Sunday, September 29, 2013

Newslinc Critique

Newlinc looks very much like a real news station website.

It is very simplistic and easy to navigate. The top bar has your basic categories including, weather, sports and news.

I think the twitter bar should be updated and that would definitely be very cool.
Overall, I like the idea of this and it is a good way for us as the students to learn whats to come in the real world.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

The 2013 Boston Red Sox

The 2013 Boston Red Sox are the perfect example of a team that has gone from worst to first. For a team that looked like they were on the down fall, to turn the season around like they did has been absolutely remarkable. First and foremost it starts with the manager. Having Bobby Valentine as a manager for the Red Sox was one of the worst hirings that this team has done in a long while. Bringing back John Farrel though was probably one of the best decisions that Ben Cherrington could have made for the upcoming season. And for only having to give up who? Mike Aviles? Yes please and thank you.

Another factor has been the players that Cherrington brought in for this season. New players such as Mike Napoli, Johnny Gomes, Mike Carp, Stephen Drew, Koji Uehara, David Ross, Ryan Dempster, Jake Peavy, were not just brought in as their skills as a baseball players, but their presence in the club house as well. All of these players are leaders in the club house and that is exactly what the 2012 Red Sox were lacking. The team chemistry of the 2013 Red Sox is that of a championship worthy team thanks to the likes of the afore mentioned players as well as John Farrel.

The on field production turnaround too has been remarkable. The pitching staff last year, which was one of the worst in the MLB ranked at 27th, has been the biggest and most important turn around with the pitching staff this year ranked at 11th. Having Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz return to being the form of Aces a top of that rotation has been key. Having John Lackey and Felix Doubrount take another step in success in a Red Sox uniform anchoring the back end of that rotation solidified the rotation. With Ryan Dempster being basically a non-factor bringing in Jake Peavy was key to locking down the final spot in the rotation and making the rotation solid and a rotation to be beckoned with in the playoffs.

The offensive turnaround mean while has not been much of a surprise but it has been nice to watch. Watching the top offense in the league has been fun, well as watching the team crush the tarting pitching of opposing teams night in and night out.

Finally one of the more promising contributions has been the young players that have come up from AAA. Red Sox fans got a chance to look at players like Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa, Stephen Wright, Drake Britton, Brandon Workman, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Xander Bogaerts whom are projected to make impacts for the big league in the immediate as well as for many years to come.

Overall the 2013 season has been a major success for the Red Sox and they are expected to be one of the teams competing to be left standing at the very end when it is time to crown a World Series winner. 

Podcast

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Outline of Podcast


I will be conducting an interview with Adam Donnelly. In this discussion we will talking about the remarkable turn around the Boston Red Sox had this 2013 baseball season. We will discuss what the Red Sox did to accomplish all the goals that they did, including, clinching the AL East for the first time since 2007. Since we are both huge Red Sox fans, we have a lot to talk about. 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Below is the link to the recording that Adam and I did for counting to ten in both Spanish and French.



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Podcast Critiques

The first podcast is by ESPN's Buster Olney who leads the baseball discussion from Thursday September 12 2013.  http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=9665038&s=espn

A little background information:  This baseball show goes live at 8AM every Monday through Friday. The show goes for about an hour. I picked this one because I love the sport of baseball and the talk of the sport.

Every show starts off with a "this day in baseball history", which is very informative and interesting. This broadcast talked about how the batting helmets were first introduced on this day back in 1952. I really like how they start off with this section. This keeps you listening and engaged to the show.

Later on in the show, they talk about Derek Jeter from the New York Yankees. Olney gives us information on  Jeter and then we hear an interview with him. He talks about why he hasn't played for the Yankees that much this year due to an injury. I like how Olney can get interviews with the baseball players to help with his story and to carry it on to make it worth listening.

There are also other live interviews conducted by Olney including, baseball analysts which helps make the show more informative.

Overall- If you are a baseball fan, you will enjoy this show. It talks all about baseball and how the teams are currently doing in their divisions. Olney also talks about different player in every show and conducts interviews with the players, past and present. I will definitely continue listening to this podcast. I have not downloaded it on any device yet but I will soon.

The second podcast is "Get fit Guide" which offers tips on how to get fit fast and easy. This aired on September 9, 2013.

A little background information: This show comes out with one new episode about every week or two. Each show is anywhere between 8 and 12 minutes. I picked this because it looked interesting.

This particular show talked about how to not drink a lot of caffeine and stay away from moldy food. As well as different smells which cold cause "brain fog" and toxic your brain.

I liked how the host of this talk show kept throwing out different random facts that would help you gain muscle and get in shape. It is very informational. However, I believe each episode should be a little longer, this way the show can slow down. Since the show is only 10 minutes long, it throws out facts really quickly. Also, the host has a big vocabulary. Most of the words he said, I didn't understand. He should explain what each word means.

I don't think I will continue listening to this podcast. Although it is interesting, I don't think it is for me. However, if you are a big work-out person, you would like this. I have not downloaded this on any device and I don't plan to.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Playing at LSC

Lyndon State College is preparing for The Vermont Symphony Orchestra to visit the college campus.

On September 26, the annual "Made in Vermont Music Festival" arrives at Lyndon State for a 7:30 p.m showing. The location of the show will be in the Alexander Twilight Theatre.

With conductor Jamie Laredo at the wheel, featured songs include, Bach Double Concerto for Oboe and Violin, Burrill Phillips Concertpiece for Bassoon and Strings and Mozart Concerto No. 2 for Flute.

The orchestra was founded in 1935 as a state-supported non profit institution which exists for the purpose of fostering and encouraging the appreciation of music in all of its forms. Jamie Laredo accepted the job as the director in 2000 and has been with the orchestra since.

It is not too late to get your tickets to see this wonderful show. To purchase tickets, visit flynntix.org Ticket prices include $27 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $10 for students and children under 18. Discounted tickets are available for Vermont State College Faculty. Staff and students. Call (800) VSO-9293 for further information. Don't miss this wonderful event!

Monday, September 9, 2013

WOODTV Critique

This website is very easy to navigate which helps find information that you might be looking for. It is very simple. The top stories are at the top of the page for easy access as well.

Since I am a big weather fanatic, i checked out the weather section of the website and I didn't find it to appealing. There are not a lot of features. However, it does have the simple features including radar, satellites, and other maps. I do like the live webcam that is set up on the page. It seems to keep up to date.

What really surprised me was there is no "sports" section where all the tabs are on the top of the page. Usually the sports tab is a big feature.

The day that I looked at this website, there was a school closing. It reported it right at the top of the page. I thought that was pretty cool and convenient for the public.

The website also has a live-stream button so you can watch the channel live from any mobile device. This definitely comes in handy if you can't get to a television.

They also have a Facebook and twitter page so people can check the news via social networking.

Vermont Bridge Washed Away by Flood

A 75 year old bridge was washed away last year due to major flooding over the creek.

The bridge is a 33 foot span over the creek along Roaring Creek Road. Roland Lively, the department head of the County Department of Transportation, says the county didn't have enough money to replace the bridge. "We already had some money in the county budget for repairs but it wasn't enough to replace it."

Since some federal money was available for use, the county took advantage of it and the bridge was repaired quicker than expected.

When the bridge went out, it created horrible transportation for the Oak Grove residents. They had to drive a lot farther than they wanted to. Oak Grove resident, Josh Spiva said, "Traveling all the way has made it inconvenient for a lot of people." Spiva continues to say that they have had to use a lot more gasoline.

Bridge re-opened.

After the opening ceremony for the bridge, residents say they are happy that it is back open.

Lyndonville Crash Leaves Man Dead

LYNDONVILLE, VT- A car went through a restaurant window today after trying to avoid a pedestrian. The victim in the restaurant died shortly after. 

As a vehicle was heading southbound on Depot Street in Lyndonville, the car lost control and crashed into the window of a restaurant. John Barker was sitting inside eating a meal when this happened.

Barker was not hit by the car and didn't feel any immediate injury. However, he was struck by a few pieces of glass from the broken window.

Barker later died.

After the crash, Barker attempted to help the operator out of the car when he started to feel chest pains. He then collapsed on the scene because of a fatal heart attack.

The operator of the car only had a few minor injuries from the incident.  

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Cashier Robbed at Hometown Sunoco

After a man robbed a local Sunoco station earlier today, in Swanton, VT. the Vermont State Police continue to search for the suspect and investigate the situation. 

The 5'8" - 6'00" man escaped on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and items. Fortunately, no one was hurt during the incident.

If you have further information, call the Vermont State Police in Saint Albans at 802-524-5993 or Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 802-524-2121.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Vermont hunter charged for shooting

Chargers were handed out to Vermont hunter for shooting another hunter on October 20, 2013 in the pelvic area.

Conrade Masse of Craftbury, VT. and Wayne Goffe of Wolcott, VT. were hunting for a bear using GPS tracking. While Masse was shooting at the bear, one of the bullets hit Goffe in the midsection and was rushed to the hospital surviving.

The Vermont State Police began an investigation for the shooting that occured on Urie, Rd in Albany, VT. Masse was issued a citation to appear in the Orleans Superiror Court on Febuary 28, 2014.

He was also issued Fish and Game tickets for shooting from the Road, Having a loaded rifle, and not having display of permits for the bears.

This just goes to show you that you need to be careful before going out into the wilderness and trying to catch a bear in its natural habitat.


Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Critiquing Blog

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

I really enjoyed this blog because it pertains to the topics I enjoy, baseball and baseball trades. Also, there is a search bar so you can search about trades and posts. What I disliked about this blog is that it is very wordy. I think the posts can be shortened and it would be a little more enjoyable.
This blog is updated anywhere between 2-5 times a day.
Depending on the story, there are comments on the stories and posts, so the public is reading them. The public can also post comments from Facebook and Twitter.
This blog has pictures and links so you can get more information on the story. However, I am not seeing a lot of videos posted. More videos would help.