Choose a recent article from a reputable news site. In a brief response to the article, please include all of the following:
Summary (one paragraph):
· Summarize the content of the article
· Focus on the key elements
· State the facts as presented in the article
· Do NOT copy text from the article – summarize!
· Include one quote from the article
· Limit summary to five sentences
Analysis (one paragraph):
· Focus on the key elements
· State the facts as presented in the article
· Do NOT copy text from the article – summarize!
· Include one quote from the article
· Limit summary to five sentences
Analysis (one paragraph):
· Why is this important?
· How does it demonstrate an issue?
· What is an interesting development?
· Why was the article interesting?
· The answers to any of these (and other) questions will indicate what YOU think about a topic based on what you’ve learned
· State your opinion without using first person & do not use pronouns (I, you, he, she, they, we, her, him, my, etc.) i.e. state your opinion as fact
· How does it demonstrate an issue?
· What is an interesting development?
· Why was the article interesting?
· The answers to any of these (and other) questions will indicate what YOU think about a topic based on what you’ve learned
· State your opinion without using first person & do not use pronouns (I, you, he, she, they, we, her, him, my, etc.) i.e. state your opinion as fact
Aimee Kandell
ReplyDeleteSummary:
Soft drinks are a big cause of obesity today and many kids are constantly drinking them. They are full of sugar containing 55% fructose and 45% glucose, increasing the risk for heart disease and diabetes. According to Dr. David Ludwig, “many children are consuming 300 calories per day or more, just in sugar containing beverages.” Kids are gaining weight very quickly, and are treating their bodies in very unhealthy ways. They are put in danger from taking in all this sugar from the soft drinks and more are becoming obese.
Analysis:
This article informs parents and kids on how unhealthy it is to have soft drinks all the time. It shows how all the sugar from these drinks can eventually cause obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Because of this, kids should stop constantly drinking soft drinks. However, it is the consumers’ responsibility to keep healthy. Retailers of soft drinks should not shut down their business and stop making soft drinks just because kids are not taking responsibility and are drinking too much of it. Instead consumers need to change their diet. For example, they should cut down on their amount of sugar and have one or two soft drinks a week. This would make their diet healthier and put them at a less risk of diseases.
Lauren Hill
ReplyDeleteWasting Our Minds - New York Times
Summary:
Basically this article talks about how graduates are finding it harder and harder to find a job in this economy. Youth unemployment is 16.5%, and amount of graduates doing part-time work has greatly increased. “Students who graduate into a bad economy never recover the lost ground. Instead their earnings are depressed for life.” Politicians aren’t doing much to solve it either, and the author suggests that the government should spend the money to expand student aid.
Analysis:
This is important because it pertains to the age group that many are a part of, and it is occurring in the present day. It demonstrates the issue of college graduates having a lot of trouble finding jobs, and then suggests a solution for it. The article was interesting and something needs to be done about graduate unemployment.
Lauren Hill
ReplyDeleteWasting Our Minds - New York Times
Summary:
Basically this article talks about how graduates are finding it harder and harder to find a job in this economy. Youth unemployment is 16.5%, and amount of graduates doing part-time work has greatly increased. “Students who graduate into a bad economy never recover the lost ground. Instead their earnings are depressed for life.” Politicians aren’t doing much to solve it either, and the author suggests that the government should spend the money to expand student aid.
Analysis:
This is important because it pertains to the age group that many are a part of, and it is occurring in the present day. It demonstrates the issue of college graduates having a lot of trouble finding jobs, and then suggests a solution for it. The article was interesting and something needs to be done about graduate unemployment.
Warren Weinstein, U.S. man held hostage by Al Qaeda, appeals to Obama in video
ReplyDeleteThis current event article is about an American man, Warren Weinstein, who was abducted by Al Qaeda in August. Nine months ago, a video was released saying that unless air-strikes stopped in Afghanistan and Obama agreed to their demands, the man would be killed. In this latest video, Weinstein pleads to President Obama to accept demands so he can be freed. Weinstein says, "My life is in your hands, Mr. President. If you accept the demands, I live; if you don't accept the demands, I die." It is not certain when or where the video was recorded. However, the video was posted on Sunday as a follow up to a video posted in December.
This article is important because it furthers the rift between the United States and Al Qaeda who the US has been in constant conflicts with since the 2001 World Trade Center attacks. It shows that Al Qaeda still has power and is hoping to gain more power by taking control of American people. This article is interesting because it shows that the United States and President Obama are being put in a tricky situation by Al Qaeda but are not willing to give in so easily to their demands, even if one of their own citizen's lives is at risk. This shows the persistence of Al Qaeda to continue to strike fear into Americans and to gain power on behalf of the US government, as well as in a way trying to protect their own people. Even though their actions to get this protection isn't ethical it shows their desperateness. It also shows that the conflict between the two (United States and Al Qaeda) is not ending any time soon and will probably continue for years to come.
- Lauren Carroll
Greece is currently in a state of turmoil. As a country they have defaulted on their debts, and owe trillions of dollars to countries like China. They are struggling to form a stable government that is willing and capable to restore their monetary viability. “A Greek exit,” Mr. Rogoff said, “would underscore that there’s no realistic long-term plan for Europe, and it would lead to a chaotic endgame for the rest of the euro zone.”
ReplyDeleteThis article is important because it is insightful to what is happening financially overseas, particularly Europe, who is fundamental in our economic prosperity. This article is reporting news by quoting scholars in the financial field, and giving personal ideas. It was a very interesting article because a country is in turmoil, and people need to know about how bad our financial state can become.
-Patrick Yager
Greece is currently in a state of turmoil. As a country they have defaulted on their debts, and owe trillions of dollars to countries like China. They are struggling to form a stable government that is willing and capable to restore their monetary viability. “A Greek exit,” Mr. Rogoff said, “would underscore that there’s no realistic long-term plan for Europe, and it would lead to a chaotic endgame for the rest of the euro zone.”
ReplyDeleteThis article is important because it is insightful to what is happening financially overseas, particularly Europe, who is fundamental in our economic prosperity. This article is reporting news by quoting scholars in the financial field, and giving personal ideas. It was a very interesting article because a country is in turmoil, and people need to know about how bad our financial state can become.
"GOP Rivals Snuggle up to Romney"
ReplyDelete-Gloria Borger, CNN
Last Thursday Michelle Bachmann declared her endorsement of former competitor in the G.O.P election, Mitt Romney. This news simply opened up a window of recent news; now all of the other candidates are endorsing Romney. Only months earlier these politicians were throwing jabbing remarks at each other like horrible, hateful enemies, but now they're on the same side, working together. "It's a perfect example of why voters don't trust politicians."
As Borger states, this recent news shows the issue of entrusting politicians- this election has only made the action seem even more abstract. These pawns in the election have been biting each other since December, with harsh claims towards their personal lives. They barely ganged up on Obama as much as one would expect- they just bashed each other. Now that Gingrich and Bachmann know that they have no chance of winning the primary, they're supporting Romney. This isn't new news- it happens all the time- it's different now because of how childish the delegates acted. Jabs at their personal lives were at the foreground of the GOP debates, rather than the nation's issues. After this election, voters may see that it's harder to follow elections because of the childish route they've been taking. Borger's article shows its strength in her strong opinions, shown in her accusatory diction pointed towards the candidates.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/04/opinion/borger-romney-rivals/index.html?hpt=us_mid
Patricia Krentcil is 44 years old and got caught sneaking her five year old daughter into a tanning booth. Krentcil says her daughter never went into the booth and was burned by doing gardening with the family. She was charged on April 24th. She was arrested after the school nurse saw the burns and the girl said she went to a tanning bed with her mother. Krentcil is free on a $25,000 dollar bail for her arrest of child endangerment.
ReplyDeleteThis article is important because it shows the public what damage tanning can really do to your skin. In the picture of Patricia she looks brown when she is really a caucasion. It demonstrates the issue of skin cancer awareness but making it aware to the public that tanning is not all fun and games. The article was interesting because this is the first time I've heard of a mother putting their young child in danger doing something so odd.The pictures included in the article really hit the reader's interest with the use of pathos. It is a shocking picture as well as a shocking article.
Stephanie V
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/business/amazon-plans-its-next-conquest-your-closet.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&hp
ReplyDeleteThis article is about how Amazon is going into the fashion business even more than before. Amazon is focusing on signing on hundreds of brands for the plain reason of economics. “Gross profit dollars per unit will be much higher on a fashion item,” Mr. Bezos said. Amazon has no problem putting money into this affair as it has major brands suiting up to fight.
~
It is important because this could become a huge fashion monopoly, which would be bad for the already-worse economy. What is interesting about the development is that the author seems to praise Amazon for ‘taking over’ the business. He uses good diction and syntax when it comes to sentence structure. Amazon has become a money hungry power that will aid to worsening the economy, just as the Kindle kicked out Borders.
Berrios
Hannah Pell
ReplyDeleteThe obesity rate within the United States has increasingly getting worse. Statistics show that in the year 2030 about 42% of the US will be considered obese, and about 11% to be considered morbidly obese. “If you could keep the obesity rates at today’s level, you would save $550 billion,” according to Eric Finkelstein. When Americans are obese it costs the nation billions of dollars, but it people began to watch what they ate and took care of themselves, we would not be known as the largest country. Also with our increasing waistline, increasing medical risks such as heart disease and diabetes are more prevalent.
This is an important issue to get out there because, most people don’t realize how bad something is until a number or statistic is placed on it. This demonstrates the issue by putting numbers and expectations for years to come. I find the development of this topic to be interesting because they take the issue one step forward and put years onto the statistics, they somewhat put a threat on the issue, saying if the United States as a whole doesn’t start to care about our weight, this could happen. I find this article to be interesting because no one thinks about obesity out in the Hamptons because everyone is interested in looking good in there bikini, however, traveling to other parts of the country really gives a face to these statistics. I believe that obesity is a real issue and even though it is not in our faces everyday, it is still out there and needs to be solved.
Javier Antonio Calle Serna, a drug lord also accused of murder, handed himself in to agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on Aruba and now is awaiting trial in New York. Javier is known as Comba, which is short for Combatiente, or fighter. Comba met a man in the 1990's named Wilber Varela and became his "right hand man in the Norte del Valle drugs cartel."Comba is believed to have gotten into a serious feud with Varela and the cartel to the point where he killed his boss in 2008. Comba then took over his drug routes and created a gang known as the rastrojos until he recently turned himself in.
ReplyDeleteThis is very significant because this man was trafficking massive amounts of powerful drugs between countries. It is estimated about 30 tons of cocaine was smuggled between Colombia and Mexico since 2008. Comba as well was involved in extortion and kidnapping and was also present on Colombian authorities top most wanted men list. This type of scandalous and extremely illegal behavior being both presented and brought to justice appeals to the majority of audiences in the United States and is worth being published.
http://www.newsday.com/news/world/u-s-cia-thwarts-new-al-qaida-underwear-bomb-plot-1.3704215
ReplyDeleteA man named al-Qaida’s was caught with an underwear bomb by the CIA. The underwear bomb wasn’t made out of metal but its not certain that the full body scanner can detect it. The bomb was also associated with the one-year anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden. But there is no creditable source to that claim. Obama had learned about this plot back in April and assured that the device wasn’t a treat to the public. "The president thanks all intelligence and counterterrorism professionals involved for their outstanding work and for serving with the extraordinary skill and commitment that their enormous responsibilities demand," Hayden said.
This is a matter to draw to the people’s attention because it is possible for another person to make the underwear bomb better and harder to find. Although the issue was solved this one time, what if someone else tries? In the article it says, “this time al-Qaida developed a more refined detonation system, U.S. officials said.” Showing that this bomb can be made even better than before. This article made one interested because it made one wonder how they put the bomb in the underwear. Was it in the person’s underwear as they were wearing it? Or was it in the luggage wrapped in underwear? It makes one believe that people aren’t safe in airports anymore.
-Melissa Stangel
Article: L.A. Times
ReplyDeleteAmare Stoudmire, a starting forwarding for the New York Knicks, punched a fire extinguisher case after a loss to the Miami Heat. Stoudmire was obviously angry after the Knicks 2nd road loss to the Heat, but the way he displayed his anger was startling. Amare was later photographed leaving American Airlines Arena in a sling for his left arm. Soon after Stoudmire was treated by paramedics on the scene. Knick fans nation-wide are in shock on what their star player has just done. The apologetic Amare later tweeted "We have all done things out of anger that we regret. That's what makes us human. Bad timing on my part, sorry guys". Amare Stoudmire is defiantly out for Game 3 "and is questionable for the rest of the playoff series".
This action truly displays what anger and pressure can do to anyone. Even a superstar basketball player, who some fans constantly idolize, can be subject to letting his emotions get the best of him. It demonstrates how much pressure and hope is put into an athlete by fans, but even more so it portrays what happens when that athlete doesn't perform at the level in which he is expected to. It is a shame that such a great talent will be seen negatively by making a honest human mistake. It goes to show that athletes are held to a standard in which they shouldn't make mistakes made by average people. The article's pictures and promptness made it very interesting. Not only did the L.A. Times get a picture of Amare in his sling, they also got the article out first thing in the morning. As we all know, professional basketball players can do "superhuman" things on a court but to hold those same athletes to a "superhuman" status off the court is frankly a bit foolish. In the case of Amare Stoudmire the world witnessed a human being acting like one, so all criticism given to Amare is unwarranted and impassive.
Summary:
ReplyDeleteI read "Chloe and Lamar: Behind the Breakup" which appeared in last week's issue of People Magazine. Just kidding. The article I really read was titled "The White House Argument" by NY Times columnist David Brooks. The article goes over different budgets that have been utilized since the Carter administration. Brooks looks at Obama's budget from different perspectives as he juxtaposes it with the budgets used by prior administrations. Some key facts found in the article are facts like Obama's budget plan will add $6 trillion to the nations debt however $1.5 trillion will be raised from taxing citizens making over $250,000 a year. Brooks stated that: "Going back to 1962, domestic spending has hovered around 3.3 percent of G.D.P. In big-spending years (the Jimmy Carter years), it rose to about 4.4 percent. In low-spending years (Ronald Reagan’s and Bill Clinton’s second terms), it fell to about 2.9 percent of G.D.P."
The issue is important because it relates to the ever growing debt of our federal government and its impact on government spending. The article demonstrates the importance and relevance of the issue through a number of historical comparisons and relevant statistics. An interesting development is Obama's initiative to reduce the debt by taxing the wealthy more. The article is interesting as it maps out Obama's economic plan and compares it with prior administrations. While there are flaws in Obama's plan, his initiative has the potential to benefit the U.S. economy down the road.
- Chris Rothe
The hunt for the next president is back on; Obama and Romney have been discussing crucial strategies that they plan to do if they are put into office. One of the most significant points is how a president handles foreign policy and Obama assures the people that he has the most experience concerning foreign relations, unlike Romney. In Obama's speeches, he has been stating what he has done and plans to do as president. He's stated that foreign policy is a vulnerable factor to America and he is aware of the consequences if he doesn't keep our national security safe.
ReplyDeleteThis article emphasizes how important foreign policy is and how the decisions of the president can completely affect it. This is seen in our country's past with presidents like Truman during the Korean War and Kennedy with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Americans are nervous and filled with suspense to see how the presidents are planning to maintain our national security. This is an interesting article because it makes Americans realize the importance of our foreign affairs with other countries. The president who is elected into office will make foreign policy one of the most important factors whether it is Obama, Romney, etc.
Kate Lewis
ReplyDeletehttp://money.cnn.com/2012/05/07/pf/bankruptcy-costs/index.htm?iid=Lead
Summary:
As a result of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, which adds more requirements for filing for bankruptcy, Americans cannot afford to go bankrupt. Filing for bankruptcy is more than 1,500 dollars. There are also other fees other on top of the 1,500 dollars, including mandatory pre-bankruptcy credit counseling and pre-discharge debtor education courses. "It becomes harder and harder to pay off the debt as interest payments get higher, so your debt grows larger and larger," Jilian Wang said.
Analysis:
This article points out the flaws in the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act. If people are filing for bankruptcy it means they don’t have money. Therefore how would they be able to come up with the money for paperwork, counseling, etc.
“Gagne and Dean all day long”
ReplyDelete-Bob Herzog
News Day- MSG Varsity
The article is a review of Westhampton Beach Hurricanes vs. Harborfield Tornados boy’s varsity lacrosse. Things mentioned are is the Hurricane offense’s outstanding outside shots, which turned out to be the key in winning the game against the Tornados tight zone defense. Sophmore Evan Gagne and Senior Kevin Dean both scored a hat trick (3 goals in one game) improving the Hurricanes to a 11-2 overall record and dropping the Tornados to a 6-6 overall record. Head Coach Drew Peters was quoted saying “We have a couple of kids who can shoot. If we get a shot 12 or 13 yards [from the goal] and we get our hands free, we’ll take it.
This article is important because it is keeping the local communities of both Westhampton Beach and Harborfields of Long Island informed of their boy’s varsity lacrosse teams and how they did. It doesn’t demonstrate any issue but rather is a more informational article. This is an interesting devolpment because this game would have huge playoff picture affects for both teams, possibly taking the Hurricanes out of the playoffs and possibly putting the Tornados in playoff contention. This article is also interesting due to the week prior of the Hurricanes coming off a tough overtime loss to cross town rival Miller Place under the lights at the home of the Hurricanes.
-Brian Culhane
Asian tiger shrimp invade U.S. waters by Rick Jervis
ReplyDeleteIn this article it talks about how Asian tiger shrimp are invading the gulf of mexico and eastern seaboard ecosystems. The shrimp originated from the Pacific ocean and numbers increased greatly from the year 2006 to 2010. With the population increasing the shrimp are taking away valuable food sources from native shrimp and other crustaceans. Tiger Shrimp spawn in large numbers and may be in a stage of population boom. "We're in the very beginning stages here," "But the reason we're alarmed about this is that we've been monitoring this species for 15 years, and last year the numbers suddenly increased tenfold in one year." Numbers continue to grow exponential over the years and once the population is developed it will be hard to stop it from growing even more.
It is important to know where and how fast the populations are growing and what u can expect from the species in the future. The article allows the reader to know how big of a deal this new type of shrimp can be and how it will negatively affect the environment. The article was interesting because i am interested in this type of field work when i become older and it caught my eye when looking for a current event. In the end you learn to control and to fix the problems that may occur in altering and affecting the ecosystem negatively.
Hunter Tracy
The CIA has released information of a thwarted suicide bombing attempt that aimed to have occurred around the one year anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death. In the article, Caitlin Hayden, a deputy Spokesperson for the National Security Counsel, said, "President Barack Obama first learned about the plot in April from his top counter-terrorism adviser at the White House, John Brennan, and was kept-up-to-date as efforts to foil it unfolded." The nonmetallic bomb, obviously created to bypass airport security,was seen as an improved version of the underwear bomb used in the failed suicide bombing attempt on Christmas 2009. While the attack was carried out by al-Qaida's affiliate in Yemen, it is not clear they the attacks were coordinated to coincide with the anniversary of their former leader's death. Homeland security is assuring the public that the bomb posed no serious danger to the public, and that it is still unsure whether or not the device would have the ability to take down a plane.
ReplyDeleteThis event is important because it once again shows that foreign enemies are targeting our nation. It also brings up the ever-present issue of airport security, since officials are still debating whether the device would've been able to be intercepted in the new, controversial full body scanners present in many airports. The article sparks an interest in its readers by helping give insight to the capabilities to which federal bodies such as Homeland Security and the National Security Counsel can protect us. The article also gives us another example of the good ol' USA trumping one of its enemies by foiling their plot to attack us, envying a sense of patriotic pride.
-Kyle Rubin
Amanda Schwartz
ReplyDeleteThe article I read was about mortgage rates falling to an all time low throughout America in the past week. The fact that fixed mortgage rates dropped, American citizens took it as an opportunity to buy and or refinance their homes. Adjustable rate loans and mortgages also have dropped in the passed week to record lows. Long term mortgages began in the 1950's and now is the lowest it has been since then coming now at 3.84 percent. "Many who can afford to buy or refinance have already taken advantage of the lower rates."
Knowing about mortgage rates hitting record lows is important because people with mortgages with higher rates can now try and refinance making their monthly payments lower and saving them money. More people can now afford to buy homes. This article was interesting to read just because of the percent differences and to see the statistics and change in rates.
http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/top-stories/massachusetts-to-ban-bake-sales.html
ReplyDeleteIn this article, it talks about how some public schools in Massachusetts are trying to ban bake sales to battle crisis in child obesity throughout the state. During this article, they show different opinions from different people; either opposing or defending the idea. The people stating their opinions involve people involved in the school and parents themselves. “My concern is we’re regulating what people can eat, and I have a problem with that,” he told the newspaper. “I respect the state for what they’re trying to do, but I think they’ve gone off the deep end. I don’t want someone telling me how to do my job as a parent.”
This is important because it really shows the reader different views on the topic which could help them choose their own side on it as well. It also demonstrates the issue because it shows how it is effecting people. Personally this article was interesting because it is something you wouldn't normally expect a school to be doing because usually bake sales are to raise money for the school; trips, music, clubs, and sports. Yet banning this is an irrational decision because one, it isn't the schools responsibility, and two, they're hurting themselves by dropping the amount of funds that they're going to be receiving.
This article discusses an idea regarding the dismissal of brownies, cupcakes, and other sugar related things in Massachusetts public schools due to a “crisis-level obesity” in children. Starting in the beginning of August 1st, the ban would start from 30 minutes before school starts to 30 minutes after school ends, although health officials wants to extend the ban to banishing the selling and dispersal of sweets from school events such as banquets and football games. Many parents and local lawmakers are upset with this news because of the strain it will put on budgets, since it helps buying things such as books, funding for trips and others things that are necessary. Brian Giovanoni, a member of the school board said, “My concern is we’re regulating what people can eat, and I have a problem with that,“ telling the newspaper. “I respect the state for what they’re trying to do, but I think they’ve gone off the deep end. I don’t want someone telling me how to do my job as a parent.”
ReplyDeleteThis is important because its about something that is affecting upcoming generations, and obesity is a serious issue. Its an interesting development because its showing the difference ways in how people might come up with an idea to try stopping it rather than just saying that obesity is an issue. The article is interesting because its true that the continuation of children being around an unhealthy food environment will affect their eating habits, and by starting now it will trickle down to better eating habits down the road and onto future generations. Rather than getting used to selling cookies to raise money for an event, it would be wiser and healthier to sell a healthier substitution such as peanut butter and apples. It has to start somewhere, and there will always be commotion wherever new and different changes are occurring, but if it’s all for a good cause it makes sense to fight for it.
Summary:
ReplyDeleteRecently, Asian tiger shrimp have been invading the Gulf of Mexico and the Eastern Seaboard. They are believed to be the spawn of a batch of shrimp that was accidentally let loose from a lab off the coast of South Carolina in the 1980's. They have been growing exponentially each year since. They pose a serious threat to the ecosystem as they make native species compete for food and even cannibalize some of the species. "They also compete for the native shrimp's food supply and spread through their environs, disrupting the eco-balance."
Analysis:
This topic is important because the Asian tiger shrimp can negatively effect the natural ecosystem that presently exists along the Eastern Seaboard. It demonstrates an environmental issue posed near the Gulf of Mexico. An interesting development is the sighting of the number of Asian tiger shrimp exponentially growing each year; scientists are concerned. The article was interesting because it is still unknown how exactly the shrimp were able to migrate into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
-Chris Pesce
"Scientists Race to Save World's Rice Bowl From Climate Change"
ReplyDeleteNational Geographic - May 7, 2012
The article focuses on a rising current issue having to do with the effects of global warming on climate change. The recent effects of global warming, including rising temperatures, increased salinity due to rising sea levels, and sporadic rainfall has led to the failure of the widespread agricultural area in China (specifically in Rice growth). Asia accounts a large portion of the World population and about half rely on agriculture; failure of crops in this large scale proportion would not only affect the lives of the agricultural workers in Asia, but the world food market and population as well. In addition to highlighting this major issue, the issue also delves into solution, offering ideas such as water aquifers and methods/technology to improve durability of crops and to reduce green house gas emissions. While some solutions may seems promising, the article points out that a solution "require[s] the application of the integrated management concepts that have been developed and [which now need] to be increasingly applied."
This article is important not only because it affects millions of agricultural worker in Asia, but also the entire World food market and all of its consumers. It brings up the full extent of the issue due to rapid global warming, the facts and statistics behind the damage and also offers some solutions that have been recently brought up by scientists. By giving these solutions to an unfamiliar issue, a reader becomes interested in the preventative measures needed to be taken. It is also interesting to understand the global economic relationship and how global warming is affecting us in many unseen ways. The article also continues along our English class's recent theme of the environment and how society effects and lives within it.
Summary: Is clicking "like" on facebook constitutionally protected by the first amendment? This question is being argued by workers under Sheriff B Roberts who claim they were fired for "liking" and opponents page. When these men sued, Judge Jackson ruled that liking a page is not a way of expressing speech therefore it is not protected. However, experts disagree saying "going to a candidates Facebook page and "liking" it...is a political statement." Judge Jackson's decisions are being repealed and taken to a higher court of law.
ReplyDeleteAnalysis: The article is important in today's world because social media has become so prominent. It surprises me that a Judge wouldn't declare liking as an expressive opinion because liking generates text on the site and it can be viewed by many, shouldn't that at least be considered freedom of speech. With the ever growing popularity of social media a clear decision has to be made on the matter of "liking" until the think before you "like"
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/07/tech/nevada-driveless-car/index.html?hpt=us_c2
ReplyDeleteIn this article “Google gets license to operate driverless cars in Nevada”, Google is given the license to drive driverless cars in Nevada. Google seems to believe that this will reduce the accidents and have a more safe way of transportation. Nevada was the first to give Google the license to drive these driverless cars on the roads. Within these driverless cars, there will be a person behind the wheel just in case something goes wrong and the driver needs to take over the wheel. These cars aren’t only trying to reduce the accidents but as well as pollution. Sebastian Thrun said that the self-driving vehicle project aims "to help prevent traffic accidents, free up people's time and reduce carbon emissions by fundamentally changing car use", they believe that this is a new way of safe, easy, and economically improved way of transportation.
Overall this is important because now looking back at the technology that the US has, it just seems to be increasing more and more over time. An issue within this article is that simply there is no driver conducting the vehicle. Even thought that there is someone behind the wheel, they are not driving the vehicle. This article is interesting because overall, there is no driver conducting the car but yet it isn’t making any mistakes. Generally, this topic of how the “driverless car” will reduce accidents is a little ridiculous but time will only show the results.
Justin Siraco
ReplyDeleteSummary: In CNN's article on the future of obesity, it is predicted that up t0 42% of United States adults will be obese by 2030. That is nearly half the population who may suffer from obesity moralities such as diabetes and heart disease. Medical costs are expected to cost up 549.5 billion dollars more than they do now, and experts such as Eric Finkelstein, who was the leader of the report, believes the country "would save 550 billion" if the obesity rate could stay down. However, the forecast is believed to unreliable, but it is still a threat to be realized.
Analysis: Clearly this report is undeniably important because it depicts where the nation is headed if obesity rates don't stay down. The article presents the issue primarily by using statistics and future costs of the disease. Although these reports could become true, the author boldly said the reports will probably not come true, obviously creating a controversy. The article was interesting primarily because of possible future dangers the country could be in. The adult population of the United States is in severe peril if they cannot bring their collective weights.
People are smuggling in pills from China made from the flesh of dead babies and officials of South Korea are cracking down on this issue. “Twenty-nine smugglers of "human-flesh capsules" have been arrested after trying to smuggle 11,000 pills into South Korea from China while disguised as tourists.” People believe that these pills may help increase stamina, for rejuvenation or by terminal cancer patients. The pills are made of powder made from dried fetuses or dead babies. More than 35 cases, and more than 17,000 pills have been found by customs authorities since August of last year. A documentary was made, and now customs officials will be even more attentive in checking belongings of international travelers, as well as global mail.
ReplyDeleteSince human flesh capsules are confirmed to contain ingredients lethal to humans, including super bacteria, the smuggling needs to be stopped to protect public health. The documentary described the smuggling of the capsules as well as harmful effects of the pills. Chinese officials said they have strict rules forbidding the sale of placentas or any medical waste. Customs must check people’s bags (flying internationally) better so the smuggling of these pills will no longer be a problem.
Recently. a bomb plot was foiled on a plane headed for the United States. This bomber had an explosive device which, unlike many others seen before, can slip past metal detectors at airports making it seem as if there is nothing wrong. A bomb similar to this was used in 2009 in an attempt to bomb a detroit-bound plane. President Barack Obama was told about the plot in April, and the attempt "underscores the necessity of remaining vigilant against terrorism here and abroad," the White House said.
ReplyDeleteThis is an important issue because it demonstrates the need for increased protection from terrorism as it is a major threat to our nation's security. The article was interesting because someone attempted to bring terror to our borders and the CIA managed to stop the major threat.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, "42% of Americans could be obese by 2030." Already, two-thirds of adults in America are overweight, and the medical cost of that could be $550 billion over the next twenty years. Obesity leads to health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Currently, Americans are spending $150 billion per year on treatments due to obesity, so basically, "If we can keep obesity rates flat, we save about $550 billion," according to Finkelstein, a research professor at Duke University.
ReplyDeleteThis is an important issue due to the ailing health of the nation, and the cost of it. An interesting development shows that the rate of obesity is actually slowing at the moment -- however, it will still double to 11% by 2030. It would definitely be a wise idea to start exercising and eating healthily, especially since it will not only save lives; it will save billions of dollars.
Riley Brower
ReplyDeleteSummary
Barack Obama is being pushed to decide on a side when enforcing same-sex marriage. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. continues to back up the same position of "evolving" as Obama. Arne Duncan, Obama's education secretary, claims to support same-sex marriage, creating an uproar for a statement from Obama himself. However, his decision, whichever it may be, risks losing voters whom he has carried throughout the campaign.“What the vice president said yesterday was to make the same point that the president has made previously, that committed and loving same-sex couples deserve the same rights and protections enjoyed by all Americans, and that we oppose any effort to roll back those rights,” Mr. Carney, the White House Press Secretary said.
Analysis
The issue here is that Obama's voters need to know what their voting for with respect to same-sex marriage. It's important for his followers who believe in it to know whether he is the candidate they want to choose. Voters deserve the right to know whether they are voting for someone who is going to fall under their morals or not. The article's development is intriguing because it begins with different officials' points of views on the issue and follows up with how Obama's choice to remain neutral right now is such a problem for some citizens. It is simply not fair for him to stay on the fence with this issue because of how many people rely on his views to choose our leader.
After recent evaluation of a Yemen bomb, made to sneak into airports, U.S. intelligence agents concluded that terrorists are becoming more sophisticated with their weapons. The terrorists do almost anything to improve their techniques and weapons in order to make them effectively able to use. The complexity of the bombs just show "a new level of sophistication by al Qaeda." Ultimately, this uncovering of recent devices is a wakeup call to our country and our government and we need to think of the terrorists being smarter than we take them as.
ReplyDeleteThis article is trying to get everyone on the same page. People need to realize that terrorism is always a threat but it is becoming more advanced as we can see from recent investigations. It is interesting how the Yemen found this bomb and despite our alliance with the Yemen, they did not share the intelligence with use. We as a country really need to cooperate with other nations to acquire as much information and intelligence on terrorists in recent times as we can. This will help us better fight terrorism and protect ourselves.