For many years, one of Charles Darwin’s theories has been contradicted by recent research. Darwin believed that when an invasive species entered a region where a closely related species already existed, it would not likely be successful because of the competition for resources. “Instead, we found the opposite pattern with amphibians,” said Reid Tingley, a biologist at the University of Sydney in Australia. “When frogs and toads and salamanders invade an area where a similar species exists, they are more, not less, likely to establish themselves.” one explanation for this phenomenon is because for amphibian, if their close relatives are already doing well in the region, it is a positive sign for the new amphibian that is also a suitable region for them. The research could help conservationists to predict the risk levels of introducing specific alien species into a new region
Day: March 9, 2011
How to Get Away with Murder (In Soccer)
Soccer is a thinking man’s game. I have heard this saying over and over again and when thinking about it I find that it is really true.
I have been playing soccer my entire life and I have always been slow. My first step is quick but it goes down hill from there. Because of that I have had to find ways to level the playing field.
I have found that the most successful way is to physically level the playing field. An elbow placed correctly to the head will at least make the opposing player avoid you at all cost. This might seem incredibly dirty but I don’t think so.
A referee’s job is to call the game. If he catches me being to physical then he will punish me and I am sure I will deserve it. If he does not catch me then he is not doing his job. A ref is part of the game and players need to play him just as much as they need to play the ball.
Getting away with fouls requires a few different skills. The first is awareness. As a player you need to know where the ref is in relationship to the foul you are about to commit. If his line of sight is right there then chances are you will get caught.
The next step is the actual foul. How hard and where are the two key questions. The answer to those depends on what ones goal is. If it is to hurt the opposing player (which I strongly oppose) then one should aim for what ever soccer player needs, their legs. A stomp on the foot will cause a lot of pain without putting a player out of the game.
My whole goal in intentional fouling is to put the opposing player off of his game. Soccer is a game that requires full mental awareness and having a severe pain or the fear of pain can throw a player off.
The best situation to foul is one in which the chances of getting punished are small. I cannot remember the last corner kick I defended that I was not grabbing an opponents jersey. I can be almost certain that a ref will not call a penalty for a shirt tug but the grabbing of the shirt is a huge advantage for a defender.
The third step is the follow through. If the opponent goes down after you fouling him then just keep walking away as if nothing happened. If you are quick to react the ref will be very suspicious. Even though refs aren’t supposed to make calls based on something they didn’t see, I know from experience that they will. Make the other player look crazy, like they are writhing on the ground for no reason.
This all might seem like it is dirty and un-sportsman like. I have been told more times than I can count that fouling is bad. But to win sometimes you have to do it, and its all about what you are willing to give to win.
If you want to see how its done (mostly quite poorly) watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J40V4QWemII&feature=fvst
In the modern game of soccer there are many fouls. As a player you have to evolve with the game and fouling is part of that evolution. The trick is getting away with it. It is not easy but once you perfect it you are at a huge advantage.
Lykke Li.
Female artists always inspire me and Lykke Li is no exception.Li’s music is classified as indie.
Originating from the small european country of Sweden the female artists music has now progressed world widely. Through her songs we see influences of her european heritage and swedish roots.
Lykke Li’s music is excellently varied. She has slow songs such as “Tonight” for those who need to relax and quirky up beat songs like “Get Some” for those who prefer the busier melody. Thousands across the world enjoy her music with it’s soothing tones and quirky attitude.
Her became known after her song “little bit” in 2007. The release of the song followed on to numerous remixes which included a debut by the well-known hip-hop artist Drake.
Although Lykke Li has had many of her own songs she has also collaborated with many other artists such as Primal Scream, Kleerup and Royksopp.
Releasing her new album “Wounded Rhymes” on the 25th of February 2011, her latest single “I follow rivers” is proving to be a hit among indie lovers, appearing on popular blogs and sites.
In my opinion Lykee Li is different from artists and that is what I love about her. She’s unique and doesn’t try to impress or conform to the stereotypes, releasing great songs that are easy to listen to and put one in a great mood.
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Yosemite: a revolution.
In the past 5 days I have seen some of the most magnificent sights I have ever seen. India, Africa, Egypt and Europe have all hosted idyllic spots for my eyes yet none of these places compare to Yosemite.
After a cross country skiing trip into the beautiful peaks of the Sierra’s I can now express my happiness to be living in California.
The looming granite structures dusted with snow and blanketed in pines have made me realize the expansiveness of the state and the beauty that exists in our world.
My trip to Yosemite has opened my eyes to the life that my parents have chosen for me and although I miss the old times, I can safely say that I am happy to be here.
As much as I do not like to admit it, I can now say that I am pleased to be an inhabitant of America.
OVS Journalism Blog 