Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Extra Credit Opportunity

You can attend either or both of the following Presidential Primary Candidate Forums at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Each forum is worth 30 extra credit points if you answer the questions below either as a comment or a new post. If you have any question please ask in-class or via email (mhjort@phoenixchristian.org).

Directions:
1. List Candidate Representatives who are present.
2. Summarize topics discussed at the forum.
3. Explain how each Candidates Representative stated their candidates viewpoints on the many different questions discussed.
3. Summarize your opinion of the overall effect of the forum.
4. Explain which campaign you felt did the best conveying their viewpoint (most convincing). Why did you feel this way?


Ashley Furnia

National
1: As the University of South Carolina continues to heal after a North Carolina beach house fire Sunday killed six of its students and a student from Clemson University, the world is getting know the stories of the victims and survivors.
Of the six people who escaped the blazing beach house, Fredrick Wylie was the only one on his floor to survive.

Opinion
That is so sad that there was only one kid out of eight that survived that beach house fire. I feel so bad for all those people loosing their homes and families, animals, loved ones, and friends. It must be so difficult for them to survive through life without all those people. I hate the feeling thinking that this is going to be happening more until someone can stop it. That is going to take a while too because if they could stop it they would have already.

2:The murder trial of British au pair Louise Woodward 10 years ago rocked the small town of Newton, Mass., and brought "shaken baby syndrome" into the national consciousness.
Woodward, 19, was found guilty of second-degree murder for violently shaking 8-month-old Matthew Eappen and causing his death.Days after the jury's decision, the judge shocked residents by commuting the sentence down to manslaughter and releasing Woodward for time served (about nine months). She returned to Britain and has maintained she did not hurt Matthew.

Opinion
That is messed up that the baby got killed from being shaken to hard. That is horrible that a babysitter would just try and shake a baby until it shuts up I mean you should know better than that when you are a babysitter. Someone dumb has to do that. I would never shake a baby until it was quit that is not going to make it shut up. You should learn from that to not do it. Then she gets off from doing that and gets the charge taken off on top of it that is just wrong.

International
1:Tropical Storm Noel headed toward the Bahamas on Tuesday after causing flooding and mudslides that killed at least 20 people in the Dominican Republic and left another 20 missing, officials said.
Forecasters said a tropical storm watch, which means that tropical storm conditions are possible within 36 hours, may be issued for southeast Florida later in the day.The spinning tropical storm had been forecast to hit Haiti hardest but veered toward the Dominican Republic, apparently catching residents off guard Monday.

Opinion
I hate it when you hear that there is a storm so bad and it just destroys a place because you obviously cannot stop it. The weather needs to get more mellow even though you cant do anything to do that but I wish you could. People loose so much stuff in these situations and so many things close to their hearts I feel so bad for them. Then they have to move out here or get sent out here until everything is fixed and thats not done for a long period of time.

2:The first two days of torture started with threatening questions about his family's conspiracy. Shin Dong-Hyuk had no answers because at age 14, he was required to live in the dormitory with other teenagers in North Korea's notorious political prison camp No.14, north of Pyongyang. He had not seen his parents and brother for weeks.
The next morning, Shin was hung upside down with his ankles cuffed, all day long. He wondered why his mother and brother tried to escape, if what the authorities claimed was true. Surely, they should have known that anything short of being out of place in this camp is punished by death.On the fourth day Shin was dragged into cell No.7, the secret underground torture chamber. Completely stripped, legs cuffed, hands tied with rope, his legs and hands were hung from the ceiling. The torturers lit up a charcoal fire under his back. He struggled. But they pierced a steel hook near Shin's groin to keep him from writhing. Amid the sounds and smells of flesh burning, Shin then blacked out. Eleven years after that day, Shin Dong-Hyuk is now standing high in Seoul, South Korea, signing autographs in his recently published book "Escape to the Outside World."

Opinion
That is so horrible that north korea gets away with what they do to people. They need to get caught or at least get into trouble for doing that. The police or our air force or something needs to definetly take care of that pronto. People cannot live their lives like that it is wrong and hateful.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

David Jeong

International 1

Oil hits new record over $90

Summary
: U.S. crude for December delivery jumped $3.36 to settle at $90.46 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, surpassing the previous settlement high of $89.47 a barrel set Oct. 19. Oil also hit a new trading peak of $90.60, breaking the previous record of 90.07. OPEC Secretary-General Abdalla Salem El-Badri said that theyhave no price band or price target.

Opinion: Those mid-east oil rich countries are so blessed with their oil and they are playing with those oils and I hate that. Whatever the reason is, now the oil prices are so high, I am concerned for all the world's economy because without the oil, the transportaion would definitely be damaged and resulting a bad outcome. It doesn't means that there would not be any oil, but since the price is so high, companies would have trouble getting the same amount of oil and they would have trouble transporting their products.

International 2

China economy to exceed Germany`s

Summary: China's supercharged economy grew by a stunning 11.5 percent in the third quarter, surging ahead despite official efforts to cool the boom and putting it on track to overtake Germany as the world's third-largest within weeks. The communist government wants to maintain fast growth to ease poverty but worries that a runaway expansion or overspending on real estate and other assets could ignite a financial crisis.

Opinion: Well, it sounds really dangerous. The reason why is that if communist government becomes one of the economic giants, it would not be a good situation. They might try some crazy things and make a dumb deal out with their economy, money. I hope their economy would collapse right now.

National 1

Superjumbo begins landmark flight

Summary: Flying from Singapore to Sydney, Australia, on Thursday, the enormous A380 is carrying passengers who bid up to $100,000 for a seat on the historical trip with 455 passengers and a crew of about 30, including four pilots. Now people are focused on the environmental worries. Airbus insists the A380, capable of carrying up to 850 people in all-economy mode, is more fuel efficient and is banking on the jet to open up a new front in the battle for the commercial skies.

Opinion: First of all, I don't like airbus. They are so cheaply made. If I were to be a CEO of an airline company, I would go for BOEING's airplanes because they are more durable and better in quality. Well, it is a good news for a lot of people that A380 is now all made because a lot of airline companies waited months for that plane. Airbus should keep their promises well and be on time.

National 2

Discovery rockets to space

Summary: Space shuttle Discovery and a crew of seven rocketed into orbit, on Oct 23rd, in pursuit of the international space station, where a formidable construction job awaits them. Space shuttle Discovery and a crew of seven rocketed into orbit in pursuit of the international space station, where a formidable construction job awaits them. The astronauts will attach an Italian-built live-in compartment, about the size of a small bus, to the space station.

Opinion: It is always interesting about men going out to the space. It requires the best technology of we have. People say that there are so many human in the earth, that the end of human species is coming. I don't really care what they say but it is definitely a true idea that there are so many people on the surface of the earth. I hope those space station and space projects are successful and be able to get another home for human.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Kellye Harkey...These are next weeks blogs 10/29

International:

A pro-pedophilia group has posted photos of 3-year-old Princess Amalia, daughter of the heir to the Dutch throne, on its Web site, a government spokesman said Friday.
The site of Martijn, a group that says it lobbies for acceptance of consensual physical relationships between adults and children, also showed pictures of Crown Prince Willem-Alexander's 5-year-old nephew Lucas. One photo of Princess Amalia was on the site until the Government Information Service ordered it removed Thursday night, said royal house spokesman Chris Breedveld.Lawyers for the royal house have issued a summons ordering the Web site's controllers to remove pictures of the royal children or face a US$72,000 fine for each infringement. The site's controllers must also sign a declaration acknowledging that what they did was unlawful, Breedveld said. If they refuse, the royal house will seek an injunction on Monday.



Opinion:

This makes me so sad. I really had no idea that there were people out there that supported what pedophiles do, maybe that's just being naive but I really thought it was only the pedophiles themselves that approved of their indecent and disgusting lifestyle. I'm glad that the Royal government is forcing them to take the pictures off. Even if they make the deadline in time I think they should still fine them for putting the pictures up. I just do not understand why people think it's ok to do stuff like that.



International:

More than 3,000 people who volunteered to receive an experimental Merck and Co. AIDS vaccine are being told to come back and get extra tests because the jab may itself raise the risk of infection. Researchers stress that they do not yet have enough information to say whether those who got the shot indeed are more susceptible to infection with HIV. But they said initial information from the trial, which was stopped suddenly last month, is worrisome. At present, there is a tremendous amount of data being analyzed from the ... trial to see if there is, in fact, any greater risk of infection in those volunteers who received the vaccine," Dr. Mark Feinberg, vice president of medical affairs and public health for Merck, said in an e-mail letter.
Two studies were stopped in September after the independent board monitoring one of the trials noticed some troubling data.



Opinion:

Wow. I think this whole situation must be bitter sweet. For a place to come out and say "Hey we could possibly have an AIDS vaccination", would give hope to so many people. Then suddenly say "Well instead of making you better, we might of made you worse". I feel bad for the people who thought there could be a cure but now they are not so sure. I later read that the vaccination did not cause anymore damage then what was already done.

National:
Four toddlers of a Houston family tested positive for cocaine, including twin 11-month-old boys, after police said nurses became suspicious when one of the twins showed little pain despite a fractured arm. Parents Emanuel Jones and Tammy Lynn Melton have been charged on felony counts of child injury and remain in jail. Both tested positive for cocaine and antidepressants and were arrested late Wednesday, police said. Authorities said they are unsure how the children, including a 2-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy, ingested the drug. In all, the two cared for eight children, including twin newborn girls. "Either the parents are smoking cocaine around them or they are sharing it with them," Catheryn Gardner-Sanders, a Houston police investigator, said in Thursday's online editions of the Houston Chronicle. All of the children have been removed from the home and placed in foster care, authorities said.

Opinion:
What in the world is wrong with parents these days? It is not OK to do Cocaine let alone share it with my 2yr old! These people look like and seem like the people that you see on cops (all of you know what I'm talking about) and you laugh and wonder if there are really people in this world that stupid. Well I guess there is. I really just cannot grasp why parents would be ok with this... maybe because I'm not a parent? Please Mr.Hjort..explain.

National:
A jury on Friday decided that a woman convicted of killing an expectant mother and cutting her baby from her womb should receive the death penalty. Jurors deliberated for more than five hours before recommending the sentence for Lisa Montgomery. Prosecutors say a judge will sentence Montgomery, but is obligated to abide by the jury's recommendation. Montgomery, 39, was convicted Monday of kidnapping and killing Bobbie Jo Stinnett on Dec. 16, 2004, in the victim's home in the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore. She was arrested the next day in Melvern, Kan., where she was showing off the newborn as her own.Montgomery wiped her eyes with a tissue as the jury announced its sentencing decision. Her attorney, Fred Duchardt, had his hand on her shoulder.

Opinion:
PRAISE THE LORD! I knew that their had to be some sort of justice in this world. This women is sick in the head and should be put to death. I really hope the judge will go through with the jury recomendation. I really feel like this women should of known she had to coming. I dont understand how someone could defend her.. oh wait.. money. Nevermind. Well all I can say is the jury made the right decsion.

Kaylen May Gerkey

NATIONAL
Charred bodies found as officials sift arson clues

Summary:
The number of deaths grew to seven Thursday and more people are being injured. Some have been elderly people, who died during the evacuation and rescuers found illegal immigrants in the ruble and ash killed by the flames. As conditions have improved in some areas people have been able to return back to their homes while the fire rages on in other places. As the people returned home some were shocked by the condition of their homes and others were just glad to be alive and have their families there with them. Bush also appeared on Thursday in Rancho Bernardo with the governor and declared it a federal disaster freeing money to send. The estimated amounted damage is near $1 billion.

Opinion:
I guess these natural disaster things are just going to continue to happen. I know this thing was started by arson but it’s a devastating thing that keeps happening to our country. First the hurricanes and Katrina and now the California fires. I really feel for these families because there was no warning and no way for them to protect there things and with the price of damages continually going up as the burn continues recovering is going to be a hard thing once this is over.

NATIONAL
Student’s death likely caused by staff infection

Summary:
Another child dies from the MRSA bacteria. A student from New York died Thursday from this staff infection that appears to be going around constantly. The MRSA bug kills more people than AIDS every year, says the CDC. 25 – 30 percent of people are said to carry the bacteria, but such infections are typically minor but if aggravated or not taken care of can turn fatal. More and more cases are being heard about this MRSA bacterium and more innocent children are dying.

Opinion:
I believe I wrote a blog recently on this and it’s a bit scary that I am seeing this again. I wish they would find out what the cause is. The CDC and whoever is in charge says this thing is not contagious and whatever but more and more kids are dying and even though it’s just small numbers it could get worse. I think the best thing right now is to find the cause and find a cure or something to help these innocent children, plus I don’t want this to happen to me.

INTERNATIONAL:
A million in Zimbabwe adds up to one US dollar

Summary:
There has been a current frenzy to buy hard currency in Zimbabwe. It’s been said the exchange rate has been $1 million to $1 US on the black market. The new rate has added to the inflation already the highest in the world. The initial rate was near 6,500 but is now closer to 25,000. Demand for foreign currency is huge as people scramble for cash to buy necessities like oil and basic cooking goods. Plus the central government added to the countries problems by also buying on the black market.

Opinion:
I’m guessing they are a struggling nation with such high inflation occurring and the rate soaring through the roof. In the article there was little to say as to why the government was doing this but my best guess is to keep more money for themselves and the government and the people are then left struggling. It’s very sad because they work so hard for food and this kind of inflation is ridiculous, some may starve and even die. I know it is occurring already but it will just add to the already existing problem.

INTERNATIONAL
UK schoolgirls to get ‘cancer jab’

Summary:
Schoolgirls in Britain will be vaccinated against the virus that causes cervical cancer from September 2008, ministers have announced. The government had planned to begin vaccinating girls 12-23 year olds with a catch up plan to 18 year olds. Such a vaccination should save the lives of many people in Britain since it is one of the main killers of girls every year. Britain’s government is looking for evidence that the cost will benefit the government before they begin. They will start out at 12-13 year olds and probably reach 16 year olds. Scotland, Wales, and Ireland are looking at implementing the same measures.

Opinion:
To me this vaccination seems like a good idea. It’s trying to save the lives of little girls from HPV but if they chose not to have sex or stuff of that nature they would not have to worry about contracting the virus to begin. Giving the vaccination to all girls will just encourage them to go out and do it more. I know they probably think they are trying to help and save them, and they are, from dying. But the girls are still going to have sex, now that they won’t die, and who knows what other disease they will contract and or die from next.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Tyler Adair

National-

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/25/fire.trailers/index.html

Fires in southern California burned down 100 out of 130 mobile homes, and it is thought to take months to reopen. Some residents believe that the mobile home park will never open again. Fire officials claim a creek separating the 30 from the rest was what saved those homes. Some of the residents are believed to be in America illegally, but the Red Cross, which is donating aid to the displaced people, says they don’t care who’s legally here and who’s not, as long as their human, they’ll help.

A quote from one of the displaced residents read, "We can rebuild a house. You can't rebuild a life,” I think this Is a statement which need to be reverberated in these types of situations, when so much is lost, and so much work now seems useless, it’s important to look around and see what really matters; the people who fill the homes. I couldn’t imagine being chased out of my home by a fire, it must be extremly difficult.


International-

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/10/25/turkey.kurds/index.html

In a press release Thursday, Turkey’s president stated that they are finished with putting up with terrorist insurgents that are attacking Iraq and hiding in Turkey. He said that the Turkey government has had to restrain themselves from launching an all out cross border attack on terrorists in Iraq. The Turkish military report that they have killed 30 terrorists already in Turkey. The Iraqi government is trying to speak with Turkish officials to make sure they don’t launch there own attack on Terrorist across the Iraqi border.

It makes me proud to see another country taking some action against these people. For so long it has seemed (I couldn’t tell you if it was because the medias refusal to acknowledge it or because it’s not happening) that none of the countries over there even care about these crazy terrorist, suicide bombing people. But hopefully more and more countries will take a stand like Turkey and say they are tired of these people and take some action to get rid of them.


National-

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,304698,00.html

Wesley Spratt is an inmate serving a life sentence in Rhode Island for the murder of a parking lot attendant and is spreading God’s word. Last summer however his preaching was put to an end by a prison guard and he took his case to court. Spratt one his case because of the right of religious expression and now continues to preach to fellow inmates. He says, “I've prayed with everybody, I don't care who you are — child molester, bank robber, stick-up kid." Several pastors have backed Spratt and his preaching saying its Biblical and the truth.

Of course, I don’t know this person, but I don’t see any reason to stop someone from preaching. There was no explanation given by the guard, and if he is preaching respectfully, then he should be able to all he wants. As long as the gospel is being preached, it doesn’t matter who is doing the preaching, a murder or a liar, we’ve all fallen short.


International-

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,304698,00.html

It’s no longer long lines at the check in counters, or folding sheets that hotel workers are focusing on, its how to handle nude, sleepwalking customers. In just over 300 Travel lodges in England over 400 cases of people sleepwalking naked have been reported. Most of the people were men, and said to be walking into the lodge asking for a paper or watching the lobby TV. Researchers blame stress, alcohol, and lack of sleep for the cases which have been reported.

I think hearing about someone sleepwalking naked is hilarious, however they have 400 cases of this happening in the same hotel chain just seems creepy. If I was a worker at one of these hotels and saw some person walk in the lobby naked and asking for a paper I don’t know what I would do.

Lauren Bell

National 1

Summary:
In Orange County, California, one of the larger fires was deliberately started by someone with apparent knowledge of arson, a fire official said Thursday. The Santiago Fire in Orange County was started in two places along a little-traveled road, according to Chief Chip Prather of the county's fire authority. The fire, which has burned more than 25,000 acres, was started in brush just off Santiago Canyon Road, not close to homes. It spread rapidly, indicating the arsonist had some knowledge of winds and other factors.
Opinion:
These fires are so crazy. This is so sad and so terribly unfortunate. To think of all of those families whose homes are now gone, breaks my heart. I really am praying for all of the people in California going through this devastating time. The evacuation rates are sky rocketing and its such a threat and such a scare to so many. All of California is in my deepest thoughts and prayers.
National 2
Summary:
In Los Angeles, California Britney Spears is no longer facing hit-and-run charges since she paid off the other car's driver in the fender-bender, but she still has to deal with one count of driving without a license, a court commissioner ruled Thursday. Spears was not required to attend the hearing on the misdemeanor charges stemming from an August 6 parking lot mishap. Superior Court Commissioner Susan Speer dismissed the hit-and-run charge after a lawyer for the pop star said his client had paid an undisclosed amount to a woman whose car was hit in a Studio City parking lot. A charge of driving without a license was not dismissed and a pretrial hearing was scheduled for November 26. The commissioner accepted a not guilty plea entered on Spears' behalf by lawyer Michael Flanagan to that charge.
Opinion:
Why do stupid abusive celebrities always get out of things like this? It’s so gay. They always make horrible choices and they end up getting rewarded for it. How retarded. This shows how messed up our world is today. It is such popularity contests its ridiculous. You wonder why so many people are messed up in our world today. Because they have “role models” like this to look after.
International 1
Summary:
In London, England a rescuer who tried to help Diana after her Paris car crash said Thursday that the princess spoke as she lay in the wreckage, repeating the words "oh my God" over and over. Damian Dalby told an inquest into Diana's death that he and his brother rushed over to the wreckage of the princess' Mercedes after it crashed in the Pont d'Alma tunnel on August 31, 1997. Dalby, who was a volunteer French firefighter at the time, told the inquest by video link from Paris that the car was surrounded by photographers. "The car's rear, right-hand side door was open, and a photographer was close by, but he did not stop me from doing my assistance job," Dalby said. Ian Burnett, lead lawyer for the inquest, asked Dalby: "Was it right the lady in the car was trying to speak?" "Yes, she was saying: 'Oh my God, Oh my God,"' Dalby said.
Opinion:
This whole accident was such a heart wrenching incident. It’s so sad to look back on it with Diana’s last words. Death is a scary thing and looking back upon it is even scarier. You have to wonder what was really going through her mind in her last moments and its kinda cool to be able to know that all she could say was “o my God” she was very distinct and obviously in shock. Those words are gut wrenching.
International 2
Summary:
In Beijing, China the International Olympic Committee said Thursday that Beijing's air pollution problem means some outdoor events may be postponed for a day or two at next year's Olympics. With 10 months to go before the Summer Games, air pollution has emerged as one of Beijing's biggest problems in generally smooth preparations. A report by the United Nations Environment Program also criticized Beijing's progress on cleaning its air as slow, and said some pollution exceeded World Health Organization standards.
Opinion:
I hope that these interruptions won’t last long. This could be a huge disturbance and cause a huge uproar. We can only hope and pray that all of this. The Olympics being cancelled or even post- poned is a huge deal. This is a big deal and I really hope all of it gets cleared up really really fast. We have enough disasters going on right now, we don’t need this, it’s the last thing we need.

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.

Brian!

National - A man from Indiana and his son were saved last Friday, not from a fire alarm, but by their parrot, Peanut, who imitated one. The smoke alarm had activated, but due to other droning noises in the house it could not be heard, and it was the bird that woke the two up from sleeping on the couch.

Opinion – This reminds me of a TV show that used to be on that PAX station. It was some animal rescue, or animal miracles show. It was really corny, but all the stories on it would be something like this. This is just proof that every once in a while, pets do pay you back for cleaning their mess up after them.

National - Today, The United States Postal Service did something very important. They put out a stamp of Yoda, the Jedi Master from the Star Wars films. Yoda was released along with several other stamps, namely the annual holiday stamps, which this year feature Norwegian sweater designs. All the stamps are all 41 cents, first class.

Opinion – It seems like mail is becoming obsolete, but I always prefer getting messages that are nicely handwritten. Especially if they have cool stamps. Even more so if the stamp is of Yoda.

International - The world’s new largest passenger jet, the Airbus A380, made its first flight from Singapore to Sydney, Australia today. This fuel efficient, extremely quiet, double-decker plane has ended the Boeing 747’s reign as the most spacious passenger plane. The plane is capable of carrying more than twice as many passengers as the 747 (from 400 up to more than 800). From the description, the first flight sounded more like a cruise than an uncomfortable plane trip.

Opinion – This is pretty cool. The article even mentioned that the plane has room for luxury suites with double beds. Maybe more people will eventually take plane trips for the mere enjoyment of it someday as planes grow bigger and more comfortable. I’m just waiting for commercial flights out of the atmosphere.

International - On Tuesday, Communist dictator Fidel Castro released a brief essay entitled, "Bush, Hunger and Death". In it he claimed that Bush may spark World War III, and is aggravating world hunger and famine, partly due to a bill that Bush signed which is meant to support using of corn and other crops for developing fuel. Castro has been too weak to appear in public and for over a year his handpicked successor, his brother Raul, has been filling in for Fidel. The attack on Bush (one of many recent attacks by Castro) was meant to preempt Bush’s own speech calling for free speech, freedom of assembly, and free elections in Cuba. Municipal elections were held (staged) last Sunday in order to determine (in a one party system) whether Castro would remain the leader in Cuba.

Opinion – When are these men (Castro, bin Laden) going to kick the bucket? Or when are we going to find out that they already might have? While it’s possible Bush might get us into more International conflict (for better or for worse) before his term is up, it doesn’t seem likely that America would be the ones to start WWIII or even be willing to use nuclear weapons except as a last resort. And while it does seem more governmental collaboration should be done about world hunger, this doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with growing crops for fuel (my dad always tells this story about accidentally eating feed corn, which isn’t even meant for people, but for farm animals). Castro’s arguments don’t hold up, while Bush’s arguments do (his speech was on C-Span Wednesday). Americans have fundamental rights guaranteed in the first amendment that Cubans simply don’t, and such a thing can’t go on forever.

the craziest blog that no one can match because its about some crazy mom that pierced her daughter u know what

International

From http://story.news.ask.com//article/20071025/D8SGD7500.html

Vladimir putin says that putting international sanctions in iran is not a good idea he says that thteaning military action is never a good idea because it puts extra pressure on the country and it forces that country to take action of its own and that could lead to something that nobody wants and possible nuclear action that would be bad and the us is helping build irans first nuclear powerplant is highly against sanctions in iran

I agree with putin I think that we should stay out of iran and let things handle themselves if we get nuked than we have a reason to nuke some one else then we can lay down some ultimate punishment then we could take over the world

International

From http://story.news.ask.com//article/20071025/D8SGGJJG0.html

Us pressure on Turkish govt isn’t making them reconsider their decision to invade northern iraq to capture Kurdish rebels and crush their rebellion this is bad because northern iraq is one of the only places in iraq where this is still peace and the turks are just going to go in and crush the peace and end up killing more people in iraq

This dumb because iraq is slowly starting to get better because of American progress than the dumb turks have to come in trying to crush some rebels in a country that is not even their own what is the big deal if there is rebels that aren’t even in their country they just need to let it go and mind their own business and stay in there own country kind of like the US

National

From http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaolaBoivin/9452

This years asu team is being compared to the 1996 rose bowl team a year much similar to this years in that the starting running back was injured in a game and the second string guy steped up and took his spot and asu had to win some key games on the road such as a key game against USC and almost losing to washinton after leading by 21 in the first quarter this is a good thing even though that asu team went to the rose bowl and lost this team may just be more like the team in 1986 that won the rosebowl

I love dennis Erickson he is the coach of the future espically with elway coming in in a few years asu should shock some people over the nezt few years as for this year it is a little to early to tell these next four games should tell us a lot it will show asu’s true caliber and wether or not they deserve that fourth ranking I think they do and they will go to the national championship game and play boston collage and it will be a hell of a game

National

From http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1025piercing25-on.html

A girls mom forced her to get her genitailia pierced because the girl had been having sex with numerous partners and one of which was the girls mothers boyfriend the mom had her daughters head shaved to make her less attractive and her genitailia pierced to make it uncomfortable for her daughter to have sex the mom says she was just trying to teach her daughter a lesson and wanted to scare her. The daugheter says her mom was out of control and it wasn’t just physical abuse but also mental abuse

This is insane talk about cruel and unusual punishment that’s just ridiculous for her to do that to her own daughter even if she was having sex with her moms boy friend I cant imaging what that girl is going to do with it and how she is going to punish her kids when she gets older man this world is getting more and more messed up every day and its to bad

Da Man Da Myth Da Legend Duh Jon Lemnitzer

International: Further Proof of Israeli Air Strike on Syria

Summary: The Institute for Science and International Security has released satellite photographs showing the site of the alleged Israeli air strike before and after the strike took place. the pictures pre-dating the strike show a large industrial style building and a water pumping facility near the Euphrates River, the facility could easily have been a covert nuclear reactor, a charge Syria vehemently denies. The second series of photos from the same site were taken on October 24 more than six weeks after the attack show no signs of the building. Not only was the target destroyed but Syria has gone to great lengths to remove any trace of the buildings.

Opinion: Syria has been a troublesome country for decades and it is also a key alley of Iran its current strong man Bashir Assad wishes for Syria to play a larger role in the region's politics but his regime has been largely isolated by the United States and it's allies. I would not be surprised if he was covertly constructing a nuclear reactor, Israeli intelligence is pretty reliable and it was enough of a threat for an air strike to be launched. Syria did not seem to want to make to much noise about the incident which makes me suspicious as to the intentions of both nations. I believe we should make a concerted effort to warm relations with Syria it will help in countless weighs, Syria will not feel it must ally with Iran, which is an unnatural alliance brought about only by the current circumstances.

National: Bush Visits California Fires

Summary: As more than 10 fires rage in Southern California fueled by the Santa Anna Winds, President George W Bush has flown in to visit the disaster area and promised federal aid to help with rescue and recovery operations. As of Friday more than 900,000 people had been evacuated from homes in San Diego County and the death toll has risen to 14 with more than 2, 600 structures being destroyed so far. The massive fires are being fought by more than 1,000 firefighters, 1,500 national guard troops, 50 helicopters, and 55 planes. A massive effort is being put into containing the deadly fires in one of the most heavily populated regions in the United States.

Opinion: Bush stopped by to visit the disaster area and promise speedy federal aid. It is interesting to think of the role of the president during a natural disaster or any type of disaster. He is of course obligated to stop by at least for a day, tour some wreckage, visit refugees, and of course tell firefighters what a great job they are doing. I think if I was president I would don a firefighting suit and fight the fire on the front lines for a while, than spend a night with refugees om Qualcomm Stadium, now that would be a pr coup.



Da Man Da Myth Da Legend Duh Jon Lemnitzer

Susan Jewell

national:
SUMMARY
The fire in California is beginning to be contained. Seven deaths can be attributed directly to the fire. Four burned bodies were found on Thursday. Firefighters believe the bodied may have been illegal immigrants. On Wednesday President Bush declare the fire area in California a state of emergency. Some suggest the cost of repairing the burned buildings will be about 1 billion.The winds have died down greatly, having gone from 100 mph on Sunday to 10 mph on Thursday. One woman said she just barely managed to escape her house. As the family left their house was already on fire on the back portion.

OPINION
I love Arizona and the exact region I live in Arizona. I am so glad the winds are dying down that will definitely be able to allow the firefighters that are combating the fire be able to kill it. The people whose houses burned must be greatly suffering. I think that with the fires that have occurred in the last few years fire departments across the nation should maybe come up with some sort of giant house. Also if the water company could make the water in the areas turn on and seep into everything the fire could be put out much faster. Learning from this fire is the best to be hoped for now.




national:
SUMMARY
In 2004 a pregnant woman was brutally murdered and the baby was taken out of the mother one month early by c-section performed by the murderer. The defendant's lawyers claim she was mentally ill due to physical and sexual abuse suffered as a child. The dead woman was found by her mother. The polices 911 call was played to the jury -- they wept at the call. The defendant was said to have cried after listening to the tape as well. The defendant's daughter says her mom does not remember doing the crime. The lawyers are asking for life in jail with no probation as the sentence.

OPINION
I may be somewhat cruel but i really feel as though this woman should suffer greatly for the cause she did to the dead woman and those who knew her. i feel as though a method for death which the US has outlawed would be appropriate, such as the electric chair or hanging. the outcome has yet to be decided but I hope the answer is death.




international:
SUMMARY
The world is melting. global warming has made Alaska warmer by 3 degrees in the past 50 years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recommended the polar bear be placed on the Threatened Species list.

OPINION
The world goes through cycles of temperature. 50 years and only three degrees shouldn't"t be too much to worry about. I think the polar bears will be fine. the best will survive and breed other strong polar beers. natural selection has a way of making the most suitable still be alive.



international:
SUMMARY
in Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is the front runner for the presidency. if she whens she will succeed her husband. "Regarding Hillary Clinton, Fernandez said, "Hillary and I have few things in common: We've both been senators, lawyers and wives of presidents, but not much else."


OPINION
Wow, to be the strongest candidate in a country not known for being open minded Kichner is doing VERY well. I do not know her political views but I hope if she wins that as President she will represent Argentina and women well.

murphy james

natonal
summary:
a man was wrongly convicted of a rape. he spent 22 years, almost 1/2 of his life in jail. a dna test proved his innocence. so far dna tests have proved 208 people innocent.

opinion:
i think its a dreadful thing that people are sentenced to jail/death for crimes they didn't commit. even if they are proven innocent, their entire lives are altered.

international
summary:
the pirates are at it again!!! the pirate activity has increased 14% since the start of the year.
opinion:
i love pirates. but ninjas are better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris (not feeling too good right now [bad headache, stomach ache and just a little while ago a bad nose bleed] because of the energy mints maybe? :/)

National

Summary - In recent weeks thousands of dollars worth in bras have been stolen from a Victoria's Secret in Fairfield, Connecticut, says an article from cbsnews.com. Of the latest theft, the person stole fifty bras from the lingerie store. Earlier on in the thefts, it was reported seven to eight drawers full of reversible bras taken. One of the Fairfield police, Lt. Michael Walsh, doesn't know if the reason behind the thefts is simply a fetish or not but only says "We have some people who steal strange things."

Opinion - Why would one person need so many BRAS!? What I find the craziest part in this article is how much these bras are worth. It's ridiculous. A person should not be able to steal bras that total in the thousands of dollars! Bah. Bras.. I say, who needs them? I don't. I'm just fine without a bra, thank you very much.

National

Summary - A man found a 3.92-carat white stone while visiting a diamond park, says a cbsnews.com article. The man Eric Blake, thirty-two years old from Appleton, Wisconsin, found the uncut diamond while visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park with his fiancee. He's unsure whether to get it cut for his fiancee though, as she already has "only [a] one carat on her finger". The park where this diamond was found is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. It was at this place the world's largest diamond was in fact found. The 40-carat white stone named Uncle Sam was found at this same site in 1924.

Opinion - Now why is it I never have this kind of luck? EH?! Anywho, I guess I am happy for this engaged couple though I wish I would have found it. I'm not too sure why the man doesn't want to have it cut and set for his fiancee though. It seems to make sense, with the perfect timing of finding that diamond while they're still engaged. Maybe they're just possibly thinking about selling it. That would make sense since they already have a ring anyway. It would cost money to have it cut and set no matter if they keep it or sell it so I guess selling it would make it easier to pay for the cutting of the diamond. Yay for ridiculous (unfair!) luck! >:(

International

Summary - From a cbsnews.com article, it says that a cellphone application for women in Japan has become quite popular. This application is called "Anti-Groping Appli" and is made by games developer Takahashi. The way the app works is that certain messages flash on the women's cellphone while they're in the congested commuter trains of Japan. The messages that appear go from "Excuse me, did you just grope me?" "Groping is a crime," and finally to, "Shall we head to the police?" The woman using this app simply presses an anger icon located on the program to progress to the next threat. A warning chime then accompanies the messages.

Opinion - This app seems quite humorous despite the whole unwanted groping part. Since the program is free I'm sure many women in Japan downloaded it just as a joke. I bet a few of those women may put it to good use though and I guess that's a good effect of this application. I'm not sure though on the application's effectiveness on preventing these unwanted gropes.

International

Summary - A cbsnews.com article says that a sixty year old man in Malayasia kidnapped a twenty-eight year old woman. The reason behind the kidnapping is that though the woman's family initially agreed with the marriage of the two, the woman did not. For this reason the woman was kidnapped. A friend of the woman witnessed the kidnapping and reported it to the police. After several hours, the man eventually released the woman. "He changed his mind when he knew police were looking for him," K. Manoharan told The Associated Press.

Opinion - Well, this guy seemed like a jerk. There is something I'm not too clear on though. What does it mean by the family agreeing to it? If it was an arranged marriage that would make sense but then the woman wouldn't be able to refuse it, right? According to this story the woman was able to refuse the proposal so that's why the man kidnapped her. Then I don't see the point in mentioning that the family already agreed to it if the marriage wasn't a marriage arranged by this family. Bah. This is bugging me. END

Joon

national

Fire chief: 25,000-acre blaze was set

One of the larger fires in Southern California was deliberately started by someone with apparent knowledge of arson.The Santiago Fire in Orange County was started in two places along a little-traveled road, according to Chief Chip Prather of the county's fire authority.The fire, which has burned more than 25,000 acres, was started in brush just off Santiago Canyon Road, not close to homes. It spread rapidly, indicating the arsonist had some knowledge of winds and other factors. The San Diego County Sheriff's Department also arrested an adult and a juvenile accused by an anonymous tipster of starting a fire in Vista in the northern part of the county. In a written statement, the sheriff's department identified the adult as Gorgonio Nava.Catalino Pineda, 41, was arrested Wednesday, Officer Kate Lopez told CNN. Witnesses told police they saw him lighting a fire on a hillside in the West Hills area of San Fernando -- northwest of Los Angeles -- then walking away.

opinion
this is the worse nightmare in california. how can a small fire became so strong and wiped half of the southern california. i heard that 1suspect was arrested and one suspect was killed while he was running away. arrested man dont need any judge , chop his head off. it will take many years to recover the land and cities. its a tragic.

national

Student's death likely caused by staph infection

A middle school student from Brooklyn died Thursday, probably from the staph infection MRSA, according to the New York City Health Department. MRSA is short for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and is responsible for more deaths in the United States each year than AIDS. 25 to 30 percent of the population carry the staph bacteria -- one of the most common causes of infection.

opinion
its kind of mystery becuase seventh grade kid died by aids is very rare. although it could happen that kid is too young to get killed. this means there might be another student who has aids and can spread fast. i know aids is a horiible disease and until today there is no cure.
it worries me that there will be another student who might die.

international

Suicide blast kills 24 in Pakistan
suicide attacker targeted a police truck Thursday, killing 24 people -- most of them police -- in the Taliban-dominated area of North West Frontier province. The attack happened in Mangora, located in the Swat district where Pakistan recently deployed 2,500 troops to maintain law and order. Fears over Pakistan's stability were raised last week when a suicide bombing in Karachi, targetting a convoy carrying former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, killed 136 people. Bhutto returned to Pakistan last week after eight years in self-imposed exile. She intends to seek a third term as prime minister, possibly under a powersharing deal with Pakistan's President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
Bhutto, who was not injured the attack, told CNN she has written a letter to Musharraf calling for an independent inquiry into the blasts.

opinion
when will the terror end. i think it will never end until the world is destroyed. so many innocent people are dying and peple are living with fear everyday. no one know when will they die by a bomb or gunshot. it is a very dangerous place. i am lucky that i am not in that place. soon i believe there will be another terror and amount of people will die. we dont know who they are going to be but one thing for sure is terror will not end.

international
Gulf of Mexico accident kills 18

least 18 oil workers were killed and seven more were missing after a portable drilling rig crashed into an oil platform during stormy seas in the Gulf of Mexico. 61 workers were rescued from the Gulf after Tuesday's accident, which also created a gas and oil leak at the site that was not expected to be capped for three to five days. The drill rig was knocked into the platform during a storm in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, with 80 mph (130 km/h) winds and waves reaching 26 feet (8 meters).

opinion
not good. 8 people died by accident. i hope they find the issing 7 people soon as possible. i dont know how dangerous the oil work is but accidents could happen at any time so i think ti is a dangerous job. i hpe everything goes fine and do not want to have more dead people.

Andrew Reiff

International

Summary- Campaigning closes in Argentina election

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is leading by over twenty percent in the election of Argentina's new president. Something unusual is that her husband is now president of the country. Does this story have any interesting parallels to American politics? It gets weirder: This lady used to be a senator, and she is also a lawyer. However she does not like to compare herself to you-know-who because she says people need to live their own lives.

Opinion

Well I say there is one major difference between this lady and the other... This one actually will most likely win her election... (comedic pause) ooook folks... anyway this is very unusual for two women of similar backgrounds to be running for the same office at the same time, albeit in different countries. Women trying to take over the world, maybe? We had better check to see if any women are planning on running for office in other major countries. It is also true that both women get much of their publicity and acclaim from their husbands... maybe the husbands can't run for office again so they run through the wife? hmmm this needs more thinking on.

National

Summary- Astronauts begin space construction job

Today in space one record will be tied and another broken as five space walks are being taken and two women commanders will meet for the first time in space. The space walks are to construct a new section for the ISS, which was built by Italy. More good news is that the shuttle Discovery is ok after a small piece of ice hit a valve hatch, and it looks to be in good shape to come home when the mission is completed. The astronauts were very happy to find out that the shuttle is okay so they can concentrate on their mission to complete it well.

Opinion

Isn't it about time that we either made more shuttles or got a new vehicle? I mean come on Discovery is from the eighties I think and even though it is still working well we need a replacement. Surely NASA has one coming, anyone knows that, but we just need more. Kudos for the women in space and also for finally getting back to work on th ISS, although I do find one thing kind of funny... in space everyone, no matter what country you are from, is nice to each other and hug all the time and stuff... if only we could do that here on earth...

Sorry bedtime eeeek

SUPER HIPPIE MAN aka collin the only slightly democratic kid left in first hour

International
The bodies of at least seven Africans have been found in a boat off the Canary Islands, Spanish officials say. One survivor was found in the boat but at least fifty people are missing. The survivor that he left from Cape Verde. Thousands of immigrants try to reach the canary islands every year illegally but most of them drown on the way. The survivor said that more than 50 people were on the boat originally he was found 300 miles of the coast of Senegal.
Wow that's sad they must be so desperate to risk there lives just to get out of their country.

Alex Bellah

National: Burn Baby Burn

Summary: Thursday a fire official announced that a person who was knowledgeable about arson started part of the fires in southern California deliberately. The fire that has burned more than 25,000 acres was started in a brush near Santiago Canyon Road. The fact that the fire started and moved rapidly was a clue that the arsonist knew about winds and other factors. Originally they thought that the fires had three starting points but now they believe that they only have two. Evidence has been found that lead the investigators that the fires were started deliberetly. Even though they will not release the information about the evidence found they have taped off the starting points of the fires like a crime scene.

Opinion: I believe that the fire could have been started either way. Without knowing what the evidence was that they found it is hard to make a decision on what I believe has caused the fires to start. This is such a tragedy and I am in shock of the damage that these fires have caused. The many people who have been left homeless are a great number. I do believe that if someone did deliberately start these fires that if found and tried guilty they will be spending a tremendous amount of time behind bars. They will not be let off easy.


International: Accident in Mexico

Summary: Wednesday the countries oil-owned company reported that after a drilling rig crashed into an oil platform and killed 18 oil workers and 7 more went missing. Supposedly 64 workers were rescued after the accident in the Mexican gulf. Also an oil and gas leak occurred, and is expected to be fixed in 3 to 5 days. The rig crashed into the oil platform because of a storm in the gulf that had 80 mph winds and waves that reached about 26 ft. It was placed next to the oil-platform because it was supposed to be drilling a new well the following day. That is when the unexpected storm hit the Gulf of Mexico

Opinion: I believe that this accident is nobodies fault. I believe that this was completely accidental and unexpected. I believe that the country of Mexico should pay the people and families that were involved in this accident some form of money. This is nobodies fault it was a cause of nature that no one had any control over. I am sure that the people that were at the site of the accident did everything they could to help and save as many people as they could. This was way out of anyone’s control. My prayers do go out to every single person that was involved in this tragic accident.


National: Vanessa Carlton

Summary: In her new video, Vanessa Carlton, crushes a piano. This image is suppose to tell everyone that she is getting rid of the old and beginning something new. She doesn’t want to be known for what she was but who she has become since her last album. Vanessa has a new image and she wants her fans to except it. In her video she leaves her piano in the middle of the street with a smirk on her face, seconds later a yellow taxi comes and wipes out the piano leaving nothing remaining. With this video Vanessa is definitely taking a stand. This video is a warning telling people she is someone new. She is no longer who she was but she is something new. She has opened a new chapter in her life.

Opinion: I believe that this is a great symbol of Vanessa announcing that he has changed. I believe that it will leave people shocked but I do not think that this move will make her any less popular. No mater what road Vanessa takes with her music she will always be loved. People will accept this change with open arms. This change excites me; Vanessa had to change sometime because the image of who she was could only go on for so long. I believe this transition of hers will do her wonders and will allow her to be more open to expressing herself through her music.


International: Missing British Girls parents speak out.

Summary: Madeleine McCann’s parents speak out in an interview with Spain. Both parents say they are innocent and that no one will find any evidence proving them to be guilty of anything with their daughters kidnap. They are both heartbroken and are deeply sad. They still have hope that Madeleine is still out there somewhere and they just want her back. Many countries all over the worlds are putting their efforts into finding the McCann’s daughter. They say their life is not the same without their daughter. They are pleading with whoever has her to give her back.

Opinion: I believe that they are innocent. Why would they only kill one child and not the other two? I do believe that Madeleine is still alive somewhere and that everyone in the world need to do what ever they can to help find this little girl. Madeleine to what I know seems like a strong little girl and my hope is that she is out their somewhere just wanting to go home to her family. I believe that her parents have no responsibility in this and my heart goes out to them and I wish tem the best of luck with finding their daughter. I pray the Lord will guide these men and women that are involved with this investigation to the little girl. I pray the Lord will keep Madeleine safe.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

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.

N33K GETS MORE EXTRA CREDiT BABY!!!!!!

1. Extradition Clause
2. The distribution of legislative authority between a central gov't having jurisdiction over national issues and provincial gov'ts having jurisdiction over regional issues.
3. Article IV Section 1
4. 950,000 people
5. Mitt Romney

Kellye Harkey...Sorry Mr.Hjort forgot one blog

National:
Many people, though, were more interested to hear from Osmond, who said an "accumulation" of factors had contributed to her fall, including allergies and poor air quality. "I noticed when he [Roberts] spun me a couple of times, I kept spinning," Osmond told the show's host Tom Bergeron. "And then I kept missing hip bumps. I could tell something was funky."
Osmond appeared fine during the dance, and she seemed happy and excited by her performance — even jumping up and down in front of the judges. "Remember when I was jumping? I was trying to wake my head up. I don't know what happened," she said.

Opinion:
I was watching dancing with the stars when this happene and I really thought at first she was jut kidding and kinda laughed like the audience did at first. Then I realzied she really fainted. I really think that sometims they work these people too hard or maybe her dress was too tight cause that thing was sucked onto her. Oh well atleast she didnt die.

m@yrA

International
Malaysian teen sent back to jail
A 17-year-old Malaysian boy, who was freed in July after serving four years in prison for murder, was thrown back into jail Tuesday after the country's top court ruled that his imprisonment was constitutional. The teen was found guilty in 2003 of stabbing to death the teenage daughter of his tutor and sentenced to prison at the discretion of the king.
He was 12 years old at the time of the murder in 2002. The boy was released in July after the Court of Appeal ruled that his conviction was valid but the sentencing was unconstitutional because there are no legal guidelines to imprison minors convicted of murder. But in an unexpected twist, a five-member Federal Court panel on Tuesday unanimously agreed with the prosecution that the appeal court had made mistake.
Opinion
I think that the court should see more throughly this case before making any decisions regarding about the teen going back to prison or not. I think that the teen should've served more than 4 years because of what he did. If minors are old enough to commit murder then they are old enough to be punished like a grown-up. I think this teen should go back to prison and serve a couple of more years there.

National
Commentary: Saving marriages must be a national priority
Various studies show that at least half of all marriages in the United States will end in divorce, and if you remarry, those figures grow exponentially. For some reason, Americans are either getting married for the wrong reasons or are not making the effort to spend more time working on their marriages to save them, and instead, run to divorce court at the first sign of trouble. But couples must be willing to confront themselves. The idea of marriage is "we-us-our."America was constructed on the back of strong families. But today, these families are being splintered and broken up for a variety of reasons, including our selfishness and unwillingness to confront our problems and to compromise.
Opinion
It is sad to know that this statistic is true that more and more families are being separated because of divorce and the ones who are suffering the most are the children. People before getting married should first make sure that they want to get married because there is no purpose in getting married and then getting a divorce because the ones paying the price are the children. People before getting divorced should first try to work it out because this can help their marriage alot.

Teacher Accused Of Showing Porn In Class
A Chandler junior high school teacher showed porn to a ninth-grade science class.
The science teacher at Hendrix Junior High School near Dobson and Elliot roads left the classroom while his computer was connected to an overhead projector.
Suddenly, students said, pornographic images began appearing on the projector. The teacher was assigned to a non-classroom position while the school and Chandler police investigate the situation. The school sent a letter home with parents Tuesday explaining what had happened.
Opinion
This is a sad case because this teacher is being a bad influence on these students. I think that this teacher should be definetly be fired and I think that the school board should start checking what web sites these teachers go to and make sure that the students aren't the ones using the websites. I think that this should be further investigated and maybe they'll be able to find who it was maybe it was the students who did it while the teacher was gone.

m@yrA

International
Escaped fugitive arrested after 28 years on the run
A New Jersey fugitive was arrested by authorities Wednesday morning after being on the loose for 28 years. Maximo Jurado, 75, was picked up by the New Jersey Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit along with the Philadelphia Police and New Jersey Police at his home in Philadelphia on Wednesday morning. Jurado had been convicted of manufacturing and distributing drugs and was facing a sentence of three to five years in prison when he escaped from Marlboro Camp in Monmouth County in September 1979.
Opinion
It's good that this fugitive got caught its about time that he'd get punished for his crime. I think this person should get a life-time sentence in prison. I am very happy that the police caught this man and now he can serve in prison for a very long time.

Ashley Furnia

National
1: Made in China. These three words appear in virtually every household, office or school.
But one Florida city is considering stopping, or at least slowing, the flood of computers, coffee makers, artificial Christmas trees and other Chinese-made goods its residents buy each year.
Palm Bay, Fla., is considering voting on whether to ban the purchase of products made in China. If it passes, this central Florida town of 107,000 would be the first in the nation to enforce a ban on goods from one particular country, according to industry watchers. Residents would still be free to purchase whatever goods they want, but the city itself would face restrictions.

Opinion
Well I think that is dumb that they are trying to stop products from chinese people not be axcessable to Florida. The chinese people make so much stuff for us and we need to appriciate that and what they do. Even though you may not like them but when you realize how much stuff is made from them it really comes in handy when you need it.

2:The 911 operators who took a frantic call from an 8-year-old boy concerned about his mother's driving are now calling him a "hero."
Operators Laura Irish and Lisa Dobbs both took 911 calls from the boy, who was riding in the car with his 5-year-old sister. The boy said his mother, 33-year-old Paulette Spears, was driving erratically and "not acting normal." Thanks to the persistence of the boy, who called 911 twice, the operators were able to help police track the car to a fire station near Vancouver, Wash., where Spears was arrested Saturday.

Opinion
That is amazing that a little kid can do that and that he would have the alertness to call the cops. I mean today kids are learning a lot more and being able to catch on to things better. That kid must have been one smart kid if he knew to call that cops. Also were did he get the phone to do that with I mean I never would have thought to do that when I was a kid that is so smart.

International
1: A Russian man who said he wanted to record a killing for each of the 64 squares on a chessboard was found guilty Wednesday of murdering 48 people in Moscow.
A jury took less than three hours to convict Alexander Pichushkin of the murders, most of which occurred over five years in a sprawling southern park. He was also found guilty of three attempted murders.Judge Vladimir Usov read the verdict for one hour, while 33-year-old Pichushkin, standing inside a reinforced glass cage, leaned against the wall and stared at the floor.

Opinion
Well that is just crazy I mean who would think to do something like that. He wants to kill as many places there are on a chess board that is just so weird and crazy all at the same time. I hate people that kill other people for no reason I mean it's bad enough when you have a reason but no reason is going way to far. Then when the people doing it think of a strategy and how they are going to and how many people they are going to I think its just dumb.

2:Did you just grope me? Shall we head to the police? That's the message women are flashing on their cell phones with a popular program designed to ward off wandering hands in Japan's congested commuter trains.
"Anti-Groping Appli" by games developer Takahashi was released in late 2005, but has only recently climbed up popularity rankings, reaching No. 7 in this week's top-10 cell phone applications list compiled by Web-based publisher Spicy Soft Corp.The application flashes increasingly threatening messages in bold print on the phone's screen to show to the offender: "Excuse me, did you just grope me?" "Groping is a crime," and finally, "Shall we head to the police?"

Opinion
That is really weird that people are coming up with this dumb method to try and stop people doing that to women. I mean what is a stupid text message going to do for a man to stop doing that. I mean it may be some what of a good idea but in the end is a text message going to get someone out of being raped umm no not at all. They need to thin of something a little smarter than that.

Chris EXTRA (STREET) CRED :O

1. extradition clause or interstate renditon clause (article IV section 2 clause 2)
2. a political system where power is divided between a central and state government
3. article IV section 1
4. "an estimated 950,000 people" as of Wednesday, according to a cnn.com article
5. Mitt Romney

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Oh No. Not another extra credit opportunity. Who's Up???

10 points for answering the following questions by 7:30am October 24th to the first two AP government students.

1. What is the name given to the policy where criminals who flee across a state line can be returned to the state of origin?
2. What is the definition of Federalism?
3. What Article and Section of the US Constitution discusses Full Faith and Credit clause?
4. What is the estimate of how many people have been evacuated from Southern California?
5. Which presidential candidate mispoke by saying Barak Obama's name instead of Osama Bin Ladins when discussing the calling on terrorists in Iraq?

yes collin wins at life he's actually doing a blog on time

International
More than half a million people have been ordered to evacuate parts of the US state of California being engulfed by massive wildfires. There are at least 16 fires being fanned by the fierce winds ranging from santa barbara to the mexican border. The fires have destroyed more than 1,200 homes and they have killed 2 people. President Bush is going to visit the state on Thursday to "witness the crisis first hand." Up to 300,000 acres have been scorched so far.
Wow this is quite scary it sort of suprises me that only two people have died so far. I hope that the fires dont spread to other states that would be awful. I think that it is quite funny that bush and the rest of the his government reacted so fast to this opposed to how fast they reacted to Katrina. That really shows you where our priorities are, in rich white people.

Monday, October 22, 2007

N33K!!!!!!!!!!!YAY...iM 1ST

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. California
3. 31-29(yeah)
4. Mike Huckabee
5. Article VI

Oh NO Another Extra Credit Opportunity

1st Person to answer the following questions correctly will receive 10 xtra credit points (remember use the comment section and leave your name):

1. Who won the Monday Night Football Game tonight (10/22)?
2. What state are major fires taking place in?
3. What was the score of the PC homecoming game?
4. Who has Chuck Norris endorsed for President in 2008?
5. Which Article of the Constitution deals with Federalism?

Expires @ 8am 10/23

Kellye Harkey

International:A U.S. Navy sailor shot and killed two female sailors early Monday in the barracks an American military base in Bahrain, officials said.
The alleged shooter, a man, was critically wounded in the shooting at the U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain base, said a Navy official who was not authorized to release the information to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity.In Washington, a State Department official said initial reports suggested the shooting was the result of a "love triangle." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation was still under way.
The wounded sailor apparently shot himself, the Navy said. The three seemed to be acquainted, "but the extent of their relationships and the details of the shootings are still under investigation," it said in a statement.The Navy said the shootings, which took place around 5 a.m. and forced the base to close for about an hour, were not terror related and only involved U.S. military personnel.

Opinion:
Oh my goodness that is so not nice for someone to shoot somebody else. Especially since you are supposed to be able to trust these people and they are supposed to be on the same side and on the same team. The person who killed them is retarded and should die.

International:
Every five years, Beijing welcomes more than 2,000 Communist Party leaders for the five-yearly National People's Congress. This year's NPC, which ended Sunday, touched on the typical talking points — major national issues were discussed, laws were passed and new leaders were brought up through the ranks.
But there was one major difference. This time around, the Chinese government was also trying to take sexy backBut there was one major difference. This time around, the Chinese government was also trying to take sexy back.

Opinion:
I guess this could be considered a good thing but I can understand their reasoning behind it. Nobody wants to be looking at girls in their bras and watching things about how people should use condoms. But I really dont think its that big of a deal but then again this is what people my age of grown up with and have encountered and it doesnt seem like a big deal to us.

National:
"She's the triple threat," gushed 11-year-old Montana fan Julia Levens. "She can sing, she can dance, she can actAnd she can also sell out concerts. Hannah Montana is not an actual person. She's a character played by 14-year-old Miley Cyrus, the actress daughter of singer Billy Ray Cyrus. On her hit Disney Channel sitcom, Montana is every girl's fantasy: a regular kid by day, and a pop star by night. Disney is the parent company of ABC News. Cyrus performs part of the concert as Montana, and the rest as herself."At 10 o'clock, I went online, and at 10:01, they were sold out," said Laurie Hayes of Princeton, Ill., who had hoped to buy tickets for her twin 12-year-old daughters. "I could understand if it was a U2 concert, but for a 14-year-old girl — I mean, this is a kid's concert — to be gone in less than 30 seconds, I was shocked." the average Hannah Montana ticket price is $246. That's a tenfold increase over face value, and more than the average price to see Bruce Springsteen, the Police, Justin Timberlake, and many other big names acts currently touring.

Opinion:
This is crazy! I was a nanny over the summer and all the kids wanted to watch was Hannah Montana!!! But for a concert to sell out in less than 30 seconds is pretty ridiculous. I mean come one people who in their right mind would buy a ticket costing 250 dollars!?! Im sure that she is really entertaining but you can have the best seat in the house... at home on your couch and shes right there in front of you.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Homecoming

1st person to post about their homecoming experience will receive 15 extra credit points. Summarize your experience and give your opinion.

This expires @ 12am Monday morning. Just seeing who is blogging on Sunday. Hope everyone had fun.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Susan Jewell (third time is the charm)

international:
SUMMARY

In Bangkok, Thailand a pedophile from Canada was arrested after a global manhunt began. Pictures were found of him sexually abusing young boys. The man's last name is Neil and he is 32. He kept his head covered with a blue shirt as he was paraded in front of a throng of photographers as he arrived in Bangkok, however he was made to sit -- head uncovered -- at a news conference a short time later.

OPINION
Well, he got what he deserved. he should have been forced to be seen and ridiculed. I hope his country gives him a horrible punishment.

Susan Jewell

I also wrote the post about the Nobel prize winner and the beat up masseuse.

national:
INTERNATIONAL
A pug puppy was stolen at All About Puppies in Largo by being stuffed in a teenage boys pants. His family helped him by distracting the store's employees and surrounding a pen. the boy simply lifted up his shirt and put the puppy under it. The store's video camera caught the act. If the police catch the family all could be charged with a crime.


OPINION
OK so yes pugs are cute;but cute enough to risk a huge fine or some other criminal prosecution is way too big of a threat for me to ever steal anything. I hope the puppy is alright. If the family is crazy enough to steal it I am not sure if there intentions were simply to have a cute house pet.
international:
SUMMARY
The 1962 Nobel prize winner, Jim Watson, apologized for saying blacks were inferior. He stated that after the occurrence he had said such a thing. "Watson also asserted there was no reason to believe different races separated by geography should have evolved identically, and he said that while he hoped everyone was equal, 'people who have to deal with black employees find this is not true.'" London's science museum cancelled his appearance because they thought his remarks were not appropriate debate material. "The British government's skills minister, David Lammy, who is black, called the comments 'deeply offensive.'"
OPINION
I do not think Watson's comments were appropriate nor entirely validated, but honestly he is not the first person I have ever heard of that has said black employees do not work as hard. So although that is not appropriate public speech I understand his inner thoughts in that statement. Due to the fact that he is a scientist though one would think he would realize that all people are pretty close to being genetically capable of doing the same things and that does not vary by race. (he was the man who found the double helix in DNA so he really has no excuse.) He was raised in a different era and that is why he is prejudiced, but still he should not be so ignorant as to believe black people are not as intelligent as other races.


national:
SUMMARY
Richard Urdiales, 53, "was an English professor at Blue River Metropolitan Community College in Independence, Mo., but he also made extra money as a masseuse." He was giving a woman a massage when the lady's boyfriend came in and beat Urdiales to death.

OPINION
The boyfriend was an idiot. Why would you beat anyone just because of a massage. Maybe the professor was doing more than a massage--maybe.



Kaylen May Gerkey

NATIONAL (1)
BACTERIA THAT KILLED VIRGINIA TEEN FOUND IN OTHER SCHOOLS
Summary:
A teen was killed Monday at River Staunton High in Virginia after being diagnosed with MRSA a drug-resistant strain known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. The disease or whatever it’s known to be is said to have a higher death rate than HIV/AIDS and is known to predominantly attack athletes. It appears as an infection and looks like redness associated with a sweat and a fever, but most of the times this things should be no big deal. All mothers have dealt with these infections for decades, “they’re preventable,” says director of the CDC.

Opinion:
This is like the second or third time I have written a blog on deadly viruses in the US. I really bad for the families and pray that they find what is creating these diseases or how to heal them. If Mothers have carried this infection and dealt with it no problem before why is it becoming a big issue now and effecting American teens, and why more specifically athletes? Personally that worries me, being an athlete. I want to know if I can get sick or how to prevent this thing from happening to me or hurting my family.

NATIONAL (2):
FACEBOOK PHOTO LAND LAW STUDENT UN HOT WATER
Summary:
Regent’s University Law student Adam Key posted an unflattering photo of Facebook founder of Pat Robertson on his facebook page. The 23 year old law student posted a picture of the facebook president making an obscene gesture. The boy copied the picture from Robertson’s YouTube video in which Robertson is scratching his face with his middle finger. The officials from the Christian University said that Key has to publicly apologize and remove the picture from his page and/or submit to the law school a legal brief defending his posting. The student submitted a brief saying that we should have a right to criticize our leaders Christian or not. Dean of the school rejected his claim and Key now faces disciplinary charges.

Opinion:
I agree with the Law school because it is a Christian school and although the student is representing the school and all times and feels he has an obligation to criticize our leaders, by doing so he makes the school look bad. Plus, the student created that photo, he did not just find it on a website or photo sharing site, he created it himself creating a false image. Lastly, most all Christian schools make sure their students sign disciplinary forms before they can attend their school and I am pretty sure this one does as well. If so, the school has even more a right to punish this student because he violate that too.

INTERNATIONAL (1):
NOBEL WINNER IN ‘RACIST’ CLAIM ROW
Summary:
In London a British museum canceled a lecture by Dr. James Watson, co discoverer of the DNA double helix, after his racial remarks saying that blacks are less intelligent than whites. Watson says that I want to believe that everyone is equal but it is impossible to believe that people growing up in different parts of the world could have the same intelligence, “people who have to deal with black employees find this not true.” The British government’s skill minister Dr. Lammy (black said, “It is a shame that a man with a record of scientific distinction should see his works overshadowed by his own irrational prejudices.”

Opinion:
I cannot Dr. Watson would do this. He is a hero or and idol that many people look up to as well as a genius and well respected man. What better way to make people from all around the world hate you by saying black people are less intelligent. How can you even defend that? Maybe some are, but honestly there are whites less intelligent than Asians and Asians less intelligent than Europeans and so on. The argument is pointless. Where you are born does not determine your intelligence. The man even stated that he wants to believe all people are equal, well duh that’s cause we are!

INTERNATIONAL (2):
POLL: MOST WANT EU TREATY TO VOTE
Summary:
The EU plans for a new treaty that will reshape the European Union’s institutions. But a majority of people want the plan put to a national vote. The new treaty would change voting procedures, increase the role of the European parliament and include a charter of fundamental rights. The treaty is a would-be successor to the proposed EU Constitution that was scrapped after it was rejected by voters in two European countries in 2005. Many people claim to not be familiar with the treaty and many support a national vote or referendum.

Opinion:
I don’t know much about the EU but I do know that more and more countries have joined the EU since a few years ago. Reshaping and reorganizing is probably needed to keep the EU organized and functioning and hopefully it stays together for a long time because it seems to be an effective confederation although many have not lasted long.