Ryan Evans

National:
In Saginaw, Michigan four people were shot at halftime during a middle school football game. Two adults and two students were shot on Wednesday afternoon. The four were taken to the hospital after a delay because the police were not answering the phone. The sustained injuries, luckily, were not life-threatening and each is expected to live. The police have taken in one suspect, but are still looking for another. The game was being played between South Middle School, and North Middle School.

Opinion:
Michigan is probably one of the most unsafe states to live in. There is so much unemployment and crime there. Obviously, the police aren't helping matters much. That is most disturbing, they did not even answer the 911 call. There are obvious changes needed in the area. Also, how scary to be shot at a middle school football game, I can't imagine what would have happened had it been a varsity one.

National:
James Watson, a Nobel laureate scientist, resigned from the Cold Springs Harbor Lab in New York on Thursday because of comments pertaining to the intelligence of black people. He was widely condemned last week for commenting on the lower intelligence of black people. He was quoted referring to how he wishes everyone is equal but may not be. He also expressed how there were members of every color who were indeed talented. He did apologize for his alleged remarks. He said his retirement was overdue because of his age, he was 79, but the circumstances clouding his resignation were unimaginable and undesireable.

Opinion:
I never read his original remarks, i am just going off of this excerpt from msnbc.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21470511/ However, it is from my experience that the media simply blew his statements way out of proportion and possibly twisted his words around. The media and certain sensitive folk seem to make a habit of this.Yet, i must reiterate how i did not read his original article so i may not be correct. I am just going off of past controversies because the media is quite keen on making mountains out of mole-hills.

International:
In Mexico, actually off the Gulf of Mexico, an oil rig collided with an oil platform because of stormy weather and caused a major oil spill. Seven of the workers are still missing, as about sixty-one have been pulled to safety. Pemex, Mexico's oil monopoly have yet to control the mass leak. In fact, Pemex has estimated it will take about three to five days to completely regain control of the leak. Pemex president Felipe Calderon has issued apologies and several condolences in this painful time. Mexico's main oil ports are continuing to remain closed because of this tragedy.

Opinion:
The oil companies really need to be more careful. I am all for using our natural resources, but just be responsible. Oil and what not can severely damage sea life and contaminate a nation's water supply. I am not a proponent of Global Warming, but mass oil spills cannot be good for the environment. Plus, I don't want to have to listen to Al Gore anymore. Anyway, it is deeply saddening to see seven people have died because of this. Accidents such as these always bring tears to our eyes, and despair to our hearts.

International:
Accoding to Ambassador Abdelmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamed, the Sudanese government will initiate a cease fire with the Darfur rebels to help create a successful peace talk between the two groups. The negotiations will begin on October 27. This cease fire is allegedly going to the negotiators a chance to agree on a look term goal for the country, and area of Darfur. This is hopefully going to be a good confidence builder going into the talks. Earlier in the month, the U.N. special envoy to Dafur Jan Eliasson called for the Sudanese government and rebel sects to encounter in peace talks.

Opinion:
How long will this supposed peace end? Whenever there is a peace, or a new group seizes power, other rebel cells rise and fight. This is a never ending cycle, and I doubt it will stop any time soon. It is truly disheartening to see all the carnage and violence in central and north Africa. Heck, I am not even there and I still cringe the thought of it. The Islamic Insurgence needs to be removed because i think that is the main cause of this warfare. Democracy needs to be introduced to these haggard people. I am sure they want a better life, it is just those darn radicals that ruin it for them.