Monday, February 21, 2011
Current Event, 2/25
Keep those current events coming! Many of you had computer difficulties last week. Try writing up your current event before Friday (just an idea). Remember, if you have issues with the computer/posting to the blog, e-mail me your post along with a link to your article or hand in a hard copy. Have a great week with your political parties and find some interesting current events from your areas of expertise! :)
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Jay Htut
ReplyDelete6th Period C&E
JUSTICE
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/02/20/georgia.party.shootings/index.html
Random Shooter
At a sweet 16 birthday party, 5 teens were injured by a random shooter who ran in and shot randomly. So far, police do not have any leads to whom the suspect is, due to a number of different descriptions given by eye-witnesses.
This was a very unfortunate event. It just sucks to be randomly shot at in such a lively and happy environment. Hopefully, the 5 teens are all right. In addition, I hope the police will garner enough evidence to convict someone of this crime.
Shortest Current Event Ever?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/02/18/west.virginia.mother.smothering/index.html
ReplyDeleteKendall Simms 6th pd.
A mother who claimed that her baby had randomly died sometime overnight eight months ago is now accused of falling on the baby while intoxicated and smothering it to death. The woman’s account of what happened seemed to have some holes in it from the start according to investigators. What verified these concerns was when the defendant’s ex-boyfriend came forward and delivered a variation of his former statement. He claimed that the defendant was heavily drunk and high the evening before and the morning of the infant’s death. He also stated that when he woke up the next morning the defendant was passed out on the floor and he could see the infant’s legs underneath her body. What makes this testimony relevant is that it correlates with what the coroner’s report seemed to think actually happened. Boggs, the defendant, has had a history of passing out due to intoxication as well as a bunch of minor misdemeanors. The prosecution is building grounds for a severe charge if in fact the child’s death turns out to be intentional or malicious.
This is the type of case that leads you to ask a few questions. First off, where was Child Services in all this? This mother had an apparent history of excessive drinking and drug abuse, among other things, that resulted in her constantly passing out. Does that sound like someone that should be taking care of a 3-month old baby? Secondly, who is stupid enough to get hammered and high with their baby around? Honestly it was only a matter of time until something like this happened with that kind of decision making going on, as sad as that sounds. I also don’t like how the prosecution basically applauded the boyfriend for coming forward. Come on people, the guy was there getting messed up too and on top of that it took him eight month to finally say something that directly refutes the account that was keeping the defendant out of prison. Overall I think there was just a general lack of common sense in the situation. But what can I say, only in West Virginia.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/health/views/22zuger.html?_r=1&ref=science
ReplyDeletetopic- science
This article talks about two new memoirs of schizophrenia, schizophrenia is a mental syndrome that's nearly incurable. The first book is by the father of a schizophrenic son, while in Afghanistan Patrick Cockburn received word that his son was going through some “sinister changes” back home. Henry, age 20, was fished fully clothed out of an icy river back home, his hallucinatory voices and visions had become so threatening that the river seemed like the best place to hide. The second book The Memory Palace, written by Mira Bartor, is about the kind of life she had with a schizophrenic mother. At age 18 her mother Norma Herr, who used to be a piano virtuoso, developed voiced inside her head “arrived unannounced in all their terrible glory.” The girls eventually grew up and moved far away, but their mother always seemed to track them down by mail or phone. She'd say various things such as “Have I been a bad mother to you? Do you still love me? I need you here. We have things to discuss.” She wielded knives, and a broken bottle, this escalated to the point they proceeded change their names. Eventually their mother develop cancer, and the three meet again.
A disease such as schizophrenia is one to be feared of, they're are so many types, it's truly hard to imagine what they go through. Even I can't bare the thought of hearing voices, just random voice which I've never known telling me things. It's understandable why they'd be scared of everything and everyone they meet. Schizophrenia is a syndrome, a combination of various symptoms that makes the disease. There is no real actual treatment for this, the best next best thing is only keeping certain symptoms under control though medications. Many of the times the medications cause side effects that makes the patient more unlikely to take it. The hardships the family went through, and are still going through takes courage to face.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/02/20/mexico.violence/index.html
ReplyDeleteA sudden wave of violence in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico left 53 people dead in a 72-hour span. Juarez is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. The Juarez drug cartel and the Sinaloa drug cartel are fighting one another for control of the city. Both cartels are seeking drug dealing territory in the city as well as smuggling routes for their drugs. For this reason, officials believe that the drug cartels are behind the wave of attacks. Among the 53 killed were four police officers from three different agencies. The police officers were executed, assassinated, or viciously murdered. In the first month and a half of 2011, Juarez has averaged eight homicides per day. Officials said an investigation is ongoing in an attempt to discover who was behind the wave of murders.
I think that Juarez is in serious trouble. However, I don’t think that Mexico has the resources necessary to wrestle back control of Juarez from the drug cartels. Mexico needs help from other countries. I think that the United States and Mexico should come to an agreement about banding together to fight the drug cartels. I can’t imagine living in a place like Juarez knowing that at any moment I might die. After the current killing spree, the morgue was overflowing with bodies. No one knew where to store the bodies. Life can’t go on like this in Juarez or anywhere else. If the problem isn’t stopped in Juarez it could very easily spread to other cities.
Zach Visco
February 22, 2011
Period 6
Sam Freedberg
ReplyDelete6th Period
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/02/18/washington.green.river.killer/index.html?iref=allsearch
Gary Ridgway, the confessed "Green River Killer," pleaded guilty Friday to a 49th slaying -- that of a 20-year-old mother more than 28 years ago.
The arraignment and plea took place at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.
Authorities filed an aggravated murder charge against Ridgway related to the slaying of Becky Marrero, whose remains were uncovered last December by teens exploring a steep ravine near the town of Auburn. The count is the first filed against Ridgway since he admitted to serial killings in 2003.The "Green River Killer" moniker came from a river south of Seattle where Ridgway began dumping his victims in 1982.
Most of the women were prostitutes, officials say. Ridgway has said he targeted prostitutes "because I thought I could kill as many as I wanted without getting caught."
He said he killed because he hated prostitutes and didn't want to pay them for sex, and claimed he killed so many women he had a hard time keeping them straight.
I think that this is a really sick guy. The article said he was one of the most active serial killers in the nation. At 49 murders and maybe more, I find that easy to believe. What's hard to believe is that someone could kill 49 hookers and runaways just because he could. He was quoted as saying that he thought he could kill as many as he wanted because he wouldnt be caught. I'm just really shocked that he actually killed 49 women without being caught earlier.
Leah Whitney
ReplyDeleteResearchers have recently been studied the harmful effects of cell-phone usage on the brain. 47 people were studied with phones to their ears off and on. The scans afterward shower that the consumption of glucose was increased near the areas in the brain where the phone was placed. Dr. Nora D. Volkow, the director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse, cautioned people to be aware that these findings do not show whether cell-phones do or do not affect the brain in harmful ways. A few other studies have shown that the amounts of cell-phone usage and brain tumors have a positive correlation, but this study has not shown that cell-phones add that extra risk. Some major doctors have urged that people should use headsets rather than the actual phone to the ear, because this is said to be a safer option.
I think that these studies are extremely important because today almost everyone has a cell-phone and are constantly using it and if this were to cause people further effects then there should be more warnings. I know that I use my phone a lot but I usually am texting and studies have not shown that texting can cause any harmful effects but there could always be a possibility because cell phones are constantly giving off radiation while they are on so if my cell phone is on and in my pocket or somewhere near me I am being harmed by this radiation. I think that there should be some way we can make cell-phones without giving off all this radiation so it doesn’t harm the users of cell-hones.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/cellphone-use-tied-to-changes-in-brain-activity/?ref=health
Basirul Haque
ReplyDeleteCivics and Economics 7th period
Topic: crime in really, really broad fashion
http://my.hsj.org/Schools/Newspaper/tabid/100/view/frontpage/articleid/416092/newspaperid/36/Cyber_Bullying.aspx
The Internet has become a big part of nearly everybody’s life by now. It has especially given a huge impact to the life of teens because of how it gives them the ability to keep in touch with others, play games, social network, do homework, etc. However, it also has a drawback, cyber-bullying. In recent years, there have been a lot of reports of cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying is very bad and can make someone depressed to an extremely big level. The law in some states protects victims of cyber-bullying. There has been lots of cases that often times lead to suicide. It is should be in ones best interest to tell somebody if they are being cyber-bullied.
I personally think that cyber-bullying is dumb and unnecessary. Lot’s of teens get cyber-bullied. I have a youtube and facebook so every now and then a hater will comment on something I post and stuff like that. I find some of the comments to be funny really, but some others may take it to heart and it may truly depress them, so for all of those cyber-bullies out there, why do it?
I have an explanation (kind-of): well you see haters are unfortunate people, they did not have good childhood or don’t have many friends, or they might be bored or something (have no life) so they resort to typing mean comments and such. Anyways that’s my opinion on this situation, DON’T BULLY.
Funny video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCihr4SucIA
Gavin Welch
ReplyDeletePer 7
Febuary 23
This week the Univeristy or Georgia Tech as made a few obsevartions on the physics of the Burrowing Sandfish. Using a massive computer program they were able to simulate a LIzard burrowing it's self in to a bucket of glass beads. This program to 23 computers to run and a few days to finish. Scientist concluded that the Lizards s-shaped movement was built for speed. A lizards Burrowing technique is flawless. It has just the right amount of twist and bend to propel it's self under the desert sand. After scientist had collected all the necessary data from the computer experiment, they built a very life like LIzard Robot to do the Burrowing task on it's own. This spandex covered robot, not only gave us more information on the Lizards burrowing technique, but opened up future posibilities in the field of robotics.
I Think the Idea of creating robot based on a Animal technique is very interesting. Though the idea might not seem useful now, but in the future when we have greater robotic capabilities, it might. A lizard has a very effortless time speeding down beneath the desert sand. If we were to build a bigger robot that could burrow beneath rubble from a ca-lapsed building, we might be able to save lives.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/70131/description/Physics_of_burrowing_sandfish_revealed
Tennessee, like the rest of the country, is in an insane amount of debt. They have decided that paying for surgeries such as gastric bypasses instead of paying for personal shoppers and medication is a way to save quite a bit of money. Instead of having to pay for expensive pills, they only have to pay for a relatively cheap surgery. Many critics argue that the state is only funding the cure, not the prevention in the first place.
ReplyDeleteI feel like this puts the state at a great liability because any surgery is risky. They are using a method that does not change the state’s lifestyle which will cause long term damage. If we could teach people how to live a healthy lifestyle, it will help them in the long run. The state would spend money over a short period of time and then the future generations would not have to be paid for. The methods they are using only affect the short term and not the future.
Jenny Vaughn
Period 6
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/21/133567450/fat-state-stretched-thin-tenn-covers-gastric-bypass?ft=1&f=1001
According to the New York Times, Chris Christie, the Republican governor from New Jersey, "has stumbled onto the public-policy issue of our time": the cost of the public workforce. He moves from town to town like a traveling preacher, making speeches that rag on the people employed by the state. He speaks passionately about how they are one of the main reasons for New Jersey's financial problems, attacking the unions that he says are to blame for the increased tax prices. Christie speaks as though he is an entertainer, making the audience laugh and have a good time before he drives in his legitimate point: that state employed workers need pay cuts.
ReplyDeleteI can understand the appeal of a man like this, who speaks in a blunt manner that draws the audience in. He is probably charismatic and enjoyable to listen to, but the problem comes in where people have trouble drawing a line between good public speaking skills and good policy. Although I agree that this country is facing serious financial problems, cutting the salaries of public servants like teachers and police officers is not the way to solve those issues. We need our society as well-educated and safe as is possible, and lowering the salaries of such workers won't encourage the best people to do those jobs. Influential, well-spoken politicians like Chris Christie can be dangerous.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/magazine/27christie-t.html?_r=1&hp
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/23/mind-body-inside-chronic-fatigue/
ReplyDeleteOne problem among many Americans these days deals with sleep disorders. One major sleep disorder is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or CFS. This disease causes millions of people to feel tired and stressed, even if they get all the sleep they need. Scientists have researched this disease numerous times. However, they have never been able to come up with a cause as to how this syndrome comes about. There are many different techniques to treating CFS, however, many of them promise no results. As well, many are experimental and have not been proven to show results at all. The best treatment seen for CFS is behavioral therapy, to help keep the side affects down.
These findings are extremely important. They show us just how serious this syndrome really can be. By having millions of people with his disease, they can cause danger to themselves and others all around them. By constantly being in a state of fatigue, those suffering with this disease can very easily be put in dangerous situations and not be able to function properly. It is also very important because it shows us that scientists are researching different types of diseases, even if they aren't as big as many others. These scientists are looking for many different ways to treat diseases that affect people very drastically. I believe that through the use of technology and research, we will soon be able to find the cause of CFS and a new and more effective way to treat it and those it affects.
Cole Shoup
Period 7
2/24/11
Kate Boyd
ReplyDelete7th pd
2/24
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/02/19/bioprinting.wounded.soldiers/index.html
Scientists from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine are working on a new technology for printing skin, which could be used on burn victims and soldiers. This works by taking a small sample from the victim, replicating the cells, and then placing the new cells in a cartridge and having it print the new cells onto the victim, where new skin grows. The scientists say this technology could be ready for use within five years, and they hope to make it available to both the military and the general public.
I believe this is a very useful technology they are creating. It's interesting that they are literally taking a normal printer and modifying it so it becomes a medical tool. It's really cool that household items can inspire and be a part of something so important. This also means that it won't be too expensive if part of the materials are already made and are really cheap. I'm glad this technology is being made for both military and general use, and I hope that it doesn't take too long to become accessible.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/02/23/obama.gay.marriage/index.html
ReplyDeleteTopic: Politics
The Defense of Marriage Act was passed and signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton. This Act defines marriage as only between a man and a woman. President Obama has spoken out his views many times regarding this Act, but he has never done it like this. He has ordered the Justice Department to not defend the Act's constitutionality. The Republicans had quite a say on the President's opinion. Republican Speaker of the House, John Boehner, said, "While Americans want Washington to focus on creating jobs and cutting spending, the president will have to explain why he thinks now is the appropriate time to stir up a controversial issue that sharply divides the nation." However, House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi, and the president of the Human Rights Campaign, Joe Solmonese, praises President Obama's decision. Mr. Solmonese said, "We applaud (Obama) for fulfilling his oath to defend critical constitutional principles." There are currently five states that allow same sex marriage. They are: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa, and New Hampshire.
I think that President Obama was right to do this. Yes, there are other issues, such as our economy, that needs the government's attention. However, gays and lesbians have been trying to achieve their rights to marry for a long time. They should be able to get their rights when they can. Since the issue is so controversial, who knows when this issue will ever be addressed again. We already took a step forward in giving gays and lesbians equal right when "Don't Ask Don't Tell" was repealed not long ago. We should keep going and finish giving them all of their rights.
Jenny Jin
2/24/11
7th period
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/nyregion/19stabber.html?_r=1&scp=6&sq=murder&st=cse
ReplyDeleteOn Friday, a man by the name of Maksim Gelman was indicted on murder charges. The indictment charges that the 23 year old fatally stabbed his stepfather in his home at about 5 a.m. on Feb. 12. He is also charged with killing Yelena Bulchenko and her mother later that day, stealing a car and stabbing its owner, and then running down and killing a pedestrian. On the next day, Gelman attacked two more people in Brooklyn and stole another car in Crown Heights. After this violent rampage, he was finally captured in the Times Square subway station in Manhattan. Gelman’s arrest took place after he stabbed a passenger on a northbound train, then banged on the door to the train operator’s compartment claiming that he was a police officer. Officers inside the compartment tackled Mr. Gelman and extracted a kitchen knife from him, the police said. According to DA Charles J Hynes, Gelman could potentially face up to 175 years in prison.
It is sad and disappointing that the police couldn’t have arrested Maksin earlier, but im sure they did all they could and tried their hardest to stop him as soon as possible. I just cant stop thinking that if they had stopped him on his first day, a number of people would have been alive and well today. I hope that Gelman gets a sentence he deserves. That being life in prison. He murdered four innocent people and should be punished for it. But the fact that he committed all of these brutal acts in less than two days indicates that he had a lot of emotions building up inside him which he should get professional help in dealing with.
Cerys Humphreys
7th period
Ariel Gunn
ReplyDeletePeriod Seven
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html
Today marks the last flight of one of our three shuttles, Discovery, to dock with the International Space Station, one final time. This is the second to last Shuttle Mission NASA will ever have, because of their budget cuts. The launch happened within the last four seconds of the possible window, due to weather conditions. Discovery was carrying a Permanent Multipurpose Module to add the the ISS. With the addition to the ISS, it will be the heaviest man-made thing to ever have been in space.
I think it's amazing that we keep helping build up the ISS, and it's amazing that we have now had 133 shuttle missions. I just think it's ridiculous that we are stopping now. There are so many amazing things we could be doing if we continued this program. I think it's important for us to keep putting money into this program, since space is the final frontier. I also think Obama is extremely hypocritical for saying in the State of the Union that more money should go to research, when it clearly isn't.
Alex Grosskurth
ReplyDeletehuman rights
6th period
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/MB25Ak03.html
Recently the middle east has been in the world's eyes because of all the rebellions going on, foremost was Egypts. All of these rebellions have been for the most part peaceful, but the one in Libya is anything but that. Protesters were outside the capital asking Gaddafi to relinquish his power, he refused and asked the air force to attack them. The air force refused so he turned to the military, they in turn denounced him as their leader so he called in his own private police force and killed the men who refused to obey him. He then took their bodies and burned them as a warning to anyone else. Libya has killed 300 people so far, but estimates range as high as 1000 deaths for this revolution. Gaddafi, a dictator notorious for his ties with terrorists has consolidated his power in the west and the capital, but in the east all hell has broken loose. In an interview this tuesday, Gaddafi promised he will not give up fighting, he will die a martyr. His only two allies are the Egyptian army and Italy in case civil war does break out. The USA is patiently waiting before saying anything.
I think that frankly this situation is astounding, a dictator that restricts the rights of his people, kills his own people,and who doesn't care about the effects of a civil war and yet our country can't back the protesters. These protesters are involved in a state that fires indiscriminately on their people and they don't have anyone stepping out to aid a hand. The USA used to help people no matter what the cost. If Gaddafi survives and continues to control Libya all we've lost are 1.8 million barrels of oil a day and an ally that abuses his citizens, but if these protesters prevail, we'd have their loyalty because we helped them gain freedoms. What should matter more, economics or freedom throughout the world? According to our government and governments all over the world, economics. These protesters need someone with military strength to aid them in their cause. Gaddafi is a horribly cruel dictator and he shouldn't be allowed to rule.
http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-arvada-police-arrest-11yearold-over-inappropriate-stick-figure-drawing-20110221,0,7099823.story
ReplyDeleteIn Arvada, Colorado on February 21, an 11 year old boy was arrested in school for drawing a violent picture. The boy's therapist who is treating him for ADHD told him to draw whatever he wanted on a piece of paper to deal with his anger. The boy claimed that it calmed him down. The drawing was of him with a gun pointing it at several teachers with a caption saying "teachers must die". As he was throwing it out a teacher saw it and sent it to the principal's office. The school claimed him not to be a threat. The boy also claimed he would never hurt anybody and he just did what his therapist told him to do. The school then later decides to press charges. Later that night police showed up at his house, put him in handcuffs and took him to the police station. After examining this boy's personal records, they found that he has had no trouble with the law at any point. The boy was charged with interfering students, staff, and educational facility and a third degree misdemeanor. He is now on probation. If he completes it successfully all criminal charges will be dropped. The boy's therapist said "handcuffing an 11 year old boy does more harm than good."
I think on one hand the school had a right to be concerned about his drawing because there have been school shootings in the past. On the other hand this boy should not have been arrested when the school decided not to press charges on him and then change their mind. He should not have been handcuffed and taken into custody. He was just simply doing what his therapist told him to do by drawing our what he wanted. The school had the right to be concerned but arresting him and putting him in jail is just too far for just an 11 year old.
Mike Carney
2/24/11
6th period
President Obama has proposed a budget that will significantly increase the budget for schools. President Obama proposed a Department of Education budget that would increase federal spending for public schools and maintain the maximum Pell grant, if approved. The Pell Grant is a financial- aid program. The House Republicans however proposed to cut 15% of the Pell grant to extend the current budget. The 2012 budget proposal also will protect more finical- aid and other programs. John Kline, a Republican and chairman of the House Education and the Workforce committee says, “Over the last 45 years we have increased our investment in education, but the return on that investment has failed to improve student achievement. Throwing more money at our nation’s broken education system ignores reality and does a disservice to students and taxpayers.” Kline is basically saying increasing and investing in the education budget is useless, because we will not get a positive outcome and students will continue to fail.
ReplyDeleteI think that the education budget should be increased. I understand that some students aren’t achieving in school, but not every public school allows students the same opportunity. In my opinion the government hasn’t made a big enough effort to try and improve the public schools that don’t have that much money and the students don’t receive a good quality education they deserve. I don’t think Mr. John Kline is factoring how many poor schools we have that students are failing from because they don’t have the same opportunities that other schools can offer students. I personally believe the government is giving money to the wealthier public schools rather than the schools that need the money.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/us/15education.html?_r=1&ref=education
CRIME
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/21/stepmother-elisa-baker-charged-with-murder-in-death-of-zahra-bak/
This week Elisa Baker was indicted for second-degree murder of her step daughter, Zahra Baker. This ten year old victim’s remains were found scattered in different places around North Carolina. A grand jury in Catawba County stated that Elisa Baker had “a history and pattern of physical, verbal, and psychological abuse of the victim.” From the remains of Zahra’s body, professionals are able to tell that she did in fact, die of violent and murderous actions. Zahra was only ten when she died. Zahra had been through a lot. She suffered from cancer resulting in an artificial leg and a hearing aid. Elisa Baker said that Zahra Baker’s father, Adam Baker, dismembered the young girl’s body. Adam denied this fact. Recently a search warrant was put in act that proved that Elisa was at the places where some of the body parts were found.
I think this case is absolutely awful. This woman needs some serious help. Obviously something is wrong with her if she killed her own daughter. It just puzzles me to think how a ten year old would deserve this at all. This poor young girl who suffered from cancer was murdered viciously by her EVIL STEPMOTHER. I’m usually against life sentencing but this case has a soft spot on me and I think she should be sentenced to life in prison. I just really want to know the story behind this. I’m curious to know this woman’s reasoning behind the murder. I think this case is awful and it’s so sad that the young girl, Zahra Baker died. It’s very upsetting.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/02/24/us/AP-US-Gay-Marriage-Maryland.html?_r=1&hp
ReplyDeleteTopic: Legislative branch
Same-sex couples in Maryland wanting to get married now have the support of the Senate. These couples would get the same titles and rights as regular couples when married. The senators amended the bill so that religious groups and other institutions would not be obligated to attend same-sex weddings if it is against their beliefs. Openly gay Senator Madaleno stated that the bill “reiterates that no religious denomination will ever be required to recognize, perform or celebrate any marriage that is against its beliefs,” while granting equal rights to thousands of people where rights should indeed be granted. The only Republican senator that voted for the bill, Senator Kittleman, said that “it’s the right thing to do.” If the bill passes, Maryland will be the 6th state to allow same-sex marriages.
It seems that this gay marriage movement is really taking shape. I think that the Maryland bill is fair to all, because both sides can do what they really believe in doing. Even though our country is primarily Christian, we cannot eclipse the rights of those who go against the majority religious view. I agree with the bill that those whose religions discourage gay marriage should have the choice to attend a ceremony or not, but that those who wish to get married to a person of the same sex should be allowed to have that special ceremony. Relating to what we discussed in class, it is important for people supporting and against gay marriage vote for a candidate that will reflect their opinions in debating a bill like this current one. Though this issue is very controversial, our nation is finally gaining momentum in one direction or another.
Jessica Gao
6th Period
http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/24/news/economy/white_house_jobs_council/?npt=NP1
ReplyDeleteAndrew Cohen
7th
Topic: Economics
A new team of business and labor leaders were at the White House Thursday to brainstorm about jobs and economic recovery with President Barack Obama. Thursday marked the first time President Obama convened with this panel, the Council for Jobs and Competitiveness. President Obama created this panel by executive order. Obama said he wants the council to focus on coming up with ideas that will help create jobs. The new jobs council is headed by General Electric Company chief executive Jeffrey Immelt and also includes Intel CEO Paul Otellini. The panel and Obama agreed that improving education is one of the most important steps America needs to take in boosting our economy. Obama also noted that lots of American companies are manufacturing their products overseas, which is hurting our economy. While many topics were discussed in this hour-long meeting, Obama maintained that the creation of jobs was the first and foremost task of this council.
This is important because this panel will be helping President Obama make decisions regarding the economy that will affect America. I think that it‘s great President Obama has created this panel that will help him with economic decisions. Events like these give me hope that our country is working together to try to fix the economy. I hope that putting all these economic experts together in the same room will produce some great ideas. As far as losing jobs overseas goes, I think that it is mostly due to low wages in foreign countries. I think we need to instill in large corporations a sense of patriotism. If CEOs of large corporations were more focused on rebuilding the United States economy and not just personal wealth, a lot of jobs could be creating by keeping the manufacturing process inside our borders.
Economic Problems
ReplyDeleteEric Plevy
P6
2/25/11
http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/24/news/economy/economic_risks_oil_spike_spending_cuts_stocks/index.htm
Our economy may start going into a deeper recession. Gas prices have hit $100.00 per barrel, government spending is going to be cut, and the stock market still continues to decline. Our economy had crashed a few years back, and was even on the road to recovery, but is now going in the opposite direction. One of the largest concerns is the price of oil. While many consider the danger price to be around $150.00 per barrel, others believe it is at $125.00 per barrel. The current price of oil is not that far off from $125.00, and with the combined factors, the economy may go into another nose dive. Our economy seems unpredictable, and this current situation is, unfortunately, making it predictable in the sense that it is in such a deep rut that there is no telling when it will improve.
This is quite a difficult situation for us. However, in my opinion, the answer to the oil dilemma is quite obvious. We can begin to fund green energy research. Not only could this eventually save us from a crisis on oil, but it would also create more jobs. This could kill two birds with one stone, yet it has not been implemented. Something needs to be done, and even the most obvious of answers has not come across anyone. If funding green energy will not help, then that still leaves us to the dilemma of not having a plan for economic recovery. Furthermore, we need to come together as a nation so we can devise a plan to fix our economy and appeal to the people at the same time. The importance of this problem is pointed out by the fact that we have located the problems of our economic crisis, yet we have not come up with a plan to fix it. It is crucial that we focus on the solution rather than the problem. If this is not fixed soon, we may be stuck in an economic crisis for an untold amount of time.
Economic Problems
ReplyDeleteEric Plevy
P6
2/25/11
http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/24/news/economy/economic_risks_oil_spike_spending_cuts_stocks/index.htm
Our economy may start going into a deeper recession. Gas prices have hit $100.00 per barrel, government spending is going to be cut, and the stock market still continues to decline. Our economy had crashed a few years back, and was even on the road to recovery, but is now going in the opposite direction. One of the largest concerns is the price of oil. While many consider the danger price to be around $150.00 per barrel, others believe it is at $125.00 per barrel. The current price of oil is not that far off from $125.00, and with the combined factors, the economy may go into another nose dive. Our economy seems unpredictable, and this current situation is, unfortunately, making it predictable in the sense that it is in such a deep rut that there is no telling when it will improve.
This is quite a difficult situation for us. However, in my opinion, the answer to the oil dilemma is quite obvious. We can begin to fund green energy research. Not only could this eventually save us from a crisis on oil, but it would also create more jobs. This could kill two birds with one stone, yet it has not been implemented. Something needs to be done, and even the most obvious of answers has not come across anyone. If funding green energy will not help, then that still leaves us to the dilemma of not having a plan for economic recovery. Furthermore, we need to come together as a nation so we can devise a plan to fix our economy and appeal to the people at the same time. The importance of this problem is pointed out by the fact that we have located the problems of our economic crisis, yet we have not come up with a plan to fix it. It is crucial that we focus on the solution rather than the problem. If this is not fixed soon, we may be stuck in an economic crisis for an untold amount of time.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110223170831.htm
ReplyDeleteThe spread of asthma among children in Europe has been continuing for a long time.However, not all of the children are at the equal risk, the studies show that the children living in farm are less likely to be infected by asthma than others, especially the children living in rural.The international team of researchers in the Hauner Children's Hospital has published their study if this discovery.This is basically because that the children living in farm have exposed in more variety of microorganisms that rural children have.The disease is results from the combination from both genetic and environmental factors,they also show that the farm children have lower risk of developing this disease than other children.It is apparently that a balanced population of microbes is necessary for optimal organ function,farm children are living in this kind of condition more likely.
I'm not surprised about the results, because the condition and quality of air in farm is much better and fresher than it is in the rural/city, due to the less release of energy and pollution.Although microbes have been giving negative effects in people's life and the environment, the ecosystem cannot be without them that they are playing the big and important role in balancing the chemical, biological,environmental pattern in population and circulation.I have known that even though the disease is still spreading,the development of vaccine has been done, however, the scientists have long way to go,this is for the balance of ecosystem after all,so it cannot be done that fast and easily.
Jessica Yin
7th. period
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/24/borger.budget.cutters/index.html
ReplyDeleteThe budget cuts in Washington have reached an fervor that hasn't been seen in years, as Congress tries to reduce the deficit and move the country out of the red and into the black. Unfortunately, but predictably, there are some obstacles to the process. The numerous (87) new Republicans are taking the process of budget cuts as an all or nothing, no compromises process, which is definitely not the approach to use in something so turbulent as the debates in Washington. Especially when you are a newly elected Washington Politician. Then it's just arrogant, which seems to be the name of the game for the freshmen.
The headstrong approach to Politics that many members of the Republican party are taking has me worried, as this absolutist conviction will definitely not be helpful when it comes to the tenuous notion of bipartisan cooperation in Congress. Surely no progress will be made if they don't don a more compromising approach to this process.
Leila Doerfer
ReplyDelete2/24/11
Logan-6
Topic: Science
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/health/25organ.html?_r=1&ref=science
There is the possibility of a new kidney transplant policy. It would make it more likely for a younger patient to get a better kidney than an older patient. This new policy would replace the current policy which is a first-come-first-served policy. The new policy is also designed to provide better matches between life expectancies of the recipients and the functional life of the donated kidney. Dr. Richard N. Formica, a transplant surgeon at Yale University, says that right now if you are 77 years old you could get an 18 year old's kidney. The problem with this is that the 77 year old will die while the kidney is still functional. It was used for a 77 year old and still had function when the recipient died, when a 30 year old could have gotten it. This way when the 30 year old died, the kidney would have less function left. Under this new proposal each kidney and patient would graded and the healthiest and youngest 20 percent of patients and kidneys would be put in a different pool so that the best kidneys would be given to the patients with the longest life expectancies. The remaining 80 percent of patients would be put into a pool from which the United Network of Organ Sharing, would try to endure that the age difference between the kidney donor and the recipient is no more than 15 years.
I think it's really good that they are trying to make sure people will have the healthiest transplant possible. It seems sort of like a waste for a 77 year old to get a really young healthy kidney that still be used for 20 years after that patient is dead. I think this sounds like a really good kidney transplant policy. It ensures that people that are really healthy and that could potentially live for very long time will get the better more healthy kidneys which makes a lot of sense. I can see how it could be hard on families though because if you have a grandma that needs a kidney but someone else who's younger gets it instead, that could be really hard. I still think this is a really good policy and i hope that this policy is exchanged for the current one.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110225/ap_on_go_co/us_harvard_cantor
ReplyDeleteHouse majority leader Eric Cantor of Virginia said he's suprised that Obama isn't defending the law that says gay marriage is illegal. He said that it's the first time a president didn't defend a law already in effect. He also said that Congress is going over options over what to do. He said all of this during a speech at Harvard. During his speech he also talked about budget cuts that resulted in protestors gathering outside where he was giving his speech.
I think if Obama isn't defending the law, than it's only a matter of time before gay marriage is legal everywhere. This is a huge step forward for the gay marriage movement. The movement's been ignored for a while because it's such a touchy subject. But now that it's taking shape, everything's happening so quickly.
Mark Stouffer
Period 7
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24arizona.html?ref=politics
ReplyDeletePoliticts
This week in Arizona, a new law has been passed that takes all illegal immigrants rights from them. If they are caught driving as an illegal immigrant, they are sentenced to 30 days in jail and their vehicle is taken by the state. These laws are considered more harsh and demanding than the similar set of laws passed earlier in the year 2010.
I personally think that illegals should be in their country, and legals should be in the US. that said, passing bills in order to find ways to spend money is not what america needs in febuary of 2011. Arizona should be focused on rebuilding the economy and creating stable jobs for our many millions of unemployed instead of catching illegal immigrants and taking their right away in a very immoral way. I agree that something needs to change, but Arizona is doing it in the wrong way. By creating jobs instead of kicking illegals out of them, it takes away the over-qualified discrepency, and creats more compitition, which fuels the economy and boosts stocks which fuels the economy... etc. etc.
Ian Hill
7th period
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/us/23brfs-DOLPHINDEATH_BRF.html?ref=science
ReplyDeleteNicole Chang
Topic: science
Marine scientists recently discovered twenty baby dolphin cadavers on the coasts of Mississippi and Alabama. These scientists are currently investigating the cause and hypothesize that the BP oil spill may be involved. The dolphins, found at different locations across 130 miles, increased the number of lifeless dolphins found seasonally ten times. This time of the year is calving season, which partly explains why so many baby dolphin carcasses were discovered. This discovery was abnormal, and as a result, scientists felt a need to look deeper into the event.
Personally, I think that this increased number of deaths is a very sad incident. The fact that the number increased ten times is almost unbelievable. If the oil spill is the cause of this increase, I believe that the government should be working harder to eliminate the effects of the spill. As humans, we don't have the right to kill others in order to benefit; other creatures still have the right to life. It is my strong believe that the government needs to work harder to find a solution because the spill will ultimately destroy homes and endanger many water species. I don't want to see animals die in order for our gain.
The Henry Viscardi School in Alberta, NY is a school serving severely disabled children. The student population includes kids that cannot speak or cannot move as well as a plethora of other disabilities. Several have cerebral palsy and many are blind or deaf. This school, with the help of many new technologies, is helping these students learn. There are machines such as DynaVoxes which are the voice of those who cannot speak. One boy whose movement is limited to solely one eyebrow can make minute movements with it to signal what he wants the machine to say for him. The school tries to follow the standard curriculum as much as possible, but augment it with exercises which work around and treat the disabilities the children are strapped with. Other differences from normal schools include a class size averaging on nine students and a fully functioning nurse’s office which receives around 100 visits each day. Such specialized education as this is supposed to be quite helpful for students to have an easier learning experience which better fits their needs. Some complaints have been made, however, that separating students with disabilities from normal students is making it more difficult for them to later function in the real world. Despite these doubts, many Viscardi graduates have gone on to receive college educations and a few have successfully made it into the work force.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is great that students that might otherwise have been marginalized and have received a substandard education are now getting the chance to get quality services that meet their needs. People with disabilities are often forgotten in today’s society, but one must remember that they are still human and are still citizens of the United States. There are several other schools like this around the country. I think that the technologies that the Vicardi school has access to should be made available to a larger part of the disabled population. I do think that the segregation of handicapped students from “normal” students is a problem. It would be great if there was a way to attach this time of institution to normal public schools. In this way, both types of students, disabled and not, would have contact with each other. Not only would it help the handicapped students to get used to real-world interactions, it would also reduce ignorance on the part of the average student.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/business/economy/25econ.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Chiara Salemi
Education
Norman Archer
ReplyDeleteTopic: Middle East
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/world/middleeast/24iht-m24late.html?ref=middleeast
Egypt’s Tourism Industry Faces Sharp Reversal
This article addresses the steep decline tourism in Egypt. In the wake of Hosni Mubarak’s resignation, the tourism industry is losing 1 billion dollars a month. Hotel rates have dropped have dropped from 61% to 4% in Luxor, while in Sharm el Sheik, the rates have gone from 70% to 8%. With these decreases in occupancy, many Egyptian workers have seen cuts in pay (some have even seen a 50% decrease). Chief Executive of Egyptair Hussien Massod has grounded 40 percent of his plane due a slump in air traffic.
This situation is really unfortunate. It seems unfortunate that Egypt’s economy should have to suffer now that the country is finally moving towards democracy. I can understand why people wouldn’t want to travel to Egypt right now, put I hope that people’s perception of the country will change with its governmental reform.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/02/pictures/110217-extinct-frogs-species-science-amphibians-lost/
ReplyDeleteTOPIC: SCIENCE
The Conservation National and the International Union for Conservation of Nature teamed up and started a project to rediscover many species of frogs that are believed to be extinct. They were able to uncover twelve species; however, the discoveries were bittersweet due to the fact that only four of the hundred targeted species had been found. In addition, only one of the ten most sought after species was recovered. The rediscovery of the elegant tropical frog, last seen in 1937, was found along India's west coast and was the highlight of the expedition. Unfortunately, the survival of this species may be negatively influenced by a hydroelectric project taking place near the elegant tropical frog's residence.
I find very sad that, of the hundred species of frogs this project intended to recover, only four were actually found. It is my strong opinion that these frogs' extinction is strongly impacted by our presence in their habitats. We pollute their environments and have caused thousands of species to go dwindle into extinction. The few frog species that have been recovered have an extremely compromised chance of survival due to the humans living around their area. It is imperative that steps be taken now to ensure the survival of endangered species, as their the impacts of their extinctions will be far reaching.
Maria Yao, 6th
Stacey Cutrell
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/science/22dam.html?_r=1&ref=science
Studies have shown that several of the dams located in the United States have failed. There are roughly 85,000 dams in the U.S, and 4,400 seem to not be working as thought. These failures would cause a lot of effort and money going into repairing what has been broken, and there is no extra effort and money to provide. One place this has effected is Lake Isabella Dam located in California. Some things that the effected towns are going to have to worry about is the flooding of their agricultural areas. They have to prepare for the worst outcome possible, for example, 180 billion gallons flooding and destroying all the land and turn the area into a lake. They are going to begin the repairing in 2004 when the $500 million being used is approved by Congress. These dams are very unsafe for the people, and there is going to be some changes before lives are lost because of it.
It is important that we get these jobs done as quickly as possible. Although it would be very costly, it is worth it for it could safe a whole community from loss. I think that it is a very bad incident that we have so many failed dams. I'm glad that it was able to be noticed before any horrible things happened to an area. I hope that Congress can get the money approved, so that they can start there projects finished and get everything finished. Although it doesn't seem like a serious situation, it can destroy the economy and the environment.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/02/23/dnt.inappropriate.stick.figures.kdvr
ReplyDeleteAn 11 year old boy, Tim, was arrested for drawing stick figures. He has ADD and his therapist told him to draw when he gets upset during school instead of disrupting class. Last October Tim drew a stick figure of him and 4 other stick people. His figure was holding a gun pointing towards the other figures. Above the 4 stick figures he wrote “Teachers must die.” His teacher saw this paper as Tim was getting ready to throw it away. He was immediately sent to the principal’s office. The school then notified his parents but decided that Tim’s drawings did not pose any threat. However that evening, many cops showed up at Tim’s house and arrested him. They handcuffed him and took him to a holding cell where he was not allowed to see his parents. The police report stated that the school was not originally going to press charges, however they did anyway. He is being charged with interfering with staff and students at an educational facility. The school system feels like they are doing this for Tim’s own good but his therapist believes that this is only going to harm him.
I believe this was pretty harsh because I don’t think the boy did anything wrong. Tim was only doing what he thought was right and he didn’t mean any harm to anyone. In this case I believe that the school district and the juvenile system are being too harsh because he was’t posing a threat to anyone.
Riley Hutchison
ReplyDelete7th period
Topic: Science
http://scientistatwork.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/maya-kings-and-their-ancestors/?ref=science
Daniela Triadam is conducting an investigation about Ceibal, which was a royal palace of the Maya in about 830-980 A.D. This period was called the Terminal Classic. The kings of Ceibal had a 7 meter high platform constructed, and the use of this is still somewhat uncertain. The areas around this are being called the East court, which was the royal palace during the last years of Ceibal. The building had a painted stucco facade, which flanked 2 other buildings in the courtyard, and a throne room. This area of the town seemed to be used as the city's ceremonial center. Also it seems that the last rulers built the newest complex right before the city collpased. Trench excivation has started, and it revealed 27 floors, and a "big pit" in the central plaza. The kings probably built their plaza here because it emphasized their connection to their remote ancestors.
In my oppinion i think it is crazy that we can logically inderstand why the kings of Ceibal built things, and where! The things that scientists like Daniela Triadam are doing completely blow my mind. I find ancient civilizations extreemely interesting, and i would love to learn more about them. They are the key to understand why we do the things we do, and what could possibly happen in the future. Everyone seems to say that the future repeats itself, unless we learn from the past. These ancient buildings could hold the key to why their society collapsed, and if so, how to prevent a society collapsing today. I think that this is worth looking into more, and discovering what really happened.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/us/25census.html?ref=politics
ReplyDeleteThe population of St. Louis has been decreasing. The Census Bureau released new data showing that the city’s population had shrunk by 29,000 over the last decade. This is an 8.3 percent decline that brings the population to 319,000, which is its lowest level since 1870. The losses in St. Louis and Birmingham (as measured as a percentage of the population) are outstripped only by that in New Orleans, which had a 29 percent decline caused in part by Hurricane Katrina. The losses in St. Louis are disappointing for Missouri, which is set to lose a Congressional seat after Census figures that showed, for the first time, larger growth in the West than in the Midwest. St. Louis County also noted an increase in its black population of 39,000, though that gain was overshadowed by a loss of 84,000 whites, for an overall population loss.
This is not a good situation for St. Louis. Cities should not be decreasing in population, especially well-known ones like this. A decrease in the population of a city can lead to all types of problems and affect the economy of that area. It is also a big deal that Missouri will lose a congressional seat. What really surprised me was the amount of white people that left the area in and around St. Louis and how the black population was increasing. This shows that there a still some forms of segregation in our society, although we may not notice it, and it needs to change. Different races shouldn’t have a problem with living with each other.
Chris Barth
P.7
Hannah Blackburn 7th Period
ReplyDeleteSocial Injustices
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/world/africa/25benghazi.html?_r=1&ref=world
Rebels in Libya began a revolt on February 15th when Mr. Terbil, a lawyer for victims of a prison massacre, was detained and questioned by the government. Colonel Qaddafi has been in power in Libya for over 40 years. The revolutionaries now have control of Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya. The revolt was lead by lawyers and judges, so the courthouse in Benghazi has become the town hall and center for the rebel powers. The hospital has been very busy with injured rebels since the government troops left. The estimates of rebel deaths from the fighting range from 140-300 dead. Right now, Benghazi is trying to get people back to work so that they can function while they plan the next steps of the revolution.
I think it's a great accomplishment for the rebels to have taken a major city. I hope they succeed in overturning the Colonel because 40 years is way, way too long for any one person to be in power. I admire Mr. Terbil's response to the government's request to end the protests. He said it was uncontrollable, but he could make it as peaceful as possible. The government sounded very ignorant to me when they sai, "...blood WILL be spilled," in response to Mr. Terbil's peace offering. I hope these dictators will ALL leave and make way for the youth of their countries to start new governments with the people's interests in mind.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/world/asia/22afghanistan.html?_r=1&ref=afghanistan
ReplyDeleteThis Monday in Kabul, Afghanistan, a suicide bomber killed himself and 31 other people. This attack was set in a census office in northern Afghanistan where many lined up to achieve a job in the afghan security force. The attack was planned for the census office because it was next to the office of the target, the district governor. The Taliban took full responsibility for this suicide bombing and four others that took place in the four weeks prior. This attacks goal was to “halt a new program backed by NATO to enroll large numbers of people into the Afghan Local Police, an auxiliary group intended to safeguard neighborhoods.”
The continued attacks by the Taliban are not how they should be dealing with their issues. This is the fifth in four weeks! It is sad that innocent people were killed trying to get a job. Unemployment is a problem in Afghanistan just as it is here. What if that happened in America? If people here without jobs were standing in line trying their best to find a job and randomly got blown up, it would be a huge issue. Suicide bombings are scary and I’m glad they are not a popular way of killing in the US.
Jessica Batson
7th
Jose B.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110224/lf_afp/egyptpoliticsunrestusisraeleducation_20110224123922
Foreign exchange students from America are shocked about the very big cultural and changes in cairo, egypt and jerusalem. there have been people taking lessons in hebrew or arabic. the students are located in a american college to study abroad.
I think that the students should not be worried. there are students that come to different countries to learn and hope for better opportunities. but its hard because they have to get acustomed to the language, society, government, and how people are in places.
A woman suspected of snatching an infant from a New York hospital in 1987 entered a plea of not guilty on federal kidnapping charges at her arraignment Thursday.Ann Pettway entered the plea in federal court in Manhattan. She appeared in court saying she was not guilty kiddnaping 23 years.
ReplyDeleteI belive that she should be but into jail after taken a baby from a Harlem hospital 23 years ago, after the baby was taken in by her mother5 because of a high fever. Her mother was told to go home and rest. later when she got back. The doctors told her she was gone. To her these words, I think made the mother feel really bad for having left her there. She has alwasy looked for her until last Jan when she was reunited with her.
Kim Rubish
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
http://www.npr.org/2011/02/24/134031191/fungus-knocks-out-malaria-in-mosquitoes
Recently, scientists have discovered a new and extremely innovative way of controlling and eli inating the malaria parasite in mosquitos (who are the disease's prime carriers). In this new process, the mosquito is injected with a fungus called Metarhizium anisopliae, which has been genetically and chemically engineered specifically for the job at hand. While this fungus will inevitably kill the mosquito eventually, it is barely even a bother at first. What the fungus does is produce an anti-malaria protein once it enters the mosquito's blood stream. This protein then kills the malaria, curing the mosquito of it completely. While scientists are concerned that the mosquito's amazing defense powers will soon build up an immunity, they still see this fungus as a huge step in the curing of malaria worldwide.
I think that this discovery is absolutely incredible. Malaria kills so many people in mosquito-ridden areas such as Africa, and any help that they can get is great. These places already have enough troubles without the constant threat of diseased mosquitos. While I do see the possibility of the mosquitos creating a defense, I also see that that is just a risk we have to take. Getting approved to release his fungus might also pose a problem, but the scientists surely have already prepared for that. All in all, I see this as a large step for the world as we know it.
http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=12992207Current event loran logan
ReplyDeleteConnor Randolph
President Obama’s decision to stop defending the defuse marriage act in federal courts has mad many hot debates. The debates are over whether the executive branch should grab bower in the signals of the movement house committees called it a politicized of the justice department when the personal views of the president over ride the government’s duty. The president wanted to take their option over the authority of the government and has not so far been allowed to.
I that president obamas atourthy should not be taking over the government issues on views like. The government should have the artorty of marriage and not the president when taking into account his lack of knowledge on the subject. The government makes dissections and theirs should always be up held no mater subjects
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/70134/title/Cell_phones_may_affect_brain_metabolism
ReplyDeleteOn February 22nd, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that showed cell phone usage does affect the brain. It has been thought that radiation from cell phones negatively affects the brain, but no proof of any kind had been released to confirm the theories. This new study still doesn't confirm that cell phone usage has a negative affect on the brain, but it does confirm that it has some kind of affect on the brain. Participants in the study had two phones strapped to their heads. One that was turned on, and one that was turned off. A brain scan showed that after fifty minutes, the side of the brain that the turned on phone was on had been stimulated. Scientists are still not sure whether this stimulation is a good thing or a bad thing.
I think this newly found information is definitely something that should be further investigated. In this new technologically advanced era, people are constantly using cell phones, so knowing whether or not cell phone usage is damaging our brains is pretty crucial. It said in the article that a turned on phone obviously has somekind of affect on the brain, but scientists don't whether this affect is good or bad or what. I feel that this study is a good stepping stone study that will start off future studies that will show us if this stimulation of the brain is dangerous or not. This is important information for us to know, so I hope a new study comes out sooner rather than later.
Brady Strine
6th period
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/world/middleeast/26diplomacy.html?_r=1&hp
ReplyDeleteJackson Wright
6th Period
2/25/11
Topic: Middle East
Today, the happenings in Libya intensified. More protesters were shot and NATO has begun to step in. NATO will now be actively evacuating refugees from the area, along with a statement from a UN official that said that the UN felt it was time for the world to step in and stop the bloodshed. France and Britain have taken initiative action and called for an arms embargo and sanctions on Libya. Being the first to help Libya, France and Britain seem to be the most democratically straight forward countries in the world currently.
I think these happenings in Libya are tragedy and that the protesters must be helped. These Middle Eastern dictatorship regimes must be brought down, and the fact that the regimes have been using force is even worse. These protesters are doing all they know with their peaceful protesting, but this Libyan dictatorship is still using force. This force will only be combated by a revolt and international help. I hope the U.S will step in along with France and Britain and make an effort to save the Libyan people.
Julie Wulforst
ReplyDeletePeriod 6
Topic: The Middle East
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/24/egypt.women.optimism.harassment/index.html
A few days after President Mubarak fled Egypt, an Egyptian women, Nawara Belal, was verbally abused by a police offer. She, being one of the many women energized by the large part they had played in the revolution, got out of her car, opened the police mans door, and slapped him across the face. The police officer didn't do anything about it, and Nawara knew she would have never had the strength to do that before the revolution. Since the revolution, The Egyptian Center for Women's Right's has grown rapidly with new members flooding in daily. Activists say that with the revolution, women will no longer suffer sexual harassment in silence.
THIS MAKES ME HAPPY! Throughout history, whether it was the typical "house wife" stereotype in Ancient Rome or footbinding in China, women have always been treated unequally. Ofcourse there have been some societies where they are treated more equally, but never EQUAL to men. This is stupid, because we are capable of efficiently doing just as much, if not more, than men do. Especially in the middle East, where women are often required to wear burkas and full-covering clothing, I think it's great that this political revolution is sparking a revolution for their rights, as well. Nobody should ever have to suffer oppression based on gender, race or religion.
Ryan Hegedus
ReplyDeleteMan indicted in alleged sex-slave case
John Hopkins lured a Wisconsin woman into his apartment giving her free rent if she cooked and cleaned for him. Once she was in the apartment, Hopkins trapped her in the apartment by tying her up with a rope, gagging her, and handcuffing her to a radiator. Hopkins is being tried on 62 counts of rape, assault, and assault as a sexually motivated felon. The woman reported that she had been raped repeatedly from February 4th to the 12th. The woman said she was able to reach a phone on day 9 of her imprisonment and call her mother. Hopkins faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
I believe that it would take a strong person to not lose their will to escape after 9 days of imprisonment and rape. This woman was lured in by a Craigslist ad for Hopkins’ apartment for rent. Although details about how she was detained by Hopkins are unclear, I believe that she needed to be more cautious after incidents such as the Craigslist Killer. I would also like to know how she managed to get out of rope and handcuffs while being gagged and manage to make a phone call. When she made the phone call, she called her mother and not the police. This also confused me, but maybe her thought process had been slightly altered due to her lengthy captivity in such conditions. Either way, I'm going to stay off Craigslist for a while.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/02/24/new.york.sex.slave/index.html
Thomas Nguyen
ReplyDelete2.25.10 Period 7
Topic: National News
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/business/economy/25econ.html?_r=1&ref=us
As the political unrest continues in Libya, oil prices have surged. Oil production has been slowed down or stopped; there is fear that other oil producing countries in the region like Saudia Arabia could stop producing oil. Oil currently is $97 a barrel; some economists predict that oil could cost more than $100 a barrel. Oil prices are not the only thing that worry the American citizen's minds these days. Home prices continue to slid as well as appliances sales. There is still budget problems with the federal, state, and local government. More employees will continued to be dismissed this year so that the state and local governments can adjust to their budget shortfall. Rising oil prices have also made food prices become higher.
I think what is happening now is a "economic domino effect." If one aspect of an American citizen's life is changed such as higher gas prices, then that causes other costs of living to go up as well. This means that businesses such as grocery stores or retail stores will have to spend more money for the transportation of goods. People will also try to avoid driving short distances. Our economy is still in shambles and rising gas prices will slow our recovery even more. Our nation is dependent on transportation such as planes, trucks and cars who are very dependent on gasoline. Once gas hits at least $100 a barrel, people will drive even less and the price per gallon of gas will drop significantly like a few years ago where gas was about $1.75 a gallon. I think the political unrest in the Middle East & Africa has to stop.
Tanner Gardner-7th Period
ReplyDeleteManure is now being used in a green way other than fertilizer. The Cargill Company, a small operation in Jerome, Idaho, does just that. One source they collect from is Bettencourt Dairy Farm. They take the 150,000 to 200,000 gallons of manure produced by their 6,100 cows and recycle them at several stages. Then it’s off to the anaerobic digester, a covered, concrete tank that's as big as a football field and 20 feet deep. The entire thing holds 4 million gallons of manure. Inside the tank bacteria create methane gas, which powers two engines, which turn two generators, which produce electricity, which is put into the Idaho Power grid. As Coleman puts it, "Manure in. Power out." Projects such as this are also touted as being environmentally friendly. Cargill's Coleman says the process reduces odors, produces fertilizer and recycles water for flushing and irrigation. Large rollers squeeze, squish and squash the water out of the fiber that's left over and sprinkle it like sawdust in the space below. Cargill markets it as a soil conditioner like peat moss. The farm uses it as bedding for the thousands of cows. "Well, it just gives us something to do with it, like recycling," said Everett. On this scale, anaerobic digesters are clearly not the lone renewable energy answer to our power questions, but they are a multiple choice option. But how much growth potential is there? Cargill's Ryan Coleman offers this perspective: "In order to justify what we do, we need a relatively large facility, but for dairymen in general, I think there's a great opportunity here for them to do projects on their own."
It is programs like these which are a step in the right direction. This may not be the new and innovative technology which President Obama called for, but it is a feasible feat that grassroots organizations can enact. Now ranchers can contribute to energy production in addition to getting rid of manure and recycling the nutrients in other ways.