tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post3585623431968464070..comments2023-06-21T09:25:35.299-04:00Comments on C&E Current Events Blog: Current Event 12/10Ms. Loganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06108383017239186239noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-75399780760475355372010-12-10T15:38:04.982-05:002010-12-10T15:38:04.982-05:00ryan hegedus
Call of Duty: Black Ops shatters indu...ryan hegedus<br />Call of Duty: Black Ops shatters industry sales record<br /><br /> Call of Duty: Black Ops, released on November 9, 2010, had more opening-day sales than any other videogame, or for that matter, anything in the entertainment industry. 5.6 million copies of Black Ops were sold, beating it’s closest competition handily, which was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 with 4.7 million copies. Although the number of copies sold was a staggering amount, many expected this kind of debut for the game. Many expected this because, not only was there a considerable amount of hype built up for this game, but there were also more midnight release events than ever before, giving it a competitive edge. It is believed that no game will outsell this one in its openeing day, until the next Call of Duty game comes out, that is.<br /> I am one of the people who was expecting the large amount of units sold for this game. I was an adamant COD MW2 player, and my expectaions for the qualit of Black Ops were huge. Fortunately, I was not let down by the latst installation in the Call of Duty series. With new ways to customize online and Nazi Zombies now having more maps, the game makes for hours of fun. My favorite feature about Black Ops would have to be online split-screen, because now I can play with my friends in the same room wile being online, not one or the other.Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17904979025419588742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-86653862650393961792010-12-10T13:52:50.386-05:002010-12-10T13:52:50.386-05:00This story is referring to the Bush era tax cuts t...This story is referring to the Bush era tax cuts that Obama wants to end. Obama opposes the tax cuts because the conservative ideas of a trickle down economy have not done much at all to support the economy and him the other democrats support the liberal ideas that the more you make, the more you pay. Instead of the top 2% receiving tax cuts, he believes that the top two percent owe the country the most for allowing them to make so much so they need to flow the most of their cash back into the economy.<br /><br />I support Obama on these regards because it would flow more cash to my family through lower taxes and it will help our economy. So I hope Obama does not compromise with the republicans on this and he holds strong as a democrat.<br /><br />Jackson wright<br />6Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02213084329315291146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-21525427938150325092010-12-10T12:58:20.592-05:002010-12-10T12:58:20.592-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/12/02/new.york.fracking...http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/12/02/new.york.fracking.moratorium/index.html?npt=NP1<br /> <br />Andrew Cohen<br />7th period<br /> <br />Democrats in the Senate failed to open debate on a bill that would potentially give health benefits to emergency workers who were involved in the rescue and recovery effort following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. A Republican filibuster defeated this bill. The motion for cloture needed 60 votes and fell 3 votes short. This bill is likely to be brought up again but with the congressional session ending soon, the defeat of this bill becomes even more crucial. The bill is called the James Zadroga 9/11 Health Bill. It is named after an N.Y.P.D. detective who died a few years ago at ground zero from breathing in toxic plume caused by the 9/11 attacks. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that this was "a tragic example of partisan politics trumping patriotism.”<br />I agree with Mayor Bloomberg. I find it disturbing how these Senate Republicans are loyal to their political party before their country. Upon further research, I learned that James Zadroga, the man who died at ground zero, could have been treated and cured through extensive medical care. I think that those who were involved in one of the most important rescue and recovery effort in American history should at least be given health benefits. The fact that this bill was killed is very important because with the congessional session ending, it will only get harder to pass bills that are mostly favored by Democrats. This relates to what we have been studying in class because it relates to how a bill becomes a law, and the legislative process.andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16313137150207868036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-32989821622115393182010-12-10T09:21:05.400-05:002010-12-10T09:21:05.400-05:00(That's Hannah Blackburn 7th period)(That's Hannah Blackburn 7th period)Ginny Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11847406585584090414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-84845000294996508822010-12-10T09:20:06.262-05:002010-12-10T09:20:06.262-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/world/africa/10s...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/world/africa/10sudan.html?_r=1&ref=africa<br /><br />Sudan is Africa’s largest country. But on January 9, 2011 South Sudan will hold a vote to secede from the North. South Sudanese have been third class in Sudan, and racial and religious divides have made the North and the South practically two different countries. The North is primarily Arab-Muslim, while the South is predominantly Christian and animist. Sudan has been locked in civil war for a long time, and the South hopes to end this by seceding and becoming their own country. The capital will be Juba, which has become the center for politics in the South. Citizens of Juba have been marching on the 9th of every month to encourage voters to register and vote for separation. On December 9, 2010, the march across the city was a celebration and a rally both. The political leaders in the South are so desperate for voters, that they have made the ballot friendly to all voters. Sudan has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, so the ballot shows symbols as well as words.<br /><br />I think separation is a great idea for the South. It will separate warring communities and hopefully lower the number of deaths Sudan sees. Their civil war has been brutal and both sides wish the killings would stop. I doubt that this will solve all the area’s problems. For example, South Sudan may try to take revenge on the North once they are established as their own country. An official border may not mean as much to North and South Sudan, especially as many Southerners work in the North. I hope most of the registered voters do show up to vote on January 9th. There must be at least 60% of registered voters voting for the vote to be accepted.Ginny Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11847406585584090414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-67610432704094432592010-12-10T09:16:21.243-05:002010-12-10T09:16:21.243-05:00http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/obam...http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/obamas-light-national-christmas-tree/?ref=politics<br /><br />This year, a forty-two foot tall Colorado blue spruce was lit by the Obama’s. Yesterday, President Obama and his family lit the National Christmas tree. This tradition is one of the Presidents for eighty-eight years now. This year the tree was covered in energy efficient bulbs. This is related to the fact that some trees went without lights during World War 2 in an attempt to save energy. Obama stated that the story of Christmas was dear to him and his wife as Christians, but the message itself was universal. The ceremony closed with wishes for himself, his wife, his children, his mother-in-law and Bo, the First Dog.<br /><br />I am really glad that during these hard economic and political times that Obama still honors the tradition to light the Christmas tree. I also like the thought behind it, because as Obama said even if you aren’t a Christian the message of Christmas is a good one. Also, I’m really excited for Christmas, and lighting the Christmas tree means it is getting really close to time. I thought this was a good article because we talked about this in class!<br /><br />Jessica Batson<br />7th periodJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16474773761681972717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-91246728504742168532010-12-10T03:10:53.956-05:002010-12-10T03:10:53.956-05:00Addendum:
Jessica Yin
7th. period
http://www.ny...Addendum:<br /> Jessica Yin<br /> 7th. period<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/us/politics/10military.html?hpJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14533777298796999895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-10123168317942258262010-12-10T03:09:41.526-05:002010-12-10T03:09:41.526-05:00A bill that repeals the ban of gay in the military...A bill that repeals the ban of gay in the military passed in the Senate this Thursday.Susan Collins,the only Republican who voted for the bill, thinks that there will be limited prospect this year if they repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.President Obama was disappointed that yet another fillbuster has prevented the Senate from moving forward with the National Defense Authorization Act.The House is going to keep defending;such a fillbiuster this time caused the difficulties of making decisions for the Congress for the first time in early 50 years.The majority leader, Harry Reid did not discuss further with his colleagues because he thinks that discrimination has never worked well for the U.S. Some members that veto the bill also because of the long time that they thought this policy "probably should" be ended.The main idea from the democrats is that everything we need for our military is less important than making sure you get that tax break for everybody's second million.<br /> I've been keeping asking myself the same question again and again,that if I agree with the policy of "don't ask, don't tell".Ultimately I found that I totally agree with what Mrs. Collins said that if we repeal this bill, our national prospective will be lessened over this year.I thought that the perspective of the people who vetoed against the bill have an extreme idea that the gays in the military will will not be organized.This bill is going to be kept discussed and voted until it has the clear points.Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14533777298796999895noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-36675424855556955842010-12-10T00:09:15.088-05:002010-12-10T00:09:15.088-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/us/politics/10co...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/us/politics/10cong.html?_r=1&ref=politics<br /><br />This Thursday, the tax cut package that was worked out between the White House and Republicans was unveiled to the Senate. Democrats immediately began debating the bill, and threatened to filibuster. The bill would extend all Bush era tax cuts. Democrats strongly oppose the bill, but have been able to fit a few tax cuts into the bill that would add a tax break for ethanol production, and extend a grant program that would promote alternative energy. As a whole, the Democrats believe that the bill is way too expensive (package costing $858 billion) for how few people it will actually benefit. <br /><br />I don’t think they should pass this bill. I know that President Obama was making a compromise with the Republicans to get the unemployment benefits extended, and I support the idea of both parties working together, but the bill is simply too expensive for how few people it’s truly benefitting. The Bush tax cuts were made to benefit the extremely wealthy, and to extend the Bush tax cuts would primarily only benefit the extremely wealthy again. Extending the Bush tax cuts will cost the nation $68 billion in lost tax revenue, and with a huge national deficit on our hands, reducing the deficit by $68 billion would make more sense.<br /><br />Brady Strine<br />6th periodBrady Strinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17269819666887671512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-69212539033482647222010-12-09T23:48:35.929-05:002010-12-09T23:48:35.929-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/world/europe/10n...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/world/europe/10nuke.html?ref=world<br /><br />A nuclear pact with Moscow cleared its final hurdle on Thursday. This agreement opens the door to greater civilian nuclear cooperation between the United States and Russia. President Obama hopes this will be another step toward strengthening the Russian-American rapprochement. The pact lifts longstanding limitations to allow extensive commercial nuclear trade, technology transfers, and joint research between Russia and the United States. This doesn’t include restricted data, but it is still bringing the United States another step closer to Russia. <br /><br />This is a really good idea in my eyes. If we cooperate with Russia, only good things will happen. Both of our countries will get stronger and have more information about nuclear fuel and other subjects in the nuclear industry. Our countries need to keep making progress like this. The more information we share with each other, the more advanced we will become.<br /><br />Chris Barth<br /><br />P.7Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04335256623382270175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-42323300460141022552010-12-09T23:46:05.893-05:002010-12-09T23:46:05.893-05:00http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/to-help-...http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/to-help-sea-lions-noaa-restricts-fishing/?ref=science<br /><br />The western Steller sea lion has faced a recent rapid decline in population. In some areas, the population has decreased 45 percent from 2000 – 2008. Scientists believe that this is mostly due to over fishing the sea lions’ main sources of food (Atka mackerel and Pacific cod). Consequently, fishing restrictions have been implemented off parts of Alaska’s western Aleutian Islands. A sea lion usually weighs about 1,500 pounds and eats 6% of its weight in fish daily (90 pounds!). Last year, commercial fishermen took 2.6 billion pounds of these fish and made up to 1 billion dollars. The restrictions can cause up to a 3 million dollar loss in revenue. <br /><br />I believe that humans do not have the right to knowingly jeopardize an animal’s survival. The western Steller sea lion is seen as an endangered species, and fishing restrictions have the potential to protect and save them. Although the loss in revenue is unfortunate, three million dollars is worth the survival of an entire species. It is likely that these sea lions play a crucial role in the environment, and their extinction would cause further problems that would cost much more to fix. <br /><br />Maria Yao, 6thMariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14978697087640024694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-53502562733452794622010-12-09T23:27:11.423-05:002010-12-09T23:27:11.423-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/us/politics/10mi...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/us/politics/10military.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss<br /><br />The tradition of continuing discrimination via filibuster seems to only be continuing in the senate today. A bill that would not only repeal the policy of "don't ask don't tell" that applies to homosexuals in the military, a major step in combating the discrimination that homosexuals face in America, but also would improve benefits for all soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan--regardless of sexuality. I can't help but be reminded of Strom Thurmond's ridiculous filibuster of the civil rights bill of 1957 when these things happen that impede the rights of our citizens. To me, the worst part is that it impedes the rights of the defenders of our nation itself, the ones who deserve most to be supported by our nation and people. My feelings are well-put in the words of Harry Reid: "We can no longer ask our troops to die for a flag that represents justice and ask them to be false to themselves while they do it." Perhaps the way we run the senate should be changed so you no longer need a supermajority to pass a controversial bill...<br /><br />Liam Dalton<br />6th Per.Liamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07261688128480047969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-76501522935892628992010-12-09T23:01:55.559-05:002010-12-09T23:01:55.559-05:00http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/08/tax.cut.com...http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/08/tax.cut.comments/index.html<br /><br />It seems like everyone is gaining up on President Obama lately. After negotiating with the Republicans, they decided to extend the tax-cuts and unemployment benefits. Many Democrats and others are very upset with this decision. They say Obama should have just extended the tax-cuts to those who make less than $250,000 a year. Representatives battered the President by saying he has no negotiation skills, and he didn’t stay true to the promises he made Americans during his election. During his election, Obama promised to let these tax-cuts expire for the richer Americans, but he seems to have done the opposite. Some Americans are also very upset about extending the unemployment benefits because they feel it is allowing the unemployed people to continue to get paid while they do nothing. They feel it is not encouraging the unemployed to go out and find jobs, and many hard working Americans don’t think this is fair. One person said, “"Did someone tell him his job was to improve the economy, get spending under control etc. -- not making sure Republicans are happy? They, like the rest of the world, read him for the weak 'leader' he is and so more will be sure to follow." Americans have said that Obama is going to be a one term president, and the only way there could be a Democrat in charge is to elect a different president in 2012. Citizens are really not happy with President Obama right now. <br /><br />I agree that Obama has gone back on the promises he made during his campaign, but I’m sure there is good reason for it. Things were probably different when he actually got in office, and changes to his original plan had to be made. I don’t think its fair for Americans so be beating Obama up with insults and disrespect because he is trying. Our country is in such big crisis that it is going to be hard to fix all the problems with the blink of an eye. I don’t think Americans understand how much pressure he is under, and if people disagree with the decisions he makes, they should just turn around and say he’s a bad president. I believe Obama is doing the best he can with regard to the state of our nation. <br /><br />Laura Musalem <br />6th periodLaura Musalemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04411277008690423364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-83045706524077016952010-12-09T22:55:27.438-05:002010-12-09T22:55:27.438-05:00http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20025205-50...http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20025205-503544.html<br /><br /><br />Westboro Baptist Church said that they are going to protest at Elizabeth Edward’s funeral this weekend. The group is known for protesting at events and against homosexual rights. They also have their own website with very oppressing views. This group is led by Reverend Fred Phelps. He is known for protesting at Soldier’s funerals. He has even gone so far as to protest at high school events and theatre productions. The group is against what they Edwards have done politically and socially so they will protest.<br /><br />Honestly, I think this whole thing is absolutely awful. I could go on a rant for this for hours. The fact that a Christian group is saying such things about other people makes me so angry. Some of their arguments include that God hates homosexuals. The fact that they would say this makes no sense at all, because it specifically says in the Bible that God loves everyone. Ignorant people like this make me so angry. The fact that you would even disrupt someone’s funeral disturbs me. The whole thing is crazy and I know we have freedom of speech, but this is going too far. I hope the funeral this weekend is peaceful and undisturbed by these protestors.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-17147715990321486092010-12-09T22:49:34.791-05:002010-12-09T22:49:34.791-05:00http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2010/0324/B...http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Education/2010/0324/Busing-to-end-in-Wake-County-N.C.-Goodbye-school-diversity<br /><br /> The Wake County school district has decided to change its income-based integration plan to develop school zones closer to students’ homes. Advocates say the new plan will spare children long bus rides, while opponents claim it will lead to racial resegregation and more concentrated poverty in certain schools. “There’s a lot of cachet right now around the idea of neighborhood schools ... but if the community is segregated residentially, what you are gaining in proximity, you are losing in diversity and in integration,” says Mark Dorosin, an attorney at the Center for Civil Rights at UNC.<br /><br /> In my opinion, even though it may be more efficient to have school districts based on address, it is unfair to impoverished children living in impoverished communities and it will most likely end in the resegregation of schools. This would be a major setback for the advancement of minorities because it’s harder to attract good teachers to schools with the majority of its students impoverished, and students tend to do better academically if many of their classmates plan to attend college and have other supports common among wealthy families. If the Wake County Schools decide to return to neighborhood schools, kids will get unequal education which can ultimately lead to the suppression of certain groups of people.<br /> <br />Cerys Humphreys<br />10/9/10<br />7th periodCeryshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05060179156063450925noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-6265235206457477182010-12-09T22:38:53.740-05:002010-12-09T22:38:53.740-05:00Thomas Nguyen
10.9.10 Period 7
http://www.nytimes....Thomas Nguyen<br />10.9.10 Period 7<br />http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/science/earth/10epa.html?_r=1&ref=us<br /><br /><br />The Obama administration has decided to delay the expected tougher emission regulation rules. These rules affect smog and toxic emissions released by industrial boilers. The E.P.A. has decided to run more research and studies on the effects of smog; they expect the research to wrap up in July 2011. They also want to study boiler regulation and expect to stop in April 2012. Environmentalists do not like the delayed regulation rules. They think that the regulation on Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gases will also be delayed. The National Association of Manufacturers and the American Petroleum Institute like the decision because they believe that the superfluous rules will stop the economy and kill jobs. The E.P.A. has announced that it will regulate carbon emissions from power plants and other major sources starting the day after Jan. 1. <br /><br /><br /><br />I don't see how more strict rules on toxic emissions released by industrial boilers will affect the jobs in the Manufacturing and Petroleum industry. The rules are just making the boilers have to upgrade to be greener. This delay allows boilers and the Petroleum industry to keep releasing the toxic emissions. The E.P.A. would have to make tougher rules because the same amount of pollution is going into the air for an extended amount of time. the Eco-friendly people have longed to see tougher rules set by the E.P.A., but they will have to wait longer because of the delay. I am not sure if the E.P.A. wants to study smog more; I think they are headed in the wrong direction to make our country more environmentally friendly.Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10692266940496303648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-19100473633880690862010-12-09T22:36:17.070-05:002010-12-09T22:36:17.070-05:00Riley Hutchison
7th period
http://www.nytimes.co...Riley Hutchison <br />7th period<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/09/world/americas/09haiti.html?ref=todayspaper<br /><br />Currently in Hati the preliminary presidential election results have just been released. The results were so controversial that protests broke out in the streets, and bulidings were destroyed, and some set on fire. The current president Rene Preval has chosen a successor, but the people of Hati dont seem to agree with his choice. The United Nations peacekeeping troops had to fire tear gas, fire rubber bullets, and throw flash-bang grenades in order to attempt to control the protestors. The streets were barricaded with earthquake rubble, and things were set on fire. The three canidates with the highest precentage of the votes were Ms. Manigat with 31.4%, Mr. Celestin with 22.5%, and Mr. Martelly with 21.8%. All of these canidates claim that they question the accuracy of the results, and 12 out of 18 nominees wished for the election to be canceled. The three canidates all fear that the people cant be controlled. Senator Lambert claims that "if we cannot hold them back, prepare yourself for civil war." The people have lost their faith in the government, and claim that the government rigged the elections. Jean-Claude Gouboth who owns a Soft-drink shop, which was destroyed in the earthquake, than rebuilt, and destroyed again in hurricane Tomas. He claims that "Politicians have always devieved us, and its not worth burning down the town for them. <br /><br />Living in the USA the elections dont seem like a big deal to me. We have them about every couple years, and people dont start protests in the streets. We have had our share of messed up elections, but you dont see people running out into the streets or burning down buildings. We seem to have a more systematic way of dealing with fraud issues, and i hope that Hati will gain some tollerance for mistakes. They have had some terrible things happen, but they really need to try to work together in order to make things better. The current election seems to be causing more turmoil, so i would just have the current president appoint a successor. This would eliminate the people's claims that the government rigged the polls, and the current president has a pretty good idea of who would be best for the job. It seems like if the elections were canceled (which would be terrible) people wouldnt have anything to fight about because there would be no elections for the government to rigg. If the people dont stop the fighting it will force the government to use violence to control them, and that will only make the situation worse. I just dont see why people can get so angry about a preliminary election.Riley Hutchisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02555970875882436598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-59976074901540774752010-12-09T22:14:54.711-05:002010-12-09T22:14:54.711-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08edwards.htm...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08edwards.html?scp=2&sq=elizabeth%20edwards&st=cse<br /><br /><br /> On Tuesday morning Elizabeth Edwards who is the wife of former senator John Edwards passed away in Chapel Hill at her home, surrounded by relatives. She was 61 years old. Her cancer had spread to her liver on Monday when she posted a facebook status saying “I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope.” Mrs Edward was an accomplished lawyer but fought through many difficulties in her life such as the death of her 16 year old son, getting cancer at 55, and Mr Edwards having an extramarital affair. The article goes on to talk about John Edwards affairs and how Mrs Edwards handled the situation, but as of right now, she rests in peace. <br /> I think that this loss is very unfortunate to the Edwards family, and the world in general. Mrs Edwards was a good human being. She was very strong to have been fighting cancer for 6 years while also going through the many losses and tough experiences in her life. Its inspiring to see what this woman has gone through and how she stayed tough throughout the years. It is saddening to see that she has lost her battle against cancer. <br /><br />Basriul Haque <br />7th periodbasirulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09806656770566989701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-51287380694684304942010-12-09T22:13:45.065-05:002010-12-09T22:13:45.065-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.basirulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09806656770566989701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-3302182383648294462010-12-09T21:52:25.376-05:002010-12-09T21:52:25.376-05:00http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/201012...http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20101209/surgeon-general-no-amount-smoking-safe<br />This is an interesting article to me because it has to do with a lot of people in America. Tons of people smoke in America and i believe that most don't know this. Everyone knows that smoking can cause cancer and other problems but most people don't know how short these routes can be. Another shocking fact is most of these can be brought on by second hand smoke, not even direct smoking. This makes smoking even more unhealthy for everyone because it can affects those around you as well. The side effects can be early heart attacks, cancer, emphysema and cardiovascular disorders as well. Hopefully the surgeon general can make these facts known to the world becase that'll help people stop smoking and help people never start.<br />I found this article fascinating because it has to do a lot with laws in NC. NC made laws this year about banning public smoking and this research shows that that was a very good decision. Im glad that we're doing research into these things so that people can see the actual side effects. Many smokers claim they should be able to smoke anywhere but this shows one of the reasons they aren't, because second hand smoke can be just as bad as regular smoking. Ive always avoided smoke because i have asthma and i know that it wouldn't help my asthma at all, but this shows a great reason to keep smoking much more private and less public because deterioration can start almost immediately. According to the US almost 20% of people smoke and hopefully this stat will help some new smokers make the right choice and stop never smoke tobacco.<br />Alex Grosskurth<br />6th periodAlexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04466874118983334937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-44745064161533896502010-12-09T21:43:41.678-05:002010-12-09T21:43:41.678-05:00This week a supposed new procedure was presented o...This week a supposed new procedure was presented on world news concerning donor hearts for transplants. The new procedure will keep the heart beating and well for twenty-four hours opposed to the six hours its could be kept in just ice. The study also showed that the machine was like a visible test drive for the heart to see if it is viable for the patient. The heart is placed in a box with all of the major arteries and vessels connected to a machine that keeps it beating. Then, the heart can be flown all over the world as long as it stays within the time limit.<br /><br />The funny thing about this procedure is that similar things have been around for years but only now that the FDA approved it is it called revolutionary. People have been experimenting with keeping the heart beating for a while and though the study was presented as though UCLA presented the idea, Penn State was really the first one to come up with it. Overall it is a good thing. This procedure will save many move lives now that it is approved and the general society is now benefited from the work of many different doctors across the country. <br /><br />http://abcnews.go.com/Health/experimental-heart-transplant-procedure-organ-beating-donor-recipient/story?id=12342433<br /><br />Jenny Vaughn<br />Period 6jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12947844176123185568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-62037392472598644232010-12-09T21:43:32.671-05:002010-12-09T21:43:32.671-05:00http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08edwards.htm...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08edwards.html?scp=2&sq=elizabeth%20edwards&st=cse<br /><br />Elizabeth Edwards died at age 61 in our hometown of Chapel Hill, on Tuesday, December 11th. Her incurable cancer had spread to her liver on Monday, and she posted on Facebook that she has "been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope.” When she died, she was surrounded by relatives, all with the knowledge that though she would be the one passing away that day, she had reminded them that everyone's days were numbered. After several momentous life reversals, including Mr. Edward's infidelity, one son's tragic death, and the final attack of her cancer, Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards finally rests in peace. <br /><br />I actually was watching another rather vapid episode of Oprah when "breaking news of Mrs. Edward's death" obscured the program. She was such a strong woman that lived through so many crippling experiences. What inspires me is the fact that she found away out of her own mental and emotional labyrinths, and was only stopped by something she physically had no control over. It is definitely bittersweet to see her lose her batter with cancer surrounded by relatives and loved ones.<br /><br />Jessica Gao<br />6th PeriodJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14954729010499157954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-83495383329008734822010-12-09T21:29:00.747-05:002010-12-09T21:29:00.747-05:00Tanner Gardner
6th Period
http://www.foxnews.com/...Tanner Gardner<br />6th Period<br /><br />http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/12/09/christian-conservative-replace-jewish-speaker-texan-pols-say/<br /><br /> Speaker Joseph Straus has recently come under fire for the fact that he is Jewish. Straus' opponents cite the need for a "Christian conservative" as a more appropriate leader. An email from Nov. 30 sent by John Cook reads as follows, "We elected a house with Christian, conservative values. We now want a true Christian, conservative running it." Cook later said the two Christian conservatives who are challenging Straus (Rep. Ken Paxton and Rep. Warren Chisum) have "pro-life values" and "pro-family values", possibly suggesting that god, as if by divine providence, would want a Christian leader and the entire coalition of conservative Christians to expand. Other opponents of Straus like Ray Myers and Peter Morrison pointed out his race as a reason that he should be replaced, then tried to save face later in an attempt to retain political correctness.<br /> <br /> I don’t mean to generalize, but it's obvious that most conservatives in Texas would prefer a theocracy, especially Cook. The way they blend the words 'conservative' and 'christian' shows a severe lack of secularity in the government. Cook has professed Christianity the religion of Texas, not bothering to mention any other minorities-indicating a lurking bigotry. Honestly I think these people are full of shit.Tannerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01434112186499773951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-80956995178476209662010-12-09T21:28:06.784-05:002010-12-09T21:28:06.784-05:00Geoff Thomason - Period 7
http://www.foxnews.com...Geoff Thomason - Period 7<br />http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/09/surgeon-general-cigarette-puff-kill/<br /><br />With just one puff of a cigarette, more than 7,000 chemicals rapidly spread through the body to cause cellular damage in nearly every organ. Most people fear lung cancer but aren’t worried because it usually takes years to develop, but a new report was released this morning stating that there is no doubt that tobacco smoke begins poisoning the body immediately. That one puff on that cigarette could be the one that causes your heart attack, or someone else’s. That’s right, inhaling someone else's secondhand smoke could be enough to block your arteries and trigger a heart attack. About 443,000 Americans die from tobacco-caused illnesses every year. While the smoking rate has dropped dramatically since 1964, there has been no sign of progress since then. About 46 million adults still smoke; that’s one out of every 5 adults. Also, tens of millions more are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. The government had hoped to drop the smoking rate to 12 percent by this year, a goal not only missed, but that's now been put off to 2020.<br />I think cigarettes are much more harming than the majority of people realize. Who in their right mind would do something that WILL eventually kill you? There is absolutely no plus side to it, and the downsides are horrible. I do think it’s a good thing that fewer public places allow smoking now, because unwanted secondhand smoke indoors affects many different people. One puff can kill, so why even take the risk for one puff?Geoffreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00302809698206389587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065930044872741375.post-23879295523440264122010-12-09T21:12:43.992-05:002010-12-09T21:12:43.992-05:00A nuclear arms pact with Russia is about to be pas...A nuclear arms pact with Russia is about to be passed. This agreement involves commercial nuclear trade and joint research between Russia and the United States. Another publicized arms treaty is being pushed by President Obama right now, also, although this one is possibly just as important and has been in the works for four years. It has been a long time because it was put on hold when Russia went to war with Georgia. Many people believe that this pact will be important for our nuclear economy. Russia will be able to more freely sell uranium, and the United States will be able to send back nuclear waste to Russia. Some, however, are against the idea.<br /><br />I think that it is a good idea to improve our foreign relations as much as possible. Russia is a large, powerful country and I think that this program will strengthen the friendship between our countries. This pact will also allow us to remove the hazardous waste material left from nuclear power manufacture from our country. We have programs like this with many other countries and I see no reason why we shouldn’t have one with Russia as well.<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/10/us/politics/10nuclear.html?_r=2&pagewanted=2&partner=rss&emc=rss<br /><br />Chiara SalemiChiarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07087844368788122975noreply@blogger.com