Comparing Articles: The Debate Over the College Football System

For this week’s blog, I am comparing two articles: one in favor of a college football playoff system, and one against it.

In this first article, while arguing for the playoff system, the author speaks of the fan interest and the lucrative opportunity involved in an expansion of the season. He also refers to the Commissioners of the BCS and how their stubbornness’s and reluctance to conform and progress it is what is holding back this operation. His best argument is in relation to the college basketball system. There is always room for the underdog to succeed, whereas in football a small conference school could go undefeated and miss out on a bowl game. A favorable playoff system would eliminate this situation all together.

On the other hand, in this article, the author explains the flaws in an argument for the college playoff system. First and foremost, he argues that this would extend the season. An extension of the season would result in more student athletes missing school; something that everyone can agree is not the best solution. Another argument he makes refers to something that is called “Mission Creep”. Mission creep is when an idea in itself is strong, but when it’s put into action and slightly tweaked here and there the outcome is far from the original idea and is usually flawed. He also adds than in order to fill out playoff seats, tickets will be given to corporate sponsors, which will in turn take away from the atmosphere that a typical college football game possesses.

The most convincing article to me was the first one, yet I’ll admit I’m fairly biased. The second article though did give me insight on subjects I did not put into consideration. The fact that students would be missing classes is a big fallacy and I hope that if there’s is a playoff system there would be away around that. Personally, I feel that if everyone involved could work together and fault free college football playoff system can, and will be established.

Hey, even Obama is in favor of it!

"Preparing a Meal"

My friend is a big fan of eating sushi, so I thought it would be nice if I were able to make her some spicy tuna rolls. The thing is, it turned out to be more complicated than I had presumed. First, I had to plan the meal. The ingredients that I was going to need were 2 cups of sushi rice, 2-3 nori sheets (otherwise known as seaweed) 150 grams of Tuna Filet and some spicy mayonnaise to add the flavor. I had to go to several food markets, as they all did not carry the specific ingredients. For the spicy mayonnaise, I borrowed some from a sushi chef on State Street. I also needed a bamboo sushi roll mat, which proved to be very useful.

To begin my preparation I began by cutting the tuna in to various pieces approximately three centimeters thick and fifteen centimeters long. As I did that, I also began to cook the rice which. When it was ready, I drained it in my friends rice cooker and added four cups of water. To improve the texture, I let the rice drain for a half hour in the refrigerator. I then removed it and gently stirred it for a few minutes until it looked good.

I then began a process that is not as easy as it seems. I laid out the bamboo mat and placed a piece of seaweed over it. On top of the seaweed, I spread out a thin layer of the rice. Next I placed the tuna over the rice and added some of the chef’s special sauce. I then rolled up the sushi, which took several tries, but eventually worked. I cut it into 12 pieces and my meal was ready for consumption. Overall, I was pretty impressed by my work.

Polan claims that there “are a flood of damaging innovations such as low fat processed food”. I agree with Polan, but unfortunately, as a society grows progressions will happen and I believe that this was inevitable no matter what the circumstances. The meal that I created used all natural ingredients so I believe that if you are looking to eat healthy, you will be able to do so, you just have to watch what you’re eating and be knowledgeable of outside claims.

This article relates to Polan’s claims as the author speaks about different ways for food to become more low fat. The author’s work is proof of Polan’s thesis that there is an American public acceptance of his “flood of damaging innovations” as the author has various suggestions about decreasing the

Peer Response to Austin's Celebrity Endorsement

For this weeks response I read Austin’s blog regarding Tiger’s Gatorade endorsement. I actually remember when his own line of Gatorade came out and I was rather appealed. To me though, the flavors were a little bit off and after the first few tries I stuck to my usual consumption of the regular yellow Gatorade. Still, I saw countless amounts of my friends drinking Gatorade Tiger or whatever it was called. This was a great relationship as it made both Tiger money and resulted in many Gatorade with Tigers name on it.

Austin did a good job explaining the endorsement deal and also clarifying how his deal was now dropped in light of his sex scandal and marital affairs. I find it funny how Gatorade was willing to throw so much money into an investment with Tiger and how when one thing goes wrong they quickly drop him. Also, it is interesting how Nike stuck by his side, as they had no real other choice as there entire golfing line is based off of Tiger Woods.

After reading Austin’s blog and addressing the situation, it is quite clear that celebrity endorsements are all about image; ands when that image falls so does your endorsement.