KrIsTa GrOtE

National

Security Glove

SUMMARY
Domonique Torrence came up with the invention of the pepper spray glove. So you can have the protection of pepper spray but also have both of your hands free for self defense. He came up with this invention after one of his friends was attacked. Mary Fischer, a user of the spray glove, is really satisfied with the invention because after being attacked twice before, she now feels much more secure with the security of the glove. It sells for about $30 and will be able to protect people from predators.

OPINION
This might not be the best invention if people with bad intention get a hold of it. It could be very dangerous. Although it is a good idea for self defense I’m not sure it is the best solution because there are just too many people out there that would buy this product and not use it for its intended purpose.

International

Noel

SUMMARY
Hurricane Noel has recently been upgraded to a category 1 hurricane. The hurricane just moved away from the Bahamas but triggered many floods and land slide and killed at least 64 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Over 37,500 people had to leave their homes. The hurricane was headed towards both Florida and North Carolina, but turned away before it got to close. The northwest Bahamas are still under hurricane watch however other parts are under tropical storm warnings. A gale warning has been issued to the whole island of Bermuda. The hurricane is not expected to go away until the end of this month.

OPINION
I like living in Arizona and not having to worry about hurricanes. That would be awful to have to be evicted from your house not knowing if it will still be there when you return. If only there was a way to prevent natural disasters I could be the richest person on the planet, I might even win the Nobel Peace prize!

National

USA getting SMART

SUMMARY
The German-made SMART car is coming to the showcases in the states in January. Although these cars have been very popular in Europe in the past years, they are just now going to become popular in the US. But some critics think that the small car won’t fit in with the rest of America’s super sized car, houses, etc. People also might be concerned with the safety factor of this vehicle since it will be the smallest car on the roads. But the Designers say it is made with best materials and is full of airbags.

OPINION
This is so cool because I went to Europe and saw these cars and wanted to bring one home but now they are coming to me! The safety is what I’m concerned with too though because no matter how sturdy the framing and airbags are, if you get hit by a big truck or even a semi you’re done with for sure. But I’m sure everyone will want them because they are just so cute.

International

MONK

SUMMARY
A Buddhist monk escapes to Thailand after a protest promoting pro-democracy. During the protest the government security was taking extreme actions against this, and an estimated 110 people were killed during the demonstration and 2,900 people were detained and 200 others were beaten. The U.N is stepping in to take action and so are President Bush and his wife.

OPINION
This is awful; it is really upsetting to hear that the government security is causing so many deaths and injuries. The protest may not have been the solution to revolt against their government even though that is the only way for the citizen’s voice to be heard. I am privileged to live in America and have the freedom of speech.