News outlets to consider:
- Any major TV news outlet (Yes, I will accept The Daily Show and The Colbert Report)
- Any major international, national, regional, or local newspaper
- Any major internet news service
- Any major radio news outlet
- Any of these podcasts (you're not limited to these, but it's definitely a start if you're not familiar with podcasts)
- Any of these YouTube channels (again, not an exhaustive list, just a place to get started)
Remember, your first post is worth 15 points while each comment to your peers' writings is worth 5 points apiece.
My current events posting is from an article I read this weekend in the Washington Post titled, “Teacher Spends Two Days as a Student and is Shocked at What She Learns.”
ReplyDeleteMany teachers, myself included, take the student day for granted. We assume that our classroom is the most important and that an attentive student is one that sits down quietly, does his/her work, and always asks questions. We often forget how tiring it might be to be sitting all day, and when a student acts out, we mistakenly blame it on “bad behavior;” however, if I was forced to remain passively learning all day, everyday, I would more than likely “act out,” too. I’m too active and ADD to remain in my seat, on task, and “good” for 7 hours a day. As a teacher, I’m interested in trying some of the author’s recommendations for classroom teaching:
• A mandatory stretch break in the middle of class
• A Nerf basketball hoop for the first minute and last minute of class
• An egg-timer to shut me up and get to student thoughts, problems, and questions (I love my own voice!)
• Start off class with students’ own questions
• A more lounge-type atmosphere
• A five minute “reading period” where all questions are answered before any writing/multiple choice is attempted
As a teacher that is researching as many “best teaching practices” that I can, I hope to amend my teaching style to allow each student to do his or her best in the school system. I have known for a long time that the system is broken, and I would like to do everything in my power to help “fix” it; however, there are barriers in my way:
• Legislation that the state, district, and (to an extent) my principals have to follow
o It’s made with the students’ best interest in mind, it really is, but often time, its implementation is marred with red tape, overly political agendas, and ill-equipped teachers.
• Society
o There is a tide of “anti-teachers” mentality ravaging the educational landscape—we’re blamed for a lot of things that are out of our control, but certainly affect student performance in the classroom.
• Parents
o The school system is radically different than when you were in school—heck, it’s radically different from when I was in school, and I only graduated nine years ago!
• Students
o No, you’re not entitled to anything. Please work for it and earn it—whatever it might be. The best things in life are worth going through hell for, and right now that hell might be school. Know that many teachers are actively trying to make schooling and education better for you.
• Myself
o It’s easy to be lazy and do what I’ve always done; it takes constantly reminding myself that it’s not about me, it’s about the student to continuously push myself forward as an educator and as a person.
Awww! This was a nice article of you to read. I completely agree! School has changed and is still changing. It's time we all realize how different school has become and worked to improve it. If teachers, parents, legislators, and students all worked together on coming up with a curriculum fitting everyones needs, it'd be a miracle. However, this is highly unlikely to happen, but starting off with ideas like the ones you mentioned would help out a lot. Many teachers don't realize what the students need to learn better, and implementing something like a reading period, or a stretch break would help students (and teachers in the long run) extremely!
DeleteIt's okay we all love the sound of our own voice, but no really it is actually really refreshing to hear teachers talk about how they want to be the best teacher possible so that they can help students. Many teachers now a days don't really care about their students and are not that emotionally invested or willing to work harder to benefit their students. You should take a yoga class so that the mandatory stretch break can be filled with skillful yoga moves led by you. I also like the idea of the reading eriod because i know that i am not the only one that likes to understand the whole assignment before i begin to wipe away feelings of uneasiness and if you do actually set up a basketball hoop then i challenge you to a match and if i win then the class should get extra credit. That is if you aren't too much of a chicken to accept my challenge.
DeleteThat sounds like a great idea! I get restless when just sitting in class and just having to listen to a teacher all day. Four classes a day and then seven on Fridays. It’s a lot. I am not sure how I do it now. But I totally agree that we should definitely have breaks. Or even reading periods throughout the class. I like the ideas that you mentioned. I hope they work and won’t make me as restless like I usually am in your class. It’s before lunch, and just reading or writing an essay can get quite exhausting. I hope you are serious about the breaks!
DeleteThis week I decided to write my article on Google developing cancer and heart attack detectors. Google is aiming to detect cancer, heart attacks, and several other illnesses much faster than we currently can. Even a slight change in a persons biochemistry will be detected by this device, and the goal is to detect diseases before physical symptoms occur and stop them in their tracks. The quicker a disease is detected, the greater chance there is to treat it. I think this is amazing and I hope Google continues working on this. The main man on this project is Dr Andrew Conrad, who developed a widely popular HIV test that is mainly used today. He's quoted saying; "What we are trying to do is change medicine from reactive and transactional to proactive and preventative." I loved this quote by him because it shows how much science and technology are advancing to improve our society. 7.6 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, and one of the biggest factors in this, is not detecting the cancer cells quick enough. Thousands of lives would be saved using this device, and people would be able to diagnose their health problems much faster. Many business are currently moving into the health and medical technology fields. This is really interesting, and should bring about many new technologies and medical advances. Especially from competitors!! If this device works out, imagine what could be next! Another prominent technology Google is working on is the new "smart contact lens." This is a specialty contact lens for diabetics and people who can't have certain ingredients come in contact with their body. I love seeing news like this, especially among all the awful headlines that have been appearing more often recently. This article gave me hope for the future, and I hope Google keeps pursuing this awesome route!
ReplyDeleteThat is really amazing! I would like to see Google and Dr. Andrew Conrad bring this device to life. The world needs to change for the better in the medical field. If they can manage to stop cancer before it starts developing at such a fast pace like it does, they can stop so many deaths from occurring. I also love the quote Dr. Andrew said, if there is no way to cure it yet at least they have found a possible way to detect and stop the cancer from developing. Hopefully this device is successful and is able to decrease the number of deaths cancer causes each year.
DeleteThis is fantastic! I'm always ecstatic to learn about new technologies and findings to fight illnesses such as cancer. I cannot imagine a world where deadly cancer cells could be detected and eliminated before becoming deadly. Google is such an immense and wealthy company and learning of their funding for a great cause makes me disappointed that not more large and successful companies are funding for research or helping out with struggling areas in the United States or other countries.
DeleteIt is really amazing how much we have progressed in the last two centuries. If this could be made real, so many lives could be saved. And with the device, I think that eventually we will have enough information to create some kind of vaccine or cure for the cancerous cells. This is the next step to humans being immune. I really do hope that this becomes a real thing. The amount of money the company would make for it is probably unbelievable
DeleteThis is completely insane! It is absolutely mind boggling the technology being developed in recent times. It is very heartwarming to see that Google is putting some of its money into a very good cause. I am glad to see they are taking initiative in finding cures and preventions of deadly cancer cells that kill millions. Technologies like the "smart content lens" would be so helpful to so many people and perhaps save many lives.
DeleteThese technologies are as amazing as they are scary. I'm happy to see medical science progressing at its rapid pace (especially since my girlfriend's disease is progressive and currently has no cure or treatment), but I'm also hyper-interested in how the rules of society change when life expectancy is over 100 years. How will we deal with overpopulation? How will we go about feeding our growing world population? Will everyone have equal access to these cybernetic technologies? These questions have all been raised by the greatest science-fiction writers of our time, but it seems that science-fiction doesn't stay "fiction" for long!
DeleteWow! I am amazed at how in 2014 we are able to do such things. I know in my experience, many of my family members have cancer and have an abundance of heart diseases leading to heart attacks. Knowing that our medical research is expanding eases my mind about them. It could help save lives, not only of my family members or friends but also of millions of people everyday that suffer from those sicknesses or diseases. I hope this entire project works out. I am excited to find out more on how it all works and what everyone else can do to help.
DeleteThis is almost unbelievable! It's so beautiful to see the rapid development of technology having a positive, constructive effect on society for a change. (That sounded derogatory- unintentional.) Sometimes, it just seems as if technology is becoming more of a detriment than a supplement, especially with the very real rise of Internet addiction. However, it is discoveries and inventions such as these that restore my faith in the future of technological innovation! It makes me happy to know that lives can be saved thanks to Google and their ever-intuitive team of geniuses.
DeleteI think this advancement is extraordinary! It makes me wonder how technology will improve in the next century, and if people will become more and more impervious to deadly diseases. Children with cancer, heart disease, and other fatal illnesses will finally have something to brighten their horizons. On one hand, this advancement is truly remarkable—on the other, our world is currently overpopulated as it is. What will happen when the older generations do not die? Mankind has been searching for immortality, if not eternal youth, since the dawn of time. I wonder that if we find it, will it be such a good thing?
DeleteThat's incredible. Technology certainly is advancing at a quick rate. I can't even imagine a device that can detect changes in your body and warn you about diseases. This could save so many lives but that may not be a good thing. I do understand how this could pose an issue. If the people start exceeding 100 years old, like De Ceglie said, then how will we have enough food and resources to go around? Maybe if this happens in the future, Google could create some new technology that could help produce more food and other necessary resources. I mean if they end up actually creating this kind of technology then what can we really consider possible and impossible anymore. I honestly don’t know whether this is going to be more beneficial or not. I see both sides. I just hope, if it does happen, that we will have a plan in case there is an overpopulation of people in the world. If we don’t then we might have a big issue on our hands.
DeleteThis is truly astonishing. Technology is always advancing, and I hope to see more advancements like this. The amount of lives that would be saved is amazing. The fact that we will soon be able to detect theses diseases and treat them is incredible. One of my family members has recently passed away due to cancer, and I know many other people who have lost family members due to these diseases, so I hope that they continue to work and improve on this project to help prevent any more deaths due to these diseases.
DeleteMy current event that I had come across was reported by CNN. It was about a spacecraft that belonged to a private foundation called the Virgin Group Foundation who had a failed test flight that resulted in one pilot having serious injuries and the other who was found dead. On November 1st, 2014, Virgin Galactic’s Spaceship Two was found wrecked in the Mojave Desert. This ship was 60 feet long and was designed to be able to carry up to six passengers. During the failed test flight, only two pilots were on board. Something went wrong and the spacecraft flew to the ground and crashed. Parts were spread out all over the place and a parachute was found on the ground and one of the pilots was found dead. Peter Siebold, who is 43 years old, was the pilot who was able to survive the crash but walked away with several moderate injuries. While Michael Tyner Alsbury, who was only 39 years old, died in this accident. Both pilots have many years of flight experience and no questions have been answered as to what exactly went wrong with this test flight. As of right now, Peter Siebold is in the hospital and is able to comprehend what is going on and is able to talk to his doctors and his family. The Virgin Group Founder, Richard Branson, made comments earlier this year stating that the private foundation has over 200 of the best engineers and technicians building these space crafts and they are on the verge of testing them out. By the end of this year their goal was to have at least one spacecraft successfully sent into space. As of right now they are trying to figure out what went wrong with this flight and are making the adjustments to fix and better the spacecraft.
ReplyDeleteThis is awful. I'm glad that Peter survived, but they should really make sure crafts like these are 100% safe, especially before putting people in them. I hope that they find out what happened and fix it quickly, before they send people out in them again. This is really interesting though! I didn't know that it was possible to be a private spacecraft manufacturer.
DeleteIt's sad to hear that these brilliant minds have passed away while trying to pursue something great. Although, all the pilots that go into the spacecraft are aware of the risk. I agree with Urszula about the safety. I'm aware that sometimes no matter how safe something can be, there is always risk. However, it sounds like there is too high of an anxiousness to successfully send the aircraft to space, while they should be perfecting the safety of the aircraft. Hopefully they find out what went wrong and make the correct adjustments so that no more lives are lost.
DeleteWow! That really sucks that an incident like this happened and it actually resulted in the deaths of a few people. I wish they could’ve caught this before it occurred but there is always a glitch in something. I hope they do fix whatever it is that happened. I don’t know much about private spacecraft’s but my prayers do go out to those families that lost there loved ones. This article ended up being very fascinating!
DeleteThis is tragic. I remember an article not too long ago about private companies running their own operations of space exploration and space crafts. It is hazardous, and this proves it. Sadly, someone passed away just to prove a point that it is dangerous for private organizations to attempt such enormous events. NASA worked for years to develop space crafts, and followed very strict deadlines. These deadlines and years of experimental tests were not in play with these private companies, and that is most likely why this occurred. There needs to be some kind of checklist that these companies should go through before launching two pilots off in a private owned and made spacecraft. This was a big mistake.
DeleteI remember reading about this article, and it was tragic knowing that one of the pilots died, although, I am very happy to know that the other pilot did survive. I hope they figure out what went wrong with the flight so they will be able to fix it and make a safer spacecraft. While doing these test runs, I feel like they should make a eject option so that if a test ever goes wrong again, the pilots can safely eject from the spacecraft without going down with it. Once they can ensure the safety of the spacecraft, they could just remove the eject option.
DeleteThere are currently forty-four states that have banned texting while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported, “at any given daytime moment, over 600,000 drivers are using cell phones or other electronic devices while they are driving. In 2012, over 421,000 drivers were injured due to distracted driving, and 3,328 people were killed”. Texting while driving triples the risk of crashing. James Cleary of the New York State Police explains how it’s difficult to detect discreet texters. Therefore, six ways to catch culprits have been implemented as so:
ReplyDelete1.) Dressing as a panhandler. Canadian cops are disusing themselves as homeless people in order to “get up close and personal with drivers”. In other locations such as Ontario and British Columbia, cops are dressing in hoodies, baseball caps, and holding cardboard signs with misspellings. On the cardboard signs, their identity is clearly stated and often includes sarcasm.
2.) The police found that it’s easier to peer into car to check for texting if they are riding in higher vehicles, such as an 18-wheeler or SUV. In Tennessee, cops riding in 18-wheelers spot texters and then radio in to a patrol car, which then pulls over the car and does the ticketing.
3.) In Connecticut a grant was received by the NHTSA to experiment with overpass spying. A spotter stands at a fair vantage point and radios to patrol cars if a violation was seen.
4.) An uncommon tactic is looking at cellphone records. This method is not used unless a car accident resulted in an injury or death.
5.) Observing patterns of slow or poor driving is a common give-away, along with the observation of a driver staring down at his/her lap.
6.) A company called ComSonics, is working on developing a radar gun-like technology that will detect radio frequencies from cars with active texting cellphones. Although this device is in early development, they hope that police will soon be able to put the texting detector to work soon.
I am glad that the police are finding new ways to detect texting while driving. It is an incredibly selfish, arrogant thing to do, and in my opinion, it should have heavy consequences for repeat offenders. When you are on the road, you are moving a 2,000+ pound hunk of steel and plastic at speeds that can easily kill, maim, or otherwise injure someone. You are trusting the stranger driving next to you with your life, and they are doing the same. Distracted driving recklessly endangers not only yourself, but other innocent people. Hopefully, police forces are successful in developing new techniques to apprehend distracted drivers.
DeleteIt's really interesting that cops have become so creative in the fight to end texting and driving. It is a very serious thing that has cost many peoples lives whether it be their own fault or not. It is a great service for cops to spot people texting and driving and stopping them. By cops applying these new tactics in their routines to stop texting and driving, they will be saving many lives. This is a service to all those who drive, it is essential to keeping the roads safe from reckless drivers. these new tactics seem to be promising and it is exciting to see new innovative ways to protect those who drive.
DeleteIt’s good to see that police are working very hard to stop people who text while driving. It seems harmless at the time, but the potential threat is huge. My own mother was recently involved in a small accident, and the person who hit her admitted to texting while driving. I myself have never texted while driving, and plan to never attempt it. It is a selfish act, and endangers everyone on the road. Is it really worth the risk of killing a stranger? Texting is not like a phone call where it requires your immediate attention. You can respond to text messages at your convenience, it is unnecessary to answer a text while driving.
DeleteI am glad they are tackling this issue in a different way. I do think its weird if they spy, but I guess if it is for safety reasons. I do believe texting and driving is a very important issue, and the fact police are going out of their way to do these little things to catch is nice. Texting while driving is an extremely selfish act, in my opinion. I hope the tactics the police are using towards distracted drivers is successful because the consequences these people would be facing is tremendous.
DeleteAs an offender of texting and driving (a couple times) and changing my music I do see the change in focus attention and alertness towards the road. It is an act that shouldn't be done but unfortunately will be by people. Im glad to hear that police officers are coming up with ways to catch the offenders, you never know it could save a life. Out of the methods listed the smartest one to me is number 2 while sitting in a larger vehicle you can see almost anything in the lower cars so it would be easy to catch who's texting. I am completely for banning texting and driving; but i wonder what happens if the person is just using the GPS on their phone? How would an officer detect what the person was doing?
DeleteMelanie Urias
I see both sides to this story. One one hand, I most definitely have swerved due to lack of focus on the road and multitasking. It's very dangerous and has caused me to hit some pcb pipes on the side of road. Many accidents have been caused by reckless individuals doing "selfish" acts yet on the other hand what if the text is an emergency? What if they are using it as a GPS? My mother once texted me to go get her while I was driving because she couldnt breathe while jogging and if I didn't look at the text she could have passed out. Maybe it might be more beneficial to restrict younger drivers to not being able to use their cellular devices and it might become a habit so they don't do it as much when they grow older.
DeleteI think there are definitely exceptions in emergency situations, like Kat said, but in general, tighter restrictions on texting in driving is extremely beneficial to the well being of society. I do agree that the higher vehicle method is the most efficient and perhaps more fair to citizens that a disguise, but it is true that drivers could simply be utilizing a GPS system on their phones, which technically is not illegal. It just seems to me that there are a lot of potential stipulations with this law that need to be sorted out before any real progress can be made.
DeleteI believe it's truly fascinating what society has come to that we are getting so addicted to our phones, we can't even pay attention to the road! Therefore, I believe it's a terrific idea that there are many poise going undercover to see who's texting and driving. We all know that if you see a police car you are going to slow down if you're speeding, and you will look up if you're texting, but if it's just a normal car, you will just continue with your irresponsible activities because you know the other person in the car next to you won't do anything about it. I agree that if it's an emergency you will definitely want to see what's up but the first thing you have to do right away is pull over! not continue texting.. It's very important that people know what they're doing on the road, because many innocent people get hurt and killed from the one who had looked down for 5 minutes. Texting while driving is a very selfish thing to be doing, and with all the accidents that have occurred from that, you would think the drivers have learned the consequences they could face from this.
DeleteThe "creative" ways that the police are handling texting while driving not only is humorous, to a degree, it is also slightly worrying. While I do believe texting while driving is a horribly selfish and dangerous offense, and should be punished accordingly, just how far are police willing to go? They are disguising themselves. It is alarmingly easy to think about irresponsible officers using their disguises for something other than their intended job. Some of their methods, such as the higher vehicle, are not threatening, but from this article I am under the impression they are using civilian vehicles. At the least, I believe that the police should be using an undercover car; even undercover cars can be recognizable if one looks hard enough. And on the road, a person while texting no less, an undercover car would be just as effective as a civilian car.
DeleteTexting and driving is one of the scariest things a teenager can deal with. From experience of watching other teenagers, a driver on his or her phone cannot drive a car safely. Driving takes complete attention and distractions can cause horrific accidents. I have seen drivers on their phones almost crash into objects multiple times, and it is not a fun experience. Unlike most teens, I spoke up and told the driver to stop using his phone. But for the other large unspoken percentage of teenagers, the phone radar gun and police alertness to the dangers of texting and driving can save their lives.
DeleteI'm glad that the police are finding ways to stop texting and driving. No matter how good of a driver you think you are, you cannot see the road if you are not looking at it. It's a good thing that it is illegal in so many states, but I don't see how it isn't illegal in all yet. It isn't fair to put other peoples lives at risk when you're texting and driving so I think the cops are doing a good thing by disguising themselves because it could save a lot of lives.
DeleteThe moon illusion, it is when the moon is close or far away from the horizon and we see it as bigger or smaller. When you see a moon come close to the horizon it seems a lot bigger, but if it measure it in the sky at the same size it is actually quite the same. You can test this by putting your thumbnail at arm’s length and comparing it with the size of the moon. If you do this when the moon is close to the horizon, you will notice that it doesn’t change size. And why does our brain process it so differently? That is because of the visual reference points we compare it to such as; trees, mountains, and buildings. But when the moon is isolated from all these tall objects it seems a lot smaller, and vast in the night sky. This can be called the, Ebbing Hans illusion it is an optical illusion of related size perception. This is really interesting in my opinion, something like this could happen anywhere. Also, when you’re underneath the night sky and if someone ask you, “why is the moon so big, and small on other days?” I can say that is because of the optical illusion your retina gives you. You perceive objects at different lengths from different angles. Which is very intriguing because there are so many things that can be seen as an optical illusion. For example, a stage can seem a lot bigger if there are people around it. However, if there’s no one around that stage it will seem a lot smaller. When it is actually a big size. Or when you surround an object of the same size around bigger objects, on the right, and one around smaller objects on the left. The one on the right may seem a lot bigger due to Ebbing Hans illusion.
ReplyDeleteThe way our mind perceives objects is absolutely fascinating. One object can be seen in two completely different ways all based on perspective. I took a psychology course last year and my favorite part of it was the unit based on perception. All the different tricks our mind uses to see size, shape, and other things are amazingly complex, yet simple. The Ebbing Hans illusion has everything to do with comparison of objects to reference points. Even changing the angle slightly changes the perception of the reference object, and therefor changes your perception on the objects around it. The way our brains can compare what we see is brilliant, and truly worth learning about.
DeleteIm so glad you posted this article I'm infatuated with the moon, it is one thing i look at every night and I'm glad you clarified why it looks bigger on some nights and smaller on other nights. i know on the news you hear "tonight Earth will be the closet to the moon compared the rest of the year" but it looks smaller and bigger almost every night to i knew the distance between the two doesn't change, so obviously it had to be our eyes playing tricks on us. The stage example is really helpful when you were explaining the Ebbing Hans illusion. Even the smallest detail can "change" a whole picture in our brain; and what we "see" makes us all unique because we all have different imaginations.
DeleteMelanie Urias
The article I read this week was about a tragic train accident that occurred in Spain, the train derailed on a double-crossing curve going 121 mph. Unfortunately, 79 people were killed. I found this article interesting because I could some what relate to this article being that I have been on multiple train rides and never could imagine something like this happening to me or someone I love. I always rode the train in Washington, D.C., that’s how all of my friends and I got around the city. This type of incident does not happen often, in my opinion it should have never happened being that multiple trains have been over this specific area of tracks. I was shocked and amazed how something like this could occur however I understand that accidents happen. But in this specific incident it was no accident it was said that Madrid Garzon the driver of the 121mph train at the time ignore three warnings to reduce speed. Two minutes after ignoring the warning the tragedy occurred. The driver was eventually taken to court and as said in a court statement, the driver was talking on the phone with a colleague when the first warning was given. The first warning was audible but being that the driver was on the phone he could not hear. Another detail that was proven due to investigation was that the last warning was given 250 meters before the dangerous curve. Being that the driver ignored all warning he was going a speed of 121 mph around the curve when the set speed limit was 50 mph. 4 seconds after the driver realized what was happening he applied the emergency brakes but then it was to late. Even though he was going 121 mph he managed to slow down to 111 mph, which is the speed the derailment officially occurred. In court, Garzon could not come up with a reason for not slowing down although he did admit he was going over the limit. Due to the recklessness of Garzon he was arrested shortly after the crash but was released. He was charged with multiple counts of negligent homicide. Which in my opinion he deserved a lot more for driving reckless.
ReplyDeleteThe driver should be charged with multiple homicides and sentenced to life in prison, He should have understood that when he is responsible for that many peoples lives he should have taken way more seriously instead of talking on the phone or speeding. He has no excuses for his actions and is now the reason that multiple people have died.
DeleteI feel this is why I'm glad I don't ever ride trains. Although, I find it ridiculous the train would take a turn at 121 mph. Why would the driver ignore these warnings to slow down? I absolutely believe he is at fault for the deaths and injuries of others and should be charged so.
DeleteNever riding a train, it terrifies me to even fathom a vehicle flying at speeds over 100 miles per hours. What was going through this mans mind and if charging him wasn't enough imagine how he feels knowing he is the reason for 79 deaths. He will never forgive himself. So I definitely think he is at fault but I'm not sure he deserves more than being charged. He admitted to the crime and understood his actions. People drive reckless all the time without even a speeding ticket.
DeleteThis Saturday, a terminally ill woman renewed a nationwide debate about physician-assisted suicide by ending her life under Oregon's Death with Dignity Law. Brittany Maynard, who was 29 years young, had incurable brain cancer that caused her severe head and neck pain, stroke-like symptoms, and frequent seizures. Maynard died peacefully in her bedroom surrounded by her loved ones. Not all people agreed with her decision to end her life with the assistance of lethal drugs prescribed by a doctor. Maynard moved to Oregon from California to take advantage of Oregon's Death with Dignity Law since other states did not support this law. Many religious groups opposed this decision and voiced their objections, "... Our prayer is that these people will find the courage to live everyday to the fullest until God calls them home." If someone is suffering and if they know that they can never be treated, that person should have the right to decide whether or not they want to end their lives. Instead of lying around in a hospital bed accepting the fact that she has one more month to endure this pain, Maynard chose to die peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. She made her choice to end her life, without suffering.
ReplyDeleteI am torn on this one. Although I think that ultimately it is immoral and selfish to take your own life, I also think that is wrong for someone else or a group to restrict them from making the decision. Being terminally ill and having only a month left to live I think that her and her family made a decision that best suits the patient. If the law states that they can do this and they took advantage of it, I do not think that religious groups should really voice their opinion. I do think that it is okay for them to have an opinion, but at the same time they should not make the family feel bad about a decision that was made in the persons best interest.
DeleteI'm glad Brittany was able to die on her own terms. If someone is living in misery, suffering from constant pain and seizures, and knows that they have little time left, they should not be forced to endure that pain. Assuming they are mentally sound, I think it's clear that they should have the ultimate say in the matter. The way you have written your comment, it sounds like she and her family had come to terms with it and made the decision together, which is all the more reason not to critique her choice. Regarding religious opposition to Brittany's decision: I'm perfectly fine with people disagreeing for religious reasons, as long as they do not try to shame the family or present their position as irrefutably correct.
DeleteA death like this one brings a lot of controversy. We are taught that suicide is bad, but when the person wants to die due to living in pain and is constantly suffering its hard to say if its right or wrong. I didn't even know that a Death with Dignity law existed until I read this. It makes me wonder how many people use this law a year and how many states have it. The religious groups obviously have their reason for disagreeing, but they shouldn't make comments that could offend Brittany's family or others like her since they don't know the extent to their suffering or feel what they go through.
DeleteA death like this is indeed controversial. What I have to say is that Brittany should be allowed to die on her own terms. She's suffering in her death bed, I honestly think god would want her suffrage to end. She also made her preparation as well. She discussed this with her family, and spoke to all her loved ones. I ultimately believed this sorrow, and pain is the decision only Brittany can make especially if she only has a month left to live.
DeleteThis is a very controversial topic to many, but I agree with the choice to make a decision that YOU feel comfortable with. Why would anyone want to watch someone suffer when they could be resting in peace? I'm glad that the people around her supported her decision and that's really what was obviously important to her. It is her own body, she is her own person, and I feel like you can do whatever you want to do with your own body as long as you believe it is for the better. Others don't see that, and I think it is a bit judgmental on their part, because they don't know exactly how they feel and their state of mind in that sense. They are not going through what people like Brittany are experiencing so therefore they shouldn't be at all able to judge them if they want to decide to end her own life.
DeleteOn the news, I saw a Women's College basketball team, and I thought there was nothing going on until I heard that one of the girls playing was a freshman who happened to have brain cancer. Her story had touched so many that with usually 100 fans at the stadium, there were a huge demand of tickets and around 10,000 people in the stands of the Xavier University came! The bleachers were flooded and the support the students gave her was amazing to watch; they even made her posters and everyone was cheering her on. When she scored her first basket, the crowd gave her a standing ovation from both teams. Then, there were 30 seconds remaining and the proud coach put her in the game again and she scored her second basket, making it 66-55. This story is incredible for anyone to hear because it raises awareness and more knowledge as to what kind of diseases there are and it gives us curiosity on how we can cure it. The demand for tickets to watch her play, the famous people that came to support her, including Fred Jackson and Pat Summit, and the hashtags that spread around:#1More4Lauren and #Layup4Lauren all helped raise money for DIPG, the brain cancer Lauren is suffering from. The amount of money raised summed up to be $40,000. After the game, she was very touched by everyone who came to support, but she says that the support can't stop there at that game; she would definitely like to see the day where there is enough research to cure cancer. Unfortunately, she said that she won't be around during that time because the doctors claim that she only has 2 more years to live. But I believe that with her attitude and perseverance, she will fight this battle and she gives me hope that she will win.
ReplyDeleteI saw a video on this story and it was very sad.. She really had a shot in her basketball career had it not been for that tumor. It was very nice for the college team to allow Lauren to play with them.
DeleteThere is a conspiracy theory that the government already has the cure for cancer, it's just that the medical field makes so much money off cancer patients that they don't want to release it.
This article touched my heart. It makes me happy to see that so many people donated money towards her brain cancer. No one deserves to hear that they only have 2 years to live. It made me sad when she said she would like to see the day where there is enough research to cure cancer. I hope that throughout her battle with cancer, she finds the toughness in her and wins the battle. She deserves to play basketball and live.
DeleteI heard about this story on the NBC nightly news with Brian Williams. This story also touched my heart and it made me smile when i saw how many people help her and donate money for her brain cancer. She looks to be like a really strong girl and i hope she will continue to be strong and win her battle with cancer. No one deserves to go through so much pain and suffering, especially not young teenagers and young children.
DeleteLauren Hill, a college freshman at Mount St. Joseph College realized her dream to play college basketball in the sixth grade. The only thing standing in her way is a brain tumor the size of a lemon leaving her with only months left to live. Last Sunday Lauren played as a forward in the division III game between Mount St. Joseph’s and Hiriam College. The tumor left the right-handed shooter no option but to shoot with her left hand because it has affected her coordination. Normally only fifty people show up to their games, but this time was different. Her shot lead to a standing ovation from 10,000 people who came to support her. They had been cheering from the moment she walked out for warm-ups and there was not a dry eye in the crowd. Even with her condition, she wanted to continue to play basketball and show people that achieving your dream is not impossible under most circumstances. Lauren is an inspiration to the people in Ohio, the ones who read her story, and myself. It is really refreshing to read about someone turning something so negative into a good thing. Now with just weeks left to live she still gets up at five thirty every morning for basketball practice. Even though she cannot do a lot of the exercises she still tries. What is really great about her is that she is not afraid to live or die. She is an example of what we should all strive to be.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I read this story (on www.espn.com) I was reduced to tears. It's amazing how much support Lauren garnered for her team and, more importantly, for her cause. Tragically, she's a martyr for her cause that affects thousands of people per year, and due to her drive and determination, she's able to really live a life of meaning, even if that life of meaning is in a much shorter time than most of us will have. Ultimately, though, we all must strive for our life of meaning and Lauren has definitely become an inspiration for me.
DeleteI can’t help but be inspired by stories like this. I love to hear about people who won’t let even the worst illnesses stop them from living their lives. I wish more people could have a similar mindset, as the world would be better off. If more people thought this way, we would have fewer suicides and thus have more productive members of society to better the world. I look forward to hear more stories like this in the future. I hope that she continues to enjoy her life, no matter what fate has in store. It would be difficult to keep a cheerful attitude with only weeks to live, so I really commend her for being able to do so.
DeleteThis story is really inspiring. The fact that she has only weeks to live and still practices everyday shows how she is not letting this control every part of her life. She has proved that even with something so terrible, you can still live your life and do what you love as long as you possibly can.
DeleteA suspect for the murder of the McStay family was recently taken into custody almost a full year after the killings. Charles ‘Chase’ Merritt was arrested Wednesday without incident in Chatsworth, California. The family is believed to have died in their home due to blunt force trauma before being found by an off-road motorcyclist. Merritt claims to have received a call from the family the night they disappeared, but didn’t answer because he was busy. I feel uncertain as to whether Merritt is truly guilty or not, but it seems he is the only suspect. Until more evidence is found, I see no reason to assume Merritt is guilty. Of course it is just as much a mistake to assume he is innocent as well. There is no way to tell for certain at the moment, and I believe that the courts and media should refrain from painting a biased portrait around the case. If the media paints this man as a killer, it could ruin his life for a long time even if he is found innocent. And even if he is guilty, there is the matter of motive. The court must determine whether it was planned or a ‘crime of passion’ in order to cast a proper judgment. But enough about my opinion, what do you guys think? Do you think that Merritt is guilty, or do you feel he is innocent? I stand by the belief of ‘Innocent until proven guilty.’ How do the rest of you feel on the matter? Is there sufficient evidence to say he’s guilty? Should they let him go? I don’t feel that there is enough evidence to support the charges against Merritt, but there is never a pure certainty whether he is innocent or not. I patiently await your opinions.
ReplyDeleteI also stand by the belief of innocent until proven guilty. It's hard to convict someone for the murder without evidence proving they did it, but at the same time its hard to prove someone innocent without the proper evidence or alibi. However, since he was arrested almost a year after the killings there must be some evidence showing he may be guilty.
DeleteI think its extremely ridiculous that it took the police over a year to find a killer of family. But in all seriousness I think I send my condolences to the family of the family that was murdered. Its pretty sad to think that there are people out there crazy enough to kill other human beings. It’s unmoral and inhuman to do so. I think he should be found guilty, and sentenced death also. What he did was wrong and unforgivable. Nerveless he shouldn’t have done it in the first place, let alone to an entire family.
DeleteI can understand your outrage Clana, but as a law studies student i understand that you can't let biases get in the way of making a well informed decision on such a matter. You must remember that there is no way of knowing for certain whether he actually committed the crime or not. I know you may not like it, but the court must take an objective view on the matter, as must the jury. Remember that should you ever be called in for jury duty, as a person's life often hangs on the jury's decision.
DeleteMy current event for this week is on a recent public execution by ISIS. The Sunni clan, U.S.-allied Albu Nimr tribe, was considered among the last holdouts against ISIS in Iraq's western desert. They were fathers, brothers, and sons taken from their homes, some pulled from their beds, in the middle of the night. About 50 members of the tribe were abducted in Hit in Anbar province, west of Baghdad, during the early morning on Saturday. The tribal leader, Sheikh Nabil Al-Ga'oud, believes them to be dead. The Albu Nimr, who number in the tens of thousands, are ready to fight to take back Hit. The city was seized last month by ISIS fighters after weeks of fighting the tribesmen. Hit and neighboring Ramadi were holdouts in the Sunni-dominated Anbar province after ISIS swept in from Syria, taking town after town in the western province. Albu Nimr tribesmen were among those who fought them until they began running of out weapons and supplies. This event is tragic, and it is frightening. ISIS is continuing to expand its rule over the country and destroying the last US-allied holdouts in the country. Now that they have been captured, there may be no way to fight back in the country, leaving ISIS with complete power and rule over the country with resources right at hand. It is a potential danger for their country, along with any other countries in the world. We must find a way to stop them, and soon.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to the article I read: http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/techknow/articles/2014/5/1/genetic-engineeringnotgmosisworthdebate.html
ReplyDeleteThis is an Al Jazeera article with an interview between "TechKnow" and Paul Gepts, a professor at UC Davis. Gepts expresses his dislike of the label "genetically modified", stating that everything is genetically modified; otherwise, we would all be the same. There are many misconceptions regarding "genetically modified organisms". This label is applied to both plants created with DNA marker assisted breeding, and plants created through transgenics(genetic engineering). ( Marker assisted breeding merely allows breeders to select more desirable traits that already exist within the species at once to increase the speed of the process, while genetic engineering involves taking genes from one organism and inserting them into another, unrelated organism). Gepts asserts that the best way to evaluate these technologies is by examining them on a case by case basis; he uses the example of radioisotopes, which are frequently used for both medicinal and bomb making purposes, illustrating his claim that it's all about the application. Some concerns with transgenic crops include the possibility of them mingling with native crops. Gepts uses the example of a gene that increases resistance to insects in a transgenic plant that could be introduced to a native population, removing insect pressure and initiating a domino effect that upsets the delicate balance of the ecosystem. This all seems like a good reason against using genetically engineered crops; however, when used responsibly, these crops can be incredibly beneficial. Golden Rice, a genetically engineered strain high in vitamin A, is projected to save hundreds of thousand of impoverished people in third world countries from death due to vitamin A deficiency. Many radical environmentalists have campaigned against it, regardless of its potential benefits, purely on the grounds of it being a "GMO". While these new technologies must be carefully observed, such blatant dismissals of potentially life-saving innovations is ignorant.
I can see both sides of this argument. While “GMOs” are potentially helpful, they are known to cause a lot of problems if not properly handled. As someone who has taken an environmental science course, I can see the potential devastation a genetically altered specimen can cause a delicate ecosystem. However, there are just as many potential pros as cons. As you stated, Golden rice can save people in third world countries. I believe that “GMOs” should be further studied before putting them on the market for farmers, but they have the potential to really make a difference in starving countries.
DeleteFor this week's current event I found an article on Massachusetts voters voting yes to paid sick days. This new ballot measure will allow workers to take paid sick days off to recover from an illness or take care or a sick child or loved one. Business with at least eleven employees must give them up to forty hours of paid sick days a year. The new measure also protects workers from begin fired due to taking sick days off. A few cities in New Jersey and California also have passed similar measures. Now three states and sixteen cities in the United States that have paid sick days, up two states and ten cities from last year. To prevent some workers from taking advantage of this, employers are allowed to ask for a doctor's note from any employee who takes more than twenty-four hours off at a time. The biggest critics of paid sick days are restaurant owners and retail industries. I think all states should have paid sick days, but due to the fact that many people would take advantage of this it should be mandatory that employees have a doctors note. Paid sick days can prevent the spread of any contagious disease but could also cause small businesses economic losses.
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that these new laws will prevent the spread of contagious diseases is a good point, since when you aren’t paid for time off being sick, you’re much more likely to try and suck it up and go to work anyway. The knowledge that you’re being paid if you take off to recover will hopefully deter those that need the money if in a tough financial situation. I do think people will take advantage of these new privileges, however, so I hope the right of businesses to require a doctor’s note of their sick employees is preserved and respected.
DeleteI think it is a good thing to have paid sick days. It helps people who need to work and support their families not have to worry about losing a days pay. It is not there fault they fall ill and are not able to go work. If so many people did not abuse this opportunity than everyone can have paid sick days, however, there are people who are lazy and try to abandon their responsibilities. I also agree with Michael that this new law also helps to prevent any spread of disease and that the requirement of a doctor’s note will help to prevent the misuse of this opportunity.
DeleteI think that not having paid sick days is punishing someone for something they can't help. No one choses to get sick but there is a large amount of people who will go to work regardless. Some people live paycheck to paycheck and i feel as if paid sick days would as Micheal said decrease the spread of contagious diseases.
DeleteIn my opinion, paid sick days is a good idea depending on how long you have worked there. They should be rewarded for their hard work especially I they cant help but to be out. If their sick, and they take money out of their check just because, is morally wrong. The money taken out could be used for things such as medicine that would help them get back on their feet to get back to work! A doctors note is also a good idea, because considering the fact that most people in this would are shady and would most definitely take advantage of the paid sick days.
DeleteI know that I get sick, the one thing that comes to my mind is "oh great, I'm going to miss a day of school or I am going to miss work." So the fact that people can be paid when they are sick is important. However, I do agree that people would take great advantage of this. I believe that asking for a doctor's note should be a mandatory thing if the person is going to be out for more than a day. Overall, paid sick days are very important because a lot of people depend on their paycheck and getting sick can be a burden sometimes because that just means one less day they won't get paid. I think paid sick days should be passed in all 50 states, but there should be some structure to it before it is passed.
DeleteThis is actually reassuring to those who work on rigorous jobs. There are those who work till day and night as well while being under stress. To gain money, and have a day off is a worker's dream at heart. Being piling on with work day after day can consume the life out of you. And I have talked to many people who feel that day. In this time of life you have to work hard to get where you're at even if you're sick or not. So I hope this law gets pass to all 50 states.
DeleteThis past week the final victim of last months school shooting has succumbed to his gunshot wounds and perished bringing the total fatalities to five students. This final victim was Andrew Fryberg age 15, cousin to the shooter. The Gunman was Jaylen Fryberg, also age 15, he attended Marysville Pilchuck High School, in Marysville, Oregon. He was said to have invited all of his victims to a lunch table in the cafeteria, where he then pulled a 40 caliber pistol out of his backpack and opened fire on the students sitting with his. Two of these vitims happened to be his cousins, one Andrew and the other Nate hatch, 14. Nate was the only one to survive this incident and was discharged from the hospital this past week. It was also said that before the incident Jaylen sent a picture of himself with the gun to his ex girlfriend. The picture was too blurry to make out if the gun was the same pistol used in the shooting but it makes you wonder what he was trying to accomplish by sending that picture? Was the threatening her or just flaunting his twisted fantasy that he has planned out for later in that day. The shooters grandfather, Don Hatch, said that all of the boys were very close which makes it confusing why Jaylen would want to injure any of them. By the time authorities got to the scene the shooter only had one bullet left which he used on himself to end his own life. If Jaylen thought that suicide was the only option it is possible that he brought his friends to the table because he wanted them to die with him so they could all be together. It is a very strange was to show affection but there hasn't been any other clear evidence to why the shooting happened in the first place.
ReplyDeleteThis shooting, along with any other shooting sends me mixed emotions. It makes me sad for the students injured or killed, along with all their friends and family. It also frustrates me. I for one cannot comprehend how someone could take their own life, but then take the lives of their friends as well. That is unbelievably low. What gives anyone the idea that they have the right to do something like that? It is sickening. It terrifying to think how many people like that are in the world, and how susceptible we are to their danger. We could all be affected by these people. There really is no way we can ensure the safety of schools and their students without a large amount of funds, which the country cannot afford. To full secure a school would take a lot of money and time. It is scary to think the potential danger that comes to leaving your children in the hands of teachers in school. There are people like this all around the world, who have the ability to do this same thing. We can only hope that nobody in our own schools starts thinking this way, and does something that will harm any of our students in any way possible.
DeleteThere have been way too many school shootings in the past few years. These people that have been commenting these shooting can't prove anything but that they need help, but choose not to be hurting people that can defend themselves back, and that is the sign of a crazy person. These people should not go after kids that have the rest of their lives. the school systems should be focusing on trying to fix safety systems, instead of telling the students to find a room and shut the door and hide under a desk. A desk isn't going to save you from a bullet.
DeleteMicrosoft has recently designed a headset that talks visually impaired people around cities. It works with a Windows phone and uses location and navigation data with a network of information beacons in urban locations to describe routes. A BBC reporter tried the headset out while wearing a blindfold and said that it would inform him of cars passing by or overhanging trees ahead. Once I read this article I realized that it made it easier for people who are visually impaired to travel to new places and be more comfortable when doing so. They are able to receive information about their location and the places around them while traveling with the headset on. Eight people with sight loss have tested the headset and five of those reported feeling safer and more confident wearing it. Kirstie Grice, one of those to trial the technology, said: "We want to live like normal people. We don't always want to plan ahead to see if we can get community transport or a taxi or something, we want to be able to just jump on a bus and go somewhere and have that freedom." The invention of this headset has proven to be beneficial and allows the blind to make last minute decisions of their destination. Some experts have questioned if the technology is capable of being rolled out widely as it is to rely on a network of beacons attached to street furniture. A Microsoft spokesman said: "A lot of the information comes from GPS and annotated maps in the cloud which provide as much, if not more than, the beacons." All of the people who have tried out the headset have said that it provides them with more confidence for when they have to leave their house, even those who don’t enjoy being outside and prefer the safety of their own home agree with this statement.
ReplyDeleteThis is really exciting news! Blind people that want to walk around in public have long relied on white canes and guide dogs, and will continue doing so for some time, to avoid everyday occurrences that prove difficult or dangerous for those visually impaired to overcome. The introduction of this GPS technology specifically designed for blind people seems to be a powerful step in gadgetry that can be developed to help them. I’m glad there is progress being made in making the world accessible to those that have trouble seeing, or with any other disabilities.
DeleteThis invention is a great thing. I can only imagine how hard it is to travel around a city when being blind. Guide dogs and canes are always going to be something to fall back on, but the invention of something that can just tell you where to go is great! Not only is this a wonderful thing for blind people because it will make getting from place to place easier, but it is a huge step forward in technology. It is very obvious that this world is now very technology based, and with this being brought about, the world is one step ahead.
DeleteThis is the most brilliant idea I've ever heard. Blind people should feel safe walking around places and this headset solves most of their problems. Technology has improved so much within these past few years and I'm astounded with this new headset for blind people. This headset will allow visually impaired people to live like normal people and feel confident.
DeleteThis new technology really is amazing! It is crazy how far technological advancements like these are taking us. I love how this headset not only provides special GPS technology for the blind, but also gives them confidence. There are many pros to this new advancement, but there is always the horrible possibility of the system having a glitch. The system might lead the blind person into harms way, like traffic or to the wrong destination (similar to many problems with Google Maps.) If I was blind I would be afraid to rely on this system until it was further tested.
DeleteI think building technology for people that can really use it is a good thing. People take things for granted in the world and forget the people that aren't as fortunate. I am glad that such technology can finally help the people that need it the most.
DeleteNew York City recently opened the doors of its newly constructed One World Trade Center, meant to symbolize the city’s continued strength after the attacks in 2001. A lesser-known project that was just completed and opens on Monday is a Grand Central Terminal subway station in Manhattan. Fulton Center subway station is another extravagant construction feat that allows natural light to stream into the underground terminal, two stories below street level. The leader of the project, Michael Horodniceanu, is extremely proud of the result and hopes that subway riders will be surprised on Monday morning. The $1.4 billion venture features a spiral staircase, a glass elevator shaft, wide walkways, stone tiling, bright lighting, and televisions displaying announcements, information, and advertising. The station will see 300,000 commuters a day. In addition, commercial and retail space is provided in the facility where restaurants and stores will open up. While the project is undoubtedly an architectural achievement and a future tourist attraction, some people aren’t as excited as Thomas Prendergast, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman, who says it is a “great public space” and a “symbol of our city’s strength.” Philip McManus, a member of the Queens Public Transit Committee, isn’t happy with the $1.4 billion dollar price tag. He suggests that the money could be spent much better elsewhere where it is needed, such as in Queens’ public transportation. He argues that the function of the new Fulton Center is purely aesthetic and makes little difference in Manhattan transportation. While I find that the facility’s symbol of recovery after 9/11 is important, I have to agree somewhat that a publicly funded project like this could have seen the funds spread a bit more evenly amongst the New York boroughs. While less symbolic of strength and progress, it would truly benefit the city of New York and provide actual strength and progress, which is what really matters.
ReplyDeleteEven though the construction of the new world trade center is a major event for the people in New York, the subway that was less publicized and recently constructed is actually benefitting the city’s transportation system. I do believe that it is always good to have a structure that symbolizes strength, on the other hand though money should be used to work on internal improvements. I will have to agree with Michael in saying that it is better to show tangible improvement made for the city instead of symbolic ones that is actually draining the city’s funds.
DeleteI personally think that One World Trade Center project is a good use of money. New buildings are being built in New York all the time, and its not like the building wont be used. Levels of the building are being rented out as office space. The project is not only economically beneficial but it shows the strength of the people who survived. While i do see how it could be seen as a "waste" of city funds but for the people who were there and the people that this hurt nothing is as valuable as remembering. City transport isn't a major problem in Manhattan or Queens, hope on a train or a bus and you can get anywhere. The biggest problem with the subways is there aesthetic. New York has been working for years to improve the quality of the underground with planting trees, improving air quality, or killing the rats. I think spending that much money on the beautification of New York is unnecessary but it creates jobs that are much needed and improve the cities economy by putting money back in circulation.
DeleteDuring early development, our brains easily change in response to environmental stimuli, but this plasticity declines as we leave these critical stages. This is the reason why we effortlessly learn languages as babies, and struggle to learn them later in life. Scientists have now found a way to return the brain to this “child-like” state to increase neural plasticity. By disrupting paired immunoglobulin-like receptor b function at specific ages, scientists have found that Pirb represses neural plasticity throughout life. By genetically introducing a conditional PirB allele into mice, or by an infusion of a soluble PirB into a mouse visual cortex, scientists found that neural plasticity of the adult visual cortex was enhanced. The tests also showed that it was possible to recover from a decline in visual acuity and spine density using this method. Although exciting, the study was only limited to the visual cortex in mice, and as of now these results can not be generalized into people learning new languages, factual knowledge, or skills. The unintended consequences are also frightening on a certain level. We are not quite sure how memory storage works, and this treatment could potentially have negative effects. Human trials are far from being performed, and with good reason. If there are no complications then there are many practical uses for this treatment. This could be crucial in learning new languages, and could lead to universal communication. More importantly, this can greatly benefit people who have had illnesses, or injuries, such as a stroke and need to relearn how to walk and talk. The potential benefits are exciting to think about, and the potential dangers are slightly frightening. However, this may all be for nothing. The neuroscience should work in humans, but we can’t be certain until human trials which I would say are twenty years away from now.
ReplyDeleteIf everybody has this neural plasticity for their whole life it will increase the intelligence of humans as a whole. Everybody will know at least three languages, everybody will know how to correctly use technology, and everybody will be quick learners. The average intelligence will rise as a whole. The future is looking better and better. Technology is evolving everyday without us knowing. If we know about these outrageous advancements in technology I'm curious to about what technology we don't know about. Perhaps things like this are only the tip of the iceberg. Science fiction is evolving more and more into science non-fiction.
DeleteFor this week, I found that South Korean troops fired warning shots Monday when a North Korean patrol approached the border that separates them. North Korea did not fire back and eventually moved away from the border. This occurred early Monday morning at about 9:40AM. Verbal warnings were given before the twenty warning rounds. There have been other incidents involving rounds being fired, but no casualties. The DMZ is considered probably the world’s most heavily militarized border. It is lined with watchtowers and landmines. The border is four kilometers wide. October 19th and 10th both had similar situations where military fired their weapons. Even naval patrol boats have exchanged warning fire near the Yellow Sea border; a site of numerous incidents in the past. Tension between North and South continue to grow. Neither side is talking to the other so there are no negotiations between the two areas. I just don’t understand how two areas so close together can have such tension. It would be equivalent to the US and Canada having issues with each other. Maybe it’s a good thing that Korea is separated though because if they were united, it would become a threat to the US. Hopefully, we will never be attacked by Korea. That would mean trouble for the United States.
ReplyDeleteFor my current event, I watched a video of a Chinese man trying to back out of a parking spot. I know this topic does not sound very interesting but I was amazed while watching it. I scoped through many different stories but after watching this I was disappointed in the person who passed this driver while taking their driving test. It took a total of almost 10 minutes trying to back out of this parking lot. This driver hit the car next to him 15 times while trying to back out! The car next to him got some damage done. This Chinese man eventually backed out and shamelessly drove away without checking the car that he hit 15 times. This suspicious driver eventually got caught and got charged with a “hit and run.” Not only does this guy stink at driving, but someone passed him after doing his driving test. What this means is that it’s really easy to pass your license test and there are dangerous people driving on the roads. This man was “awarded” China’s worst driver. I would not feel safe driving next to him at all. Apparently, he got his license about 4 years ago but clearly has not driven a lot since then. His license was soon confiscated. Because of this insanely unsafe driver, in my opinion I think China should reevaluate their driving test and make it a little but harder that way everyone is safer. The car that was parked next to him had every right to be mad at this guy for hitting his car numerous times. Thank god someone caught this guy on video so that way he could get caught for leaving the scene. We still do not know how much money it will take to repair the damage done to the Volkswagen parked next to him.
ReplyDeleteIn China, most people don't drive. Out in the country it is quite easy to get away with driving without a license because the country is vast and there isn't an easy way to test everyone. It is often necessary to drive. Yes, the system needs improvement. But in China, there isn't some miracle cure for the driving problem. Besides walking, of course.
DeleteI also recently watched this video and couldn't help but laugh. Although, it really isn't much of a laughing matter considering how dangerous the person's driving probably is after witnessing their many attempts to pull out of a parking spot. I am curious if this person's display of unsafe driving was a one time incident or if they have others in their records. Either way, this is not someone I would want to have alongside me on the road.
DeleteI agree with Koula on this topic, as it is much harder to test every single citizen the same way when there is such a large population to be tested. After repeatedly hitting a car 15 times, you know that you have bumped into something. I have personally watched this video, and this man had to know he was hitting the other car. In one of the collisions, he backs up fully and rear ends the car. When you rear end a car, you are looking right at it, so unless you are blind you must see the white VW.
DeleteI agree with Koula that it would be hard to test every individual person when there are so many people driving on the roads. I mean if someone is really driving bad, like the Chinese man, then they definitely need to re-evaluate his driving skills. Maybe in order to better their system they could have mandatory driving tests every two years or something for people with their licenses in order to make sure they are still capable of driving safely. It might be hard to implement but it's worth a shot.
DeleteRecently I read an article called "The Ethics of Infection" that seemed very controversial to me. It made some very interesting points as it addressed sickness as a whole rather than a common cold not being the same as an illness such as Ebola. As it is obvious that Ebola is tremendously worse and more deadly than the common cold, is it still ethical to go out in public while you are sneezing and sniffling? Even though you may not be carrying a deadly disease it is still unsanitary for the people that you interact with throughout the day. Although you may not be transferring a severe illness to someone else, it still seems unethical to give someone any sickness at all, no matter the severity. I think that this article makes a good points about parents who send their kids to school without vaccinations and when they are sick. It is completely unethical to send a sick child to school, potentially spreading the illness to other students and making the student suffer through the day on top of putting other students at risk. Another case that needs more attention is that surrounding Ebola. It is absolutely, completely unethical for those who have been exposed to Ebola to go out into the public before their 21-day incubation period is up. No matter what they need to do that they wish to violate the incubation period, they are putting so many more people in danger of contracting the disease, therefore putting peoples lives at risk. It is not fair to those that you interact with if you are putting their life in danger because you are blatantly disregarding what the doctors are telling you to do. It is extremely unethical for people disregard sicknesses and illnesses and carry on their daily life as it is dangerous for not only themselves, but also those around them.
ReplyDeleteI think saying that it is "unethical" to send a sick child to school is a rather harsh statement. Kids often need to make grades and to do so they have to be in school. The common cold is in NO way comparable to Ebola. One causes you to feel a little tired and nauseous, maybe sniffle and sneeze. The other causes you to bleed out of your eye sockets. Should anyone go out with Ebola? No.
DeleteAlthough the common illnesses cannot kill the majority of people, it can still harm certain people.. Elderly people usually have very weak immune systems causing them suffer much more than someone with a strong immune system. This is why you should do your best to isolate yourselves from others when your sick. Even if you don't show symptoms you can still be carrying an illness. Even a sneeze can cause some people a lot of trouble. So, in conclusion it's extremely unethical to send a kid who is sick to school because another kid at school can bring that illness home and potentially cause a lot of trouble to one of their grandparents.
DeleteIn my findings for this week’s current event, I have found in Gwangju, South Korea there was a deadly sinking of a ferry earlier this year. Korean prosecutors are considering the death penalty for the captain of said ferry. Using the death penalty is very uncommon in South Korea; it hasn’t been used in about 17 years. Reason being is because when the ferry was in the mist of sinking, they didn’t use proper protocol and didn’t use the ships evacuation items such as using the announcements, life rafts, and life vests. Overall, around 294 women, men, and children had died, which had included hundreds of high school students, The crew on the other hand, is get around 15-30 years. Some even 15 to life. To try to avoid all charges, the crew said that they thought that it was the cost guards job to evacuate passengers, even thought caught on tape that the crew was trying to escape and told the passengers to stay put and try not to evacuate. While trying escape themselves, they pushed and shoved passengers out the way. Basically saying, “every man for themselves”. Which is un-human, considering it’s their job to get them off board safely, and in a orderly fashion in case of a emergency. Which is why they deserve their sentence, and even more then what was served to them.
ReplyDeleteThe article I found for this week was entitled "Pope Francis says evolution is real, God is no magician." It details his address to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and his revelations that are shattering what the Catholic Church knew before. He describes how evolution, the Big Bang Theory, and and Catholicism are all compatible things. He also proclaims "God is no magician with a magic wand." Pope Francis is known for his ground-breaking statements. Who could forget the classic: "Who am I to judge them (gay people)?" Now, he attests to the reality of science. There are two camps of people on this issue: the Old and the New. The Old are those over 40 who grew up under the last, rather conservative Pope who denounced evolution publicly. These people grew up and had children when the religious news of the day centered around the destruction of evolution in schools. Some children even now are taught by their parents not to accept or have anything to do with evolution in the classroom, though this margin grows smaller all the time. The New camp is filled with younger people who use the tales of the bible more as supplements to science filling in the gaps of what cannot be explained. At least, explained yet. The Catholic Church needs to appeal to these younger people because, like the buffalo, the religious faction is growing smaller and smaller, thinned out by science and old age. Pope Francis and the Catholic Church are entering the modern era, and with it will come new followers in the younger people, and newer enemies in the older people.
ReplyDeleteAfter many many years of controversy over science and religion being two different subjects, it's finally being brought to light that they can work together without causing trouble. Not only does that change the way most people will think, but this concept changes the teachings of the church dramatically. Being raised in a strict catholic family, I was told that evolution was only true to an extent, however I am glad that science and religion will no longer have to clash in my mind.
DeleteFerguson, Missouri is going through troubled times as an important court case is finishing up and protesting is getting out of hand. People have the right to protests, but Governor Jay Nixon has made it very clear that he will no tolerate violent protesting. The shooting of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old, black teen was shot by a Ferguson policeman on August 9, 2014. The case has finally started its trial, and like all trials comes protesting; especially with this one. Nixon believes that it is his job to keep the people of his state safe. To ensure their safety, he has put the National Guard on call just in case things get out of hand. My problem with this is that maybe all these people showing up in military gear and huge vehicles are escalating the whole thing. If they didn't show up, I am sure that the protesting would not have gotten as out of hand and the National Guard would not need to be called in the first place. This issue was a growing concern among the media and Ferguson citizens. However, many people believe that when the jury makes their decision, the protesting will continue and will be much bigger than it is now. So, I guess it is good that Nixon has a plan put in place just in case things get crazy. In doing this, Nixon is not trying to stop their right to protest, but he wants to make sure his people are safe.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this whole Michael Brown case is getting out of hand in Ferguson, Missouri. People do have the right to express themselves and have the right to voice their opinions, but they shouldn't do it in a way that will harm others. Shops in the town are boarding up their store windows in preparation for the final decision. There is really no need for all of this violence... But I feel like the violence will grow if the verdict does not go in favor of Michael Brown.
DeleteWhile both of you are correct in that the violence in Ferguson has increased, you're both ignorant to it's origin. There are hundreds, even thousands of videos across social media that show that this violence first erupted from police. Videos have shown police throwing tear gas at innocent street protesters, tackling them to the ground, and shooting rubber bullets at them. It's clear that the police forces sent here want to end the protests as quickly as possible, with any means necessary. I don't feel that the safety of these individuals will be any better with Nixon's plan, I fear more for them.
DeleteThe Article I found this week happened on October 29th, 2014. I found the article off the British Broadcasting Corporation website (BBC). The title of the article is, “Sri Lanka landslide: ‘100 feared dead’. After reading the article, I felt terrible and I wanted to help these people. The landslide came after heavy rains and took over about 140 houses. Weather is making it worse, for rescue to help anyone. Rescue has been postponed until permitted. Rescue operations would have resumed on that following Thursday due to the weather, the threat of another landslide and darkness. The government has found about ten bodies and they think there are more than 100 people that have died due to the landslide. Children have become orphans; adults have lost children; Spouses have become widows or widowers. The landslide was measure to be thirty feet of mud. Over 500 soldiers are known to be involved in the rescue operation. Pictures taken of Sri Lanka show that most of the city has had an over abundance of heavy rain the past week or so. Knowing that there are at least over 500 soldiers helping the distressed can help me realize that they are trying. I hope they are able to help each and every single person, and find the missing and help the injured. No one should have to go through losing his or her house, or even a family member/ friend. It is tragic. The whole situation has been terrible for the citizens. I cannot even imagine on what they are going through. I am praying that landslides stop happening in their area. It isn’t the first time that a landslide has killed or forced people out of their homes. As stated in the article, “In June, monsoon rains triggered landslides in Sri Lanka that killed at least 22 people and forced thousands from their homes."
ReplyDeleteIt really scares me that they are postponing the rescue mission until permitted, but it makes sense. Never being in a landslide, I would be petrified if I was put in a situation like this. I cannot imagine losing my friends or family from an accident like this. I will definitely steer clear of these areas!
DeleteSo learning about womens suffrage and womens rights got be wondering how, politically, we're involved now of days, after all that work. After the election it was official. For the first time ever there are more then 100 women in the congress between the house and and senate. There are about 20 state senators and 81 house representatives! This may seem like a lot but actually the rate this is growing is minimal and barely reaches 20 to 30 percent. The goal is to have a proportional set of women for our population. I think we're definitely doing better with getting involved with political things yet we should be more at like 40 percent to make it proportional. I'm really proud of the accomplishments made by my nation and gender with getting equal rights and sticking to them. This election last week displayed a small increase of women getting involved which I really appreciate.The high water mark was 1992, when 24 new women were elected. In 2012, there were 19; and in 2010, there were 13. The 2014 count currently stands at 11 new women, though it could reach 13 depending on two races that are too close to call. Yet I have no idea how people are interested in these concepts. But I've read with the shift to the republican party, more women will come to power. I am looking forward to seeing my gender prosper.
ReplyDeleteCanada has the stereotype of being a very peaceful place so when I heard there was an shooting at the parliament building of all places I was shocked. On October 22, 2014, a gunman killed a Canadian soldier who was guarding a war memorial. The police rush in as the gunman starts shooting up the parliament building. The police then kill the gunman but suspect there might be more. A few days later they come to the conclusion that he was the only gunman. Another tragedy occurred in Canada only three days earlier. A driver ran into a member of the Canada's armed forces and then sped off. Police chased the driver down and shot and killed him. These attacks are said to be linked with Canada's involvement in taking down ISIS. ISIS is a terrorist organization that uses fear to control people. They are based off of the Islam religion and are working towards creating an Islamic state. ISIS has been addressed by our own government as well, hopefully we don not allow a similar situation to occur in our own country. Although, our government has been cracking down on security since the attacks of September 11, 2001. In order to bring down ISIS I believe it’s going to have to be a team effort with other countries. The United States can definitely not take down ISIS themselves since ISIS is in fact very large and powerful. I hope these acts of terror that Canada experienced doesn’t deter them from continuing to fight against ISIS. Perhaps this is ISIS’s plan, to deter countries from stopping them with small attacks so they can become more powerful, then unleash massive and devastating attacks such as the attacks of September 11th. In conclusion the world must be aware of these terrorist attacks and work towards bringing the people behind them to justice.
ReplyDeleteA volcano in Hawaii is threatening a town of nearly 1,000 and could destroy its first home pretty soon. The lava is very unpredictable Kilauea has spewed lava since 1983 and it has been threating the town since then, but now it is starting to speed up and head into the direction of structures and threating many people. Lava seeping from the Kilauea volcano is moving as fast as 20 yards per hour. The closest home being 70 yards away it can be destroyed pretty soon. Because of the path of the lava many evacuations have been mandated and the road has been closed to only allow an exit from the town of Pahoa, Civil Defense Director Darryl Oliveir estimated that up to 60 structures are threatened. Some of the abandoned homes and businesses are being looted, and a car dealer has moved his vehicles to the other side of the lava flow to prevent damage. An elementary school possibly in the lava flow’s path has been shut down, just in case anything happens other schools has also closed down. The local clinic is setting up a mobile medical unit in case a “victim” / patient cannot reach the clinic. Fortunately the volcano didn’t erupt, so it gives the residents a chance to move their things and head to a safe place. If the residents live there I think they are aware of the potential dangers so this shouldn’t be a surprise to them. I really do hope that many of the homes are saved and that everybody remains safe. MELANIE URIAS USING KOULA'S COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDuring my current event research this week I found that during a woman’s trip around the world, she took the wrong cab and ended up in jail. Her name is Stacey Addison, an American veterinarian from Oregon. She was traveling by herself and had hopped on a cab in East Timor when another passenger requested they stop at the DHL office so they could pick up a package. Simultaneously, police were watching the office after receiving a tip from Indonesian authorities. The police found methamphetamine in the parcel and proceeded to arrest everyone in the cab, even Addison. For four nights she was required to stay in the Dili Detention Center and released after an initial hearing, but was not allowed to leave the country. About a month and a half later, without warning or explanation she was jailed again. Her hair was chopped because of prison protocol and she was put into solitary confinement and then transferred to the Female Unit. It is unclear when she will finally be released. Her family and supporters are heartbroken and are doing everything to try and get her released back to the United States. Friends have even set up a “Help Stacey” page on Facebook. After first reading this I was quite angry because this is a violation of her human rights. She has the right to know why she has been arrested. I hope that this issue will be sorted out as quickly as possible so she can get back to her family.
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely insane. I cannot believe that this actually happened to an innocent woman, let alone a veteran. She was definitely at the wrong place at the wrong time. This will certainly make me think twice before jumping in a random cab. I surely hope that this help reveals some holes in our justice system, that blameless citizens are persecuting based on circumstances rather than substantial evidence. Despite the fact that she was only held for four days, it is still appalling that she was treated as a criminal. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?
DeleteI think this is insane. For one, women should not be treated like this in prison. When she shouldn't even be there. It seems like all she was trying to do was explore the world and adventure. When she was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The police should have checked IDs and found out that they had no relation of each other and should not be jailed. Only the women who had the drugs should have been in jail.
DeleteThis week, I read an article from October 27 describing the development of new industrial robots. The article explained that technology isn't just for the "youngsters" anymore, because homebound retirees may start benefiting quite a lot from home-help robots. Especially because the United Nations is expecting the population of citizens over the age of 65 to increase by an astronomical 181 percent between the years of 2010 and 2050, companies such as Roomba (manufacturer of iRobot) predict the market for this type of robot to be extremely profitable in the foreseeable future. An example of helpful lifestyle robots includes the Yujin Robot, which can navigate around a hospital or eldercare facility and deliver meals. Robot hands are also being developed to be able to fold laundry, collect dishes, and even straighten neckties. A robotic factory arm created by researchers in Denmark can help people with limited mobility take a shower. Although the idea of a mechanical piece of technology assisting me with my daily activities seems rather strange and even a bit uncomfortable, it is amazing that this is becoming possible and I do believe that this upcoming industry will have a great amount of success. However, the reliance on technology that is already present in today’s society will only worsen when the average citizen begins to simply lean on robots to do his or her dirty work. It is a valid concern that the rise of robotics may only contribute to the laziness of the human race.
ReplyDeleteI find it extremely disappointing that children are obsessed with technology and in my opinion don’t know what to do without it. On a more positive side, I like that older citizens can benefit from these new technologies. These robots and other inventions are interfering with the natural balance of life. These robots being as reliable as they are will inevitably cause citizens to solely depend on them for most every task that they can do themselves. Creating a larger sense of laziness in our society, which will not benefit our economy. This will eventually lead to a loss in many jobs.
DeleteThe topic I’ve focused on this week was the devious scandal dragged out for 15 years at the well-known College University of Carolina, also known as UNC. Since the school is division one you can imagine the stress of the academic requirements and the athletic requirements. The issue was that the school has been running bogus classes that give athletes immunity to play although their grades might not be up to par. The classes that are given to take are simply sports classes. Athletes are getting the unfair advantage of being able to practice more due to the sports class, also receiving an easy A to raise their grade point averages. How more people did not recognize this is beyond me, but many people began to question the high grades until the truth was finally unfolded. A class graduated completely without knowing about the whole scandal, but now that the truth is out the chairman claims to resolve the problem. How would people feel if this problem spread to high schools? What if the student athletes were handed their grades in order to maintain the grade point average needed to keep their spot on the team? Many schools have a requirement of a 2.0 grade point average to remain a student athlete. University of Carolina has a requirement of 3.0 grade point average to continue playing. This was a well thought out scheme by the University of Carolina; I can actually say I am impressed. Although this has been said the issue was corrected, other schools may have the idea they can get away with the same exact white lie to continue the issue of maintaining the average GPA needed to stay involved in sports. The graduating glass of this year should have to retake the classes they falsely took.
ReplyDeleteI’m surprised that a scandal this serious could take place for 15 years at a well-known university. This also causes me to wonder if situations like this occur at other major colleges across the United States. I do not agree with this in any form, athletes should not be given a freebee on their academics to be able to continue to play their sport. The requirements for the school should not lower for any student whatsoever no matter how talented they are. I hope the school has honestly resolved this issue because it does not leave a good name for the University.
DeleteDuring my current events research this week I came across an article on www.cnn.com that caught my eye. The article was titled “Separated at birth, Reunited on Facebook.” At first I assumed it would be a silly column about two siblings reuniting after a few years of not knowing each other, however I was completely wrong. Two sisters, Samantha Futerman and Anias Bordier, who were adopted from South Korea were recently brought together through the use of social media. Bordier grew up in Paris while Futerman grew up on the West Coast of United States. In the article, it was said that Bordier was the one to start the investigating after seeing Futerman in a YouTube video online. She began looking through pictures and decided to message her long lost sister on Facebook. Futerman said that it took her a few days to actually answer because she couldn’t believe what was going on. Because of the two girls reuniting, they now have published their own book and are working on creating a documentary about their journey. The girls have also teamed up with Jenna Ushkowitz, an actor from Glee, to create a foundation called Kindred. This foundation is used to help adoptees find members of their biological family. The goal supplied is to help other people who have been through the process of adoption to feel secure and loved.
ReplyDeleteI also read this article! I thought it was amazing, and it is such a small world how two people who were siblings can reunite. I am so happy for them, If i was adopted, i would want to find any siblings I had. I also read a different article where two twins. a girl and a boy, were separated at birth and given up for adoption, but later met in life, not knowing they were brother and sister, and actually got married. What are the chances of that? I think that is just mind blowing. They found out by some kind of genetic test when they tried to have children but couldn't.
DeleteI feel this is and owe inspiring article because it goes to show you that when your little you go through trials and when you get older they have some many technologies that can help you find people that you feel your related to. I just feel this story helps me personally because when i grow up I'm not in touch with my dad so maybe years later from now it'll be easy to track and and possible reunite as if he never left. I don't know it just gives me hope in the future so i love this article.
DeleteFor my current event this week i listened to a podcast, Stuff You Should Know, which is sponsored by the website Howstuffworks.com (a website that I wouldn't have gotten through chemistry without). This podcast was named "How Panic Attacks Work," I found this podcast very educational. It listed the reasons for panics attacks and some of the symptoms stating: "If you’re experiencing four or more of these things you’re having a panic attack."
ReplyDelete• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Trembling and shaking
• Sensations of shortness of breathe or smothering
• Feelings of chocking
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
• Derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
• Fear of dying
• Paresthesias
• Nausea or abdominal distress
Eight percent of people from ages 13 - 18 have been diagnosed with an panic disorder, but only eighteen percent of those people are given treatment. That, although the number looks small, is a large amount of people, and that is only the people who were diagnosed. In teenagers panic attacks are often brushed off as unimportant or "over reacting," but it is proved that teenagers with panic disorders do worse in school. The podcast also discussed what long-term effects having a panic disorder could have on a person; people with panic disorder are often agoraphobic. Fear can be a teacher. When you fear something your brain is learning to avoid the thing that made you feel fear. If you think too much about having a panic attack you will get a panic attack. You begin to avoid the places that you had panic attacks or live in fear of your next panic attack. If you had a panic attack in an elevator your not likely to be getting back into an elevator anytime in the near future. I have had many panic attacks and in my experience they’re horrible. My throat closes up and I get the shakes. It’s like your just watching things happen to you but not really experiencing it. I think that mental disorders are extremely under discussed. Statistically more people have mental disorders then physical disorders but there is a certain kind of stigma attached to mental disorders that I think should change. A person isn’t there disorder and we would do well to remember that.
The inescapable paradoxical nature of panic attacks is truly concerning. It’s like the more you try to avoid them the higher the chances are you will experience one. Kind of how the only way to win The Game is to never start participating. These symptoms are very worrisome and I have empathy for those who experience them regularly. I do believe that we should begin to actually take such conditions more seriously especially when they are affecting such a young age group. We have to change the “if it doesn’t bother me, I don’t care” mentality.
DeletePanic attacks are extremely scary. One feels although they are on the brink of death. Some may say they are generally cause by low blood sugar, but mine are educed by stress. Treatment isn't very broad, so it scares me to have any. I would not tike to take muscle relaxers and walk around like a zombie all day, so i chose to live with it. I feel as if many other people feel the same way and decide to deter from seeking treatment due to the fact that they fear it. I will not seek treatment because I feel that it is perfectly normal for your body to go out of waco sometimes. We are growing and changing individuals so occasional reactions are bound to occur.
DeleteFor those of you who can drive or who are simply observant of your surroundings you may have noticed the signs of local businesses such as Shell and Hess are displaying numbers that lead with the two. That’s right; gas prices are dropping below three dollars per gallon across the United States, with a national average of $2.89 and a state average of $2.87. These figures are for a regular fill up, but even if your vehicle requires mid-grade or premium gas you are only looking at about ten cents more per gallon, which is still a good deal. In fact, this is the lowest gas prices have been since January of 2011 compared to the high of four dollars per gallon in summer of 2011. This decline in the cost of oil is attributed to multiple factors. There is currently an energy boom in the United States due to increased drilling and fracking. More supply paired with less demand is an economic equation for lowered rates across the board. So more money now available to be spent on other parts of our economy, especially since so many families live paycheck to paycheck this allows for some wiggle room. However, the downside to this long awaited drop is that more people will buy/use more gas increasing demand and thus the expense. How long these prices will last is really up to OPEC for the time being so enjoy it while it lasts because “the cure for low gas prices is low gas prices.”
ReplyDeleteI have found this new drop in gas prices exhilarating! Lots of drivers must be excited as well. Although this looks like a bright future for US gas prices we shouldn't get too excited. In the past we've had many drops in gas prices and also rising gas prices. No one can be too sure or too excited of change in America because we never know how long its going to last. This is a very exciting event due to the high gas prices for the past couple years. We’ve had almost $5 in gas prices, so this is a dramatic shift. This gives us all home that one day gas prices may be reasonable.
DeleteOne huge controversy right now regards raising minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. In this situation it will increase productivity, lower turnover and increase wages for 28 million workers. However raising these wages will cost some jobs, but ease poverty. In fact, this will raise 900,000 workers out of poverty situations. On the other side, a possible 500,000 jobs will be lost. The real question is, will this benefit our economy greatly? Or will this even make a difference at all? The decrease in jobs supplied would be due to the employer cutting less productive workers to afford to keep the needed ones for business. In results of this, most would increase their production level to keep their jobs, but for many that will not be enough. Statistics show that the minimum level of jobs lost, will be 500,00 however it could possibly reach 1 million. In my opinion this will not benefit our economy in a positive manor. The current minimum wage is not of living cost for the majority of people, but the possible 1 million jobs that could be lost raising the minimum would not benefit in any way. Once the minimum wage is implemented, workers will expect to receive higher pay. Raising the minimum wage could be beneficial to our economy if it was not as dramatic and an increase of more than $3. Considering raising the minimum to $9 would increase pay for a large amount of people and would not result in as many losses for companies or workers. Production work needs people and people cannot work if there are no jobs available, or even if jobs are scarce. Let’s face it, our economy is not flourishing at the moment and poverty is a major issue we need to face. Raising minimum wage, raised people out of poverty but raising it too much will cause many to fall into poverty.
ReplyDeleteThe current event that I read this week was about a family who lives in California. They announced on their seventh wedding anniversary that they were expecting their first child. All of their family members were thrilled. The man spent most of his time singing to his unborn child and his wife said that she could feel the baby move as he sang and played guitar. When the wife was just 6 months pregnant, she went into pre term labor. The doctors tried to stop her contractions but failed. She ended up going in for an emergency c section, even though the baby would be three months early. Sadly, the wife died during childbirth due to complications at just 29 years old. The baby was living in an incubator, but the chances of baby, who they named Lennon, had futile chance of surviving. The father asked doctors if he could come into the NICU to sing and play to his child one last time. A family friend took a video of him singing Black Bird by the Beetles in the hospital.The video went viral over night. Many thoughts and prayers from people all over the world were surfacing. But only four days after baby Lennon was born, he past away in his sleep in his fathers arms.
ReplyDeleteThis story is a tragic one. I feel the pain for the father because instead of losing one person he lost two. The fact that he had to go through all that is so unreal and i feel the pain for him. I hope life gets better for him and i pray that his lost love ones will never drive him to do something insane but all i can say is this lesson just goes to show sometimes bad things happen to those who don't deserve it but we just have to roll with the punches because if we where to give up now life would be useless.
DeleteI chose to do my current event on the Philae space probe on Comet-67P, and the discovery that was found there. I found this here: [http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30097648].
ReplyDeleteOn the 12th of November, the Philae probe landed on Comet-67P after a ten year journey into space. The landing was a historical achievement in and of itself, something dreamed about by the ESA (European Space Agency) but was doubtful to ever achieve. However, not only did the NSA finally get the Rosetta spacecraft to deploy Philae onto the comet, they also had a groundbreaking discovery: the evidence of organic life on Comet-67P. This organic compound is contains the carbon atom, which is the basis for life on Earth. The NSA have still yet to discover whether or not the organic molecules contain any complex compounds like amino acids, or just simple ones such as methanol or methane, the "building blocks" of organic life. Sadly, Philae went unresponsive after only 60 hours of work. We have yet to see any more progress from the Philae probe, but scientists are still evaluating the data retrieved from its 60 hours.
Finally, the theory of alien lifeforms can be proven! Granted, the molecules aren't that advanced and certainly won't invade Earth and try to harvest us like crops, but one can't deny the evidence of extraterrestrial life any longer. And that also brings up the thought, what if this isn't the last of it? What if, somewhere out there, there's lifeforms that are more complex? Organisms with intelligences—organisms that are multi-celled? Organisms that are similar to humans? And how do we know, really, if there are or if there aren't? In some galaxies far from our reach, that we may come in contact with one day?
Following my last post about ISIS, more chilling news regarding the beheading of American citizens in Syria surfaces. America has planned to bomb Syria after a threat to America. There is also a possibility that troops will be sent to Iraq and Syria to fight ISIS. Most Americans are opposed and also appalled at this reaction to terrorism. Although they initiated hate crimes, in what place are we to do the same? Bombing and fighting nations can just lead to total destruction of our nation. We are antagonizing their people and just feeding into the problem rather than solving it. We do need to protect ourselves, but I do believe we are capable of finding a more humane manor in which we take action. When approaching these situations we’ve got it all wrong. Chances of America winning are strong, but what will us winning cost for the other nations. Civilians are typically killed, injured, or deprived of privacy when we decide to launch our missions against opposing nations. There are positives and negatives to every situation. This one included. If we attack the chances of our safety could be compromised. If we don’t attack we could be left vulnerable to a nation that may believe we were weak. Not attacking leaves civilians safe and keeps us from being “bully”. What do you do in situations like these? Do you fight back or do you remain quiet? It seems like this could be a lose-lose situation. Like I have said, fighting back could in danger innocent lives. A war could also arise. We would give them more reason to attack us and endanger OUR lives. On the other hand, if we decide to stay safe and not fight there could be detrimental affects as well. Staying quiet will keep their civilians safe, but how would that affect us? Could they believe they have a chance to really hurt us? Consider these questions as you read about the ISIS controversy on the news.
ReplyDeleteA youtube video was recently posted in which a young woman walked up and down Hollywood Boulevard while pretending to be intoxicated and was approached by multiple men who tried to take advantage of her drunken state. There was a small controversy surrounding the video in which people were up in arms and about how the video implies that all men are actually terrible sexual predators and that the men in the video should be shunned or castrated. But a few days later multiple sources showed that this entire video was staged. The woman who acted drunk, The Smoking Gun, and quite a few of the men who talked to her came out and said that they were told they would be part of a comedy skit beforehand and that they were being fed lines off screen. One of the men involved said “Guess this is what I get for being agreeable to someone’s project…it was supposed to be a funny skit. Here’s to watching my back with virtually no friends.” The man quoted will not be named, but according to the actress involved said that he (and all the other men who agreed to help the camera crew film a “comedic skit”) was an honest gentleman. Another one of these men used slightly more colorful language to describe his feelings at how his footage was used and that he was told to “go with it” by everyone on set. The creator and original poster of the video, Stephen Zhang, has changed the video to a private one and has yet to make any comment on the subject. Somebody else had posted a mirrored version of the video to a random channel, but the video has been taken down (supposedly by Stephen Zhang) due to a “Copyright” issue.
ReplyDeleteIgnore the "and" after up in arms
DeleteHaving previously seen the video you're referring to, I actually liked it for what it was. It was informative, showing that any girl in an intoxicated state can be taken advantage of, which is a topic that is not often brought up. However, calling this a comedy skit is entirely disgusting and distasteful. Similar to other offensive "satire", this takes a serious, important subject and turns it into a joke. I'm curious if this the initial meaning really was comedy, however. As nothing in it is funny, or something that I could imagine anyone laughing at, I'm wondering if the video was initially staged to bring awareness to the topic but then flipped around in order to protect the male actors in the video. If this was the intention, they went about it in completely the wrong way.
DeleteRecently, a website called "iHollaback!", which supports the ending of street harassment, filmed a video that would shock those who do not believe in the existence of street harassment. This video features Shoshana B. Roberts, whom elected herself to be the victim of this social experiment She was partnered with Rob Bliss, who was inspired to start this project after the personal experiences of his girlfriend, Shoshana herself. Shohana took on the street with nothing but a crewneck t-shirt, jeans, 2 microphones, and a camera. This camera was attached to the back of Rob's backpack, and for the next 10 hours he would walk in front of Shoshana in order to capture how many times she would be verbally or physically harassed. Throughout the course of 10 hours, Shoshana is harassed over 100 times. From "hello's" that feel more threatening than friendly, to loud comments on her physical appearance, to pressing for conversation, and to one man following silently beside her for more than 5 minutes. These terrifying moments are indisputable evidence of street harassment, however people did just that. Arguing over whether saying "Stay safe" makes people feel safe or not, or arguing about how her physical appearance changes the results, people were ruthless when attacking Shoshana's videos with endlessly vicious comments. As straight men often do, they turned this serious topic into a joke. One man made a parody, walking around NYC for 3 hours and recording it as well. He received comments as well, and for a moment it seemed like an informative video on how men can be street harassed as well. However, in his video he refers to the harassment he received as "'harassment'", as in stating that it wasn't harassment at all. This dangerous behavior shows other that this street harassment is okay with him, and dismisses Shoshana's entire video. At the end of the day, keep your comments to yourself unless no ulterior motives lie behind them.
ReplyDeleteMany women are coming out and saying the Bill Cosby has drugged them and sexually assaulted them, and it seems as if another woman steps forward each day. These stories and allegations have been around for more than a decade, but came back to life when a social media stunt to a comic went bad. Bill shoots down the allegations, and while he’s never been convicted, many people have tried him. When asked, Cosby says, “no comment”. Netflix has put hols on his shows, and so has NBC till these allegations and rumors are proven wrong or have died down.
ReplyDeleteEven if Cosby did these things that he is being accused for, it’s too late to do anything now. There is no evidence of Cosby eer doing anything to these women, and that they waited too long to get their stories out. It’s hard to catch people like this when the victims don’t come out and get justice before the evidence is no longer there.
The topic I have chosen to write about this week is our favorite people trampling, deal rising holiday of the year, Black Friday. Black Friday this year is supposed to have the best deals of any yet, with wal-mart being the largest sale making store of them all. The deals they have this year are unbeatable, and you can not find them anywhere else. They are selling a 50 inch 60hz led tv for 218$. This is about half the price of a regular, non black friday 50 inch led tv, and many people will be at the store lining up for this. Now everyone loves Black Friday for its deals, even I do. But do we stop to see what it has changed thanksgiving for us to? Black friday has ruined many families Thanksgiving, the deals may not be until later of thanksgiving day, but to get a place in line for your item, the deals start much earlier for you. Last year, people started camping out in front of best buy on november 12th, Black friday started on the 28th. these people waited outside for 16 whole days. If they would have spend these 16 days working they could have bought 20 of whatever tv or game they wanted. But if families being separated is not bad enough, 7 people have died and 90 have been injured from 2006 until now by trampling crowds. 20 of these people were injured by a single pepper spray bottle attacker. If thats not enough, these stores are way overcrowded, causing many people to have panic attacks. This overcrowding is also a large fire hazard. If the building was to catch fire, it would take substantially long for everyone to get out of the building, and some may not even get out.
ReplyDeleteMy current event blog post for this week is about the informational and rather interesting YouTube channel known as C.G.P. Grey. Many of the videos consist of accurate knowledge pertaining to or somehow related to the subject listed as the title for the video. These subjects can and do range anywhere from the steps needed to become the Pope, to the origins of the naming for the planet Uranus, and even the placebo effect along with an demonstration (which couldn’t be added to the title for obvious reasons). In some of the videos, popular misconceptions are discredited, ones that I myself had believed. In a nutshell, what this channel does is pick a topic, and gain mass amounts of knowledge on the subject to give the viewer a foundation of information about the subject, with a majority of this information only being interesting facts, but interesting none the less. Although some of the topics could initially be perceived as boring, I found that something about the way they introduced it proved it to be just the opposite, and somewhat addicting, to the point where I kept watching more videos. I especially enjoyed the abundant humor discreetly hidden continuously throughout the videos. Also, I did pick up on bits of authorial bias, which, let’s be honest, every one has it, and it isn’t a bad thing. While I did not always agree with their way of thinking, I consistently found that they had thoroughly proven why their opinion was what it was, and therefore had every right to have it, where as I was the one shorthanded with support for my opposing beliefs, and I appreciated this very much from this channel.
ReplyDeleteMy current event this week is about the typhoon Haiyan one of the most strongest storms to ever land and cut across nine regions in the Philippines blighting everything in its path. Haiyan killed 6,300 and injured 27,665 people or more than 1.4 million people and homes. Due to this disaster they had health centers to help those cope with the storm and also recover with others that also lost their home or got injured in the typhoon. To be honest its crazy that so many people died instantly in a blink of an eye. The fact that you here one minute then gone the next is shocking. To further the government has established and $8.2 billion, four year plan more focused on rebuilding areas that where severely damaged and also to support the efforts of recovering. A company that is big on helping those who lost a lot in Yolanda aka Haiyan is MercyCorps and you can put in a donation amount and send it to those families that need assistance. One family experience stated that they sent there kids to and evacuation center and stayed behind to watch the house. he remembered being at his big brothers house preparing a meal that day thinking its just a storm I'm just going to wait ti'll its over not realizing how serious it really was. He said a house right next to him was blown away and four people camping knocking on the door begging to be let in. Water began to flow into the house so they had to climb up to the second floor and stay on the roof. As they where on the roof Bartolome said that the wind was so rough that it was hurting his skin leaving him in pain and that he prayed the winds and waves would stop. Next he realized a ship and people waving and thought that they where survivors of the storm to come and help them but they where also trying to stay alive. Bartolome went into the ship and then the UNHCR came to their rescue.
ReplyDeleteA man in California may be found innocent after serving 36 years in prison. Now the evidence is saying that he did not commit the murder. This just shows how a jury can ultimately ruin some ones life. Although there was evidence that shows that he might have done it, he shouldn’t have been convicted without enough proof. Its crazy to think that just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time you can have your entire life taken away from you. All the evidence was pointing to him, but new, recent DNA tests are having people question if he could’ve actually done it. Hopefully, the right decision will be made this time, but if he is innocent I don’t think anyone can ever make up for that 36 years he lost in prison.
ReplyDeleteLast night there was a shooting at FSU’s Strozier Library at 12:30am. Myron May, an old student, tried to enter the library where about 450 students were studying for midterm exams. Kids ran for cover and hid using desks and behind bookshelves. One kid, 21 year old Jason Derfuss, was in the library when the shooting happened. He saw May running towards another student and fire two shots about 50 yards away from him. He ran to the car and called his dad, who told him to call 911. After it was over, he returned home and realized that he was almost hit. The books he had checked out before the shooting had a hole in them, and the last book in the stack contained a bullet. The books that he checked out and put in his backpack saved his life. He was really lucky to be alive and I'm sure his family is so relieved.
ReplyDeleteThree people were wounded, one who was treated at the scene for a bullet graze and two who were admitted to the hospital, one in serious condition.
The next day, FSU held a 20,000-person candlelight vigil around the Integration Statue. By the end of the day, hundreds of universities around the U.S. had shown their support by posting images on social media with the tag line “We are Florida State”.
I will never understand how someone can go into a school and just shoot innocent people. It was really scary because I know Jon goes there and I am so glad he is okay. I'm sure your family is really relieved that he is okay.
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed a wide-ranging gun bill into law Wednesday that has critics howling and proponents applauding.
ReplyDeleteHouse Bill 60, or the Safe Carry Protection Act of 2014 which opponents have nicknamed the "guns everywhere bill" specifies where Georgia residents can carry weapons. Included are provisions that allow residents who have concealed carry permits to take guns into some bars, churches, school zones, government buildings and certain parts of airports.
GeorgiaCarry, which lobbied for the bill, calls it "meaningful pro-gun legislation," despite it being watered down from the group's perspective. Still, the group has lauded the legislation, which will go into effect July 1. Americans for Responsible Solutions opposed the bill, calling it "extremism in action."
Wednesday's signing came at an open-air picnic area along a creek in Ellijay, in northern Georgia. It opened with a prayer, the singing of the national anthem and a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Hundreds of people filled more than 25 picnic tables, while others stood. Many were openly carrying handguns, and some wore National Rifle Association hats and buttons proclaiming, "Stop Gun Control" and "Guns Save Lives." This is excellent demonstration of the American people knowing their rights as Americans being protected under the Second Amendment.
For my current event blog post I decided to write about the airstrikes by the U.S against ISIS in Syria, with 30 airstrikes targeting Raqqa just overnight. A witness of the airstrikes in Raqqa reported that the 30 airstrikes targeted areas northwest of the city. Previously, there were coalition strikes that have primarily targeted Kobani, located near the Turkey border. The attacks in Raqqa mark an increase in coalition activity there. Last week, almost 100 people were killed from Syrian government airstrikes in Raqqa, even more were critically injured due to the airstrikes. Government warplanes carried out at least 10 airstrikes in Raqqa, targeting the city and public market. Due to these airstrikes, many civilians have been injured or killed. Even if ISIS is located in these locations, we shouldn’t be bombing these areas due to the amount of civilians in these areas. The city that they have been bombing is known as a place where ISIS puts training centers, weapons depots and accommodations for fighters. So bombing this area did help benefit us, be we should always consider whether there would be any civilian casualties if we did bomb certain areas. The U.S also conducted five airstrikes in Kobani, including one against an ISIS tank west of the city. ISIS has been fighting to take Kobani for more than two months, hoping to add it their territory. In Kobani, Syrian Kurdish fighters and ISIS militants have been clashing in the northern Syrian city, which resulted in 40 dead for each side. ISIS has also been using tanks to advance, firing tons of shells on various areas of the city. I feel like this whole ISIS situation is getting out of control, we should try and do more than just doing airstrikes, because if ISIS continues to get stronger, it is going take a lot more effort to take them down.
ReplyDeleteProtest turning violent overnight from the west side of California to the east side of New York over the
ReplyDeleteEric Gardner chokehold death. Protesters nationwide are exasperated with the Grand Jury’s decision to
not return an indictment for Officer Daniel Panatela who was involved in Mr. Gardner’s death. Many
believe that Officer Panatela should have been indicted based on evidence in the video that was posted
on the internet for many view. Many were shocked when the no indictment was returned; however,
there are some who believe that this would be the outcome since not many police officers were ever
indicted in death related incidents. Protesters chant the last words uttered by Gardner, “I can’t breathe”
over and over as they gather in some places and march in the streets in other places. Some became
creative by making up justice carols with altered lyrics to the tune of “The Little Drummer Boy”.
Protesters have begun taking their anger out on local businesses by burning them down and looting
them. Others are flooding highways and throwing explosives at officers such as Molotov cocktails and
M-80 fire crackers. Many can be seen holding signs with many different slogans such as “Black Lives
Matter”, “No justice no peace”, and “Justice for Gardner”. The crowds are not just made up of blacks
but are made up of a diverse group of people. The protesters are voicing their anger, and their voices
are getting louder, because they believe that police brutality and racial discrimination in law
enforcement against minorities are becoming for too frequent. Eric Gardner’s case has resulted in many
protesters blocking local streets, closing intersections, and has even led to many shutting down major
highways in various cities. People are vowing to keep up the fight for justice. The people in the crowds
are angry and the crowds are growing bigger; commanding the attention of the President as well as the
Justice Department who vows to conduct a thorough investigation.
England has just passed a law that states parents or any adults are banned from smoking in the car if kids are present. The law stated that it is an offence to smoke in a vehicle with anyone under the age of 18 inside of the car, an attempt to stop second-hand smoking. According to the Public Health Minister, three million children who are under the age of 18 are exposed to second-hand smoking. The law only applies to private cars and not when the adult is driving the car alone. Since it is proven that children are more affected by second-hand smoking the new law will help trying to eliminate the affects it has on the parents children.
ReplyDelete