Going Green to Make Green
Students Enroll in Green Jobs Training in Hopes of Capitalizing on Next Economic Boom

Amanda Worley

A group of students eyeing the alternative fuels in small bottles, are the first of many considering green jobs at Los Angeles Trade and Technical College in Southern California.

Across the country, hundreds of thousands of students, those with jobs and those in search of good work, are now "greening" their skill set in hopes of competing for a host of environmentally friendly jobs, from electricians and metal workers to environmental scientists.

Professor Guerra teaches "Diesel Technology," a class she hopes will become part of the green work force, where she instructs the fine points of biofuels. Some of the most promising money-makers are in the fields of wind power development and manufacturing, solar power, fuel cells (low polluters which generate electrical power quietly and efficiently) and, of course, biofuels.

Experts predict renewable energy and energy efficiency industries could create as many as 37 million jobs – a business that may just drive the U.S. economy right out of the ditch and give students at technical colleges like this one food on the table. After President Barack Obama's pledge this week to renew the U.S. economy and jump-start the nation's clean energy future, it's a job outlook that's pretty bright.

Students like Jessica are eagerly searching for green opportunities such as these; "I'm looking for something that really aligns with who I am and what I want to be doing in the world.”

It is with these advancements that I am looking forward to green expansion. We are at the end of the road. Our oil and coal are at the peak of carrying capacity. We have depleted what was given to us and have nothing substantial to carry the need.
The only problem is we are already in debt and starting these big projects means spending a lot of money the government doesn’t have.

"I believe that the government has to solve the credit crisis before it can tackle the green economy," Beadle said. "I mean it's a fundamental underlining all industry; not just green industry."

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/CEOProfiles/story?id=6776641&page=1

Gaza Militants fire rocket into Israel

A rocket fired by Palestinian militants in Gaza exploded near the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on Saturday, January 31 2009. Thankfully no damages or injuries were reported. Israel and Gaza are currently under a cease-fire agreement. Militants on both sides are to refrain from attacking each other during this agreement. So far, this pact has been breached many times and todays attack only adds more disruption to this fragile time. Efforts to make this cease-fire last are becoming increasingly difficulty because of attacks like Saturdays. On a good note, this was the first rocket strike since last Thursday.

Israel and Hamas rulers ended fighting in late January. Israel led a three week offensive strike and foot invasion due to the pointless and harmful rocket strikes. Israel had been dealing with these same rocket shrikes for nearly eight years. During the three week offensive almost 1,300 Palestinians were killed, which about half were civilians. Thirteen Israelis were killed, and just three of the thirteen were civilians. Since the main offensive and cease-fire many sporadic rocket strikes have been reported. Israel has launched many counterstrikes against the border of Egypt to demolish the tunnels used to smuggle these weapons into Hamas hands.

I cannot imagine the frustration of the Israelis are going through right now. Try to imagine the fear of random, un-aimed missiles attacking your neighborhood. The rockets are meant to harm anything any everything they can possibly hit. The people firing them have no respect for innocent civilians. I think Israel has every right to launch the greatest offensive possible to stop attacks like this. If Canada or Mexico were launching rockets over the border into the United States we would no restrain ourselves to completely demolish all enemy forces. Israel has been bombarded for almost eight years. The united States would not wait eight days. Hopefully this will be resolved in the best way possible soon.

-Randy

War

January 31, 2009
Pointing to a new era, U.S pulls back as Iraqis Vote
www.nytimes.com
The war in Iraq has been going on for six years now and many politicians including President Obama have been making promises to being the process of pulling our soldiers out. The U.S main goal is to rid Iraq and Afghanistan from terrorist groups and help them establish a stable government. The Iraqis have recently started going out to the polls to help begin to reshape the future of their government. It’s clear that most of the Iraqis seem ready for this change as the American troops begin to slowly back away. As stated in the article “American helicopters and drones may be in the sky, but Iraqi boots are on the ground.”

Diet plans for millions of families

Trisha Butterworth
Jan. 30th

In the UK, around seven million families will receive a survey about their children’s health. The survey is going to asses a child’s lifestyle and whether or not they are obese. Another 4 million surveys about a child’s health will be sent out to schools, offices, and magazines. The overall idea is to asses their lifestyles and then give them personal training and diet plans to help. They say that by 2050, 9 out of 10 children will be obese if the lifestyles are kept the same as they are now. The plans for each of the families will total to about 35 million pounds. A public health minister believes it will help families see the problem and get them into a new lifestyle with a new diet to help stop over weight problems. Others although say that this is not going to work, that the questionnaires will not be filled out properly and that they advice will do nothing.
I believe that UK is on the right track, trying to figure out something to stop obesity. Overweight children are becoming a more prevalent problem and it needs to be stopped. Who knows what the right answer is, but something has got to be done. Healthy diets need to be enforced and made more available to families so that they can create a healthy lifestyle for the whole family. I am not sure if a questionnaire is going to work because of how people react to things, but I do feel that it is the parents’ problem, and that something needs to be done. A huge problem for most people is that healthy foods are too expensive, resulting in families not being able to buy them. Also, with the availability of fattening fast foods and how cheap they are, its no wonder why children are over weight.

International Transportation

Airlines in Financial Crisis: American airlines have almost all posted losses in 2008, in fact, only one major airline, Southwest Airlines, actually reported making a profit in 2008. Though this may be seen as simply being a sign of America’s hardship, this reflects upon the world economy as a whole. The fact that all the major airlines are in this disparaging condition is a sign of the struggling world economy. World trade is down, this is a result of plummeting gas prices which is hurting the world as well.

The problem is that sky rocketing gas prices (though low now, they will return) have pushed up the price of travel. Airlines append so much on gas that the price must be then placed upon the consumer. Because of the price of gas, airlines over the world are struggling. The IATA [International Air Transport Association] reported worldwide losses of $5 Billion in 2008.

It is my own belief that if this condition is to continue, a different form of international transportation will have to be found. In the event that all the airlines in the world should go bankrupt and disappear, the world shall have either already found an alternative form of transportation faster than travel by boat or automobile, or the world markets will plummet into a financial situation like none other in recent history. The only hope left for airlines is to either find a way of reducing the cost of fuel (a very temporary fix as we are heading towards peak production of oil) or to find an alternative form of energy. Both instances seem equally unlikely for the near-future, as gas prices are not a question of demand as much as supply (in that the suppliers have complete control over demand) and powering a Boeing 777 Airliner takes a little more than bio diesel.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-01-29-profit-loss-airlines_N.htm

Obama aims for oil independence

Samuel Dalzell

January 30, 2009

4:34 PM

Energy/Alternative Energy

On Monday, president Barack Obama outlined his energy priorities for America, calling for greater fuel efficiency and a move toward a new energy economy.  Mr. Obama underscored the urgency of the energy situation in this country and the need for a dramatic change in policy, saying the country can no longer be held "hostage to dwindling resources, hostile regimes, and a warming planet".  He made it very clear that he is committed to reversing America's dependence on foreign oil and creating a new energy paradigm that will advance domestic security and boost the damaged economy with the creation of millions of new jobs.  The president stated specifically his support for cleaner, sustainable sources of energy that can be produced domestically, such as wind, solar, and biodiesel, and announced the three-year goal of doubling the capacity for the generation of these "greener" technologies.  Mr. Obama also moved to reverse a single, national standard for vehicle emissions, insisting instead that states should set their own emission standards.  Ambitious new rules Obama wants to put in place would mean that new cars and trucks produced by 2011 must obtain 35 miles mpg or better.

President Obama made it clear that his administration's policies will be a significant break from the Bush administration's; this is very welcome news, indeed.  Instead of denying the prospect of a warming planet, Obama openly acknowledges this fact, and stated that his administration "will not deny facts.  We will be guided by them."  I believe that this is one of the first significant steps toward a major global shift in energy production and consumption.  Of course, the success of these new policies relies in part on the ability of the American people to adapt to a changing world--something that has always proved trying in this country.  It is important that we recognize our past mistakes and make the necessary sacrifices to solve these problems.  I foresee a future in which the world is guided by the ideals of sustainability and minimal environmental impact.  Why?  Because these are good ideas, and good ideas always have a tendency to prevail in the end.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7851038.stm

Things About Alcoholism You May Not Know

Richard Gregory
1/30/09

Alcoholism is inherited; studies show that 60% of potentially being an alcoholic is genetic. If you are a child to a parent that abused alcohol you are 4 times more likely to abuse alcohol yourself. Don’t worry, if your parent was an alcoholic that doesn’t immediately make you an alcoholic also. If your responsible and can control your drinking than you should be fine. Women are also more likely to start drinking because at a younger age, when drinking habits start to form, women suffer from more depression and anxiety which would eventually lead to more drinking. A man’s liver can also take in 2 times the amount of alcohol a woman’s liver can. If statistics don’t prevent people from abusing alcohol, it’s not too late to get help. There are therapy sessions, alcoholic anonymous groups, and medications to help people get over their alcoholic ways.

People need to become aware of all the negative things that come from abusing alcohol especially at this college age when a lot of people binge-drink and don’t really know the long-term effects of abusing alcohol. People that have problems drinking alcohol also need to know that there is help for them out there. If you can realize that you have a problem controlling your drinking, you must seek help because people are always willing to help out. If someone does get help with their drinking ways, they will also see positive things in other aspects of their life. They will become more responsible, healthier, be able to do better work at their job, and perform better in school.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/29/alcohol.dependence/index.html

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N. Korea Scraps Accords With South

On Friday, North Korea abruptly announced that it was no longer acknowledging its military and political peace agreements with South Korea. This announcement has forced South Korea to bolster its military readiness in anticipation of the seemingly inevitable North Korean attack. North Korea has ceased contact with the Southern nation, despite South Korea’s attempts to reopen dialogue.

The truth is that North Korea is a nation controlled by a tyrant, who is backed by a corrupt government. In a global perspective, the nation has been pushing their luck further and further, and this is yet another example of their corruption. Obviously, the problem with the North Korean government is that it is less focused on taking care of its people, and spends more time on displays of its military power. When the North Korean government makes threats, and renounces treaties, it becomes all the more clear that its leadership is unstable. This is made all the more dangerous by the fact that the nation has built up a supply of nuclear weapons.

Handling the North Korea situation is a significant problem facing the world, but it is a difficult one to approach. North Korea’s nuclear supply coupled with their lack of respect for other countries is a dangerous combination. In the future, however, it is something that will have to be dealt with.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/world/asia/31nkorea.html?_r=1&ref=world

Payment Plan for Northern Ireland Reconciliation Provokes Outrage

Katy Greene
January 30th, 2009

On Wednesday, Robin Eames, the former Anglican archbishop of Northern Ireland, and Denis Bradley, a former Catholic priest who is currently vice chairman of Northern Ireland's police board, proposed a reconciliation plan for Northern Ireland. This plan outraged many, due to a provision that would provide payments for the families of those who were killed during the nearly 30 years of violence.
Many people gathered to protest this idea, and to show that the hostility between the two groups in Northern Ireland is still rampant. Many of those who attended the conference had lost family members during the conflicts, and were outraged that those from the other side, who they consider murderers, would recieve any financial consolation. The majority of protestors were those who had lost loved ones in the I.R.A. attacks.
The two authors of the peace proposals seemed shocked that their ideas had provoked so many people. They had been appointed by the British government to come up with a plan to help Northern Ireland achieve a lasting peace. Their plan was partially based on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation panel, which helped heal the country by investigating murders that had never been resolved.
I think that the only way for Northern Ireland to achieve a lasting peace is for both sides to understand the situation fully, and to recognize that both sides were at fault. Although there is no excusing the terrorist actions of the I.R.A., the parlimentaries also committed many violent acts. However, the situation is obviously still a very sensitive subject for those involved, and perhaps things should have been handled more delicately.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/world/europe/29ireland.html?scp=2&sq=Ireland&st=cse

Education's Slice of the Stimulus Pie

US News and World Report wrote an article about the recent boon of funding for the nation’s public schools, the total amount of money being set aside for schools amounts to one sixth of eight hundred billion dollars. There are many programs being put in place to encourage early childhood education and increased enrollment in pre, elementary, and secondary public schools. It should be noted that republicans are increasingly opposed to the prospect of spending too much on education and that they think that there should be more focus on job creation so that Americans can be more focused on the necessities of the present time like groceries and rent instead of focusing too much on investing in children’s education. Many republicans do not believe that education will solve all of our problems of the future.
While I am excited to hear the news of increased spending on education, I am disappointed that there still has been no wide reform to the nation’s public school’s curriculum. In my observations of current public schools, I have noticed that the curriculum of schools seems to be the same across the board, that there are no specialized programs to help hone the skills and knowledge of students who show talent in specific areas of study. I think that in order for us to compete better in a global market of the future we must at least attempt to create curriculums for student who show skills in certain subjects, say for example that if early on in a child’s life we notice that there are students who show a talent for mathematics and sciences, then we should develop a specific program to hone their skills in those subjects instead of reverting back to our one size fits all curriculum.

Link of said article-> http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2009/1/29/educations-slice-of-the-stimulus-pie.html

South Koren confesses to killing 7 women

This shocking story is about a 39 year old South Korean man who has admitted to killing at least seven women. After killing his first wife, he claims that he lost all control and began killing women on sight. The women that he chose were random, and he would pick them after wandering around looking for one that he wanted to kill. He would pick the women up in his car and then rape them before murdering them.

This is one of the worst killing sprees ever to happen in South Korea and I believe this to be more than just a man who was insane and went on a spree. Women all around the world are dominated by men and many men feel that women are in fact inferior. The fact that this man was only looking for women and had an uncontrollable "urge" probably came from deep rooted issues against women.

This is only one case of violence against women. In many countries "mercy killings" are performed on women who "disgraced" their families with divorce, not having male children, etc. Other violence happens to women, and a lot of it happens within the home. As images of women begin to change around the world, hopefully this will start to change as well.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUKSEO219443

Hindu Militants Attack Women in Mangalore Pub

http://in.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idINDEL30355620090127?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Jesse Morales
Blog 2


Recently, women visiting a pub in the Indian city of Mangalore were violently attacked by individuals belonging to a group of militant Hindu activists. This group, called the Sri Ram Sena, concerns itself in part with "trying to safeguard traditional Indian culture" from the Western influence it sees as "polluting".

The city of Mangalore is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. This state is currently under the governmental control of a "Hindu-nationalist opposition party", the Bharatiya Janata Party. India's majority Congress party has implicated the BJP in the Mangalore attacks, linking the Sri Ram Sena's Hindu militantism with the BJP's Hindu-nationalism. The BJP, however, denies this, saying that the Sri Ram Sena finds the BJP "too moderate" for its liking. One BJP leader has called the Sri Ram Sena a "damned nuisance".
Still, the implications of the attack on the BJP may harm the party in the upcoming (May 09) elections. Also, the events shed light on the attitudes of some toward increasing Westernization and globalization.


This act of violence was perpetrated by a group of individuals who have certain religious beliefs that they believe ought to be played out socially and politically. These people are trying to conserve their heritage, and are likely alarmed at the unbelievably rapid abandonment of traditional values occurring in their country. To groups like the Sri Ram Sena, women patronizing pubs have become one of many symbols of such change -- sometimes, a symbolic violence may seem warranted. What is a nation to do when its long-held, cherished traditions are being pushed aside by the blitz of progress? It seems to me only natural that some would wish to conserve rootedness in heritage, for fear of the unknown. I cannot say I would not feel/do the same. On the national/international scale, though, many such incidents of violence create an atmosphere of irrationality, fear, and hatred that prevent communication between persons, groups, and nations.

Thieves shoot foreigner near Mexico airport

Meagan Flood
Blog #2
2:30pm

A Mexican gang is believed to be behind the shooting of a French native on Tuesday in Mexico City. This is now the third reported case of a foreigner being held up in recent months. The driver of the Frenchman claimed that two cars began to follow them as they left the airport, and then cut them off. He reported that one man then got out of the car with a gun and shot the Frenchman in the head when he refused to hand over his bag of money. Another case reported was a 55 year- old French biotechnology researcher, who worked at a local Mexican university, was attacked on the street near the airport. The attackers beat him and stole $6,336 dollars. The beating was so bad he was reported to be in the hospital under serious condition. Mexican police are reporting that these gangs have placed lookouts at airport exchange windows, which then radio other members waiting outside to let them know who has exchanged money inside. The members in the cars are then sent to steal the money and when a victim resist they “unleash incredible violence.” Mexico city police feel these crimes are related and report that the airport itself is under the protection of the federal police at this point. Local city cops are also patrolling the streets. Reports show that Mexico has seen a huge surge of drug related crimes in 2008 claming over 5,300 lives. Violent kidnappings as well as common crime has increased as well. This is defiantly an issue that needs more serious action taken. Personally, I would be extremely nervous about trying to exchange money in a Mexican airport. Gangs don’t seem to fear police and won’t stop until they get what they want. If I was a foreigner going into Mexico I would try my best not to carry a lot of cash on me.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28890524/

Sex Offender Convicted of Child Killing Again

by: Andrecious Clark

A child killer name Joseph Duncan faces charges in slaying of another child. He put in prison for killing a 9 year old boy from Idaho. And recently there is suspicion that he may be related to the killing of a 10 year old boy in California in 1997. If Duncan is convicted, he will be sentenced to death a second time. As I try to back myself into the shoes of one of the victim’s family members and can only feel the heart ache that they must face every day of their lives. To suffer the lost of a young child to molester makes me wonder the psychological background of the accused Joseph Duncan since he committed his first offense at the age of twelve. Going through those thoughts you seems to think that Duncan must have had an abusive childhood both sexual and physical because known molesters always say they were lacking some sort of attention from their parents or adult figures in their lives. Picturing these victims as my little brothers I feel that death penalty would not be instant gratification, I think he be sautimized ten times worst than what he could ever imagine to do to any little child boy or girl, matter of fact to any person in general child or adult. but to be honest seeing how sick and sadistic he already is by doing these things to little kids, he’ll probably would enjoy any twisted thing you could do to him, the death sentence should be gratifying enough to know he’s off the streets unable to harm another little one.

The War on Terror is dead.

Andrew DeCain

January 30, 2009

1:39

Terrorism

 

After the War on Terror

In an opinionated article from the New York Times, Roger Cohen reports that Obama has declared the “War on Terror” officially over in his first news interview with the Arabic news network Al Arabiya.  Throughout the article, Cohen goes on to describe a situation in which Obama will have to smoothly operate in order to repair our friendships and connections with many of the Islamic countries in the Middle East, and goes on to suggest that Obama will usher our nation into a new era of post-Cold War policy, where America is no longer the “decider” but more the “mediator-in-chief”.

I found this article to be very interesting because it discussed something that has plagued me as a problem with this nation since post-9/11.  Declaring a War on Terrorism was one of the most ridiculous ideas any president has come up with in the history of our nation.  Not only were we spending millions, if not billions, of dollars on a war that is not only unwinnable, the main targets are largely unattackable and with modern warfare, unbeatable by conventional armies.  For example, look at the War in Iraq.  We were able to move in and capture the capital and the majority of the country within a couple weeks of starting the war.  However, what’s dragged on for the past 5 years is a war in which the citizens do not want an occupier there, and who can blame them.  Bottom line: The War on Terror is dead.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/opinion/29cohen.html

Unemployment causes mass murder and suicide

Adonya Douglas

January 30, 2009

12:51 pm

Families

Man facing unemployment kills himself and family

In California a man killed his wife, five children, and then turned the gun on himself. This happened a week after both him and his wife were laid off from their jobs at Kaiser Permanente. The economy has become so bad in the U.S. that  people are being laid off more, and more everyday. 

Reports show that Lupoe, faxed a letter to his local news station explaining that he would be taking his life and his families, due to what was believed a statement made to him by a former employer " you should not have even bothered coming to work you should have just blown your brains out". This statement was taken literally and now a family of seven is now dead.

This type of story seems to be happening a lot more often now a days. I fear what other stories will make headlines with the current economic slope and strain on families. 

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/01/28/2009-01-28_distraught_wilmington_dad_ervin_lupoe_li.html

Pope, Expressing Solidarity With Jews, Reacts to Uproar Over a Holocaust Denier

Last Saturday, the pope revoked the excommunication of four schismatic ('heretic') bishops, one of which included Bishop Richard Williamson, who last week in an interview said that no more than 300,000 Jews were killed in the Holocaust. On Tuesday, Oded Weiner, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel stated that with a public apology from the bishop, relations with the Vatican would not be able to continue as they had before. But on Wednesday, the Pope expressed his solidarity with the Jews, his 'brothers of the first covenant.' His touching words about the Holocaust granted him praise and admiration from all, including Oded Weiner. However, his action of revoking the excommunication brings in a more doctrinal, global controversy. The pope states that this was done as an act of compassion, but also in the hopes that they will come to realize 'the majesty and authority of the pope and the Second Vatican Council.'

While there are really two issues within this controversy, the first issue placed into discussion is the fact that Bishop Richard Williamson publically denied the events that occurred within the Holocaust, even going so far as to deny the use of gas chambers altogether. This is not only a strike against an entire religion but also against history. There is evidence proving the abuse that the Jewish people received during the Holocaust, including gas chambers. This also takes away from the Jewish faith in that it is something that they endured and survived with the majority remaining faithful. I think it is ignorant and foolish for someone to just outright deny something that has been proven just because they refuse to acknowledge it. But perhaps the even bigger issue within this controversy is the fact that the pope revoked the excommunication of four bishops that had broken from the doctrine presented by the Catholic Church. I do believe in giving people second chances and I admire the pope greatly for being able to do such for people thought of as 'unfaithful'. Personally, it appears to me that he is acting upon his faith in a compassionate way that, historically, has not always been seen by the Vatican. However, it brings into concern among the people of the Catholic Church just how much power the pope has and whether or not by revoking the excommunication the pope is dissenting from doctrine, himself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/world/europe/29pope.html?_r=2&ref=world

Fayetteville man convicted on child porn charges

Kelly McKee
Friday, January 30th, 2009
12:18 p.m.

A man from Fayetteville, North Carolina was charged with twenty-seven counts of child pornography. Daniel Buczkowski, age 55 years old, was the man involved in this act of crime. The way authorities were led to him was through a computer repair shop. Apparently, Buczkowski sent his computer to this repair shop to get fixed and they found videos and pictures of young children being sexually abused. This same man was charged last May in an alleged rape of a ten your old little girl. He is still awaiting charges from this incident.

I was shocked to read this. I have always been in awe when I read things about sexual predators. It breaks my heart that there are these kinds of people in this world. I don’t think he should have to wait to be charged, I feel like he should be charged as soon as possible so he is not on the streets to do this to another innocent young female. I have always heard that when a child sexual abuser goes to jail the other prisoners look down on them and beat them up, which I agree with. Even though some of the men in jail are in there for murder, I still feel like abusing an innocent child is worse than murder. These young kids don’t know any better but in the long run it will ruin there lives. No child should ever have to be in this situation. My heart goes out to the families that were involved in this case and those who were the victims.

http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/4434820/

Bird Flu In China

China – Bird Flu

Amanda O’Donnell

January 30, 2009

11:21am

So far this month there have been 7 people who have reportedly had the Bird Flu virus and 5 of those people have died. All of the people had had encounters with poultry before they got the virus. The Bird Flu also known as H5N1 Flu is mainly a virus among birds but experts feel that it could turn into a form that is easily transmitted by humans and could start a pandemic that could kill many people.

The virus had resurfaced in 2003 in Asia and there have been 399 affected by the virus while 252 resulted in death, 22 of those deaths came from China. The reported cases in China have been all over the country, not just in one general area. All of these newly reported diseases have been in places where there has been no known outbreak of poultry.

I find this so very interesting because within one month 5 people have died all because of the same virus and they were not close in location what so ever. All seven of these cases were very spread out in distance. Many people seem to show no concern about this beginning to spread across the country. I feel that this is being taken too lightly because I feel that there should be more efforts being put into testing the poultry to make sure that there are healthy products being produced.


http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE50P4P020090126

Human Rights:Five Darfur activists were arrested in Cairo and were held for five days

Taylor Westlake

January 30, 2009

10:15 am

On January 27th five Darfur activists were arrested in Cairo. The Sudan Human Rights Organization appealed the fact that the five activists had been arrested. It is said that not only were they arrested for the five days but, that they were also harassed and threatened. The Sudanese Rights Organization that appealed for the safety of the activists was founded in December 1991. They want the Darfur activists to be able to work in the Center and keep up with research and use the computers and the materials they need. But all the computers are materials that were in the Center were taken by the Egyptian officials who arrested the activists. The Center is the Center of Contemporary Studies in Cairo. The Darfur activists are researching information on the Cairo crisis, it is said to be believed that once the Darfur activists are done with their research the mistreatment might end. Another mistreatment and crisis is how the Egyptian officials are mistreating the Sudanese refugees.

This article from the Sudan Tribune let me know what is going on in other countries. I had no idea that there was a Cairo crisis going on, or what the Egyptians had been doing. I believe that the activists should be able to keep up with research and try and figure out the crisis and help end it. The activists were not doing anything wrong. All that they were doing was working on research in the Center which does not give reason to the Egyptians to arrest them, nor does it give them a reason to harass them or to threaten them. I believe that the Organization is doing the right thing by urging the activists to go along with their research at the Center where they should now be safe.


http://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article29996

Michael Bass

Soc. Problems

Michael Bass

1/28/09

                                    Oil or Nuclear Energy?

            In a recent article, the World Economic Forum was alive in Davos, Switzerland to discuss the world’s energy problems. Among the many topics brought into question was the true cost of fuel. As oil skyrockets to one hundred fifty dollars a barrel in July last year, now much cheaper prices of near $40 a barrel could help the global economy to gain some momentum. BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward states, “[sixty to eighty dollars a barrel] seems to be what you need to get a good investment.” To help push prices back to that level, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has agreed to cut 4.2 million barrels per day from September output levels.

            With the low prices in barrels of oil, people seem to be short-sighted in their view of the economy and focusing on simply how to keep that number low. To stimulate the economy, you need low prices, but to stimulate investment in the long run, oil prices need to be up. Nuclear fuel is another alternative being looked at. Nuclear power has many detractors because of the toxic waste it generates, but it can provide huge amounts of energy without producing carbon emissions. The high cost of bringing on new reactors means nuclear energy is only competitive when oil costs about seventy a barrel, analysts have said.

            The switch to alternative energy needs to happen at a faster rate if we want the emission level to have a chance to go down. At this rate, those who keep searching for a way to make the oil cheaper are postponing other sources or energy that will be extremely beneficial in the long run. The idea of keeping prices high for nuclear energy to compete, while odd in its logic, makes sense if we a cleaner, healthier environment.

Deadly cholera epidemic "mushrooming" in Zimbabwe: WHO

Kelsey McGalliard
1/30/2009
10:00

A cholera epidemic has already afflicted more than 60,000 people in Zimbabwe and is now spreading in the rural heartland, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. The deadliest cholera outbreak in Africa in 15 years with 1,493 new cases including 69 deaths reported in the past 24 hours alone. So far it has killed 3,161 Zimbabweans since August. Cholera spreads through contaminated food and water and can cause severe dehydration and death without proper treatment. While cholera is normally both preventable and treatable the economic and political crisis that is going on in Zimbabwe has caused the near collapse of health services. Some 5.2 percent of patients catching cholera in the country are now dying. Two of every three deaths are recorded outside of the country's 270 cholera treatment centers, which mean that most victims die at home, mainly from dehydration. Elisabeth Byrs of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that no contributions have yet been received for a $567 million appeal for Zimbabwe this year. "The humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe is acute and worsening," she told Reuters. "Aid is more necessary than ever. This is a critical moment."
Reading this really upset me. This epidemic is seen as both preventable and treatable but there seems to be no effort to help these people whom are dying everyday. There are way to many deaths that should have never occurred. The idea that there are 1,493 new cases and 69 deaths in the past 24 hours is terrible. I hope that the UN and the AU along with the World Health Organization to solve this problem.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNewsMolt/idUKTRE50T3A420090130?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0

SOLAR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Robert McKnight

1-30-09

10:21

The NFL is taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of the Super Bowl.  Where their environmental program used to only include simple recycling, they are now donating food, buying renewable energy, and planting trees to compensate for their massive carbon footprint.  Solar power from panels in the Tampa Bay area as well as biomass energy from South Florida is to keep more than 313,000 pounds of CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere this Super Bowl.  Additionally, 2,700 trees are being planted in the area and the ticket provider, "StubHub,"  began planting a tree for every ticket sold under its "Tickets for Trees" program.  The uneaten food generated by the big game will be given to local charities and churches for prompt distribution.  Even the building materials, decorations, office equipment, and so forth (needed for pre-game activities) are headed for nonprofit organizations to either sell or use for themselves.  Last year's Super Bowl was also "green."  

There you have it.  Even the biggest, manliest, advertising-est organization is acknowledging their responsibility to take care of the planet.  And it's not as if they'd lose a ton of ratings if they didn't power the game with solar power or plant trees or donate food.  It'd be cool if that many Super Bowl fans cared about the environment, but the environment will probably be the last thing on most of their minds come Sunday.  So...  It seems as though the NFL is simply recognizing the fact that they're a massive energy and resource draw and if they want to have a planet to host the Super Bowl much longer they'd better do something to settle the "score."  Hopefully some myths are being dispelled about the kinds of people (wussies and drama queens) think the environment ought to be cared about.  Hopefully...

ARTICLE

Casey Berry

January 30, 2009

8:45 am

United States Economy

In the year 2008, the U.S. produced $15 trillion worth of goods. When 2007 first started our economy took a turn for the worse, mainly because of the real estate market and some financial problems. By the time December 2007 got here the United States had entered a recession. Our last recession occurred in 2001, surprisingly that wasn’t a result of the terrorist attacks that occurred that year. According to the NY Times the recession in 2001 was a direct result of the “dot-com bubble” which started in early 2000. Over the past 30-40 years our economy has not had very many recessions. David Leonhardi said that the reason for the economy is the “new flexibility of business.” The companies now use computers and “better transportation” so they need fewer workers.

In my opinion I believe that those terrorist attacks in 2001 did affect our economy directly. I believe that’s when things really started going downhill. I think if companies would go back to running businesses like they use to they would have a higher demand for more employees. As far as the real estate market goes, people just simply can’t afford houses right now. Our society is so prone to debt that we get ourselves into a lot of trouble with money. Americans have this philosophy that they can charge anything to a card and then forget about it. If people don’t start really hustling to get ahead then they will be living on welfare and unemployment. Our generation is really going to have it tough, we will definitely have to work hard to get ahead in these horrible economic times.

Global Warming Is Irreversible, Study Says

Katelin Walpole

January 30, 2009

4:15

Scientist Susan Solomon has conducted a study concluding that the damage being done to the environment by excess levels of carbon dioxide is irreparable, and climate change cannot be stopped.  Unlike other greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide continues to do damage long after it has been emitted.  This is because the earth’s oceans are constantly absorbing the carbon dioxide being generated and the heat being trapped.  Even if we get our greenhouse gas emissions under control, the oceans will be releasing the carbon dioxide they have soaked up for the next hundreds of years. 

The threats we face from this steady release of carbon dioxide will include drought, sea level rise, and permanent dustbowl conditions in certain regions.  Scientist Michael Oppenheimer believes we are already in dangerous territory, and that the need for emissions control is becoming more urgent every day.

These findings show that carbon capture and storage are more important than we initially believed.  Fossil fuels aren’t going anywhere, at least not any time soon.  So while it is important to keep our emissions in check, we also need to invest in carbon capture and storage, especially now that this study concludes that in addition to our emissions, our oceans will continue to release carbon dioxide for hundreds of years.

It’s a good thing this study came out when it did because of this year’s upcoming Copenhagen climate treaty. If this study is introduced during treaty negotiations, it could be used as incentive to further lower the acceptable level of carbon dioxide emissions.

LINK TO ARTICLE

Army Invests $50 million in Flexible Displays

Trey Brown

1/30/09

1:11

On Thursday the U.S. Army made the decision to renew its partnership with Arizona State University and has given them an addition 50 million to stimulate their continued partnership. Arizona State University has, since the beginning of their and the US Armies partnership in 2004, been working on flexible screen displays on a foil like material. The applications of this technology would be invaluable to the military in all types of environments. Vital information could be transmitted and received to be viewed by those who need to see it the instant they get it by only looking at a screen sown into a shirt sleeve or pulling out a rolled up screen from inside their jacket. But the commercial value of a technology such as this has to have been considered too. This tech would quickly change the way information is viewed the world over. A new technology like this would need factories and supply chains too so additionally these flexible screens could lead to the much needed stimulation of the global economy also.

One more point in the new flex screen technologies favor is the fact that in their finished form they are said to be much sturdier and use much less energy than their LCD cousins. The fact they are more durable as well as more energy efficient has great potential for leading the world in a greener direction, and not just giving people a cooler way to check their e-mail from their sleeve. With added durability this also means quality standards of other technology would have to rise in other fields to keep up. Competition in technology has almost always led to greater benefit for the whole world community through innovation. This new flex screen technology would seem to be a sign of greater and better things just over the horizon.

Flexible Displays