PC AP Government and Politics

Ben Thieroff

2008-04-25T08:01:00.001-07:00

Ryan Evans

2008-04-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

National:
On Tuesday April 22nd, Hillary Clinton won the Pennsylvania primary. She defeated Sen. Barack Obama by a reasonably close margin of about two-hundred thousand votes. She took fifty-five percent of the Democratic voters. However, this big victory will not guarantee her the Democratic nomination for the presidency. This will give her the possible, necessary momentum going into the Democratic National Convention in a few months.

Opinion:
This Clinton victory seems to foreshadow more doubt on the Obama camp. He has won consistently in the South and in his home state of Illinois, but Sen. Clinton has taken the bigger prizes of New York, her home state, California, and Texas. These are just to name a few of her victories. The national convention will be quite chaotic and should really go down to the wire.

National:
This past Monday on WWE ‘Raw’ all three of the presidential frontrunners appeared on the show. Hillary told the audience that, “You could call me Hill-Rod.” Barack Obama asked the question of “Can you smell what the Barack is cooking?” John McCain also asked everyone what they were going to do when all of the “McCaniacs” run wild. I am sure this was to rally support from a certain demographic. The wrestling demographic. This is strange indeed.

Opinion:
Wow this was really ridiculous. I can’t believe that all three prospective presidents went on WWE wrestling. I think the presidency should carry a certain degree of respect and class. I feel wrestling does not carry these forms of class with it at all. The people that take it seriously all seem to be idiots. Wait, maybe they needed to see who was running so they could take part in Democracy. I would prefer if these people did not vote actually. Yeah….

Chris (primaries + extra STUFF)

2008-04-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

Primary 1

Summary - Both Democratic candidates in the primaries have become quite fatigued with the entire ordeal. Neither of them have let up any room for the other. It has been a constant struggle between the two for the Democratic nomination. "Sometimes. Yes, of course," sad Barack Tuesday, when asked if he had become exhausted with the race. Along with this fatigue from both candidates comes unforced errors which both sides have made in this past year.

Opinion - There is nothing wrong with some healthy competition. These two might just run each other in to the ground though, if they're not careful. They have to remember that one of them still has to go up against McCain in the general election. With this taken in to account, Clinton and Obama should not be so hard on each other. If both candidates make each other look bad, that could damage the winner's chances in the general election against McCain.

Primary 2

Summary - The Democratic Party has become increasingly worried with the constant race and struggle between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The Party hopes to find a quick end between the battle of these two candidate before any further damage ensues. "What happened yesterday was what a lot of us were afraid would happen," Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said. "There is no clear resolution. She did a little better than expected, but they're still standing there, slugging it out. Everybody's getting bloody and there's no knockouts. It helps prolong that." Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean finds himself "less concerned than a lot of Democrats" though as he says the primaries are bringing in thousands of new voters into party rolls.

Opinion - This is exactly what I was talking about in the previous opinion. These two Senators need to look more ahead into the future and realize one of the two still has to go through the general election against McCain. If they don't watch it, they could ruin the winner's chances in the general election. Howard Dean is right though. These primaries have gained quite a bit of popularity which in turn has brought in more voters which will bring about more participation on the voters' parts in the general election.

International

Summary - An infestation of poisonous spiders has begun in a tiny hospital located in Australia. The given hospital closed down yesterday for twenty-four hours so the place can be fumigated for the redback spiders which have been found in great numbers on the hospital grounds. "We believe the best way to deal with them, and the safest option for staff and patients, is to have the whole building fumigated so both the spiders and their eggs are killed," said rural director of nursing Ellen Palmer on Wednesday. It has been believed the warm weather that is going on at this time has brought about more redback spider eggs to hatch than usual.

Opinion - This hospital should not have let the problem of these spiders get so bad as they are now. I mean, it IS a hospital obviously. The place is meant to be kept clean and I can see this infestation as not very hygienic. If somehow, through some situation, the problem of the spiders wasn't the hospital's fault then "oh well". They shouldn't be blamed for it but if it was then that's a problem for them. They should have been on top of the infestation in the beginning because this could endanger the lives of the patients in the hospital.

National

Summary - At Saint Johns County hospital in Florida, a man is being treated after his truck turned over and spilled Jell-O snack packs all over the I-95. Earlier in the morning, the given truck had slammed into another truck and flipped, said the police. The Jell-O pudding then splattered all over the highway, causing a major traffic jam. The driver was trapped inside the mangled truck, but had been rescued quickly by the police. The driver was airlifted to the hospital after being rescued and is now being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Opinion - Well, this seems like quite the problem. The driver really should have been more careful with his driving. That is his job, after all, so he should be a good driver. Apparently, he is not the best driver as it can now be seen. A traffic jam caused by pudding all over the highway is rather amusing. I just hope the pudding everywhere has not caused any accidents of its own with drivers there. That would be a shame.

Kaylen May Gerkey

2008-04-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

Who leads the popular vote?
Summary: Hillary Clinton is arguing that she is ahead of rival Sen. Barack Obama when it comes to the popular vote. Not so fast, says Obama's campaign. Clinton's count includes her wins in Michigan and Florida, but the Democratic presidential candidates agreed not to campaign in those states because they violated party rules by scheduling their contests too early. If Michigan and Florida are counted, Clinton is ahead by 100,000 votes -- 15.1 million to Obama's 15 million. Without those states, Obama has a 500,000 vote lead, 14.4 million to 13.9 million. Clinton says she has received more votes than any Democratic candidate in history. Exit polls suggest McCain is benefiting from prolonged Democratic battle. Dems next face off on May 6 when Indiana, North Carolina hold their contests.
Opiion: I think she is full of it. She talks a big game but can she really pull it off is the question. Obama was not even on the ballot in those two states and those delegtaes should not even count and those are the ones she is claiming, its quite funny! The delegates are not just going to be handed to her she needs to make an effort to work hard to get them, but I think she still has a big mountain to climb, in frot of her.

Clinton faces uphill battle in North Carolina
Summary: Hillary Clinton emerged from Tuesday's contest in Pennsylvania with a big victory and a net gain of about a dozen pledged delegates. But that could vanish on May 6 in North Carolina, a delegate-rich contest with a plethora of natural advantages for Barack Obama. Obama owes his victories throughout the Democratic nomination battle to African-Americans, young voters, upscale whites and independent voters. In North Carolina, those voters come in bunches, and their ranks are growing. African-Americans are expected to make up around 40 percent of the primary electorate, giving Obama a healthy starting point in his chase for a large share of the state's 115 pledged delegates. The Obama campaign in particular sees the program as a ripe opportunity to run up votes among North Carolina's many college students. Early voting started April 17, and thousands of North Carolinians have already voted. Clinton spent over $690,000 on TV ads in a month; Obama spent nearly $1.5 million.
Opinion: I think, once again, she has a lot of work to. She thinks she is wining the democaratic race and she thinks she is going to win North Carolina. Obama has a huge advantage and a lot of african american voters in his favor and he has spent so much more on his ad campaigns. I feel Obama should take North Carolina. Personally i find all this funny because as Clinton and Obama go back and forth McCain gets to sit on the sidelines and is benefiting from this long democratic fight. It can go either way and i would not want to pick either one. I just want it all to be over.

Franki Benavidez

2008-04-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Primary 1: Senator Hillary Clinton says that when it comes to the popular vote, she's ahead of rival Senator Barack Obama. After Clinton's decisive win in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, she said to the people, "I'm very proud that as of today, I have received more votes by the people who have voted than anyone else." But Obama's campaign had to disagree with her on that statement. Senator Clinton's count included her wins in both Michigan and Florida but the Democratic presidential candidates agreed not to campaign in states though. They did that because they violated party rules by scheduling their contests too early. Senator Obama didn't even have his name on the Michigan ballot so he didn't receive any votes for that contest.

Opinion: I have to find Senator Clinton very cocky. Mr. Hjort, I'm sorry if that word isn't appropriate but it's the only word to describe her! She thinks that because she got a ton of votes for now that she's set for life. Honestly, I never did like Hillary Clinton just because of the way her attitude is. Or maybe I'm just crazy. Obama's name wasn't even on the Michigan ballot so that's not fair at all.

David Jeong

2008-04-24T21:27:00.000-07:00

National-1 (Primary 1)

Clinton: I'm ahead in popular vote

Summary: Sen. Hillary Clinton is arguing that she is ahead of rival Sen. Barack Obama when it comes to the popular vote. "I'm very proud that as of today, I have received more votes by the people who have voted than anyone else," Clinton said Wednesday, one day after her decisive win in Pennsylvania. Clinton says she has received more votes than any Democratic candidate in history. "It's a very close race, but if you count, as I count, the 2.3 million people who voted in Michigan and Florida, then we are going to build on that," the New York senator said.

Opinion: I think America claims to be the most advanced country as far as Democracy. It started in America so the world doesn't say anything about it. Whatever it is, I think the Democracy in America is not really done 'by' the people. "we the people" does not seem to be the common people but seem to be the people what we call leaders and elites. These primaries and voting system seem to be all money related and look like they are a big show to impress the media to get the attention, something like a party for the 'we the leaders.' I honestly dont like the fact that everybody sees this as a race. That is wrong. It is not their 'race' it is the real people's decision because the president is should not be the winner of the race among the elites but should represent the real people. Hilary is so excited of her win in Pennsylvania. I think the reason why there are so many little votes and competition is the money. More shows, more money. I think direct voting is the real rule by the people. Many people say that the internet can be hacked and there can be problems. America has the most advanced technology and if they claim to be the best in every area, I think they can change to direct voting anytime which is the real rule 'by the people'.

National-2 (Primary 2)

Clinton questions Obama's appeal

Summary: Sen. Hillary Clinton rode the momentum of her Pennsylvania win into Indiana with her campaign saying it is on pace to raise $10 million in 24 hours. Clinton reported raising $20 million in all of March, Sen. Barack Obama raised more than twice as much last month, taking in $41 million for his campaign. The New York senator said that her much-needed victory raises fresh questions about Obama's electability. Obama downplayed Clinton's win, saying "it's important for people to keep things in perspective."

Opinion: Even though I dont like the voting system in this country, president of America is an important person and it is fun to watch these candidates fighting with smiling faces. My honest opinion on these candidates is that they are about the same. However, it looks like Obama can do better than Hillary as a president. Obama has good speeches. President's role is not to go out in front of public and debate. It is not a job that makes quick sarcasm in front of the public either. Obama seems to prepare well for his speeches. I think he will process better in the office than Hillary who seems to be texting her husband to ask whether or not to sign a bill when she goes into the office.

Brian's Primary Blogs

2008-04-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

National Primaries: As a publicity stunt, all three front-running presidential candidates, Hilary, McCain and Obama, all agreed to appear on World Wrestling Entertainment’s show RAW. Above is a news broadcast about it. The idea is to get those wrestling fans out to vote. The question is, will it work?

Opinion – Um… I think it may have been better for the candidates if they had stayed away from television where people pretend to be beating the tar out of each other. I suppose I might be just one in the minority of people who would rather see the candidates do something more constructive with their time – like a televised tea party where they discussed novels and theology, or a leisurely game of golf with foreign dictators like ailing Fidel Castro or blusterous Hugo Chavez. I guess when one of them agreed, though, the others must have not had much choice if they wanted the wrestling fans’ votes. This is a sad time for our country.

Primaries 2: Tomorrow, a PBS interview between Bill Moyers and Jeremiah Wright (Obama’s controversial pastor) will air. In it, Wright contends that his words criticizing the US Government as bringing 9/11 upon itself and systematically oppressing the Black Community have been taken out of context for devious reasons. While the pastor may have been a controversial obstacle for Obama, he has said he could no more disown his pastor than he could disown the black community.

Opinion – I don’t have a problem with Obama not disowning his pastor (as a politician, how could he without losing a lot of his supporters?!). But I do have a problem with Jeremiah Wright’s messages. Not because they are “Anti-American”. I agree America has a history of being run by “rich white men” who have treated Native Americans, African-Americans, and people of any ethnicity with darker skin poorly and indecently. But I feel Wright is calling for reverse discrimination (these days, as far as I have seen and heard, minorities get preferential treatment in education and the work place), and though he says he “loves the hell” out of his enemies, he is fostering a mindset of “blame the white man for all your troubles”. He is full of bitterness and has not learned how to turn the other cheek. He is a blind man leading the blind – because while his community may be discriminated against, he cannot see that not all white men are rich. Jesus not only came to earth so that he could be Jeremiah Wright’s personal black savior, but so that he might be the savior of all men: black and white, rich and poor.

Bronwen

2008-04-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

International:
Hamas offered 6 months of peace with Israel if they would lift their blockade of the coastal strip. Israel refuses to negotiate with Hamas, so Egypt has done much of the mediating. Israel promises to maintain the dissent ion as long as Hamas is a threat to civilians. "We have affirmed the group's approval of a truce in Gaza Strip ... that could be expanded to the West Bank and would be set at six months... the truce should be accepted by both sides," Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar said. Hamas believes Jews should be obliterated and has killed hundreds in suicide bombings.

Hamas needs to be hunted down and killed. I know that's easier said than done, but it would certainly be justified. There is really no point negotiating with nomad thieves and murderers. Personally, I believe there will never be peace in the middle east because exterminating a religion to it's roots that has been in existence since the 7th century is impossible; but, "If I must choose between peace and righteousness, I choose righteousness" - Teddy Roosevelt.

National:
Barack Hussein Obama complained that McCaine shows no political differences from Bush. Speaking to the United Food and Commercial Workers union, Obama goes on to say, "This is the most anti-labor administration in our memory, you and I share a vision for our country. We'll have a National Labor Relations Board that actually believes in unions." Senator Barack Hussein Obama was scheduled to take the day off.
The competition also insulted the Republican party that day. Clinton said, " We cannot have a leap of faith or any guesswork in this election. A lot of people voted for President Bush the first time because he said he was something called a compassionate conservative. That sounded good — nobody knew what it meant — but it sounded great."

Uh, Hilary? I'm pretty sure any English speaking human can understand compassionate conservative, although I never recall Bush being labeled as such. (the adjective doesn't fit many or any politicians) As for Obama, he really can't be taken seriously. The democratic party flees to Canada for fear of draft, plans to pay for illegal health care, and supports expanding welfare. My personal opinion is that most unions are absolutely nothing but trouble and are not necessary.

Ps. Tomorrow is a silent day in support of some queer kid. I wonder if either of them will issue any statement (or lack of haha) to show support.

National:
Senator McCain indited Bush's delayed reaction to hurricane Katrina on his visit to New Orleans today. "I want to assure the people of the Ninth Ward, the people of New Orleans, the people of this country: Never again, never again will a disaster of this nature be handled in the terrible and disgraceful way it was handled," McCain said.

Well, to Mrs. Clinton who claims there is no difference between McCain and Bush, I believe Senator McCain is making it more than clear. The local government and many of the civilians shared in the blame for the poor decisions and ill handling of the situation. Our government is designed to be slow and tedious. I'm not saying it's excusable, but a more difficult problem than more people understand it to be.

Andrew Reiff

2008-04-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

National

Summary- Clinton's donations surge after Pennsylvania victory

Hillary Clinton is on track to make over ten million dollars in the twenty-four hours after her win the the Pennsylvania primary. Clinton is taking advantage of eighty thousand new donors for the extra boost of cash. She needs it badly, however, as she is over ten million dollars in debt and has only nine million dollars cash on hand. Obama, by contrast, has only a 660 thousand dollar debt and over forty million dollars on hand. Another interesting thing about the race is that both Clinton and Obama are claiming the lead in the popular vote. Clinton, of course, is counting Florida and Michigan, two states that were not supposed to count and in which Obama was not on the ballot. Obama still has a moderate lead in delegates, enough that it is unlikely that Clinton will catch up by June 6. Obama, however, cannot acquire the 2025 delegates necessary to take the nomination. It is all up to the superdelegates.

Opinion-

Whoever came up with the idea for superdelegates anyways? It seems to me to be a dumb idea. Anyways, I think that if Barack Hussein Obama gets within a hundred votes of the nomination, enough superdelegates will swing to his side to procure the nomination for him. On the other hand, they could vote Al Gore in... Anyway the more the Democrats bicker and get nasty, the better for the Republicans. Just lay low McCain, and let the heavy artillery fire over your head until you can land a shot to the head that will knock him out.

Summary- Poll: Obama, Clinton running tight race in Indiana poll

The numbers:
Barack Obama, 48 percent
Hillary Rodham Clinton, 47 percent
Other polls:
A similar poll conducted March 31-April 2 found 49 percent support for Clinton, with Obama's support at 46 percent. The new poll asked which candidate had run the more negative campaign, with 48 percent saying Clinton, 23 percent Obama and 21 percent equal.
The WSBT-South Bend Tribune poll was conducted by telephone April 23-24 by Research 2000. It included interviews with 400 voters who expect to vote in the May 6 Democratic primary. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 5 percentage points.

Opinion-

Five percentage points eh? So it really could be Obama ahead by 53 percent to 42 percent, that's a pretty big swing. I think that the sampling of only 400 voters is a bit small. I heard of this law the other day, forget the name, that said that the larger the number of tests, the closer the final percentages will be closer to 50-50, as well as having a smaller margin of error. Anyways the point is that I think this poll was not very well done. As to the numbers, I think that Pennsylvania was Clinton's last gasp. She is done. Obama will most likely get the nomination, and he will be crushed by McCain.

Extra Credit

Summary- School team hit for 66 runs in two innings

A Japanese high school pleaded for a regional game to be abandoned after surrendering 66 runs in less than two innings, local media reported on Thursday.
The coach of Kawamoto technical high school threw in the towel to spare his pitcher's arm with his team losing 66-0 with just one batter out in the bottom of the second.
The hapless hurler had already sent down over 250 pitches, allowing 26 runs in the first inning and 40 in the second before Kawamoto asked for mercy.
"At that pace the pitcher would have thrown around 500 pitches in four innings," Kawamoto's coach was quoted as saying. "There was a danger he could get injured."
Opponents Shunshukan were officially credited with a 9-0 victory, giving the scoreline a tinge of respectability for the luckless Kawamoto school.

Opinion-

Well it sounds to me like this coach should shoot his pitcher instead of giving him the night off. Come on man, sixty-six runs? I have heard of our baseball team winning like 24-3 but that's insane. Who was playing first base, Gary Coleman? Oh man, this is a sad, sad story. I guess they didn't have a backup pitcher for this guy. And I wonder what the fans of the other team were thinking, "Yay another home run, wow this is getting boring." It turned out that everyone in the bleachers was cheering for the losing team, but just to give up. That's nice of the other coach to allow it to go down in the books as a nine to zero victory.

Kellye Harkey

2008-04-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

National:
In the midst of the current discussion of the role of race in the campaign comes the curious suggestion from Sen. Obama that his chief challenge is about age, not socioeconomic status. The data don’t seem to bear it out.As The New York Times reports today: "‘Our problem has less to do with white working-class voters,’ Mr. Obama told reporters Wednesday in Indiana. ‘In fact the problem is that – to the extent that there is a problem – is that older voters are very loyal to Senator Clinton.’"Age clearly is a factor, as we’ve covered before. But it’s equally clear that socioeconomic status, as measured by the education and income alike, is independently a factor, and a big one.

Opinion:
I think that the older people do like Clinton. Mabe because of Bill but I also think it is due to the fact that she tried to pass free health care earlier. Now that she is possibly (God forbid) our next president the old folks want their free medical care. Listen, its not my problem you broke your hip and need to pay for surgery somehow. I really hope these old people will clean their bifocals and see that Hilary is not the one to pick.

National:
In March, Barack Obama quickly responded to the bubbling controversy over statements made by his former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He was lauded by pundits and politicos from both sides of the aisle for his broad speech on race and America at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on March 18 . The goal of that speech was to put the Wright issue to bed – address it head on, be done with it and get back to campaigning in Pennsylvania. And it seemed like that strategy just might work out for him, especially since Rev. Wright was staying below the radar and cancelling public appearances that may have added fuel to the fire.

Opinion:
I really hope that his pastor speaks out more often. If you go to the church's website they do not come right out and say it but they are pretty much saying "This is a black church and we are all about black power". Now if I made a church and only white people went there and I was talking about white power and this and that I would be considered RACIST! Its a total double standard. But anyways, Mr. Wright you keep speaking out until your heart is content.

International:
Before he committed suicide in the 2005 subway bombings in London, Mohammed Siddique Khan made a home video of himself bidding farewell to his young daughter telling her to take care of her mother. In the video, which was shown to jurors in a United Kingdom courtroom earlier today, the terror ringleader is seen cradling his baby girl, whispering to her that he is going to fight jihad "for the sake of Islam". The video was made in November 2004, before Khan was to head on a trip to Pakistan to receive terror training, according to prosecutors. It was played during a trial of three men who are accused of aiding the London bombers.
"I have to do this for our future," Khan says to his baby girl. "I'm going to really really miss you," he says. Khan is heard saying that he is sorry that he will miss out on seeing his daughter learn to walk. "I love you to bits," he says.

Opinion:
I hope this little girl realizes when she is older that her dad is a selfish person and killed 50 people for no reason at all. He did it for no reason because now he is burning in hell. "For the sake of Islam" MY BUTT. I am sooo sorry that those 50 people died but atleast one more piece of crap like that man is dead.

International:
The first ever walk-in advice center for stalkers opened in Berlin yesterday, offering support to those willing to stop harassing their victims. We believe that by supporting stalkers to kick the habit, we are helping the potential victims at the same time," Wolf Ortiz-Mueller, the head of the center, told reporters at the opening of the center. "Stalking is an addiction which must be treated before the situation escalates. The perpetrator repeatedly increases the dose in order to raise the feeling of power over the victim, and that situation can quickly get out of control," he said.

Opinion:
I have never heard of this before. I think that this is a good idea though. But then again it does not seem like the smartest idea. They need to lock stalkers up for sure. I do not understand why people would be that obsessed with one person. Its weird but hey whatever works.

Susan Jewell

2008-04-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

national:
SUMMARY
Larry Sabato commented on the Clinton financial situations "There's no such thing as being broke when you have a brand name in politics, and the Clinton name is one of the best brand names in American politics." Obama spent three times as much money on the Pennsylvania primaries as Clinton did yet still Clinton won by about ten points. Even though Obama lost the primary he still received a lot of financial support on Wednesday. Both candidates have debt even though Obama owes about $660,000, and Clinton has deficit of about $10 million. Clinton needs money to win the primary in Indianna or she won't have as good of a chance to win.

OPINION
It is crazy that Clinton is so in debt. I don't think that shows favorably for her. If she cannot run a campaign's finances how can she run a country's finances? I feel the same way about Obama but he is less in debt. I honestly am so confused by the democrats right now. I wish there was a clear cut winner or looser but so far there is not. I suppose to have the race be so close could work in favor of the GOP.

national:
SUMMARY
Barack Obama is perhaps not coming across strong enough in his efforts to be the next US president. He does not mention Clinton in his speeches and does not show how he is better suited for the position. Obama has held his tongue the whole time the two democrats have been campaigning. Instead of slandering Clinton he has stressed his idea of change. Clinton is the one who starts the opposition first. Obama does not believe Clinton to be strong. he said, "Senator Clinton has been trying a lot of different approaches and a lot of different criticism... you know, I know that people like to talk tough and use a lot of rhetoric about fighting and obliterating and all that stuff. You know that I have always believed that if you are tough you don't have to talk about it." Some people believe that politicians and the media are trying to typecast Obama as an "angry black man".

OPINION
Obama is not arguing because he wants Clinton to look like an angry woman. People assume that men are a little more aggressive than women. If he were to start the fighting talk first Clinton would not come across poorly in her presentation and demeanor. I agree with his statement about strong people. You can be strong without stating it. Women may have a harder time conveying that then men but still the idea can be conveyed.

EXTRA CREDIT:
SUMMARY
In the 1960's a photographer pushed the limits on art and advertisement. The photographer was George Lois and the magazine he shot the covers for was Esquire. Lois started his career at CBS and has worked for other such companies as Tommy Hilfiger, MTV, and USA Today. Lois' work pushed boundrys. The photographs were simple yet poignant with a clear statement on the events occuring in the world at the time and relevent to the articles within the magazine. starting friday, April 25, 2008 a display of 32 famous Esquire covers will be on display at New York's Museum of Modern Art

OPINION
His work is impressive. The art is so simple yet captivating. I think that the covers today are sometimes captivating but often they look the same as so many other magazines on the rack next to them. The covers of esquire seem to have changed to be more stereoptypical than they were in the 60s. since tehre are only 32 covers being displayed I can't hjelp but wonder how many Lois produced. I like the one with Kennedy which you can see in the slideshow at the link.

more extra credit:
SUMMARY
A great white shark is assumed to have bitten a swimmer in the ocean at Solana Beach, California. Dave Martin, 66, was in a group of nine swimmers when he was violently attacked. Martin was said to be attacked in a manner that pulled him out of the water and then dunked him under. He screamed for help and 4 other swimmers helped him out of the water and took him to the life guard station. At the lifeguard station a helicopter was held in and assistance was given but he bled to death on the spot. The way Dave martin was attacked is a typical white shark feeding habit. 8 miles of beach were closed off for 72 hours. This particular kind of shark is a fantastic swimmer. Some sharks who have been tagged have been found half way around the world. The dead man left behind a family, kids, and many friends.

OPINION
If sharks have been found so far away from their original tagging place I'm confused as to why such a short length of beach was closed off. That would be so dreadful to be one of the swimmers who tried helping Martin live. That is a sight most likely never forgotten. I feel horrible for his family. They probably wonder what went through Martin's head in his last moments. The article said he was bitte in his legs. I hope he still had his legs only for his family. To know your loved one was dismembered by a shark would be a horrible thought in addition to the death by the shark.

Krista Grote (2 mandatory primary blogs)

2008-04-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL

AberObama & Fitch

SUMMARY
After the Pennsylvania primary, Obama gave a speech. If you saw the video of his speech you may have noticed that there were three guys standing behind him in the crowd of people all wearing Abercrombie & Fitch tee shirts. Many people that blogged about Obama’s speech made a big deal of these guys in the background, saying things like “Obama, brought to you be Abercrombie & Fitch”. The store promises that they had nothing to do with the endorsing, but other people think it seems too coincidental not to be planned. For many of the candidates, they are always looking to create diversity in the backdrops. For example, when Obama’s wife was giving a speech they wanted more white people behind her.

OPINION
I don’t think the store was in charge of placing these guys behind Obama for endorsing their company. A & F already has a world popular franchise. I think these guys just thought it would be funny to all wear the same brand shirt and get some attention because of it. I thought the shirts were kind of obnoxious, especially the one with the giant FITCH on it, I was distracted by it. However it does not really matter because the speech he gave was no good and offensive to republicans. Boo Obama, go Huckabee!

NATIONAL

money money money... Money

SUMMARY
Even though Hilary was able to pull through in this week’s primary in Pennsylvania, she does not have as big of a budget as Obama does. She made this known in one of her speeches and 24 hours later she raised over ten million dollars just through her web page. Although this seems like a lot to those of us struggling during the recession, this lump sum of cash hardly compares to the rest of the money the candidates have spent during this campaign. Hilary has spent around 164 million, but Obama has passed her by spending around 189 million dollars. Despite the spending differences, neither candidate is trying to stop raising money. This race is not only a race for the presidency but also a race to see who can have the bigger campaign piggy bank.

OPINION
All of this money is going to waste. If these people are so concerned about making a difference, why don’t they start by using this money to do it. I can see how this money spending may be beneficial to the candidate that wins but for the other it is a total waste! It is like flushing money down the toilet instead of trying to help third world countries even get plumbing in the first place. Sometimes I think this world is twisted the way it works, and I can’t wait to go to heaven where all of our problems will be gone and we won’t have to worry about voting or taxes or even health care because we will all be prefect!

Murphy James - - Primaries

2008-04-23T21:36:00.001-07:00

Summary:
On Tuesday, April 22, Hilary Clinton stood face to face with loss. However, with 10 votes, Mrs. Clinton beat Mr. Obama in the Pennsylvania primary, a big general election state. But what exactly could this be implying about the democratic party? Could race be an issue here? Some are certain that it is, people such as David Axelrod, Obama's senior political adviser. Obama is not necessarily the favorite around blue-collared workers, old voters, or white voters. So, race as well as platform seem to be greatly hindering Senator Barack Obama.

Opinion:
Honestly, I think that people have to start looking beyond the race and gender bit. They are clearly serious enough to have gotten this far, so why not listen to what they are actually saying, instead of how they look? And democrats! Really? A party that is so hell-bent on bringing social wellfare and financial aid to the needy can't look beyond race? Next will we only be helping the white people? Or the males? It's 2008. I would really like to live in a world, or at least COUNTRY, that is race and gender prejudice free. We're the United States. Like it or not, the world watches our every move.

Brooke Bellah make up

2008-04-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

Photos Show Miley Cyrus Flashing Midriff and Bra

Recently photos have been released showing the 15 year old lifting up her shirt. This and her American Idol performance where she danced suggestively have brought to question whether the singer is still kid friendly. The photos--showing Cyrus with a boy (her boyfriend?)--are not the firstto be released. Apparently, there is a leak on her myspace page and photos have also been uncovered which show Cyrus in her underwear.
Opinion:
I hope Miley doesn't end like Lindsey Lohan or Britney Spears. Both of them started out relatively normal, and now look at them. Miley Cyrus seems to be going down a similar path; all of them received fame and attention at a very vulnerable age. I think she is a sweet girl, and even though these photos are a little exaggerated, I still think they might progress and get worse. I mean, she's only 15. What will she be doing when she's 18?

Brazilian Priest Carried Off by Party Balloons

A priest in Brazil attached himself to hundreds of helium-filled balloons in an attempt to break a world record. He took off on Sunday, but has not been seen since. "Given his physical condition and the equipment he was carrying, I would say there is an 80 percent chance that he is still alive," said one of the men in charge of the search. The priest had with him a helmet, aluminum thermal flight suit, water proof coveralls and parachute. The mass of balloons was discovered floating near the ocean, but the priest could not be found. The priest, an experienced skydiver, also had a GPS device, satellite phone and buoyant chair with him.
Opinion:
In any other circumstance like this, I would be convinced the person was dead. But in this case, I think there is still a good chance the priest is alive. The article said he had studied the mountians, and brought with him days' worth of water and food. It sounds like he was well-prepared. I hope he does make it because he was trying to raise money for a "spiritual rest stop" (whatever that means). At least he had a reason for doing it, not just to get attention.

m@yRA

2008-04-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Primary Elections
Clinton wins Pennsylvania, CNN projects
With about a quarter of precincts reporting, she was leading Barack Obama 54-46 percent.
Clinton will pick up a majority of the state's 158 delegates. Going into Tuesday's contest, Obama led in the delegate count -- 1,648 to 1,504, according to CNN estimates. Clinton got the support of older voters, with 61 percent of those 65 years or older backing her, according to the polls. She also received more support than Obama among white males, with 55 percent voting for her.
Opinion
I am very surpised that Clinton won Pennsylvania. It looks like she has many fans that support her. However, it was a close tie between her and Obama. It seems that Pennsylvannia is populated more by whites then blacks so that may be a reason why she won.

Wanted: Single women voters in Pennsylvania
Maria Wing is a lawyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She's 28 years old, single and in debt.
She and thousands of other women like her could prove key in Tuesday's Democratic Pennsylvania primary. Single women overwhelmingly vote Democratic and in Pennsylvania one in four voters is a single woman, according to the "Women's Voices. Women Vote Action Fund," a group trying to mobilize the nation's women voters. Gardner's group polled 1,000 unmarried women nationwide last month and found 58 percent of single women identify themselves as Democrats, compared to 18 percent as Republicans. Their support is almost evenly split between Sens. Obama and Clinton, favoring Clinton slightly, 50 to 48 percent. In Pennsylvania, 44 percent of unmarried women struggle with a household income of less than $30,000, compared to 14 percent of their married counterparts, while 87 percent of married Pennsylvania women have private health care coverage; the number drops to 66 percent for unmarried women. Additionally, unmarried women make 56 cents on the dollar compared to men. Married women earn 77 cents on the dollar.
Opinion
This explains why Hillary won the election. These woman know that if Hillary wins, she will do everything possible in order for these women to pay their debts. I don't know if this is a good thing or not, only God knows.

Extra Credit
International
In Chicago, fears of a long, bloody summer
Nine people were killed in 36 shootings over the weekend in Chicago, which what some community leaders say is a deadly breakdown in discipline among gang members after a crackdown over the past few years put many of their leaders behind bars. The shootings included drive-by attacks and one case in which someone shot up a plumbing supply store with an AK-47. At least 14 of the shootings were gang-related. CHicago fears that when June comes and all the children are on vacation there is going to be more gang fights because it is going to be hot and there will be more children outside doing nothing. In response to the bloodshed, Chicago police are making a show of force, deploying SWAT officers, something the department usually doesn't do until the summer, focusing more attention on areas where gang retaliation is likely and increasing their presence at schools.
Opinion
If I lived in Chicago I will also live in fear of the streets. I think that schools during the summer should have programs for kids, this will prevent many crimes. I think that police should also be more aware of what is happening around the neighborhoods. Parents should be watching their kids during the summer, checking who their children hang around with.

m@yRa

2008-04-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

International News
World Faces 'Silent Tsunami' of Rising Food Prices, U.N. Food Official Says
More than 100 million people are being driven deeper into poverty by a "silent tsunami" of sharply rising food prices. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, said the growing food crisis has pushed prices to their highest levels since 1945 and rivals current global financial turmoil as a threat to world stability. Prices for basic food supplies such as rice, wheat and corn have skyrocketed in recent months, driven by a complex set of factors including sharply rising fuel prices, droughts in key food-producing countries. Sheeran noted that the United States, which she said provides half of the world's food assistance, has pledged $200 million in emergency food aid and that Congress was considering an additional appropriation. Sheeran told reporters that the price of a metric ton of rice in parts of Asia had risen from $460 to $1,000 in less than two months. Hunger and anger have led to violence recently in Haiti, where food riots earlier this month resulted in several deaths, as well as Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and Senegal. Argentina's attempt to control rising prices led to a strike by producers.
Opinion
I think that this is very bad and I mean bad. I think that the US should do something besides giving money away. There has to be a reason for all of this and we have to find out that reason and fix it. It seems that the world is getting worse each year and there is no one to blame but ourselves.

Brooke Bellah make up

2008-04-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Carter: Hamas Willing to Accept Israel as 'Neighbor Next Door in Peace'

Ex-President Jimmy Carter recently met with Hamas leaders to negotiate a peace between the terrorist group and Israel. He believed that this peace was possible, but a Hamas spokesmen said Hamas' readiness to put a peace deal to a referendum "does not mean that Hamas is going to accept the result of the referendum." Palestine says that it will sign a peace referendum with Israel if Israel agrees to regress to their former bounderies (prior to 1967). Israel refuses to comply, and so not much progress is being made. Carter requested that Hamas agree to a monthlong unilateral truce, but Hamas did not agree with this proposal.
Opinion:
What is Carter doing? As a former President, he is an influential representative of the United States, and his meeting with the enemies of our allies is a slap in Israel's face. It also makes us look bad. These people have been at war with each other for centuries--does he really think that by getting the terrorist leaders and Israeli leaders in the same room they will talk it out and fix all their problems?

Texas Polygamy

A witness said there was no sexual activity taking plave in a Mormon church after investigators discovered a bed inside the facility. An expert of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FCLDS) said this bed was used for naps, and not to consemmate marriages of underage girls. Recently, the church has been accused of encouraging underage marriages of girls to much older men. The allegations began after a 16-year-old called the police and said her 50 year-old husband had raped and beaten her. As of lately, many of the children in the community have been removed from their parents' custody and placed into foster homes, for fear that they would also be abused. The courts are now deciding if they should give the children back to their parents, or continue to keep them in foster homes.
Opinion:
It's sad how these people can be brainwashed into believing they have to marry whoever they are told to as soon as they begin puberty, even if this person is a much older man who already has several wives. I think it's just an excuse for a lot of these men to take advantage of young girls, even though they say polygamy is a vital part of their belief system. It says some of these girls were giving birth at the age of thirteen. It's just gross. And I wouldn't be surprised if the bed was used to consemmate marriages. The Mormons only recognize marriages when they are performed inside the temple, so it wouldn't be a far stretch to think they had a bed inside the temple for this pupose as well. It would make more sense then to say they were encouraging naps during church, especially by a sect that stresses good works as a way to get into heaven.

Kwang Min Kim (With Extra Credit)

2008-04-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

EXTRA CREDIT
BLOG

India

Recently, a baby girl was born in India with two faces. Despite the fact she was born abnormal features and had two pairs of eyes, lips and noses, the parents say she is healthy and doing well.
The baby, who is yet to be named, was born to factory worker Vinod Kumar and his wife Sushma three weeks ago in northern India and has been drawing attention of curious observers and others who consider her a deity in the deeply religious Hindu-majority country. “Since I never saw anything like this in my life, I was naturally scared at first,” her father said in an interview. The infant girl has found easy acceptance in Kumar’s large, extended family that says they have no plans to looks for treatment or any kind of corrective surgery. “Since the heads are fused,

Opinion

I think separating them is not possible. This case comes just months after Indian doctors performed a rare, marathon surgery to remove the extra limbs of a girl born with four arms and legs. What a coincident? I am sure there is something wrong in that country. India is messed up country. But I hope for the baby’s health and fortune.

Korea

As the number of multi-culture families keeps increasing in Korea, the government came up with programs to better support them. To help the multi-cultural families living here adapt to out society well, public facilities will offer support programs such as Korean language learning classes. The Ministry for Health Welfare and Family Affairs announced last week that it would choose five public educational facilities by July to provide customized services for the growing multi-cultural community.

Opinion

This is good program, which well established by a Korean government. Korean government should turn their ears to minority’s voice. I think this will show positive side view on Korea.
The foreigner in Korea should learn Korean and Korean government should give them a chance to learn Korean and its cultural aspects.

Primary

DEMS get personal as Clinton goes after the big win in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, it’s not just about winning for Hillary Clinton. It’s about winning big
Clinton trails Barack Obama in delegates and is struggling to convince uncommitted superdelegates that her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination is still alive and kicking. To that end, her campaign is looking for a commanding victory Tuesday to give her momentum going into the Indiana and North Carolina primaries two weeks later.

Opinon
I think A double digit victory in Penn would be huge. Super delegates are big issue in both of their campaigns. I think Clinton has been trying hard over the past week, in Penn, In interview and in a TV ad, to get electoral mileage out of Obama’s controversial claim to a group of California donors that small town voters “cling” to guns and religion out of bitterness over lost jobs. Good Job Hillary! Keep it up. But I really don’t care.

Primary
Clinton, Obama trade shots on health care plans

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama is fighting over health care, revisiting one of the Democratic candidates few significant policy differences threes days ahead of the Penn primary .
Clinton’s campaign mounted a protest after Obama released a TV ad Saturday, to be shown statewide until the primary, criticizing Clinton’s health care reform proposal. Clinton’s health care plan includes a mandate to buy insurance and offers tax subsidies to help some people purchase it.

“What’s she not telling you about her health care plan?” the ad asks. “It forces everyone to buy insurance even if you can’t afford it, and you pay a penalty if you don’t.”

In accusing Clinton of wanting to penalize people who don’t buy insurance, the ad does not explain how Obama, without penalties of his own, would enforce his proposed mandate that children be covered. Obama’s health care plan would not mandate coverage for adults, though, and it would provide assistance that, he says, would make coverage affordable.

Clinton frequently criticizes Obama’s approach.

“I just heard that my opponent has put up an ad attacking my health care plan, which is kind of curious because my plan covers everybody and his leaves out 15 million people,” Clinton retorted Saturday in York, Pa. “Just leaves them out in the cold — now instead of attacking the problem, he chooses to attack my solution. I don’t think that we can just make speeches about this.”

Her comments came as the campaign released a statement calling the ad’s assertions “false and widely discredited.”

Opinion

Wow. Hillary actually has a point.

Just a kidding, No actually they are the same, as far as I can see nothing difference .

They want to spend ridiculous amount of money. That’s it.

In the end, no matter what they are

They are in the same category. This is their motto.

“Let’s Spend money”

That’s it. I see no differences.

But I give my applause to Clinton for trying

so hard to make difference between OBAMA and HER's

Universal Health Care Crap.

David Jeong

2008-04-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

primary blog no. 1.
Hillary Clinton Philly suburbs key to state primary win
summary: Clinton urbs key to state primary win holds a lead in statewide polls. But Obama is strongly favored in Philadelphia and polls show him holding a slight lead in the arc of four increasingly Democratic counties around the city. Delaware County, the one which makes up most of Sestak's 7th congressional district, is his toughest with demographics that also suit Clinton and her blue collar appeal. "It is, without question, right at the center of the fight for Pennsylvania," said Rep Joe Sestak, D-Pennsylvania, the retired admiral who represents this district and who has endorsed Obama's rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton. "How my district goes is how the state may go."
Opinion: The election is just few months away. In November, we will see the real winner. At this point, Hillary Clinton seems like she is so sure of her winning. Maybe it applies the same to Obama. However, I think if Clinton gets elected, the American economy wouldn't come back. Maybe other people think differently but I think the Clintons just mess up the economy even though they are saying they clean up the situation. My conclusion is, I want Obama to win and no Hilary

Primary blog no.2
Obama goes on offensive against Clinton
Summary: After a weekend of playing defense about his "bitter" comments, Sen. Barack Obama went on offense against his Democratic rival and the presumptive Republican nominee. Obama mocked Sen. Hillary Clinton for throwing back a shot of whiskey in front of TV crews over the weekend and said she must think she's "doing me a favor" by attacking him and toughening him up for a fall race against Republican Sen. John McCain. Clinton has been hitting Obama hard after he referred to some small-town Pennsylvanians as "bitter" people who "cling to guns and religion" at a fund-raiser last week. Obama later said the remarks were badly phrased but accurate.
Opinion: The politicians get offensive a lot of times when they need to accomplish something. It seems like they are willing to do anything to win over the opponent. When I was a kid, I wanted to become a politician and change the bad things but now I realize how bad the system is for any countries and I don't want to become part of the daily fightings and offensive talks, whatsoever. However, the election is just a few months away and I think the candidates are all fired up for it. be nice people.

Chris (primaries)

2008-04-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Primary 1

Summary - Senator Clinton and Senator Obama go face-to-face again in another debate. This time it takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During the debate, both candidates went back and forth over the recent controversies in the campaign. Along with this, the Senators also covered their differences on taxes and the economy. After being pressed for a certain question, both Senators admitted that the opponent could win against McCain in the long run. "Now, I think I can do a better job -- obviously that's why I'm here," said Clinton. She followed by saying she will "do everything I possibly can to make sure that one of us takes the oath of office next January."

Opinion - I am not too sure who, between the two Senators, has the best chance against McCain right now. Obama alone might be good competition for McCain but I don't think Clinton alone would. Both Senators still won't say if they would name the other as a running mate. Neither of them probably will say "yes" or "no" to that until there is a definite winner between the two. If either of them want to win against McCain though, whoever wins the primaries probably should name the other as his or her running mate.

Primary 2

Summary - Senator Obama said that he does not see the point in having debates with Senator Clinton anymore. Clinton recently agreed to another debate, but Senator Obama has not accepted it yet. "I'll be honest with you, we've now had 21," said Obama. "It's not as if we don't know how to do these things. I could deliver Sen. Clinton's lines; she could, I'm sure, deliver mine." While making an appearance in Raleigh, North Carolina, the Senator said he has a lot of campaigning to do in a limited amount of time.

Opinion - I guess I could see Senator Obama's point. There isn't a lot of time left for either of the Senators right now. They have to use the time they have left wisely. Obama's comment on his and Clinton's last debate shows he doesn't want to go through with that again. He said, "Last night, we set a new record, because it took us 45 minutes before we even started talking -- until we started talking about a single issue that matters to the American people." It makes sense that Barack doesn't want to waste more time like he and Clinton did in that debate. There's really no point in going through all of that again.

Kaylen May Gerkey

2008-04-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

Obama: Let's campaign, not have more debates
Summary
Sen. Barack Obama expresses frustration with additional debates. Clinton asked Obama for another debate but Obama has not yet accepted. Obama says that he asked Clinton earlier and she declined. It is not like they have not done this before. They have had 21 previous debates, Obama said and right now he has to check his schedule. In the meantime the Birtish Prime minister, during his stay in DC, visited with each of the presidential candidates. He sat down with each for 45 minutes and had a good laugh with McCain during a photo op. With Obama the two talked about strengthening the British Alliance.

Opinion:
I would have to agree with him. They debate all the time and what effect is another debate going to have on the public. If no one payed attention to the first 21 what would make the next one any different? Plus, Obama has facd a lot of scrutiny lately and he would probably prefer a rest form the public eye, but who knows. I aslo think if Clinton can decline his request for another debate that he has the right to do the same as well.

Obama Pledges no earmarks in 2009
Summary
Last year Sen. Barack Obama, submitted a laundry list of federal funding requests, known as earmarks, to the Senate Appropriations Committee: 112 earmarks totaling more than $330 million in taxpayer funds. But this year Obama told CNN he will request no earmarks for fiscal year 2009. The dramatic change is in line with what Obama issued last month in connection with an amendment calling for a one-year moratorium on earmarks in the Senate.
The amendment, sponsored by federal earmark foe Sen. Jim DeMint was shot down by a vote of 79-21. Obama signed on as a co-sponsor of the amendment, as did his rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and the Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Obama says, "The entire earmark process needs to be re-examined and reformed.”

Opinion
I agree with Obama and all the co sponsors, McCain and Clinton. Critics even say that earmarks should be taken out of the legislative appropriations process altogether. It should be applied by Federal agencies according to objective findings of need and carefully constructed requests rather than being earmarked by elected officials. After hearing how much Obama got taxpayers to put out last year, $330 Million, I am more than happy to hear he wants to have none on 2009. But is that even possible? How many presidents or presidential candidates promise big changes or whatever and then get into office and do nothing they promised? If he were to come to office and keep this promise how much of a difference would it make?

Andrew Reiff

2008-04-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

National Primary

Summary- Obama wants voters to remember Clinton's past

Barack Obama seems to be renewing his focus on attacking Senator Clinton. He knows that she has been in the public eye for many years, so she has many things that can be used against her. Obama is being smart, but it is yet to be seen if Clinton can counter all of his attacks effectively. If she can, she may prove to be a tough candidate to beat. Obama accused Clinton of accusing him too much over the remarks he made about small-town Americans clinging to religion out of bitterness. Obama is certain that the Republicans would attack the winner of the primary, so he wants Hillary to back down a little bit.

Opinion-

I don't really like the tactics that Obama is using. If he can't take the heat from Clinton, then he should not be running in the race. I think that he should give as good as he gets. Sure he made a mistake in speaking in recent days, but he should compare that to all of Hillary's "memories." I say lets make this fight as dirty as it can get. The Democrats have not had a very close primary in a long time, and this one is going to be very memorable. The winner of this primary will have a good chance on John McCain if they come out stronger, rather than weaker, than they came in. If the winner feels beaten up at the end of the primaries, a fresh John McCain will destroy him. And I totally agree with McCain's tactic of laying low and letting them duke it out. Good for him.

Summary- Obama says debate focused on "gotcha" not policy issues

Senator Obama is mad that the moderators for the recent debate focused on his misspeaking errors and past beliefs. Clinton seemed happy with it. Obama claimed that in pursuing those routes to go for the debate, ABC robbed the American people of a chance to see what a brilliant tactician he is.

Opinion-

I think that Obama is being a bit of a crybaby here. ABC has the right to ask any question that they may feel is necessary to get good ratings. If Barack didn't like the questions, he didn't have to be at the debate at all. Now I know that they do not receive the debate questions beforehand, and I applaud them for their excellent answers on the spot, but he should have expected the media to go after him after his recent activities.

Susan Jewell

2008-04-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

national:
SUMMARY
Clinton and Obama debated one another and conceded that the other could win presidency. Hilary was very emphatic that Obama could win saying "yes, yes, yes" although she said she felt she was better suited for the position. Obama said he worded a statement incorrectly. He had meant some people focus too much on social issues because they feel the government cannot help them financially. clinton was called an elitist which she countered with saying she could have stayed home and baked cookies but instead she pursued a career.

OPINION
I think that it really is up for debate right now which one will win. Clinton I think may have more support. Obama has been making too many waves. I don't think women should be called elitist if they plan for more of their life and career than to be house wives. I doubt Obama worded a statement incorrectly. He plans his words so well. I would guess the statement was not well accepted and he then decided to change it.

national:
SUMMARY
Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama both appeared on The Colbert Report. Clinton came on simply to speak about how she could fix any problem including a broken screen and Colbert's shiny forehead. Obama put manufactured distractions on the notice board. He said he was sure Americans were tired of the drama pertaining to his church. Clinton and John Edwards spoke to one another back stage between breaks although the topic of their conversation was not revealed.

OPINION
I think that Clinton's skit sounded funny although I did not see it. I did witness Obama's act; and it was boring and not even informative which I feel he is often better at than Hilary. manufactured distractions are kind of what the presidential race is about. To put those on notice is silly. They won't go away and they are, quite frankly, how people decide whether or not they like the candidates. The topic of conversation is not really all that important to me regarding Clinton and Edwards. They are friends I would guess the conversation was simply friendly conversation and nothing more. If Clinton were to speak seriously to Edwards I believe it would be behind closed doors not behind a stage.

Chris

2008-04-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

National

Summary - In Dallas, Texas, a tow truck driver took a car parked in a fire lane without realizing a child was in it. After the driver stopped to check and make sure the car was properly hooked up, he then found the boy asleep in the car. The driver Fidel Retana Jr. quickly returned the child to the parents and drove off before the police arrived. Retana was arrested later on for charges of child endangerment but they expect to drop the charges soon. "It appeared that he did not intend to take the child," said police.

Opinion - I guess the incident was all just an accident so the driver shouldn't really be charged. He should be more attentive though with his job. He should've noticed a child was in the car in the first place so none of this would have happened. He obviously didn't mean to do it but should have at least stuck around for the police. I could understand he probably saw the parents as being very angry after all of this and didn't want to stick around to deal with them but he still should have waited until everything was sorted out.

International

Summary - A Romanian man had been keeping a lion in his back garden until neighbors couldn't take it any longer. After being annoyed by the many roars of the lion, the neighbors finally called police. When the police showed up, they found a caged 3-year-old lioness, as well as two peacocks, a stag and two deer roaming the garden of this 28-year-old man. He is being charged with illegal possession of wild animals and may be sent to jail for up to a year. The 3-year-old lioness that was in the man's possession will be taken to Bucharest zoo.

Opinion - Why would he have all these animals in his back yard basically? It doesn't sound very safe to me. I know I wouldn't want something that could eat me living in my back yard. It doesn't sound too comforting for some reason.. Call me crazy but I think you should leave the man-eating animals in the zoo.. I think the man should be charged with something because he could have endangered the lives of the people living around him but I don't he should be given jail time. That just seems too harsh.

Krista Grote ( there are only 2 b/c u said we only had 2 do 2 on primaries)

2008-04-16T22:22:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL

Obama v. Clinton

SUMMARY
With the primary election coming up on Tuesday in Pennsylvania the tension is high between the two candidates. The way the two candidates act towards one another also makes it hard to tell how they truly feel about one another. Some of the time they talk smack behind each others back, but at the same time they are enthusiastic about what lies ahead in the future election, because they believe either one of them will be able to beat senator McCain. Even though they both believe that the Democratic Party has a hopeful future, neither of the senators will agree to running as a running mate for the candidate that wins the primary.

OPINION
I think it is a smart idea of both senators to not say at this time that they are willing to run for second best. If they did agree to this, it would make them look weaker. If they say they would still be willing to run with the other for vice president then people would vote for the one because they know they would be able to get both if they vote for the one that will only take the position as president. Personally I don’t think either of these candidates is great and I would not vote for either of them no matter who would be willing to run as vice president. I would vote for Mike Huckabee!!

NATIONAL

Obama on a role

SUMMARY
Obama’s wife Michelle gave a speech in Indiana to supporters to talk about all the hurdles they have had to over come on this campaign track. When they started out there was much doubt that he was going to be able to collect the funds and create the organization and wins the caucuses and delegates in the campaign process. Barrack never gave up hope and has pulled through all the challenges he has faced and even has some change to spare! Obama wants to go all the way and he has a wife that is right by his side to support him the whole way.

OPINION
Mrs. Obama is just about s good of a speaker as Barrack is. She is very eloquent and presents herself well. Who knows, in the next four years she could be running for president against Hilary. It is nice to see a candidate whose family supports them and is willing to give speeches for them on the campaign trail to get more votes and appeal to all types of people. This is the type of thing will get you more votes because voters like to see that their candidates are like them and can best represent their concerns and problems and make a difference.

Chris (1/2)

2008-04-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

National

Summary - Police stopped a man in Magnolia, Arkansas, and searched his car after smelling something strange. After a consented search by the man Savalas Vantoli Stewart, the police found marijuana hidden inside a recently purchased box of fried chicken, as well as a few ecstasy pills in his pockets. The incident happened after a a traffic stop Friday night. The thirty-three year old man faces a misdemeanor possession charge for having the marijuana and also a felony drug possession charge for the ecstasy. The Columbia County jail released Stewart Monday and a court appearance for the man will follow.

Opinion - Why did this man consent to the search of his car? Well, I should be asking why he even had those drugs in his car in the first place? Everyone knows the rule: if you have drugs, keep them at home... or not at all. It's fairly simple but some people just don't get it. Oh well. Also, why did he hide the "weeds", as the kids say, in the box of chicken, of all places? I don't remember learning in chemistry chicken grease being a good odor neutralizer. Maybe he should have shoved that dope in a bottle of Oust or something..

International

Summary - A man in Australia is on the run after escaping the custody of police Tuesday. The man is a suspected burglar who was arrested that day but managed to escape with a cop car, while still handcuffed. Police said that day that while they examined a bag outside, two officers handcuffed the man and left him in the back of the unmarked police car. The keys to the vehicle were left inside of it while the policemen were elsewhere. The arrested suspect then climbed into the driver's seat and drove off. The vehicle was found an hour later but the suspect has yet to be found.

Opinion - Wow.. That there bur-glar sure is a clever one, ain't he? Or maybe it's simply the police who are not. No policeman should ever leave his keys in the car while an arrested suspect is also in there. OBVIOUSLY. It is situations and incidents like these that promote the stereotype that cops are idiots who eat donuts. I could imagine the cops in this situation fitting that stereotype exactly, with that "bag" they were examining being from their local Dunkin' Donuts. Nice job, guys..

Bronwen

2008-04-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

International:
In Los Cabos, Mexico and American family was held at gunpoint in their car and robbed. The bandits made off with the family's plane as they were about to take off from the hotel airstrip. The detective, Juan Carlos de Jesus Jimenez , says the thieves broke one of the cars windows and held the family at gunpoint, forced them out, then set the automobile on fire. The plane was most likely stolen for drug smuggling. All victims are unharmed; unfortunately the suspects as well.

I have no desire to travel to even the nicest parts of Mexico. This comes as no surprise, and I bet the plane shows up after a little while and the thieves never get caught. Mexico has no justice, and many Mexicans in America act as if there were none; it is quickly becoming so.

International:
China is insisting upon an apology from CNN whose commentator, Jack Cafferty, called the Chinese leaders "a bunch of goons and thugs" and labeled its products as "junk." "We are shocked and strongly condemn the vicious remarks by Cafferty, we solemnly request CNN and Cafferty himself take back the malicious remarks and apologize to the Chinese people." Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said. Jack Cafferty holds that he was referring to the Chinese government, not it's people.

Why doesn't China just block CNN along with all the other stuff the Marxist country filters. Heaven forbid anyone hear the truth! You really can't make communism sound pretty. We pay china to poison our dog food and paint our toys with lead. Really China, you're lacking much needed reform and you can't hide it anymore.

National:
Senator John McCain called for an extension on the deferral of federal taxes on gasoline to last through the summer. "In so many ways, we need to make a clean break from the worst excesses of both political parties, Somewhere along the way, too many Republicans in Congress became indistinguishable from the big-spending Democrats they used to oppose." McCain said on tax day. He asked for the 18.4 cent federal tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax to be delayed until Memorial day instead of labor day. This would deprive the federal government of about $10 billion dollars. The money saved by tax payers is expected to benefit the entire economy. McCain is said to be drafting a bill in support of this tax delay.

I spend at $50 dollars to fill up my tank. I'll convert to bicycling like Andrew if this tax goes into effect. That's ridiculous! The federal government doesn't need any more money. Fire some people and get rid of redundant, unnecessary social programs. Give us the relief at the gas pump! I like McCain's campaign strategy!

National:
Sen. Arlen Specter (head of the Judiciary Committee) asked the democratic presidential nominees as well as McCain if they would support faster confirmation of federal judges. discharge," Specter would like to discharge three appellate court nominations from the committee and bring them straight to the Senate floor for a vote. "I write to find out how you would vote on the proposed discharge petition, but also, candidly, to focus the public's attention on these nominations," Specter said in his letters. He ended by signing all of them "good luck".

For the most part, I agree with Specter's view. The committee's undermine the power of the senate as a whole in this case. This move may cause more dissension among the senate as a whole, but overall would cause members to be more attentive to what is going on.

m@yR@

2008-04-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Pennsylvania PrimaRies
Clinton had 50 percent and Obama’s 44 percent, according to the Quinnipiac University poll out Tuesday. The numbers remain unchanged from last week, before the uproar over Obama’s remark that people in small towns in Pennsylvania cling to guns and religion to vent their frustration over the economy and Washington’s false promises. According to the poll, support for Obama among the state’s black voters up to 86 percent, compared with 75 percent a week ago, while Clinton maintained her advantage among whites, 57 percent to Obama’s 37 percent. The poll of 2,103 likely Democratic voters in Pennsylvania had a margin of error of 2.1 percent.
Opinion
It seems that this is getting very intense and Barak and Hillary are doing everything possible in order to win the elections and become president. Well we can't really know who really wants to make a difference and who just wants to become president just to do whatever he or she wants I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I think that this has become very intense simply because it is the first year that a woman and an african american have run for president.

national
Students want chance to defend themselves
Michael Flitcraft, a 23-year-old sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, has become a leading advocate for college students to carry weapons on campus. He's an organizer for Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. F`itcraft calmly explained he is licensed to carry a weapon in Ohio. He wants to carry his gun on campus to defend himself from potential killers, but by law he can't. Utah is the only state to allow weapons at all public universities. Colorado allows students at universities to carry weapons, except the main university campus in Boulder. In Virginia, Blue Ridge Community College allows students with a proper concealed-weapons permit to be armed.
Opinion
I think that carrying guns in schools are a bad idea. Simply because we don't know who is carrying it to defend themselves or to kill other people. This will simply bring more problems to universities and will bring more killing. I think that having securities and cameras that will be fine.

National
Rape a child, pay with your life, Louisiana argues
For the first time in 44 years, a state is preparing to execute a man for a felony other than murder. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Wednesday on whether Louisiana can use capital punishment in child rape cases. The constitutional question before the justices is whether the death penalty for violent crimes other than homicide constitutes "cruel and unusual" punishment. Kennedy was sentenced to die in 2003 for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter in her bed. The crime occurred in Harvey, across the big river from New Orleans. It caused severe emotional trauma,and internal injuries and bleeding to the child, requiring extensive surgery.
Opinion
Well I agree with the state. I think that this man should die. Putting him in prison is not enough punishment for this man. He did this crime in 2003, 5 years ago, i dont know why he is still alive. He should be dead already. This child was raped and she deserves some justice.

International
Iraqi militias use food as recruiting tool, report says
A report says the United States, the government of Iraq and the international community aren't doing enough to address the daily problems faced by the 2.7 million internally displaced Iraqis, who have fled homes in war-torn regions to other places in Iraq. These people are unemployed in their new locations and many times unable to access food and health care. The report slams the government of Iraq as being "unwilling" and "unable" to address such humanitarian issues "lacking both the capacity and the political will to use its important resources to address humanitarian needs."
Opinion
I think that the government of Iraq should not just be depending on the US to do everything for them because the US has its own problems that it has to fix. It is the Iraqi government's job to provide jobs for these people and provide shelter for them. The US has many problems and the gov't must work on that. But everything can't always be blamed on the government.

Kellye Harkey

2008-04-15T11:44:00.001-07:00

National:
ABC News' Rick Klein Reports: A Republican House member Monday sent a letter of apology to Sen. Barack Obama, after calling him "boy" and comparing him to a "snake oil salesman" in attacking his national security credentials at a weekend fund-raising dinner in Kentucky.
According to a Lexington Herald-Leader blog item, Rep. Geoff Davis, R-Ky., said Saturday that he had recently participated in a "highly classified, national security simulation" with Obama, and said that exercise showed that Obama can't be trusted to make difficult decisions.
"I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button," Davis said. "He could not make a decision in that simulation that related to a nuclear threat to this country."
The Obama campaign slammed the comments.

Opinion:
Why are people so sensitive these days? No body would think anything of it if someone called me girl or called Mr.Hjort "boy". People need to get theirs heads out of their butts. I do not think that guy should of apologized because I really do not think he was doing it as a "racist" thing but of course people would think he was. It seems we have to be so gentle and careful around Obama cause God forbid we say something that someone will most likely take out of context and turn it into a racsist issue.

National:
The Democratic presidential candidate will make her first appearance on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" on Thursday. Both Clinton and Colbert have come to Pennsylvania ahead of the state's hard-fought Democratic primary on April 22.
Clinton rival Barack Obama also is in Pennsylvania, but has thus far declined Colbert's invitation. Obama's wife, Michelle, will appear on the show Tuesday.

Opinion:
I really do not like Hilary Clinton but I do think it is a smart idea to go on his show. Alot of people including myself watch this show. It will help people be more informed about what is going on with a twist of humor.

ASHLEY FURNIA

2008-04-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

National
1: ABC News' David Wright, Andy Fies and Sunlen Miller Report: At a morning event in Pittsburgh, Sen. Obama directed a new line of attack at his Democratic rival Sen. Hillary Clinton in the fallout surrounding recent remarks where he cast small town voters as "bitter".
Without mention any candidate by name, Obama said "Around election time, the candidates they just can't do enough. They'll promise you anything, they’ll give you a long list of proposals. They'll even come around, with TV crews in tow and throw back a shot and a beer." (On Saturday, Clinton had a beer and did a shot of whiskey at Bronko's Restaurant in Indiana.)

OPINION
I think that he has a valid point to how candidates make promises for people to vote for them. Yet he is kinda beign hypocritical because he has done the same things throughout the election. Just because your doing it throughout it doesn't mean your not doing it.

2: April 15th is Tax Day which means it's as good a day as any to chart the distance John McCain has traveled on taxes.
Back in 2001, McCain voted against President Bush's $1.35 trillion 10-year tax cut, saying, "I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us, at the expense of middle class Americans who most need tax relief."
Two years later, McCain voted against further Bush tax cuts, saying the costs of the Iraq war were not yet known.

OPINION
I think that the tax cut is kinda dumb but yet it has a point to it completely. He needs to stick to his word when he said that two years ago. If he changes his mind now than it would most likely be held against him. People need to just deal with the fact that the law for that may change.

3: A former nanny for Rob Lowe claims the actor sexually abused her for years but she continued to work for him and his wife because she loved their two sons and needed the job.
In legal papers filed in Santa Barbara, Jessica Gibson says Lowe touched her inappropriately several times between September 2005 and January 2008.
Gibson worked for Rob and Sheryl Lowe on and off for seven years before quitting on Feb. 24.

OPNION
I think that the lady is just trying to get publisity kinda cause he's famous so why would you have not said anything earlier? He is a man who loves his family and cares why would he take that at risk just to have some fun here and there. It's wrong and she honestly just wants money.

4: Despite the old adage about sticks and stones, the mother of New York City middle school student Maria Herrera told a local newspaper that words really did hurt her daughter, who apparently committed suicide by hanging herself last week.
Herrera was the latest tragic victim of bullying, according to her mother, who told The New York Post that she found the 12-year-old hanging dead in a closer from a cloth belt on April 7.
Mercedes Herrera told the The Post that students constantly teased her daughter and even went as far as cutting her hair.

OPINION
I think that is so sad that a little girl that is 12 has to kill herself because of bullying. I mean they took it way to far when they cut her hair. I want bullying somehow to be illegal but i don't know how they would classify that as bullying. It's wrong and teachers need to take watch for it and actually do something about right away.

Brian's Primary Blogs

2008-04-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

National (primaries) - With the Pennsylvania primary coming up, McCain’s focus is the declining economy. The candidate has labeled the situation a recession, and has been proposing his own cures for the trouble. On the recent remarks made by Obama concerning small-town voters, McCain said Obama was being “elitist” and the children of the people Obama was criticizing are the ones defending our country overseas. McCain also supports new legislation protecting the identity of news sources.

Opinion – I suppose there’s not much argument from either side of the isle concerning our suffering economy, but the question is what McCain would do about it. I think the problem with the comments Obama made is that they were not only elitist, but they were generalizations, and I think McCain was simply making more of them. This article was really disjointed besides the fact it was all about McCain.

National (primaries) - Ever since Obama’s comments, Hilary has been doing her best to cash in on the blunder. For four days straight she’s been coming back to those remarks. However, in a rally today, the crowd seemed fed up with this “contrasting the candidates” approach, and shouted out “no” after a couple of Hillary’s questions, though this may have simply been organized by the Obama campaign. However, the crowd applauded when Hilary admitted her husband’s mistakes.

Opinion – Well, doesn’t surprise me. It’s hard to feel bad for either of these two; they just keep ripping on each other. I’m just ready to find out which one is going to be the final candidate. I’m looking forward to that.

Full Credit Make-up! BRIAN

2008-04-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

International - A screenplay for one of The Lord of the Rings movies was recently confiscated from a child-soldier detainee at Guantanamo Bay. Navy Lieutenant Commander William Kuebler, the boy’s appointed attorney [the boy Khadr was 15 in 2002 when he was first put in Gitmo], had given the boy the script in order to build trust. The screenplay was taken away because it did not directly relate to Khadr’s defense. Kuebler was also forbidden from playing chess or checkers with Khadr as well. The Lord of the Rings books are available to prisoners, but Khadr’s greatest desire is to see the movies. He is going on trial for war crimes and the death of a special-forces soldier. Khadr is 21, and could face life in prison.

Opinion – I don’t know enough about this to be sure about anything, but it seems like this guy should be let off a little easier than life in prison. I don’t know. Of course the enemy wouldn’t do something like that, and I don’t know the whole story, but it seems like his young age should count for something. Did he have a choice in fighting for a terrorist organization? Probably not a whole lot.

National - The Catholic church in America is continuing to grow mostly because of immigrants. Besides European immigrants, Hispanic Catholics are the most common new church members. Hispanic Catholics tend to be more conservative on moral and social issues but liberal on economic ones, and make up 39% of U.S. Catholics. However, the number of Hispanics claiming no religious affiliation is growing the most.

Opinion – Cool. Did you know the Pope is coming from the 15th to the 20th this month? I wish I could see him. But then again, I don’t know if I really like the new Pope. Anyways, I just thought this article was interesting, but I don’t feel strongly one way or another about it.

Chris full credit make-up

2008-04-11T00:23:00.000-07:00

National

Summary - Wyvetter H. Younge, a 77 year-old state representative for Illinois, was glad to be alive after she was robbed in her own home one day. The robbery happened during noon on a Friday. The woman thought it to be her son entering the house but instead found a man she wasn't familiar with wearing a red hat, jacket and dark pants. The man held the Democrat representative at gun point and took off with her purse. Younge said she'll pray for the man who did this.

Opinion - Well this is just terrible. Robbers should really leave the old folks alone. I believe it to be an unwritten rule of etiquette that robbers and burglars should stay within their age bracket. But, of course, criminals will be criminals. And as criminals go, they never do follow the rules. Anyhow, the robber was truly an idiot as he only made away with the representative's purse, which contained a GRAND total of $7. Very nice, robber-man. You managed to steal more than you're worth. Nicely done...

National

Summary - Police say a woman in Cedar Rapids, Iowa chased down a burglar with an ice scraper and made him pick up what he stole and dropped when he fled. It was the home of Derdre Rodriguez who police went to on Monday, when the incident occurred. When they got there they found the lady holding a sixteen-year-old Jake Merfeld at bay with the ice scraper. The incident took place after the woman showed up at her house to find Jake running across the yard with the stolen items. She then hit the burglar over the head with the ice scraper and he then surrendered. Merfeld, who was treated for a cut on his head, faces a second-degree burglary charge.

Opinion - What is it we have here? Some girl power at work maybe? Well, good for her. She took control of the situation and nabbed the criminal. So bravo to her! It is somewhat sad though that the burglar is only sixteen-years-old. I just hope he doesn't have to go to prison. He just seems to young to have to go there. Well.. that's what juvi's for, right? :/

International

Summary - In an Indonesian town, massage parlors have begun asking their female masseuses to put padlocks on their skirts and pants. The purpose behind this is to make clear to people that sex is not for sale there. The women's affairs minister of Indonesia did not like this act and protested it as massage parlors are often a front for prostitution. "It is not the right way to prevent promiscuity," said Meutia Swasono. "It insults women ... as if they are the ones in the wrong."

Opinion - Well, this is quite the predicament. I don't entirely understand if the women masseuses are being made to wear the padlocks or not. I guess if the business doesn't want their workers selling sex, then the owners should be able to force them to wear the locks. If the female masseuses don't like being forced to wear the padlocks then they could just work at a different massage parlor. If massage parlors are a common front for prostitution, then I'm sure a few of them won't take up the idea of padlocks on the masseuses.

International

Summary - In Stockholm, Sweden, the electrocution of a rat in an electric station caused power outages the city's central train station. Halting to the elevators and escalators followed."The rat had sneaked into a secondary substation and came into contact with some parts that caused it to short circuit," said Jesper Ekenlund, the spokesman for the power company Fortum. The outage that morning led to some delays in train traffic. "It must have been really big because there's a certain distance between the parts it touched."

Opinion - Okay.. That is somewhat disgusting. Well, first of all, there probably shouldn't have been rats in the electric station anyway. That just smells like disaster.. or rotting, charred rat in this case. The spokesman for the power company said the rat "must have been big". Because of how he worded it, it makes me think nothing (or not much) of the rat's body was left, which makes the incident even more disturbing. This doesn't even include the fact that, according to the spokesman, it must have been a good sized rat. Now isn't that just grand?..

David Jeong makeup blog 4 ec

2008-04-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

National 1

Stolen military items for sale online

Summary: stolen U.S. military items are being sold on eBay and Craigslist. Government investigators posing as buyers were able to purchase a dozen prohibited military items on the popular online selling sites. The report notes that the items purchased could easily have been shipped overseas and "used directly against our troops and allies." The items are: Two F-14 fighter jet components, Night vision goggles, and Army combat uniforms.

Opinion: This shows that military security has become a joke. It also tells that anything can be sold on the web. F14 components being sold by individuals sound pretty dangerous. If the component came from the real body, then how it is going to function properly? I guess people are crazy these days and the web has become a sacred place. They both sound pretty terrible news to me.

National 2

Polygamist ranch raid climaxed with nonviolent protest at temple

Summary: Nearly 60 men surrounding the temple of a polygamist sect in Texas dropped to their knees, prayed and wept openly -- but never violently resisted -- as law enforcement officers raided the building they hold sacred. A 16-year-old girl had called social workers and timidly recounted being beaten, choked and sexually assaulted by the 49-year-old man who had fathered her child after their "spiritual marriage" last year. Texas Rangers and other law enforcement officials believed the church may have used that custom to hide children inside the building.

Opinion: Well, we watched a video about polygamists and they were disgusting. I absolutely hated their idea. I think polygamy is not a good idea of marriage. Love cannot be shared. If a polygamist says that he loves both his wives, or possibly more than 10, that means that there is one that he loves more and he is just not letting go the other wife, or wives, for his sexual greed. I really don't get their idea but it looks like that and they are absolutely disgusting and brainwashed. Their everyday lives must be everyday nightmares.

International 1

U.N. chief to skip Beijing ceremony

Summary: The United Nations secretary general has joined a growing list of high-profile leaders who have indicated they will not attend the Olympic Games' opening ceremony in Beijing. Ban-Ki Moon said he had told Chinese authorities that he "may not" be in a position to attend due to scheduling issues. "While he's there, he can also take an opportunity to press them on religious freedoms, because this is something that is going to continue after the Olympics," said White House Press Secretary Dana Perino.

Opinion: I am pretty sure that this guy is scared. I know how everything is possible in China. Nothing is impossible, by adidas, is perfect sentence for china. Even the torch relay had been troubled and I am pretty sure that UN chief is worried about his safety there. Chinese people can be pretty crazy and they don't have much order as a leading county's citizens. Well, whatever it is, it's funny that UN chief even thinks about skipping the olympic ceremony.

International 2

China's yuan breaks through key level

Summary: China's currency nudged past 7.0 yuan to the U.S. dollar. The official Xinhua News Agency reported that the yuan was trading at 6.9920 to $1 -- the first time it has ventured below the 7 yuan mark since the government loosened the unit's peg to the dollar in 2005. The yuan has gained about 18 percent in value since then. That has made Chinese-made products more expensive overseas while shrinking the yuan-denominated value of profits from exports.

Opinion: Well, hopefully, the price of chinese product get higher and nobody will buy them and chinese economy will collapse. This is dumb. I think for win-win situation, chinese yuan should stay lower. Many people in the world these days need lower price products and governments want them too because they want their exports go well. I think the value of yuan should go down instead of going up

and blogs 2,3,4 - Tyler

2008-04-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

National Blog #2- WOOHOO!!!
http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/mccain-erases-obamas-lead-in-new-poll/20080410150809990001

The Mac is back! Coming from 10 points behind both Obama and Clinton in last months AP poll, McCain has tied exactly with Obama and is only slightly behind Clinton. People speculate a bad month for Obama and the securing of the nomination by McCain as the main to reasons McCain is surging. The poll also shows that the prolonged primary process is actually damaging the democrats, but no matter how long it takes, the article said, this november election is going to be a close one.

This is great, I’ve been rooting for McCain basically from the start, and after seeing him fall so quickly at the beginning I have to say that this is awesome. I think McCain is the least polarizing candidate on board, he actually has the record of going across the aisle (like Clinton and Obama are saying), and I believe is worthy of more trust than the two dems. Its McCain 08 for sure!

International Blog #1- China Stops “terrorists”
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/china-foils-alleged-olympics-plot/20080410080209990001

A plot including 35 men who planned to kidnap reporters, athletes and fans attending the Olympic game was foiled on Thursday. The Ministry of Public Safety said they had uncovered the ring of 35 men had purchased 22 pounds of explosives and were planning on doing much harm during the event. China since Sept. 11th has tried to paint this group of individuals as being terrorists with ties to the middle east, but so far no proof of a connection like that has been found.

I think it is great that China has caught this before people were harmed. From the sound of the article, however, it sounds like some are questioning Chinas legitimacy on making the arrests. But at least it seems they are trying to protect tourists and officials, and hopefully the games will go down without incident.

International Blog #2- Terrorist Dead
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/us-says-top-al-qaida-terrorist-is-dead/20080409163409990001

A top terrorist of Al-Qaida is presumed dead on Thursday. The Egyptian terrorist leader was involved in the plans to attack the US in 2006, however intelligence found out the plan and averted the attack. But the terrorist was never caught. He died of natural causes in Egypt. This man is suspected of being behind the successful London transit attacks which killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Obviously this means good news for the fight against terrorism, but there will be someone to replace him, there always is. Hopefully we can find out who that next person is, where he is, and then we could be the reason for his death… just a thought.

Logan Lann (make-up, full credit)

2008-04-10T18:45:00.001-07:00

National

Teamsters for Obama

Summary

Obama went to Pennsylvania recently looking for votes. He wants the Teamsters Union to support him in his race with their votes. He believes he is the best candidate to appeal to blue-collar workers. Jim Hoffa, president of the Teamsters, says that he believes Obama can bring change that has been long awaited by the workers of Pennsylvania. Obama went to factories, farms, bars, and bowling alleys to meet the people of Reading, Pennsylvania. Many jobs in
factories are being sent to Mexico, which people believe Obama could change this, unlike Hillary.

Opinion

I don’t think Obama is a good candidate, and I don’t think he could bring the change everyone has been deceived into thinking he can. He promises change, but he is vague in all his promises. His promises of change is just a strategy to get elected. He is playing off the people being tired of the way things are. Obama would just bring us one step closer to socialism, and one step closer to the brink of self-destruction.

International

U.S. Troops Train Pakistani Troops

Summary

Defense Secretary Robert Gates has signed an order deploying troops to Pakistan to train the Frontier Corps. The number of troops would be about two dozen, and they would stay there through the spring of next year. The training would help Pakistani troops combat Taliban and al Qaeda. The first job of the troops would be to train Frontier Corps units to train their own troops, so the program could grow quickly. The Bush administration is expected to spend about $300 million on the cause.

Opinion

This is a good plan. I think it is a good idea to try to train the Pakistani troops to fight the extremists better. It is a good idea to try to make the Pakistani military more self sufficient. Some might say that this is not a good use of the country’s money, but helping to make Pakistan more stable will help America in the long run. America can use all the allies it can get in that region of the world.

National

McCain Gains in Polls

Summary

McCain used to be significantly behind both of the Democratic candidates in the polls; in fact, out of reach of either. However, recently, McCain has gained significantly on both of the candidates. One recent poll said that Obama and McCain are tied at forty-five percent, while Clinton was leading forty-eight to forty-five, making McCain within good reach of both. McCain’s gain is most likely due to the split in the Democratic party.

Opinion

This is good news for the people of America, at least, as good as can be expected. McCain is not the ideal candidate, but he beats out Hillary and Obama by a long shot. He is benefiting from the Democrats driving each others’ reputations into the ground, which is good news. Many supporters from either candidate in the Democratic side said they would support McCain if their candidate did not win, which is good stuff.

International

Food Truckers Shot

Summary

Assailants in southern Sudan shot and killed Hamid Dafaalla, a truck driver, and his assistant. The drivers were working for the U.N. world program delivering food to hungry people in Sudan. WFP Deputy Director Ebenezer Tagoe says that he is shocked by this. In Darfur, sixty trucks have been hijacked and twenty-nine drivers unaccounted for this year alone.

Opinion

This is terrible news. These people are trying to help the poor and hungry people of Sudan, and heartless killers stop the good that is trying to be done there. There has to be a better way of delivering the food. The drivers should be heavily trained in weaponry and then heavily armed with that weaponry. This would be a much more secure way of transporting food.

FURNIA (MAKE UP BLOGS)!!!!!!!!

2008-04-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

International
1:A desperate appeal from the president Wednesday failed to restore order to Haiti's shattered capital, and bands of looters sacked stores, warehouses and government offices.Gunfire rang out from the wealthy suburbs in the hills to the starving slums below as 9,000 U.N. peacekeepers were unable to halt a frenzy of looting and violence that has grown out of protests over rising food prices.
Thousands of people were in the streets of Port-au-Prince following President Rene Preval's speech, many looting stores and terrorizing drivers and shopkeepers with rocks. Thousands more took part other in protests across the country.

Opinion
Obviously the prices are high for a reason people need to start getting what they by working for it first. These people think we should pay for everything cause our country is wealthy but that's not the case we just work for our money. Those people do not think that they need to work for it and that is not good at all let them see how to fix it.

2:The parents of missing British girl Madeleine McCann implored the European Union on Thursday to set up a cross-border alert system for abducted children. Kate and Gerry McCann, whose daughter disappeared from a Portuguese resort in May 2007 just days before her 4th birthday, called for a system that would supply information on a missing child to the media, border authorities, and police and law enforcement officials across Europe.
They told lawmakers in the European Parliament that the system could be modeled on a similar program in the United States, the so-called "Amber" alert. They noted that the U.S. program helped recover 68 kidnapped children in 2007 -- and several hundred over the past five years.

Opinion
Hopefully this system works with this child and it being missing. It's so sad that someone would want to take a kid and wrong. I mean what is the point of it people are going to get caught eventually and with a lot of people hating them also. The peope that take the kids seem like they just are bored and have nothing to do it's wrong and needs to be stopped!!

National
1:A young mother has confessed to brutally slashing her daughter to death because she believed the child — who had a history of sleepwalking — was possessed by the devil, authorities in Illinois said this week. Nelly Vasquez-Salazar, 25, is being held on $5 million bond after appearing in court Tuesday to face a first-degree murder charge.
Authorities found the body of Vasquez-Salazar's 6-year-old daughter, Evelyn Vasquez, early Monday morning in the family's Waukegan, Ill., apartment. The child, who died of multiple stab wounds to her neck and upper chest, according to the coroner, was found on the floor of her bedroom.

Opinion
I think that is so absurb and wrong!!!! This mother most likely was on something i swear you should know that your kid is sleep walking. Especially if someone has told you that is what they are doing!! I think she should beon the death role because she killed an innocent kid!!

2:Recent high-profile videos featuring real-life "mean girls" have created interest and a conversation about a possible increase in girl-on-girl aggression, but in reality violence among teens has decreased. Physical violence among teens has dipped by 10 percent during the last 10 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But media coverage and videos — like a recent incident where a gang beating of a 16-year-old girl was posted online — have contributed to chatter about girls' aggressiveness.

Opinion
This is wrong and so rude!!! I think that girl shouldn't have been talking crap but for them to take it that far is wrong a don't get people sometimes. Girls are violent and need to take a chill pill when people talk bad bout them its not that bad to send a girl to the hospital for it.

Blog 1 of 4 - Tyler Adair

2008-04-08T14:26:00.001-07:00

A recent rise in violence in Iraq has shaken things up with the troop reduction plan which has been in effect for a few months now. General Petraeus has asked that no more troop reductions take place until the violence in Iraq decreases from this past month. This means that additional troop may not be brought home before President Bush leaves office in January. The general has said that the progress in Iraq is real, yet fragile and can be easily reversed if troops are taken out before the time is right.

I agree with the general, unless things are secured I don’t think we can afford to have the number of troop lowered. This also causes us to question, will Iraq ever be secured, I still say we haven’t spent enough time there, but other want us to get out now. I sure hope things start getting better so we can bring the troops home and have a victory in Iraq.

Logan Lann

2008-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

National

Duck Protected by Court

Summary

Some people were play with pellet guns and shot someone’s duck in the owner’s back yard. The duck has recovered after a bullet pierced the duck’s voice box. Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Roy Gross says that he cannot remember a case involving animal cruelty with a duck. The judge in the case ordered the offender to stay away from the duck. The offender has pleaded not guilty to felony animal cruelty.

Opinion

This is sort of ridiculous. People should just leave other people’s animals alone. I believe the offender in this case should be punished in some form or another, but I don’t think it should count as a felony crime. That is a little extreme. People are crazy these days. People need to get their acts together.

International

German Suicide Machine

Summary
A former top-level German politician has invented what he calls a "suicide machine" for terminally ill patients who want to die. Roger Kusch says it is the most bearable method for those with a death wish. The device is a modified machine normally used to inject medicine over a long period of time, and Kusch has installed a button that allows the patient to set off the mechanism. Kusch believes that way the patient is technically killing himself, making the doctors not responsible. German politicians, the medical community and especially churches are outraged by Kusch's presentation of the killing machine. And while many German politicians say the suicide machine is nothing but a sick publicity stunt, Kusch says his goal is to offer terminally ill people an option.
Opinion
I think euthanasia is wrong. It is murder. A person is not meant to die until it happens naturally, and helping someone kill themselves is not natural. It is not right to take someone’s life. The future is not known, the person could still recover. Miracles still happen.

National

Employers say have lain off as many eighty thousand jobs in the month of March. Some economists say these are the early signs of a recession. Other economists say we are already definitely in a recession, and the job lay-offs are a result of that. March is the third straight month in which jobs have been taken from employees. Unemployment has jumped from 4.8% to 5.1%. This is the highest it has been since May of 2005. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke made his bleakest and bluntest assessment on the economy's condition to the congressional committee: a recession is possible in the first half of this year.

Opinion

I feel that this is too bad. I am not sure as to whether the predictions are just pessimistic, or if they are true. I am not really worried about the economy too much. America goes in cycles, including its economy. If we are in a recession, we will come back. Even if it is worse than I think it is, I am still not worried. I know that God has everything under control and we will all be ok.

International

Plague

Summary

More than 55,000 cases of dengue, a sometimes deadly mosquito-borne disease, have been reported in a southeastern Brazilian state in the past four months, authorities said Thursday. The disease has killed 67 people this year in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, the state's ministry of health reported. Slightly less than half of the deaths were children under the age of 13, the ministry said. The ministry of health did not identify whether the deaths were attributed to the more severe form of dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever. All of them are carried by infected mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pains and eye pain, nausea, vomiting and a rash. There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Opinion
This is terrible . I fell for the people. I wish something could be done for the people. They need help. More commitment from the medicle community should be made to this epidemic. These poor people need help, and I feel for them, but there is nothing I can do, so I won’t worry myself too much.

Brian's blog

2008-04-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

National – This past winter, an 11-year old kid found a mistake at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. It was a notation in one of the Tower of Time exhibit identifying Precambrian as an era. Precambrian is a dimensionless unit of time between the beginning of the world and the Cambrian era. So this was a really technical mistake. The solution was to simply paint over the word era on the sign. When the museum wrote back to this kid and acknowledged his correctness, however, they spelled his name and home-town wrong. The mistake in the museum had been bothering the staff for 27 years.

Opinion – Though Mr. Huss would say there is no such thing as the Precambrian time-period, I thought it was interesting that a fifth grader knew so much about natural history. Since I’ve been at PC all my life, I know next to nothing about all the different eras, and I don’t think I’ve really been given a fair chance in deciding whether I believe the earth is a million years old or six thousand. So I simply have no idea. Anyways, even the Smithsonian gets things wrong.

International - At a recent NATO conference, soon to be former Russian president Vladimir Putin said, “Let’s be friends, guys, and be frank and open”, saying another cold war is impossible. Tomorrow he is to meet with Bush to work on a Strategic Framework security pact, which Bush would like to leave as his legacy.

Opinion – This is really interesting. I hope it works out. It’d be nice for Bush to leave office on a little more of a positive note, and avoiding another cold war with Russia would definitely be a good way to go out. I also like Putin’s way of asking for friendship. Nice and modern.

Ryan Evans

2008-04-04T07:42:00.000-07:00

National:
It has been about forty or so years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. Political leaders, civil leaders, and other citizens have been descending on Memphis to pay tribute to the champion of civil rights in memory. The crowd will be walking through Memphis today, which was the site of his death forty years ago. Crowds will be laying wreaths and honoring him in their prayers. Hillary Clinton and John McCain will be in attendence, but Sen. Barack Obama will be campaigning in Indiana today.

Opinion:
I suppose this is one of the great American figures that should be remembered. He invoked equality and liberty through peace. It seems kind to walk around the city of Memphis and try to live as he did. It seems odd that Sen. Obama will not be in attendence but Senators Clinton and McCain will be. This seems like something Obama could be called out on in later debates and campaign rallies.

National:
It has been reported that two firefighters have just died while battling a house fire. This happened in Cincinnati, Ohio. It had been apparent that the two fighters fell through the floor and were trapped in the home's basement. The authorities have also said that a family of five died in northwest Ohio. Fire supervisors were quite distressed when they lost contact with the firefighters.

Opinion:
As always, this is always terrible news. It is never encouraging to hear about the death of true American heroes. Yet, this is the risk and danger of becoming and working as a fire-fighter. People need to become more safety conscious regarding fire in their homes. We also need to be more vocal in honoring the lives and sacrifices of these fallen men. Our public workers need more support, obviously.

Kaylen May Gerkey

2008-04-04T04:28:00.000-07:00

Cannibal fantasy child killer sent to death row

Summary:
In Oklahoma Kevin Ray Underwood was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death by injection after nearly two years ago he murdered, tortured, sexually asualted, and trid to cut off her head. The 10 year old girl lived just above Underwood and after she went missing the police conducted a statewide search. Underwood seemed suspicious when checked by police and he let them search his apartment. Police then found the little girls body naked in a tb in his closet. Underwood admitted to having canabalistic fantasies about the girl but the evidence showed there was none. Underwoods attorneys plan to appeal the decision on the fact that he was mentaly ill and that medication can fix him.

Opinion:
Just reading the story makes me sick. Who could do that especially to a little girl, she’s only ten years old? I think a man like this deserves to suffer whatever way possible. To have the nerve to take her little body and torture and rape her like that and then want to eat her is just beyond my mind. People like Underwood deserve to rot ans suffer as long as they can and maybe they’ll realize what they’ve done, but I find it hard to believe that people like that could really change.

Tornado leaves Little Rock like 'war zone'

Summary:
A severe tornado ripped through Arkansas Thursday evening leaving a lot of damage, like a war zone. It hit the North Little Rock Airport and those there had a real scare. One man was recorded saying that he saw plains stacked up and even saw one DC-3 spinning around and after the tornado it was nowhere to be found. A mobile home parlk about 12 miles away is Saline county saw nearly 15 mobile homes catch on fire and one man his fiance and two children just barely escaped. “It was a war zone,” the man said after seeing 5 or 6 trailers on top of each other.

Opinion:
It sounds real serious. The whole thing with the planes flying around and the mobile homes catching on fire, I would be scared our of my mind. I remember when I was younger when they said a tornado may hit Phoenix I freaked out. I thought I was going to die. I know I was only like ten, but to actually see it and see all this stuff happening must be real frightening. I can’t even imagine how much money it would take to fix it.

Thousands hit by Brazil outbreak of dengue

Summary:
More than 55,000 cases of dengue, a sometimes deadly mosquito virus, have been reported in Brazil in the past four months. The disease has killed 67 people this year in Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil the bed are filling up and now there are not enough beds to take care of this epidemic, as they are calling it. The wait for the hospital has gone from eight to almost twenty-eaight hours. One father went from hospital to hospital knowcking on doors to get someone to look at his son. He said, “I’m just watching my son die slowly.” The CDC says that there are over 10 million cases around the world each year, it is actually quite common, but in Brazil they seem to have a serious epidemic.

Opinion:
I don’t know exactly what dengue is but it sounds pretty bad. I remember when everyone here was scared a while back over the whole west nile thing, but this sounds a lot worse. Here in Brazil where conditions are not always what you can find here many people are getting real sick and dying. And obviously because they only have so many beds and people aren’t getting the right treatment or any at all and they are dying.

Owen Hargreaves axed because of disciplinary problems

Summary:
Owen Hargreaves strangely sporadic appearance for Manchester United this season has not bee due to the manager’s (Sir Alex Fergusson) disapproval of his form of late, but rather his poor timekeeping. The player has turned up late for several team meetings and occasions. The ex Bayern Munich midfielder who is known for his dogged performance in midfield and harwork has found himself fourth or even fifth choice in midfield this year, sometimes even played at left-back. Hargreaves was signed from Munich at an estimated £20.2 million. This revelation has astounded many given the player’s reputation as a model professional. But sources at Old Trafford have indicated that Ferguson has been unhappy with Hargreaves’s lack of punctuality. He was late to arrive at Manchester airport on Monday morning before the squad flew to Italy for their Champions League quarter-final, first leg away to AS Roma midweek.

Opinion:
I’ll admit I am socked by this revelation too. I wondered, so too my brother, why he wasn’t getting as much playing time as people like Giggs or Carrick or Scholes. Sir Alex paid £20.2 million for him and he sits the bench a lot. But now that I know why I am proud of him for it. It teaches those watching that you cannot get away with whatever you want and still play all the time. You have to obey the team rules and apparently he could not. I just hope he finally learns his lesson cause this is just lame. He is a professional and should have no problems being there on time; this is his only job, plus I enjoy watching him play. I was excited when he first moved to United.

Tyler Adair

2008-04-03T23:31:00.000-07:00

National: 10 are dead after Pennsylvania house fire
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/pennsylvania-house-fire-kills-10/20080403131909990001

In a home in a rural town in west Pennsylvania, police and fire fighters found the bodies of 10 people in a fire engulfed house. The fire started at 2:45am and fire fighters were there within minutes, but by the time the fire fighters arrived the house had been devoured by flames. Two people escaped the burning house, and ran over to neighbors for help. The father of the family was at work doing his usual night shift when the fire started. The ages of those who died range from 40 to 4 months.

This is a horrible tragedy. I can’t even begin to comprehend what is going through the minds of those who survived the fire, what a devastating situation. 6 years ago next week I heard a story similar to this when I found out my friend Bobby had died in a fire, so I guess I kind of can relate to what they must be going through, but this is so devastating. The police say they hadn’t found anything suspicious, and I hope it stays that way.

International: Virus Hits Many In Brazil
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/virus-outbreak-hits-thousands-in-brazil/20080403162709990001

The sometimes deadly dengue virus has infected more than 55,000 people in Brazil. The mosquito transferred virus has killed 67 people this year in Brazil, most of which were elderly people and children under 13. Officials say that hospitals are being swarmed and they don’t have enough beds to hold all of the patients coming in with the virus. The symptoms of the virus are high fever, eye pain, vomiting, backaches, rashes and more.

This seems like a daunting task. 55,000 people coming down with the same thing, and such a horrible thing, it must be insane down there right now. One man said he was watching his son die, that would be so horrible to have to just sit for 20 hours waiting to see someone while your child is so sick. I hope they can find ways to get rid of the mosquito problems they are having down there.

International: A Disturbing Story Out Of India
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/blood-racket-drained-poor-indians/20080403164109990001

An Indian man heard about a mysterious high paying job being offered from someone’s house. But it was far from getting a job, once he arrived at the house he and 14 others were trapped and held in a small room in the slums of a small town in India. Their blood was forcefully drawn and sold to make profits. 2 weeks ago police made the rescue, and arrested 5 people, but not the ring leader. All the men are doing ok now, but it expected that many in India are drawn into this.

What a horrible thing to do to another human. Something I just don’t understand how anyone could do that to make money, and then go home and sleep at night. I hope these sicko people get what they deserve in jail.

National: Jobless rates rise.
http://news.aol.com/business/story/_a/jobless-claims-climb-to-2-year-high/20080403094709990002
The amount of people signing up for unemployment benefits hit a 2 year high this past week. Most site this as proof that the economy is slowing for a longer period of time then expected. Most blame the rise on the horrible housing, credit, and financial markets right now. The national unemployment rate is now at 4.8 percent and is expected to rise above 5 percent in April. The Federal government has cut key interests rates to try and make an incentive for people and companies to continue spending money.

I can’t believe what is going on right now! First people are stupid and have eyes bigger than there wallets. Most of the people in these homes should have never gotten into them in the first place and it’s not my job to pay for them to get out of there mistakes. Another thing, the Safeway I work at is still under staffed, we just hired a new girl at Starbucks this week, are hiring one next week, and are still keeping another slot open for an applicant. Finding a job isn’t that difficult, it may not be as much as they were making, but 10 bucks an hour isn’t that bad.

kwang min kim

2008-04-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Is eating food safe in Korea?

International

Recently, a rat’s head was found in Korea’s best selling snack. Nongshim Shrimp Cracker.

Korean people were very shocked and upset by the news. But this wasn’t the end of the shocking story. It was only the beginning.

Someone also found a piece of rusty knife in a can of tuna made by Dongwon. And mold was found in a bowl of instant rice.

Someone also reported finding a green caterpillar in a bowl of instant noodles. A few days ago, a man even found a worm in his bread! The Korea Food and Drug Administration(KFDA) states that finding of strange substance s in food products

Continue to be reported

Opinion

Image of Korea is degrading by this kind of stupid unthinkable accident.

Ridiculous, insane, unacceptable I really hate to admit but Korea food Safety is not trustworthy. This can happen only in very poor country where people do not care about clean and safety. It is really shock and disappointing

Today many people are concern about the food safety in our country. Eating healthy food is very important for everyone. If we eat bad food we may get sick. The Korean government has to strengthen the food safety rules to protect citizens of Korea.

International

World’s Safest Country

Recently, Janes Information Group in England released a list of safest countries. The group made a study of 235 countries regarding their safety and security so, which is the safest country in the world?

The answer is Vatican! Sweden took second place on the list. The third and fourth are Luxemburg and Monaco. As for England, it took 8th place despite London bombing in 2005. Germany held 15th rank and Swiss took 17th.

On the other hand, the U.S. recorded 22nd. In the country, many crimes and racial issues create insecurity. In Asia, Japan recorded 28th. And it was entitled the safest country in Asia. So, which are the most dangerous countries in the world? The infamous countries Include Israel, Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan and Republic of Congo.

Opinion

World’s Safest country this is fascinating information. I cannot believe that United States ranked as 22^nd. I think because U.S is country that people can bear arms. 2^nd amendment in America gives people right and self-protection against any treat. On the other hand, 2^nd Amendment can be used as crime and dangerous. Right now, 2^nd Amendment in America is hot issue and I hope American people make good decision on gun control.

It is really hard to find safest country in the world. I don’t even know where Vatican is.

National

Former press Baron Speaks out

The name Conrad Black may sound familiar to some. The 63 years old press baron was head of the world’s third-largest media empire. He was convicted in Chicago in the U.S last year for three counts of fraud and one count of obstruction of justice in connection with millions of dollar illegally pocketed

Black’s trial received much spotlight in the media last year and he began serving his six-and-a-half-year term at the Coleman minimum-security prison in Florida on March 3.

For the first time, Black recently talked to reporters about his status prison. He announced that he is adjusting well and he will continue fighting to prove his innocent.

Black recently finalized his appeal motion with his lawyers and filed it with the higher court in Chicago. Black has long said he considered the prosecution’s case to be weak. Countless people in North America are very curious how this appeal will turn out. The appeal is expected to go before the court in June, and prosecutor’s are due to file their reply next month.

Opinion

An America judicial system is very interesting. I am in government class and I had

chance to learn about judicial system. To protect one’s innocent, America provides every right to appeal, and defend against prosecution. This is beauty of judicial system in America. Judicial system in America, you have to prove one’s guilty otherwise; hole process of prosecution is meaningless. Some people take an advantage on this process and some don’t. Whatever it is the most crucial part of judicial system in America is to promote people’s fair trial.

National

Obama’s Church Asks reporters for some respect, privacy

The United Church of Christ, the parent denomination of barrack Obama’s church, announced Thursday that it will begin a conversation on racial issues beginning next month in response to sermons by Obama’s pastor that were critical of the U.S.

The leader of Obama’s Church, Trinity United church of Christ, asked favor for respect, and privacy. The media was over exaggerated and it was insulting on church’s image.

The members of Trinity United Church of Christ are going through a very difficult time right now.

Opinion

I fell very sorry for the pastor. In the past, he made some mistake on his speech but if it weren’t for Obama’s church he would not have any problem with this hot issue. I believe he is another victim of dirty political process. 1^st amendment gives people right to say whatever he or she wants. I don’t think the pastor did not deserve this kind of hardship.

Ben Thieroff

2008-04-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

National #1

Summary-- Today a middle school girl was attacked by a hawk in Boston. The girl was on a tour of Fenway park when the Red- Tailed hawk attacked. The hawk made its nest near the press box. The girl came within 40 feet of the nest and the protective hawk swooped in for the kill. The hawk cut the girls forhead above her eyes with its talons. The Mass. game and fish have removed the nest and eggs. The hawk has not been seen since the attack.

Opinion-- Ha Ha... Im not sure how this really constitutes CNN news but thats ok. Who gets attacked by a hawk. That just makes me laugh out loud. The girl clearly didnt know that the attack was coming. But shes ok and the hawk has vanished. Who cares?

National #2

Summary-- A 3 month old baby was brought into a Denver hospital today due to seizures. The doctors determined that the baby had meth in its system. They called poliece after finding this out. The baby's momma, a 27 year old was summarily arrest on child abuse. The woman had multiple run ins with the law previously.

Opinion-- What in gods name is wrong with people?? How stupid can you be?? Giving a 3 month old baby meth? These are the kind of people who do not to deserve to live. People already know how bad meth is for full grown people. To give it to a baby who doesnt even know that its bad? if you want to do it to yourself be my guest but dont give it to someone who cant stand up for themselves and say no. this is ridiclous!

International #1

Summary-- A Surimanese plane crashed today killing all on board. The Antonov AN-28, a twin turboprop light cargo aircraft went down on its landing approch to Benzdorp. It was said to have agressivly pulled up to avoid another aircraft on the landing strip. The plane then hit a tree and went down. The plane is operated by Blue Wing Airlines a charter company out of Paramaribo, Suriname.

Opinion-- Another back world avation accident. This is a bad deal all the way around. I am not sure why the pilot took such an action. The ATC should have alerted the aircraft before things got out of hand, as they did. Things in backwoods Suriname must be different than here in the US.. LOOK GUYS!

International #2

Summary-- A NATO patrol shot at a vehicle and killed one civilian in southern Afghanistan, NATO officials said. The patrol shot at the fast-approaching vehicle in Kandahar Province after its driver did not heed soldiers’ warnings to stop, the alliance said in a statement. Three other civilians were wounded, it said. NATO said an investigation into the incident had begun.

Summary-- This guy is an idiot.. He didnt stop, he got shot for it. He knew he was supposed to stop but he chose to not do so. So the NATO soldiers shot him. Done. Tough way to go but thats what you get.

Chris

2008-04-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

National

Summary - According to an article from cbsnews.com, police are looking for three men for theft of a guitar from a store in Lewiston, Maine. What makes this case peculiar is exactly how they managed to get away with stealing the guitar from the store. While two of the men acted as lookouts for the theft, the other man put the Fender Stratocaster in his pants and pulled his jacket over the top of the guitar. The three men then walked right out of the store. These men were caught on tape are still being looked for.

Opinion - I can't believe what some criminals do to get away with their crimes. I mean this is just ridiculous. I would like to see the tapes of the cameras in the store. To see this happening on video would be priceless. I just don't really understand how no one could notice this guy walk out with something under his pants and jacket. Just to fit the guitar in his pants, he had to have been wearing some of those "five sizes too big" slacks all the kids are wearing these days..

National

Summary - Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Well according to a cbsnews.com article about the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, many who have visited it in the past are not. The reason behind this conclusion is that thanks to Kenton Stufflebeam, an eleven year old fifth grader from Alamo Elementary School near Kalamazoo, an error was found in one of the exhibits at the museum. Kenton noticed a notation which stated the Precambrian as an era. Kevin Stufflebeam and his son, Kenton, brought the attention to the information desk of the museum. A short time later, the museum sent a letter mailed to Kenton saying his observation was "spot on" and that the problem would be rectified.

Opinion - I would have to admit that I probably would not have caught this mistake either. I guess fifth graders are somewhat smart after all. I don't remember feeling too smart when I was a fifth grader though. What gives?.. Well anyhow, good for you Kenton. I hope that was a boost to your self-confidence because you're going to need some of that when you get older and life chews you up and spits you OUT! Have a pleasant childhood..

International

Summary - A man in a town just outside of Valencia, Spain was caught breaking into a funeral home, according to an article from cbsnews.com. Neighbors nearby alerted the police when they heard the funeral home being forcibly entered late one night. Officers arrived at the funeral home to find the robber faking dead in one of the caskets. Realizing he wasn't one of the deceased was an easy task as the man was breathing and was also wearing normal clothes that were wrinkled and dirty. The officers weren't sure what the man was trying to steal at the time.

Opinion - Another criminal at his best I see. Why would he break into a funeral home anyway, of all places?! How about trying the liquor store down the street or something.. He should have at least broken into the place wearing a suit, you know, just incase he had to fake being dead. But I guess it shouldn't surprise me that he didn't think of such things ahead of time because he doesn't seem very smart.. Seeing as he broke into a FUNERAL HOME. Bravo..

International

Summary - A cbsnews.com article writes of a crocodile attack on a woman in a remote area of northern Australia. Luckily, the woman's husband was there at the time and jumped on the crocodile as soon as it attacked. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated for eight teeth puncture wounds in her thigh. "The husband's very swift and diligent actions have saved the day," said Len Notaros, the general manager of Royal Darwin Hospital. This was the fourth close call this year involving a crocodile attack in the northern territory.

Opinion - I'm sure that was very scary for the both of them. I am not sure how I'd react in that type of situation but I know it would be very frightening. It's a good thing that the wife's husband was with her though. Australia might need to do something about these attacks happening in the northern territory. Maybe they could put up signs or fences. They should at least try something to keep others from getting hurt.

Alex Bellah 2

2008-04-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

International One:
Summary: A young lady, 31 years old, who lost her leg after stepping on a landmine has just been crowned the winner of the unusual title Miss Landmine Angola 2008. All the woman in this competition dressed in long dresses and swimsuits during this telivised competition. However, they all wore artificial limbs. The pageant producers say that this competition is to help allow these girls to get their ride up once again, and realize that they are beautiful. Augusta Urica won this pageant on wednesday. She was crowned Miss Landmine Angola 2008.

Opinon: THis is such an awsome idea. To do this for those unfortunate women is such an awsome oppurtunity to give back to the world. These women deserve to feel like they are beautiful and special. These women deserve as much a chance as any other women in the world to compete in beauty pageants. I am so glad that there are programs like this one that reach out to those people who may have no pride or selfesteem left inside of them.

International Two:
Summary: Famous former Actor Heath Ledger has been reported to have fathered another child when he was a teen. Australian magazines have said that when Ledger was 17 he dated a 25 year old girl who shorlty after their breakup found out that she was with child. This woman who was living with another man at the time has keep quite. But Ledgers uncle claims for these rumors to be true. No one is for sure that this is true but evidence is leading to Ledger having a love child.

Opinion: The guy is dead and i believe that any rumors that have come about him snce his passing in January need to be put to an end. I believe this rumor to be false and its just another way for someone to become famous for a week. Ledger is dead and we need to respect him and his family and allow for them to morn during this time of sadness. People need to respect the family and friends close to Ledger. Let the rumors go and stop reporting on them!!!

Franki Benavidez

2008-04-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

International Summary:
In Mexico City, drug cartels have used classified job ads to bring young Mexicans close to the border into unknowingly working as drug couriers. Mexico City's El Universal newspaper first reported the trend Thursday saying that the ads require applicants to have a U.S. visa to drive a car across the border. An official at the federal Attorney General's office in Ciudad Juarez had told the press that they advertise as if they were a company, and they send them to El Paso but they don't tell them what they are carrying. The official also said that the applicants often think they are applying to become messengers, but they end up unwittingly driving vehicles loaded with drugs into neighboring El Paso, Texas. The people associated with the drug cartel would tell the applicants that all they had to do was to take some documents to El Paso, but they don't tell them what they're really carrying. Here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,346270,00.html

Opinion: I think it's sick what those drug cartels did. Why would someone put something like that in the classified job ads? It's bad for the applicants that signed up for it because they don't know what they were carrying. One of the applicants must have known what was in those vehicles. If anyone is dumb enough to drive with "documents" all the way to El Paso, you must be a total idiot!

Summary: In Tokyo, Japan, a U.S. sailor was arrested for the stabbing death of a Japanese taxi driver near an American naval base outside Tokyo. Olatunbosun Ugbogu, who is 22 year old Nigerian national serving in the U.S. navy was arrested for murder and robbery charges. The police spokesman said that the driver was stabbed in the shoulder with a kitchen knife, causing him to die from blood loss. Ugbogu confessed to the murder and the police plan to send him to prosecutors on Saturday for his indictment. Here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,345574,00.html

Opinion: This navy guy is a real psycho! I can't believe he just stabbed a 61 year old taxi driver. In the article, it said that the navy guy killed him because he couldn't pay the $190 taxi fare. Isn't bad for the U.S. Navy as a whole because it kind of ruins their stay at Tokyo? Honestly, I think this guy is lucky he was in the U.S. Navy because if he wasn't, Tokyo wouldn't be so light on him for what he had done.

National Summary: In Madison, Wisconsin, death of University of Wisconsin-Madison student spreads fear. In less than a year, 3 killings share at least thing: they have spread fear for college students and downtown residents in Wisconsin's normally laid back capital. The first killing that came up in the laid back capital involved a college student that had vanished in June after a night of barhopping. Her body was then found a few days later in the woods. In January, a man was stabbed to death with a paring knife in his home near the university. The most recent killing was with a college student who's body was found in her apartment. The police aren't saying how she died but that she was a victim of homocide. Here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,346150,00.html

Opinion: I absolutely hate hearing stories about college students found dead. It really scares me because these kind of things can happen at any university. In the article, it said that it was weird for these killings to happen in a such a laid back capital. I feel really bad for the college students going to that school because they have to be extra careful in what they do on a regular basis.

Summary: In Santa Ana, California, an elementary school teacher was arrested after her 3rd grade students found an unloaded gun and ammunition in the classroom supply cabinet. On Wednesday, the teacher was arrested for investigation of possession of a firearm on a school campus and misdemeanor child endangerment. The students had access to the cabinet, where the gun and ammunition was kept in a drawer. The teacher was released on $20,000 bail late Wednesday and no longer works at the school.
Here:http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,346195,00.html

Opinion: This teacher is soooooo dumb! The teacher knew that the kids could get into the drawer and then load the gun if they wanted to. I'm actually surprised that the teacher got bail. I think it's terrible that the teacher would just leave the gun and ammunition together in the "supply cabinet."

Andrew Reiff

2008-04-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

National

Summary- Mich. boy finds 1981 Smithsonian error

Is fifth-grader Kenton Stufflebeam smarter than the Smithsonian?
On a winter break trip with his family to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, the 11-year-old southwestern Michigan boy noticed that a notation, in bold lettering, mistakenly identified the Precambrian as an era. Since it opened in 1981, millions of people have paraded past the museum's Tower of Time, a display involving prehistoric time. Kenton was the first to point out the error. Kenton, who lives in Allegan but attends Alamo Elementary School near Kalamazoo, said his fifth-grade teacher, John Chapman, had nearly made the same mistake about the Precambrian in a classroom earth-science lesson before catching himself. So Kevin Stufflebeam took his son to the museum's information desk to report Kenton's concern on a comment form. Last week, the boy received a letter from the museum acknowledging that his observation was "spot on." While no previous visitors to the museum had brought up the error, it has long rankled the paleobiology department's staff, who noticed it even before the Tower of Time was erected 27 years ago, said Lorraine Ramsdell, educational technician for the museum. Excited as he was to receive the correspondence from museum officials, Kevin couldn't help but point out that it was addressed to Kenton Slufflebeam. In Allegany.

Opinion

Okay the government doesn't even know what they are doing in their own buildings! To think that the biologists that work there couldn't get it changed is ridiculous, but to think that they would change it from one comment by an eleven year old is even more so. Well at least this story proves one thing: They actually do read those little comment cards! I might actually start filling them out now, you know, little notes to amuse the guy reading them. That must be a boring job. Anyway this kid is pretty cool for spouting back what his teacher told him about the beggining of life, even though evolution is JUST a theory, not fact, it will never be fact because it cannot be proven unless there is an experiment which changes one species to another. There are my thoughts on evolution.

Summary- Clinton challenges Obama to presidential bowl-off

White House hopeful Hillary Clinton proposed Tuesday a novel way to resolve her unending nominating battle with Barack Obama -- a winner-takes-all 10-pin bowling match.
The former first lady sprung her April Fool's joke after her rival Democrat performed abysmally in a bowling hall during a tour of Pennsylvania ahead of the state's April 22 primary.
"We clearly need to do something so that our party and the people can make the right decision," Clinton, sounding somber, told reporters in Philadelphia. "So I have a proposal. Today, I am challenging Senator Obama to a bowl-off. A bowling night, right here in Pennsylvania. Winner take all. I'll even spot (concede) him two frames," she said to guffaws from the press.
"It's time for his campaign to get out of the gutter and allow all of the pins to be counted. And I'm prepared to play this game all the way to the 10th frame," Clinton added.
"So let's strike a deal, and go bowling for delegates. We don't have a moment to spare, because it's already April Fool's Day."

Opinion-

So this is what the Democrats do with their time! I was wondering for a long time, but it appears that they make jokes at each other instead of running the country! Seriously it was a pretty lame April Fool's Joke if you ask me. Everyone knew that it was a joke when she said it. Good jokes have to hit home at first until you actually tell them it was a joke: the key is that you HAVE to tell them, or they would think you were serious.

International

Summary- Canadian airline jokes of sleeper cabins in luggage lockers

Tired of cattle class and looking for somewhere to stretch out? Pay just 12 dollars more to sleep in the overhead luggage compartments of Canada's Westjet ... on April Fool's Day. "The overhead compartment has traditionally been a place where guests have placed their carry-on baggage," Westjet vice president Bob Cummings said in a joke statement.
"Given that the overhead bins on our fleet are among the most spacious of any airline, we made the decision to offer sleeper cabins in that space," he said of their fleet of 73 Boeing 737s.
"By offering our existing overhead bins as sleeper cabins, guests will now have the opportunity to lie down for a period of time and arrive at their destination refreshed, rested and ready to go."
The statement was accompanied with a picture of a traveler comfortably nestled in an overhead bin bed with a pillow and a blanket.

Opinion-

Now this is a good example of an April Fool's Day joke. This company is pretty funny, this idea is pretty funny. Now it might not have made them much money, but like they say, any publicity is good publicity. Actually it is a novel idea: if no baggage was in the overhead compartment, and it was made a bit longer, and the lids taken off, it would be a nice place to sleep with the addition of a matress, blanket, and pillow. Maybe I'll take my pitch to my friends at Southwest, and lets take this on the road. The fee for sleeping in the compartment was a little too low, I think, only 12 dollars? Heck I'd pay that for a 4 hour nap...

Alex Bellah sorry i ccidently posted a blank one..oops!

2008-04-03T18:57:00.002-07:00

National One:
summary: Barry Bonds is still waiting in vain to have another teem pick him up. The Homerun king has been jobless since last season. The man who everyone was talking about has now become he "invisible man". No one really has an answer to why no team has picked up Bonds. there is not a doubt in anyones mind that he would help out any team he was signed to. No matter his age he can stil hit. He has the leading slugging percentage and homruns in the MLB of an entire career. He has knocked off some of the top records and is now wanting to set the bar higher!

Opinion: i beleive that Bonds is asking way to much for a salary. I believe his salary is why no one is signing him. He may hve the leadng records in a number of things but his age is definitely a consideration. The MLB is looking for younger players who are fresh and new to the game. Most teams have all young players and are doing quite well. No on wants to tak a chance with the old man. His homerun record is not enough for them to match his salary.

National Two:
Summary: Three unsolved killings share one thread. They are all leaving many Wisconsin college students in fear. The latest vanishing happend in june to a college girl who was barhopping. Her body was found in the woods three days later. They say that the other murders may not have aything to do with eachother because its still to early to tell but there is a link with all the college students in fear. Wisconsin colleges have become a place for fear!

Opinion: I believe that there could possibly be a link. I am not sure though. i am sure though that there is still more to the puzzle that is not yet been discovered. I pray for everyone that has been involved and i pray that everything will be okay. My heart goes out to those families that have lost innocent loved ones. I pray that these cases will be solved very soon!

Alex Bellah

2008-04-03T18:57:00.001-07:00

Kellye Harkey Pt 2 National

2008-04-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

National:
Mechele Linehan, 35, who until her arrest had been living a quiet life as the wife of an Olympia, Wash., doctor, was convicted in October of first-degree murder in the 1996 shooting death of Kent Leppink.Prosecutor Pat Gullufsen said Linehan plotted with another man who hoped to marry her, John Carlin III, to lure Leppink to a rural trail, where Carlin shot him with a .44-caliber handgun.The motive was a $1 million insurance policy that Linehan mistakenly believed named her as the beneficiary, prosecutors said.

Opinion:
Atleast there is some sort of justice in this world. This women is getting 99 years for murdering her husband. I am pretty sure I know someone who murdered two people and got away with it because he had money and I know another man who is a politician and got away with murdering someone.. hmm well atleast someone gets what they deserve.

National:
Thomas Beatie, a former woman who is now a pregnant man, defended his decision today to have a baby, saying he has a "right to have a biological child." Despite removing his breasts, growing a wispy beard and legally having his gender changed from female to male, Beatie, 34, kept his female sex organs intact because he hoped to have a child some day. After years of struggling with his sexual identity and deciding to live as a man, he did the most womanly thing possible -- he became pregnant.

Opinion:
Oh brother! There is no such thing as a pregnant man! If you read you will see that this "man" used to be a woman. I dont care if you grow a beard, have your boobs cut off and talk like a girl... YOU ARE STILL A MAN! This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. I guess "he" was on Oprah but I wouldnt of known that because my family does not support her show or what she does..but thats another story.

Susan Jewell

2008-04-03T14:19:00.001-07:00

national:
SUMMARY
In Philadelphia; a woman, Anne Mahlum, would run by homeless every day as they cheered her on. One day she wondered why she was running by them and advancing her life but they always stayed stationary. She contacted homeless shelters and arranged for running gear to be donated. She called the organization "Back on My Feet". There are 54 homeless participants and more than 250 volunteers. "Requirements for shelter residents to join are simple -- they must live in an affiliated facility and be clean and sober for 30 days. Members receive new shoes and running clothes, and teams run together three times a week between 5:30 and 6 a.m." She think the running teaching discipline and dedication. One man who went through the program now has a job, is in school, training to run a marathon, and no longer does cocaine.

OPINION
This is pretty neat. I would agree with Ms. Mahlum, team sports do encourage discipline and the way this program is set up is very team like. I think this is a very clever way to help homeless people without enabling them to continue as are. The requirements are very good as well so the people who get in can all be supports and not the downfall to others. The diversity of the running groups are also good. The article said the groups have doctors, students, homeless people all running as a group.

national:
SUMMARY
A man claims he is pregnant. He was born a woman but that never felt right so he began testosterone treatment to make him a man. He met his wife, Nancy, while he was still a female. Nancy said she was unable to have kids so Thomas, her now pregnant husband, said he would do it. One artificial insemination test later he became pregnant. Many groups found out about his claim and decided that there would need to be more proof. Oprah had the couple on her show. Oprah had cameras follow the two around to their doctors appointment. The doctor ran an ultra sound to show a little girl in Thomas' stomach.

OPINION
This is kind of disturbing. Can you just imagine the kid being like "My dad gave birth to me!" to her friends when she is little and totally getting made fun of. And when she sees pictures of her dad pregnant. The child is going to be so confused. I think that this is somewhat like playing God. I just think it is wrong that Thomas even changed to a woman. They seem like a loving couple so I suppose that is good albeit strange.

international:
SUMMARY
A pirate siezed a French yacht. The yacht was taken over on its way back from Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean, toward the Mediterranean Sea. The prime minister of France said, "This is a blatant act of piracy." Currently the French government is dealing with this single act of piracy but last year pirates siezed more than 24 ships off the coast of Somalia.

OPINION
This is a rather neat fact. I had no idea that pirates were so prevelent today. I have always wanted to meet a pirate and now for all I know I have and did not realize it. Ah, I suppose I now must go to France and be a crew mwmber on luxury yachts. Anyways, in all seriousness, although, I wasn't entirely kidding before, I hope the issue is dealt with. The yacht sounded quite expensive and that would be a large loss for the company which owned it.

international:
SUMMARY
A man in Canada had 15 sexual partners in seven years -- that's not even the craziest part of the story. The man, Carl Leone, had HIV and neglected to tell any of his partners about his condition. Five of those partners now have been diagnosed with HIV. He pled gulty to the charge so the women would not have to testify so he was sentenced with 18 years in jail. In 6 years he will be able to go on parole.

OPINION
What a jerk! I suppose I can understand why he would not tell the women he had AIDs but he still should have. That is seriously messed up. I feel especially bad for the five who actually contracted the disease. This is a perfect example for monogamy. Waiting to have sex until marriage is a clever idea. There would be far less STDs and emotionally disturbed people.

m@yR@

2008-04-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

National
Study: 1 in 50 U.S. babies abused, neglected annually
About 1 in 50 U.S. infants are victims of nonfatal child abuse or neglect in a year, according to the first national study of the problem in that age group. The study was based on children younger than 1 year, and found almost a third of those who had been abused. The researchers counted more than 91,000 infant victims of abuse and neglect in the period October 1, 2005. The information came from a national database of cases done by protective services agencies in 45 states.
Opinion
THis is a very sad but at the same a true statistic. It is sad that many babies eventhough they are cute, they are neglected simply because their parents are ignorant. People just want to have sexual relationships but they do not want to pay the consequences and the ones that end up paying them is their children. People should not only think about themselves but also about those around them.
I
nternational
Ten killed in Pennsylvania house fire
Ten people were killed Thursday after fire swept through a house outside Brockway, Pennsylvania. The blaze started about 2:45 a.m. The 10 people killed ranged in age from 4 months to 40 years old. Fire marshals were at the scene trying to determine the cause, but Trooper Bruce Morris told the AP the fire did not appear to be suspicious.
Opinion
This is a weird case. It is hard to believe that a house was on fire with no cause. I think that police should investigate more about this case becuase maybe someone was responsible for this fire. It is sad that not only onw or two people died but instead 10 people died.

FURNIA

2008-04-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

International
1:Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been arrested at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 for allegedly spitting at a police officer, Sky News television reported Thursday.
A London Metropolitan Police spokesman said a woman was arrested at the terminal for an assault on police, but refused to disclose her identity or give her age.
The spokesman spoke on condition of anonymity in line with force policy.

Opinion
Well i think that she is dumb for doing that and it is so disrespectful to the policeman with spitting on him. Although it's kinda nice to see someone other than normal people get caught for something. She needs to actually be punished if that was her second time to doing something like that.

2:A Beijing court has sentenced Hu Jia, one of China's most vocal dissidents to 3½ years in prison plus another year's banishment from political activism for "inciting subversion of state power." Journalists and envoys from foreign embassies, including the United States, were denied access to the courtroom and had their identification cards checked by police outside the court complex.
The verdict said Hu's interviews with foreign journalists as well as articles he wrote and were distributed online were libelous.

Opinion
I think it's dumg but also kinda smart that they banned and sent them to jail. I mean they must be protesting for something goodor at least for a good reason. People should probably approach the situation different instead of just going out and doing it try and do it the right way.

National
1: A Wisconsin college student found dead in her Madison apartment has sparked fears that a killer may be loose near the sprawling university campus.
Brittany Sue Zimmermann, 21, was found dead in her apartment near the University of Wisconsin-Madison shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday by police called to check on the student's welfare. A preliminary examination by the Dane County coroner has ruled her death a homicide. The coroner did not say how the woman was killed, but an autopsy was scheduled for today.

Opinion
That's wrong that someone would just kill an innocent girl. I mean these people need to find this guy because maybe if this guy turns into being a serial killer. The society nowadays aren't taking these things as serious as they should be. It is wrong and people need to handle the situation with more caution and start taking action more fast.

2:Thomas Beatie, a former woman who is now a pregnant man, defended his decision today to have a baby, saying he has a "right to have a biological child." Despite removing his breasts, growing a wispy beard and legally having his gender changed from female to male, Beatie, 34, kept his female sex organs intact because he hoped to have a child some day.
After years of struggling with his sexual identity and deciding to live as a man, he did the most womanly thing possible -- he became pregnant. In an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey, Beatie said his lifelong desire to have children motivated him to use his still working female reproductive organs when he learned that Nancy, his wife of five years, was unable to conceive.

Opinion
This is DISTURBING!!!! I think that if you want to have kids you need to at least stay the same sex. Come on if your going to change sexes you need to go along with all the things that sex does and that would be not bearing children for men. It's sad that your wife can't have kids but come on it looks so weird if a man is pregnant, and think of what you have to tell your kid one day!!!! WRONG!!!! In so many ways.

Krista Grote

2008-04-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL

Europeans Taking Advantage of Recession

SUMMARY
An apartment that would seem outrageously priced to us in the U.S. is considered a great deal for Europeans looking to get a peace of U.S. soil or high rise. New York real estate companies are seeing an abundance of Europeans since the decline in the dollar and increase in the Euro. They say that the Europeans make up about 30% of the buyers in the housing market. Realtors do not see this as a down fall because they think the diversity, especially in New York City makes the city as great as it is with such diverse cultures.

OPINION
As much as I wish I were European and had Euros, I think it is great that they can come to our wonderful country and buy up all of the good real estate while we can’t buy it. If we can get enough Europeans to do this then our dollar could start to increase and we could call our country Euromerica or Amerope in order to combine all the cultures. Then we can bring in the Euro and make it our new money and soon enough the Euro will be adapted by the entire world and we will never have to worry about exchange rates and the world having different money values ever again. Then maybe even Jesus will come back and there will be peace in the Middle East!

INTERNATIONAL

Red Eyes in London

SUMMARY
For the first time in history, London’s Heathrow airport has opened up to Continental red eye flights from New York. The slot however did no come cheap. It cost a mere two hundred million dollars, but the airlines say it was worth every penny. The flight made it in a record six hours and forty five minutes. Many of the passengers on board had no idea hey were on a historic flight, for all they new was that Continental had always been flying into Heathrow. This is really a big step for the airlines and they hope that this opportunity will lead to many future opportunities.

OPINION
This is a big step for a London airport to allow another American based company into their airport terminal. I hope some how this will help the stocks here in the U.S. and will help boost the economy faster than expected and the recession will be over. I think this will really help the airlines and I hope they will be able to buy more slots soon. I just hope that fuel prices will go down so that airline flights will be able to go down in price.

NATIONAL

Church Controversy

SUMMARY
In Topeka, Kansas over five hundred people from all over Kansas gathered in front of Westboro Baptists Church to protest against the church. The protesters want the church to reconsider what the bible says and be acceptant of everyone no matter what their sexual orientation is. They think that there is too much hate in the religion. The protest is directed directly to the leader of the church, Fred Phelps. They claim that there is too much hate coming from the church against homosexual. The church argues that the people are ignorant and they protestors have not even taken the time to read the Bible and see what it says. God is intolerant and has a hard time making exceptions for sin.

OPINION
I believe what the church is saying although it sounds like there is a little too much hate being portrayed instead of taking in the reality that we need to love even the sinners. This is going to be a huge problem Christians are going to have to face as homosexuality grows in ‘popularity’. I don’t think churches should cast out homosexuals but they should welcome them even though they are sinners because everyone sins and that would be classifying sins and God disgraces that. We should welcome in the sinners and try to show the moral truths in the Bible to lead them away from their sin.

INTERNATIONAL

Zimbabwe Poll Confusion

SUMMARY
In Zimbabwe opposition supporters printed out a mass of false news letters with unofficial results saying that Shanguri won the election against Mogawbi with more than 50%. At this time when the papers were distributed the election tallies were not even done yet. Some of the opposition supporters say that the official results do not even matter and that Shanguri will be the new president, and this will be the start of a new era. Many believe that this is very likely true because Mogawbi seems to have little control of the situation and is being over ruled by the lower house. If Shanguri does win then the road ahead of him is going to be long and hand.

OPINION
It sounds to me that it is time for Mogawbi to step down even if he does win the election by a few votes. There would be no point for him to continue office because he has lost control. I am afraid that the opposition is so strong that he will and up getting assassinated or something if he continues because there will be so many people against him. There is a point when government should reconsider its decisions they make when more than half of the population is not in support of the government. The government should represent the people not condone them.

chuck hall

2008-04-02T21:33:00.001-07:00

National
From Reds rally in 9th to drop D-Backs

The diamond backs win there season opener and were looking to start the season off on a streak. That streak was brought to and end after “closer” brandon lyon gave up a three run home run in the bottom of the ninth and this caused the diamond back to lose three to two.

This is going ot bee a problem if this continues the diamond backs took a big risk in trading away their closer from last year in Jose valverde this is very upsetting because jose managed to give the d-backs forty saves last season which is huge for a team like the diamond backs who leasd the league in tames won by a point or less. So the diamondbacks need a solid closer

National
From Bill would create Civil Rights Act silver dollar
Congress is electing to pass a bill that would allow the printing of cions that would honor the civil rights act that got rid of horrible treatment of blacks The bill would direct the U.S. Mint to produce 350,000 $1 coins to be sold beginning in 2014, marking the anniversary of the landmark law's signing in 1964. The Civil Rights Act barred restaurants, hotels and other public places from denying service to blacks and outlawed employment

This cool but I don’t really think that this sort of thing will catch on but it is funny that they are starting to pass legislation now in congress even though they aren’t set to be put on sale until 2014. this is just an example of how long it takes legislation to pass I mean they have to start six years early to just pass something simple like a silver dollar.

International
From 'Playboy' debuts without nudity in Philippines

Playboy the magazine has been releasseed in the Philippines and the magazine will not feature full on frontal nudity like that found in the us. The reason for the censoring in the extreme influence of the roman catholic church in the philippino government. The chuch says that it would not be able to handle more obsecene images in its country. They church is already having a hard enough time controlling the movie industry. The magazine will still contain the articles of some of the countries greatest writers.

This is crazy that there is still a government out there that still has the ability to censor things such as magazines. The fact that they are also in on censoring the of movies as well. The catholic church really has control and that is a hard thing to find. I wonder how well they are doing there job on this type of subject and why they would still call the magazine playboy even though it does not contain all of the nude photos play boy is famous for.

International
From Mugabe in biggest battle after losing parliament U.S. Reuters

President Robert Mugabe is fighting to survive the biggest crisis of his 28-year rule after losing control of Zimbabwe's parliament for the first time since taking power after independence. the opposition Movement for Democratic Change said Mugabe had also been defeated in a presidential election last Saturday and should concede defeat. A local newspaper has printed that mugabe has failed to win the majority for the first time in twenty eight years.
This is crazy stuff president mugabe has been controlling the people in Zimbabwe for years. He has many critics but still manages to find ways to win the presidency year after year. And now he has failed to win over the people he has been controlling for twenty eight years. Maybe Africa is finally starting to heads in the right direction. Lets just hope that Zimbabwe does not be come the next Kenya or Somalia

Hayley Burns (national)( week of: 31-4 April 2008)

2008-04-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

Florida Man Who Killed Ex-Wife, 2 Children Called It 'Cleansing Act'

Summary:
LARGO, Fla. — A Pinellas County teacher who fatally shot his ex-wife, their two children, another woman and himself in December left behind a letter that indicated the killings would cleanse the world of "sociopath" and "unethical" tendencies, according to newly released documents. "Though this act may be viewed as depraved and evil, it does, in fact, leave the world a better place," authorities said Oliver Thomas Bernsdorff wrote in a letter found on his computer after the slayings. Ballistics tests confirm Bernsdorff used the same gun in all the killings and to take his own life when state troopers tried to pull him over for driving erratically, Clearwater police spokeswoman Elizabeth Daly-Watts wrote in a statement.

Opinion:
Well I guess he is right, since he did kill others its only appropriate for hi to take his own life. I think it’s sad that he feels that was though. I think that he should get help with his emotional or mental problems before he shot and killed his own wife and children. Some people are so stupid.

Witness in O.J. Simpson Armed Robbery Case Accuses Alleged Victim of Threatening Him

Summary:
LAS VEGAS — A key witness in the O.J. Simpson armed robbery case has accused one of the alleged victims of harassing and threatening him, his business and his family. Collectibles broker Thomas Riccio filed a Los Angeles police complaint accusing memorabilia dealer Alfred Beardsley of "criminal threats" by telephone and text message, Riccio's lawyer said Wednesday. A clerk in the LAPD records unit confirmed that a report was taken Monday, but said she could not provide details. Riccio, 45, of Los Angeles, said he could not comment because he has a contract for a tell-all book, titled "Busted," being released next week about the alleged heist.

Opinion:
OMG I think that OJ should have been locked up years ago… if he was none of thins would have happened. Gay! Since those jurors sucked… I think that he should get locked up now. Seriously, how old are these accused people… 14? To be sending threatening text messages seem very childish, and dumb. Get over it, you got caught and now are lying about it.

Brooke Bellah(Make up)

2008-04-02T16:58:00.000-07:00

Baby Born in Bathroom Dies in Flush Attempt:

A 14-year-old girl in a Texas middle school gave birth in a bathroom, and then tried to flush her baby. The mother of the baby told a counselor she had tried to flush the baby in the bathroom after she had given birth. The baby did not survive.

Opinion:
This is horrible. If you do not want to have a child, there are other options--like birth control or condoms, something, anything but killing your baby after it is born. If the girl did not have these options at the time the baby was conceived ( if she had been raped) then she still could have used the morning after pill. This baby could have been taken to a drop off place at a hospital or something. How can this girl live with herself after what she has done? Fourteen years old is old enough to be responsible for this sort of crime, and she should be charged and prosecuted.

m@yR@

2008-04-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

International
Cubans on new freedoms: 'We'll see how far we go'
In the past week, President Raúl Castro has legalized cell phone use for ordinary Cubans; legalized the sale within Cuba of microwaves, DVD players and personal computers. Cubans are liking the change, even if the costs are out of their reach. Cuba's government had previously forbidden the sale of consumer products under the argument that they consumed too much electricity. And although computers hadn't yet been seen on the shelves Wednesday, Yamile Batista, the commercial director of La Puntilla department store, said they were among various products that would appear this week. Most Cubans can't afford to rent cell phones or buy any of the new products available to them. The average monthly salary is just under $20.
Opinion
Well it is nice to know that Cubans are now like normal people having their own cell phones and haing homw tvs. Now they can be like normal people. However, the bad thing about this is that it caould probably bring alot of people in debt and Cuba could be in a huge debt like the US and other countries.

Kellye Harkey- International

2008-04-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

International:
Lillian Asplund, who was 99 when she died, rarely spoke of the disaster that took her father Carl, and her three brothers, including a twin, to their watery graves that freezing cold night of April 14, 1912. The then 5-year-old Lillian, her 3-year-old brother Felix and their mother, Selma Asplund, were pushed into a life boat, and Lillian's last memory of the sinking ship was seeing her father and her brothers peering over the deck as their life boat pulled away while she clung to her mother's skirts for warmth. After her death, relatives found a shoe box filled with a historical treasure trove from the Titanic in Lillian's dresser drawer. The family approached the auction house Henry Aldridge and Sons of Devizes, England, to help them with the items, and later this month the contents will be sold at a highly anticipated auction.

Opinion:
Question, Why would you want to give up those things for auction? Don’t you think that the reason she kept the things a secret is so this kind of thing would not happen? I would think that the family would want to keep those things to pass down from generation to generation. But maybe the family needs the money and this is what they came up with. That is kind of sad and she is the last one from the titanic survivors. She was 3 years old when it happened so can she really remember that much from it? Well it is still pretty amazing.

International:
Two schoolgirls playing on a Scottish beach found a woman's severed head, police said Tuesday.
The girls found the head wrapped in a plastic bag on a beach outside Arbroath, about 55 miles south of Aberdeen. A hand and other body parts were found later.

Opinion:
Wow that must have been pretty traumatizing for those girls! Just imagine you are walking down the beach and then your like oh here is a plastic bag I wonder what is in it, oh look it’s a HEAD! I flip out when I see a bug so I probably would of passed out if I saw that. I really want to follow up on this story because I seems like this could turn out to be pretty interesting.

m@yR@

2008-04-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

national
Wal-Mart: Brain-damaged former employee can keep money
Walmart told Shank's family that she would not have to pay for her medical expenses. Shank, A former Wal-Mart employee suffered severe brain damage in a traffic accident. Eight years ago, Debbie Shank was stocking shelves for the retail giant and signed up for Wal-Mart's health and benefits plan. After a tractor-trailer slammed into her minivan, the 52-year-old mother of three lost much of her short-term memory and was confined to a wheelchair. She now lives in a nursing home. Shank also lost her 18-year-old son, Jeremy, who was killed shortly after arriving in Iraq. When Debbie Shank asks family members how her son is doing and they remind her that he's dead, she cries as if she heard the news for the first time. Wal-Mart's health care plan lets the retail giant recoup the cost of its expenses if an employee collects damages in a lawsuit. Wal-Mart helped Shank and her husband, Jim, win $1 million after suing the trucking company involved in the wreck. After legal fees, the couple received $417,000. Wal-Mart sued the Shanks to recoup $470,000 it paid for her medical care. However, a court ruled that the company could only get about $275,000, the amount that was left in a trust fund for her care.
Opinion
This is very sad that Walmart first helps this lady get money because of her minivan and because now she is ina wheel chair in a nursing home and now they wnat her to pay them 470,000, more than what she actually got. It seems that alot of bad things are happening to this woman,. First her car, then her and now her son. I think that her husband is going through alot of things and the only way that he will be able to be strong by going through all of this is if he has faith and has spiritual support from people that are close to God. I hope that everything works out good for this couple.

Hayley Burns (international)( week of: 31-4 April 2008)

2008-04-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Scottish Schoolgirls Playing on Beach Find Woman's Severed Head

Summary:
EDINBURGH, Scotland — Two schoolgirls playing on a Scottish beach found a woman's severed head, police said Tuesday. The girls found the head wrapped in a plastic bag on a beach outside Arbroath, about 55 miles (90 kilometers) south of Aberdeen. A hand and other body parts were found later. "They were upset by the discovery and their parents contacted the police," said Detective Chief Inspector Graham McMillan of Tayside Police. Part of the beach remains cordoned off, as 40 officers comb the area for evidence. Police have not released details of the dead woman's race, identity or age but say the head does not appear to be linked to any pending murder or missing person investigation.

Opinion:
Wow… how exciting and strange. I think I would be scared to ever go to the beach again. I wonder whom the head belonged to? I hope that they figure it out soon so the family of this missing person will be able to grieve both formally and properly. I wonder how long the head had been there? And if there were others who had seen it but never said/ did anything because they thought they would be accused.

Prank Caller Gets Four Years in Prison, Costs British Taxpayers Almost $2M

Summary:
Britain’s alleged worst prank caller was sentenced Sunday to four years in prison after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance for 40 years of phony calls to emergency services, the Daily Mail reports. David Mason, 57, is accused of costing taxpayers almost $2 million by plaguing police, fire and ambulance crews with fake emergencies. He invented brawls, blazes, car accidents, medical emergencies and bomb alerts — for the sole purpose of seeing the flashing lights of emergency vehicles, the Daily Mail reports. He admitted to officers that he derived "excitement" from seeing emergency vehicles arrive at the scene. "Mason has been a menace to both the emergency services and the local community, whose lives he put at risk,” Bolton, England, police officer Ian Deary told the Daily Mail. Britain’s alleged worst prank caller was sentenced Sunday to four years in prison after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance for 40 years of phony calls to emergency services, the Daily Mail reports.

Opinion:
That guy is so stupid! I think that he should go to jail, and that he is getting the proper punishment, also in four years when he is out he should be looked over by the government. They should make sure he is getting the help he needs. No about the money, if I was paying those taxes I would extremely upset with this man, he has even possible killed someone, because the vehicular needed for a different accident was where he could watch it instead.

Brooke Bellah (Make up)

2008-04-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Student Sues Wisconsin School After Getting a Zero for Religious Drawing

A senior boy sued his school after he received a zero on an art assignment. The art teacher instructed the students to draw a landscape, and the boy added a cross with the words "John 3:16 a sign of love" next to it. The teacher then asked him to remove the cross, because some students had been making comments about it. When he refused, she showed him a contract he had signed earlier this year which said no student could include any violence, blood, sexual connotations, or religious beliefs in their artwork. The boy then grabbed the piece of paper and ripped it. He received two detentions for tearing the piece of paper, and the school will not comment on the lawsuit.

Opinion:

This story really upsets me. It says that other religious references are displayed throughout the campus, including a Buddhist statue and a Hindu deity. If these are allowed, then Christian artifacts should also be represented. I don't believe anyone can argue against this. It will be interesting to see how the court rules in this case. It also brings to question the idea that constitutional rights can be forfeited by signing a piece of paper (that you have to sign in order to take a class that you have to have to graduate). I personally do not believe this is right.

3rd Graders Plotted to Kill Teacher

A group of special education students in Georgia were apparently planning to kill their teacher, after she made one of them mad by punishing her for standing on a chair. One of the students told a school worker about the plan before the start of the school day, and the kids were stopped. Officials confiscated a steak knife, duct tape, handcuffs, ribbon and a crystal paperweight from the children. The students all had special needs which ranged from attention deficit disorder, delayed development, and hyperactivity. The students may be expelled, but officials are not sure they can be charged with anything, because of a state law which does not allow children under the age of 13 to be charged with a crime.

Opinion:

Third graders????Seriously? Some of this has to do with the fact the students had special needs (but ADD, come on) but I believe the amount of violence children are exposed to now contributed more. It says the each student had a job assigned to them, like blocking all windows so no one would witness, and a group of students who were designated to clean up the mess afterward. This is just creepy--I believe if the student's plot hadn't been exposed there is a good chance the teacher could have been killed. Georgia should change the rule about prosecuting children under thirteen. There are plenty of 11 and 12 year olds (and apparantly 8 year old third graders) who are capable of horrible crimes.

Bronwen

2008-04-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

National:
Sister Barbara Markey, a Roman Catholic nun in Nebraska, stole over $1,500 from the Omaha Archdiocese and gambled it away. She pleads guilty and agreed to pay $125,000 and faces up to twenty years in prison. This is not the first time Markey has been convicted of a crime; she was fired from her position as director of the archdiocese's family life office after an audit discovered Markey was spending $307,545 for her own use.

The Catholic church seems to be taking another hit. There are corrupt people affiliated with every religion, but Catholicism seems to be one of the most deficient or at least the most publicised. I wouldn't trust my money to such a large organization. The whole idea of nuns and priests is stupid.

International:
In Rome the Interior ministry said "cell phones or any other device that can take still pictures or video clips" will have to be left outside of the polling station during the April 13-14 elections. In Italy there are 61 phones to every 50 people. The law aims to prevent people from photographing ballots and showing the ballot to a politician in exchange for favor. All those who violate the law will face jail time.

How many people could a politician discreetly bribe anyway? That seems far fetched, but the rule certainly couldn't hurt anything. There could also be the instance when someone is forced rather than bribed to vote for a certain person. The law could protect against this. It still seems rather unlikely, especially for a country like Italy. I wonder if America will ever have a law banning cell phones in polling stations.

National:
Michelle Kosilek, a convicted killer serving time in a Boston prison, has been requesting a sex change. The prison commissioner, Harold Clarke, originally ignored Koselek's request on the basis of protecting the inmate from sexual assault, but now the commissioner says he is reexamining the request. I need to take a look at the information presented before I arrived, and with a fresh set of eyes, closely scrutinize it", Clarke said.
Kosilek faces life in prison for murdering his wife in 1990. He changed his name to Michelle.
It was ruled that Kosilek's eighth amendment rights (cruel and unusual punishment) were not violated because the commissioner did not deliberately ignore the request for a sex change. Medical experts say the change is essential for Kosilek, who has attempted suicide twice while in prison.

If the death penalty were enforced the prison wouldn't even have to deal with this.
The writer of this article called Kosilek "she". It's he, no matter what medical changes occur. I bet he would try suicide even after getting the sex change; it's a condition of the heart. Also, I wouldn't want to be a woman in prison with a sex changed man... nor would I want to be a man sharing a prison cell with a queer.

International:
Over 160 nations continue talks in Bankok about global warming. "The economic situation is going to make the fight about cost containment versus ambitious emissions reductions that much more controversial", Angela Anderson, head of the global warming campaign at the Washington-based Pew Environment Group said. The group expects global warming will kill many species of plants and animals by the end of this century. "The same people who opposed global warming legislation when the economy was doing well are now opposing it when the economy is doing poorly. They have only one constant and that is they oppose dealing with global warming", Yvo de Boer, head of the UN climate body said.

Well Mr, de Boer, I do oppose it. Here's why:
Global warming is a "problem" discussed everywhere from elementary school classrooms to political debates. It is such a concern that the United Nations feels obligated to issue a carbon tax. It seems Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth has people quite shaken.
Gore says his preferred explanation for global warming is depicted in two cartoons. The first shows a girl crying because her ice cream is melting and a man tells her it is because of global warming. The second shows the sky full of black demons killing sunbeams and then the dead sunbeams cause the earth to warm. As for the former illustration, the United States is warming by 0.5 degrees Celsius a century; that is not causing any ice cream to melt. In the latter depiction the demons are water and carbon dioxide molecules- these do not kill sunbeams. In fact, these elements comprise both humans and ice cream.
Al Gore shows pictures of a glacier melting between the years of 1980- 2007. This melting has been progressing at the same rate for 200 years previous (before man made hydrocarbon use at any significant level) but Gore does not reveal this fact. Since the dawn of earth temperatures have been fluctuating.Gore also shows CO2 as a factor in temperature increase. But in fact, carbon dioxide changes follow temperature changes. As heat increases oceans release more of the carbon dioxide molecules as do plants. Rising temperature is not a ramification of carbon dioxide output, it is vice versa.
If all 6 billion people on earth were to have 3 square feet, we would fit inside the parameters of Phoenix and Scottsdale. The sun is 109 times bigger than the earth and is responsible for 99.9% of the earth's heat. That leaves .1% of the blame on humans. To believe we caused and can control global temperature is to put ourselves above God.
For those who are afraid the planet will become unlivably hot, you are quite right. 2 Peter 3 :11-13 reads "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."

Brooke Bellah (Make up)

2008-04-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

International:

Mugabe Rival Denies Having Talks to Transfer Power in Zimbabwe:

Recently, an election was held in Zimbabwe for a new President, and Morgan Tsvangirai has claimed to have won the election. President Robert Mugabe has ruled over Zimbabwe for 28 years, so it is questionable whether he will give up his power for the sake of his country. "If Mr. Mugabe continues, there will be a coup d'etat," said Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitri Rupel. Tsvangirai says he will not meet with Mugabe before the election results are confirmed. However, rumors of such a meeting are still circling. At this point, election results have not been confirmed, but polling indicates that the opposition had won the election.

Opinion: I hope for the people of Zimbabwe's sake that Mugabe will step down peacefully. But history shows that a political change doesn't necessarily mean a change for the better (the French Revolution and Russian Revolution are two examples). But this Tsvangirai guy seems to be sincere in trying to create a better Zimbabwe. I hope that it will improve life for Zimbabweans.

Justice Department Declassifies 2003 'Torture Memo'

The Justice Department has just released previously withheld files containing the Bush Administration's justification for detaining enemy combatants and questioning them.The Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman said the memo "reflects the expansive view of executive power that has been the hallmark of this administration" and that it "seeks to find ways to avoid legal restrictions and accountability on torture and threatens our country's status as a beacon of human rights around the world." He said he had been trying to get the memos from the White House for four months now, and that the release of these files was an important step forward, but complained that the White House was still withholding other files, even from members of Congress.

Opinion:

Of course it's going to be like pulling teeth to get these kinds of files released, and it should be this way. Releasing top secret interrogation techniques would endanger American lives. War is ugly, and torture is sometimes necessary to get information that could save lives. Since 9/11 there has not been another terrorist attack in the United States. Whatever the Bush Administration did to help prevent this I believe was the right thing to do, and I applaud the President for protecting our country--even if this means being in favor of torture as a means of extracting information. Remember these people's main goal is to kill Americans and treating them with respect should not be our main concern.

Brooke Bellah (more Make up)

2008-03-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

International:

Osama bin Laden's brother, Salem bin Laden, recently won a bet. He bet that he could get four Christian women from four different Western countries to marry him--all at the same time. He was trying to prove that if you had money, you could buy anything in the West. The girls (one from France, one British, one American, and one German) were promised a life of luxury, and none of them refused his offer. However, after they accepted he dismissed them.

Opinion:

As much as I hate to say it, I somewhat agree with Salem. But I do not think that being able to get anything you want for a price applies only to Western countries. Money has played a role in every war, and every major historical event. It's a powerful thing; not a Western failure, but a human weakness. The saying money cannot buy happiness is not true. It can buy temporary happiness, but it cannot buy real joy.

A new swimsuit, the LZR Racer, is the latest buzz in the competitive swimming world, but it may be banned from the 2008 Olympics. The swimsuit was created by Speedo and NASA and was introduced just six weeks ago. Already it has contributed to 16 world record performances. Some say, however. that it gives athletes an unfair advantage because it creates buoyancy in the water. Speedo said "We are conducting a thorough investigation but are confident this is not endemic to the LZR Racer suit."

Opinion:

As a person who has been swimming her whole life, this story is important to me. If there is a new suit out there that decreases drag by 5% (like Speedo claims it can) then you better believe every competitive swimmer will be buying it--especially when a 5% decrease could mean the difference from third place to first. If the suit does create buoyancy, then I believe this would create an unfair advantage. Body form and technique is what creates buoyancy in the water, and wearing a suit that does this for you would be comparable to steroid use in baseball. It would take away from the sport. But if it does just create less resistance, then it should be allowed at the Beijing Olympics.

Brooke Bellah (Make up)

2008-03-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

International:

Earth Hour--scheduled to take place tonight at 8 is a attempt to raise awareness for the need to conserve energy. It was first started by World Wildlife Fund in 2007 in Australia. For one hour the city of Sydney turned off its lights to participate in the historic event. One year later, 200 international cities have signed up (including Phoenix) to participate in this year's event. People are encourage to turn off their lights for one hour to support the cause. Hospitals and other important facilities will keep their lights on, for obvious reasons.

Opinion:

I think this is a wonderful idea. It's not demanding too much to limit your use of electricity for one hour to raise awareness for a good cause. It allows everyone to join in and help, not just those who can donate a lot of money. Hopefully this day catches on and even more cities will participate next year.

Nepalese police broke up a protest by Tibetan exiles and monks Saturday in front of the Chinese Embassy visa office in Katmandu, and arrested 80 demonstrators. The protesters, were shouting slogans such as "stop killing in Tibet," but were quickly rounded up and driven away in vans and trucks. Nepal has been criticized for not allowing peaceful demonstrations against China's recent crackdown in Tibet. Nepalese officials have said they cannot allow protests against friendly nations ( including China) and have ordered all protesters arrested.Beijing says 22 people died in protests that spread earlier this month to dozens of Tibetan communities across western China. Tibetan exiles say almost 140 are dead.

Opinion:

This story makes me extremely grateful to live in America, where we can protest against whatever we want to as long as it is a peaceful demonstration. These people were being peaceful, but they were still arrested. If this happened in the US there would be a large amount of backlash.

Brooke Bellah (Make up)

2008-03-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

National:

Two Virginia teenagers have been charged with several felonies in connection with a shooting spree along Interstate 64. One of the suspects, Slade Allen Woodson, was taken into custody Friday morning. The other has been identified as a 16-year-old boy from Crozet, Va.They each face 10 felony counts that include malicious wounding and maliciously shooting at an occupied vehicle.Investigators said they now believe the shootings were part of a long night of random gunfire in which the pair also shot at a credit union and a residence. Only two people were injured.

Opinion:

I don’t understand why you would just go around shooting at random people. It doesn’t make sense. These people obviously need to be put in prison and receive large amounts of counseling before they are reintroduced to the public. Maybe some medication would help, too.

A woman on Friday abducted a 1-day-old baby from a secure hospital unit and apparently managed to smuggle the child outside. Jennifer Latham was arrested a short time later after being pulled over by police in nearby Lake Mary. Hospital officials alerted police of the abduction around 1:45 p.m. after hospital alarms indicated the child had been removed from the newborn unit. Hospital spokesman Craig Bair said the child was wearing a device that set off an alarm when the infant was taken outside. The hospital was immediately locked down as officials searched the grounds, but the woman was apparently able to slip by security because she had the child hidden in a bag, The baby was found inside unharmed and has been returned to the hospital.

Opinion:

I wish this story had a quote from the woman as to why she took kidnapped the child. It would be interesting to hear her try to excuse her actions. If I were the parents I would be very upset, of course. I may try to sue the hospital for allowing a unauthorized person near my baby in a supposed secure location in the first place.

Kaylen May Gerkey

2008-03-28T08:10:00.001-07:00

Mom shoots kids – carries gun on campus
Summary: In Louisville, Kentucky a mom kills her two children than went to the nearby college and showed the gun before handing it over to a health counselor. The scare at the University of Louisville ended in no injuries 30 min after it began. Police where then told to check on the children, at that time they found them dead. Gail Coontz 37 years old is charged with killing her. two children, 14 year old and 10 year old. The woman was also charged with one count of terroristic threatening for pointing a gun at an officer. The neighborhood where the police found the children is normally a quiet neighborhood.

Opinion: I find the whole situation just horrendous. The children, one barely a teenager and the other just a child. I cannot understand what could draw a parent to murdering their children. I think the lady is probably not all there in the head because then she walked all the way to the campus and brandished the gun and finally turned it over to a health counselor. Someone like that cannot really be sane. Maybe she is a just lost it one day, but if I had children I could never go off on then with a gun.

From $70,000 to food bank
Summary: In California, Patricia Guerrero, went from making $70,000 to drawing unemployment checks. Weeks after being laid off bills were piling up and she needed food for her family the middle class mom never thought she would have to result to this. She already burned through savings to help make ends meet and she has two young children. Guerrero turned to the food bank. Experts say more and more middle class families are turning up at food banks.

Opinion: I think this mother did all that she could. She is a single mom with like to kids and she was out of options. Food banks can really help people and that is what they are there for. Just because you are middle class does not mean you are above such thing, they are there to help everyone. Everyone goes through rough patches at one time or another through their life whether it’s financially or otherwise and going to a food bank is better than starving to death. I just think she showed a lot of courage and was not afraid to go somewhere where she knew she would get help.

T5 tech failure causes Heathrow chaos
Summary: The long awaited opening of a multi billion dollar new terminal at London’s Heathrow Airport suffered a major setback Thursday when a nigh tech baggage handling system malfunctioned. The malfunctioned caused major delays with flight cancellations. British Airways, the only airline using the terminal, said that passengers could only check in hang luggage. The new terminal which to 8.6 billion dollars to make took nearly 15 years to complete. The baggage system was supposed to be able to handle nearly 12,000 bags an hour.

Opinion: I find it all quite ironic. London pays nearly 9 million to fund this new terminal and this new baggage system and on opening day it causes more problems then it started with. But I do think that when it all gets back and running that it will really benefit the airport. I know that England is a very popular country but also very small and the airport could probably use all the help it can get with all the tourists that come in and out every year. So a baggage system that can go through 12,000 bags in an hour would be a lifesaver. I hope this new terminal is a great success because after all the incidents at Heathrow recently they need something good.

The Sarkozys turn on the charm in Britain
Summary: French President Nicolas Sarkozy and wife visit the UK for a two-day state visit. Mrs. Sarkozy, Chic Carla Bruni Sarkozy, is like a cross between Jackie O and a catholic school girl said the papers. She was sweet and graceful and stylishy reflecting the color of Windsor Castle. Nicolas Sarkozy won a standing ovation as he pledges support for NATO in Afghanistan. But Mrs. Sarkozy steals the limelight in a succession of Dior dresses. So it was all about the Sarkozy’s in Britain and Mrs. Sarkozy won their hearts.

Opinion: I think Chic Carla Bruni Sarkozy is real cute. She has a big smile and nice style and that’s probably why the Brits liked her. Her husband has been a good French President and she’s a good lady. I think Bush could use someone like that rite now, but I don’t think anyone could help him; it seems no one likes him anymore. I find it funny that Sarkozy can get up and talk about NATO and get a standing ovation and then his wife can steal the spotlight with Dior dresses. That’s just darling.

Ashley Cowan

2008-03-28T02:35:00.000-07:00

National: Ex-church music leader to prison for child porn
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, a former music director at a Greenwich church, was sentenced Thursday to 5 1/2 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. Robert Tate, 66, must also pay a $50,000 fine and participate in sex offender treatment. Tate pleaded guilty in January 2007 to possessing child pornography and then spent several weeks at long-term treatment centers for sexually deviant behavior. "I've struggled all my life with sexual attraction to young boys," Tate said during his sentencing hearing in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport. "I was abused myself, but that is no excuse for what I did. I'm deeply ashamed of it."

Opinion: PERVO!!!!! O my gosh! If I hear about one more church leader molesting more children I'm going to go crazy! How can these people who are supposedly leading others to the Lord be running around doing things like this?! They need to pray for God's guidance! And I don't give a darn if he was abused himself! That is no excuse to be ruining the lives of other young children due to his past experiences.

International: Taliban bomb expertise becomes deadlier
In Kabul, Afghanistan, a ruthless new generation of Afghan rebels is casting aside Taliban doctrine that opposed killing large numbers of civilians, instead using more powerful explosives and packing bombs with ball-bearings to maximize deaths. Just this week, some 140 people died in two bombings. Afghan security officials say the militants have started using C-4, a powerful explosive not seen before in Afghanistan.

Opinion: HA! Wow! This is just what we needed, even more powerful explosives coming from Afghanistan! PAUSE NOT!!! O goodness, I honestly just wish we could go in there and NOT kill anyone, but just take all their equipment that they are using to create these bombs! I mean come on! I have no idea what kind of religion these crazy people are following but I know my God wouldn’t approve of me killing anyone.

National: Wis. man convicted in antifreeze poison case
In Elkhorn, Wisconson, a man was convicted Thursday of poisoning and suffocating his wife. Mark Jensen, 48, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Julie Jensen, and faces a mandatory life prison sentence, with the judge to determine if he should ever be eligible for parole. Julie Jensen, 40, was found dead in her Pleasant Prairie home on Dec. 3, 1998, after being sick for a few days. Mark Jensen was charged with killing her in 2002, but legal wrangling over evidence repeatedly delayed the trial.

Opinion: Stories like this freak me out! Just the thought that if my husband was to ever get mad at me and possibly plan to poison me is honestly one of the scariest thoughts ever! I have no idea what goes on in these peoples' heads when they plot to kill someone like this, however for killing your wife I agree that he should've gone to prison for life.

International: Witness for bin Laden driver: Ex-prosecutor
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, In a stunning turnaround, the former chief military prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay said Thursday he would be a defense witness for the driver of Osama bin Laden. Air Force Col. Morris Davis, who resigned in October over alleged political interference in the U.S. military tribunals, told The Associated Press he will appear at a hearing for Salim Ahmed Hamdan. "I expect to be called as a witness ... I'm more than happy to testify," Davis said in a telephone interview from Washington. He called it "an opportunity to tell the truth.

Opinion: Well I'm very tired at the moment so I have little opinion over this article. Choosing the driver of Osama bin Laden is a very interesting task to take on, I myself would not choose to do something like this. I am also surprised that the person representing him is a former chief military prosecutor.

kwang min kim

2008-03-27T23:07:00.001-07:00

International

Korea

Jeju Island Fish season

There is some good news in Jeju Island. Due to warming seawaters, it is enjoying an abundant tuna season. Recently in the fish market in Busan, there was an ample stock of tuna, which was all over 70 centimeters long.

Two fleets of mackerel vessels returned with more than 2,000 fish, of which 120 were more than one meter long and weighed more than 30 kilograms. Fishermen and dealers were stunned and told reporters that they had never seen such abundance of tuna in the past. Some say this is the first time since the Korean fish market opened.

Opinion

Jeju Island is very magnificent visiting place in Korea. Tourists always take to JEJU Island to show to visitors.

According to the National Fisheries Research. The schools of tuna were following the warm Black Current passing Jeju, when they were caught. More good news for the people of Jeju Island is that the rush of fish is expected to continue as the temperature increase during the spring season. A tuna weighing 50 kilograms was sold for 1.35 million won. The market traded 4,000 tuna for 1 billion won. And I am really glad for this news because Japs were always taking our fishes but this year all the fishes are ours.!! God bless Korea.

International

Korea

Did you ever have the opportunity to see some of the world's highest and elegant ceramic masterpieces? I am sure at one point in your life most of you had the chance to see precious ceramics from Korea. But we rarely get the chance to see ones from outside the country. Well, 117 ceramic pieces from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London have arrived in Seoul. And they are currently on display at the Korea Foundation Cultural Center Gallery until June 23. This definitely is a rare opportunity to learn about the history of ceramics, by seeing ancient artifacts from Egypt and China, and the delicate porcelain from Germany, England and France, to modern-day pottery. The exhibit is organized chronologically with nine sections, starting with ancient times. Visitors will be greeted by the stunning turquoise-glazed monumental scepter from ancient Egypt.

Opinion

Admission is 6,000 won for adults, 5,000 won for middle and high school students. The money will be donated to UNICEF. Don't miss out! You will not find this chance in your lifetime. Plus, 6000 won is really cheap price for these ceramic masterpieces; I believe through this exhibition many people in Korea will see the mysterious beauty of many different cultures throughout the history of mankind.

National

Super delegate

The battle over the Democratic presidential nomination turned nasty on Thursday,. Liberal group MoveOn.org — which has endorsed Barack Obama — issued a letter to its members, asking them to sign on to a statement that says millionaire donors shouldn’t dictate how the race is won. It also asked for members to match the money the donors would otherwise supply.

Opinion

The Democratic nomination is going to be decided by the voters not by super delegate or party high-rollers. They may have free individual power to choose any candidate they want but they do not have right to get any special benefit for they being super delegate. It is just unfair.

NATIONAL

NEW ORLEANS — Wanted: Idealistic teachers looking for a Peace Corps-style adventure in a city in distress.

Some of New Orleans' most desperate, run-down schools are beset with a severe shortage of

teachers, and they are struggling mightily to attract candidates by appealing to their sense of

adventure and desire to make a difference. Education officials are even offering to help new

teachers find housing.

OPINION

I HAVE INCREDIBLE outpouring of sympathy toward New Orleans. I fell really sad for them.

They did not deserve this kind of situation. The Government should improve the environment in

New Orleans. And recruiters should convince many brilliant teachers to work in New Orleans,

give them a reason to practice teaching in New Orleans. They got a do something about it.

Franki Benavidez

2008-03-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

National Summary:
In Los Angeles, California, a woman was forced to remove her nipple piercings with pliers in order to board a plane. Mandi Hamlin was being checked by a handheld detector and when the detector passed by her chest which beeped and she told the TSA agent that it was her nipple piercings. The female officer took her behind a curtain and told her to remove the piercings with the pliers she handed to her. Hamlin took the first one out but had struggled with the second one. While she was crying, she heard the other officers snickering. After she removed the piercings, she was then allowed to board the plane even though she still had a bellybutton piercing. About a month later, the federal security agents and a civil rights investigation had to apologize to her. If they didn't, she said she would have taken legal action against them. Here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,342329,00.html

Opinion: I feel soooo bad for that woman. While reading this article, i just couldn't stop cringing when it mentioned about pliers being used to remove her piercings. And with the male officers around, AWKWARD! Hamlin should've just taken those officers that did that to her to jail. A simple apology cannot make things better for her. I think that anybody that has nipple piercings should think twice about boarding a plane. Oh my gosh that's terrible!

Summary: In Orange County, Florida, a 11 year old girl was tasered school security officer. The 11 year old was found pushing and shoving her teachers. The security officers came in and tried to calm her down but she was throwing desks and chairs all around. One of the officers couldn't contain her so he tasered the young girl. Here:http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,342471,00.html

Opinion: Why would someone taser an 11 year old girl? I could see if the girl was bigger and stronger than the officers but i hardly doubt it! I think now security officers are getting too lazy with controlling kids so they take advantage of whatever is possible.

International Summary:
A physics teacher allegedly gets a high school student pregnant and then takes her to get an abortion. The teacher is on trial for 11 counts of sexual penetration with a 16 or 17 year old child under his care. The jury was told in court that the physics teacher would pick up the girl after school and they would have sex in his car up to three times a week. The relationship continued after the abortion, with the pair sometimes going to motels, the prosecutor said.

Opinion: I think it's awful for what happened to that student. She not only had sex with the teacher but then he took her to get the abortion over with. I think that when girls get pregnant during high school, abortion isn't the right way to go. The teacher is a real jerk because he wanted to make sure that the abortion would go as planned.

Tyler Adair

2008-03-27T22:03:00.001-07:00

National – Hillary looses ground.
http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/clinton-leads-pack-in-negative-ratings/20080327145309990001?ncid=NWS00010000000001

While Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are neck and neck in the election polls, there is a clear winner in the negatively viewed poll that Wall Street Journal and NBC News took. Despite the controversy relating to Obamas pastor, Hillary Clinton is viewed more negatively than either Obama or McCain. Although she is still polling above Barack in Pennsylvania, her approval seems to go down. The number of people who view Barack Obama negatively has also incr4eased over the past month. On an AOL poll which asks users whether they feel positively about, negitivly about, or no opinion, on each candidate McCain is the only one that has more of a positive view than a negative one.

I think this is great! Especially the AOL poll. I really think it is true, people view McCain way more positively than either Obama or Clinton. Despite extremo conservatives hating on McCain, his view among normal conservative, moderates and liberals is still pretty high. I think he will be the best man for the job, I don’t agree with him on everything, but a little compromising won’t hurt every now and then.

National – Woman is forced to remove piercing.
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/woman-wants-apology-over-piercings/20080327192709990001

Mandi Hamlin was back on her way home to Texas while going through the security areas of the Lubbock Airport. She went through a metal detector without sounding an alarm, but was stopped again and scanned with a handheld metal detector by a female TSA agent. While being scanned the detector went off over her chest and she informed the agent that she had nipple piercing, some male TSA agents went over to her and decided she would have to remove the rings. She was forced to remove them painfully with pliers, yet still allowed to wear her belly button piercing. Hamlin wants an apology and says something should be done to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

I think this is a horrible event, I don’t see why she would have to take out the nipple piercings, yet she could keep in the belly button. I think something should be done to prevent this from happening again, she should get an apology, and these TSA agents, especially the men, should be looked into.

International – Man Tears Off Famous Ear
http://news.aol.com/story/_a/statue-damage-angers-easter-islanders/20080327153709990002

Marko Culju did what most Easter Islanders would see as unthinkable during his trip in March. He tore off one of the 400 famous Moai statues on the South Pacific Island. After being accused by police he was put under house arrest for 13 days in his hotel, and is forced to pay a fine. His attorney says that prison time could follow, but he hopes it would not. Culju said he didn’t realize his actions would have such great magnitude. The mayor of Easter Island says he wants to cut off one of Culjus ears. Eye for an eye, ear for an ear.

I think anyone who would do this to such a historic part of our world has to be so selfish. These things are massive, historic and amazing, and he broke off a large chunk to use as a souvenir. Obviously an ear for an ear is excessive, and the article doesn’t say whether the mayor was kidding, but I think some type of community service should be put on this man. Prison time seems excessive to me.

International – British Official Banned
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,342375,00.html

The British Secretary of Treasury has been banned from a big part of British life. After raising taxes on alcoholic beverages pubs around the country have started posting signs that have a picture of Alistair Darling with the word “barred” over it. The government has raised the tax on alcoholic beverages 6 times, and it expected to keep changing higher over the next few months.

I think this is hilarious, what a creative way to voice their opinions, I feel bad for the secretary of treasury though, I feel like it is his job to these things and now he is having personal attacks placed on him. And I bet he’s not very popular now over there. Still creative way to get an opinion across to the government and the public.

Brian's blog

2008-03-27T21:58:00.000-07:00

National - Sgt. Peter Damon, a disabled veteran of the Iraq War, sued Michael Moore for using a TV interview in his movie Fahrenheit 9/11, and misconstruing the interview to make it sound like Damon was complaining about the Bush administration and a lack of good treatment for veterans, rather than simply about his pain. The First Circuit ruled against Damon’s lawsuit, because there was not enough there to sue Moore for defaming Damon. Moore claimed this vindicated him (especially since two of the judges who ruled in favor of him were appointed by Bush), and also claimed the large number of failed lawsuits against him show his films to be accurate. Moore said he felt for the veteran, but did not feel he used the clip wrongly.

Opinion – While I feel that the right decision was reached in this case, I also think Michael Moore should keep his mouth shut. I haven’t seen his movies, but I know what they’re about. I might even agree with some of the points he tries to make. But claiming failed lawsuits prove his movies to be accurate? All that proves is that we have a court system that protects Moore’s right to make his movies. All I’ve heard in the news is negative - how acts in public, and the way he no doubt does misconstrue things in his movies.

National - A Pennsylvanian Judge recently ruled that three Hispanic men could avoid going to jail for conspiracy to commit robbery and stay on parole if they learn English, get their GEDs, and get full-time jobs. Their attorneys are studying the legality of the ruling trying to decide whether or not to appeal, though one man was quite happy with the ruling. All three needed translators in their trial.

Opinion – I thought this sounded kind of interesting. It seems like a ruling like this would be helpful (and awfully generous) to the men on trial, but I suppose the idea of making them learn English is controversial. I think it would be good if judges made rulings like this more often (as long as they are legal), which gave criminals second chances as long as they were willing to follow certain criteria for change.

International – In Zimbabwe, money isn’t worth very much. The country is undergoing a time of hyperinflation as their economy is suffering, and a ten million dollar bill can barely buy two rolls of toilet paper. Some say the autocratic-president’s 28 year reign is to blame. The president says it is the fault of British imperialism and sanctions. Either way, the fear is that this could lead to civil war. The country’s inflation rate is the worst in the world.

Opinion – How would you fix a problem like that? It’s ridiculous. It just seems amazing to me an economy could get so bad. Isn’t there any way you could just scrap the whole thing and start over? I’d like to know more about the situation over there. What can Africa do?

International - Hindus are upset about Mike Myers latest film The Love Guru, in which he portrays what else but a Hindu. They’re kind of upset like the Khazakstani people were upset about Borat. They’ll probably get over it. They’re just afraid that the character is supporting Hindu stereotypes that might promote racism.

Opinion – The Hindu’s are probably right, but what can you do? It sounds like a dumb movie anyway, but we’ll see. Everyone gets made fun of these days, and people just need to get used to it. And not be racist or treat people like stereotypes.

David Jeong

2008-03-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

National - 1

Police: Mom shot kids, carried gun on campus

Summary: A mother killed her two children and then went to the nearby college she attended and brandished a gun before handing the weapon to a health counselor. Gail Lynn Coontz, 37, is charged with killing 14-year-old Greg Coontz and 10-year-old Nikki Coontz. The woman was also charged with one count of terroristic threatening for pointing a handgun at an officer. The woman gave her handgun to a counselor at the health services building.

Opinion: This is messed up. Who would even try to kill their own child? I don't have my own kid but I am seriously in love with this baby named Glenn, Mr Harmon's grandson, and I would not bother at all to give up my life for his. Well, he is not even my own baby. This woman must be crazy to do that kind of thing. I cannot even mention about what she did. I get so scared sometimes when Glenn gets sick or when he falls down and bleed, so I pray God not to let anything bad happen to him and let bad things happen to me. I'm pretty sure this woman has no brain or heart.

National - 2

Father Rescues Son From Well

Summary:An Iowa toddler is recovering after his dad saved him from a well. The incident happened in Wheldon, a small town on the Clarke-Decatur, county line. Chumbley was in his yard raking and watching his son Ayden, 2, in a neighbor's yard chasing the family's cat. The cat was standing on the well platform and this little guy was trying to catch the cat and fell. The baby said "Yeah, my daddy's my hero."

Opinion: Well, this is how it should be. Parents should take care of their children with love. This is a example of a good father. When I grow up and have my own children, I will take care of them and try my best to avoid the bad things for them. The baby's last comment is amazing. I would feel happy for days if Glenn says you're my hero. That is so neat thing to hear from a 2 year old baby.

International - 1

Asia faces a rice supply crisis

Summary: A sharp rise in the price of rice is hitting consumer pocketbooks and raising fears of public turmoil in the many parts of Asia where rice is a staple. Part of a surge in global food costs, rice prices on world markets have jumped 50 percent in the past two months and at least doubled since 2004. Experts blame rising fuel and fertilizer expenses as well as crops curtailed by disease, pests and climate change. There are concerns prices could rise a further 40 percent in coming months.

Opinion: This is a real crisis in Asian culture. We eat rice and rice is the no.1 food for asians to make energy, i think. Well, I read about this yesterday. The article said the price of rice had increased more than 130% just in Korea over a night. I thought this is a terrible thing because many people is now going to starve more because the rice is getting so expensive. I think I'm ok because I don't eat much anyways, i think.

International - 2

Report: North Korea test-fires missiles

Summary:North Korea fired short-range missiles off its western coast.The South Korean Defense Ministry and Joint Chiefs of Staff told CNN they are trying to confirm reports of the missile launches. South Korea's presidential office dismissed reports of the missile launches as part of "ordinary military training" by the communist state. North Korea cited the minister's remarks as a reason for demanding that the South Korean diplomats leave.

Opinion: I don't understand North Korea. If I were to be Kim Jung il, I would go shake hands with the new president of South and become more friendly or even make the unified korean peninsula, if possible. South is doing so much for North and I don't understand why Kim jung il does all these strange missile tests and nukes or whatsoever. Maybe, he is targetting Tokyo, hopefully, instead of Seoul.

J TO THA LEMNITZER X2 KING KONGS GOT NOTING ON DIS BEAST

2008-03-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

International: North Korea test fires missiles

Summary: South Korea believes North Korea has test fired several missiles into the North Sea. The move if confirmed, comes a day after the North expelled most of the South Korean managers from a joint industrial park on the border which came after the South said it would link progress at the park with the North's denuclearization effort. The newly elected gov. in the South has pledged to take a tougher stance with the North and has so far resulted in the North remaining even more stubborn than usual. The missile tests and firing of South Korean managers prove the North's actions are as erratic as ever. The park employs almost 24,000 North Koreans and is operated mainly for that countries benefit.

Opinion: If the North keeps misbehaving it will be very interesting to see how the new get tough policy in the South reacts. North Korea is obviously very concerned with its posturing and so it feels it must flex its muscles from time to time just as a warning that the state is thoroughly unpredictable. I do not know if there is any proper way to deal with the North, Concessions don't work threats don't work. Maybe someday something will work but until then good luck.

National: Ky. Mom kills her own children

Summary: Gail Lynn Coontz is charged by police with the murder of her 14 year old son, and 10 year old daughter. She reportedly shot her two children in their sleep and then took her gun to the University of Louisville where she attends school, there she handed it over to a health counselor. The University went on full alert sending messages to students cellphones however the campus was not locked down. Her neighbor says she was a good mom and would have never thought she was capable of such and act.

Opinion: I chose this because it is symbolic of the headlines we are used to in this country. A women kills her own two children and as much as it hurts me to say it doesn't even stand out among the other headlines because we are incredibly desensitized in this country. It is a terrible act and words can't comprehend the loss of such young life. I don't know what we can do about this but I feel that something must be done about this about this.

KRISTA GOLF i mean GROTE :P

2008-03-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL

U.S. passports made abroad

SUMMARY
Since the 9-11 terrorist attacks, the country has had to amp up its security. The U.S. passports are using more technology to prevent fraud. The down side to this action is that it has to be done outside of the U.S. There are many concerns that this is not a safe or smart idea. These chips are harder to fake but there is concern that it will be easier for these chips to be stolen or tampered with. The U.S. does not have the technology to create this advanced security measures. The companies abroad creating these say that there is no need to worry because the factories are secure and so are the vehicles transporting the materials.

OPINION
I don’t see a reason to freak out about this new technology. Even though passports are our keys to the kingdom, the step of the passport making process that is being done abroad is not that extreme. Only the chip and the blank cover are being created abroad and the rest of the process is still being done in the U.S. This new technology will be a benefit in the long run, so let’s just hope nothing goes wrong.

INTERNATIONAL

Tata for now

SUMMARY
What was once under control of the British thumb, India’s Tata motors is taking over British car companies, Jaguar and Land Rover. These companies were sold to ford years ago, but recently have been bought out again. The Tata enterprise is somewhat equivalent to the Trump enterprise in the U.S., but it is in India and growing globally by the day. They are well known for the 5th largest steel industry in the world and also make things from sugar and tea to the recently released cheapest automobile, the Nano. This is a flourishing company, and although it is not as popular in the U.S. as it is in other parts of the, its popularity will be spreading quickly.

OPINION
India is on the rise and I want to go there so badly. The culture there is incredible and the technology is surpassing ours in the states. There are so many people living in the country of India, so there is all sorts of knowledge available. I think in the next ten years or so Tata is going to be another house hold name the U.S. and Tata himself will be richer than Donald Trump or even Bill Gates.

NATIONAL

Muchas Problemas con Aviones

SUMMARY
Hundreds of the major airlines flights are getting grounded in order to go through proper inspection. The airlines are so concerned about passengers that they are overlooking proper inspection procedures. These inspections are costing many of the airlines millions of dollars, either in fines or fuel. Over the past five years the price per gallon has increased over three dollars. On top of that, many of the plains have to be inspected in other countries. Concerns are that the plains are not being inspected properly abroad even thought the costs are cheaper. In other countries the inspectors are not FAA certified like the ones in the U.S. so some people are freaking out. The airlines say however that it is still safe to fly.

OPINION
Inspection is kind of a big deal, especially when it comes to flying in airplanes. Many people have fears of flying because they are worried something could go wrong. I personally do not have a problem with flying but after all the recent problem and the need for inspection, I am a little uneasy about the whole situation. Now that the airlines are being pressured with procedure I’m sure things will be better anyway, but it would be nice to make sure that the plain you get on is going to function properly through out the trip. If plains have been working for so long with out these strict inspections, I’m sure it will continue to ok, I hope.

INTERNATIONAL

Not another sign of global warming :o

SUMMARY
A giant chunk of Antarctic ice has broken off from the Wilkins’s shelf much sooner than scientists have expected. The chunk is about seven times the size of Manhattan. This is one of the biggest pieces to break off yet and is a result of global warming. This is a sign of climate changing faster than expected. The ice in the Arctic has a big impact on global temperatures and if the ice starts melting then the sea levels will rise and the land temperatures can increase up to 7 degrees. It is a vicious environmental circle.

OPINION
I’m kind of lost when it comes to global warming. Part of me wants to think this is nonsense, but on the other hand I look at as the flood that Noah faced in the Old Testament. We are being warned of the warming, but there is nothing we can really do. Is global warming just another Biblical sign for the end of the age? Well I hope global warming is not true because Phoenix already gets hot enough in the summer. I am not sure I could take another 7 degrees!!!

Alex Bellah TOO :)

2008-03-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

International One
Summary: Two year old girl was finally freed from a well in India where she had been trapped for over 17 hours on Wednesday. The little girl was plating around on Tuesday when she all of a sudden fell into an uncovered well. The little girl was said to have calm throughout this process of trying to free her and kept asking fot friut and sweets (which was lowered down to her by rope). The little girl was pumped oxygen to her by way of tubes. her father was by her side throughout this entire thing (they were afraid her mother would become to emotional and start to fream the girl out). The little girl was freed and taken to a nearby hospital where she is said to be doing quite well except they think that she could possibly be suffering from dehydration (which is easily corrected).

Opinion: i am so glad that this little girl is safe and sound now in the arms of her parents. I can not imagine how scary it must have been for her to be down there especially at the age of two. She is one lucky little girl and i pray that this accident will allow for the officials od India to realize that they need to cover up those open wells and make them more safe for the society. To have something uncovered like that is just wrong and so unsafe (well obviously).

International Two
Summary: Davis Beckham reaches his 100th game for Englands football team. He has played 11 years for his country and never thought that he would make this acheviement happen. With his 100th game behind him he is now focused on his next world cup. Many believe that playing for L.A. will not get him there but Beckham is very positive about his team. He is focused on the future and just getting better. David Beckham is one of a kind and no one can ever take that form him.

Opinion: I can not imagine how David Beckham must be feeling right now with his long carreer in football he has acheived so much. He is such an awsome football player and i am glad that he has come to the U.S. to play for us. I believe that no matter what the future brings there is only one David Beckham and people may try and be as great as him but in reality they will most likely not even come close. He is such a well known player whi loves the game not for the money but for just love of the game.

J TO THA LEMNITZER

2008-03-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

International: Dengue Kills in Brazil

Summary: An outbreak of Dengue fever in Rio De Janeiro state, Brazil has killed at least 54 people since January with another 60 deaths still being investigated. The outbreak of the deadly fever has lead the Brazilian Health Care Secretary to deploy 1,200 soldiers from the countries armed forces to set up three field hospitals as others are overwhelmed by the 43,000 people who have contracted the disease since January, 500 more soldiers will spray insecticide and place poison in standing puddles of water where mosquitoes breed. 31 of the confirmed deaths have been in Brazil's largest resort city Rio De Janeiro with half the victims being under the age of 13. The number of people who have contracted the disease in Rio De Janeiro state is already double the number of people from all of 2007, and has lowered tourism in the city by 25%. Dengue Fever is transmitted by mosquito, has no vaccine, can incapacitate patients for over a week with severe headaches and joint pains, but is not usually fatal.

Opinion: I sincerely feel for the people of Rio De Janeiro state who are suffering at the hand of this terrible disease. I have first hand experience with how bad it can be as my dad contracted Dengue shortly after returning from a trip to Haiti and was hospitalized for days. It is a terrible disease that is often over looked in the United States because it mainly affects tropical and sub-tropical areas. I believe the recent outbreak is due to massive overcrowding and lack of infrastructure which contributes to the amount of standing water and it's proximity to people. Hopefully the government can get a handle on the epidemic and learn valuable lessons which can help prevent such an outbreak in the future.

National: Bush touts progress in Iraq amid escalating violence

Summary: In the third of a series of recent speeches about the war in Iraq President Bush has continued to tout progress in the war a week before key U.S. commanders are scheduled to testify before Congress on troop strength. The speech comes amid reports of escalating violence in Basra as the Iraqi PM is personally in the city to oversee operations aimed at rooting out the Mahdi Army in the key oil city and port. The violence has spread to Baghdad and has resulted in the Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr mobilizing his followers into massive protests demanding PM Maliki resign. Violence in the capital has led to several days of rocket attacks on the Green Zone where U.S. embassy staff have been told not to leave the building after the death of a worker. A curfew has also been imposed on the capital. In Basra PM Maliki has issued a 72 hour deadline to insurgents; disarm or die. Meanwhile Bush touts the progress and reminds us of the price of failure.

Opinion: Bush has got to the be the most inept and optimistic president we've ever had. While optimism is usually a good thing the Presidents borders on outright stupidity and gross incompetence. If there is any progress in Iraq it is no thanks to the president, the credit goes to the generals who have the persistence to confront the policy makers like the president who resist any change in strategy as a sign of defeat. But really who gives speeches about victory amid the worst violence in months which is only escalating and not subsiding it's either that or denying the recession either way the President looks like a jackass, but I suppose he feels obligated to talk about Iraq because the economy is complicated. 4,000 dead, 100's of billions spent, almost 30,000 wounded, over 100,000 Iraqi's dead WAS IT WORTH IT?

Alex Bellah

2008-03-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

National One
Summary: nine year old Katherine Latchfurs shaved her head in order to raise money for her friends baby sister. She found out about one year old Julia whil at a sleepover. She decided that she wanted to help. She shaved her head on St Patricks day in order to raise money for Julia. her goal was to reach $900 but raised $3,135. Her mother has also shaved her head before on order to raise money for a cancer research program for children. Her mother says that her daughter has made "bald all the more beautiful". She could not be more proud of her.

Opinion: I can not imagine shaving my head like thi slittle girl did. I am amazed that she had the courage to do what she did. I am so shocked at the maturity level that this gorl has and to comprhend what her actions can do for others. I do not know if i would be able to do what she has done. I have a hard enough time just getting my hair trimmed, i can not even fathom shaving my head to where there was no hair left. I am so proud of this littl egirl that she has the bravery and courage to do what she did.

National Two
Summary: Jason yeager who has been in federal prison in South Dakota has requsted that the judge grant him time with his dying 10 year old daughter Jayci Yeager. Jayci has been diagnosed with cancer and is now in Hospice care. Jason was allowed to leave the jail to go vivit his daught at the hospice center and did not leave her side but only to ask the care takers what he could do to help his daughter feel more at ease through her time of suffering. Jason's family is asking that the jusge give Jason more time with his daughter but the judge says that the circimstances are not bad enough for him to grant this plea to Jason and his family.

Opinion: I beleive that this man should be allowed to visit his daughter at least once a week. His daughter is only 10 years old and is dying. I can not even imagine what him and his family are going through right now. My plea is that the judge realize that this time is a very emotional time for not only Jason but his entire family and friends. I hope that the judge will reconsider what he has said and grant Jason this one thing and allow him to visit his daughter with supervized visits at the hospice center.

Andrew Reiff

2008-03-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

National

Summary- Woman crashes into water, saves coffee

A woman is safe after losing control of her car and accidently driving into the waters of the Oakland Estuary. But on the upside, she saved her morning coffee. Authorities say the car went into the water a little after 6 a.m. Thursday after its 22-year-old driver apparently lost control of her car while reaching for a cell phone. After the car became lodged in stilts under a home on the water, the driver was able to get out of the car and make it back to shore. Onlookers say she came ashore still cradling her coffee cup.

Opinion-

Wow... some people are crazy. Why this woman crashed is a little obvious- she was busy with her coffee and cell phone. Although she did do well to not lose it because if it was Starbuck's it was worth like five bucks. This story is another good reason for restricted driver's license, maybe even an aptitude test and brain scan before they let you drive. It would cause a lot less accidents.

International-

Summary- Runaway SUV knocks man off his toilet

A New Zealand man got the fright of his life when a runaway SUV crashed into his house and knocked him off the toilet, a newspaper reported Friday. The vehicle had been parked with its emergency brake only half on, and rolled backward down a 32 foot bank into the house Thursday in the southern city of Christchurch, "The Press" newspaper reported. Police said a building contractor working next door had parked the vehicle at the top of the bank minutes earlier. The paper said that when the homeowner was asked how the builder might be feeling, he said: "What about me? I got knocked off the toilet. I got a hell of a fright." The man asked not to be named because he is selling the house and did not want the incident to interfere with the sale.
Police said no charges would be filed because the incident occurred on private property.

Opinion-

This is quite an unfortuanate event for this poor guy. All he wanted to do was take care of nature's call, but he got an SUV through his wall!! I think that the contractor should be liable for the damage to the house because it was his negligence that caused the truck to roll downhill. Something as simple as putting the emergency brake on should be taken care of. I think it is pretty inexcusable. And the reporters are stupid who asked him how he thought the builders were feeling... for crying out loud...

Bronwen

2008-03-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

International:
The Inter-American Press Association, or IAPA starts it's semiannual meeting in Caracas on Friday. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez predicted members "are going to be saying there's a dictatorship in Venezuela. . . I don't know if I'll go, I have so many things on the agenda." Right now Chavez filters much of the media by bribing judges to convict journalists openly opposing him.

News often bothers me and I wish I could sensor it too, but I don't believe a president (or any part of government) should have that power. Judging from the history of that area I would guess Hugo Chavez is exhibiting doctoral powers. The people aren't crying out because they like him. Chavez needs dethroned.

National:
Teen death rates are going up in Chicago, and principles and parents are hardly able to stifle it. 20 public high school students have been killed since September. Last school year over thirty students were killed, 24 of them by gunfire, and the year before that saw about 15 students shot to death. "The loss of life that we've seen among our young people is ... devastating, this gun nonsense has reached a crisis level." said school district spokesman Michael Vaughn. As a whole, Chicago murders are at an all time low. To help solve the problem of teen violence video cameras are being added to schools, policemen are escorting students, and curfew times have been rolled back.

I go to Chicago frequently and I can attest to it's shadiness. It's split up racially more than any place I've ever been and the south side is primarily black and primarily dangerous. These kids need a role model worthy of their admiration who can show them how to be productive and handle disagreements. Chicago needs a lot more than video cameras and escorts.

International:
In Bogota, Columbia the defense ministry is investigating to see if 66 pounds of uranium recently found was hidden by rebels. Vice President Francisco Santos says it is unclear whether rebels were trying to make a bomb, or sell the uranium for a profit. The uranium was not process, therefore it could not be used to make anything nuclear. "Uranium is not particularly radioactive. The fact that you can dig it out of the ground and it's been there for 5 billion years tells you that it's not terribly radioactive," Ivan Oelrich, American Scientist.

The world is not billions of years old, try thousands. But I'm not particularly concerned about what they found either, although I'm sure there are rebel groups who could be capable of creating something nuclearly dangerous. What Columbia should be concerned about is who the rebels would be selling that much uranium to.

National:
In Charlottesville, Virginia authorities are looking for two people who fired shots at several vehicles. Only two people were injured. This incidents reminds locals of John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo who killed 10 in 2002. "Given the unknown nature of a still-evolving situation, the idea of putting children in buses, cars or unsupervised at rural bus stops did not seem like the best thing to do," said Lee Catlin, a spokeswoman for the county. More officers will be deployed on Thursday if no one is caught by then.

Every time I write blogs it makes me a little more depressed about the depraved state of our world. The fact that these shooters did not seriously injure anyone greatly separates them from the shooters of the past, but I bet Muhammad and Malvo influenced these shooters. I hope they are caught and face serious penalties.

Murphy James Nation Articles

2008-03-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

m@yR@

2008-03-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

International
Tour of prison reveals the last days of Saddam Hussein
The guards at the Baghdad detention facility called their prisoner "Vic" and let Hussein plant a little garden near his cell. Hussein was hanged on December 30, 2006, for his role in the killings of 148 people in a town north of Baghdad after a 1982 attempt to assassinate him. Hussein asked the guards to give his belongings to his lawyer and tell his daughter he was going to meet God with a clear conscience, sacrificing himself for Iraq and his people.The cell is a small, windowless, with a gun-metal gray floor and concrete sleeping platform. It has a sink and toilet in the corner.
Those guarding the former Iraqi leader developed a nickname for Hussein the nickname Vic derived from the initials V-I-C posted near his name in the holding facility. It meant "Very Important Criminal" Hussein liked this nickname. Guards found a journal that Hussein wrote while being in jail, he wrote about poeple should life thier hatred and live in kindness. This might have been done inorder for Hussein to endure his legacy.
Opinion
It is weird that poeple like Hussein think that by killing people that do not agree with them is a sacrifice for their god. This just shows the ignorance that people have. People just make up their own gods and start killing people for no reason. These kind of people need to be put in medical hospitals. Maybe not because that just takes money out of our pockets in taxes. Well we need to do something about this because there are still people out there that think like him and they need to be locked up.

Wife of missing ex-agent wants answers from Iran
It has been a year since retired FBI agent Robert Levinson disappeared in Iran, and his family still has no idea where he is. A crowd gathered wearing yellow ribbons that miss Levinson and they signed a petition that will be sent to Iran's Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, appealing for the Iranian leader to help find their missing relative. Levinson worked 30 years for the FBI and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and was employed as a private investigator at the time of his March 8, 2007, disappearance, the site says. Levinson's family has said they think he might have been working on a cigarette-smuggling case when he flew to Kish in Iran from Dubai. But Sunday, his wife said she's not totally sure what he was doing in Iran. The State Department has sent several letters to the Iranian government seeking information about Levinson. The Iranian government keeps saying that they do not have any information about him.
Opinion
I think that this is weird that the family has no idea where he is. It is also very weird that he just dissapeared and has been gone for a year now. It is sad that the iran governament is not trying very hard to find him. The family should not give up and should keep bothering the government to search for Levinson.

Murphy James International Articles

2008-03-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Summary:
South Korea said Thursday that it was “deeply regrettable" that North Korea had ordered their officials to leave N.K. territory, but that they were undaunted.All 11 South Korean government officials who were based in a jointly operated factory complex in Kaesong, a small town 37 miles from Seoul on the north side of the border between the countries, returned to South Korea early Thursday after the North Korean authorities gave them three days to leave. Once they had returned, South Korea warned that North Korea was furthering their isolation by disrupting the improving economic co-operation between the two Koreas.

Opinion:
This is somewhat disturbing to me to see. North Korea already makes me nervous, simply because they are so unpredictable. Now they are becoming even more sketchy? AGH. This is quite distressing to me. Yet again, any country who has any sort of bomb distresses me. People have shiny happy fits of rage, and bombs are pretty effective at killing.

Summary:
Aníbal S. Acevedo Vilá, the governor of Puerto Rico, has been charged with 19 criminal counts related to the financing of three political campaigns from 1999 to 2004, including conspiracy to violate federal campaign laws, wire fraud and illegally using campaign funds for his personal use.He said he would address his constituents at 5:30 p.m. E. time on Thursday. He plans to turn himself in on Friday morning. Nine of the other defendants were arrested on Thursday and federal officials said that the remaining three were being sought.
Opinion:
This just goes to show that it's not just Americans who are corrupt in their campaign strategy. It helps the case that most governments, on paper, would work splendidly. However, you get corrupt human nature mixed in with it, and you have a recipe for dissatisfaction.

Susan Jewell

2008-03-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

National:
SUMMARY
A woman was laid off in February from her $70,000 job. For two months she was able to pay her bills with her tax return money but now she is still unemployed and the money is gone. Her mom has moved in with her to help her pay her mortgage. On Good Friday she went to a food bank with her two kids. While there another woman offered to pay her utility bill. The unemployed woman broke down and began crying at that. She was in a state of shock. A company which supplies food for public uses has said that more middle class people have been coming in the with the same look of need as lower class

OPINION
This is happening to so many Americans. Statistics show a very small percentage of Americans have saved up enough money to late more than two months without a job and many fall behind on bills the week they do not receive a pay check. Although I feel sad for this woman and others in similar situations I cannot help but feel they are more to blame than the government or anyone else. Financial planning is not a government problem. Individuals need to take care of themselves. After paying off bills saving money is always a good idea to be able to use for the hard times that could come. All economies falter and America is not excluded from that. The economy has slowly been going down over the last few years. If people had been smart, if this woman had been smart, she would have saved better and splurged less. This is a common problem and not news worthy. Personal financial problems need to be dealt with personally and possibly with financial planning classes.

National:
SUMMARY
A woman who always orders a small coffee from Starbucks looked sad one day while ordering so the barista asked what was wrong. The woman said she had a kidney disease and both her kidneys were failing her. without thinking the barista got very excited and said she would be tested to see if she was a match. The blood work was done and the barista was a match. They set up the surgery and now both are happily living with one kidney which works well.
OPINION
That was so nice of the barista. I don't think I would even consider offering my organs while alive to a person I didn't know. I'm an organ donor so I feel like that cold help someone but that is once I'm dead and my organs are of no use to me anymore. that was really selfless of the barista. makes me want to go out and donate something... like clothing.

International:
SUMMARY
A woman committed suicide just two days after a court in France ruled against her for having euthanasia. She used three times the lethal dose of barbiturates to kill herself. France is now considering allowing doctor assisted suicide. The woman, Chantal Sebire, had a very rare form of cancer. There was a tumor growing under her sinus. Her nose had swollen several times its normal size and one eye had been popped out of socket. Upon having an autopsy done on the woman it was evident the drug she used was more common among veterinary circles than people. Her former lawyer feels the case will continue for some time.

OPINION
Just let the death pass. I feel as a Christian I am instinctively suppose to have some automatic feeling one way or another about euthanasia but it baffles me. In the case of this woman I feel like she should have been allowed death. I think if there is a genuine medical concern death should be allowed, but then again I think that may make God sad. I don't know how I would handle something like this. Now, all I really hope for concerning her life is that the people she was in contact with during her life remember the good she did, not that death she inflicted upon herself.

International:
SUMMARY
Zimbabwe will not allow the news media to cover its parliamentary elections. Several media groups have been denied including CNN. CNN is rather distraught over this information. They issued a request to the government politely saying it was CNN's desire Zimbabwe reconsider its initial response. The man representing the opposition party was suppose to take a helicopter to the next places he was scheduled to speak at. Once authorities found out who was in the helicopter the helicopter was grounded. The pilot was allowed to fly back to the capital city but there he was arrested. the company renting the helicopter said plans had been set up in a timely fashion and officials had been made aware of the plan.

OPINION
That's weird. A large part off me read the news report and automatically believes the Zimbabwe government is trying to hide some terrible sins. I feel like the opposition leader could very likely be assassinated. I think the news article just has a foreboding tone to it though. maybe the country wants their elections to remain private simply so the public is not swayed by media reporting. I think the current government does not want the opposition to win and will d whatever it takes to keep the other party out of office. It;s a scary world.

DID YOU KNOW ASIA IS RUNNING OUT OF RICE? SAD, HUH?

Andrew Reiff

2008-03-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

National

Summary- New rocket aims for space tourism market

Xcor, a rocket company, plans to begin test flights of a new reusable rocket ship in 2010. The rocket takes off and lands like an airplane but has four large liquid oxygen engines to carry it to around thirty-seven miles into the atmosphere. It only holds one passenger at a time but can make up to four flights a day. The company did not say how much a flight would cost, but it is bound to be competition for Virgin Galactic, another space tourism company that unveiled a model of SpaceShipTwo this year. SpaceShipTwo piggy-backs on another plane and then releases from high in the air and goes to around sixty miles up from Earth. It also carries six passengers but can only make one flight a day. SpaceShipTwo is going to be test-flown this year.

Opinion-

Good for Xcor, I think, because they will only be an example for the mighty force of Richard Branson and Scaled Composites. So SpaceShipTwo is planning to be operational as early as next year, and this Xcor thing is going to test-fly in 2010? By the time the Xcor rocket comes out, SpaceShipTwo will already be the most trusted (and only) name in galactic tourism, and the Xcor rocket will look bad by comparison. On SpaceShipTwo, the passengers can actually get out of their seats and float around for around ten minutes, but on the Xcor rocket you will experience weightlessness but not be unstrapped. So yea SpaceShipTwo is much better than anything else in the works. But thanks for trying!

Hayley Burns (international week of: 24-28 March 2008)

2008-03-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Nude Photo of Carla Bruni to Hit New York Auction Blocks

Summary:
PARIS — A nude photo of France's first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is to be auctioned off at a sale next month in New York City, an auction house said. The image was taken by photographer Michel Comte in 1993, when Bruni-Sarkozy was one of the world's most coveted models. In the black-and-white photo, she strikes a pigeon-toed pose, her hands covering her crotch. The photo is expected fetch $3,000 to $4,000 at the auction, to be held at New York's Rockefeller Plaza, according to the Web site for Christie's auction house.

Opinion:
Well I think that she should be ashamed to have this picture floating around, but at least its not a scandal-ridden picture(meaning it was during her modeling years). I also think that private pictures of some one should be kept private. People should have enough respect for their Presidents wife that they not expose her to the world at an auction.

Authorities Fear for Mother of 3-Year-Old Abandoned at Australian Train

Summary:
MELBOURNE, Australia — Authorities said Tuesday they feared for the safety of the mother of a 3-year-old girl believed to have been abandoned by her father at a train station in Australia. Australian police said they believe Xue Naiyin, a Chinese-language magazine publisher in New Zealand, went to the United States after dumping his daughter in the southern Australian city of Melbourne on Saturday. Qian Xun Xue was found standing alone and confused at the Southern Cross train station. Officials nicknamed her "Pumpkin" after the brand of children's clothing she was wearing, until she was identified Monday. A New Zealand lawmaker said Qian's grandmother may soon come to be with her. Meanwhile, New Zealand police have not been able to find the girl's mother, Anni Liu, 27, at the family's home or other properties, and are concerned she may have been harmed because she has not contacted them about her daughter.

Opinion:
I hope the mother is found in good physical and mental health, with a good explanation of why she has been MIA. I also hope the father is prosecuted for misconduct and being stupid. People who have kids should learn to be responsible for another life, because essentially they are. and If they don't want to be they can place the child in a government facility.

Kellye Harkey

2008-03-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

International: .
The love affair was short-lived. Petra, the wild black swan who has become a minor celebrity, appears to be lonely after her mate, a white swan, has ditched her for another.
Zoo officials in Muenster, Germany, are going to reunite the animal with what appears to be the love of her life — a white paddle boat shaped like an oversized swan. Sound strange? Not really, when you listen to the zoo director, Joerg Adler. "We thought she was all set, when she and her new mate, a white swan, were building a nest together," said Adler. "But then her mate decided to fly off seeking the company of other black swans. She's swimming around in an agitated state ever since he ditched her, and we got to calm her down."

Opinion:
Is it weird that I think this is a cute love story? It is very strange but kinda cute. Swans have feeling to and need some lovin' every now and then right? I wonder what will happen when the swan tries to mate with the paddle boat, ugh that is kind of awkward. Well this is a cute love story of a black swan looking for the right one.

International:
Celebrity polar bear Knut is making headlines again, this time not for being cute and cuddly but rather for an apparent human fixation. Knut needs to leave Berlin Zoo, the sooner the better. He's had so much contact with humans in his young life that he doesn't realize he's a polar bear, he needs to get used to a life without the people who brought him up," one of his keepers, Markus Roebke, told German tabloid Bild Zeitung. According Roebke, who helped hand-rear Knut in the Berlin Zoo, Knut is a "publicity-addicted psycho" who needs the show, the human adulation. "He actually cries out or whimpers if he sees that there is no audience outside his compound ready to 'ooh' and 'aah' at him," Roebke said in the Tuesday edition of Bild Zeitung. "When the zoo had to shut because of black ice everywhere he howled with rage until staff members stood before him and calmed him down."

Opinion:
Hmm that is our fault, people! I do not understand why we have to put animals in cages and watch them for our own entertainment? I mean dont get me wrong I love the zoo but seriously we wonder why the animals are like this. I think the European news is really slow right now.

National:
Minutes after a jury sentenced him to 25 years in prison for severely burning his daughter in a microwave, a teary-eyed Joshua Mauldin listened one more time to details about the pain he had caused his child.His daughter Ana's foster mother fought back tears as she detailed how after being injured, the girl's left hand was so burned that there was no skin, no muscle, no fat, only tendon and bone.Ana suffered second- and third-degree burns to her left ear, cheek, hand and shoulder and has required several skin grafts. Part of her left ear had to be amputated.

Opinion:
Thank God this guy is going to prison. Who the heck thinks that its okay to do that? He even said that he was insane at the moment but that is such bull crap. I am very surprised that he got sentenced because I mean you can murder two people and still get away with it, but im glad this person did not get away with it.

National:
North Carolina man, who claimed he saw years of combat and earned medals, including the Purple Heart, was found guilty this week of peddling a false military record in order to collect thousands in soldier disability payments.Randall Moneymaker, of Clayton, N.C., claimed he had served as an Army Ranger on tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Panama and Grenada and had earned medals and badges of honor. But, according to federal investigators, Moneymaker was a fraud who spent only a short time in the Army, was given a less than honorable discharge and never saw any combat. "This defendant attempted to defraud the men and women who serve and protect our freedom," U.S. Attorney John Brownlee said, following the guilty verdict. Moneymaker was found guilty of making false statements, submitting false documents and theft of government funds.

Opinion:
Ugh! That is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo dumb. This guy is a moron and should not be able to call himself a solider. Also who the heck gets Lipo! um no!

m@yR@

2008-03-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

National
Man gets 25 years for microwaving baby
Joshua Mauldin severely burned his daughter in a microwave. Ana suffered second and third degree burns to her left ear, cheek, hand and shoulder and has to have several skin grafts. Part of her left ear had to be amputated. Mauldin, 20, was deliberated for 6 and half hours for over two days. They also fined him $10,000. Mauldin had he put his then-2-month-old daughter in a Galveston hotel-room microwave and turned it on for 10 to 20 seconds. They convicted him Tuesday of felony injury to a child. Just before putting her in the microwave in May 2007, Mauldin had punched Ana and placed her in the room's safe and refrigerator. Sam Cammack III, Mauldin's attorney, asked jurors to think about his client's long history of mental illness and sentence him to probation so he could be treated at a hospital. Prosecutors said Mauldin hurt his daughter because he was angry that he was in a loveless marriage and he didn't want to take care of the infant. They also said Mauldin had a history of violence and of lying about being mentally ill to get out of trouble. Mauldin at first told police his daughter had been severely sunburned later he said that he had accidentally spilled hot water on her while making coffee.
Opinion:
I think that this is insane. I think that this guy should also be burned alive in a microwave, he should suffer like his daughter. He should be killed in a microwave. Putting him in prison for 25 years is not enough!!! It seems that he would not have enough punishment just by being put in prison for 25 years, he should be put in rehab but in prison and then die in prison. Sorry but that is not opinion.

Police: Iowa City mom, kids were beaten to death
Autopsies show that five members of an Iowa City family were found dead in their home were beaten to death. Police believe former bank executive Steven Sueppel killed his wife and children on Sunday night or Monday. He had been charged with embezzlement, and his body was found in the wreckage of a car crash on Monday morning. Investigators believe he killed his wife then tried to kill himself and the children by asphyxiating them with carbon monoxide in the garage. When that failed he killed the children one by one in the house. Police identified the children as Ethan, 10; Seth, 8; Mira, 5; and Eleanor, 3. Their bodies were found throughout the home. Two were in upstairs bedrooms, one in a basement bedroom and another in a basement toy room. Sheryl's body was found in the master bedroom. Two baseball bats were found and they might have been used in the killings.
Opinion:
I think this guy is a maniac. I'm glad that this guy died, he deserved it. I cant believe that husbands kill their wives simply becasue they have issues.

Hayley Burns (national)( week of: 24-28 March 2008)

2008-03-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

Wal-Mart Critic Wins Judgment in 'Walocaust' Lawsuit

Summary:
ATLANTA — A federal judge has sided with a Georgia man whose satirical Web site likens Wal-Mart to the Holocaust. U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. in Atlanta rejected Wal-Mart's claims that Charles Smith's Web site and satirical products violated the company's trademark. In an 87-page order, Batten said Smith's products qualified as protected noncommercial speech because his goal was to criticize Wal-Mart, not to make a profit from his products. The 50-year-old computer storeowner from Conyers, Ga., said he was "elated" by the ruling in the two-year-old case. "It's great," he said. "I'm relieved. Whenever you go into litigation against such a big company, you never know the outcome."

Opinion:
So I think its great that this normal citizen went up against such a powerful corporation, and won! I think that Wal-Mart was just trying to get more money. They have become so power-hungry its ridiculous. A key word in this is a “satirical” web site… meaning it’s funny and comical. Wal-Mart needs to lighten up and stop being greedy.

Dallas Police Say 13-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Luring Young Girls Into Prostitution

Summary:
Dallas police arrested a 13-year-old middle school student Saturday and charged her with luring young girls into prostitution, WFAA.com reports. Authorities arrested the girl at local nightclub Club Metropolis, where she allegedly brought other girls to dance and to be sold for sex, enticing them with money. "It's a really horrendous affair," Dallas police Lt. Chess Williams told WFAA. According to police this is not an isolated incident. Authorities estimate there are hundreds of teenage prostitutes in Dallas due in part to a large demand, WFAA reports. Recently, a 12-year-old girl was found dancing naked at a nightclub.

Opinion:
Well I think this is very sad. I hop these girls are able to recover from the emotional problems they are bound to have, and not to mention the physical problems that could occur. I also hope that the Dallas police are able to stop most of these prostitution rings, especially in the younger generation. It should be of utmost importance.

Chuck HAll

2008-03-26T19:17:00.001-07:00

National

From Gotbaum family files $8 million claim

A new york family that happens to be politically connected filed an $8 million claim against Phoenix, they blamed the sky harbor police officers for the Sept. 28 death of Carol Gotbaum. Gotbaum was 45 years old and died at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after she was arrested and placed in a holding cell. According to the claim - the first step toward a lawsuit - police "used excessive and unreasonable force on Carol, as if she was a dangerous criminal, rather than as the sick, intoxicated, and vulnerable person she was." It also alleges negligence and that Phoenix police violated national standards and internal procedures.Gotbaum was entoxicated and was screaming after she missed her flight and chocked her self with her shackles while in a holding cell

This sucks for this lady but according to the statement released by mayor phil Gordon I don’t really see any thing wrong with what the police did. It seems like every single time something bad happens ti seems like the cops are blamed people now a days watch to many movies in which cops are all corrupt and don’t really do there job that image has been portrayed and so a stereotype has been set up

National
From Nancy Reagan Endorses McCain - washingtonpost.com

Former first lady Nancy Reagan of the late Ronald Reagan has formally announced her endorsement of John McCain for president Tuesday as the Arizona senator continued to collect backing from leading Republicans who might help him unite the party that right now is split over the truly unconservative nature of Jon McCain and really not wanting a democrat to be in the office the need to unite in order to win over the rising democratic intrigue. The GOP nominee-in-waiting, in the middle of his campaign to raise money for his campaign, stopped by the Southern California home of President Reagan's widow to accept the endorsement from the Republican matriarch he called beloved and wonderful.
This is good that Nancy has fomally announced her endorsement for GOP nominee McCain, it is just to bad that Reagan himself is not alive to do it. There is so many people who look to Reagan to be the type of president we need right now and having Reagan support would be huge. But at least he got the support of his widow

International
From Chinese ambassador to Canada accuses the Dalai Lama of being a liar in rare news conference - International Herald Tribune

China's ambassador to Canada said Wednesday the Dalai Lama is a serial liar who has fooled the world, and accused those who attack China's record on human rights of acting irresponsibly. In a rare news conference at his embassy, Lu Shumin defended the Chinese military's crackdown on Tibetan protesters that is threatening to disrupt this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing. The Dalai Lama has presented himself to be a peaceful, angel like figure, for such a long time Lu said If you look at what the Dalai Lama is what Tibet was like before 1959, you will find out really what Dalai Lama was and still is
I think it is funny that they are accusing one of the most peaceful people in the world as being one of the most dececptive I could totally see this guy sitting there with a gun in his hand and a t-shirt that says I hate lamas on it and then sitting there accusing the dali lama of being one of the most deceptive people on the planet. I could also see the dali lama walking out from a peace rally and going back to his hotel rooms and doing bad things but still the Dali Lama

International
From Nuclear Parts Sent To Taiwan In Error - washingtonpost.com

The us was sapossed to be sending Taiwan batteries to help out with some of there helicopters. It turns out the us actually sent nose cones that attach to nuculear inter continetial ballistic missiles. The shipment was made over 18 months ago and was just figured out last week. The defense logistic agency the department that sent the parts is under investigation by Robert Gates the defense secretary

This is ridiculous. How the heck do you mix up batteries for a helicopter and nose cones that attach to nuclear intercontinenttial ballistic missiles. I mean there is just a little bit of a difference. The fact that the agency shipped them is one thing then there is the fact that they were some how able to get out of the us without any real problems. That is just ridiculous. I also want to know why Taiwan did not notify the us of the mix up I highly doubt we are ever going to see those parts again. In fact they are probably half way to north Korea

FURNIA

2008-03-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

International
1: You don't have to be catwalk-skinny to be a beauty queen, at least not in the English county of Surrey.
Last week, Surrey residents elected teenager Chloe Marshall (a statuesque 5-feet-10-inches tall and 176 pounds) as Miss Surrey, proving that beauty does come in all shapes and sizes. Curvy Chloe Marshall will be the first plus-size model in British history to compete in the Miss England final on July 18. And the outspoken 16-year-old beautician trainee is in it to win it.

Opinion
I think that it is a good thing that a plus size model gets to have a chance to win something like that. People today think that you have to be a twig to actually get awarded for beauty. All sizes need to know that they are beautiful. Especially girls we are held to this standard that we have to be extremely skinny and we do not at all.

2: Luke Pittard didn't quite say "I'm lovin' it," but after winning a $2.7 million lottery he returned to his job flipping burgers at McDonald's. Pittard, 25, from Wales, England, became a millionaire after winning the British lottery 18 months ago. He promptly quit his McDonald's job.
"I don't think much will change in my life, just the fact that I got money," Pittard said at the time.
Things changed less than Pittard expected. Today, he is back at work at the Golden Arches.

Opinion
I think that is amazing a guy that won the lottery would go back and work for McDonalds out of all places. I mean if you really want to work to just not feel lazy then go get another job you can find one. Just the fact he is still there when he won that much money just doesnt make sense to me at all. I think it's good that he kinda has morals and wants to keep his job but still there come on.

National
1: A young man wielding a 5-inch knife stabbed four people to death in a small Alaska fishing and tourist town on Tuesday before officers subdued him with a stun gun, police said.Jason Abbott, 18, was taken to the jail in Sitka and is awaiting charges, Police Chief Sheldon Schmitt said.
Officers found the bodies of three people just before noon at a two-story home just two blocks from the police station, police said. A fourth person found in the house later died at a hospital.

Opinion
WOW!! That's crazy and why would a guy that young have the need or wanting to kill someone especially with no reasoning behind it. I hate hearing things like this cause I would just like to know the reasoning behind it. I wonder what put the idea in the guys head as to why he needed to do this it is wrong and just not right at all.

2:A desperate Iowa banker facing federal embezzlement and money laundering charges murdered his wife and four young children in their home before killing himself yesterday by slamming the family minivan into a concrete highway abutment, Iowa City police announced Tuesday evening. Steven Sueppel, 42, who was accused of stealing more than a half million dollars, left apologetic messages for his former employer, brother and father, as well as on his own family's answering machine late Sunday night and early Monday morning. He used the same phone from which he called police to direct them to his Iowa City home just minutes before crashing the family's minivan, police said at a Tuesday press conference.

Opinion
That is really wrong and messed up that someone would kill his family because of something he did. Ah it just upsets me and how in the world did his wife not notice where all this money was coming from I mean come on. People need to open their eyes today and actually look at what is going on and do something about it. Don't stand back and watch nothings going to change that way. It's aggrivating.

Brooke Bellah (Make-up Blogs)

2008-03-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

Primaries:

Clinton apologizes for racial comments: Senator Hillary Clinton had to apologize to a group of mostly black newspaper publishers for what could have been viewed as racial comments made by one of her fundraisers about Sen. Obama. The fundraiser had said that Barack Obama would not have had the same success if he were white. Hillary Clinton immediately apologized when asked about the statement and said, "I certainly do repudiate it and I regret deeply that it was said. Obviously she doesn’t speak for the campaign, she doesn’t speak for any of my positions, and she has resigned from being a member of my very large finance committee.”
Clinton was also asked about a comment that her husband had made after Obama had won the primary in South Carolina--saying that Jesse Jackson had had the same victory. Hillary responded by saying, "I want to put that in context. You know I am sorry if anyone was offended. It was certainly not meant in any way to be offensive. We can be proud of both Jesse Jackson and Senator Obama.”

A Clinton-Obama ticket?: Many politcal speculators have been discussing the possibility of a Clinton-Obama, or Obama-Clinton ticket in the general election. When asked to comment, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi responded, "I think it’s impossible...Do you want me to go through a lifetime of political gut? Take it from me. That won’t be the ticket.” Earlier, Obama had made the comment that he doesn't intend to be anyone's vice President. If this were to happen, both campaigns would have to overcome some bad blood. Earlier, one of Obama's campaign workers called Hillary a "monster" and Clinton has also had to apologize for comments made by some of her campaign workers as well.

Opinion: The issue of race and/or gender was bound to come up in this election--Hillary Clinton being the first female President, and Obama being the first black President if either were to be elected. It is true that many people are voting for Obama because he is black, but there are aldo many people who would not vote for him for the same reason. I believe he is a very good speaker, and most of his success is contributed to that. While being black may have helped him a little in this race, he would probably still be having the same success if her were white. Hillary was right to apologize for those comments. If she hadn't, she would lose a lot of supporters and it would have probably killed her campaign. Her apology about being proud of both Jackson and Obama did seem to belittle them a little though. That sounds like something you would say about a child, not a politician.
A Clinton-Obama ticket will never happen. I don't believe either would concede to taking the job of Vice President, especially after such a close election. Also, there has been too much bad blood between the two in public and I'm sure behind-the-scenes as well. I agree with Pelosi-for once.

Joon

2008-03-07T07:29:00.001-08:00

national
Job losses: Worst in 5 years
Employers made their deepest cut in staffing in almost five years in February. The weak report fueled already mounting recession fears and is likely to influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates later this month.
There was a net loss of 63,000 jobs, which is the biggest decline since March 2003 and weaker than the revised 22,000 jobs lost in January. Economists had forecast a gain of 25,000 jobs. Job losses were widespread, reaching beyond the battered construction sector, which lost 39,000, and manufacturing, where job losses hit 52,000.

opinion
This tells that the world is going crazy. now people will suffer and becuase they dont have job i believe they will have difficult time. now it is very competitive for peoples to get into a job.

national
Ron Paul hints at ending presidential run
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul is hinting to supporters that he is ending his long-shot campaign for the presidency. The Texas Republican congressman addressed supporters in a 7-½-minute video on his campaign Web site Thursday night and did not specifically say he was quitting the race.
He said that although victory in the conventional political sense is not available in the presidential race, many victories have been achieved due to the hard work and enthusiasm of his supporters.

opinion
now one man will fall. ron paul did best he could do. but the people were not just in his side. this presidiential election will be very competitive. now its time to decide where people are going to vote for republic or democratic. i vote for republic hooray~

international
69 dead in Baghdad's 'heinous crime'
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has denounced the twin bombing attacks that ripped through a Baghdad commercial district on Thursday, killing at least 69 people, as "a heinous crime. Al-Maliki on Friday ordered police and soldiers to bolster security in the area and chase down the perpetrators. The bombings occurred in Karrada, a bustling commercial area that is busy when the Muslim weekend begins on Thursday nights.

opinion
now the world is full of terrorists and bombing. it is getting worse and people are dying. i dont think terror and bomb will not end until the U.S do something about it. becuasethe U.S started everything they have to end the conclusion to the story. but its not just the time yet.

international
Spanish politician dies in Basque shooting
Assailants shot and killed a former town councilman from the ruling Socialist Party in northern Spain on Friday, just two days before national elections, in an attack that bears the hallmarks of the Basque separatist group ETA. The man was shot in the town of Mondragon around 1:30 p.m. local time (7:30 a.m. ET) and was rushed to hospital, but died later. Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, a Socialist who is in a tight re-election battle with conservative challenger Mariano Rajoy, was informed of the news while at one of the last rallies of the election campaign.

opinion
a innocent man died in spain. it is sad that a politician is dead. i do not know that he is a good or bad man but it is not right to kill someone that who is working for the country. the police should arrest this man and kill him. man... these days killing is like a part of fun that any one kills and it seems to be like a part of satisfaction for people to kill.

Andrew Reiff (make up)

2008-03-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

National

Summary- Appeals court weighs teen's Web speech

A teen who used vulgar slang in an Internet blog to complain about school administrators shouldn't have been punished by the school, her lawyer told a federal appeals court. But a lawyer for the Burlington, Conn., school told the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday that administrators should be allowed to act if such comments are made on the Web.
Avery Doninger, 17, claims officials at Lewis S. Mills High School violated her free speech rights when they barred her from serving on the student council because of what she wrote from her home computer. In her blog, Doninger said officials were canceling the school's annual Jamfest, which is similar to a battle of the bands contest. The event, which she helped coordinate, was rescheduled. According to the lawsuit, she wrote: "`Jamfest' is canceled due to douchebags in central office," and also referred to an administrator who was "pissed off."
After discovering the blog entry, school officials refused to allow Doninger to run for re-election as class secretary. Doninger won anyway with write-in votes, but was not allowed to serve.
A lower federal court had supported the school. U.S. District Judge Mark Kravitz, denying Doninger's request for an injunction, said he believed she could be punished for writing in a blog because the blog addressed school issues and was likely to be read by other students.
The three-judge panel of the appeals court did not issue a ruling after the arguments.
In 1969, the Supreme Court said schools could ban expression if they can show that not doing so would interfere with schoolwork or discipline. In a later ruling, it allowed officials to bar "vulgar and lewd" speech if it would undermine the school's educational mission. But both cases involved events that occurred on school property or during a school activity.

Opinion- This one's going to get overturned. I think it is one of the first cases to ever deal with a student's right to free speech over the Internet. This girl has the right to write (ha ha) whatever she wants online, because there is no way that the school can regulate that. It is outside of the school grounds, and the administrators of the school cannot regulate speech outside of school. I think that it is a cut-and-dry reversal, if not the appeals court then definently the Supreme Court. Good for this girl by the way, for winning on write-in votes. Besides the language she used wasn't really that bad. Vulgar, yes, bad, no. Most teenagers talk that way nowadays. Deal with it.

Andrew Reiff (make up)

2008-03-05T13:54:00.000-08:00

International

Summary- Chavez says Venezuela doesn't seek war

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez explained in a speech earlier today that Venezuela does not want war, and that Columbia, backed by the United States, does. There have been troops sent to the border of Columbia by Ecuador and Venezuela, and Venezuela has cut off all trade with Columbia and sealed its borders. All of this activity was triggered by a Colombian commando raid into Ecuador to destroy a camp of Colombian rebels that had taken refuge there. Two dozen rebels, including their leader Raul Reyes, were killed in the raid. Laptop computers were also taken that contained documents pointing a finger at Hugo Chavez, saying that Venezuela had been funding the rebels covertly. The documents also said that the rebels were trying to buy enriched uranium. Chavez claims that Columbia is just a puppet state of the United States, and that the U.S. is holding South America in chains, not allowing it to be free, and also that the conflict could only end up involving the United States in war.

Opinion- Wow does this sound like anyone else we might know? Come on you know who I am talking about... Starts with H ends with R, a T in the middle, he was also a dictator who claimed that he did not want war... he accused others, and oh yea, he started World War Two... Does the name Hitler ring a bell? It seems to be a simple enough problem- Columbia raids a few miles into Ecuador to capture or kill some Colombian rebels, and Ecuador gets mad because its borders were violated, even though no Ecuadorian citizens were involved. Hugo Chavez, being the ally of Ecuador, quickly comes to their defense and accuses the United States of something... but I'm not quite sure what it was... Anyway I think that some one should take out Hugo Chavez before it is too late and he starts WW3.

Summary- Big hike in Chinese military spending not the whole story: Gates

China has increased its military spending nearly eighteen percent this year, and it had a similar increase last year. The Chinese military budget is now officially nearly sixty billion dollars. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates explained to the American people that the actual Chinese budget is probably closer to one hundred and forty billion dollars. He says he does not know what the Chinese are doing with the extra money but he thinks that they could be researching new, more advanced weapons systems, including long range cruise missiles and an excess of short range cruise missiles that could target Taiwan with a barrage. The Chinese had a test of their anti-ballistic missile system when they shot down a spy satellite in January, similar to the United States' test, except the U.S. told the world before they did it, and China just did it.

Opinion- Okay what is going on in the world. It seems like everyone is getting ready to have a war, and we are about to elect some people to office that might not want to even continue funding the military. This could be a bad time. China could suddenly turn on its neighbors, and in a few lightning blows, capture Taiwan or other countries. The war would be over in a matter of days or a couple weeks. The U.S. could not do anything about it, and we all know that the U.N. would just cry and say "oh please please stop it." Its an exciting time, ain't it folks.

Hayley Burns (international)( week of: 3-7 March 2008)

2008-03-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Belgian Writer Admits Best-Selling Holocaust 'Memoir' a Hoax

Summary:
A Belgian writer has admitted that she made up her best-selling "memoir" depicting how, as a Jewish child, she lived with a pack of wolves in the woods during the Holocaust, her lawyers said Friday. Misha Defonseca's book, "Misha: A Memoire of the Holocaust Years," was translated into 18 languages and made into a feature film in France Her two Brussels-based lawyers, siblings Nathalie and Marc Uyttendaele, said the author acknowledged her story was not autobiographical and that she did not trek 1,900 miles as a child across Europe with a pack of wolves in search of her deported parents during World War II. "I ask forgiveness to all who felt betrayed," Defonseca said, according to a written statement the lawyers gave to The Associated Press. Defonseca, 71, now lives in Dudley, Mass. Her husband, Maurice, told The Boston Globe on Thursday that she would not comment.

OPINION:
I think it’s terrible that she lead people to believe this huge long story. I also think it’s sort of foolish of the believers. I mean seriously! 1900 miles as a child, with wolves! Dumb. I wouldn’t have believed it even if it was label as a true story. I think the reporters, who are presenting this story, need to look up the transcripts from all her interviews to make sure she said what they are claiming.

British Millionaire Faces Life in Jail for Trying to Kill Unborn Baby With Abortion Pills

Summary:
A British millionaire with a pathological fear of becoming a father tried to kill his unborn baby by secretly feeding his wife abortion pills he bought online, The Daily Mail reported. Now 36-year-old Gil Magira could get life behind bars for trying to terminate Anat Abraham's 11-week pregnancy. He was set to be sentenced on Friday. The wealthy businessman last February ground up the pills and slipped them into a sandwich and yogurt he fed his wife for breakfast, according to The Mail. Abraham became sick and was taken to the hospital, but she and the child — a boy named Matan — survived the ordeal. The baby was born June 20. Magira admitted giving Abraham poison to trigger a miscarriage. He was the first person in 40 years to be charged with such a crime. "When I found out Gil had poisoned me I was in shock," his 38-year-old wife said in a tearful statement she read in court. "I would never have thought he had such capability. I had lived with a person for 10 years who I didn't really know."

OPINION:
This is really sad. I think that crazy people like this need to be dealt with. I also feel bad for the mother, because she lived with him for so long and had to endure though the weirdness, there is no telling what else he did to her. Also for the child who will have to live his entire life knowing that his father tried to kill him, what a terrible way to grow up.

Hayley Burns (national)( week of: 3-7 March 2008)

2008-03-01T13:22:00.001-08:00

Clinton Stresses Voter Turnout in Key Tuesday Primaries

Summary:
SAN ANTONIO — With her closing arguments made, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton turned her attention to the mechanics of delivering voters to the polls in a round of primaries Tuesday that could hold the key to the future of her presidential ambitions. “This is one of the most momentous decisions any Texan could make,” Clinton told key activists as she launched a last-weekend blitz. “You are, in effect, hiring the next president of the United States.” Clinton was winging back and forth between Texas and Ohio, two key prizes in the next round of primaries, and both seen as competitive contests with rival Barack Obama. She opened her weekend by rallying backers at a training session aimed at preparing activists for the incredibly complex primary system, widely known as the “Texas two-step.” Two-thirds of the delegates at stake in Texas will be picked during a traditional primary. That’s followed Tuesday night by a round of caucuses in the state’s 8,000 precincts where the other third will be allocated.

Opinion:
I think it’s very intelligent of her to push for a high voter turn out, especially from the people of Texas and Ohio. It promotes her campaign and could possible allow her to win the nomination. I hope the extra effort and work that she is putting forth is beneficial in the outcome of this election.

When Pigs Fly? Letter Urges Deceased Potbelly to Register to Vote

Summary:
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — ‘Tis the season for mudslinging, and no one knows that better than Pamela Winston, who recently received a letter encouraging her deceased potbellied pig Princess to register to vote, MyFoxTampaBay.com reported. The correspondence, addressed to “Princess Winston,” was part of the Washington, D.C.-based Voter Participation Center’s efforts targeting unmarried, unregistered women in two states, including Florida, where Pamela Winston lives. “I found that a little strange,” she said in the story. Two days later, she received a follow-up call reminding Princess to return her voter registration application, MyFoxTampaBay.com reported. A spokeswoman for the center said there is no way to figure out how the pig’s name ended up on its lists.

Opinion:
This is so funny! It’s just like when a newborn baby receives a pre-approved credit card application in the mail. This is a great example of our slow government. I think its good that we are trying to increase the amount of voters, but we should be getting the information from a reliable source.