Steve Cohen (politician) and Floor (gymnastics): Difference between pages

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[[Image:Jade Barbosa 16072007.jpg|thumb|250px|Brazilian gymnast [[Jade Barbosa]] performing on floor at the [[2007 Pan American Games]].]]
{{for|other persons with a similar name|Stephen Cohen}}
{{Infobox_Congressman
| name = Steve Cohen
| image name = Steve Cohen 1.jpg
| state = [[Tennessee]]
| district = [[Tennessee's 9th congressional district|9th]]
| term_start = [[January 4]], [[2007]]
| preceded = [[Harold Ford, Jr.]]
| succeeded = Incumbent
| date of birth = {{birth date and age|1949|05|24}}
| place of birth = [[Memphis, Tennessee]]
| spouse = Single
| profession = [[Attorney]]
| religion = [[Jewish]]
| party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
| alma_mater= [[Vanderbilt University]], [[University of Memphis]]
| residence= [[Memphis, Tennessee]]
|}}


In [[gymnastics]], the '''floor''' refers to a specially prepared exercise surface, which is considered an apparatus. It is used by both [[male]] and [[female]] [[gymnast]]s. The event in gymnastics performed on floor is called '''floor exercise.''' The English abbreviation the for the event in gymnastics scoring is '''FX'''.
'''Stephen Ira "Steve" Cohen''' (born [[May 24]], [[1949]]) is a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] representing [[Tennessee's 9th congressional district|Tennessee's ninth district]]. Prior to his election to the House in November 2006, Cohen was a [[Tennessee Senate|Tennessee State Senator]] from [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]]. He is Tennessee's first [[Jewish]] congressman.


== Dimensions ==
In the 2008 Democratic Party [[primary election|primary]] in August, Cohen defeated his chief opponent, [[Nikki Tinker]] by a margin of 79 to 19% after a bitter campaign contest, earning a place on the ballot as the Democratic candidate for the 9th district in the 2008 congressional elections. Cohen is one of only two whites representing majority black districts in Congress.<ref>[http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/breaking/109849.html Cohen beats back Memphis challenge] Jewish Telegraph Agency - August 8, 2008</ref>
Measures of the apparatus are published by the [[FIG]] in the ''Apparatus Norms'' brochure.
* Length: {{convert|80|m|ft}}
* Width: {{convert|12|m|ft}}
* Additional safety border: {{convert|1|m|ft}}


Most competitive gymnastics floors are [[spring floor]]s. They contain [[spring (device)|spring]]s and/or a [[rubber]] foam and [[plywood]] combination which make the floor bouncy, soften the impact of landings and enable the gymnast to gain height when tumbling. Floors have clearly designated perimeters--the "out of bounds" area is always indicated by a border of white tape or a differently colored mat.
==Early life and education==
Cohen was born in [[Memphis, Tennessee]] on May 24, 1949 to pediatrician Morris D. Cohen and his wife Genevieve.<ref name="PVS">[http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=CS027828 ''Project Vote Smart'' biography]</ref><ref name="Fiery">[http://web.archive.org/web/20061105104553/http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5076661,00.html Fiery Cohen builds loyal support base, by Halimah Abdullah, ''The Commercial Appeal'', October 19, 2006]</ref> He is a fourth-generation Memphian,<ref name="Cohencongress">[http://www.cohenforcongress.com/bio.php Cohen's campaign website biography]</ref> and is the grandson of a [[Jewish]] newsstand owner who immigrated from [[Lithuania]].<ref name="TNR">[https://ssl.tnr.com/p/docsub.mhtml?i=20060925&s=martin092506 Yo Vey!] (subscribers only), Jonathan Martin, ''[[The New Republic]]'', September 25, 2006.</ref> Cohen contracted [[poliomyelitis|polio]] when he was five, and the disease caused him to shift his attention from sports to politics at an early age.<ref name="Cohencongress" /> When Cohen was eleven, [[John F. Kennedy]] made a campaign stop in Memphis, and Cohen took a picture of Kennedy sitting on a convertible. Cohen describes Kennedy as his political hero; the picture still hangs in his office.<ref name="TNR" /> In 1961, Cohen’s family moved to [[Coral Gables, Florida]] where his father received a fellowship in psychiatry at the [[University of Miami]]. From 1964 to 1966, the Cohen family resided in [[Pasadena, California]] where Dr. Cohen had a fellowship in child psychiatry at the University of Southern California. Cohen, who attended [[Polytechnic School]], returned to [[Florida]] in 1966 to graduate from [[Coral Gables High School]] before returning to Memphis where his father established his private psychiatry practice.


The allowed time for a floor exercise is up to 70 [[second]]s for males and 90 seconds for females. Unlike men, women always perform routines to music. A Floor routine done by a female gymnast must have a variety of leaps, jumps, tumbles and turns. Where as, a male gymnast must have tumbles (front and back).<!-- uhh? -->
Cohen graduated from [[Vanderbilt University]] in 1971 with a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree. In 1973, he graduated from the [[Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law]] of Memphis State University (now the [[University of Memphis]]) with a [[Juris Doctor]].<ref name="PVS" />


== Scoring and rules ==
==Politics==
===Early career===
===WAG===
In women's artistic gymnastics, floor exercise routines last between 70 and 90 seconds. The routine is [[choreograph]]ed in advance, and is composed of acrobatic and dance elements. This event, above all others, allows the gymnast to express her personality through her dance and musical style. It is difficult for an athlete to choose an appropriate type of music to dance and tumble to. There are many different genres to choose from, but to pick out the best for each gymnastic is a matter of matching personality and ability. As well, the moves that are choreographed in the routine must be precise, in sync with the music and entertaining.
While serving for three years as Legal Advisor for the Memphis Police Department, Cohen rose to [[politics|political]] prominence when he was elected to the Tennessee [[constitutional convention (political meeting)|Constitutional Convention]] of 1977 at the age of 27. The Convention elected him its vice president.<ref name="Flyer"> [http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=oid%3A16848 "Elder Statesmen"], Jackson Baker, ''[[Memphis Flyer]]'', June 14, 2006.</ref> Cohen was then elected to serve as a commissioner on the [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby County]] Commission, an office he held from 1978 to 1980.<ref name="PVS" /> During his time at the Commission, Cohen was instrumental in the creation of The Med, a community-funded regional hospital.<ref name="Flyer" /> In 1980, Cohen served as an interim [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby County]] General Sessions Court judge.<ref name="PVS" /> He has also served as a delegate to the 1980, 1992, and 2004 [[Democratic National Convention]]s.<ref name="PVS" />


At the international elite level of competition, the composition of the routine is decided by the gymnast and her coaches. Many gyms and national federations hire special choreographers to design routines for their gymnasts. Well known gymnastics choreographers include [[Lisa Luke]] ([[USA]]), [[Adriana Pop]] ([[Romania]], [[France]], [[China]]), [[Nancy Roche]] ([[USA]]) and [[Geza Pozar]] ([[Romania]], [[USA]]). Others opt to choreograph their FX routines in-house. Some gymnasts adopt a new FX every year; others keep the same routine for several competitive seasons. It is not uncommon for coaches to modify a routine's composition between meets, especially if it is used for an extended length of time. It is uncommon for gymnasts to use more than one different FX routine in the same season but it is not entirely unheard of: at the [[1996 Olympics]], for instance, [[Russia]]n [[Dina Kotchetkova]]'s routine in the FX event finals had completely different music, choreography and composition than that of her all-around exercise.
===Tennessee state legislature===
Cohen was elected to the [[Tennessee General Assembly]] in 1982 as a Senator representing District 30, which includes parts of Memphis (including the downtown area). He held that position for 24 years.<ref name="PVS" />


The music used for the routine is also the choice of the gymnast and her coaches. It may be of any known musical style and played with any instrument(s), however, it may not include spoken words, sung lyrics or vocalization of any kind. It is the gymnast and coach's responsibility to bring the FX music to every competition on CD or cassette.
For 18 years, Cohen strove to repeal the ban on [[lottery|lotteries]] in the [[Tennessee State Constitution]].<ref name="Flyer" /> His efforts were successful in 2002, and a [[Tennessee Lottery|state lottery program]] designed to provide college scholarships for Tennessee students was adopted the following year.<ref name="Flyer" /> The lottery program is regarded as the most well-known accomplishment of Cohen's Senate career.<ref name="Flyer" /> Cohen also sponsored legislation relating to expansion of community access to healthcare, the protection of animal rights, the reinstatement of voting rights, graduated driver licenses, and funding for the arts during his career.<ref name="Flyer" />


Most routines include three, four, or five major [[tumbling]] passes and several major dance skills, turns and leaps. Under the [[Code of Points (artistic gymnastics)|Code of Points]] the gymnast must demonstrate skills from five required element groups, including a turn of at least 540 degrees, a double [[salto]], and front and back tumbling.
In March 2005, Cohen was one of three Tennessee Senators to vote against the [[Tennessee Marriage Protection Amendment]], which Tennessee voters approved via a [[referendum]] in November 2006.<ref name="City1">[http://web.archive.org/web/20050506085914/http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section=9&screen=news&news_id=39607 Senate OKs gay marriage ban], Skip Cauthorn, ''The City Paper'', March 1, 2005.</ref> During the course of the debate on the amendment, Cohen offered several amendments to the amendment, all of which failed, including the proposed addition of an "[[adultery]] clause," which said "Adultery is deemed to be a threat to the institution of marriage and contrary to public policy in Tennessee."<ref name="City2">[http://web.archive.org/web/20070213004420/http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/index.cfm?section=9&screen=news&news_id=40741 Marriage Act sponsor facing divorce], Skip Cauthorn, ''The City Paper'', April 15, 2005.</ref>


Scores are based on difficulty, artistry, demonstration of required elements and overall performance quality. Deductions are taken for poor form and execution, lack of required elements, falls and other infractions. Unlike MAG, female gymnasts are permitted to end [[tumbling]] runs in a lunge position, with one foot in front of the other. The gymnast is expected to use the entire floor area for her routine, and to tumble from one corner of the mat to the other. However, steps outside the designated perimeters of the floor incur penalties. The gymnast may also get a large deduction if there are lyrics in the music, therefore, if wanting a lyrical song, the coach must take out the present lyrics.
Cohen was widely regarded as one of the Senate's toughest and most articulate [[debate]]rs, as he has an unusually straightforward and direct style when compared to other Southern politicians. One Tennessee writer described him as "very outspoken, very persistent, and a lot more cerebral than most of his colleagues."<ref name="TNR" />


Gymnasts are permitted to chalk their hands and/or feet and to wear wrist guards on FX. In some lower levels of competition, judges may permit "sting mats"--mats that lessen impact--to be used for tumbling runs. However, these are never allowed in international contests such as the Olympics or World Championships, and, most of the time, are not seen in national elite competitions either.
Cohen was the first [[Jew]]ish person to serve in the [[Tennessee Senate]] since 1958.<ref name="TNR" />


===1996 House campaign===
===MAG===
As with other gymnastic events, scores are based on difficulty, form, and overall performance quality. Judges look to ensure required elements (including a tumble of at least two ''saltos'', or [[somersault]]s) are completed. Tumbles are usually expected to go from corner to corner and make maximum use of the floorspace (however, a step outside the floorspace will incur a penalty). Tumbles should also end in a "stuck" landing: where both feet hit the mat at the same time and together with no steps, hops or strides made to keep the gymnastic upright.
In 1996, Cohen ran for election to the [[United States House of Representatives]] seat for the 9th District, which came open when 22-year incumbent and fellow Democrat [[Harold Ford, Sr.]] announced his retirement. The then 26-year-old [[Harold Ford, Jr.]], the incumbent's son, was his opponent in the Democratic primary.<ref name="TNR" /> Reflecting on the race, Cohen said, "I'd spent fourteen years in the [state] Senate, had the experience, and didn't like the idea of [the seat] being handed down like an heirloom."<ref name="TNR" />

Cohen lost the primary to Ford by 25 points.<ref name="Flyer" /> Noting that Ford, an African-American, did much better than Cohen in majority black precincts despite Ford's inexperience, Cohen said, "It is impossible for a person who is not African American to get a large vote in the African American community . . . against a substantial candidate. The fact is, I am white, and it doesn't seem to matter what you do."<ref name="TNR" /> Later, Cohen admitted that his statement was "impolitic" but also noted that "race is still an important factor in voting."<ref name="TNR" />

Cohen did not have to resign his state senate seat to run in the primary; Tennessee state senators serve staggered four-year terms, and Cohen did not have to run for reelection to the Senate until 1998.

===2006 House campaign===
In early April 2006, Cohen announced that he was again running for the 9th District seat; Ford, Jr. was not running for reelection. Cohen was the first candidate in the race with significant name recognition outside the Memphis area but had fourteen opponents in the primary.<ref name="Flyer" /> ''[[The Commercial Appeal]]'', Memphis' daily [[newspaper]], endorsed Cohen in the race.<ref name="CA">[http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/editorials/article/0,2845,MCA_25348_4875526,00.html From the editorial board: Our recommendations in August 3 races], ''[[The Commercial Appeal]]'', July 28, 2006.</ref> The crowded nature of the primary was largely due to the district's demographics. The 9th is a heavily Democratic, black-majority district, and it was considered very likely that whoever won the Democratic primary would be the district's next congressman.

Cohen won the [[August 3]] primary by a decisive 4,000-vote margin despite being outspent 2 to 1 by the runner-up in the primary. In fact, six Democrats raised more money than he.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/states/election.asp?State=TN&year=2006 Tennessee Congressional Races in 2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He carried many of the district's predominantly black precincts by healthy margins. He faced [[United States Republican Party|Republican]] [[Mark White (Tennessee politician)|Mark White]] and independent Jake Ford (the younger brother of Harold Ford, Jr.) in the general election in November.<ref name="CA primary">[http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4892409,00.html Steve Cohen wins; will face Jake Ford, Mark White in November], Halimah Abdullah, ''The Commercial Appeal'', August 3, 2006.</ref>

Though the Ninth District is heavily Democratic, Jake Ford was seen as a serious contender for the race because of his significant name recognition among Memphis' black voters.<ref name="TNR" /> Jake Ford had skipped the Democratic primary because he felt it was too crowded, but stated he would caucus with the Democrats if elected. The Ford family has been a significant force in Memphis' black community since the days of [[E.H. Crump]]. Indeed, it seemed that the real race was between Cohen and Jake Ford. White was not seen as a serious factor, and by all accounts would have faced nearly impossible odds even in a two-man race against Cohen.

Cohen was endorsed by the mayor of Memphis, [[W. W. Herenton]], and the mayor of [[Shelby County, Tennessee|Shelby County]], [[A.C. Wharton]], both of whom are black and members of the Democratic Party.<ref>[http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_4973651,00.html Mayors endorse Cohen], Halimah Abdullah and Lawrence Buser, ''The Commercial Appeal'', September 7, 2006.</ref> He was also endorsed by many local Democratic activists who had long felt Harold Ford, Jr. was too moderate.

However, many of the city's politically influential black pastors refused to support Cohen, and the area Black Ministers Association overwhelmingly voted to endorse Jake Ford. The Ford family itself was split. While Harold Ford, Jr. himself remained neutral (despite rumors of collusion between the two brothers' campaigns), their cousin Joe Ford, Jr., an entertainment lawyer, strongly endorsed Cohen after finishing third in the primary. However, Harold Ford, Sr. strongly supported his younger son.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1538947,00.html Campaign 2006: Politics Are a Family Matter in Tennessee - TIME<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

On October 8, 2006, Cohen, Ford, and White participated in a televised debate in Memphis. Among other topics, issues discussed included Iraq, medical marijuana, education, and the Tennessee Marriage Protection Amendment.<ref name="debate">[http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5052855,00.html 9th District rivals spar over war, pot, politics], by Alex Doniach, ''The Commercial Appeal'', October 9, 2006</ref> Ford attacked Cohen's record in the State Senate, including his opposition to the Marriage Protection Amendment, support for medical marijuana, and his voting attendance record.<ref name="debate" /> Cohen responded by standing by his public record, pointing out Ford's lack of experience in public office, and indicating that Ford had been to jail and had dropped out of high school.<ref name="debate" />

Cohen won the election by a decisive margin, winning 60% of the vote to Ford's 22% and White's 18%.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2006/pages/results/states/TN/H/09/index.html CNN.com - Elections 2006<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Sixty percent of the votes received by Cohen were from African-American voters.

===House of Representatives===
Cohen is the first Jewish person to represent Tennessee in Congress, as well as the first white Democrat to represent a significant portion of Memphis since freshman [[George W. Grider|George Grider]] was defeated by Republican [[Dan Kuykendall]] in 1966, and the first Jew to represent a majority black district,<ref name="TNR" /> as well as one of the few white congressmen that has represented a black-majority district. Before being elected, Cohen told reporters that he would seek to become the first white member of the [[Congressional Black Caucus]], but later decided against attempting to join after members of the CBC (influenced by co-founder [[Bill Clay]]) indicated that they would not allow a non-black to join.<ref name="TNR" />

[[Speaker of the United States House of Representatives|House Speaker]] [[Nancy Pelosi]] assigned Cohen to serve on the [[United States House Committee on the Judiciary|House Judiciary Committee]], which was Cohen's first choice for a committee assignment, as well as the [[United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure|House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee]].<ref>[http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/politics/article/0,1426,MCA_1496_5209566,00.html Cohen named to Judiciary panel], by Bartholomew Sullivan, ''The Commercial Appeal'', December 13, 2006. Accessed December 18, 2006.</ref>

During his first month in Congress, Cohen voted in favor of each of the components of the Democratic Party's "[[100-Hour Plan]]" in the House, including increasing the federal [[minimum wage]], requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]] prescription drug prices, and reducing interest rates for student borrowers. Cohen also cosponsored House [[Concurrent resolution|Concurrent Resolution]] 23, which "[expresses] the sense of Congress that the President should not order an escalation in the total number of members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq."<ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/R?d110:FLD004:@1(Rep+Cohen+Steve%20%20):') Thomas search] via [[The Library of Congress]]</ref>

On February 27, 2007, Cohen introduced a resolution in the House that apologizes for [[history of slavery in the United States|African-American slavery]] and the system of [[Jim Crow laws]] that persisted for 100 years after the abolition of slavery. Cohen noted that no president has officially apologized for allowing slavery. The bill had picked up thirty-six cosponsors by the end of the day.<ref>{{cite news|author=Bartholomew Sullivan|title=Cohen calls for slavery apology|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/local/article/0,2845,MCA_25340_5382807,00.html|publisher=Commercial Appeal|date=February 28, 2007|accessdate=2007-02-28}}</ref> The resolution passed on July 29, 2008, marking the first time a branch of the federal government had officially apologized for the institution of slavery and its aftermath.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/29/house.slavery/index.html House apologizes for slavery, 'Jim Crow' injustices], CNN, July 29, 2008.</ref>

Cohen made a trip to Iraq from October 4, 2007 to October 7, 2007 as part of a congressional fact-finding delegation. Cohen noted that his impression was that the country was "not in very good shape" and that its economy has been "ravaged." Cohen met with soldiers who complained that long deployments are causing divorces. When Cohen raised this concern with General [[David Petraeus]], Petraeus told Cohen that the claims were being exaggerated. After meeting with Prime Minister [[Nouri al-Maliki]], Cohen described him as "overly optimistic," noting his "bizarre" statement that sectarian war in Iraq is over.<ref>{{cite news|author=Bartholomew Sullivan|title=Cohen, Wicker back from Iraq|url=http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/oct/08/cohen-wicker-visit-iraq/|publisher=Commercial Appeal|date=October 8, 2007|accessdate=2007-10-08}}</ref>

Despite Cohen's strong performance in the black community, many of the city's politically active blacks feel chagrin at being represented by him. Besides sentiment that the 9th should be represented by a black Democrat, his socially liberal views (see below) also give them pause. For example, Cohen's support for a hate-crimes bill drew particularly strong opposition from most of the city's black ministers because it included a sexual orientation provision. Cohen contends that every member of the Congressional Black Caucus voted for the bill, and Harold Ford, Jr. had voted for it in the previous Congress. Still, many of the city's black ministers tried to rally behind a consensus black candidate to challenge Cohen in the Democratic primary.<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14810455 In Memphis, Debate Over a White Representative]. ''[[All Things Considered]],'' [[September 28]] [[2007]]</ref>

=== 2008 Democratic Primary===
In the 2008 Democratic Primary in Tennessee's ninth congressional district, Cohen faced four challengers in the [[August 7]] Democratic primary primary. His major opponent was [[Nikki Tinker]], a lawyer who had finished second to Cohen in the 2006 primary<ref>Ford, Glen. [http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=460&Itemid=1 When NOT to vote black (at least in Memphis). Black Agenda Report, 2007-12-05</ref> and had formerly been an aide to Harold Ford, Jr.<ref>O' Brien, Michael. [http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/cohen-defeats-tinker-in-tennessee-primary-2008-08-07.html Cohen defeats Tinker in Tennessee primary] ''[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]'', 2008-08-07.</ref> Tinker received the endorsement of the city's Black Ministerial Association.

The campaign quickly turned ugly, with Tinker putting together a raft of negative ads. One attacked Cohen for voting to keep a statue of [[Nathan Bedford Forrest]], founder of the [[Ku Klux Klan]], at the Medical Center park. The ad falsely implied that Cohen had ties to the Klan by juxtaposing Cohen with a white-clad Klansman.<ref>[http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/aug/05/editorials-tinker-lowers-bar-in-the-9th/ Tinker lowers bar in the 9th]. Editorial, ''[[The Commercial Appeal]]'', 2008-08-05.</ref> Another ad accused Cohen of "praying in our churches" <ref>Kraushaar, Josh. [http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12378.html Obama forced to deal with Tenn. primary]. ''[[The Politico]]'', 2008-08-07.</ref> while voting against school prayer during his tenure in the State Senate. Tinker's campaign later removed the ads from its [[YouTube]] account amid criticism from a number of sources.

On Election Day, [[Barack Obama]] denounced Tinker's ads, saying they "have no place in our politics, and will do nothing to help the good people of Tennessee." Harold Ford, Jr. also denounced the ads.<ref name="CAWin">[http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/aug/07/cohen-takes-early-lead-over-tinker-towns-jr/ Incumbent Cohen holds off Tinker in overwhelming 9th District win], Zack McMillin and Cindy Wolff, ''The Commercial Appeal'', August 7, 2008</ref>

The primary had been marred by racial tensions for months prior to the August vote. In February 2008, Rev. George Brooks, a Tinker supporter, distributed literature in the district which stated that "Cohen and the Jews HATE Jesus" and urged the defeat of an "opponent of Christ and Christianity." Another minister, Rev. Robert Poindexter of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, said that he was supporting Tinker because Cohen "(is) not black, and he can't represent me, that's just the bottom line."
<ref>[http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/feb/13/editorials-race-baiting-in-the-9th/ Race-baiting in the 9th] Commercial Appeal, Wednesday, February 13, 2008</ref>

Ultimately, Cohen won the primary in a rout, taking 79 percent of the vote to Tinker's 19 percent. In his victory speech, Cohen said his victory proved "Memphis has come a long, long way" from its racially divisive past.<ref name="CAWin"/> Cohen's victory in the primary virtually assures him of a second term in Congress since no Republican bothered to file. The Republicans last made a serious bid for this district in 1978, and a Republican would have faced nearly impossible odds in any case. However, Cohen is expected to face three independents--one of whom is Jake Ford--in the November election.

Cohen endorsed [[Barack Obama]] in the [[Democratic Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2008|2008 Democratic presidential primary]] on February 4, 2008, the day before the [[Super Tuesday, 2008]] primaries.<ref>[http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=38879 Rep. Cohen Endorses Obama; So Does Local Democratic Chairman], Jackson Baker, ''The Memphis Flyer'', February 4, 2008</ref> On September 10, 2008 while speaking on the floor of the House, Cohen compared Obama's work as a community organizer to [[Jesus Christ]]'s work.<ref>[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/10/dem-compares-obama-to-jesus/ Cohen: Jesus was a community organizer]</ref>

===Issue positions and ideology===
Cohen maintains [[American liberalism|liberal]] positions on many issues, including staunch support for environmental protection,<ref name="Environment">[http://www.cohenforcongress.com/issues-environment.html Cohen campaign website, Issues-Environment]</ref> opposition to the [[George W. Bush]] Administration over the [[War in Iraq]],<ref name="Iraq">[http://www.cohenforcongress.com/issues-iraq.html Cohen campaign website, Issues-Iraq]</ref> and support for a woman's right to an [[abortion]].<ref name="Women">[http://www.cohenforcongress.com/issues-women.html Cohen campaign website, Issues-Women's Issues]</ref> To expand funds available for research and development of alternative energy sources, Cohen supports the imposition of an excess profits tax on oil companies.<ref name="Oil">[http://www.cohenforcongress.com/issues-energy.html Cohen compaign website, Issues-Energy]</ref> Cohen has said that he believes that adequate health care is a "fundamental right" of all citizens.<ref name="Health Care">[http://www.cohenforcongress.com/issues-health.html Cohen campaign website, Issues-Health Care]</ref> Cohen supports [[gender equality]], [[separation of church and state]], [[progressive tax]]ation, [[medical cannabis|medicinal use of marijuana]], [[gun rights]] and [[capital punishment]].

==Voting Record==
According to the Washington Post, of the 1,843 votes Cohen cast during the 110th congress (as of October 10, 2008), Cohen voted with Democrats 97.6% (1,773 times) and with the Republicans 2.4% (44 times). He also missed 26 votes (1.4% of the total made by the 110th Congress). In all of the "key votes" made during the 110th Congress, Cohen voted with the Democrats 100% of the time.<ref>[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/c001068/ U.S. Congress - Vote Database - Steve Cohen], Washington Post, retrieved on October 10, 2008.</ref>

==Trivia==
{{Trivia|date=August 2007}}
Cohen was a friend of the late musician [[Warren Zevon]], who included him in the "Thanks" listing in the booklet accompanying his final album, ''[[The Wind (album)|The Wind]]''. Cohen presented the eulogy at Zevon's memorial service in Westwood, CA.

A room in Cohen's home contains a collection of more than 3,000 campaign buttons.<ref name="Fiery" />

Cohen appeared briefly in the film ''[[The Firm (1993 film)|The Firm]]'' in a restaurant scene with [[Tom Cruise]] and [[Gene Hackman]]. He also appeared as an extra in another film adaptation of a [[John Grisham]] novel, ''[[The Client]]''.

Cohen appeared on the [[March 1]], [[2007]] episode of ''[[The Colbert Report]]'' in the show's [[Better Know a District]] series.

Although his family has no knowledge of any [[Turkish people|Turkish]] heritage, Cohen's mother's [[birth certificate]] states his maternal grandfather was born in [[Turkey]] when it was part of the [[Ottoman Empire]]; it is probable that he is a member of the [[Sephardic]] Jews who escaped the [[Spanish Inquisition]] and traveled to the [[Ottoman Empire]] and present day [[Turkey]].<ref>http://www.turkofamerica.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=327&Itemid=173</ref> He is a member of the Congressional Caucus on US Turkish Relations and Turkish Americans.<ref>http://www.turkishcoalition.org</ref> He has consistently opposed Congressional recognition of the [[Armenian Genocide]] on pragmatic grounds; Cohen does not deny the existence of the genocide but believes that recognizing it officially in Congress would damage relations with Turkey.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/18/washington/18cong.html House Speaker Now Unsure if Armenian Genocide Motion Will Reach a Vote], Carl Hulse, ''New York Times'', October 18, 2007</ref>

On August 7, 2008, a confrontation between Armenian journalist Peter Musurlian and Cohen was reported. During a press conference at Cohen's home, Musurlian was asked to leave by Cohen's staff and Cohen himself. Cohen then allegedly put both hands on Musurlian's arms and forced him out of the home after the journalist asked the congressman about the [[Armenian Genocide]].<ref>[http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/aug/06/cohen-asks-photographer-leave-his-home-then-pushes/ Cohen asks photographer to leave his home, then pushes him out], by Zack McMillin, ''The Commercial Appeal'', August 7, 2008.</ref><ref>http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=86371</ref>. The journalist subsequently accused Cohen of assault.<ref>http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/08/07/rep-steve-cohen-tosses-armenian-american-cameraman-from-home</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Gymnastics portal}}
*[[United States House of Representatives elections in Tennessee, 2008]]
* [[Wushu (sport)]], which also uses a floor.

* [[Acro dance]], which incorporates many FX elements in a dance context.
==References==
* [[Gym Floor Cover]]
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references /> </div>
*''[[Tennessee Blue Book]]'', 2005–2006 edition, p. 22


==External links==
==External links==
{{commonscat|Floor (gymnastics)}}
*[http://cohen.house.gov/ Representative Steve Cohen] - '''official U.S. House site'''
*[http://www.cohenforcongress.com Steve Cohen for Congress] - '''official campaign site'''
* [http://www.fedintgym.com/rules/ The 2006 ''Code of Points'']
*[http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/Stephen_Cohen.html Biography of Steve Cohen] at the Jewish Virtual Library
* [http://www.fig-gymnastics.com/cache/html/12301-117-10001.html WAG apparatus description at the FIG website]
* [http://www.fig-gymnastics.com/cache/html/4909-116-10001.html MAG apparatus description at the FIG website]
{{CongLinks | congbio = c001068 | fec = H6TN09068 | opensecrets = N00003225 | votesmart = CS027828 | ontheissuespath = House/Steve_Cohen.htm | legistorm = | surge = | govtrack = | findagrave = }}
* [http://www.usgyms.net/tumbling_skills.htm US Gym Net's glossary of floor skills]
*[http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Steve_Cohen Profile] at [[SourceWatch]] [[Congresspedia]]
* [http://www.usgyms.net/jumps_leaps.htm US Gym Net's glossary of hops, jumps and leaps]
*[http://www.cqpolitics.com/2006/11/on_their_way_cohen_rises_above.html On Their Way: Cohen Rises Above Ford Family Drama in Tenn. 9], by Rachel Kapochunas, ''CQPolitics.com'', [[November 2]], [[2006]]
* [http://www.flashmavi.com/gymnastics.shtml FM Online - Floor Instructions]
*[http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/200808080808tinkercohen.html In a campaign featuring anti-Semitic smears, Jewish incumbent wins big] by Eric Fingerhut, Jewish Telegraph Agency (JTA), August 21, 2008.

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| state=Tennessee
| district=9
| before=[[Harold Ford, Jr.]]
| start=2007
}}
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{{Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus and Equipment}}
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[[Category:Artistic gymnastics apparatus]]
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[[Category:Floors]]
[[Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Tennessee]]
[[Category:Congressional opponents of the Iraq War]]
[[Category:Tennessee State Senators]]
[[Category:Jewish American politicians]]
[[Category:Lithuanian-American Jews]]
[[Category:Tennessee lawyers]]
[[Category:Vanderbilt University alumni]]
[[Category:University of Memphis alumni]]
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]


[[ar:حركات أرضية (جمباز)]]
[[he:סטיב כהן]]
[[cs:Prostná]]
[[da:Øvelser på gulv]]
[[de:Bodenturnen]]
[[fa:پیست حرکات زمینی]]
[[fr:Sol (gymnastique)]]
[[he:התעמלות מכשירים]]
[[it:Corpo Libero]]
[[ja:ゆか]]
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[[ro:Sol (gimnastică)]]
[[ru:Вольные упражнения]]
[[sv:Fristående]]
[[zh:自由体操]]

Revision as of 00:54, 11 October 2008

Brazilian gymnast Jade Barbosa performing on floor at the 2007 Pan American Games.

In gymnastics, the floor refers to a specially prepared exercise surface, which is considered an apparatus. It is used by both male and female gymnasts. The event in gymnastics performed on floor is called floor exercise. The English abbreviation the for the event in gymnastics scoring is FX.

Dimensions

Measures of the apparatus are published by the FIG in the Apparatus Norms brochure.

  • Length: 80 metres (260 ft)
  • Width: 12 metres (39 ft)
  • Additional safety border: 1 metre (3.3 ft)

Most competitive gymnastics floors are spring floors. They contain springs and/or a rubber foam and plywood combination which make the floor bouncy, soften the impact of landings and enable the gymnast to gain height when tumbling. Floors have clearly designated perimeters--the "out of bounds" area is always indicated by a border of white tape or a differently colored mat.

The allowed time for a floor exercise is up to 70 seconds for males and 90 seconds for females. Unlike men, women always perform routines to music. A Floor routine done by a female gymnast must have a variety of leaps, jumps, tumbles and turns. Where as, a male gymnast must have tumbles (front and back).

Scoring and rules

WAG

In women's artistic gymnastics, floor exercise routines last between 70 and 90 seconds. The routine is choreographed in advance, and is composed of acrobatic and dance elements. This event, above all others, allows the gymnast to express her personality through her dance and musical style. It is difficult for an athlete to choose an appropriate type of music to dance and tumble to. There are many different genres to choose from, but to pick out the best for each gymnastic is a matter of matching personality and ability. As well, the moves that are choreographed in the routine must be precise, in sync with the music and entertaining.

At the international elite level of competition, the composition of the routine is decided by the gymnast and her coaches. Many gyms and national federations hire special choreographers to design routines for their gymnasts. Well known gymnastics choreographers include Lisa Luke (USA), Adriana Pop (Romania, France, China), Nancy Roche (USA) and Geza Pozar (Romania, USA). Others opt to choreograph their FX routines in-house. Some gymnasts adopt a new FX every year; others keep the same routine for several competitive seasons. It is not uncommon for coaches to modify a routine's composition between meets, especially if it is used for an extended length of time. It is uncommon for gymnasts to use more than one different FX routine in the same season but it is not entirely unheard of: at the 1996 Olympics, for instance, Russian Dina Kotchetkova's routine in the FX event finals had completely different music, choreography and composition than that of her all-around exercise.

The music used for the routine is also the choice of the gymnast and her coaches. It may be of any known musical style and played with any instrument(s), however, it may not include spoken words, sung lyrics or vocalization of any kind. It is the gymnast and coach's responsibility to bring the FX music to every competition on CD or cassette.

Most routines include three, four, or five major tumbling passes and several major dance skills, turns and leaps. Under the Code of Points the gymnast must demonstrate skills from five required element groups, including a turn of at least 540 degrees, a double salto, and front and back tumbling.

Scores are based on difficulty, artistry, demonstration of required elements and overall performance quality. Deductions are taken for poor form and execution, lack of required elements, falls and other infractions. Unlike MAG, female gymnasts are permitted to end tumbling runs in a lunge position, with one foot in front of the other. The gymnast is expected to use the entire floor area for her routine, and to tumble from one corner of the mat to the other. However, steps outside the designated perimeters of the floor incur penalties. The gymnast may also get a large deduction if there are lyrics in the music, therefore, if wanting a lyrical song, the coach must take out the present lyrics.

Gymnasts are permitted to chalk their hands and/or feet and to wear wrist guards on FX. In some lower levels of competition, judges may permit "sting mats"--mats that lessen impact--to be used for tumbling runs. However, these are never allowed in international contests such as the Olympics or World Championships, and, most of the time, are not seen in national elite competitions either.

MAG

As with other gymnastic events, scores are based on difficulty, form, and overall performance quality. Judges look to ensure required elements (including a tumble of at least two saltos, or somersaults) are completed. Tumbles are usually expected to go from corner to corner and make maximum use of the floorspace (however, a step outside the floorspace will incur a penalty). Tumbles should also end in a "stuck" landing: where both feet hit the mat at the same time and together with no steps, hops or strides made to keep the gymnastic upright.

See also

Template:Gymnastics portal

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Floor (gymnastics).
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