Stuff YOU Should Know
Yankees Rivera Retires
New York Yankee, Mariano Rivera, pitched his last professional baseball game last month. Known by his nickname “Sandman,” he is considered one of the best relief pitchers the game has ever seen. As a “closer,” Rivera typically pitches the last inning of a game to protect his team’s lead and save the win. Rivera’s fastball (also called a “cutter”) could reach up to 95 mph. Rivera was honored in a farewell ceremony held at Yankee Stadium where his former and current teammates and others remarked on his talent as well as his calm and steady demeanor. Rivera was the last active baseball player to wear #42. Major League Baseball retired the use of that number to honor Jackie Robinson, but allowed current players to continue wearing it through the rest of their career.
Rivera was born in Panama, the son of a fisherman. Because he and his friends were poor, they used tree branches for bats and milk cartons for gloves. He went on to play in an amateur league as a shortstop. After filling in as pitcher, he was recruited by a minor league affiliate with the New York Yankees in 1990. He moved up to the majors in 1995, where he started as a regular pitcher before becoming a closer in 1997. During his career he held the record for most saves at 652 and was a 13-time All-Star.
Dig Deeper Do you have any sports heroes? If so, who are they? Are they still playing or are they retired? What qualities do they have that you admire? Why?
The Latest Developments on Syria
After many months of wondering what might happen next in Syria, the United Nations Security Council has good news. The 15-member group representing countries from around the world recently voted in favor of a binding resolution (or formal decision) to rid the Middle Eastern country of its chemical weapons by mid-2014. The plan includes specific milestones and would begin October 1. The resolution condemns the use of chemical weapons, but does not assign direct blame. As part of the agreement, Syria must not only give up their weapons, but must allow inspectors full access (recent inspectors have been attacked). Since the September 21 chemical attack that left 1400 people dead and many injured, the new inspectors have confirmed at least three other attacks involving chemical weapons.
Much of the United Nations agreement came from a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. This act was seen as a significant victory in international diplomacy, as previous attempts have failed. Russia and China, who had previously opposed U.S.-backed resolutions to end violence in Syria, are now willing to support the measure. A watchdog group called the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have been asked to aid in the elimination of Syria’s stockpile.
What Do You Think? Do you think the latest negotiation will cease the violence in Syria? Why or why not? Find research from three sources to back up your opinion.
Fast Food Gets “Healthier”
©Fancy Collection/SuperStock; Do you think french fries should every be considered “healthy”?
While Americans are becoming more and more health conscious, they are still quite interested in convenience. Traditional fast food places are also trying to offer healthier options. McDonalds has partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a nonprofit organization funded by the Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation. McDonalds recently announced a plan to take significant steps toward making changes in their menu and to their advertising. Customers will be able to choose a side salad, fruit or vegetable option as a substitute for fries. The changes are expected to take place over the next three years.
Burger King is not as convinced that its customers want to give up fries in favor of vegetables. So it spent a significant amount of time and money to develop “satisfries.” This new french fry recipe features 40% less fat and 30% less calories than their traditional fries. Typical fries are coated in a batter than keeps in the flavor and adds crunchiness. The new fry option is designed to be cooked until they are crunchy but should absorb less fat. Burger King also agreed to remove one of two slices of cheese from some of their burgers.