). Black quarterbacks still have to fight off media reaction to their play, like in 2004 when Rush Limbaugh attacked Donovan McNabb's play (may come up as Adobe pdf file and take a little while to load). It set off a controversy only after McNabb addressed how Limbaugh's statements should be taken seriously.
McNabb, along with Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair have led their teams to Super Bowls this decade, both losing the New England Patriots and the St. Louis Rams respectively. McNabb's Philadelphia Eagles have three black quarterback to start the majority of seasons the past two decades in Randall Cunningham, who was all everything, (check out the punt, the longest punt recorded in Eagle history, on the right under related videos, you will understand). In 1987, Cunningham was the third quarterback to get into the Pro Bowl game after James Harris and Warren Moon. He also opened up a path for the running quarterback such as last year's rookie of the year Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans, although struggling in the passing game this year and last year's quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons' Michael Vick, and Kordell Stewart who use to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, although used as wide receiver at various point throughout games.
Looking back at the way Doug Williams moved the offense in Super Bowl XXII and the way Steve McNair and the Titans fought back in Super Bowl XXXIV just goes to show that black quarterbacks can be leaders have consistently good seasons. In 1999, the NFL draft included three black quarterbacks in the first round. Jamarcus Russell out of LSU was the first pick in this year's draft. All of them owe Willie Thrower and Marlin Briscoe everything to do what they love on a weekly basis.
all images courtesy of Google Images
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