Feature: The Growing Popularity of Online Sports Betting

By Ryan Tsarsis

A college student wakes up one Sunday morning. A day for most students used to relax and prepare for the upcoming week is the most stressful for this particular 20 year-old. The student awakes and immediately rushes to his computer. He checks his online wagers and paces back and forth in his cluttered dorm room as he looks at his bank account statement pinned to his cork board out of the corner of his eye. The football teams he chose must win so he can live another day debt free. This is a typical day for Ben Rosin, a student at the University of Arizona, and for many other students across the country.

If legalized, sports betting would generate an estimated
 $10 billion per year and $100 million in taxes per state

Online sports betting is growing at an exponential rate as more adults and teenagers alike are participating in web wagers through various websites every day. The most alarming statistic is the rate at which college students bet on sports online. According to an online survey conducted by ESPN, 67% of college students have bet on sports.

With the technology of computers and smart phones advancing at such a high rate over the past decade, many college students are exposed to the vastness of the internet and the capabilities of using money over the web in any way imaginable.


In college, sports gather students from all corners of the country. Each student routes for, believes in, and ultimately becomes lifelong fans of their college's sports teams. The fan-ship of sports is evolving into a normality, as students are becoming more engaged in sports than ever before. With this engagement in sports comes many benefits; common interests of peers, school spirit, and memorable moments of success of one’s favorite team.

But for some, the engagement in sports isn’t satisfied by these benefits. Sports betting offers a bigger rush, and many fans end up conditioned to seek it. In fact, 118 million Americans gambled on sports in some manner in 2008, according to an online ESPN survey.

The life of a college student consists of mainly attending class, completing homework, and socializing with other students. Social life becomes the focal point for many students, who try to find ways to communicate similar interests through different outlets, such as social media. As sports are a general topic of interest among most students, sports betting buzz inevitably arises.

Ben Rosin, a student at the University of Arizona, from Landover, Maryland, is an avid sports better comfortable with his decision to gamble online. Growing up an hour outside FedEx field, the home of the Washington Redskins, sports were something he and his family were surrounded with his entire upbringing. Rosin is an avid Redskins fan, and his favorite sport to watch is professional basketball. Rosin has asked to use a pseudonym for identity protection.

One morning I sit with Rosin at his computer while he places bets. He has multiple tabs open on his computer to certain sites such as ESPN.com, 5Dimes.com, and other sites dedicated to sports statistics. His dorm room is filled with sports memorabilia, most notably a life size Chris Paul poster that takes up half of one wall. Rosin, coincidentally wearing a Chris Paul New Orleans Hornets jersey, starts vociferously arguing his betting points to himself while taking sips of his Monster Energy Drink. “I was first introduced two and a half years ago, my freshmen year of college, when a couple of my friends at the dorms were talking about sports and looking at a sports betting website called 5Dimes.com,” Rosin says as he turns on the television and flips to ESPN. To Rosin and other students, the internet has made sports betting very convenient.

The convenience of betting over the internet also gives any person anywhere the capability to bet on any game. According to sports handicapping site, todayspicks.net, approximately 380 billion dollars is bet through offshore books or with bookies each year. Sports betting is now a close second to poker in popularity of online gambling games among college students. The more popular websites include: 5dimes, PinnacleSports, Bodog, and Bet365.

Picture yourself, an avid sports fan, visiting your friend’s dorm room or apartment to watch a sporting event of your favorite team. You arrive to your friend and a handful of acquaintances fiddling on their computers. As they surf through the web you notice a friend on a strange website with the slogan “5Dimes: Over 1000 Wagering Options – Everyday!” You casually ask your friend about the website, and he explains that he’s betting on the game and a slew of other games, and then he or she continues to boast his or her winnings. That person then explains the ease of betting and asks you if you want to take a crack at it.

This spread of online sports betting through word of mouth and social media is skyrocketing. Through the dorm rooms to the living rooms friends of friends are boasting and encouraging sports betting across the world. According a telephone survey of 2,000 adults by Pew Research Center, about 23 percent of all adults bet on sports and approximately 33 percent of all American men say they gamble on sports.

Another student, John Marmont, is a senior at the University of Arizona. Marmont, who aslo asked to use a pseudonym for identity protection, has been betting on sports online since the 11th grade. He is originally from Gilbert, Arizona, and is an avid Phoenix Suns, Coyotes, and Arizona Cardinals fan. Marmont, a Mathematics major, attempts to use probability to break sports betting down to a science. Not only does he bet on multiple games each week, he relies on sports betting as a source of income.

John Marmont cheeers on his Arizona Wildcats with fellow University of Arizona fans as U of A faces Washington

When walking around the University of Arizona with Marmont a brisk Friday morning, I begin to ask him of his involvement in sports betting. “After learning the ins and outs of online sports betting over the years, I tend to make around $300 a month betting,” Marmont said. Marmont plans to graduate in May, 2011 and to continue betting after college. “The way I bet is almost businesslike,” he said. “I’d like to say that I know enough about the risk to play the odds and win somewhat consistently.”

There are others, like Marmont who begin betting on sports on the internet at an extremely early age. A survey conducted by Pew Research Center reveals that 44 percent of 12th-grade males said they had bet on sports at least once.

A logical explanation for why students bet online is the lack of risk. Young adults such as Rosin rely on alternative resources of money to eliminate the potential losses. “At first, I put in 50 dollars at a time, but then I realized that my parents had access to my bank account, so I opened up my own bank account, and would take money out of my original account in small increments, and then put 100 at a time in 5dimes.” Rosin says. Rosin used his college allowance from his parents for 18 months before he relied on using winnings for wagers. Rosin says he gambled approximately 200 dollars before his parents became suspicious.

As more and more students attend college and are fortunate enough to have parents provide financial support for tuition and other expenses, they will rationalize betting if given the opportunity. The money given to them will be spent one way or another. What do they have to lose?

Rosin is among many students in the negative as a result of gambling online. “After a while, I would take losses, based on how much money I was gambling. I was betting hundreds of dollars a week, and would win some and lose some.” Rosin said. “I would never feel that I was losing significantly based on how much I bet, but over a couple of months, and a bad streak, I wound up in the negative.” Rosin says he is currently $500 in the negative.

After interviewing many of my peers' parents about sports betting, opinions varied on the subject. Joe Molinelli, parent of a junior attending the U of A says he doesn't mind if his son gambles, as long as he knows the risk involved. “I've read about and have had conversations with friends about betting on sports online,” Molinelli said. “If my son chooses to bet, that's his choice. If he wins, good for him. If he loses, it will be a lesson he'll quickly learn from.”

Other parents are vehemently opposed to betting online. Susan Flanagan, a high-school teacher in New Jersey and a mother of a freshmen at Rutgers and a senior at New Jersey Institute of Technology says she would be extremely disappointed if her children bet. “If I were to hear that my children had bet online, whether they won or lost, I would feel that I failed to teach them a valuable lesson,” she said. “You can't put trust in making money in something you can't control. If you're foolish enough to make that decision, you deserve no pity if you lose.”

With millions of betters losing money every day the next logical question is when do they stop? Rosin is among the vast number of betters willing to continue betting although he is in debt from losing. When asked if he ever considered stopping Rosin said, “I considered it, but I felt like it was a hobby to me. It was something that gave value to the games I would have watched otherwise. I just figured there were ups and downs like anything else, and I’m OK with that.”

Source: Online Sports Betting: Legality Vs Reality

Apparently the people ‘OK with that’ outweigh the ‘not OK with it’. Recent polls show 42 percent of Americans would support legal sports betting in all states; sports fans supported legalized sports betting by 55 percent.

Americans aren’t the only ones thinking that the grass is greener on the other side. The American government, casinos, and state governments would hit the tax lottery if sports betting were made legal. If legalized, sports betting would generate an estimated $10 billion per year and $100 million in taxes per state, according to todayspicks.net.

Many students such as Rosin say that they wouldn’t bet in Las Vegas or at a casino on games due to its inconvenience. “It would be an inconvenience to me, going all the way there just to bet on some games. Plus, I feel like it takes away from the games in a way,” he says.

So if the young adult population generally prefers betting online, and people who are interested in betting online condone it, why not make it officially legal? Since there is no official law prohibiting online sports betting, and there is no law-binding risk for the player when choosing a reputable site, does it matter?

It matters. With the popularity of sports betting online growing to the point that it has, the ethics of sports betting has been called into question. Due to the ease of use and accessibility of these sites, underage betting, inside betting and fraud are extreme possibilities.

 According to another survey on todayspicks.net, 30 percent of college athletes bet on sports, and 4 percent bet on their own games. If sports betting online were made legal, not only would there be regulations prohibiting betting from student athletes, but restrictions on underage betting and potential fraud as well.

The fact is that America needs to legalize sports betting nationally to help protect its students, parents, betters, and future betters; because sports betting hasn't gone away, and will not go away as long as an American has a television, a computer and Sportscenter.

A feature by Ryan Tsarsis, for any other questions or comments, contact by email at rtsarsis@gmail.com

Week 11: Journalism Next: Chapter 5 "Mobile Journalism" Summary

In reading Mark Briggs’ Journalism next, I found Chapter 5, “Mobile Journalism”, the most engaging. Briggs modernizes many concepts of journalism through technology trends and reconstructs the popular beliefs of certain rules of journalism to fit in with the efficiency of mobile devices. 

The chapter opens with the benefits of mobile journalism, the number one benefit being immediacy. Mobile journalism increases nightly deadline pressure common in traditional news organizations because the deadline according to Briggs is always “right now.” Although this new responsibility adds to the stress of the journalism field, the text explains that mobile technology provides flexibility to crowdsource the audience for tips, content, and comments.

A very interesting quote from chapter 5 is how Briggs describes mobile devices, “Mobile devices are like electronic Swiss Army knives, arming anyone and potentially everyone with an all-in-one media tool that can view, capture and publish or broadcast” (Journalism Next).

Although while reading it’s hard not to assume that the developments in technology will take over traditional journalist, the text explains that mobile journalism however is best used as a supplement along with traditional, in-depth reporting.

Briggs’ also qualifies his opinion of mobile journalism and an importance concept in journalistic principles, “It’s important to remember, however, that the journalism should come first, the technology second” (Journalism Next).

“Mobile Journalism” does emphasize subject matter that is more appropriate for mobile coverage than others. Here is a list of the most suitable mobile topics

1. Criminal or civil trials
2. Important speeches or announcement
3. All breaking news (natural disasters, crimes, or accidents)
4. Public gatherings (including protests, parades, or rallies)
5. All sporting events
6. Grand openings (shops or restaurants)

7.       Not all content works on mobile- Think about how the story benefits from immediate coverage

8.      Promote mobile coverage through text messaging- Deliver the most important information and draw customers to the organization’s other channels

9.      Think outside of the newsroom- Mobile journalism provides different deadlines and expectations of content

10.  Give the audience a voice- This includes understanding what is important to your specific audience and mobile crowdsourcing

Briggs also provides a list of equipment for journalists who are technology savvy or have to use mobile reporting on a daily basis. However, for traditional journalists who will be reporting from the field infrequently, there is only one essential piece of equipment: the smart phone.

Which was particularly interesting to read was that Briggs’ stresses that textual content is the most important element. Although multimedia elements initially catch the readers’ attention, written content illuminates the story on a deeper level.

My reasoning for choosing this chapter was twofold: Journalism and the immediacy of news is forcing journalists to be experts in technology; and although journalism is becoming mobile, the fundamentals of journalism are essential for sound news reporting.

In reporting for the Arizona Daily Star, I am required to attend and report high school football games which start at 7 pm. and end at 9:30 p.m. and my deadline is 10:30 p.m. If I did not have mobile technology, I could not have completed my articles before my deadline. I needed my mobile phone to write drafts of my articles, send my editor score updates, and research teams on the go. 

 Briggs, Mark. Journalism next a Practical Guide to Digital Reporting and Publishing. Washington: CQ, 2010. Print

Fantasy: Top 5 Running Back Must Sits

This is a list of the top 5 running backs you wanted to start this week, but should be sitting on your bench this week in seek of better options. This list excludes the newly found injury of Amhad Bradshaw, who was diagnosed with a cracked bone in his foot this morning. This list also excludes the injured Ryan Matthews, Mark Ingram, and Daniel Thomas.


1. Chris Johnson %91.1 Started.
CJ2K is looking like he's on pace for .5k this season if he continues his poor play and gets demoted for Javon Ringer. You should have sold low on him if when you had the chance, after week three. Now he's a starting line-up casualty as owners painfully know. Give yourself a better option at scoring points and stay away from Johnson. He has only had more than 20 carries this year, and the Bengals are 10th against running backs in terms of fantasy.




2. Rashard Mendenhall %92.4
So you're probably telling yourself, "The Steelers run enough, even if it is against the Ravens, Mendenhall should be ok, right?" Wrong. Mendenhall had a mere 12 carries with only 3 fantasy points in week one against the same Ravens Defense. Sure it was an ugly game for the Steelers, but Mendenhall will have little success and not get enough opportunities as Ben Rothlisberger thrives out of the gun with those speedy receivers and scape goat Heath Miller.






3. Knowshon Moreno. %51.7
'No shot' has been one of the most under-the-radar busts of the year besides, Chris Johnson (who is in a league of his own) and DeAngello Williams. He has quickness, but can't run between tackles. Sounds like a nightmare with Tim Tebow staggering drives as it is. Besides the Raiders 25th against RB's stat, the team still has an intimidating front seven and fast defensive backs. Not to mention the fact that Coach John Fox is ready to start Willis McGahee with one hand over Moreno, which shouldn't help your confidence. Don't even think about Broshon Broeno.

4. BenJarvus Green-Ellis. %64
BJGE is, to put it simply, on the Patriots. Yeah sure, he's a goal line back. But with the ghost of Kevin Faulk intruding on an already claustrophobic running back committee, you may have to hope that Green-Ellis gets in the End Zone to contribute or becomes the hot hand early and gets more than 10 carries.




5. DeMarco Murray %72.4
Disclaimer: I am starting Murray this week on a hunch.

All the evidence points in the wrong direction for Murray owners, however. The Seahawks, despite being a horrendous offensive team, have proven to stop the run consistently this season. Another factor is how often will Murray be used. Felix Jones' status is becoming more and more positive, and the Cowboys play calling is so out of whack right now, even if Murray averages 9.3 YPC again he may only get seven carries again, who knows? Nobody knew why the Cowboys targeted Laurent Robinson the most of all receivers last week (8) and no one knew that Robinson would have double the receiving yards of both Dez Bryant and Miles Austin combined last week either.

My starting fantasy line-up this week in my money league:

If you have any questions on my line-up, or are wondering just how I got this team, ask me on twitter: @rtsarsis

Top 5 Fantasy Must Starts Going Forward (By Position)

These are players who either were are your bench going into the start of the season or players added via free agency or waiver wire. These are players that only under extreme circumstances should be sat.

Quarterback

Cam Newton

Matthew Stafford

Eli Manning

Matt Schaub

Runningback

Ryan Matthews

Demarco Murray

Darren Sproles

Chris Johnson

Wide Receiver

Steve Smith

Jeremy Maclin

A.J Green

Julio Jones

Marques Colston

Carson Palmer Trade Steal For Bengals?

In a blog post by ESPN author, Jameson Hensley, the clear consensus is that the trade that sent Carson Palmer to the Oakland Raiders from the Cincinnati Bengals for a 1st round pick in 2012 and a conditional 2nd round pick in 2013 was a steal. Of course, when fist hearing of the trade, I too agreed with Hensley.

Carson Palmer had retired as a result of demanding a trade from the Bengals this past offseason and not receiving his wish. He served no purpose to the Bengals, who have found their potential quarterback of the future in Andy Dalton in the 2nd round in this past year's draft. So when Mike Brown, the stubborn owner of the Bengals, finally heard an offer he couldn't refuse he had to pull the trigger.

What sports analysts are missing is the "what if?". What if Carson Palmer returns to the elite form he had from 2003-2006? The fact of the matter is a teams in the NFL are all mediocre until they emerge as favorites. The Bengals franchise is arguably the worst franchise in the NFL. Palmer made that team relavent for a couple of years, what if when Palmer goes to a team with an above average offensive line such as the Raiders? What if Palmer goes to a team with an elite running back such as Darren Mcfadden of the Raiders? What if Palmer goes to a team with an above average defense? What if he reunites with his former coach Hugh Jackson? What if he had receivers with elite speed? But most of all, what if he rekindled his passion for the game, with a franchise that looks hopeful to become a playoff team from years to come?

All of these 'what if' questions will be answered this season. If these questions are answered positively, then the Raiders made a good trade. Elite quarterbacks are hard to find, just ask the Bengals, who drafted Akili Smith 3rd overall once upon a time. If you can get an elite quarterback that can win you playoff games, then it is never a bad acquisition, period.

Sure, the Raiders again notoriously gave up more than any other team would have for a player like Palmer, but you have to hand it to them that they won't roll over and let the season die starting Kyle Boller after Jason Cambell's season ending injury.

The article, which concentrates on all the logical points, that Palmer hasn't been above average since 2008, the Bengals received two first round picks for a player that who will never again wear a Bengals uniform, the Raiders got a player in Palmer that is past his prime at 32.

But my comment on the blog post was simple:
"If the Raiders win a playoff game this year, and if Carson Palmer quarterbacks a playoff Raider team for the next couple years; and if the Bengals don't make the playoffs in those years, the Raiders won the trade."

Week 10: Live Blog Post: Douglas Bulldogs @ Pueblo Warriors 10/14

I was recently hired as a sports stringer for the Arizona Daily Star. My first assignment was to cover the high school football game between the Pueblo Warriors and the Douglas Bulldogs at Pueblo High School. When being assigned to complete a live blog for the Journalism 186, Writing for the Web, class I could think of no other event than the game I covered, Friday, October 14th. The game itself was a very exciting one, the final being 25-13 Bulldogs.

Douglas Bulldogs

Pueblo Warriors

6:58 p.m. Game Starts.

The game starts and both the Bulldogs and Warriors look very pumped up for this game. The Bulldogs are considered the favorite as they're record is 5-1. The Warriors, who are very good at home, are 2-5 and are looking to bounce back after a shaky start of the season as tonight's game is their homecoming.

7:06 p.m. The Bulldogs score a touchdown 6-0 Bulldogs lead.

Sam Watkins (#8) throws a beautiful 38 yard pass to Samuel Bello (#7). The Extra point is no good.
The Bulldogs looked sharp in its first drive, as the Warriors looked on its heels in the passing game.

7:15 p.m. Richard Gastelo (#3) of the Warriors throws an interception to Samuel Bello (#7).
The Bulldogs capitalize with an interception from a poor pass from Gastelo, Samuel Bello looks sharp as he is the playmaker of the game thus far with a touchdown catch and an interception early in the game.


7:21 p.m. The Warriors score a touchdown to lead 7-6.

 Richard Gastelo (#3) throws a touchdown pass to #21, Noel Federico. Federico looks sharp as the Warriors are moving the ball on the ground very well.


7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs score a touchdown, but miss the extra point and lead 12-7

Grant Watkins (#8) continues his aerial attack with a touchdown pass to Jason Sanez (#20).
The Bulldogs look like the emerging favorite as the Warriors have no way of slowing the passing game of the Bulldogs.


7:33 p.m End of 1st Quarter Bulldogs 12, Warriors 7

8:02 p.m. End of 2nd Quarter Bulldogs 12, Warriors7

8:32 p.m The Bulldogs score a touchdown, but go for a 2point conversion and fail, Bulldogs lead 18-7

The Bulldogs score another touchdown through the air as Grant Watkins (#8) throws his third touchdown and his second to Samuel Bello (#7).

8:47 p.m. The Bulldogs score another passing touchdown and lead 25-7

The game appears to be getting away from the Warriors as time dwindles in the 3rd quarter being down by three touchdowns. Sam Watkins (#8) doesn't look to be holding back as he completes his second touchdown to Jason Sanez (#20).


8:51 End of 3rd Quarter Bulldogs 25, Warriors 7

8:55 p.m. The Warriors score a touchdown cutting the deficit to 25-13

An early 4th quarter touchdown from the Warriors is exactly what they needed, as Gastelo (#3) throws his second touchdown, this time to Andes Vallez Mezquita (#29).


9:11 p.m. Pass from Gastelo (#3) is intercepted in the endzone by Samuel Bello (#7)


As the last efforts for the Warriors fail, the Bulldogs seal the victory with Bello's second interception of the day, ending his day with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.


9:25 p.m. End of 4th quarter FINAL Bulldogs 25, Warriors 13

The game ends with The Douglas Bulldogs spoiling the Pueblo Warriors homecoming with a 25-13 victory. The player of the game is Samuel Bello (#7) as he played both wide receiver, 2 touchdowns, and cornerback, 2 interceptions, beautifully.

5 Must Start Wide Receivers Going Forward

So we're five games into the season, and either you're the minority of the 'sitting pretty' or the majority of the frantically checking the waiver wire. Most of us couldn't have predicted Cam Newton and Steve Smith's fantasy dominance nor the sophomore slumps of Sam Bradford and Mike Williams. But starting the right players is always puts you in the right position to win week by week. So let go of starting Reggie Wayne and Percy Harvin every week and play matchups and previous success, especially in the wide receiver position. Here are 5 must start WR's that most likely have been riding your bench or the waiver wire this season.

A.J Green Cincinnati Bengals Started in 57%
So much for the rookie wide receiver class notoriously struggling again this wear right? A.J was doomed with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and arguably the worst franchise in sports, the Bengals. But if you took a shot on Green, the number one receiver in this year's draft, you're "sitting pretty". The question is why haven't you started him? Yeah Yeah i get it, its the BENGALS. But A.J is averaging 12 points a game, and is in the top 15 in targets. Start him. Period.

Julio Jones Atlanta Falcons: Started in 43%
Jones' situation was also precarious in season's beginning. Matt Ryan never throws the ball more than 25 yards, and the Falcons already had a number one wide reviver in Roddy White. But again, the rookie receivers prevail. Jones as a number two is still over 40 targets (top 15) and has four TDs. If you have a better option, then I praise your draft, but you probably don't unless you picked a receiver in the first four rounds.

Jeremy Maclin Philadelphia Eagles Started in 86%
Maclin is another number two WR thats bringing in targets and catches of a number one. He is 8th in targets in the entire league, and more importantly has more than Desean Jackson. With the Eagles sputtering and the talent the team possesses, they have nowhere to go but up, and Maclin will be a big part of it.




Santana Moss Washington Redskins Started in 15% (bye)
San-tana. Ike!  He's averaging 12 targets a game with Rex Grossman as his QB. He also has big play ability something that is always appealing to fantasy owners.

Victor Cruz New York Giants Started in 18%
It wasn't until his spectacular catches this past week in Seattle that he earned a spot on this list. As Eli Manning continues to build confidence in Cruz, his targets will as well. If no other options are available, start him.

Honorable, but not yet startable...

Darrius Heyward-Bey
He's getting targets, and actually catching the ball, watchout.
Pierre Garçon
The only player on the Colts worth keeping on your bench, start him if you have no other options.
Antonio Brown
Brown's getting a suprising amount of targets, and he's a deep threat.
Early Doucet
Has an eye popping 38 targets, he's clearly getting enough attention for a deep bench spot.
Nate Washington
Nate is the number one option, despite his lackluster numbers since Kenny Britt's injury.

The Day I Trailed A Pararazzo

The story is centralized around a day in the life of Wagner, a paparazzo, who travels to different celebrities houses to take pictures of them. The central conflict of the story was a bit confusing to me but if i had to describe it Wagner tries to get photos of Michael Douglas and Sarah Jessica Parker, and then the Kardashians. My opinion of the story is twofold, I think that the character, Wagner, could be interesting but the story doesn't concentrate on his origin nor focus on his profession from a wider scope. I would suggest readers only click on the article based on their interest of paparazzi. The larger human themes in the story is the attempt to humanize the paparazzi, and the questions that arrise from my perspective are: Why should I care about Wagner? And why is the author interested in Wagner?

Week 7: How to Make Money Blogging

Blogs somehow make money, but how it is done? by popular belief most people think that blogging is solely made by advertising, but the process a bit more complicated than that. An article from Microsoft explains that blogs make money in five ways. 

1. Sell advertising

2. Help sell others' products

3. Solicit contributions

4. Market your services in your blog

5. Use a blog to deepen your existing customer relations

Because many on this list are self explanator, I’d like to concentrate on some points that seemed very intriguing to me as a new blogger. “Market your services in your blog” is the most applicable to those writing a blog with a theme or premise or particular stance. My blog, for example, is a football analysis, fantasy football analysis, etc. If I make my blog professionally, excluding rants and bias, and post frequently enough to attain a fan base for my blog, interest will grow for “fantasy advice sites” to advertise on my blog. 

Overall the article is an essential read for those wanting to make money by blogging, and I highly recommend it. 

Week 6: Top 5 Blog Sites

1. The Huffington Post
The Huffington Post is an aggregating blog created by Arianna Huffington in 2005. The site covers all that a traditional newspaper has to offer, but is more current due to the immediacy of the web. Overall the site is very polished in my opinion, but the stories are very liberal biased, something that makes me hesitant to consistantly read the site as a news source.

Arianna Huffington

2. Mashable!
Mashable is a blog founded by Pete Cashmore. The site's focus is on social media news, but also covers a wide range of information. The site was founded in 2005. I personally like the idea of this site and have been following Cashmore (mashable) on twitter for quite some time. The success of the site is encouraging people to use social media for practical uses which incidentally what Mashable uses to succeed.

3. Think Progress
Think Progress is a site created by Faiz Shakir that was launched in 2004. It is a politcal blog that concentrates on major news and political opinions of all political orientations. I like the site, because it it is news driven and doesn't seem like political orientation of the authors get in the way of what the stories are trying to portray.

4. The Daily Beast
The Daily Beast is a blog created by Tina Brown, former editor and chief of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. The site was launched in 2008. The Daily Beast severs as an aggregate with the idea that all readers need is one site to get all of their news.

5. Gizmodo
Gizmodo is a site launched in 2002 that concentrates on consumer electronics. I have been following Gizmodo for some time, and the site provides in depth reviews, previews and videos of all hot electronics to give consumers all the information they need before deciding to buy a product.