Hoop Dreams

       In the film "Hoop Dreams", you are following Arthur Agee and William Gates in their six most important and difficult years of their lives. They both were offered scholarships to St. Joseph's High School after they were spotted playing basketball on a playground. Both of their families were tight on money, so they wouldn't have been able to go to a private school without those scholarships. Although, once they started attending the school, they both encountered some obstacles. William made the varsity team while Arthur made the freshman team. William had trouble with keeping his grades up because during past years, he did not receive that great of education. He was very far behind the other students. Also, Arthur was not as important to St. Joseph as William was so he did not get a full scholarship but he got a partial scholarship. His mom could not manage to pay the amount to keep Arthur in school, so he was kicked out and attended a nearby public school called Marshall. On top of that issue, Arthur's dad became a drug addict so he was no longer a part of Arthur's life. It is a sad thing to see drugs take over someone you love's life. William encountered yet another issue during high school. He experienced a knee injury which he did not give enough time to heal. He continuously injured himself by playing before he was fully healed. After the season, William continued to struggle terribly with his grades. He also had a son that he now was responsible for. It was hard for him to balance all of his priorities therefore, his grades dropped. Even though they both faced many difficult times, they both ended up graduating high school and receiving college scholarships.
       Throughout the film "Hoop Dreams", the theme is that no matter what gets in your way or how difficult something is, there's always a way to achieve your goal if you work hard enough. Arthur and William both face difficult times in their lives, but they both overcome them even though it seemed impossible. Arthur started out only playing on the freshman team, had financial issues, and his dad was a drug addict who was put into jail. He continued to put all of his effort into basketball even though his confidence decreased a little because of the team he was placed on. He also worked hard enough to receive a scholarship even without a lot of money. Additionally, William faced many struggles too including school issues, fathering a child, and a knee injury. With school, basketball, and a child all part of William's schedule, it was difficult for him to stay on top of everything. Although, he did find a way to accomplish each of his priorities because of his hard work. Also, William suffered from a knee injury, but once he rested for the time he had too and worked hard enough to get back in shape, he was able to go back to his basketball career. Anything is possible with hard work. Even if there are obstacles and it seems impossible, with a lot of determination, anything can be done.

How Sports Impact Society

       Angel Navedo in the article How Sports Transcends Culture explains how professional sports have impacted our culture in many different ways. To begin with, because of the different races, there are many different players who speak a variety of languages. This could be an opportunity for players to learn parts of new languages. Being bilingual is a very useful trait to have especially because there are many different races of people spreading out across the world lately. Subsequently, issues in sports that are not necessarily relevant to playing the sport have spread out to society. An example of this is Jackie Robinson and how he managed to be an amazing player even though he was a different race as everyone else. This allowed people to look past the races and treat everybody equal. Furthermore, another way sports have impacted society is that they have brought together many different races. Whether they are fans, family, or the players themselves, many people have learned to look past each others differences and come together as a whole doing or watching something they enjoy. In conclusion, sports have impacted society vastly in many different ways.

       Sports do still continue to influence our culture today. Actually, they might even influence our culture more greatly today then they have in the past. As sports become a more important part of peoples lives, more people start to watch or play them and become more familiar with them. People start to dig deeper than just the actual physical activity of the sport. They learn that no matter what race you are, you are still able to succeed as well as everybody else. Because of sports, people in society realize that because race doesn't matter in sports, it doesn't matter at all for anything. Everyone is equal no matter what race.

       There are many effects that sports have on our culture, whether they be good or bad. You might be wondering, how can sports have a negative impact on society? Sports can sometimes be taken a bit too seriously. People get very intense while playing sports. When they are in game-mode, sometimes they cant control their anger and they might hurt other players on the opposing team either mentally or physically which is never a good thing. Also, fans of sports can sometimes get very into the game too, so they could do the same thing to a fan of the opposing team. Another negative impact is how sometimes, people can be excluded by others. Because of sports becoming so popular lately, the equipment prices have been rising dramatically. Some people might not be able to afford fancy equipment and play with others. Sports have turned into an expensive hobby and hopefully the prices for equipment and enrollment in sports will be decreased sometime. Just because there are a few negative impacts from sports doesn't mean there are no positive impacts. Sports bring people together. They bring together teammates and even fans. Teammates become close friends as they grow as a team together. Friendships are made and it is a great thing to have some friends by your side. Families and friends can be brought together by meeting up every once in a while and having a gathering to watch a sport together with some food. Family and friends are some of the most important people to have in your life and it would be terrible to drift apart from them. Sports are a little reason just to get together more often and talk. Altogether, sports have many different impacts on our culture.

       Sports also have many different impacts on my life. I have been playing sports since I was about five years old. I have played soccer, softball, basketball, and volleyball. Sports keep me moving and in shape. It is good to be physical because it is good for your health. Because of sports, I have gotten many amazing friendships that have lasted for a long time. It's good to have friends because they can help you in times of need. Sports have also helped me to get closer to my dad. My dad is a big sports fan, so he becomes very interested by sports. We both share a special bond when we talk about a sport that I play. I love when he watches my games and talks to me about how i did after. Sports have had a huge impact on my life, and I'm thankful that my parents are supportive of my sports decisions. 

Juan Agudelo returns to the Revolution and Super Bowl Reaction

       The main point made by the Sun Chronicle in  the article Agudelo, Revs a soccer match is that Juan Agudelo, 22-year-old striker, has decided to return to play with the New England Revolution soccer team. Agudelo states that he believes he could help lead to winning the MLS cup. Agudelo puts all his effort towards his soccer career, and it is definitely noticeable. During a tour of duty with New England, he averaged a striking rate of 0.44 per match. The Revolution is the place Agudelo belongs because he exceeds higher percentages with the Revolution than the New York Red Bulls and Chivas USA. Agudelo is excited to come back to the Revolution. Agudelo states, "'It was one of my best times, on and off the field, when I was with the Revs.'" Because of his success with the Revolution during earlier years, he is more than happy to be joining them again. Although, Agudelo is not the only one pleased about this. Revolution coach Jay Heaps feels Agudelo will be a great fit for the Revs. Heaps states, "'He can play back to goal and he's fast enough to get behind defenses, so he can play the 'number nine' very well. He can also play on the wing if we need him."' Agudelo can play various positions if necessary for his team. In conclusion, the Sun Chronicle believes that Agudelo will be the perfect fit for the New England Revolution.

 

      
       I agree with the Sun Chronicle because I think Agudelo is an all around amazing soccer player. Agudelo has some experience with the Revs because he used to be a part of it. "Agudelo has played alongside current Revolution members, midfielder Jermaine Jones and striker Teal Bunbury as members of the U.S. National Team, but not with the Revolution.", Sun Chronical. Because of Agudelo's experience with others on the team, it might make Agudelo feel more comfortable on the field with others he's played with before. Because of Agudelo's off-season, are you wondering if he is still as amazing as he used to be? Agudelo states "'I haven't been just sitting on my couch, I feel really fit.'...'I cant stay away from football. I've been all over the place training and keeping myself fit with individual people."' Agudelo seems more than ready to re-join the Revolution. In conclusion, I believe that Agudelo is going to add a great factor to the Revolution and is ready for anything that may come ahead.

Footage of Agudelo during previous years on Revs 

 

       I had mixed reactions to the Super Bowl. During the beginning of the game, the Patriots were not playing to the best of their ability. I was getting a little worried, but I hoped they would get their act together. As the game went on and the Pats were still not doing as great as they should have been, I started to get frustrated with them. I wanted them to win, but they were not trying their best. Once they started to get into the game and get more focused, I started to get relieved. they were catching up again and playing their best. Although, once  Julian Edelman made the catch that won the game for the Patriots, I was shocked and filled with joy! It was such an amazing way to win the game especially after how poorly the Pats started out. The game was very exciting and nerve racking. The Patriots definitely deserved to win the Super Bowl. Overall, I was very happy with the Patriots and proud to be a New Englander. 



       

 

 

Super Bowl Thoughts

     I personally do not enjoy watching football that much, but I do like watching the Super Bowl. Football is one of the few sports that is difficult to understand, but once you understand the basic rules, the games become very intense to watch. I especially like watching the Super Bowl if the Patriots are a part of it. With everything going on with the deflate gate, I think it makes the big game much more interesting. The halftime is part of the reason why I watch the Super Bowl, so I hope it is great this Sunday! I have always wanted to go to the Super Bowl, but the tickets are extremely expensive. I love to get together with family or friends to watch the game because it is a game you can't miss! I believe that the Patriots are going to take home this years victory for the fourth time. The Super Bowl cannot come soon enough!

Aaron Herndandez Trial

     The general argument made by author David Linton in the article "Prosecutors: Hernandez 'orchestrated' murder, cover up; defense says ex-NFL star unfairly accused" is that Aaron Hernandez either is guilty of killing Odin Lloyd, or was falsely accused because of his fame. There is a lot of solid evidence that Aaron is the killer of Lloyd, but there could be a possibility that everything is made up. "But Boston defense lawyer Michael Fee fired back. He said police and prosecutors targeted Hernandez because of his celebrity status as a multi-million dollar football player, despite evidence that should have led investigators 'in another direction.'" In this passage, Linton is suggesting that the case could end up in Hernandez's favor. Aaron does have an equal chance of being claimed innocent as he does being claimed guilty. In conclusion, Linton's belief is that Aaron Hernandez has a good chance of being innocent with the help of his lawyer Michael Fee.

      In my view, Linton is wrong because the prosecutor has gathered up much more organized and solid evidence that Hernandez is guilty. More specifically, I believe that Hernandez and his lawyer do not have that great of evidence to support their side of the case. I think that the prosecutor has much more useful evidence. For example, Linton states that the prosecutors have footage of Hernandez showing up with a .45-caliber  handgun. This gun is the same kind of weapon used to kill Lloyd on the night of  the murder. That piece of evidence is very important, and helps the prosecutors vastly with the trial. Although Linton might object that Hernandez did not kill Odin Lloyd, I maintain that based on the prosecutors evidence, they have a solid case against Hernandez. Therefore, I conclude that Aaron Hernandez killed Odin Lloyd and will not win the trial.     

Definition of a sport

  

   A sport is an activity that involves being physical in any form. People do sports to have fun and do something that's good for their health. Sports can help with your health because they keep you moving and being physical. Exercise helps release stress and makes you feel happier. Every sport is different and involves different skills to perform. Some sports are more difficult to do while others are easier and more laid back. Sometimes, sports are competitive and people play against others to try and win. People play competitive sports because of the blast of excitement they get when they claim their trophy or even just get bragging rights. Other times, sports can just be played non competitively so everyone can have fun by the end of the game. Sports can also be played just so you can have an enjoyable time with your friends or family. Different examples of sports are volleyball, basketball, dance, cheer, baseball, golf, hockey, and a lot more. However a sport is played, it is always a good activity to make time for in your life. 
      Many people think that dancing or even cheerleading are not sports. The people that think this are wrong. A sport is defined by a physical activity that people enjoy doing either competitively or not. Dancing and cheerleading are both very similar. They both involve a lot of practice and hard work to do. Dancing and cheer are fun for many people and they involve physical activity. People that do not do dance or cheerleading do not understand the hard work and determination it takes to be perfect at those sports. Dancing and cheer are also either played competitively or not. Competitions are taken very seriously and sometimes the prizes for winning are huge. Sports have a very large variety and it is never too late to try a new sport.