Art Fest

Yeah. Twas fun. Being security for the art room was ok for the time but I'm glad friends came in.

Stem Cell Research Funding Ban Lifted by Court

"US Stem Cell Research Funding Ban Lifted by Court." BBC.com. Web. 30 Apr. 2011.

Stem cell research funding ban has been lifted by a court order under the Obama administration. It is believed that stem cells research is capable of curing diseases such as Alzheimers. Those who oppose to this research are mainly religious groups since it deals with the destruction of human embryos.

Playstation Network Breach

"PlayStation Network Credit Card Details Were Encrypted." BBC.com. Web. 28 Apr. 2011.

Playstation Network users have had a chance that their credit card info and personal data stolen after a security breach. Sony performed a week long investigation. I'm kind of glad I roll with Xbox360, but that could be targeted too, no?

And the PSN breach reminds me of this image someone made and submitted on Halolz.com:

Class Discussion Reflection 4/28/11

This class discussion was focused on immigrants, and then focused more on racial issues and eventually pointed towards Mexicans. I still believe that the media is the cause of all the generalizations that immigrants receive by white America. The media rarely shows positive aspects of other places. Like what was mentioned, that what is the difference between a Canadian and Mexican immigrant? Well Canadians aren't generalized as much as Mexicans. Sure they both have stereotypes, but Mexicans are targeted more because there is so much tension along the southern border. There is hardly any good news coming from both Canada and Mexico. The media is always covering the terrible things that happen, and that makes certain citizens be generalized.

This whole issue of immigration does seem to be an issue of race, and the media really enforces that.

US warns Syrian citizens to leave

"Syria Violence: US Warns Citizens to Leave." BBC.com. Web. 27 Apr. 2011.

The U.S. stated towards the Syrian citizens to leave their country to avoid their president. President Bashar al-Assad's government is believed to intensify its violence towards the PEACEFUL protesters. The protesting in the Middle East spread farther than I thought it would.

Cuckoos copy hawks to scare birds

Gill, Victoria. "Cuckoos Mimic Hawks to Scare Their Hosts, Says Research." BBC.com. Web. 18 Apr. 2011.

Cuckoos and sparrow hawks have a similar feather pattern on their bellies. I also learned that their a birds called great tits and blue tits. Nothing inappropriate now.

Pair guilty over baby sale plot

"London Pair Guilty of Baby Slave Sale Plot." BBC.com. Web. 12 Apr. 2011.

Today a man and woman were found guilty for trying to sell their 11-month-old girl as a slave last year in London. The child was to be sold for £35,000. A court order has banned the names of the convicted man and woman.

Painting in DC attacked.

"Gauguin Painting in Washington DC Attacked by Woman." BBC.com. Web. 05 Apr. 2011.

A woman inside the National Gallery in Washington D.C. attacked and attempted to remove the painting of two women. The painting was behind a plastic cover to prevent an issue such as this. Now the lady is being inspected for mental issues.

Mexico advises workers on sexist language

"Mexico Advises Workers on Sexist Language." BBC.com. Web. 23 Mar. 2011.

Mexico has published a guide to reduce the sexist language within the country. One of the examples is to eliminate women being referred as a possession like "Pedro's woman." Another issue is to stop the use of the masculine language towards women as well.

Class Discussion Reflection 3/16/11

A good point was brought up that many of the subjects we try to learn are not as interesting to most students. The use of songs or methods relating to the use of pop culture could best help focus a student's attention for improvement of classwork production. Jessica Ramos said that we should extend school hours during the day. Not a question was asked such as this: If that were to be implemented, would you change the number of school days in the year or somehow manage to keep it the same? The idea is right that tenure is the problem to helping reform the education. Parent involvement is a good topic too. How late is too late to help a child find the motivation to be a bit more independent? I'd say if a parent is involved since elementary all the way through high school, it could be both good and bad. One is that the parent would know what to tackle, but a bad thing is that the child might be a bit "babied" to receiving his education.

US drones tracking Mexico gangs

"US Unarmed Drones Track Drug Gangs in Mexico." BBC.com. Web. 16 Mar. 2011.

The US has been sending unarmed drones to track the gang activity along Mexico's borders since February. The request was by Mexico to do so and has been successful to tracking down certain criminals. This is hope to deepen the involvement between the two countries to "tackle a common threat."

End-of-life row toddler moved to US

"Joseph Maraachli: End-of-life Row Toddler Moved to US." BBC.com. Web. 15 Mar. 2011.

One year old Joseph Maraachli under care in Ontario, Cananda, was to have his ventilator removed because a court ordered to remove it. His parents were refused to have him undergo a tracheotomy. The parents sent him to Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in Missouri to "die comfortably".

Associated Press sues retailers over iconic Obama image

"Associated Press Sues Retailers over Iconic Obama Image." BBC.com. Web. 13 Mar. 2011.

The iconic "Hope" image of President Obama by the artist, Shepard Fairey, has been sold on shirts by retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Zumiez, and Nordstrom. The issue is that the image is copyrighted by the Associated Press, and they filed a lawsuit against all of them. The Associated Press representative stated that it devalues the work and hardship the journalists do to cover a story.

Nine officers to be disciplined over Fort Hood shooting

"Nine Officers to Be Disciplined over Fort Hood Shooting." BBC.com. Web. 12 Mar. 2011.

The Army stated that nine officers at the Fort Hood shooting failed to meet the standards of the shooter, Maj Nidal Malik, along with the careers of the officers. Earlier this month, the shooter was recommended for the death penalty. The motive was believed to be him being upset about being deployed to Afghanistan with reports of him being unhappy.

Friends to police Facebook safety

"Friends to Help Police Bullying and Abuse on Facebook." BBC.com. Web. 10 Mar. 2011.

While President Obama made a speech about bullying, Facebook revamped its safety center. Users now have the option to contact a trusted friend or contact the police about bullying. The one issue that might be faced is abuse of reporting to the police. So if someone calls you names, it's not the best option to notify the police.

Illinois abolishes the death penalty

"Illinois Abolishes the Death Penalty." BBC.com. Web. 09 Mar. 2011. .

Today Illinois became the 16th state to rid of the death penalty from the state. Governor Pat Quinn signed the bill along with a comment stating that the state's death penalty was flawed and could lead to wrong convictions. As of now, 34 states still have the death penalty.

Mexico police chief Marisol Valles Garcia loses job

"Mexico Police Chief Marisol Valles Garcia Loses Job." BBC.com. Web. 08 Mar. 2011.

The police chief of Praxedis G Guerrero, Marisol Valles Garcia, was believed to have received death threats. Praxedis is in the battleground area for the drug cartel and is located near the the western-most tip of Texas. The mayor of the city tried contacting the chief but the attempts were unsuccessful.

Mother 'raped in front of children'

"Mother 'raped in Front of Children' in Bessbrook." BBC.com. Web. 07 Mar. 2011.

In Northern Ireland, a mother was attacked while walking along with her children. Police said the man ran off when one of the children began to cry. That's just awful for a child to see.

NY Man guilty in 'suicide' murder

"Kenneth Minor Guilty in Jeffrey Locker Stabbing Murder." BBC.com. Web. 03 Mar. 2011.

A New York man, Kenneth Minor held a knife against the steering wheel of his car while business coach Jeffery Locker plunged himself onto it. The incident was planned. Locker was looking for someone to kill him so his family can collect the $18 million in insurance.

Plagiarism: The Ctrl C, Ctrl V Boom

"Plagiarism: The Ctrl C, Ctrl V Boom." BBC.com. Web. 02 Mar. 2011.

Plagiarism has led Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the German defense ministerin Great Britain, to step down because he copied large portions of his 2006 university doctorate thesis. He was even mocked by being called Zu Googleberg for the consistent plagiarism he has performed. Now the issue that the internet has an abundant source of information that students from schools just use the Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V method with sources from wikipedia and other free information websites.

America's Last WWI Veteran Dies

"Frank Buckles, America's Last WWI Veteran, Dies Aged 110." BBC - Homepage. Web. 28 Feb. 2011.

Frank Buckles passed away of natural causes today at the age of 110. He was enlisted into the army in 1917, but lied about his age in order to do so. He was also captured by the Japanese in 1941 while working in the Philippines. Truly remarkable how a man such as him could live through this century experiencing more than a man should.

Libya protests: Oil prices rise as unrest continues

WHIPS 2/22/11

"BBC News - Libya Protests: Oil Prices Rise as Unrest Continues." BBC - Homepage. Web. 22 Feb. 2011.

Libya is the 12th largest exporter of oil and as tensions rise, so does the price of oil. In London Brent crude rose by more than $2 a barrel to $108.5, before falling back to $105.78 a barrel. In New York, light sweet crude oil rose by $7.37 to $93.57 a barrel. Lastly, the tensions in Libya affect the Asian and European stock markets.

Class Discussion Reflection 2/15/11

A good majority of the class discourage the building of the mosque and community center at Ground Zero in New York. I agree with the idea that it seems like an achievement for Muslims to establish a mosque nearby. Honestly Muslims have the right to establish a mosque wherever they choose, but with the opinions of what Americans and those related to a loss of a family member or friend believe, they should not even make an attempt. It only makes it completely complicated. So the thought of what distance is needed to be acceptable is a good question. I believe it's fine to build it in the state of New York, but just not within the city.

State of the Union Project

1: Power - The power of our will and freedom as Obama implied about Sudan.
2: Battlefield - The environment which we struggle in.
3: Hearts - Our hardships and what we fight for remain here.
4: Our Voice - Let us speak together as one, as said by Obama.
5: Change - The change of regulatiosn with the military.
6: Illusions - Let's not sit and disregard the work in the future.
7: Frustrating - The world is not perfect. It's a developing process.
8: Difference - We remain unique compared to other countries.
9: Try - Don't give up. ACtually make an attempt and share your opinion.
10: Backgrounds - Families and racers are abundant in America.
11: Believe - Set your goals and try.
12: American dream - Anyone can become whatever highest goal is as long as they persue it.
13: Choice - Destiny is fulfilled by this as Obama stated.
14: Strong - Perserverence throughout the years goes a long way.
15: September 11th - An unforunate tragedy will be regarded in the history for quite some time.
16: Challenge - New achievements can be acquired with the thoughts of trying.
17: Goal - A process that is challenging and slow, such as electricity in the year 2035.
18: America - A source of differences.
19: Education - It is a challenge that needs more attention.
20: Chance - Take risks in order to have that American dream.
21: Succeed - Persue your goal by believing.
22: Love - It is the thing that drives us to the goal we wish to achieve.
23: Hard work - Diligence is a factor of choice.
24: Law - In this case, it is a challenge based upon Obama's saying of NCLB.
25: Families - The people who make the difference in the union.
26: Teachers - The one voice that matters though the "battlefield" of a child.
27: Steps - The ease of access which provides somewhat of a challenge.
28: Illegal - Unjust actions that will never cease.
29: Immigration - The one ordeal that makes our family backgrounds change.
30: Republicans - The challengers to repeal.
31: Democrats - The implementors of challengeing obstacles in life.
32: Protect - An action that occurs on a battlefield.
33: Generation - Families tie to this while under protection in the U.S.
34: Compete - An action that makes the union alive.
35: Loopholes - Obstacles only make matters worse with it's frustrations.
36: Common-Sense - Every citizen should be well ware of this.
37: Rules - Rules tag along with law. They serve to protect.
38: Ideas - The one voice for innovation
39: Debt - An ongoing obstacle that needs to be eliminated.
40: Government - One that should work like families working to their own needs as Obama stated.
41: Health Care - An issue that needs serious thought. It needs to be a goal that is well worth it and stong.
42: Compromise - The one action that results in fulfilling that "difference".
43: The Past - The source to be observed to avoid repetition in the future.
44: Freedom - The power of being different from an original cause.
45: Justice - Americans seem to have this but disregard poetic justice for certain occasions.
46: Respect - The one thing hat people strive to achieve.
47: Peace - It is th goal that needs shaping.

Why California is Italy

Linn, Allison. "Good Graph Friday: Why California Is Italy." Life Inc. 04 Feb. 2011.

If California were it's own country, it would be the equivalent to Italy because of the GDP. All of the states have their own equivalence to another country. It's pretty humorous to me how Texas is equal to Russia.

Misuse of Bath Salts as Cocaine

Campbell, Alexia. "Bath Salts Misused as 'fake Cocaine' Send Florida Users to Hospitals" The Sun Sentinel. 16 Jan. 2011.

From a report in Florida, the misuse of bath salt products sends youths to emergency rooms and mental hospitals because they use them as 'fake cocaine'. Said material has caused two people to suicide in Louisiana from it's effects. States have filed legislation to ban the products and many have already banned them including North Dakota and Kentucky.

Class Discussion Reflection 1/28/11

The material discussed was very much agreeable. A key issue was cost. Not a lot of people brought that up, or perhaps none at all from my memory. One of my questions is why does America help other countries during a disasterous event? For example, the earthquake in Haiti. America donated supplies and money towards the relief effort. Yet now, was it even worth it? Sure it's a tragic situation and helping them could establish better relations with the country, but has it even made a significant recovery? After a few months or even a year, I remember ABC News covering a story that mentioned Haiti still being in shambles even from all the support they received. America always helps out other without considering our own country which is in debt. Can we not be an isolated country until we actually fix these hard economic times and get stuff done?

300+ dead birds mystery solved

"Mass Bird Die-off: Feds Poisoned Them". Msnbc.com. 21 Jan. 2011.

The 300+ birds that fell in Yankton, South Dakota was finally resolved. They were supposedly poisoned by the Government involving a cattle feedlot in a field in northern Nebraska. Starlings were a nuisance in the state so the USDA set out DRC 1339 poison for the birds.

R18+ rating for video games denied in Australia

"No R18 Rating for Video Games Yet. Here's What the Key Players Had to Say..." News.com.au. 13 Dec. 2010.

Australia had a meeting on 10th of December to discuss the video game rating of R15+ to be raised to R18+, which is the equivalent of the M for Mature(17+) rating here in America. It did not pass. The R15+ rating in Australia restricts and tones down games to be more suitable. Video games like Left 4 Dead 2 were banned at one point from the country, but were edited to meet the R15+ rating.