Tuesday, December 21, 2010
January 7 - Last Day for "Missing" Assignments
Don't forget that Friday - January 7 is the LAST day to hand in any missing assignments like posters, Harlem Renaissance work.
Friday, December 3, 2010
U.S. Trade Pact Set With South Korea via Deal on Auto Tariffs
Name: Hannah R.
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Leaders
Title: U.S. Trade Pact Set With South Korea via Deal on Auto Tariffs
Writer: Sewell Chan
Publication Name: New York Times
Publication Date: December 3, 2010
Length: 706 words
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/04/business/global/04trade.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
The Obama administration and the South Korean government made an agreement that takes off the tariff on United States exports to South Korea. The Obama administration said that this deal strengthens the relationship between the United States and South Korea greatly. This deal is very beneficial to working class Americans. The current unemployment rate in the US is 9.8 percent. This new deal will, according to the Obama administration will create thousands of new jobs, and increase American exports by 10 billion dollars a year, if not more. This deal did not originate from the Obama administration itself. In fact, the idea came from the Bush administration in 2007, but failed to pass back then. The differences between the two deals are that the 2007 deal cuts off tariffs immediately, where as the 2010 deal cuts them off gradually, over a span of 5 years. The deal was supported by both democrats and republicans, creating a sense of unity between the two political groups. The deal also created support and praise for President Obama, which has not come to him in a while. In conclusion, this deal is good all around for Americans. It creates jobs, increases exports, and created a sense of unity between democrats and republicans.
Snoring, Sleep Problems May Signal Heart Risk
Name: Amy
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Health
Title: Snoring, Sleep Problems May Signal Heart Risk
Writer: Amanda Gardner
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Length: 676 words
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/30/sleep.problems.health/index.html
Summary & Conclusion:
3 years ago, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh surveyed adults from the ages of 45 and 74 about the quality of their sleep. Recently, the researchers surveyed the adults once again to find any significant information from the gathered data. It was found that those who had the tendancy to snore louder were at a larger risk to have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and excess belly fat. Thus, there is a direct relationship between the frequency of snoring and heart risks. It was found that 14 percent of the participants developed metabollic syndrome. In previous studies, the ink between high blood pressure, obesity, and sleep were overt. This is the first time that a connection between metabolic syndrome and sleep was found. Although, the new study cannot prove that sleep problems cause metabollic syndrome (affecting over 25% of the adults in the US). In addition, obesity may be the link for sleep issues and metabollic syndrome. Researchers continue to look for findings. Doctors are now deciding on incorporating questions into monthly checkups that ask of one's sleep because of the gathered information.
Overall, the findings of the link between sleep problems and metabollic syndrome have raised much awareness for the doctors. The doctors are now taking action and asking their patients of any sleep disturbances that have occured recently. Not only is snoring linked to metabollic syndrome, it can increase potentially damaging inflammation in the linings of arteries due to the vibrations caused by snoring.
I am glad that the researchers have found the link because this extra bit of information will make a big difference. If there's a link between obesity, sleep problems and metabollic syndrome, certain precautions may be taken in the future that will allow a decrease in health issues. Each finding is always a contribution to the rise of our health curations.
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Health
Title: Snoring, Sleep Problems May Signal Heart Risk
Writer: Amanda Gardner
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Length: 676 words
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/30/sleep.problems.health/index.html
Summary & Conclusion:
3 years ago, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh surveyed adults from the ages of 45 and 74 about the quality of their sleep. Recently, the researchers surveyed the adults once again to find any significant information from the gathered data. It was found that those who had the tendancy to snore louder were at a larger risk to have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and excess belly fat. Thus, there is a direct relationship between the frequency of snoring and heart risks. It was found that 14 percent of the participants developed metabollic syndrome. In previous studies, the ink between high blood pressure, obesity, and sleep were overt. This is the first time that a connection between metabolic syndrome and sleep was found. Although, the new study cannot prove that sleep problems cause metabollic syndrome (affecting over 25% of the adults in the US). In addition, obesity may be the link for sleep issues and metabollic syndrome. Researchers continue to look for findings. Doctors are now deciding on incorporating questions into monthly checkups that ask of one's sleep because of the gathered information.
Overall, the findings of the link between sleep problems and metabollic syndrome have raised much awareness for the doctors. The doctors are now taking action and asking their patients of any sleep disturbances that have occured recently. Not only is snoring linked to metabollic syndrome, it can increase potentially damaging inflammation in the linings of arteries due to the vibrations caused by snoring.
I am glad that the researchers have found the link because this extra bit of information will make a big difference. If there's a link between obesity, sleep problems and metabollic syndrome, certain precautions may be taken in the future that will allow a decrease in health issues. Each finding is always a contribution to the rise of our health curations.
The Tao of Moonbeam
Souleymane
Publication Name: The New York Times
Writer: Timothy Egan
Date of Publication: 17 November 2010
Finally, after a long campaign and bitter voting lines, California has a new governor; Jerry Brown. The 72 year old couldn't have chosen a worse time to run for office in this state. Governor Schwarzenegger had said, "Our wallet is empty. Our bank is closed. Our credit is dried up." The Golden State has become the France of America. In the last year, 2.2 million Californians lost their jobs. Brown will take office in the first week of January, it will be his third term as Governor. He was studying to become a priest at a Jesuit seminary when his father was Governor in 1959. As a young man, he attended Yale Law School, served two terms as Governor, ran three times for President, became mayor of Oakland and attorney general. "Old people have a lot of good ideas,"he said on the campaign trail. Jerry Brown just might fix all of our problems this term, or not, we will have to wait and see.
I have faith in the Democratic party. I'm glad we have another Democratic win and especially one with a well qualified and experienced candidate. Jerry Brown was Governor two other times and already knows the ropes.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Writer: Timothy Egan
Date of Publication: 17 November 2010
Finally, after a long campaign and bitter voting lines, California has a new governor; Jerry Brown. The 72 year old couldn't have chosen a worse time to run for office in this state. Governor Schwarzenegger had said, "Our wallet is empty. Our bank is closed. Our credit is dried up." The Golden State has become the France of America. In the last year, 2.2 million Californians lost their jobs. Brown will take office in the first week of January, it will be his third term as Governor. He was studying to become a priest at a Jesuit seminary when his father was Governor in 1959. As a young man, he attended Yale Law School, served two terms as Governor, ran three times for President, became mayor of Oakland and attorney general. "Old people have a lot of good ideas,"he said on the campaign trail. Jerry Brown just might fix all of our problems this term, or not, we will have to wait and see.
I have faith in the Democratic party. I'm glad we have another Democratic win and especially one with a well qualified and experienced candidate. Jerry Brown was Governor two other times and already knows the ropes.
Deforestation Slows as Brazil Chugs Toward a Goal
Name: Asuka
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Science/Tech
Title: Deforestation Slows as Brazil Chugs Toward a Goal
Writer: Elisabeth Rosenthal
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Length: 451 words
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/deforestation-slows-as-brazil-chugs-toward-a-goal/?pagemode=print
President Luiz Inácio Lula de Silva in Brazil is trying to reduce greenhouse gas emission by combatting deforestation of the Amazon. He is committed to reducing it to 39 percent by 2020. It has been gradually reduced since 2000. Now, deforestation of the Amazon is dropped to 2500 miles a year which was half of what it was two years ago and third of what it was in 2000. Deforestation must be dropped for its negative impact on the environment. One reason is that it emits huge amount of carbon dioxide called black carbon when forests are burned. Another reason tropical forests are necessary is because they are one of the world’s greatest carbon sinks. Although, deforestation is taken place to make way for large scale-farming and ranching and harvesting wood, but also trees have been cut down in parts of Asia to be able to grow biofuel trees, such as palm trees, that are less harmful to the environment than the fossil fuels. The president plans to achieve this goal by using a satellite that detects illegal cutting, deep in the jungle. He also set up pioneered programs which is a system where landowners can be paid for keeping their trees standing, so they can at least reduce financial incentive for illegal logging.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Brazil is making progress with their commitment to reduce deforestation in the Amazon. They recognized the problems their country faces so environmentally harmful acts will cease. Although no major leaders are attending the climate conference in Cancún, Mexico this week, the environmental problem is an important issue that the world needs to act on.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
House, Senate Democrats: no tax cut extension over $250,000
Name: Robert
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Leaders
Title: House, Senate Democrats: no tax cut extension over $250,000
Writers: Alan Silverleib, Dana Bash, Deirdre Walsh, Evan Glass, and Ted Barrett
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2010
Length: 1075 words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/02/tax.vote/index.html
Posting: #2
Period: D
Topic: Leaders
Title: House, Senate Democrats: no tax cut extension over $250,000
Writers: Alan Silverleib, Dana Bash, Deirdre Walsh, Evan Glass, and Ted Barrett
Publication Date: December 2nd, 2010
Length: 1075 words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/02/tax.vote/index.html
On Thursday December 2nd, there was a clash between Democrats and Republicans over the extension of Bush-era tax cuts. Earlier, the House of Representatives had passed a measure to allow the Bush-era tax cuts to expire December 31st, for incomes over $250,000. The tax cuts for lower incomes and the Alternative Minimum Tax limit would remain unscathed for 2 more years, this was supported by Democrats and staunchly opposed by Republicans. The Republican Senators decided on Monday to halt the final vote on legislative business, until Congress has “prevented the tax increase that is currently awaiting all American taxpayers.” Democrats including President Obama however argued that the tax cuts would cost $700 billion and would be irresponsible of the country. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi even accused Republicans of pushing tax breaks for the wealthy. Republicans argued back that the taxes would halt economic progression, especially in a recession. However, economic studies have shown that the demographic being targeted for tax breaks, would more often than not invest in stocks or other assets rather than invest in creating new jobs. If the measure were to pass, Democrats are attempting to force the Republicans to make concessions. These concessions would include extensions of unemployment benefits, extension of college tuition tax credits, extension of “make work pay” tax credits, and the extension of tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed workers.
In conclusion, the argument between the Democrats and Republicans is about the Bush-era tax cuts, and whether or not to extend them. This is just another example of partisan politics at it’s best, neither the Democrats nor the Republicans are currently willing to make any concessions, simply for the sake of arguing. With the economy in the state that it is currently in, the effect of losing the Bush-era tax breaks it still for the most part unknown, and it’s up to our leaders in the Senate to decide what course to send America on.
Personally, I believe that these Bush-era tax cuts for incomes over $250,000 should’ve expired long ago. People who make over $250,000 have more than enough money to support themselves and pay taxes, it’s the lower incomes of struggling families that needs to be taxed lower. On top of the logical argument, there is also the factual argument. If the people getting tax breaks aren’t going to invest in the nation’s well being, then they shouldn’t be receiving exorbitant tax breaks.
Obama Orders Pay Freeze
Name: David
Period: D
Current Event Posting #2
Topic: Leaders (national)
Title: Amid Deficit Fears, Obama Freezes Pay
Writers: Peter Baker and Jackie Calmes
Publication Name: NY Times
Date of Publication: 11-29-10
Length: 1,192 words
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/us/politics/30freeze.html?_r=1&ref=us
President Obama announced on Monday that he is in favor of a pay freeze for federal workers for at least two years. His goal is to save government money and try to limit the national debt that is currently growing extremely fast. If the plan is adopted and kept for ten years, there is a potential for the government to save over $60 billion, although right now it is only a two year plan. Obama’s pay freeze will eliminate a 1.4 percent pay increase for 2.1 million federal workers, and there will be no pay raise in 2012. However, this plan does not affect the military wages, which will continue the same way they have been. This issue is sure to be on the agenda this week for the House and Senate, who will have a say in the matter. The issue is very controversial because the debt was over $1 trillion in the past two years. The amount of money that the government will save with Obama’s two year plan is only $5 billion, just a fraction of the national debt. Many people opposing the plan think that it will not have any significance in the long run because it is such a small proportion of the debt. However, the plan looks fairly promising because many Republicans have been supporting this pay freeze for months, and if Obama can win support of both parties it should be passed relatively soon.
In conclusion, Obama is trying to take steps to help minimize the national debt that is growing at an immense rate. This shows that although nothing has worked extremely well yet, the national debt and government spending is one of the government’s top priorities. Everyone is in favor of eliminating the debt, but some people just don’t think that Obama’s two year plan is a good way of doing it. Obama’s plan may be passed very soon if the House and Senate are in favor of it, and could take effect this year.
“Don’t Ask” Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Name: Carly
Posting: #2
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: “Don’t Ask” Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Writer: Mark Thompson
Publication Name: Time
Publication Date: 11/28/10
Length: 727
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/11/28/dont-ask-showdown-looms-in-senate-this-week/
There has been much debate on the issue of lifting the ban of gays in the military. This week, members of the Joint Chiefs will testify before the Senate, expressing their views on the matter. The main opponent to lifting the ban is John McCain, who says that there is no current problem, and getting rid of the policy will destabilize the military. He says that openly gay men and women in the military will hurt the morale of the troops, and therefore make them a less effective fighting force. Furthermore, he claims that this is all a result of President Obama’s lack of political experience. Those who support ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” say that this is a civil rights issue, and would in no way affect the quality of the military. In fact, recent surveys among the troops show that the majority have no problem with serving with gays. There have been plenty of gay troops for a long time. Letting them be open about their sexual orientation should not weaken the military.
Conclusion: The debate over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is very heated. Opponents think that ending it will hurt morale and make the military ineffective. Proponents say that any person that wants to defend their country should be able to do so with honor. The results of the Senate vote will be out around next week.
Opinion: There is absolutely no good reason for gays to be banned from the military. All the arguments to uphold the ban are based off prejudice.
Posting: #2
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: “Don’t Ask” Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Writer: Mark Thompson
Publication Name: Time
Publication Date: 11/28/10
Length: 727
http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/11/28/dont-ask-showdown-looms-in-senate-this-week/
There has been much debate on the issue of lifting the ban of gays in the military. This week, members of the Joint Chiefs will testify before the Senate, expressing their views on the matter. The main opponent to lifting the ban is John McCain, who says that there is no current problem, and getting rid of the policy will destabilize the military. He says that openly gay men and women in the military will hurt the morale of the troops, and therefore make them a less effective fighting force. Furthermore, he claims that this is all a result of President Obama’s lack of political experience. Those who support ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” say that this is a civil rights issue, and would in no way affect the quality of the military. In fact, recent surveys among the troops show that the majority have no problem with serving with gays. There have been plenty of gay troops for a long time. Letting them be open about their sexual orientation should not weaken the military.
Conclusion: The debate over “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” is very heated. Opponents think that ending it will hurt morale and make the military ineffective. Proponents say that any person that wants to defend their country should be able to do so with honor. The results of the Senate vote will be out around next week.
Opinion: There is absolutely no good reason for gays to be banned from the military. All the arguments to uphold the ban are based off prejudice.
Diabetes or Prediabetes Predicted for Half of Americans by 2020
Name: Carly
Posting: #2
Topic: Health
Title: Diabetes or Prediabetes Predicted for Half of Americans by 2020
Writer: Val Willingham
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: 11/23/10
Length: 472
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/23/diabetes-or-prediabetes-predicted-for-half-of-americans-by-2020/
There are currently about 26 million people in the US with diabetes, costing the government an estimated $194 per year in medical costs. But this problem is only going to get worse. A new report estimates that at this current rate, half of the US population will have it by 2020. This will cost a whopping $3.35 trillion. This should not be surprising, considering that diabetes is the fasting growing disease in America. This growth is due to many factors- firstly, the increase of obesity. Also, the growing population of seniors greatly shifts the numbers. And since there are now better treatments for diabetes, people are living longer. In order to combat this massive issue, health care officials are urging Americans to take better care of themselves. There is also an increased outcry to health care reform.
Conclusion: The amount of people in the US with diabetes is quickly becoming overwhelming. We need to change our health care to better suit this issue, and educate people to prevent the problem from growing.
Posting: #2
Topic: Health
Title: Diabetes or Prediabetes Predicted for Half of Americans by 2020
Writer: Val Willingham
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: 11/23/10
Length: 472
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/23/diabetes-or-prediabetes-predicted-for-half-of-americans-by-2020/
There are currently about 26 million people in the US with diabetes, costing the government an estimated $194 per year in medical costs. But this problem is only going to get worse. A new report estimates that at this current rate, half of the US population will have it by 2020. This will cost a whopping $3.35 trillion. This should not be surprising, considering that diabetes is the fasting growing disease in America. This growth is due to many factors- firstly, the increase of obesity. Also, the growing population of seniors greatly shifts the numbers. And since there are now better treatments for diabetes, people are living longer. In order to combat this massive issue, health care officials are urging Americans to take better care of themselves. There is also an increased outcry to health care reform.
Conclusion: The amount of people in the US with diabetes is quickly becoming overwhelming. We need to change our health care to better suit this issue, and educate people to prevent the problem from growing.
Held as Slaves, Now Free
Name:Emily
Posting #2
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Held as Slaves, Now Free
Author: Scott Bronstein, Amber Lyon and Alexandra Poolos
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Word Count: 407
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/02/slave.labor.ring.busted/index.html
Summary:
It is shocking to believe that human trafficking still exists, even in the year 2010. Young women, now around the age of 19, were only recently freed from being slaves. They were brought from their home country and their families to the Newark area, which is ironically just under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. They were promised a good education, but when they arrived, they were told that they were not going to school. Instead, they were forced to work in hair braiding shops. They were around the ages of 12 to 15 when they first began working. They often worked for 12 straight hours, weaving braids into the hair of free teenagers. One of them said, “I wished I could go with them. Most of the time, I’d end up just breaking down later crying… I just couldn’t understand why my life has to be this way…” They would also not get enough sleep. Some days they would be braiding hair until 2 in the morning if the customer wanted really small braids. Other days, they would not have enough food to eat. Even though they were in plain sight, they were under the eyes of their captors. They often said that it was like being trapped in a cage, and always being forced to behave. They would work seven days a week, and the people whose hair were being braided never knew that the people braiding their hair were slaves. Unfortunately, human trafficking continues widely today in the United States, but it goes on undetected. The girls would often lie about their ages to the customers, and had to say that they were 18 because their captors told them that. They sometimes wished that one of their customers would help them and go to the police. Now that they are free, they can attend high school, and one of them has been accepted into college. They have not been able to go home to visit their families , but they want to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Conclusion:
I think it is shocking and disgusting that slavery still exists in the world. What is even more alarming is that human trafficking also exists in the United States. I think the government should do something because there is too much undetected human trafficking going on and it is incredibly illegal. It strips people of their right to liberty and should not be tolerated.
Posting #2
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: Held as Slaves, Now Free
Author: Scott Bronstein, Amber Lyon and Alexandra Poolos
Publication Name: CNN
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Word Count: 407
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/12/02/slave.labor.ring.busted/index.html
Summary:
It is shocking to believe that human trafficking still exists, even in the year 2010. Young women, now around the age of 19, were only recently freed from being slaves. They were brought from their home country and their families to the Newark area, which is ironically just under the shadow of the Statue of Liberty. They were promised a good education, but when they arrived, they were told that they were not going to school. Instead, they were forced to work in hair braiding shops. They were around the ages of 12 to 15 when they first began working. They often worked for 12 straight hours, weaving braids into the hair of free teenagers. One of them said, “I wished I could go with them. Most of the time, I’d end up just breaking down later crying… I just couldn’t understand why my life has to be this way…” They would also not get enough sleep. Some days they would be braiding hair until 2 in the morning if the customer wanted really small braids. Other days, they would not have enough food to eat. Even though they were in plain sight, they were under the eyes of their captors. They often said that it was like being trapped in a cage, and always being forced to behave. They would work seven days a week, and the people whose hair were being braided never knew that the people braiding their hair were slaves. Unfortunately, human trafficking continues widely today in the United States, but it goes on undetected. The girls would often lie about their ages to the customers, and had to say that they were 18 because their captors told them that. They sometimes wished that one of their customers would help them and go to the police. Now that they are free, they can attend high school, and one of them has been accepted into college. They have not been able to go home to visit their families , but they want to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Conclusion:
I think it is shocking and disgusting that slavery still exists in the world. What is even more alarming is that human trafficking also exists in the United States. I think the government should do something because there is too much undetected human trafficking going on and it is incredibly illegal. It strips people of their right to liberty and should not be tolerated.
Is War with Korea Happening?
Name: Scott
Current Event: #2
Topic: Leaders
Title: Smoke with fire
Publication: Economist
Date of Publication: Nov. 23rd, 2010
Length: 300+ words
http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2010/11/north_korea_shells_south
North Korea shelled the small island of Yeonpyeong leaving two South Korea Marines dead and an unconfirmed amount of civilian casualties. This marks the second time North Korea has attacked South Korea this year but this is the first time that there were civilian casualties. Both the attacks occurred along or close to the Northern Limit Line (NLL). After the first event the US and S. Korea were scheduled to have war games but the Chinese (a N. Korean ally) persuaded the US to postpone the games because they did not feel comfortable with an American aircraft carrier and battle group in their waters. After the shelling the USS George Washington and battle group came into the Korean/Chinese waters to let the Koreans know that the US is there to help. S. Korea and the US are scheduled to have the war games later this month. Although China is concerned with the USS George Washington being so close to Chinese waters they are not putting up as much of a fight this time. There is a huge amount of tension on the Korean peninsula and it is a concern of the US. If S. Korea were to go to war with the North the US, being an ally of the South, would have to jump in and help S. Korea. China being an ally of the North would possibly help the North fight the South and the US. The leaders of S. Korea, the US, and China are trying to figure out a way to work this out peacefully. China's relationship with North Korea is starting to decay making this situation more dangerous and war all the more likely.
Opinion
I believe that war with N. Korea is a possibility but very unlikely. North Korea cannot finance. They don't have the natural resources and ability to produce the amount of ammunition and weapons to fight a war against the US and S. Korea. Also N. Korea does not have enough money to buy the weapons from Russia or China. Their ally China is capable of doing this and helping N. Korea fight the war but N. Korea and China are not as close as they were before.
Your phone is now a Federal matter
Name:Cameron
Posting #2
Period: D
Topic: Tech/Science:
Title: Courts Drawing line against warrantless phone data searches?
Author: Amy Gahran
Publication Date: December 2, 2010
Many people are unaware, but they are in fact carrying around a small GPS tracking device: their cell phone. In line with this, the FBI has also begun placing trackers on suspects car without a warrant. Both of these actions are cutting very close to the line of infringing on people's constitutional rights. Three court cases have brought up this question and so far the judges are protecting the citizens right to have privacy of data. However, the federal government is pushing back and trying to make it so that all of that kind of data may be legally available for them. The data would allow investigators to track their suspects without them ever having knowledge of it. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is a nonprofit group that is a major advocate for the protection of civil rights especially with regards to technology and data. One of the stronger arguments against release of personal data is the ruling of U.S. vs. Maryland. The verdict stated that "the warrantless installation and use of a GPS tracking device to monitor a suspects car violated the Fourth Amendment's ban on unreasonable searches and seizures." According to the U.S. vs. Maryland verdict your personal data is still protected under your civil rights. The argument is long from over and there will be more ground lost on either sides as technology advances.
In conclusion, as more and more technology is incorporated in our everyday lives the question is raised as to how much of it is assumed private. As of now the people are still protected to their personal data, however it is only a matter of time before your location and phone activity is a federal matter. The constitution will continue to be pressed and molded to accommodate the ever changing technology it must monitor.
Companies Stop Shipping 7 Caffeine-Alcohol Drinks
Name: Mario
Posting: #2
Topic: Health
Title: Companies Stop Shipping 7 Caffeine-Alcohol Drinks
Writers: Elizabeth Cohen and Matt Smith
Publication Name:CNN
Date of Publication: Nov 24
Length: 796 Words
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/24/alcohol.caffeine.drinks/index.html?npt=NP1
The United States Food and Drug Administration labeled seven caffeinated alcoholic drinks public health hazards on November 17th. The FDA sent warning letters to the companies stating that the addition of caffeine to alcoholic beverages was not approved by the agency. The letters gave the companies 15 days to either change the ingredients or face seizure under federal law. Ever since four manufacturers have had to stop production. The combination of these alcohol and caffeine has been declared unsafe. Experts say that the caffeine masks the effects of the alcohol so drinkers can be left unaware of how intoxicated they are. One of the beverages called 4 Loko is also known as blackout in a can. It was one of the few other companies that had decided to drop caffeine from its list of ingredients. These companies had been under review after nine underage students at Central Hospital University were hospitalized after drinking 4 Loko mixed with other beverages.
In conclusion, these drinks were taken off the market because they were considered too dangerous for the public. The combination of alcohol and caffeine was not approved by the FDA. A beverage known to cause blackouts should never have been available on the market to begin with.
FDA Panel Rejects Expanded Use of Prostate Drug (Madison)
First Name: Madison
Current Event Posting Number: 2
Topic: Health
Title: FDA Panel Rejects Expanded Use of Prostate Drug
Writer: Gina Kolata
Publication Name: New York Times
Date of Publication: December 1, 2010
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/health/policy/02drug.html?_r=1&ref=health
Summery:
Earlier this week the Food and Drug Administration was asked a question. Would they recommend that the labels of two different drugs be changed to say that they can reduce a mans risk of getting prostate cancer. If answered yes, these would be the second drug on the market saying it will reduce risk of cancer. The first being tamoxifen that reduces breast cancer. The two drugs that could be joining tamoxifen are the drug with a name of dutasteride, made by GlaxcoSmithKline and sold as Avodart. The other is Finasteride a generic made by Merck and sold as Proscar. But neither of these passed thew the Food and Drug Administration. The committee said that there were uncertinty about long term consequences. Even though both of these are currently on the market to help shrink the prostate their label will not be changed to say they can help avoid the risk of cancer.
Conclusion:
The FDA did the right thing by not letting both drugs pass. If the drugs had further consequences and they weren't sure if it would fully avoid cancer, than it was probably the best idea not to put the drugs under the category, helping avoid cancer. The drug could possible do more harm than good, and the FDA would have more of a problem if they were let threw.
Obama Calls for Federal Wage Freeze
Obama Calls for Federal Wage Freeze
Name: SurrientoPost: 2
Topic: Leaders
Title: Obama announces federal pay freeze
Author: Charles Riley, staff reporter (CNN)
Publication: CNN
Date: November 29, 2010: 3:12 PM ET
Length (word count):
(http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/29/news/economy/federal_pay_freeze/index.htm?cnn=yes)
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To reduce national debt, Obama proposes a plan to freeze federal pay that will, over the next 10 years, save an estimated $60 billion. Experts criticize that $6 trillion is needed to stabilize the debt, and the new proposal is less than 1% of the needed amount, doing little to help. Afterwards, Obama was quoted, “The hard truth is that getting this deficit under control is going to require some broad sacrifice. And that sacrifice must be shared by the employees of the federal government.” The freeze will not apply to military personnel, but to civilian federal employees, including those at the Department of Defence. Republicans (as well as the co-chairman of Obama’s bipartisan deficit commission) have, in recent weeks, argued in favor of the freeze.
The key lawmaker of Obama’s own party (Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland) criticized the proposal, stating that the freeze should be extended to more military personnel although not those actively serving in combat. The National Federation of Federal Employees (representing 110,000 workers) also came out against the proposal, “We understand that sacrifices will have to be made in order to reduce our nation’s growing budget deficit, but we believe doing so at the expense of dedicated civil service employees is a misguided approach.” President William Dougan commented. Public opinion on the matter differed, and in an online poll, showed that 68% of Americans voted that reducing deficit takes priority over avoiding cuts in salary and benefits for federal workers, but in the same poll, responded that avoiding significant spending cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, college loans, aid to farmers and unemployed workers, is more important than reducing deficit.
In conclusion, Obama’s proposal intends to freeze federal pay to help reduce the nation’s debt, siding with him are, currently, the Republicans and co-chairman of Obama’s bipartisan deficit commission. Critics argue that the impact of the freeze (saving $6 bil. over the next 10 years) will do little to help reduce the nation’s debt as the amount comes out as less than 1% of the actual debt itself. He (Obama) is currently facing critic from his own party and the National Federation of Federal Employees (whom are directly affected by the proposal). Public seems to lean in favor of the pay freeze to reduce deficit, but unwilling to give up other public services in exchange.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
U.S. diplomat: 'Grueling' effort to patch up international ties
Name: Jerry
Posting # 2
Topic: Politics
Title: U.S. diplomat: 'Grueling' effort to patch up international ties
Writer: Jill Dougherty
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: Dec.1
Length: 623 words
This week, the leak in classified U.S. diplomatic informations from "WikiLeaks" has caused great damage in United States' diplomacy. After the incident, U.S. officials are now trying to regain trust from foriegn countries. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, have been making grueling efforts to minimize the effect of the leak. State Department officials and embassies have reached out a total of 186 governments to reinforce Clinton's message of "our deep regret and underscore steps we've taken to ensure confidentiality and underscore important diplomatic work before us". The secretary, now travelling over Central Asia, is attendind 2 conference meeting with world leaders to show the U.S.'s commitment to diplmacy. The leaked also raised the charge against the Secretary's office as a directive to U.S. diplomats to collect information on foreign UN diplmats was disclosured. The State Department defended the charges, saying that the directive was not an instruction.
In conclusion, several government agencies and the State Department are now taking more control over the access to classified information. Even so, there was still a lot of gaps to fill in our diplomacy. The leak from WikiLeaks will still complicate U.S.'s diplomacy and international cooperation for a long time.
Posting # 2
Topic: Politics
Title: U.S. diplomat: 'Grueling' effort to patch up international ties
Writer: Jill Dougherty
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: Dec.1
Length: 623 words
This week, the leak in classified U.S. diplomatic informations from "WikiLeaks" has caused great damage in United States' diplomacy. After the incident, U.S. officials are now trying to regain trust from foriegn countries. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, have been making grueling efforts to minimize the effect of the leak. State Department officials and embassies have reached out a total of 186 governments to reinforce Clinton's message of "our deep regret and underscore steps we've taken to ensure confidentiality and underscore important diplomatic work before us". The secretary, now travelling over Central Asia, is attendind 2 conference meeting with world leaders to show the U.S.'s commitment to diplmacy. The leaked also raised the charge against the Secretary's office as a directive to U.S. diplomats to collect information on foreign UN diplmats was disclosured. The State Department defended the charges, saying that the directive was not an instruction.
In conclusion, several government agencies and the State Department are now taking more control over the access to classified information. Even so, there was still a lot of gaps to fill in our diplomacy. The leak from WikiLeaks will still complicate U.S.'s diplomacy and international cooperation for a long time.
Maddy_Dray_B#2_"Don't Ask" Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Name: Maddy D
Posting Number 2
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: "Don't Ask" Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Writer: Mark Thompson
Publication Date: November 28, 2010
Publication Name: CNN
Length: 722
Article: http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/11/28/dont-ask-showdown-looms-in-senate-this-week/
and http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/30/dadt.discharges/index.html
Summary: “Don’t ask, don’t tell” is a policy that restricts all openly bisexual service members or applicants from taking a part in the United Sates military. President Obama has put much effort into allowing openly gay people serve in the US military and for the past forty days no members have been taken out of the military for this reasoning. This is much improved from last year when they averaged to take out around eight troops each week all because they were openly bisexual. Some people along with more Republican politicians believe that this policy should stay because it is not acceptable to put the other members of the miliatary’s high standards of order, attitude, and discipline at risk. On the other side of things, a Democratic political talked about how bisexual members have been doing US military service for more than decades now and there has never been problem or challenge, and the sexuality of the members obviously does not change the outcome or ranking of the United States army because it is still top in the world. Many also state how it is a possible threat to fire perfectly good troops for the sole reason of them being bisexual. In other words, it is hurting the US military to take away these troops and people begin to question them why it is worth it put other members of the army along with the whole nation in danger just to follow the old rule that openly bisexual people are not allowed to take a part in the US military. Many also think that anyone who is willing to die for our country and is putting themselves out their in such risk, should be able to fight and it really should not matter what their sexual preference. It has been put out their that although the US military is defending a democracy this does NOT mean it is democracy. Meaning the service members really should not have the right to make this decision, it should not be let all up to them, but it should be chosen by the US government as a whole.
Conclusion: Now, if things go as the Senate and Pentagon leaders want them to, then the taking away of this 17 year lasting policy will happen within the next week, which would be moving very rapidly. This would mean the hundreds of service members discharged each year would come to an end, and all those great members who were taken out for being openly bisexual could be let back to help defend the country once again. This has been controversial for a long time now, and with the rapid decision making that the government has been making lately, things could end sooner than expected!
Posting Number 2
Period: D
Topic: Civil Rights
Title: "Don't Ask" Showdown Looms in Senate This Week
Writer: Mark Thompson
Publication Date: November 28, 2010
Publication Name: CNN
Length: 722
Article: http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2010/11/28/dont-ask-showdown-looms-in-senate-this-week/
and http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/11/30/dadt.discharges/index.html
Summary: “Don’t ask, don’t tell” is a policy that restricts all openly bisexual service members or applicants from taking a part in the United Sates military. President Obama has put much effort into allowing openly gay people serve in the US military and for the past forty days no members have been taken out of the military for this reasoning. This is much improved from last year when they averaged to take out around eight troops each week all because they were openly bisexual. Some people along with more Republican politicians believe that this policy should stay because it is not acceptable to put the other members of the miliatary’s high standards of order, attitude, and discipline at risk. On the other side of things, a Democratic political talked about how bisexual members have been doing US military service for more than decades now and there has never been problem or challenge, and the sexuality of the members obviously does not change the outcome or ranking of the United States army because it is still top in the world. Many also state how it is a possible threat to fire perfectly good troops for the sole reason of them being bisexual. In other words, it is hurting the US military to take away these troops and people begin to question them why it is worth it put other members of the army along with the whole nation in danger just to follow the old rule that openly bisexual people are not allowed to take a part in the US military. Many also think that anyone who is willing to die for our country and is putting themselves out their in such risk, should be able to fight and it really should not matter what their sexual preference. It has been put out their that although the US military is defending a democracy this does NOT mean it is democracy. Meaning the service members really should not have the right to make this decision, it should not be let all up to them, but it should be chosen by the US government as a whole.
Conclusion: Now, if things go as the Senate and Pentagon leaders want them to, then the taking away of this 17 year lasting policy will happen within the next week, which would be moving very rapidly. This would mean the hundreds of service members discharged each year would come to an end, and all those great members who were taken out for being openly bisexual could be let back to help defend the country once again. This has been controversial for a long time now, and with the rapid decision making that the government has been making lately, things could end sooner than expected!
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