KrIsTa GrOtE

National

The Perfect Fire

SUMMARY
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California says that the fires taking place are like the “the perfect storm for fire” thanks to the high winds and humidity. A local fire fighter says, "It hurts us to have those homes lost. It hurts us to have those injuries. And it is frustrating for us to watch our community be devastated by this." The fires are taking a tole on many people, not only those who live in and are being evacuated from the southern parts of California, but also those traveling there and those attending college at the local universities. It'll speed federal dollars to people whose property losses aren't covered by insurance and will help local and state agencies pay for the emergency response. The smoke from the fire is also creating an ash like rain and making people miserable.

OPINION
Hopefully this fire will end soon because I don’t want the population increasing in Arizona because everyone is moving here, because more people means more traffic and it already takes long enough to get places these days. On the other hand I hope the fire gets contained soon because loss never brings happiness.

International

Gulf Problems

SUMMARY
About 18 workers were killed and 7 missing at an oil drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The drill crashed into the oil platform during a storm on the sea. 61 of the workers were able to save but they do not make up for the lives that were lost. When the drill crashed into the platform it made a gas and oil leak that would not be able to be capped for three to five days. The drill was only next to the platform so the workers could drill a new well but instead it got in way of the storm.

OPINION
It’s always sad to hear about people dying, especially when they are doing their job. It was a shame they were able to save 61 people but they couldn’t save 25 more. I just hope that the oil spill doesn’t contaminate the water in the Gulf and kill many more sea creatures.

National

Dog Fight

SUMMARY
Oscar Allen is accused for selling a pit bull to the suspended NFL quarterback, Michael Vick’s, who is in charge of a dog fighting operation. The man had to go to federal court to enter a plea. He is charged for aiding illegal gambling to sponsor a dog in an animal fight. Vick will not be charged until December because he sold a pit bull to a co-defendant and Allen supposedly encouraged him to do so and then he killed 6 of the 8 dogs after not performing up to expectations. He is charged at this time for killing the dogs and putting money on the fight.

OPINION
This is ridiculous, Vick needs to get a real hobby, maybe when he is in jail he will have time to think about what he did and be able to come up with something logical to do for his hobby. His buddy Allen can help him come up with ideas while he is in prison with him too. These guys are a disgrace to man kind for killing mans best friend.

International

Earthquake

SUMMARY
In Jakarta, Indonesia an earthquake was experienced by those in the town. Many people evacuated the town when there was a brief tsunami warning released. The earthquake shook up a region of 85 miles destroying many people’s homes and corrupting their lives. The biggest concerns are that this earthquake so close to the coast is going to trigger a destructive tsunami. Unfortunately this type of this is not uncommon for this country.

OPINION
I feel bad for people that live in places were natural disasters are not uncommon. That is one of the things I really like about Arizona is that there really is nothing bad that happens here besides the summer heat which really isn’t all that bad when it comes down to. I’m just curious how people in these countries are able to build a stable economy if it is always being destroyed.