Name: Timothy
Posting: #1
Topic: Leaders
Title: Obama Signs $42 Billion Bill Aimed to Help Small Businesses
Writer: Tom Cohen
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: 9/27/10
Length: 503
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/27/obama.small.business.bill/index.html?npt=NP1
On Monday Sept. 27, Obama signed a $42 billion bill in an effort to help small businesses. Obama's reasoning behind this was that it would create more jobs through providing tax credits and allow for banks to have more opportunities to loan to businesses. Both parties supported the basic ideas of the bill, yet it still took several months to get the bill worked out, mostly due to a few Republican senators opposing the bill. The reasoning of the few Republicans opposing the bill was that it did nothing to help job creation, instead simply hurting taxpayers with more bailouts. Obama was also supported by the Financial Services Roundtable, which was a group of the nation's largest financial institutions. The group's president, Steve Bartlett, stated that small businesses were key in the recovery and growth of the nation's economy.
The main goal of this bill is to encourage small businesses to purchase new equipment, have capital firms invest in the small businesses, and to motivate more people to start their own businesses. The bill's provisions had backing from both Democrats most members of the House. Many believe that this bill would actually be of a lot of help for job creation.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Officials Declare BP Oil Well Dead
Maggie
Post 1
Technology/Science
Officials declare BP well dead, Harry R Webber
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/19/gulf-oil-spill-well-plugged_n_730696.html
288 words
Retired admiral Thad Allen declared the BP oil well dead on September 19, 2010, bringing to an end one of the most devastating disasters of our time. The pipe blew up on April 20th 2010, and oil gushed out freely until a temporary cap was placed on the pipe in mid July. The mud and cement held it closed but it couldn’t be declared dead until a relief well was drilled so the ruptured one could be closed from the bottom. This ensures the cap will hold and cannot come loose. Although the well is now declared dead, residents know the suffering in the area will continue. Two of the main sources of income for the area are tourism and fishing, and these are two of the industries most affected by the disaster. Tourism in the gulf coast is down, people nationwide are afraid to eat the fish from the area (which is silly – the fish is fine). BP has already given $9.5 billion for cleanup, promised $20 billion for people affected, but BP is slowly recovering financially after taking a huge fall after the disaster occurred. Sales are still down even months later in reaction to this horrific event, and are predicted to stay low for a while.
In the end, recovery will be slow in the gulf coast. Although BP has fixed the leak after almost 6 months, their financial recovery is slow and they have to spend much of their money on cleaning up their mess. There is still oil washing up on the coasts and everywhere in the water, and scientists are investigating the magnitude of the devastation.
Post 1
Technology/Science
Officials declare BP well dead, Harry R Webber
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/19/gulf-oil-spill-well-plugged_n_730696.html
288 words
Retired admiral Thad Allen declared the BP oil well dead on September 19, 2010, bringing to an end one of the most devastating disasters of our time. The pipe blew up on April 20th 2010, and oil gushed out freely until a temporary cap was placed on the pipe in mid July. The mud and cement held it closed but it couldn’t be declared dead until a relief well was drilled so the ruptured one could be closed from the bottom. This ensures the cap will hold and cannot come loose. Although the well is now declared dead, residents know the suffering in the area will continue. Two of the main sources of income for the area are tourism and fishing, and these are two of the industries most affected by the disaster. Tourism in the gulf coast is down, people nationwide are afraid to eat the fish from the area (which is silly – the fish is fine). BP has already given $9.5 billion for cleanup, promised $20 billion for people affected, but BP is slowly recovering financially after taking a huge fall after the disaster occurred. Sales are still down even months later in reaction to this horrific event, and are predicted to stay low for a while.
In the end, recovery will be slow in the gulf coast. Although BP has fixed the leak after almost 6 months, their financial recovery is slow and they have to spend much of their money on cleaning up their mess. There is still oil washing up on the coasts and everywhere in the water, and scientists are investigating the magnitude of the devastation.
Can America Regain 'Momentum' in Fight Against AIDS?
Name: Amy
Posting: #1
Topic: Health
Title: Can America Regain 'Momentum' in Fight Against AIDS?
Writer: Phil Gast
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: 09/25/10
Length: 707 words
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/09/25/hiv.studies.awareness/index.html
The awareness of HIV/AIDS concerns have prodigiously decreased within the past couple years and recent studies show that 1 in 5 gay men have HIV; of the 1 in 5 men, most of them do not even know that they are diagnosed with the disease. Federal officials seek to re-enforce the concern for AIDS and regain "momentum" in the fight against it. The secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, shared at the U.S. Conference on AIDS that she sees a potential rise in the momentum if government and medical professionals work better together. "[America] will regain the momentum we have lost," Sebelius said. The reason why those who are aware want to spread the caution is due to the fact that the diagnosis of AIDS has tremendously increased within 30 years. The director of the CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Kevin Fenton shares his thoughts on the epidemic. "Although it has been nearly 30 years since the first reported cases of HIV among gay and bisexual men, HIV remains a crisis that is far from over in this community," Fenton said. The percentage of those who have heard of the awareness has dropped from a 70 percent in 2004 to 45 percent in 2009 in the United States.
Overall, many organizations and public authorities are seeking to raise the awareness of the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. The decrease in awareness shows in the statistics of surveys that have been going around in the past couple years. For the most part, gay men have proven to be those diagnosed more often, thus raising the awareness to spread the news of the epidemic.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Judge Orders Lesbian Air Force Nurse Reinstated
Name: Hannah
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Judge Orders Lesbian Air Force Nurse Reinstated
Writer: Bill Mears
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: 9/25/2010
Length: 786 words
link: http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/24/military.gay.reinstatement/index.html?npt=NP1
Major Margaret Witt had served in the Air Force for more than 20 years when she was discharged under the governments "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The militaries "don't ask, don't tell" policy is a policy that does not allow gay women and men from serving in the military. She was discharged because she was openly lesbian. Witt was discharged over four years ago, and has just now been reinstated. This judging that the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was unconstitutional, has led congress to stop their legislative duties this week in an effort to repeal the law. This controversial law has led to the dismissal of over 12,500 gays and lesbians in the military. President Obama is working to repeal the law, but the military argues that they are in the best position to evaluate whether the law should be repealed or not. In conclusion, Margaret Witt's case has brought about awareness to the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Congress is now taking action, and so is President Obama. Other judges have also ruled this policy unconstitutional, so Margaret Witt was not the first to fight back for her civil rights.
Raymond LIou: Beck says he wanted to reclaim civil rights 'from politics'
website: www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/29/glenn.beck.rally/index.html
Glen Beck a conservative had a rally this weekend at the Lincoln memorial to try to bring the civil movement from politics. He said that Obama has lied to the U.S people . However
the controversy is that it was the same day that Martin Luther King had his speechGlen said,
" if its not the essence then weve been sold a pack of lies. The essence is that everyone deserved a shot--the content of character not the color of skin, " he told " Fox News Sunday."
Glen Beck eventually apologized about insulting the president but then broke the apology by saying the First African Americans were shaped by Marxism which was disguised as a religion
From this it shows that. Up to 100,000 was said to have attended the rally.
Even Rev. Al Sharpton fired at Glen Beck saying his rally was not civil rights saying it was a "motivational speech" and wasnt the same as the course that Luther King took in his speech at that exact same location.
Glen Beck is kind of going over the top on the subject of the President Obama and is trying too hard to bring the president down. I think he is being racist too and should try to be less agressive on his ways. Glen doesnt seem to be person to apologize and thinks theres nothing wrong with him
Glen Beck a conservative had a rally this weekend at the Lincoln memorial to try to bring the civil movement from politics. He said that Obama has lied to the U.S people . However
the controversy is that it was the same day that Martin Luther King had his speechGlen said,
" if its not the essence then weve been sold a pack of lies. The essence is that everyone deserved a shot--the content of character not the color of skin, " he told " Fox News Sunday."
Glen Beck eventually apologized about insulting the president but then broke the apology by saying the First African Americans were shaped by Marxism which was disguised as a religion
From this it shows that. Up to 100,000 was said to have attended the rally.
Even Rev. Al Sharpton fired at Glen Beck saying his rally was not civil rights saying it was a "motivational speech" and wasnt the same as the course that Luther King took in his speech at that exact same location.
Glen Beck is kind of going over the top on the subject of the President Obama and is trying too hard to bring the president down. I think he is being racist too and should try to be less agressive on his ways. Glen doesnt seem to be person to apologize and thinks theres nothing wrong with him
Raymond Liou Current Event: Can a bigger booze tax reduce disease, crime?
website: www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/09/24/health.booze.tax/index.html
Alcohol has been the third leading cause of death for many years. For example the six pack of
beer, bottle of wine has increased by 50 cents from tax. It is said that addicts will quit. There has been evidence that increasing tax on alcohol has been able to stop dangerous behavior, and
helped people quit their addictions and possible save their lives. The American Journal of Public health for example has focused on Alaska one with tax increases during 1983 and 2002 finding out that death rates dramaticlly decreased. In Alaska the 2 cent tax increase per bottle of beer has caused twenty three less deaths, a drastic twenty nine percent drop. Alchohol has been the reason of many diseases like liver, heart cancers, and many behaviours like depression. markowitz who is associate professor of economics at Emory University said,"The proportion of crimes and suicides smaller that are alcohol related would be far smaller then diseases such as liver- cirrhosis." This increase of tax can also help revenue of the economy.
This shows that increasing taxing of alcohol and drugs should happen for more states. It doesnt just benefit the person but it also benifits the rest of the world that matters. I think that more states should increase taxes because it really is for the best of the addicts. It will stop the violence and make the lives of the addicts more enjoyable.
Alcohol has been the third leading cause of death for many years. For example the six pack of
beer, bottle of wine has increased by 50 cents from tax. It is said that addicts will quit. There has been evidence that increasing tax on alcohol has been able to stop dangerous behavior, and
helped people quit their addictions and possible save their lives. The American Journal of Public health for example has focused on Alaska one with tax increases during 1983 and 2002 finding out that death rates dramaticlly decreased. In Alaska the 2 cent tax increase per bottle of beer has caused twenty three less deaths, a drastic twenty nine percent drop. Alchohol has been the reason of many diseases like liver, heart cancers, and many behaviours like depression. markowitz who is associate professor of economics at Emory University said,"The proportion of crimes and suicides smaller that are alcohol related would be far smaller then diseases such as liver- cirrhosis." This increase of tax can also help revenue of the economy.
This shows that increasing taxing of alcohol and drugs should happen for more states. It doesnt just benefit the person but it also benifits the rest of the world that matters. I think that more states should increase taxes because it really is for the best of the addicts. It will stop the violence and make the lives of the addicts more enjoyable.
Online Learning Expands at K-12 Level
Name: David
Period: D
Topic: Education
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Anytime, Anywhere
Writer: Carlo Rotella
Publication Name: NY Times
Date of Publication: 9-16-10
Length: 450
Online courses and software programs in schools have been increasing in great numbers recently. According to a study done of the K-12 levels in school, there were only 50,000 students enrolled in online courses in 2000. As of 2008, there were over a million students enrolled in partially or completely online courses. Also, almost 200,000 of these students are in online virtual schools for 100% of their education. These online classes apply to students from all levels in school, from those enrolled in AP classes to those who are looking to receive credit so they do not have to drop out of high school. President Obama and the Department of Education are strong supporters of online courses and this will be a big part of the National Education Technology Plan that will be released later this month. Some people disagree with online education but most are in favor of it as it would allow people to take many classes that not all districts are capable of offering.
In conclusion, online courses and classes have been significantly increasing in popularity over the past several years. These are good for people of every learning style and level because they offer classes of all types. I think that this is a great improvement for our country’s education because students can enroll in any classes and are not just limited to those offered in their schools or districts.
Colbert Storms Capitol Hill for Migrant Workers
Name: Robert
Posting: #1
Period D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Colbert Storms Capitol Hill for Migrant Workers
Writer: Alan Silverleib
Publication Date: September 24, 2010
Length: 914
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/24/colbert.house.immigration/index.html
Posting: #1
Period D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Colbert Storms Capitol Hill for Migrant Workers
Writer: Alan Silverleib
Publication Date: September 24, 2010
Length: 914
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/24/colbert.house.immigration/index.html
On September 24th, the host of the Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert testified on Capitol Hill about the civil rights of migrant workers working in the United States. Republicans claimed that migrant workers and a lack of enforcement of immigration laws took jobs away from U.S. citizens. However, Democrats brought up the point that while some Americans would take these hard jobs, most Americans would actually prefer to have no job, than an exceeding difficult one. Colbert brought both his sense of humor as well as a more serious side for his testimony. Colbert often poked fun at the migrant workers and the obesity rate. His jokes even at one point made Michigan Representative John Conyers ask him to leave. However, Colbert got serious giving a testimony saying that migrant workers have no civil rights.
In conclusion, the dispute between Democrats and Republicans is based upon the enforcement of immigration laws and migrant workers. Whether or not Colbert’s appearance will effect the Congress’ decision, however his appearance will definitely bring more attention to the topic.
I believe that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans have the perfect solution to the problem at hand. While I believe that we should be enforcing immigration policies a bit more efficiently, I also believe that migrant workers deserve certain civil rights. I believe that by increasing the enforcement of immigration laws as well as the allowance of migrant workers would be most beneficial to this country’s well-being.
Name: Maddy D
Posting Number 1
Period: D
Topic: Health
Title: Can a bigger booze tax reduce disease, crime?
Writer: Carina Storrs
Publication Date: September 24th, 2010
Word Count: 254
Article: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/09/24/health.booze.tax/index.html
Summary: The use of alcohol has many downsides that are overseen in today's culture in America. Alcohol abuse includes diseases, car crashes, injuries and crimes; these are leading causes of preventable deaths in the US. With a higher taxation on alcohol, for example by doubling the current state taxes on alcohol, the state could lower all alcohol related deaths by 35%. By raising taxes it has been proven that unhealthy behaviors are often minimized. Not only would crime, and car crashes be decreased but also many diseases such as depression, liver disease and more would be greatly effected. Drinking impairs ones thinking and judgment which has been known to lead to more dangerous behaviors, leading to sexual diseases and drunk driving.
Conclusion: In conclusion, public health and safety would have many gains from a higher taxation on alcohol. With a slight raise in taxes, the drinking level would slightly decrease as a cause of this, even with this slight decrease, public health would get largely impacted and would it would receive measurable gains. Price has a big impact on society and really effects the way people act and live, so as proven with cigarettes, when they received higher pricing and taxation, the use of them clearly decreased. I think this would be a good idea, because it is a only raising the tax by a slight amount and this would have a huge effect on the societies safety, health and much more. I think it would be a very good thing for America’s culture.
Cold War Enemies Working Together
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Name: Scott
Post Number: 1
Topic: Tech/Sci
Title: Six Month mission ends with Soyuz landing
Writer: William Harwood
Publication Name: Cnet News
Date of Publication: Sept 25, 2010
Length:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-19514_3-20017636-239.html
After 176 days in space Alexander Skvortsov, Tracy Caldwell Dyson, and Mikhail Kornienko land on earth safely. The two cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut landed safely in Kazakhstan after they left the International Space Station on Friday. The six month long mission went relatively uninterrupted until late July when two coolant loops shut down due to a failure on one of the ammonia pumps. Caldwell Dyson and Douglas Wheelock preformed three complex space walks to repair the pumps. The space station crew was forced to turn off major systems that prevented the space station from overheating.
In Conclusion, the group made it home safely after their six month long mission and for the most part are in good shape. Dyson said that she is upset that she won’t be able to see her Russian counter-parts for the next couple weeks but she will live.
Suspect sets fire to house, surrenders in Texas standoff, police say
Name: Laura
Period: D
Post number: 1
Topic: Crime
Title: Suspect sets fire to house, surrenders in Texas standoff, police say
Writer: CNN Wire Staff
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: September 18, 2010.
Length: 457 words
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-09-18/justice/texas.standoff_1_armored-vehicles-standoff-texas-police?_s=PM:CRIME
Victor White, 55 year-old supposed white supremacist lit his house on fire after turning himself in to the police at 2 pm on Saturday, September 18th. White survived the fire but was sent to the hospital for burns. The day prior White shot three men outside of his house in Odessa, Texas. Two of the men were police officers, and one of them was a civilian. When two police officers arrived at White’s home to repossess something from him, which somehow prompted the shootings. Luckily both men weren’t killed, but after a few more shots they could have been. There is still an investigation going on, and no one is completely sure why White decided to burn his house down in the first place. Police believe that White is linked to the white supremacist group, ‘Republic of Texas’. Officials also say that White had a history of hatred toward law enforcement, which also attributed to the shootings.
In Conclusion, Victor White was an aggressive man and was clearly emotionally instable. He dealt the situation in a violent way instead of handling it normally. Because of his involvement with a white supremacist group, racial hatred was probably a factor of his violence along with his annoyance with law enforcement. There’s no clear reason why he decided to light his house on fire before turning himself in, and the details are still under investigation.
s
Name: Carson
Current Event Posting Number: 1
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Florida appeals court strikes down gay adoption ban
Writer: the CNN Wire Staff
Publication Name: CNN News
Date of Publication: September 22, 2010
Length: 721 words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/22/florida.gay.adoptions/index.html?npt=NP1
A law in Florida was dismantled by an appeals court in the southern state, which banned gay men and women from adopting children, ruling that the ban was unconstitutional. The current Governor, Charlie Crist, also running for a Senate seat said that he was pleased with the court ruling that lifted the ban, and that the state of Florida was no longer enforcing the law. Interestingly, a former Republican, Crist supported the ban. The current case was brought to court by a man who was a foster parent licensed by the government who wanted to adopt two boys that were put into his care, but was unable to do so because of his sexual orientation. The ban was put in place because "there is a rational basis for the prohibition on homosexual adoption [i.e.] children will have better role models, and face less discrimination, if they are placed in non-homosexual households, preferably with a husband and wife as the parents" (Page 1). It is now removed under the ruling that the ban violated constitutional rights, and was not in the best interest of the child.
In conclusion, Florida has lifted the ban, stating that homosexual couples are prohibited from adopting children. Although this is a victory in terms of human rights, and homosexual rights, the country as a whole still has a long way to go in becoming completely unbiased, if that is at all possible. Hopefully the country can make an example out of this Florida ruling, and start making those steps towards equality
Current Event Posting Number: 1
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Florida appeals court strikes down gay adoption ban
Writer: the CNN Wire Staff
Publication Name: CNN News
Date of Publication: September 22, 2010
Length: 721 words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/22/florida.gay.adoptions/index.html?npt=NP1
A law in Florida was dismantled by an appeals court in the southern state, which banned gay men and women from adopting children, ruling that the ban was unconstitutional. The current Governor, Charlie Crist, also running for a Senate seat said that he was pleased with the court ruling that lifted the ban, and that the state of Florida was no longer enforcing the law. Interestingly, a former Republican, Crist supported the ban. The current case was brought to court by a man who was a foster parent licensed by the government who wanted to adopt two boys that were put into his care, but was unable to do so because of his sexual orientation. The ban was put in place because "there is a rational basis for the prohibition on homosexual adoption [i.e.] children will have better role models, and face less discrimination, if they are placed in non-homosexual households, preferably with a husband and wife as the parents" (Page 1). It is now removed under the ruling that the ban violated constitutional rights, and was not in the best interest of the child.
In conclusion, Florida has lifted the ban, stating that homosexual couples are prohibited from adopting children. Although this is a victory in terms of human rights, and homosexual rights, the country as a whole still has a long way to go in becoming completely unbiased, if that is at all possible. Hopefully the country can make an example out of this Florida ruling, and start making those steps towards equality
Multiple Benefits to DEA's Prescription Take-Back
Name: Madison
Period: D
Topic: Health
Current Even Posting #1
Title: Multiple Benefits to DEA's Prescription Take-Back
Writer: T.J. Winick
Publication Name: ABC News
Date of Publication: September 26, 2010
Length:
Website: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/dea-sets-prescrption-drug-back-points/story?id=11731886
Summery:
Pain Killers and other prescription medication are growing rappidley threw out the United States. This weekend the DEA set up over 4,000 "take back" drop off places across the country. Where citizens of the United States could drop off expired, unused, or unwanted medication. There new effort is to try and shut down Americas growing drug problem. Kids now are not buying drugs but finding drugs at home, and getting a high off of them. Many kids have gotten seriously hurt and sick from taking prescription drugs, and the numbers are only growing. Also disposing the medication the right way makes our water that we use in our homes safer. Last year there was a local "take back" program set up by the DEA and local officials in New Jersey. About 9,000 pounds of medication, which is about 35 million dollars, was dropped off at this "take back" spot.
Conclusion:
These take back spots can only do good for the United States. Trying to stop the growth of this drug use can only see positive results. The DEA are making the right steps to helping America stop its rapid drug growth. Not only does these "take back" spots help stop the drug movement but it also helps our public water, making it safer to drink, and use.
Name: Mario
Period: D
Topic: Technology/Science
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Could Pollution-eating Concrete Clean Up Our Urban Jungles
Writer: Matt Ford
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: 8/6/10
Length: 742
A. In many urban cities air pollution is a big problem. However scientists at Eindhoven University in the Netherlands have recently created a paving material that is capable of decreasing air pollution by ridding of hazardous material in the air. This material has been proven to reduce nitrogen oxide (compound released in vehicle exhaust) by 35-40%. The pavement is coated with titanium dioxide, it removes the nitrogen oxides and uses sunlight to convert it into a harmless nitrate that can be washed away by the rain. Titanium Dioxide is also used to coat surfaces that are hard to clean. So it also has the advantage of breaking down algae and dirt so the surface stays clean.
B. In conclusion, this new technology may drastically reduce the amount of air pollution in some of our US cities and could lead to better public health. The concrete would be a good solution for populated urban cities like New York, San Francisco, etc. The material is slightly more expensive than normal concrete but it doesn't require a lot of maintenance and the installment is included in the overall cost.
Name: Vlad
Period: D
Topic: International Politics
Current Even Posting #1
Title: Israel's Moratorium On Settlement Building In West Bank Set To Expire
Writer: Paula Hancocks
Publication Name: CNN News
Date of Publication: 26 Sep 2010
Length: 463 words
Main Idea:
The moratorium on settlement building in the West back is set to expire at midnight Sunday. A crowd of Israeli settlers is expected to arrive the following day to break up the ground with bulldozers. However the Palestinian representative for settlement watch claimed that construction had already begun, before the moratorium was set to expire. 20 caravan homes were already build by Saturday. The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the settlers on Sunday to show restraint. The end of the moratorium is only 24 hours away. Butdamage has been done and tensions are rising with the Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. "Isreal must choose between peace and the continuation of settlements," he told the U.N. General Assembly on Saturday. United States Vice President Joe Biden urged Israel to prolong the moratorium, however, Israeli President Shimon Peres said it's a "fair possibility" that the negotiations with the Palestinians will result in a two-state solution.
Name: Asuka
Period: D
Topic: Health
Current Even Posting #1
Title: Can America regain ‘momentum’ in fight against AIDS?
Writer: Phil Gast
Publication Name: CNN News
Date of Publication: 25 Sep 2010
Length: 717 words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/09/25/hiv.studies.awareness/index.html
Main Idea:
There has been a decrease in awareness of HIV and AIDS for the people in the U.S. In 2004, 70% have heard, seen, or read about the problem of HIV and AIDS but it declined to 45% in 2009. As a result, the HIV health problem dropped between 2006 and 2009 from 17% to 6%. Federal officials are discussing to ‘re-energize’ the fight against AIDS. The rate of new HIV infection in the US is increasing among the gay and bisexuals. The Centers for Disease Control say that there has been a low awareness of HIV infection among young men and thinks there is a need for better access to these prevention programs. There has been another study that black and Hispanic gay men are likely to be unaware of the infections. Some researchers say that this is a problem of discrimination and socioeconomic factors that they have limited access to health care.
Conclusion:
By getting people to be aware of the new HIV infections, many lives can be saved. If the victims knew how they can be transmitted, it is something people can prevent, which is shown from the 2004 to 2009 study. Since certain cities have less access to health care, this should be improved so it can be a benefit for the country in the long run.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Designer insect 'a big step' vs. disease fatal to millions
Name: Crystal
Period: D
Topic: Science/ Technology
Current Event Posting #2
Title: Designer insect 'a big step' vs. disease fatal to millions
Writer: Tom Beal
Publication Name: Arizona Daily Star
Date of Publication: 16 July 2010
Length: 1,030 words
Main Ideas:
Malaria is still a major problem in Africa, killing 1 million people annually, and currently the most effective way to prevent it spreading is reducing mosquito-human contact, mainly with nets and vaccinations. However, the University of Arizona is taking a new approach. They are producing a malaria-free mosquito. The new mosquito will be resistant to parasites and have a shorter lifespan to reduce spread of parasites. This “super mosquito” will be produced in a decade. The government will decide if the benefits of releasing this genetically altered mosquito outweigh the risks. It is planned to replace wild mosquito to eradicate the spread of malaria.
Conclusion:
It is possible that malaria will not plague Africa in ten years. However, if the “super mosquito” is released, it may have some unexpected affects on the environment.
The Pakistan Floods
Just a few weeks ago Pakistan was hit by serious flooding. The floods began in July of this year on account of heavy monsoon rains in Khyber, Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab, and the Balochistan regions of Pakistan. it is estimated that over one million homes have been destroyed and over two thousand people have died since the flooding began. The United Nations estimates that more than 21 million people are injured or homeless, this exceeds the total number of people affected by the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, and the earthquake in Haiti as well. Ban Ki-moon; the UN Secretary General has asked for $460 million dollars in emergency relief. The Taliban have been trying to block foreign aid to Pakistan; claiming that they have the situation under control.
Judge Orders Lesbian Reinstated to Air Force
Name: Carly
Post number: 2
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Judge Orders Lesbian Reinstated to Air Force
Writer: AP / Gene Johnson
Publication Name: Times
Date of Publication: September 25, 2010
Length: 678 words
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2021463,00.html
In 2004, Major Margaret Witt was discharged from the Air Force after it was discovered that she is gay. Witt sued, and this Friday US District Judge Ronald Leighton ruled in her favor. She is soon going back to service. This is the second time this month that a judge has ruled that the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy is unconstitutional. The journey to repeal the law continues to go slowly, but it certainly making progress. The idea is to make each case be fought out in court, thus creating a 'slow death' for the law, say gay rights activists. The judge said it best when he said: "The is no evidence that wounded troops care about the sexual orientation of the flight nurse or medical technician tending to their wounds."
In conclusion, this is another step forward for gay rights. The Don't Ask Don't Tell policy has a huge backing, and will not end quickly. For now, the best thing to do is fight each case individually. Eventually, nearly everyone affected by the law will win in court anyways and the law will just be causing the supporters legal trouble.
Post number: 2
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Judge Orders Lesbian Reinstated to Air Force
Writer: AP / Gene Johnson
Publication Name: Times
Date of Publication: September 25, 2010
Length: 678 words
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2021463,00.html
In 2004, Major Margaret Witt was discharged from the Air Force after it was discovered that she is gay. Witt sued, and this Friday US District Judge Ronald Leighton ruled in her favor. She is soon going back to service. This is the second time this month that a judge has ruled that the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy is unconstitutional. The journey to repeal the law continues to go slowly, but it certainly making progress. The idea is to make each case be fought out in court, thus creating a 'slow death' for the law, say gay rights activists. The judge said it best when he said: "The is no evidence that wounded troops care about the sexual orientation of the flight nurse or medical technician tending to their wounds."
In conclusion, this is another step forward for gay rights. The Don't Ask Don't Tell policy has a huge backing, and will not end quickly. For now, the best thing to do is fight each case individually. Eventually, nearly everyone affected by the law will win in court anyways and the law will just be causing the supporters legal trouble.
Will the Government's Drug 'Take-Back' Do Anything to Reduce Misuse?
Name: Carly
Post number: 1
Topic: Health
Title: Will the Government's Drug 'Take-Back' Do Anything to Reduce Misuse?
Writer Maia Szalavitz
Publication Name: Times
Date of Publication: September 24, 2010.
Length: 850 words
http://healthland.time.com/2010/09/24/will-the-governments-drug-take-back-do-anything-to-reduce-misuse/
The DEA, or Drug Enforcement Agency, is started a new program to prevent drug misuse. They will take back any prescription medication, and dispose of it properly. This program began to prevent people from continuing to use the drug after it is necessary, leading to addiction. However, this program has earned a lot of critics. Studies show that it is not these people who are at risk for prescription drug addiction, but people around them. For example, 78% of people addicted to Oxytocin, a painkiller, were never actually prescribed it. And by creating this hype around drugs, people will be more likely to hoard them. Then the drugs are more likely to be stolen or used by family members.
In conclusion, this is a complicated issue. Solutions that look good on paper may not be applicable to real life. On one hand, it makes sense for people to be able to properly dispose of their excess medications. On the other hand, people tend to get very protective about this sort of thing. Being encouraged to give something up may in fact make them want to hold onto it more.
Post number: 1
Topic: Health
Title: Will the Government's Drug 'Take-Back' Do Anything to Reduce Misuse?
Writer Maia Szalavitz
Publication Name: Times
Date of Publication: September 24, 2010.
Length: 850 words
http://healthland.time.com/2010/09/24/will-the-governments-drug-take-back-do-anything-to-reduce-misuse/
The DEA, or Drug Enforcement Agency, is started a new program to prevent drug misuse. They will take back any prescription medication, and dispose of it properly. This program began to prevent people from continuing to use the drug after it is necessary, leading to addiction. However, this program has earned a lot of critics. Studies show that it is not these people who are at risk for prescription drug addiction, but people around them. For example, 78% of people addicted to Oxytocin, a painkiller, were never actually prescribed it. And by creating this hype around drugs, people will be more likely to hoard them. Then the drugs are more likely to be stolen or used by family members.
In conclusion, this is a complicated issue. Solutions that look good on paper may not be applicable to real life. On one hand, it makes sense for people to be able to properly dispose of their excess medications. On the other hand, people tend to get very protective about this sort of thing. Being encouraged to give something up may in fact make them want to hold onto it more.
Who's on your Cold Call list?
Name: Cameron
Posting #1
Period: D
Topic: Tech/Science
Title: U.S. busts Apple, Google, and Intel over sevret employee poaching
Writer: Nate Anderson
Publication Date: September 24, 2010
Length:
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/09/us-busts-google-apple-intel-over-secret-employee-poaching-pact.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss
Yesterday, the US announced a lawsuit against Google, Adobe, Apple, Intel, Intuit, and Pixar. The grounds for the lawsuit was evidence that each company had agreed to not "cold call" the other companies employees. Cold calling (in these terms) is the practice if calling or sending a job offer to an employee of a different and most likely competing company. The justice department is able to follow employee handbooks and regulations back to 2006 when Apple and Google executives made an agreement to put eachother on their "Do Not Cold Call" list. Similar arangements followed quickly in 2007 when Pixar, Intit, and Intel all made agreements with either Google or Apple. The Assistant Attorney General Molly Boast stated the the "Do Not Cold Call" lists "restrained competition for affected employees without any procompetitive justification and distorted the competitive process."
To sum up, the "Do Not Cold Call" lists created by these technology supergiants were constructed to shut down competion and control the market. Whether the lawsuit goes to federal court of is put to rest by a settlement; it is most likely the end for these "Do Not Cold Call" lists.
Posting #1
Period: D
Topic: Tech/Science
Title: U.S. busts Apple, Google, and Intel over sevret employee poaching
Writer: Nate Anderson
Publication Date: September 24, 2010
Length:
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/09/us-busts-google-apple-intel-over-secret-employee-poaching-pact.ars?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss
Yesterday, the US announced a lawsuit against Google, Adobe, Apple, Intel, Intuit, and Pixar. The grounds for the lawsuit was evidence that each company had agreed to not "cold call" the other companies employees. Cold calling (in these terms) is the practice if calling or sending a job offer to an employee of a different and most likely competing company. The justice department is able to follow employee handbooks and regulations back to 2006 when Apple and Google executives made an agreement to put eachother on their "Do Not Cold Call" list. Similar arangements followed quickly in 2007 when Pixar, Intit, and Intel all made agreements with either Google or Apple. The Assistant Attorney General Molly Boast stated the the "Do Not Cold Call" lists "restrained competition for affected employees without any procompetitive justification and distorted the competitive process."
To sum up, the "Do Not Cold Call" lists created by these technology supergiants were constructed to shut down competion and control the market. Whether the lawsuit goes to federal court of is put to rest by a settlement; it is most likely the end for these "Do Not Cold Call" lists.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Name: Emily
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Fight in gay adoption case was ‘whirlwind’, Florida man says
Writer: Ashley Fantz
Publication Name: CNN News
Date of Publication: September 23, 2010
Length: 190 words
A. Main Idea:
Martin Gill and his partner were a gay couple living in Florida when they got a call asking if they could foster some children. Because they were just foster children, they all left and Gill did not want to say goodbye again to his children. On Gill’s behalf, the ACLU filed a suit that would take down the law that prohibits gay adoption. The suit would pass because otherwise the law would be violating the equal protection clause in the state constitution. The state has 30 days to appeal the ruling, and Governor Charlie Crist praised the decision to reverse the ban.
B. Conclusion:
In conclusion the judge called Gill’s actions “nothing short of heroic” and Gill’s foster children will be staying with him as his children. Gill checks the court website everyday in fear that there would be bad news but never let his kids be aware of the stress.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Gasoline From Thin Air?
Name: Jerry
Posting Number: 1
Topic: Technology/Science
Title: Gasoline From Thin Air?
Writer: Eric Bland
Publication: ABC News
Date of Publication: Aug 8, 2010
Length: 539 words
An special kind enzyme that was found in the roots of soybeans is currently under research for its potential of creating fuel from industrial byproducts. Although science have known this enzyme for a long time due to its importance in agriculture, no further research was done towards the enzyme's fuel-creating ability. Only until the last few years, the technology to extract, store and reproduce enzymes made the study on this project possibe. Many researchers believed that the new function of this enzyme is a profound discovery for many industial applications. Cars may be powered by their own fumes, or even create ower from air if this technique is perfected. However, this won't be happening in anytime soon. More advances must be made, such as an more effecient way to extract this particular enzyme.
Summing it up, a new, potential way to create fuel is currently under research. If succeed, we are able to turn waste fume in to fuel through a particular type of enzyme. The technology have not been fully-developed yet. Furthur studies is underway.
I believe, and I sincerely hope that this technology can come true one day. Since it will not only solve our fuel-exhaustion issue, but also help reducing global warming. Although I do understand that great developments won't happen overnight, it is good to know it may be come reality some day in the future.
Posting Number: 1
Topic: Technology/Science
Title: Gasoline From Thin Air?
Writer: Eric Bland
Publication: ABC News
Date of Publication: Aug 8, 2010
Length: 539 words
An special kind enzyme that was found in the roots of soybeans is currently under research for its potential of creating fuel from industrial byproducts. Although science have known this enzyme for a long time due to its importance in agriculture, no further research was done towards the enzyme's fuel-creating ability. Only until the last few years, the technology to extract, store and reproduce enzymes made the study on this project possibe. Many researchers believed that the new function of this enzyme is a profound discovery for many industial applications. Cars may be powered by their own fumes, or even create ower from air if this technique is perfected. However, this won't be happening in anytime soon. More advances must be made, such as an more effecient way to extract this particular enzyme.
Summing it up, a new, potential way to create fuel is currently under research. If succeed, we are able to turn waste fume in to fuel through a particular type of enzyme. The technology have not been fully-developed yet. Furthur studies is underway.
I believe, and I sincerely hope that this technology can come true one day. Since it will not only solve our fuel-exhaustion issue, but also help reducing global warming. Although I do understand that great developments won't happen overnight, it is good to know it may be come reality some day in the future.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Welcome to the Blog for D-period.
Please REVIEW all the blog handouts. They contain information on DUE DATES, FORMATS, and CONTENT of the postings. Your COMMENTS should reflect what you have learned from the student's summary of the news item.
Name: Jon
Current Event Posting Number: 1
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Fighting for Rights
Writer: John Berger
Publication Name: Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Date of Publication: 9/10/2010
Length: 654 words
Famous actor George Takei has spoken out in support of gay rights and anti-hate sentiment towards Muslims. He spoke live at a statewide rally in Sacramento last year, where he attacked the Constitutionality of anti-gay and racist legislation. On a more recent note, he spoke last weekend at Honolulu's "No Shame!: Talking About the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Experience in Hawai'i." Being gay himself, Takei is an outspoken advocate for many Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender organizations. Through these groups he makes numerous public announcements promoting equality and tolerance. Furthermore, having survived Japanese internment during World War Two, Takei fears for Muslims who may suffer similar treatment because of the September 11th attacks.
In conclusion, George Takei has spoken about tolerating gays and other minorities, specifically Muslims. He spoke last week in Honolulu, Hawaii. Because he is gay and has suffered racial injustices, he feels that he should advocate for equality.
I believe that what George Takei is doing is very brave and constructive for society. It is brave because publicly announcing being gay can be a very hard thing to do. I think that it is good for society because I believe in racial tolerance and equal gay rights.
Current Event Posting Number: 1
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Fighting for Rights
Writer: John Berger
Publication Name: Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Date of Publication: 9/10/2010
Length: 654 words
Famous actor George Takei has spoken out in support of gay rights and anti-hate sentiment towards Muslims. He spoke live at a statewide rally in Sacramento last year, where he attacked the Constitutionality of anti-gay and racist legislation. On a more recent note, he spoke last weekend at Honolulu's "No Shame!: Talking About the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Experience in Hawai'i." Being gay himself, Takei is an outspoken advocate for many Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender organizations. Through these groups he makes numerous public announcements promoting equality and tolerance. Furthermore, having survived Japanese internment during World War Two, Takei fears for Muslims who may suffer similar treatment because of the September 11th attacks.
In conclusion, George Takei has spoken about tolerating gays and other minorities, specifically Muslims. He spoke last week in Honolulu, Hawaii. Because he is gay and has suffered racial injustices, he feels that he should advocate for equality.
I believe that what George Takei is doing is very brave and constructive for society. It is brave because publicly announcing being gay can be a very hard thing to do. I think that it is good for society because I believe in racial tolerance and equal gay rights.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Blog Posting #2 - Olivia
Name: Olivia
Period: D
Topic: Leaders (State, Federal/National)
Current Event Posting #2
Title: Meg Whitman Smashes Record for Self-Financed Campaign in California
Writer: Lee Kamlet
Publication Name: ABC News
Date of Publication: 9/16/2010
Length: 449 words
A. Main Ideas (10 sentences)
Meg Whitman, a candidate for governor of California, is the ex-president of eBay. Because of her past job she is a very wealthy woman. In the election for governor of California, Whitman has broken the record for "personal spending" on a campaign of any American candidate for any position in the history of the country. Personal spending means the money is not coming from donations or corporations but from the candidate him/herself. Whitman has, so far, spent one hundred and nineteen million dollars on her campaign. It has been shown in the past that high spending on an election doesn't guarantee a win. On the contrary, it often does the opposite. Many candidates who have spent large sums of money had ended up losing the election and wasting their money. Whitman obviously hasn't examined these statistics when considering her spending. This can be assumed because if she had observed these statistics she likely would've chosen a different path for her campaign spending. A simple analysis of them shows the methods she is using aren't always successful, and for her to ignore that would be simply a bad decision. As a candidate she should have her team of employees look over past uses of this method so she could decide the best path.
B. Conclusion (7 sentences)
In conclusion Whitman may not yield the results she is hoping for in this election even though she is spending large sums of money on it. She is using money as a defense. This strategy will most likely not reward her with the results she is hoping for. Many candidates have tried this method in the past and failed using it. She needs a new and more innovate way of campaigning if she hopes to win. There are many other strategies Whitman could be using. She shook look at these to decide which other strategy would be better for her to use.
Period: D
Topic: Leaders (State, Federal/National)
Current Event Posting #2
Title: Meg Whitman Smashes Record for Self-Financed Campaign in California
Writer: Lee Kamlet
Publication Name: ABC News
Date of Publication: 9/16/2010
Length: 449 words
A. Main Ideas (10 sentences)
Meg Whitman, a candidate for governor of California, is the ex-president of eBay. Because of her past job she is a very wealthy woman. In the election for governor of California, Whitman has broken the record for "personal spending" on a campaign of any American candidate for any position in the history of the country. Personal spending means the money is not coming from donations or corporations but from the candidate him/herself. Whitman has, so far, spent one hundred and nineteen million dollars on her campaign. It has been shown in the past that high spending on an election doesn't guarantee a win. On the contrary, it often does the opposite. Many candidates who have spent large sums of money had ended up losing the election and wasting their money. Whitman obviously hasn't examined these statistics when considering her spending. This can be assumed because if she had observed these statistics she likely would've chosen a different path for her campaign spending. A simple analysis of them shows the methods she is using aren't always successful, and for her to ignore that would be simply a bad decision. As a candidate she should have her team of employees look over past uses of this method so she could decide the best path.
B. Conclusion (7 sentences)
In conclusion Whitman may not yield the results she is hoping for in this election even though she is spending large sums of money on it. She is using money as a defense. This strategy will most likely not reward her with the results she is hoping for. Many candidates have tried this method in the past and failed using it. She needs a new and more innovate way of campaigning if she hopes to win. There are many other strategies Whitman could be using. She shook look at these to decide which other strategy would be better for her to use.
Name: Olivia
Period: D
Topic: Education
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Students Across U.S. Plan To Protest Education Funding Cuts
Writer: Monica Trevino
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: 3/3/10
Length: 415 words
A. Main Ideas:
Period: D
Topic: Education
Current Event Posting #1
Title: Students Across U.S. Plan To Protest Education Funding Cuts
Writer: Monica Trevino
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: 3/3/10
Length: 415 words
A. Main Ideas:
Students across the United States protested budgets cuts on Thursday, March 4th, 2010. There were 29 states in which students decided to participate in this. The students ranged from elementary level to college, and graduate school. Many students could barely afford to pay for food and books since the school could no longer pay for these books. Classes were also being cut because of the money loss, because of this students have had to take 6 years to graduate from schools and are called "super seniors." These "super seniors" are not happy about taking the extra time to graduate. It is putting a damper in time management in their life plans.
B. Conclusion:
In conclusion the students protests were necessary to ensure their futures in school. They needed to graduate so they could achieve their life goals, and get jobs they wanted. They couldn't have done this without proper funding, and that's why they protested.
C. Optional:
I think it's horrible that we spend so much money on everything except education. It's astonishing how much money we spend on the war and prisons, etc...
Thursday, September 16, 2010
FCC heralds a new era of 'super Wi-Fi'
Name: Surriento
Post: 1
Topic: Tech/Science
Title: FCC heralds new era of 'super Wi-Fi'
Author: John D. Sutter, CNN
Publication: CNN
Date: September 15, 2010 1:06 p.m. EDT
Length (word count): 445
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A new development of Wi-Fi spectrums, have led to the creation of Super Wi-Fi. "The spectrum allows signals to travel further, to go through walls, to [transfer] more information -- so it's very robust," Federal Communication Chairman Julius Genachowski commented during an interview with CNN's staff, "Super Wi-Fi has extraordinary potential. What's as exciting is we have a new platform for innovation and we can't anticipate what will happen next." A commision vote was passed On September 23, allowing for Super Wi-Fi to be introduced to the public, it is speculated that with the longer range, cities may be able to use the Wi-Fi to set up public wireless internet hot spots. Genachowski was also noted to have said, could be the start of a technological revolution in the US and already a plan for this new system is in the making. The pros in this new system could be for less 'dead zones' in wireless networks and the ability to transfer larger files over greater distances, in instances of hospitals and other industrial works, claims FCC. The new system could also be used to monitor infrastructure and water quality remotely, but all this would only be possible if FCC votes are inclined to allow use of the 'white-space' between TV channels by use of anyone. But the new system wouldn't just benefit the economy, Super Wi-Fi would allow for faster internet and connecting between printers, mobile phones, computers, and obviously, the internet. There are some however, who are against the idea (mainly broadcasters) The National Association of Broadcasters, as said in an e-mail to CNN, "is working constructively with the FCC in hopes that the agency adopts final 'white spaces' rules that preserve the ability of local and network broadcasters to deliver interference-free television.". Broadcasters worry that the new Wi-Fi spectrum may interfere with their broadcast signals. However most problems are said to have been worked out, claimed Jeff Evans deputy of the Georgia Tech Research Institutue's Telecommunication Lab. Many of our current systems however, (theater operators, wireless microphones in churches) will likely be adjusted to a different frequency.
Summing it up, this new Wi-Fi may allow for better transmitting for distance, obstacles, and speed, as well as increased public internet hot spots. The wasted 'White-space' between broadcast frequencies can be put to good use. The protest from the broadcasters (over interference with their signals) has been mostly resolved. The only difference between the current Wi-Fi and Super Wi-Fi would be that they travel at different frequencies. All in all, in choosing to use Super Wi-Fi, the old technology in most households reliant on wireless transmittance, will need to be replaced, new systems applied.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Stem-Cell Plaintiffs Cite Ethical Motivation
Name: Takuto
Posting: 1
Topic: Technology/Science
Writer: Laura Meckler and Janet Adamy
Publication: the WSJ
Date: September 2, 2010
Length: 769 words
A federal district judge recently blocked the government's fund for expanded embryonic stem cell research, and the scientists said last Wednesday that it was motivated by the the ethical objection, which they argue that scientists destroy the embryonic cell in order to proceed. Drs. James Sherley and Theresa Deisher flew to Washington D.C. to debate this issue with House and Senate. Stem cell generally is a type of cell in a multicellular organism that has not yet been differentiated, and some cells, including embryonic stem cell, has a potential to be differentiated to any other types. However, a lot of concerns has been issued to debate whether continuing the embryonic stem cell research is legitimate. To have this particular research they will need an the original embryonic cell, which is zygote for the humans. They discuss that destroying the embryonic cell is nothing different from terminating to bring its potential, future life the end. The plaintiffs said they oppose the embryonic research for the ethical reason, and emphasized that there is no purpose of religious beliefs included. They also pointed out these searches will unlikely to produce the treatments as other scientists promised, and added that adult stem cells has more potential to help the patients.
In conclusion, even though these new medical technologies have a great potential to save the life of patients, society needs to be aware that scientific process without moral thinking would cause to destruction of embryonic cell, a silent death of the potential life. Plaintiffs are opposing on partial research, not denying the development of entire biological science. Since there are a lot of other stem cell researches without using embryonic cells, therefore no one should be mourned of this fund block of embryonic stem cell research as a deterioration of biological science.
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