Samantha Levine
11/4/09
Current Event Fourteen
On Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 in Irish Times, based in London, UK, the article Here’s the proof that you can teach an old educator new tricks. This article is talking about how educators that have been teaching for a long time can learn new learning styles and how to integrate technology into lesson plans. The writer of this article uses a mother and daughter as an example, since both of them are teachers at Christ King Secondary School. Mary Hurley who has been a teacher for forty years decided to go back to school after her husbands’ death and her daughters’ strong persistence. She decided to do her thesis on school leadership and in doing so she was introduced to engaging with computers. By using computers for her thesis, she also gained knowledge of how to use databases, charts, advanced statistics, and Excel. Mary also used the computer to gain insight on education around Ireland and has come to the understanding of how important each school and place is linked with others, for example she gain knowledge of not only Irelands schools, but the world as well.
Mary “feels that students and teachers now treat each other like real people instead of the hierarchical relationships that used to dominate. This is a good platform, she says, for schools and students to take on changed circumstances together”. This was all brought upon because of technology. Now, Mary is aiming to understand and master iMovie, which is a program to make movies. I do believe that teachers should learn new material so they can incorporate it into the lesson plan, otherwise students may become bored due to out of date materials or lesson plans.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/education/2009/1201/1224259786971.html
Monday, November 30, 2009
The World Health Organization changes HIV 'drug advice'
Meredith Cox
November 30, 9:37pm
The World Health Organization has taken huge steps in treatment of HIV. They have just released a statement that mothers just giving birth should be put on the medications to prevent passing it on to their children. Also with the cost of the medications dropping so drastically more and more people are getting help like they need it. Although they say there are still 50% without treatment, there is also news that with the cost lowered there are more people in poverety getting help.
I was so happy when I read this article. I think it is far past time for the cost of these medications to go down to be more affordable for the common people who are the ones most affected by this disease. I think that the restrication being lifted for mothers and their children is a great thing. This means more innocent children will not be burdened by their parents chocies.
November 30, 9:37pm
The World Health Organization has taken huge steps in treatment of HIV. They have just released a statement that mothers just giving birth should be put on the medications to prevent passing it on to their children. Also with the cost of the medications dropping so drastically more and more people are getting help like they need it. Although they say there are still 50% without treatment, there is also news that with the cost lowered there are more people in poverety getting help.
I was so happy when I read this article. I think it is far past time for the cost of these medications to go down to be more affordable for the common people who are the ones most affected by this disease. I think that the restrication being lifted for mothers and their children is a great thing. This means more innocent children will not be burdened by their parents chocies.
New Mammogram Advice Finds a Skeptical Audience
Lauren Auton, 12/1/09, 12:47 AM
Recently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has announced that women should no longer get mammograms after turning forty, but should now wait until they hit fifty. They have also suggested that women should only have their breast examinations once every two years instead of once every year. And, the task force has started telling doctors that they should stop advising women to do their own regular examinations of their breasts. These new changes in when women should be screened and examined to prevent breast cancer have sparked a lot of controversy in the average person just as much as in the medical world.
I can definitely see why there is so much controversy over whether or not the age at which a woman should begin having mammograms should be pushed back to age fifty. Personally, I do not see why anybody, especially the United States Preventive Services Task Force, would want people to wait until later to start having these exams. The slogan for breast cancer is "the best protection is early detection," so it makes no sense to me whatsoever that they would want people to wait until later on in their life. The article did not mention any negative affects that occur from a woman having a mammogram early on, instead of waiting until fifty. So it almost seems a mystery as to why the suggested age has been bumped up for when women should start having mammograms.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/health/18mammogram.html
Recently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force has announced that women should no longer get mammograms after turning forty, but should now wait until they hit fifty. They have also suggested that women should only have their breast examinations once every two years instead of once every year. And, the task force has started telling doctors that they should stop advising women to do their own regular examinations of their breasts. These new changes in when women should be screened and examined to prevent breast cancer have sparked a lot of controversy in the average person just as much as in the medical world.
I can definitely see why there is so much controversy over whether or not the age at which a woman should begin having mammograms should be pushed back to age fifty. Personally, I do not see why anybody, especially the United States Preventive Services Task Force, would want people to wait until later to start having these exams. The slogan for breast cancer is "the best protection is early detection," so it makes no sense to me whatsoever that they would want people to wait until later on in their life. The article did not mention any negative affects that occur from a woman having a mammogram early on, instead of waiting until fifty. So it almost seems a mystery as to why the suggested age has been bumped up for when women should start having mammograms.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/18/health/18mammogram.html
Climate Research Unit Hacked
Hank Hostetler
November 30
8:00 pm
On November 19, this year, the Hadley Climate Research center was hacked by Russian black hats. Over 3,000 documents were stolen, including many private emails from climate scientists. The emails contained very sensitive information, many of them detailing ways that scientists have hidden the statistics on global temperature decline or presented statistics in ways that support global warming. The research center confirmed the next day that the documents were genuine. This event is expected to have a strong impact on the Copenhagen meeting on global climate change in December.
This article popularizes information that has really been available for some time. It does not give details or specifics about the documents stolen from Hadley research center but simply states the revealing of scientists' attempts to hide recent declines in global temperature. These statistics have already been revealed but have not been largely presented in popular media until this recent event. It is interesting that the documents were stolen so close to the Copenhagen meeting and also interesting that the Hadley Research center confirmed the legitimacy of the stolen documents so quickly. I was surprised to find this article in the Wall Street Journal and I think this event is definitely worth digging further into.
http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/11/20/hacked-sensitive-documents-lifted-from-hadley-climate-center/?blog_id=9&post_id=8495
November 30
8:00 pm
On November 19, this year, the Hadley Climate Research center was hacked by Russian black hats. Over 3,000 documents were stolen, including many private emails from climate scientists. The emails contained very sensitive information, many of them detailing ways that scientists have hidden the statistics on global temperature decline or presented statistics in ways that support global warming. The research center confirmed the next day that the documents were genuine. This event is expected to have a strong impact on the Copenhagen meeting on global climate change in December.
This article popularizes information that has really been available for some time. It does not give details or specifics about the documents stolen from Hadley research center but simply states the revealing of scientists' attempts to hide recent declines in global temperature. These statistics have already been revealed but have not been largely presented in popular media until this recent event. It is interesting that the documents were stolen so close to the Copenhagen meeting and also interesting that the Hadley Research center confirmed the legitimacy of the stolen documents so quickly. I was surprised to find this article in the Wall Street Journal and I think this event is definitely worth digging further into.
http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/11/20/hacked-sensitive-documents-lifted-from-hadley-climate-center/?blog_id=9&post_id=8495
Newsflash: Jogging is Immoral
The Associated Press documented an American woman's experiences on her pilgrimage or hajj to Mecca. The story begins with the history behind the practice and a particular rite that is an important to the hajj experience. Pilgrims run back and forth between two points seven times to commemorate Hagar's attempt to find water for her infant son. However, women who come to Mecca and partake in this particular ritual are often scolded for running, laughing or speaking too loud, and are kicked out of spaces by men. The AP did not miss the irony. The women interviewed (all American) commented on the culture shock and the feeling that they were second-class beings. They also, however, spoke about the profoundly spiritual experience they had both in terms of religion but also in terms of identifying as women.
What I found interesting about this article is the idea that the reason for this pilgrimage is because it is the duty of all Muslims, not all male Muslims and not all female. There is an genderless element to this shared religion, shared commitment to beliefs. The hypocrisy, though, is undeniable for me that only men are fit enough to recreate the running trek of the female counterpart of Abraham. Modern women are too frail to partake in this act of desperate commitment? I think not. I'm not exactly sure where the disconnect is between actual faith and the dictations of religion and the interpretation and twisting of said faith but it is obviously backwards and nonsensical.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jkGYVLTsZQSfRne0oJi77KaY6E0AD9CA43SO0
What I found interesting about this article is the idea that the reason for this pilgrimage is because it is the duty of all Muslims, not all male Muslims and not all female. There is an genderless element to this shared religion, shared commitment to beliefs. The hypocrisy, though, is undeniable for me that only men are fit enough to recreate the running trek of the female counterpart of Abraham. Modern women are too frail to partake in this act of desperate commitment? I think not. I'm not exactly sure where the disconnect is between actual faith and the dictations of religion and the interpretation and twisting of said faith but it is obviously backwards and nonsensical.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jkGYVLTsZQSfRne0oJi77KaY6E0AD9CA43SO0
Africa struggles to keep transfusions life-saving
Abigail
11/30
In many African hospitals they have been having a difficult time deciding whether or not to give some blood transfusions because they could be tested positive for HIV and it is not uncommon for these test results to be wrong. In efforts to provide as many life-saving transfusions as possible, blood services are struggling to reduce the reliance of donations from high-risk groups, not only are they trying to ensure that the blood is not HIV positive but that it is free of transfusion-transferable infections. Although blood services and several African countries say that every unit of blood is tested for HIV the World Health Organization estimates that about 5 to ten percent of new HIV infections in Africa have resulted from contaminated blood used in life saving operations. These blood transfusions are used as treatment for severe anemia caused by malaria or malnutrition and complications related to childbirth trauma. These diseases along with HIV/AIDS are some of the worst health problems that many of the African people may face. According to data from WHO in 2004 about 87 percent of African countries collected less than half of the blood they needed to meet the needs of their populations this makes some needed transfusions often unavailable. WHO estimates that about eight million units of blood are needed annually which is five million more unites than are currently collected.
This is an extremely sad situation. The article starts with a story of a women and her new born baby that are in need of a blood transfusion that probably will not get it because the only unite of blood available has been tested positive for HIV. I even when the results for the HIV test on the blood units that they are able to get come back it is not uncommon for them to be wrong. It is almost as if the doctor and the patient are never really able to know for sure if they are giving or receiving clean blood.
http://www.thestar.com/news/globalvoices/article/732454--africa-struggles-to-keep-transfusions-life-saving
11/30
In many African hospitals they have been having a difficult time deciding whether or not to give some blood transfusions because they could be tested positive for HIV and it is not uncommon for these test results to be wrong. In efforts to provide as many life-saving transfusions as possible, blood services are struggling to reduce the reliance of donations from high-risk groups, not only are they trying to ensure that the blood is not HIV positive but that it is free of transfusion-transferable infections. Although blood services and several African countries say that every unit of blood is tested for HIV the World Health Organization estimates that about 5 to ten percent of new HIV infections in Africa have resulted from contaminated blood used in life saving operations. These blood transfusions are used as treatment for severe anemia caused by malaria or malnutrition and complications related to childbirth trauma. These diseases along with HIV/AIDS are some of the worst health problems that many of the African people may face. According to data from WHO in 2004 about 87 percent of African countries collected less than half of the blood they needed to meet the needs of their populations this makes some needed transfusions often unavailable. WHO estimates that about eight million units of blood are needed annually which is five million more unites than are currently collected.
This is an extremely sad situation. The article starts with a story of a women and her new born baby that are in need of a blood transfusion that probably will not get it because the only unite of blood available has been tested positive for HIV. I even when the results for the HIV test on the blood units that they are able to get come back it is not uncommon for them to be wrong. It is almost as if the doctor and the patient are never really able to know for sure if they are giving or receiving clean blood.
http://www.thestar.com/news/globalvoices/article/732454--africa-struggles-to-keep-transfusions-life-saving
Obama Faces Tough Task in Outlining Afghanistan Strategy, Experts Say
Matthew Henderson
11/30/2009
President Obama’s upcoming decision regarding strategy in the war in Afghanistan is a very trying one. He is expected to announce that they will be sending more troops in and point out that we have found a clear path to success. The speech will cap many weeks of deliberation and meetings with his war council. The conservatives have criticized this lingering because they say that it has made the troops uneasy and given the Taliban a higher morale. The American people are becoming more and more against the war every day. This makes Obama’s goal this evening even harder to achieve. He has to let everyone know why we are still in this war and why NATO should stand fast to him and his decision.
I think that continuing to send more troops to Afghanistan is a mistake. I feel like the President is letting the conservatives and the military leaders persuade him to keep going in Afghanistan. I don’t think that there is anything to be gained from continuing to fight. We are only going to lose more lives and money. Einstein said that great spirits often encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds. I feel like Obama is a great spirit but I think that he isn’t handling the mediocre minds as well as he could. I hope that he is not giving into them no matter what the reason. One thing that is subtly pointed out by Einstein in that quote is that violence is for the weak minded. We should not be at war.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/28/obamas-challenge-convincing-skeptics-finish-job-afghanistan/
11/30/2009
President Obama’s upcoming decision regarding strategy in the war in Afghanistan is a very trying one. He is expected to announce that they will be sending more troops in and point out that we have found a clear path to success. The speech will cap many weeks of deliberation and meetings with his war council. The conservatives have criticized this lingering because they say that it has made the troops uneasy and given the Taliban a higher morale. The American people are becoming more and more against the war every day. This makes Obama’s goal this evening even harder to achieve. He has to let everyone know why we are still in this war and why NATO should stand fast to him and his decision.
I think that continuing to send more troops to Afghanistan is a mistake. I feel like the President is letting the conservatives and the military leaders persuade him to keep going in Afghanistan. I don’t think that there is anything to be gained from continuing to fight. We are only going to lose more lives and money. Einstein said that great spirits often encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds. I feel like Obama is a great spirit but I think that he isn’t handling the mediocre minds as well as he could. I hope that he is not giving into them no matter what the reason. One thing that is subtly pointed out by Einstein in that quote is that violence is for the weak minded. We should not be at war.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/28/obamas-challenge-convincing-skeptics-finish-job-afghanistan/
Signs Swine Flu Wave May Have Peaked in U.S.
Melanie A. Staley
1:43pm
Nov 30, 2009
The CDC has determined that swine flu activity is declining throughout the country, but officials hesitate to use words such as "peaked" for fear that citizens will become slack in methods of prevention. More than 40 states are still experiencing "widespread flu activity" and cases of possible flu-related deaths and hospitalizations are still being reported. In addition, even if we have reached the peak of this flu wave, there is still the liklihood of yet another wave beginning sometime in December. Other nation's, such as Belgium, Britain, and Ireland, also seem to be peaking. However, Canada, Norway, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia are still experiencing increased outbreak, according to the WHO.
In addition, Norway has identified a mutation in the H1N1 virus in three people who either died from the virus or were seriously ill. Although officials report that the mutation does not seem to be spreading and is no more resistant to the vaccine or Tamiflu than any other strand found, this same mutation has been found in several other countries. The mutation allows the virus to bind to cell receptors within the lungs. In the Ukraine, where this mutation has also been found, many people have experienced severe illness and died from lung hemorrhages. Obviously, there is still reason for worry on a worldwide scale.
I think that people are beginning to underplay the H1N1 virus. As the article stated, the usual winter flu does not usually begin until December; it just so happens that this year, H1N1 cases began much earlier, beginning in the summer. It seems that people have become less aware of the dangers because of how common the virus has become. Many nations, however, are still experiencing severe outbreak. I think the mutation, and the possible correlation between the Ukrainian deaths and the presence of this mutation, are also being underplayed, but for different reasons. The last thing the public wants to hear is that there is yet another deadly virus out there that we should worry about.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/health/21flu.html?_r=2&ref=health
1:43pm
Nov 30, 2009
The CDC has determined that swine flu activity is declining throughout the country, but officials hesitate to use words such as "peaked" for fear that citizens will become slack in methods of prevention. More than 40 states are still experiencing "widespread flu activity" and cases of possible flu-related deaths and hospitalizations are still being reported. In addition, even if we have reached the peak of this flu wave, there is still the liklihood of yet another wave beginning sometime in December. Other nation's, such as Belgium, Britain, and Ireland, also seem to be peaking. However, Canada, Norway, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia are still experiencing increased outbreak, according to the WHO.
In addition, Norway has identified a mutation in the H1N1 virus in three people who either died from the virus or were seriously ill. Although officials report that the mutation does not seem to be spreading and is no more resistant to the vaccine or Tamiflu than any other strand found, this same mutation has been found in several other countries. The mutation allows the virus to bind to cell receptors within the lungs. In the Ukraine, where this mutation has also been found, many people have experienced severe illness and died from lung hemorrhages. Obviously, there is still reason for worry on a worldwide scale.
I think that people are beginning to underplay the H1N1 virus. As the article stated, the usual winter flu does not usually begin until December; it just so happens that this year, H1N1 cases began much earlier, beginning in the summer. It seems that people have become less aware of the dangers because of how common the virus has become. Many nations, however, are still experiencing severe outbreak. I think the mutation, and the possible correlation between the Ukrainian deaths and the presence of this mutation, are also being underplayed, but for different reasons. The last thing the public wants to hear is that there is yet another deadly virus out there that we should worry about.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/21/health/21flu.html?_r=2&ref=health
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Liberia ordered to pay 'vulture funds' over 1978 debt
Kelley Carter
6:29 p.m.
29 November 2009
Recently two vulture funds have sued the country of Liberia for a debt dating back to 1978. The sum of the debt is equal to 5% of Liberia’s budget for this year. The Liberian finance minister has been quoted saying the country could not afford to repay the debt. Liberia has accused the Carribean registered vulture fund of trying to profit from poverty. Details are still unclear but it appears Liberia borrowed 6.5 million from a bank in 1978 and the debt was then sold many times, increasing in value. London High Court, which was appointed to handle the civil case against Liberia decided that Liberia should be liable for 20 million without a hearing. A court in New York in 2002 ruled that Liberia owed 18 million dollars. UK activists are trying to get the law that allows UK courts to hear cases from vulture funds against the poorest countries in the world.
I’m not sure whether its legal for a Carribean based fund to sue Liberia in a UK court. But it seems that since Liberia has in a civil war for 14 years before it ended in 2003 they can’t be expected to be able to repay such a large debt. 5% of a government’s yearly budget is a lot for such a fragile government. I think it is suspicious that one of the funds suing Liberia recently won 11 million in a similar lawsuit against Nicaragua and I think it likely that the funds are profiting off of poor countries that are too weak to defend themselves in UK courts.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8380117.stm
The unsolved ethnic divide between Uighurs and Han
Zeina Mvemba
2:37 PM
11/29/09
Riots have turned deadly in China in a feud between Muslim Uighurs and Han Chinese. After a long dispute between these two ethnic groups, the Chinese government is trying their best to keep the conflict in control. The riots occurred in Xinjiangs capital city, which officials have stated it started over a Uighur demonstration against the government in their previous actions dealing with past conflicts. The long term conflict between the Uighurs and Han is stated to have originated over demographics, in which the Uighurs has been misrepresented. Also, religion has played a major role. The Han Chinese who are represented by the Chinese Communist Party have been placing restrictions on the Uighurs’ religious practices. After many years of the Han represented Chinese government, the Uighurs have chosen a different form of protest.
As seen in many cases of ethnic divide, religion is usually the cause for disagreement. Very often, if a religious group is being oppressed, more than likely a conflict will arise. It makes the situation even worse when the government is the one placing these restrictions. The religious group who is being discriminated against may feel like there is no other way to change their situation so rioting and fighting many times becomes the outcome. The riots have already turned deadly which is the worst outcome; hopefully the government will be able to realize innocent civilians are dying because of an unjust rule. In countries like China were there is a communist rule, religious discrimination may never end, hopefully some sort of compromise can be found.
http://www.france24.com/en/20090708-xinjiang-riots-china-ethnic-divide-han-urumqi-uighur
Minarets, much like steeples, are considered religious architecture. As steeples are placed upon Christian Churches, minarets are place on Islamic Mosques. In Switzerland, the building of minarets has been banned while steeples are still accepted. The Swiss People Party proposed the concept to parliament and it was passed with 57% majority. Part of the drive to ban minarets has been admitted to be a way to discourage immigration from the Islamic world. Currently there are only 4 minarets in Switzerland. The government has warned the public that this move would cause tension with the Islamic and Muslim population. The campaign has also caused tension as mosques have been attacked in Switzerland. This campaign also shows a lack of understanding of the Muslim community and a noticeable bias against them. Amnesty International as well as the Swiss Muslim Community has disagreed with this decision, as it will surely cause more of a riff in society. This decision will also go against the Swiss commitment to free speech as this architecture not only serves a symbolic function but is also the central point from which some Muslims pray. If a decision like this has been made, it would be, in my opinion, reasonable to ban steeples as well. These also stand as large religious representational structures from which religious traditions are practiced as well as causing public disturbance from the bell towers often present within. Religious bans should be created equal. Cultural bias should not be a means for legal action especially when the minarets pose absolutely no threat of harm to the Swiss society. The fact that this bill has even been passed should show weakness in the Democratic process in Switzerland.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8385069.stm
Sponsor = AIDS???
Ayanna Haskell
November 29, 2009
SOC 202
Nearly ¾ of the women in Cameroon affected by HIV/AIDS are ages 19-24. This is 3 times more then the med affected in this same age bracket. These high rates are linked to the poor economic and socio-cultural issues. Women in that age bracket do not have full knowledge as to how they are supposed to prevent themselves from getting HIV/AIDS. Although the ACSM (Association of Cameroons Social Marketing) is trying to reach out to young girls so that they can become more informed. Some of the girls in this age bracket don't even know what they are doing when they have sexual partners who are men older then them and have sex with them because boys their age don't have any money. The campaign launched to decrease the number of HIV/AIDS amongst this age bracket was titled “No to Sponsors, No to HIV/AIDS”. This title was chosen to involve not only the women but the men involved also. If the men are educated, they can tell the women that what they are doing is not safe and maybe try to decrease the numbers and protect themselves at the same time. Some girls don't even want to know their status so they don't get tested and keep having sex and usually give it to their partners.
AIDS is a serious issue among the African community. Its hard to think of someone my age having HIV/AIDS and not wanting to know and give it to someone else. I'm sure if these girls new the risks they were taking and the consequences of having the disease, they would think twice about what they are doing. The idea that a young girl can have a wealthy older man and get what she wants and not have to worry about being able to live comfortably. Although it sounds fine to them, the risks they are taking are not.
November 29, 2009
SOC 202
Nearly ¾ of the women in Cameroon affected by HIV/AIDS are ages 19-24. This is 3 times more then the med affected in this same age bracket. These high rates are linked to the poor economic and socio-cultural issues. Women in that age bracket do not have full knowledge as to how they are supposed to prevent themselves from getting HIV/AIDS. Although the ACSM (Association of Cameroons Social Marketing) is trying to reach out to young girls so that they can become more informed. Some of the girls in this age bracket don't even know what they are doing when they have sexual partners who are men older then them and have sex with them because boys their age don't have any money. The campaign launched to decrease the number of HIV/AIDS amongst this age bracket was titled “No to Sponsors, No to HIV/AIDS”. This title was chosen to involve not only the women but the men involved also. If the men are educated, they can tell the women that what they are doing is not safe and maybe try to decrease the numbers and protect themselves at the same time. Some girls don't even want to know their status so they don't get tested and keep having sex and usually give it to their partners.
AIDS is a serious issue among the African community. Its hard to think of someone my age having HIV/AIDS and not wanting to know and give it to someone else. I'm sure if these girls new the risks they were taking and the consequences of having the disease, they would think twice about what they are doing. The idea that a young girl can have a wealthy older man and get what she wants and not have to worry about being able to live comfortably. Although it sounds fine to them, the risks they are taking are not.
New HIV infections reduced by 17% over the past eight years
Melanie Lofgren
11/29/09
9:32 a.m.
According to a report released by the WHO and UNAIDS, HIV infections have dropped since 2001 by 17%. The infections have dropped significantly in East Asia and Sub-Sahara Africa. The report also outlines HIV preventions. Now that life-saving treatments and antiretroviral therapy are available today, 2.9 lives have been saved since 1996. In Botswana there is 80% coverage available and it has reduced AIDS related deaths by 50%. Mr Sidibé states, "Already research models are showing that HIV may have a significant impact on maternal mortality. Half of all maternal deaths in Botswana and South Africa are due to HIV. This tells us that we must work for a unified health approach bringing maternal and child health and HIV programs as well as tuberculosis programs together to work to achieve their common goal." The report also claims that methods of infection are shifting and prevention programs are not able to keep up with these changes. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia the common method of infection was injecting drugs but has now changed to sexual infections by drug using partners. In parts of Asia the common method of infection was through sex work and injecting drugs but has now shifted to increasingly affecting heterosexual couples. In the report they have come up with an idea to connect these 33.4 million people around the world living with HIV: AIDSspace.com. This is a social network similar to Facebook or Myspace and hopes to bring a common people together to share key policies on HIV, case studies, reports, conference posters and even job opportunities.
The most interesting thing I found in this article was the new website, AIDSspace.com. I think it is a very good idea and will hopefully help connect those who are feeling lost, alone, and depressed with this terrible infection. I think we really need to work on the maternal mortality, so that children are not left orphaned and the disease is not passed along to them from their mother.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2009/hiv_aids_20091124/en/index.html
11/29/09
9:32 a.m.
According to a report released by the WHO and UNAIDS, HIV infections have dropped since 2001 by 17%. The infections have dropped significantly in East Asia and Sub-Sahara Africa. The report also outlines HIV preventions. Now that life-saving treatments and antiretroviral therapy are available today, 2.9 lives have been saved since 1996. In Botswana there is 80% coverage available and it has reduced AIDS related deaths by 50%. Mr Sidibé states, "Already research models are showing that HIV may have a significant impact on maternal mortality. Half of all maternal deaths in Botswana and South Africa are due to HIV. This tells us that we must work for a unified health approach bringing maternal and child health and HIV programs as well as tuberculosis programs together to work to achieve their common goal." The report also claims that methods of infection are shifting and prevention programs are not able to keep up with these changes. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia the common method of infection was injecting drugs but has now changed to sexual infections by drug using partners. In parts of Asia the common method of infection was through sex work and injecting drugs but has now shifted to increasingly affecting heterosexual couples. In the report they have come up with an idea to connect these 33.4 million people around the world living with HIV: AIDSspace.com. This is a social network similar to Facebook or Myspace and hopes to bring a common people together to share key policies on HIV, case studies, reports, conference posters and even job opportunities.
The most interesting thing I found in this article was the new website, AIDSspace.com. I think it is a very good idea and will hopefully help connect those who are feeling lost, alone, and depressed with this terrible infection. I think we really need to work on the maternal mortality, so that children are not left orphaned and the disease is not passed along to them from their mother.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2009/hiv_aids_20091124/en/index.html
Saturday, November 28, 2009
China moves to rein in vitamin C production overcapacity
This article is about another item produced in China. It is said that this years production of vitamin C that is produced in China is at an exceeding heights. The amount of vitamin c that is available is way more than needed by the current market and some speculate that the number of productions is only going to increase. China has the largest amount of the production of vitamin c. This is said to be so because of China's "high degree of industrial concentration, large scale installations, and advanced technologies." The citamin c industry is one of the few that have not been affected by the global economy crisis.
I can easily believe all of the facts in this article. When producing things, you can never have an exact amount of what is needed, so, of course, you are never going to be exact on how much is made and how much is not used or how much you do not have of. In this case, more is being made than what is needed but, apparently, it is okay because this economy is booming.
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/3668856
Peace Prize Taken Back!!!
Jessie Lucas
Nov 28
10:23 AM
Human rights activist Shrin Ebadi's Nobel Prize (and prize money) has been taken away by the Iranian government. She has spoken out against the government and its president about the human rights violations they have committed on many occasions. The government now wants to make an example of her to keep other people from speaking out. Her assets and bank accounts hae been frozen. Iran denies that it was because of the things she has said but because she did not pay taxes on her Nobel Prize money. However it has been noted that under Iran law, the prize money is not subject to tax. It is the first time ever that an award has been taken away.
I think this is rediculus. The woman is being punished for being honored for something she did. I dont think that it is fair that Iran can just take it away from her. I didn't even know you could do that to someone who won the Nobel Prize. Apparently nobody else knew it eiter since it is the first time that it has happened. Iran claiming that it is not because of the things she has done (which is what she was honored for in the first place) but because of taxes is highly unbelievable. I worry that others in Iran who are working for human rights may be deterred but I know if it were me, I would not care about the money as much as making a difference and so what Iran is trying to do may not work.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWvvwK3RhV4DFN6ripLPL1dYSuiw
Nov 28
10:23 AM
Human rights activist Shrin Ebadi's Nobel Prize (and prize money) has been taken away by the Iranian government. She has spoken out against the government and its president about the human rights violations they have committed on many occasions. The government now wants to make an example of her to keep other people from speaking out. Her assets and bank accounts hae been frozen. Iran denies that it was because of the things she has said but because she did not pay taxes on her Nobel Prize money. However it has been noted that under Iran law, the prize money is not subject to tax. It is the first time ever that an award has been taken away.
I think this is rediculus. The woman is being punished for being honored for something she did. I dont think that it is fair that Iran can just take it away from her. I didn't even know you could do that to someone who won the Nobel Prize. Apparently nobody else knew it eiter since it is the first time that it has happened. Iran claiming that it is not because of the things she has done (which is what she was honored for in the first place) but because of taxes is highly unbelievable. I worry that others in Iran who are working for human rights may be deterred but I know if it were me, I would not care about the money as much as making a difference and so what Iran is trying to do may not work.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gWvvwK3RhV4DFN6ripLPL1dYSuiw
Friday, November 27, 2009
Journalist Found Dead in Mexico
Brittany McGregor
11/27/09 10:11 PM
A journalist was found dead in his home in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. The man was identified as Jose Roble who worked for Radio Universidad. Roble’s body was found by his co-workers who decided to search his house after he did not show up for work on Wednesday morning. The reporter, who was 43, has suffered a severe contusion and a skull fracture. His body was found with his hands bound and wrapped in a blanket. Roble was considered an excellent reporter among his co-workers and he had won the National Environmental Journalism Prize. The investigators on the case are working it as a homicide but they are trying to determine if it was a robbery as well. Last week my current event was on the fact that the number of journalist murders in Mexico had hit a new record, so it did not surprise me that another journalist was murdered this week. This is very sad. I do not think the government is doing enough to protect those who help get the news out in Mexico. In another article that I had read this week, the president of Mexico said that he is going to stop focusing on crime and is going to start focusing on poverty. I think that is bad idea. Although, poverty may be high there, crime needs to be handled first.
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=348066&CategoryId=14091
11/27/09 10:11 PM
A journalist was found dead in his home in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico. The man was identified as Jose Roble who worked for Radio Universidad. Roble’s body was found by his co-workers who decided to search his house after he did not show up for work on Wednesday morning. The reporter, who was 43, has suffered a severe contusion and a skull fracture. His body was found with his hands bound and wrapped in a blanket. Roble was considered an excellent reporter among his co-workers and he had won the National Environmental Journalism Prize. The investigators on the case are working it as a homicide but they are trying to determine if it was a robbery as well. Last week my current event was on the fact that the number of journalist murders in Mexico had hit a new record, so it did not surprise me that another journalist was murdered this week. This is very sad. I do not think the government is doing enough to protect those who help get the news out in Mexico. In another article that I had read this week, the president of Mexico said that he is going to stop focusing on crime and is going to start focusing on poverty. I think that is bad idea. Although, poverty may be high there, crime needs to be handled first.
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=348066&CategoryId=14091
Ask the Expert: Your Cell Phones Are Funding a Deadly War
Nicholas Salmons
11/27/09
5:41 pm
Featured in this short video is an exposition of the Conflict Minerals Trade Act, a bill that would help to eliminate the funding of militant groups in the Eastern Congo through a multimillion-dollar mineral trade. The "Three T's" of conflict minerals are tungsten, tin, and tantalum; also included in the list is gold. These minerals are present in sophisticated but highly available tech, such as cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras. The bill itself is developmental, in that it will "help to develop the means to ensure" that the mineral trade no longer brings any profit to rebel groups and likewise stops fueling conflict in regions such as the Congo. The bill also provides a means by which the technology companies can trace where the materials found in their products are harvested, in what manner they are collected, and who is being paid for their collection. Currently, these supply chains are incredibly complex and inefficient. Under the Conflict Minerals Trade Act, auditors would be instated to interact with “key actors” in the system, who know the origins of the materials processed in their link of the chain. These actors would then be made to go on record and validate their claim’s legitimacy.
I think this act sounds pretty good. Unaccountability throughout the process of production has seemingly always historically proven disastrous when it comes to human rights violations. I also thought the 3 steps for the Obama administration (Congolese army reform, comprehensive counterinsurgency, increasing war crime accountability) made a great deal of sense, at least on the surface.
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2009/11/sullivan_video.html
Horn of Africa food crisis: Perfect storm
The region of Africa from Sudan through Kenya and Ethiopia to Somalia is still facing one of the worst droughts and food shortages that they have faced in years. According to the World Food Program there are approximately twenty million people who are still in need of food aid. However some would argue that these numbers may be inflated to help raise funds for relief agencies and non-governmental organizations. Climate is the most obvious and immediate cause of this situation. The dry areas of this region are unreliable when it come to climate. Locals and experts are concerned that climate change could make the crisis worse. The methods that they have for coping with climate change are made more difficult with the drought. The food shortage and famine has also become a political problem. Fighting and political uncertainty, along with massive displacement of some people, means that food aid is essential for the survival of many. The UN and Sudan missions has struggled to raise enough money to meet the needs of the crisis. The World Food Program has less than half of the funds that it needs to feed millions who are in need. However there are those who argue that food aid only perpetuates the problem of dependency and discourages people from going back to work and under credits local farmers.
This crisis is a growing problem through out the region. It is going to be hard for people to receive any help at all unless people and organizations are able to come together pulling their resources together in order to help the people of the region.
http://opride.com/oromsis/horn-of-africa/512-horn-of-africa-food-crisis-perfect-storm.html
This crisis is a growing problem through out the region. It is going to be hard for people to receive any help at all unless people and organizations are able to come together pulling their resources together in order to help the people of the region.
http://opride.com/oromsis/horn-of-africa/512-horn-of-africa-food-crisis-perfect-storm.html
Jump in number of global swine flu deaths
Tamika Reynolds
Nov. 27th 2009
4:44pm
The number of global deaths due to swine flu has increased by 1,000 in a week. The figures were reported from the World Health Organization. Europe alone has seen an increase of 85% of deaths, from 350 people to 650 people reported dying. The positive not is that the majority of people who actually get swine are only showing mild symptoms and they are recovering. The biggest rise in deaths was found in America having the highest record of 554 cases in one week. The most frightening part is the mutated strain that is affecting people. The article states that is every mutated strain was reported it would be like reporting the weather. The mutated strain has the ability to further damage the respiratory system. There is another mutated strain that is resistant to the current resistant drug known as Tamiflu. The researchers of health are questioning will this pandemic influenza will change its fundamentals or will it severity changes for the worst? With no answer to that question, they are more concern is the virus itself is increasing in number. There are some countries that stopped counting the number of milder cases so the number being reported is lower than what is actually occurring.
I think this is a very interesting article. I still believe that with globalization and the increase in communication and travel that the flu has increased around the world in great number but now that it is mutating that this strain too will move from country to country. The problem with this is, there is no cure and the resistant drugs out there are being fought with the flu strain mutations. I look forward and hope that fewer cases are happening not because people are reporting it but because the strain is losing its strength.
click for link
Nov. 27th 2009
4:44pm
The number of global deaths due to swine flu has increased by 1,000 in a week. The figures were reported from the World Health Organization. Europe alone has seen an increase of 85% of deaths, from 350 people to 650 people reported dying. The positive not is that the majority of people who actually get swine are only showing mild symptoms and they are recovering. The biggest rise in deaths was found in America having the highest record of 554 cases in one week. The most frightening part is the mutated strain that is affecting people. The article states that is every mutated strain was reported it would be like reporting the weather. The mutated strain has the ability to further damage the respiratory system. There is another mutated strain that is resistant to the current resistant drug known as Tamiflu. The researchers of health are questioning will this pandemic influenza will change its fundamentals or will it severity changes for the worst? With no answer to that question, they are more concern is the virus itself is increasing in number. There are some countries that stopped counting the number of milder cases so the number being reported is lower than what is actually occurring.
I think this is a very interesting article. I still believe that with globalization and the increase in communication and travel that the flu has increased around the world in great number but now that it is mutating that this strain too will move from country to country. The problem with this is, there is no cure and the resistant drugs out there are being fought with the flu strain mutations. I look forward and hope that fewer cases are happening not because people are reporting it but because the strain is losing its strength.
click for link
Group's leader urges new strategy on immigrant rights
This article discusses the way changing view of what goals should be pursued in the immigration debates. Generally the article states that groups should be pushing for modest changes while they wait for an over arching immigration reform to come from the federal government. The article states that immigrant rights groups should focus on “the right to an education for the undocumented, and the right of lesbians and gays to sponsor partners as immigrants.” The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) is leading the way on this new way of attacking the immigration issue. The president of MALDEF, Tomas Saenz, has made it very clear that the organization is still focused on comprehensive immigration reform. However, he does not expect an immigration bill to pass through the congress during an election year because it has become such a controversial issue. He also points out how Obama as given in under the controversy and has not pushed such reform to be considered. Other organizations do not agree with looking to other more modest issues to address, they still feel like complete immigration reform is coming and hope it will include many points outlined in the article.
I chose this article because it was interesting to read how the debate over immigration is evolving within the current political climate. I found the article very interesting because it addresses how Obama has not pushed immigration issues and how the controversy has lead to political leaders being weary of picking a side. I think that the debate over immigration will continue to become more polarized and more controversial until it is addressed in at a national level. I also feel that it will end up being a defining issue of the Obama administration and how it is presented and handled will determine the results of upcoming elections and the overall political makeup of the federal government in the future.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/26/MNGA1AIT0V.DTL&tsp=1
I chose this article because it was interesting to read how the debate over immigration is evolving within the current political climate. I found the article very interesting because it addresses how Obama has not pushed immigration issues and how the controversy has lead to political leaders being weary of picking a side. I think that the debate over immigration will continue to become more polarized and more controversial until it is addressed in at a national level. I also feel that it will end up being a defining issue of the Obama administration and how it is presented and handled will determine the results of upcoming elections and the overall political makeup of the federal government in the future.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/26/MNGA1AIT0V.DTL&tsp=1
As deaths in Afghanistan rise, so does the growth of opium
Debranya Brower
11-27-09
4:50pm
This article is talking about the unfortunate fact that many of the troops and programs that have been put into place have pretty much been thrown back into the faces of those trying to stop the Taliban by the Taliban drug dealers and corrupt government officials. If those that have put in place to uphold the law are not doing their job then it becomes very hard to do anything productive and law abiding if they are not leading by example. In Afghanistan, there are nearly 13,000 attacks between January and the end of August this year- more than two-and-a-half times the number experienced during the same period last year and a fivefold increase on the total in 2005. Due to all that is going on a lot of programs that have been set into place have been put on the back burner until things become more stable. The last report on the drug problem in Afghanistan by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime revealed that opium production- which happens to support a lot of the efforts of the Taliban- has gone from 200 tons in 1980 to 6900 tons in 2009. With all the crime that his going on unfortunately there is not distinctions between the Taliban, crime gangs and some government officials.
I feel that if these corrupt government officials continue to support the wrong doings of the Taliban then there will be no change in Afghanistan. I feel that Afghanistan and whatever other government's are involved in the efforts in Afghanistan need to do a shake down of the all the organizations. I think that there is no way of going forward is what is right and wrong is not being brought out by the government. All government officials need to be checked into before any other programs are put in place. I don't think that money should just be thrown away just because of a few bad apples. Government officials should be looking into who is supporting the Taliban in both drugs and financially and deal with it accordingly. The Government desperately needs to be on one accord before things can go forward.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/as-deaths-in-afghanistan-rise-so-does-the-growth-of-opium-1825547.html
11-27-09
4:50pm
This article is talking about the unfortunate fact that many of the troops and programs that have been put into place have pretty much been thrown back into the faces of those trying to stop the Taliban by the Taliban drug dealers and corrupt government officials. If those that have put in place to uphold the law are not doing their job then it becomes very hard to do anything productive and law abiding if they are not leading by example. In Afghanistan, there are nearly 13,000 attacks between January and the end of August this year- more than two-and-a-half times the number experienced during the same period last year and a fivefold increase on the total in 2005. Due to all that is going on a lot of programs that have been set into place have been put on the back burner until things become more stable. The last report on the drug problem in Afghanistan by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime revealed that opium production- which happens to support a lot of the efforts of the Taliban- has gone from 200 tons in 1980 to 6900 tons in 2009. With all the crime that his going on unfortunately there is not distinctions between the Taliban, crime gangs and some government officials.
I feel that if these corrupt government officials continue to support the wrong doings of the Taliban then there will be no change in Afghanistan. I feel that Afghanistan and whatever other government's are involved in the efforts in Afghanistan need to do a shake down of the all the organizations. I think that there is no way of going forward is what is right and wrong is not being brought out by the government. All government officials need to be checked into before any other programs are put in place. I don't think that money should just be thrown away just because of a few bad apples. Government officials should be looking into who is supporting the Taliban in both drugs and financially and deal with it accordingly. The Government desperately needs to be on one accord before things can go forward.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/as-deaths-in-afghanistan-rise-so-does-the-growth-of-opium-1825547.html
£52 million bid to battle traffic and pollution
Charity Davenport
11/27/09
3:50pm
According to a European article from November 26, 2009, people are making plans to deal with traffic and pollution. Councilors are going to meet up and talk about an update in cross-boundary negotiations for the Transport Innovation Fund bid. Their goal is to create a Low Emissions Zone that they believe would improve the quality of the air in their urban areas. The main focus would be to keep the vehicles that emit the most pollution (heavy goods vehicles) off of the main routes of the area by introducing some form of charging. They will base the charges on European emission standards depending on both the age and the type of the vehicle. The zone would be to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide in the air to meet a European deadline for cleaner air in 2015.
I found this article to be pretty interesting, however I do have some mixed feelings about the situation. I love the fact that they are taking steps to reducing the amounts of pollution in their towns, but it seems like it may be a little unfair for people who have purchased the heavy goods vehicles. I understand that those are the highest emitters, but singling them out just seems a little excessive. This would create a huge burden for people who have already purchased these types of vehicles. If they are going to charge people, I feel that for the best interest of all of the people, everyone with a vehicle should be charged. It may not be what those people would like to hear, but I think it’s only fair.
http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2061559_52_million_bid_to_battle_traffic_and_pollution
11/27/09
3:50pm
According to a European article from November 26, 2009, people are making plans to deal with traffic and pollution. Councilors are going to meet up and talk about an update in cross-boundary negotiations for the Transport Innovation Fund bid. Their goal is to create a Low Emissions Zone that they believe would improve the quality of the air in their urban areas. The main focus would be to keep the vehicles that emit the most pollution (heavy goods vehicles) off of the main routes of the area by introducing some form of charging. They will base the charges on European emission standards depending on both the age and the type of the vehicle. The zone would be to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide in the air to meet a European deadline for cleaner air in 2015.
I found this article to be pretty interesting, however I do have some mixed feelings about the situation. I love the fact that they are taking steps to reducing the amounts of pollution in their towns, but it seems like it may be a little unfair for people who have purchased the heavy goods vehicles. I understand that those are the highest emitters, but singling them out just seems a little excessive. This would create a huge burden for people who have already purchased these types of vehicles. If they are going to charge people, I feel that for the best interest of all of the people, everyone with a vehicle should be charged. It may not be what those people would like to hear, but I think it’s only fair.
http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2061559_52_million_bid_to_battle_traffic_and_pollution
Persistent poverty in Northern Ireland 'twice that of Great Britain'
Teenia Harmon
11-27-09
3:35
Ireland suffers from poverty at a rate far exceeding their southern neighbors. “The level of persistent poverty in Northern Ireland children is more than double that of those in Great Britain.” Persistent poverty is defined as suffering from poverty for at least three of the four years in which the test was done (2003-2007). Ireland also has a higher population of families in poverty when compared to Great Britain. One in five Northern Irish families suffers from poverty in comparison to one in ten in Great Britain. There are many speculative causes for these poverty rates that include high amounts of unemployment, low wages, and disability. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation are trying to figure out a way to combat such high levels of poverty, and one of those ways is to start with the children. They want school budgets to provide for all the children’s needs, from books to field trips. They also want to provide underprivileged children with extracurricular activities that they can participate in without having to pay. I think this is a very interesting article. While it is very sad that any person of family has to deal with poverty, I think that the Joseph Rowetree Foundation is offering some very smart alternatives to help those in poverty. School supplies can be very expensive (as we all know) but education is not something that most parents feel is an option, they may go without solving more pressing needs so that they can provide a better future for their children. I think that supplying the needs for a child’s education could free up a good amount of a family budget in order to take care of other needs. I as think that the idea they proposed for extracurriculars is a good one. Parents can leave their children at school, were they will be safe. The children can play sports or whatever, while the parents can work a little longer and make more money- without worrying about having to pay for a babysitter.
Source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/persistent-poverty-in-northern-ireland-twice-that-of-great-britain-14559100.html
11-27-09
3:35
Ireland suffers from poverty at a rate far exceeding their southern neighbors. “The level of persistent poverty in Northern Ireland children is more than double that of those in Great Britain.” Persistent poverty is defined as suffering from poverty for at least three of the four years in which the test was done (2003-2007). Ireland also has a higher population of families in poverty when compared to Great Britain. One in five Northern Irish families suffers from poverty in comparison to one in ten in Great Britain. There are many speculative causes for these poverty rates that include high amounts of unemployment, low wages, and disability. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation are trying to figure out a way to combat such high levels of poverty, and one of those ways is to start with the children. They want school budgets to provide for all the children’s needs, from books to field trips. They also want to provide underprivileged children with extracurricular activities that they can participate in without having to pay. I think this is a very interesting article. While it is very sad that any person of family has to deal with poverty, I think that the Joseph Rowetree Foundation is offering some very smart alternatives to help those in poverty. School supplies can be very expensive (as we all know) but education is not something that most parents feel is an option, they may go without solving more pressing needs so that they can provide a better future for their children. I think that supplying the needs for a child’s education could free up a good amount of a family budget in order to take care of other needs. I as think that the idea they proposed for extracurriculars is a good one. Parents can leave their children at school, were they will be safe. The children can play sports or whatever, while the parents can work a little longer and make more money- without worrying about having to pay for a babysitter.
Source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/persistent-poverty-in-northern-ireland-twice-that-of-great-britain-14559100.html
Drug-resistant H1N1 virus
Shelby Anderson
November 27, 2009
3:21 pm
There have been about seventy-five cases of the sine flu which has mutated into a form that is resistant to the drug Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir. This strain usually only effects patients with compromised immune systems and only in mild forms. There hasn’t been any known large outbreaks in the AIDS communities and people with weak immune systems. These are inconsistent and researchers want everyone to know that these few cases of Tamiflu resistant swine flu do not foreshadow any major changes in the H1N1 virus’ genetic makeup. To date, the swine flu has caused 6,770 deaths across the world and has infected very many more. Most people only acquire mild symptoms and recover without any outside help. It is expected that most of the new cases of the virus will be found in the northern hemisphere of the earth, but they can’t tell whether the season has hit it’s peak or not. Vaccines are still recommended this late in the season and people who get them usually only experience slight side effects.
It’s interesting to think that a virus can mutate to a point where drugs that are supposed to help cure them don’t work anymore. It’s also a little scary because what if it gets to the point where we can’t fight it off with the help of drugs? What would we do then? The good thing is that these cases are very few in number and are isolated. Hopefully, things will stay that way and it doesn’t start spreading.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34164475/ns/health-cold_and_flu/
November 27, 2009
3:21 pm
There have been about seventy-five cases of the sine flu which has mutated into a form that is resistant to the drug Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir. This strain usually only effects patients with compromised immune systems and only in mild forms. There hasn’t been any known large outbreaks in the AIDS communities and people with weak immune systems. These are inconsistent and researchers want everyone to know that these few cases of Tamiflu resistant swine flu do not foreshadow any major changes in the H1N1 virus’ genetic makeup. To date, the swine flu has caused 6,770 deaths across the world and has infected very many more. Most people only acquire mild symptoms and recover without any outside help. It is expected that most of the new cases of the virus will be found in the northern hemisphere of the earth, but they can’t tell whether the season has hit it’s peak or not. Vaccines are still recommended this late in the season and people who get them usually only experience slight side effects.
It’s interesting to think that a virus can mutate to a point where drugs that are supposed to help cure them don’t work anymore. It’s also a little scary because what if it gets to the point where we can’t fight it off with the help of drugs? What would we do then? The good thing is that these cases are very few in number and are isolated. Hopefully, things will stay that way and it doesn’t start spreading.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34164475/ns/health-cold_and_flu/
New Genetic Mutations of the Swine Flu
Shelby Anderson
November 27, 2009
2:29 pm
In countries around the world, it has been found that the H1N1 virus has mutated it’s genetic make up. People in China, Norway, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, the US, and the Ukraine have been infected with the mutated strains of the swine flu. The flu virus mutates into different strains very often and it can potentially be dangerous. The virus could mutate to a point where the drugs that are used to treat it do not work. Researchers have found that these new strains are not resistant to any of the drugs used to fight off the virus. But they have found that the new strains infect deeper into the tissues of the airways than the other strains do. Researchers have found mild and fatal cases of the new strains of the H1N1 virus around the world. In some cases, they have found the strains to be resistant to the drug Tamiflu and the generic forms of the drug. The patients already had very weak immune systems that helped the virus become resistant.
Genetic mutations of the swine flu could possibly reek havoc on the world populations. It’s already a very strong strain of the virus and is taking many lives. If the H1N1 virus became resistant to drugs used to cure it, the death rates would instantly climb. I think researchers need to do all they can to make sure the virus doesn’t mutate to a dangerous point. Right now they are isolated cases, but it could get out of control really fast and there could be nothing we could do about it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34145792/ns/health-cold_and_flu/
November 27, 2009
2:29 pm
In countries around the world, it has been found that the H1N1 virus has mutated it’s genetic make up. People in China, Norway, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, the US, and the Ukraine have been infected with the mutated strains of the swine flu. The flu virus mutates into different strains very often and it can potentially be dangerous. The virus could mutate to a point where the drugs that are used to treat it do not work. Researchers have found that these new strains are not resistant to any of the drugs used to fight off the virus. But they have found that the new strains infect deeper into the tissues of the airways than the other strains do. Researchers have found mild and fatal cases of the new strains of the H1N1 virus around the world. In some cases, they have found the strains to be resistant to the drug Tamiflu and the generic forms of the drug. The patients already had very weak immune systems that helped the virus become resistant.
Genetic mutations of the swine flu could possibly reek havoc on the world populations. It’s already a very strong strain of the virus and is taking many lives. If the H1N1 virus became resistant to drugs used to cure it, the death rates would instantly climb. I think researchers need to do all they can to make sure the virus doesn’t mutate to a dangerous point. Right now they are isolated cases, but it could get out of control really fast and there could be nothing we could do about it.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34145792/ns/health-cold_and_flu/
Sri Lanka 'to free Tamil refugees'
Sarah Creech
11/27/09
2:45
I did a current event on the Sri Lanka refugee camps at the beginning of the semester, I took the stand that the people in the camps should no longer be held against their will and they should be free to go home to their families. Now almost 3 months later, I have found an article that informs me that my hope will now be a reality. This article states that the Tamil war refugees will be freed by December 1st. There are about 136,000 currently in camps and they will all be allowed to go home. Camps are supposed to be completely closed by January 31st of 2010. The refugee camps are a by-product of the 25 year war that raged in Sri Lanka. The war ended in May, but the hardships for the Tamil Tigers did not. They were forced into the refuge camps against their will. Now almost 7 months since the end of the war, they will finally be released.
I am very happy to read this news. I did not think it was fair to hold these people against their will. I understand that the government was just trying to take the necessary precautions but the majority of the people they were holding were not a threat. The article states that many rights groups believe that holding these people is a “collective form of punishment for the ethnic group.” I agree with this. I think the government was trying to make a show of the rebels by giving a “this is what happens if you mess with us” kind of message. I do not think that this is a fair way to treat people and I am so glad that they will finally be set free.
Jump in number of global swine flu deaths
Alexa Williams
11/27/09
11:46AM
This article was about a massive jump in deaths due to the H1N1 virus. In the last week, the number of deaths jumped to over 1000. These figures come from the World Health Organization. There are 7,862 known deaths of the virus so far globally since it came out of Mexico in April. In Europe there was an 85% increase in the last week. There death toll jumped from 350 to 650 in one week. Even though the death rate from the virus is rising, the majority of cases are still minor flu like symptoms. The biggest death rate rising so far was in America with 554 cases in a week.
This is slightly surprising to me given that I haven’t heard of or known anyone who has died from this virus, but have however, known over ten people who have been diagnosed with it. Apparently the virus is gaining strength and other mutated strains in places like China, Japan, Norway, Ukraine, and the US. I still believe there is a bit of an overreaction to this virus from the media in attempt to scare us into getting flu shots which were pushed through so quickly that a lot of people are saying the symptoms of the shot are worse than the flu. However, it is scary to think that the death toll has risen so dramatically in the last week.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8383471.stm
11/27/09
11:46AM
This article was about a massive jump in deaths due to the H1N1 virus. In the last week, the number of deaths jumped to over 1000. These figures come from the World Health Organization. There are 7,862 known deaths of the virus so far globally since it came out of Mexico in April. In Europe there was an 85% increase in the last week. There death toll jumped from 350 to 650 in one week. Even though the death rate from the virus is rising, the majority of cases are still minor flu like symptoms. The biggest death rate rising so far was in America with 554 cases in a week.
This is slightly surprising to me given that I haven’t heard of or known anyone who has died from this virus, but have however, known over ten people who have been diagnosed with it. Apparently the virus is gaining strength and other mutated strains in places like China, Japan, Norway, Ukraine, and the US. I still believe there is a bit of an overreaction to this virus from the media in attempt to scare us into getting flu shots which were pushed through so quickly that a lot of people are saying the symptoms of the shot are worse than the flu. However, it is scary to think that the death toll has risen so dramatically in the last week.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8383471.stm
Shaniya Davis Found Dead; Mother Turned Little Girl Into Sex Slave, Say Police
Alesia Mason
Shaniya Davis Found Dead; Mother Turned Little Girl Into Sex Slave, Say Police
This story is about Shaniya Davies the young girl whose own mom sold her into prostitution because she had a drug debt. Shaniya was then raped and killed while her mom reported her missing. Shaniya was five and had been with her father but rather than take his daughter with him, he allowed her to stay with her mother for the short span of time he would be gone. He returned home to find his daughter missing and then, to find out she’d been sold and that she’d been sold and killed. Her funeral was this week and was paid for by Shaquille O’Neal because this story touched his heart.
To me, I think this story relates to the global problem of human trafficking and the fact that kids are the most likely to be trafficked. It’s horrible that this young girl was sold by her own mother for a drug debt and raped. It’s sad that people don’t seem to notice that this girl was sold and killed just over drugs. Personally, when this girl was missing, I saw more animal abuse commercials than people looking for her. I mean really, what is the point of this girl being killed over nothing? This family has lost a little angel for drugs and many didn’t even know. It hurts my heart to know that this is going on in the world all over and yet, nothing is done. Is there really a need to advertise for animals when young kids are being killed or raped for money?
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/16/crimesider/entry5671683.shtml
Shaniya Davis Found Dead; Mother Turned Little Girl Into Sex Slave, Say Police
This story is about Shaniya Davies the young girl whose own mom sold her into prostitution because she had a drug debt. Shaniya was then raped and killed while her mom reported her missing. Shaniya was five and had been with her father but rather than take his daughter with him, he allowed her to stay with her mother for the short span of time he would be gone. He returned home to find his daughter missing and then, to find out she’d been sold and that she’d been sold and killed. Her funeral was this week and was paid for by Shaquille O’Neal because this story touched his heart.
To me, I think this story relates to the global problem of human trafficking and the fact that kids are the most likely to be trafficked. It’s horrible that this young girl was sold by her own mother for a drug debt and raped. It’s sad that people don’t seem to notice that this girl was sold and killed just over drugs. Personally, when this girl was missing, I saw more animal abuse commercials than people looking for her. I mean really, what is the point of this girl being killed over nothing? This family has lost a little angel for drugs and many didn’t even know. It hurts my heart to know that this is going on in the world all over and yet, nothing is done. Is there really a need to advertise for animals when young kids are being killed or raped for money?
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/16/crimesider/entry5671683.shtml
Father charged over German teen's shooting spree
GENNA SHERWOOD
1:03 p.m.
11/27/09
Today in Stuttgart, Germany, the father of a teen boy who killed 15 people has recieved criminal charges. The 17 year old boy named, Tim Kretschmer, killed nine students and three teachers at his former high school in the German town of Winnenden. He later killed three others elsewhere. His father is being charged with 15 counts of of negligent manslaughter. His father is being charged because the boy used his fathers 9mm Beretta pistol that he kept unsecured in his bedroom. Kretschmer later killed himself during an exchange of gunfire with the police.
When I first saw this article I was suprised to see that the father was charged. As I read on I discovered the reason why he was charged is actually a good reason. The father should have never left his gun out in the open for his son to see or to even be around. Especially if he showed the boy how it worked. I think if parents have a gun in thier house they shouldn't let thier children know because this seems to keep happening...the children find the gun when they are depressed and take it out on innocent others. This has happened so many times in the past.
AP Moblie News
1:03 p.m.
11/27/09
Today in Stuttgart, Germany, the father of a teen boy who killed 15 people has recieved criminal charges. The 17 year old boy named, Tim Kretschmer, killed nine students and three teachers at his former high school in the German town of Winnenden. He later killed three others elsewhere. His father is being charged with 15 counts of of negligent manslaughter. His father is being charged because the boy used his fathers 9mm Beretta pistol that he kept unsecured in his bedroom. Kretschmer later killed himself during an exchange of gunfire with the police.
When I first saw this article I was suprised to see that the father was charged. As I read on I discovered the reason why he was charged is actually a good reason. The father should have never left his gun out in the open for his son to see or to even be around. Especially if he showed the boy how it worked. I think if parents have a gun in thier house they shouldn't let thier children know because this seems to keep happening...the children find the gun when they are depressed and take it out on innocent others. This has happened so many times in the past.
AP Moblie News
Parents urged to vaccinate children
Ana Cole
11/27/2009
11:13am
Blog #13
Summary
In Ireland, parents with children under the age of five are urged by the HSE to receive the swine flu vaccine. The national director population health with the HSE stated that children who have not been vaccinated are at a high risk of getting swine flu. Also children who are under the age of five are in the high priority group. There is a high concern that the sufficient number of the group are not getting vaccinated. The people at the HSE have sent almost 150,000 letters to around half of the parents with children under the age of five. So far only twenty five percent have responded to the letter. There are several parents who have not received the letters but they will in the coming weeks. Across the country so far a minimum of 240,000 people have received the swine flu vaccine.
Reaction
I am glad to see that the HSE have urged the parents of children under the age of five to receive the swine flu vaccination. I am also glad to see that they have sent out almost 150,000 letters these parents. The article also stated that vaccinations are beginning to take place in primary and secondary school and is expected to take two months to complete. This is glad that are allowing these students to get the vaccination for swine flu. On the other hand I am worried because of the high priority group which are the children of are under the age of five. It seems to me that the swine flu is affecting them the worse. Hopefully since the HSE has urged the parents who have children under the age of five to get vaccinated this may help protect them from contracting the swine flu virus.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1126/breaking108_pf.html
11/27/2009
11:13am
Blog #13
Summary
In Ireland, parents with children under the age of five are urged by the HSE to receive the swine flu vaccine. The national director population health with the HSE stated that children who have not been vaccinated are at a high risk of getting swine flu. Also children who are under the age of five are in the high priority group. There is a high concern that the sufficient number of the group are not getting vaccinated. The people at the HSE have sent almost 150,000 letters to around half of the parents with children under the age of five. So far only twenty five percent have responded to the letter. There are several parents who have not received the letters but they will in the coming weeks. Across the country so far a minimum of 240,000 people have received the swine flu vaccine.
Reaction
I am glad to see that the HSE have urged the parents of children under the age of five to receive the swine flu vaccination. I am also glad to see that they have sent out almost 150,000 letters these parents. The article also stated that vaccinations are beginning to take place in primary and secondary school and is expected to take two months to complete. This is glad that are allowing these students to get the vaccination for swine flu. On the other hand I am worried because of the high priority group which are the children of are under the age of five. It seems to me that the swine flu is affecting them the worse. Hopefully since the HSE has urged the parents who have children under the age of five to get vaccinated this may help protect them from contracting the swine flu virus.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1126/breaking108_pf.html
House Health Care Throws Women's Rights Out the Window
Nov. 27, 2009
10: 15 am
SOC 202
On November 7, ‘Pro-Chioce’ Democrats vote against reproductive rights and the House of Representatives passed the Stupak-Pitts amendment which contains language that effectively bars access to safe abortions for working-class women except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. The amendment prohibits the use of any federal funds toward a health care plan that covers abortion. If Stupak-Pitts becomes part of a final health care bill signed into law, it will make access to safe abortions an exclusive privilege of the wealthier sectors of society. This represents a great attack on the gains of the women’s right movement and the historic 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court ruling. The health care reform debate and the passage of the Stupak-Pitts amendment makes it clear that the Democrats will promptly sell out women’s rights to push through their corporate health care reform.
History has shown that many women faced with an unwanted pregnancy will resort to life-threatening procedures if a safe, legal and affordable alternative is not available. Should this amendment be submitted in law, millions of poor and working women who have no coverage will be legally required to purchase health insurance that does not cover their needs and effectively prohibits their right to choose. I believe that the Stupak-Pitts amendment is an attack on the rights of women to control their own bodies, but it is also a massive assault on the poor and oppressed communities in the country. As a result, the working class has even less access to birth control, putting poor communities at greater risk for unwanted pregnancies and, in many cases, dangerous abortions.
http://www.pslweb.org/site/News2/368178325?page=NewsArticle&id=13279&news_iv_ctrl=1261
Rwanda’s human rights failings exposed in Commonwealth bid
Jarrod Rudd
Nov. 27, 2009
8:50am
In 2007 Rwanda applied to be a part of the Commonwealth. They were previously a Belgium colony and only recently switched from being French to English-speaking. Now a lot of people don’t know how to feel about the prospect of them joining. They say that the move will damage the union’s reputation for upholding human rights and the rule of law. Rwanda says that they have improved their genocide situation and it wouldn’t be a problem anymore if they were to join. The government is skeptical because of reports and statements made by Human Rights Watch which claims censorship regarding genocide, including harassing independent media outlets and journalist, as well as curtailing freedom of speech, undermining democratic rights and repeatedly making repeated incursions into the Democratic Republic Congo during the last 15 years.
This is strange but kind of good I think. I don’t know if Rwanda is trying to improve or what but it seems that if they join this union then they are willing to try and end the genocide that occurs there. The government does have a point to question the intentions of why they want to join though, considering the fact of the history. I don’t necessarily think the move will damage anything, I just think that it was cause both parties to do a little work to have everything go smoothly. Over all though this article was very informing to some of the problems people are still having and gives good explanations to them.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/security_briefings/231109
Nov. 27, 2009
8:50am
In 2007 Rwanda applied to be a part of the Commonwealth. They were previously a Belgium colony and only recently switched from being French to English-speaking. Now a lot of people don’t know how to feel about the prospect of them joining. They say that the move will damage the union’s reputation for upholding human rights and the rule of law. Rwanda says that they have improved their genocide situation and it wouldn’t be a problem anymore if they were to join. The government is skeptical because of reports and statements made by Human Rights Watch which claims censorship regarding genocide, including harassing independent media outlets and journalist, as well as curtailing freedom of speech, undermining democratic rights and repeatedly making repeated incursions into the Democratic Republic Congo during the last 15 years.
This is strange but kind of good I think. I don’t know if Rwanda is trying to improve or what but it seems that if they join this union then they are willing to try and end the genocide that occurs there. The government does have a point to question the intentions of why they want to join though, considering the fact of the history. I don’t necessarily think the move will damage anything, I just think that it was cause both parties to do a little work to have everything go smoothly. Over all though this article was very informing to some of the problems people are still having and gives good explanations to them.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/security_briefings/231109
Rise in pneumonia cases due to H1N1
In China, health officials are discovering that the bacteria that is found in pneumonia cases are rising along with instances of the disease H1N1 more commonly known as swine flu. Another threat is that the cases of seasonal flu are at high levels because of the new flu virus. Dr Anne Schuchat who is the head of the U.S. National center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there is a serious increase of pneumococcal infections this year around the country. A flu infection thins the lining of the respiratory tract, making the lungs more vulnerable to bacteria that can cause pneumonia. CDC officials in America are urging high-risk adults to obtain vaccinations against both pneumonia and H1N1.
I believe that this is a dangerous discovery. In the article, during a regular flu season most serious cases of flu and flu related pneumonia mainly occur in people 65 or older, now people are more vulnerable to H1N1 because the virus is unlike any other flu their bodies have come in contact with. There have been some side effects though it counts for a very small percentage of those receiving the vaccine. Now people are talking about the risks of getting the vaccine because of the rare neurologival illness caleed Guillain Barre syndrome.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/26/content_12549867.htm
I believe that this is a dangerous discovery. In the article, during a regular flu season most serious cases of flu and flu related pneumonia mainly occur in people 65 or older, now people are more vulnerable to H1N1 because the virus is unlike any other flu their bodies have come in contact with. There have been some side effects though it counts for a very small percentage of those receiving the vaccine. Now people are talking about the risks of getting the vaccine because of the rare neurologival illness caleed Guillain Barre syndrome.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/26/content_12549867.htm
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Flying Vs. Driving
For long trips many people chose flying than following the double yellow line all the way to their destination. Driving releases fewer fossil fuels than flying. The article states that if you were to drive from Philadelphia to Boston a car would emit around 104 kilograms of CO2. If a person were to fly the CO2 emission would be about 184 kilograms per passenger. These numbers grow with farther miles traveled however, driving is always less than flying.
This article makes sense when you're basing it off of person to person ratios. However, driving cross country isn't always the most fuel efficient decision. I agree that is better to car pool than to ride single rider and to try and drive places that are close together than to fly. However, sometimes flying is the better rout to take.
This article makes sense when you're basing it off of person to person ratios. However, driving cross country isn't always the most fuel efficient decision. I agree that is better to car pool than to ride single rider and to try and drive places that are close together than to fly. However, sometimes flying is the better rout to take.
China executes two over tainted milk powder scandal
Jasmine Anderson
11.26.09
12:42am
About a year ago in China a dairy company by the name of Sanlu Group was found to be selling tainted milk. And yesterday, two people were executed for this scandal. The tainted milk contained melamine, a chemical used to make fertilizers and plastic. When this chemical is placed in food it makes a higher protein content, but it can cause kidney failure and disease. This tainted milk caused the death of six children, and made more than 300,000 sick. The two men by the names of Zhang Yujun and Geng Jinping are the only two who have been executed, while nineteen others have been convicted and are serving prison terms. The company’s former chairwoman was sentenced to life in prison. These two men were responsible for supplying the Sanlu Group with the tainted milk. It was said that the Sanlu Group knew they were selling this toxic milk, which is why the chairwomen received life in prison. Another incident like this happened fourteen years ago and left thirteen children dead. The many companies involved in the milk scandal were ordered to pay back millions of dollars to the families affected. Some blame the food inspections for this scandal, since the milk wasn’t properly checked. Either way, tons of milk has gone on recall and the Sanlu Group shut down because it went bankrupt.
I wonder what the reasoning was behind this whole scandal in the first place. I think everyone is to blame; the food inspectors and the people who actually tainted the milk. Obviously the food inspectors were doing their job, or this could’ve been prevented if the milk was tested properly. The people who tainted the milk were completely wrong for their actions, plus you’re killing innocent babies. The fact that the chairwomen got a life sentence says a lot too, that China doesn’t care about your status…you will be prosecuted, which is a good thing. The companies responsible for selling the tainted milk had to give money to the families involved. Sure that’s a nice gesture, but money isn’t going to bring their child back. This scandal affected so many children and families, it’s ridiculous…money definitely won’t fix the problems it created.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8375638.stm
11.26.09
12:42am
About a year ago in China a dairy company by the name of Sanlu Group was found to be selling tainted milk. And yesterday, two people were executed for this scandal. The tainted milk contained melamine, a chemical used to make fertilizers and plastic. When this chemical is placed in food it makes a higher protein content, but it can cause kidney failure and disease. This tainted milk caused the death of six children, and made more than 300,000 sick. The two men by the names of Zhang Yujun and Geng Jinping are the only two who have been executed, while nineteen others have been convicted and are serving prison terms. The company’s former chairwoman was sentenced to life in prison. These two men were responsible for supplying the Sanlu Group with the tainted milk. It was said that the Sanlu Group knew they were selling this toxic milk, which is why the chairwomen received life in prison. Another incident like this happened fourteen years ago and left thirteen children dead. The many companies involved in the milk scandal were ordered to pay back millions of dollars to the families affected. Some blame the food inspections for this scandal, since the milk wasn’t properly checked. Either way, tons of milk has gone on recall and the Sanlu Group shut down because it went bankrupt.
I wonder what the reasoning was behind this whole scandal in the first place. I think everyone is to blame; the food inspectors and the people who actually tainted the milk. Obviously the food inspectors were doing their job, or this could’ve been prevented if the milk was tested properly. The people who tainted the milk were completely wrong for their actions, plus you’re killing innocent babies. The fact that the chairwomen got a life sentence says a lot too, that China doesn’t care about your status…you will be prosecuted, which is a good thing. The companies responsible for selling the tainted milk had to give money to the families involved. Sure that’s a nice gesture, but money isn’t going to bring their child back. This scandal affected so many children and families, it’s ridiculous…money definitely won’t fix the problems it created.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8375638.stm
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Paper Thin Batteries Made from Algae
Chelsea Jobe
November 24th, 2009
11:48pm
This article is basically an advancement of the previous article that I wrote about algae as a source for energy. There is a newboidegradable battery made from cellulose the stuff paper is made with. This new technology will be very useful as it ios very lightweight, thin, flexible and most important inexpensive and environmentally freindly. These are also non-metal parts that will be biodegradable. No more batteries in the trash causing problems and not decomposing. Another promising material for these new batteries are conducting polymers that can have an electric curent run through them. Until recent technology was invented these ideas woulod not be possible because the charge of the battery would fade over time. A green algae named Cladophora makes this now possible to have these ideas come to life. The algae is actually not even a plant that people like or is in shortage so we have a lot of it to work with too, and it's easy and fast to grow.
Inventions like this make me wonder what klind of world we can be living in within the next ten to twenty years. This advancement will make many technological ideas possible. This will also make them cheaper and easier to obtain. I'm also sure that in short time we will be able to find a way to have batteries that will outlast our life time. That would be amazing. The fact that this invention is cheap and easy to make is incredible and will do much for the even greater advancement of technology.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34149776/ns/technology_and_science-future_of_energy/
November 24th, 2009
11:48pm
This article is basically an advancement of the previous article that I wrote about algae as a source for energy. There is a newboidegradable battery made from cellulose the stuff paper is made with. This new technology will be very useful as it ios very lightweight, thin, flexible and most important inexpensive and environmentally freindly. These are also non-metal parts that will be biodegradable. No more batteries in the trash causing problems and not decomposing. Another promising material for these new batteries are conducting polymers that can have an electric curent run through them. Until recent technology was invented these ideas woulod not be possible because the charge of the battery would fade over time. A green algae named Cladophora makes this now possible to have these ideas come to life. The algae is actually not even a plant that people like or is in shortage so we have a lot of it to work with too, and it's easy and fast to grow.
Inventions like this make me wonder what klind of world we can be living in within the next ten to twenty years. This advancement will make many technological ideas possible. This will also make them cheaper and easier to obtain. I'm also sure that in short time we will be able to find a way to have batteries that will outlast our life time. That would be amazing. The fact that this invention is cheap and easy to make is incredible and will do much for the even greater advancement of technology.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34149776/ns/technology_and_science-future_of_energy/
Seven Global Warming Misconceptions
Chelsea Jobe
November 25th, 2009
9:01 pm
Many beliefs about human impact on global warming are still not correct. There were 26 word class climatologists that did a recent study and wrote a full report that can be found in a link on the sites page. One question that is posed for example is: Is the atmosphere already filled up -- saturated -- with enough CO2 so that any more won't add much warming? The report answers with the fact that adding more CO2 will just keep warming the Earth in the future and sooner rather than later the Earths atmosphere could warm way beyond what people are prepared for. They also supply the evidence that global temperatures are not starting to stop rising and have not yet been impacted by human efforts to stop the rising temperatures.
I'm really glad that these climatologists got together and answered some questions that people should know about the recent discoveries about global climate change and it's effect in the near future. People aren't prepared for what's going to happen and people need to start being more aware about what is going on. I'm glad people have the opportunity to read a report like this and get to know their environment and the consequences of their actions. The fact that our environment is changing faster than we anticipated is very important and people need to be aware how of fast our actions are able to have direct results in making our climate change impossible. I urge you all to read this article.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GlobalWarming/global-warming-common-misconceptions/story?id=9159877
November 25th, 2009
9:01 pm
Many beliefs about human impact on global warming are still not correct. There were 26 word class climatologists that did a recent study and wrote a full report that can be found in a link on the sites page. One question that is posed for example is: Is the atmosphere already filled up -- saturated -- with enough CO2 so that any more won't add much warming? The report answers with the fact that adding more CO2 will just keep warming the Earth in the future and sooner rather than later the Earths atmosphere could warm way beyond what people are prepared for. They also supply the evidence that global temperatures are not starting to stop rising and have not yet been impacted by human efforts to stop the rising temperatures.
I'm really glad that these climatologists got together and answered some questions that people should know about the recent discoveries about global climate change and it's effect in the near future. People aren't prepared for what's going to happen and people need to start being more aware about what is going on. I'm glad people have the opportunity to read a report like this and get to know their environment and the consequences of their actions. The fact that our environment is changing faster than we anticipated is very important and people need to be aware how of fast our actions are able to have direct results in making our climate change impossible. I urge you all to read this article.
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GlobalWarming/global-warming-common-misconceptions/story?id=9159877
End violence against women
Leah Forchheimer
11-25-09
4:58
This article gives many statistics about the well being of women. The article states that one in three women in the world with be raped, beaten, sexually coerced, trafficked, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. The article goes on to state the amount of women that have been raped in different parts of the world. The reader learns about a mother of six children named Chantal from South Kivu and is only twenty eight years old. Chantal was gang raped by nine soldiers loyal to a General overseeing the area she was residing in. The mother of six feels as though there is no point in turning in these men who raped her because they seem to be protected by the government system. The next situation the reader learns about is of Mariam from Sudan. Mariam was raped by the Janjaweed militia when she was only eighteen years old. Mariam wants to turn in the Janjaweed militia men who raped her, but in order to do that, she has to have at least four male witnesses to testify for her. Finally the reader learns about a woman named Eva who is a history teacher in Europe. She is thirty eight years old and has a husband and children of her own. Eva will go around her house and pour out any type of alcohol in order to prevent her husband from getting drunk and beating their children.
I feel like there are too many situations like the ones I read about in the article. Chantal from South Kivu cannot turn in the men who raped her because they are being protected by the government. Mariam from Sudan cannot prosecute the Janjaweed militia of rape because she does not have four male witnesses. How are these women supposed to protect themselves if they are not given the opportunity to receive help? In order for Eva, the history teacher from Europe, to not be beaten up by her husband, she has to go around her house and dump out alcohol. Women need to be able to feel safe in their own homes, and that is not the case in these situations.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
There IS a Solution!
Samantha Levine
11/27/09
Current Event Thirteen
As I have stated throughout my last twelve posts education is important, but in order to have a great education system there has to be enough room for the students to learn and for the teachers to teach. Not only have faculty and staff recognized the issue of school buildings being too small, but students and parents have as well. There have been ongoing battles in Ireland on building larger schools and adding onto existing schools. Finally something is being done to correct this issue, EBS and Irish Nationwide begin formal talks on a potential merger written on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 in Irish Times, based in London, UK, by Simon Carswell, a finance correspondent.
This article explains how the Educational Building Society (EBS) and Irish Nationwide, two of the country’s main building societies have come together to discuss a potential merger which would grant more space for schools. Fergus Murphy, EBS chief executive and Gerry McGinn, Irish Nationwide granted opened discussion after Danny Kitchen, Irish Nationwide chairman wrote to the acting chairman of EBS, Phillip Williamson which regarded how to proceed. Although there has been open discussion on how to proceed with the merger, the societies are concerned with the treatment towards the building society and staff in the merger. The reason for the uprising concerns are because EBS will be the larger party after the transfer from Nama.
Although there are some concerns, “Mr. Murphy has said agreement could be reached between EBS and Irish Nationwide by Christmas, and a merger completed before the last loans are scheduled to be moved to Nama by the middle of 2010.”
I think this is great because there is finally a solution in progress
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2009/1125/1224259395149.html
11/27/09
Current Event Thirteen
As I have stated throughout my last twelve posts education is important, but in order to have a great education system there has to be enough room for the students to learn and for the teachers to teach. Not only have faculty and staff recognized the issue of school buildings being too small, but students and parents have as well. There have been ongoing battles in Ireland on building larger schools and adding onto existing schools. Finally something is being done to correct this issue, EBS and Irish Nationwide begin formal talks on a potential merger written on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 in Irish Times, based in London, UK, by Simon Carswell, a finance correspondent.
This article explains how the Educational Building Society (EBS) and Irish Nationwide, two of the country’s main building societies have come together to discuss a potential merger which would grant more space for schools. Fergus Murphy, EBS chief executive and Gerry McGinn, Irish Nationwide granted opened discussion after Danny Kitchen, Irish Nationwide chairman wrote to the acting chairman of EBS, Phillip Williamson which regarded how to proceed. Although there has been open discussion on how to proceed with the merger, the societies are concerned with the treatment towards the building society and staff in the merger. The reason for the uprising concerns are because EBS will be the larger party after the transfer from Nama.
Although there are some concerns, “Mr. Murphy has said agreement could be reached between EBS and Irish Nationwide by Christmas, and a merger completed before the last loans are scheduled to be moved to Nama by the middle of 2010.”
I think this is great because there is finally a solution in progress
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2009/1125/1224259395149.html
Tajikistan fails to curb abuse of women: Amnesty
Aisha Crawford
November 24, 2009
4:38 PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5AN01820091124
In the central Asian country Tajikistan, it is estimated that one-third to a half of Tajik women have been regularly subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence at the hands of their husbands or in-laws. They are also subject to very limited employment opportunities. They are treated as servants and property of their families. Amnesty said many girls were being denied the opportunity to receive proper education, dropping out of school early to enter marriages, often polygamous or unregistered. Through all of this violence and degredation towards women, the government has done little to support them. Amnesty International said that the government is failing to protect these women from violence and abuse. Tajikistan is a repressed government however it is much better than some of the surrounding nations. So this women rights issue has been on the chopping board lately. Hopefully under enough spotlight these women can finally have some protection.
Once again across the world women are being mistreated and belittled. Not only do these women need protection from the government, but they need to be supported by their own families. How will it ever stop if the people that are abusing them are never punished. these women are people just like the families, so how can any in-law ever justify beating a wife? it is simply unjust. I doubt that this issue will boil over quickly because it does not seem to be a main priority of the government anyway. They are going to keep going on as they are now and women are never going to be protected. We need to stand up and give them heat because this is not right. We are all the same so why cant the law protect us the same? We are all the same so why are some treated less that others just because of their sex? This is just not right and hopefully one day women will not have to suffer as much as they are now, I highly doubt it though. I am really glad to be an American!
November 24, 2009
4:38 PM
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5AN01820091124
In the central Asian country Tajikistan, it is estimated that one-third to a half of Tajik women have been regularly subjected to physical, psychological or sexual violence at the hands of their husbands or in-laws. They are also subject to very limited employment opportunities. They are treated as servants and property of their families. Amnesty said many girls were being denied the opportunity to receive proper education, dropping out of school early to enter marriages, often polygamous or unregistered. Through all of this violence and degredation towards women, the government has done little to support them. Amnesty International said that the government is failing to protect these women from violence and abuse. Tajikistan is a repressed government however it is much better than some of the surrounding nations. So this women rights issue has been on the chopping board lately. Hopefully under enough spotlight these women can finally have some protection.
Once again across the world women are being mistreated and belittled. Not only do these women need protection from the government, but they need to be supported by their own families. How will it ever stop if the people that are abusing them are never punished. these women are people just like the families, so how can any in-law ever justify beating a wife? it is simply unjust. I doubt that this issue will boil over quickly because it does not seem to be a main priority of the government anyway. They are going to keep going on as they are now and women are never going to be protected. We need to stand up and give them heat because this is not right. We are all the same so why cant the law protect us the same? We are all the same so why are some treated less that others just because of their sex? This is just not right and hopefully one day women will not have to suffer as much as they are now, I highly doubt it though. I am really glad to be an American!
Cote d’Ivoire / Migration Profile Shows a Country Losing its Migrants
Jordan R. Gomillion
SOC 202 Blog #13
11/24/2009 3:00 PM
A migration profile produced by the IOM, provides an analysis and overview of migration trends through and to Cote d’Ivoire. Immigrants make up about 12.3percent of the population there. That figure, however, is expected to drop to 11.2 percent by the end of the year. This is happening because many of the migrants left in 2002 (political conflict), are returning to find the country has worse living conditions and of course and economy that’s isn’t in good shape. Slightly half of the population is living below the poverty line. Also, almost half of Ivorian emigrants had a poor level of education. Although the country is expected to face increased emigrant flow, it doesn’t have a system to manage departures or returns. Cooperation is needed in migration management.
I had no idea that the Ivory Coast was that poor, as far as people living under the poverty threshold and the low education levels. But this economic crisis is no joke, it’s increasing the gap between the poor and the wealthy. The fact that people are returning only to leave once they see the condition of the country makes it worse. Migration is an ever-growing trend, countries that keep up are going to get left behind, population decreases, stratification, etc. This issue will not get corrected until whatever political turmoil they went through back in 2002 gets handled. Because of that incident(s), it has left the country depleted of hope and starving for some sort of salvation.
http://appablog.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/cote-divoire-migration-profile-shows-a-country-losing-its-migrants/
SOC 202 Blog #13
11/24/2009 3:00 PM
A migration profile produced by the IOM, provides an analysis and overview of migration trends through and to Cote d’Ivoire. Immigrants make up about 12.3percent of the population there. That figure, however, is expected to drop to 11.2 percent by the end of the year. This is happening because many of the migrants left in 2002 (political conflict), are returning to find the country has worse living conditions and of course and economy that’s isn’t in good shape. Slightly half of the population is living below the poverty line. Also, almost half of Ivorian emigrants had a poor level of education. Although the country is expected to face increased emigrant flow, it doesn’t have a system to manage departures or returns. Cooperation is needed in migration management.
I had no idea that the Ivory Coast was that poor, as far as people living under the poverty threshold and the low education levels. But this economic crisis is no joke, it’s increasing the gap between the poor and the wealthy. The fact that people are returning only to leave once they see the condition of the country makes it worse. Migration is an ever-growing trend, countries that keep up are going to get left behind, population decreases, stratification, etc. This issue will not get corrected until whatever political turmoil they went through back in 2002 gets handled. Because of that incident(s), it has left the country depleted of hope and starving for some sort of salvation.
http://appablog.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/cote-divoire-migration-profile-shows-a-country-losing-its-migrants/
Death toll rises in Philippines massacre
Catherine Maynard
30 November 2009
.:Summary:.
Tuesday, November 24, Search teams found 24 more bodies in shallow graves bringing the total to 46 in the recent massacre in the Philippines. The Philippine government declared s state of emergency in the southern regions of the nation following the shooting on Monday, which has been called the worst pre-election violence in Filipino history. The Military has been deployed to the southern regions to attempt to prevent more violence. The kidnapped group included a candidate for governor’s wife and sister, as well as many reporters. Ruthlessly kidnapped, tortured and murdered by an extreme loyalist group. Witnesses blame a local warlord, Ampatuan, who controlled the area for the past decade. Ampatuan controls private army of nearly 500 men, and the suspected group that carried out the attack were loyalists to him.
.:Reaction:.
I think that this radical attack was highly unnecessary, as with all terrorist attacks. I cannot fathom how anything of this nature could be justified in the attacker’s or anyone else’s mind. I feel great remorse for the people whom were brutally murdered and their family’s. The Philippine government is doing a great job I believe in doing their best to prevent future events within this election period and to protect the other innocents of the area, even though as proven over time it is quite difficult to do so because terrorists plan for this heightened security.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/24/philippines.emergency.hostages/index.html
Africa: Poor Education Blamed for Continent 's Poverty
Katie Scott
November 24, 2009
11:20 AM
This article talks about how the leading cause for the poverty in Africa has been penned down as being the lask of education that its members receive. The African Academy of Science Director, Thomas Edwang, recently spoke about this during an inagauration workshop. He faulted the education systems for not being efficient in fostering innovation among students. He claims that the African education system is producing job seekers and not job creators, which leads to then languishing in poverty. He says that the scientists need to figure out the reason behind this and they are now creating conventions to plan the action that needs to be taken to change this.
I think that this article goes along with the articles that I have followed about education all semester. The main premise that lies behind all of the inequalities and poverty of societies seem to be education, or the lack thereof. I think that it is good that people like Thomas Edwang are figuring out that this is the cause and trying to stir some action to do something about this poorly set up system of education that they have in Africa. There are many more areas around the globe that have poor systems of education which lead to poverty in the country. Maybe they will soon pick up on the trend and try to better their education systems as well.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200808190698.html
November 24, 2009
11:20 AM
This article talks about how the leading cause for the poverty in Africa has been penned down as being the lask of education that its members receive. The African Academy of Science Director, Thomas Edwang, recently spoke about this during an inagauration workshop. He faulted the education systems for not being efficient in fostering innovation among students. He claims that the African education system is producing job seekers and not job creators, which leads to then languishing in poverty. He says that the scientists need to figure out the reason behind this and they are now creating conventions to plan the action that needs to be taken to change this.
I think that this article goes along with the articles that I have followed about education all semester. The main premise that lies behind all of the inequalities and poverty of societies seem to be education, or the lack thereof. I think that it is good that people like Thomas Edwang are figuring out that this is the cause and trying to stir some action to do something about this poorly set up system of education that they have in Africa. There are many more areas around the globe that have poor systems of education which lead to poverty in the country. Maybe they will soon pick up on the trend and try to better their education systems as well.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200808190698.html
Glimpsing a Greener Future: Computer Model Foresees Effects of Alternative Transportation Fuels
Deidra Campbell
11/24/2009
9:35a
The year 2060 has arrived and 75% of drivers in the LA area have opted to drive vehicles that have hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that release only water vapor. A computer model named "STREET" has been built that sees into the future. The future benefits of alternative transportation fuels, and with its findings reveals that air quality has significantly improved. By the year 2060 greenhouse gases would have decreased by 60% than current rates and microscopic soot and ozone are lower by 15% and 10% respectively. This transition towards new technology is the first peer reviewed test of a computer model trying to integrate alternative fuels into the transportation system. There still raise the questions of how to maintain current lifestyle and keeping the economy vital. STREET considers variables in extreme detail -- not just which fuel vehicles will use but how the fuel is made, where it comes from, how it's transported and along which routes, and where fueling stations might be located. The computer model also can determine what changes must occur to achieve a desired result
I personally believe this is one of the best articles I have read to date for my blog entries. There are many advances in technology, but any help that we as researchers and concerned citizens can adopt to combat the current issues to reduce their impact in the future is truly a blessing. This new and innovative technology will not be perfect but at least it is a step in the right direction for cleaner air.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm
11/24/2009
9:35a
The year 2060 has arrived and 75% of drivers in the LA area have opted to drive vehicles that have hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that release only water vapor. A computer model named "STREET" has been built that sees into the future. The future benefits of alternative transportation fuels, and with its findings reveals that air quality has significantly improved. By the year 2060 greenhouse gases would have decreased by 60% than current rates and microscopic soot and ozone are lower by 15% and 10% respectively. This transition towards new technology is the first peer reviewed test of a computer model trying to integrate alternative fuels into the transportation system. There still raise the questions of how to maintain current lifestyle and keeping the economy vital. STREET considers variables in extreme detail -- not just which fuel vehicles will use but how the fuel is made, where it comes from, how it's transported and along which routes, and where fueling stations might be located. The computer model also can determine what changes must occur to achieve a desired result
I personally believe this is one of the best articles I have read to date for my blog entries. There are many advances in technology, but any help that we as researchers and concerned citizens can adopt to combat the current issues to reduce their impact in the future is truly a blessing. This new and innovative technology will not be perfect but at least it is a step in the right direction for cleaner air.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116143619.htm
Drug-resistant bacteria on increase in U.S.: study
Chelsea Parris
Nov. 24 2009
3:04am
This article states that cases of a drug-resistant bacterial infection known as MRSA have risen by 90 percent since 1999, and they are increasingly being acquired outside hospitals. They found two new strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were circulating in patients and they are different from the strains normally seen in hospitals. "We found during 1999-2006 that the percentage of S. aureus infections resistant to methicillin increased more than 90 percent, or 10 percent a year, in outpatients admitted to U.S. hospitals, this increase was caused almost entirely by community-acquired MRSA strains, which increased more than 33 percent annually,” researchers said. MRSA is now entrenched in U.S. hospitals. It was also known to be circulating in the community but it was not clear whether patients were carrying the infections out of hospitals, or the other way around. It is possible to treat MRSA but doctors need to know straight away so they start patients on the correct antibiotics.
Unfortunately after reading this article I am not too surprised. There seems to be so many infections going around and new necessary precautions to take lately. I am a bit sick of it. Every day there is going to be some new bacteria or infection floating around waiting to attack you. Obviously one should take precaution, but I am not going to worry about such things. I am happy that research has become so advanced that they are quickly coming up with medicines to treat or cure these new bacteria.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5AN0N020091124
Nov. 24 2009
3:04am
This article states that cases of a drug-resistant bacterial infection known as MRSA have risen by 90 percent since 1999, and they are increasingly being acquired outside hospitals. They found two new strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were circulating in patients and they are different from the strains normally seen in hospitals. "We found during 1999-2006 that the percentage of S. aureus infections resistant to methicillin increased more than 90 percent, or 10 percent a year, in outpatients admitted to U.S. hospitals, this increase was caused almost entirely by community-acquired MRSA strains, which increased more than 33 percent annually,” researchers said. MRSA is now entrenched in U.S. hospitals. It was also known to be circulating in the community but it was not clear whether patients were carrying the infections out of hospitals, or the other way around. It is possible to treat MRSA but doctors need to know straight away so they start patients on the correct antibiotics.
Unfortunately after reading this article I am not too surprised. There seems to be so many infections going around and new necessary precautions to take lately. I am a bit sick of it. Every day there is going to be some new bacteria or infection floating around waiting to attack you. Obviously one should take precaution, but I am not going to worry about such things. I am happy that research has become so advanced that they are quickly coming up with medicines to treat or cure these new bacteria.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5AN0N020091124
Monday, November 23, 2009
Chinese Critic Of School Construction Gets 3 Years
Chandler Thomas
Soc 202 TR 12:30
11/23/2009
6:42pm
Blog #14
An earthquake that devastated Chinese school buildings took the lives of a number of children who were within the buildings at the time of the catastrophic event. This has brought about the issue of standard school construction and lack of quality school construction. This issue was brought to public light by parents of the dead school children and a rights activist named Huang Qi, 46. He helped and supported these parents during their grieving, and assisted them in pressing their grievances against their local governments. The high toll from this particular natural disaster is being partly blamed on the so-called standard school construction. Out of the 90,000 deaths 5,335 were school children. In an attempt suppress the vestige of dissent towards the shoddy school construction, Chinese officials have given Qi a 3-year jail term convicting him of illegal possession of state secrets; which is commonly used to punish people who defy the government and authorities. The public is viewing this arrest as an outrage, understandably. More than a billion dollars has been allocated to reinforce the existing schools by the central government. He was released and then re-arrested for again acting on the demands of parents who lost children.
This is ridiculous. This country's building codes killed these children because they weren't earthquake safe. This man, activist or not, supported and helped the parents get redemption for the loss of their children due to this situation. So of course the government is going to arrest and silence him immediately. They attempted to fix the situation but don't want to deal with the grieving parents, that's not right.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/world/asia/24quake.html?ref=world
Soc 202 TR 12:30
11/23/2009
6:42pm
Blog #14
An earthquake that devastated Chinese school buildings took the lives of a number of children who were within the buildings at the time of the catastrophic event. This has brought about the issue of standard school construction and lack of quality school construction. This issue was brought to public light by parents of the dead school children and a rights activist named Huang Qi, 46. He helped and supported these parents during their grieving, and assisted them in pressing their grievances against their local governments. The high toll from this particular natural disaster is being partly blamed on the so-called standard school construction. Out of the 90,000 deaths 5,335 were school children. In an attempt suppress the vestige of dissent towards the shoddy school construction, Chinese officials have given Qi a 3-year jail term convicting him of illegal possession of state secrets; which is commonly used to punish people who defy the government and authorities. The public is viewing this arrest as an outrage, understandably. More than a billion dollars has been allocated to reinforce the existing schools by the central government. He was released and then re-arrested for again acting on the demands of parents who lost children.
This is ridiculous. This country's building codes killed these children because they weren't earthquake safe. This man, activist or not, supported and helped the parents get redemption for the loss of their children due to this situation. So of course the government is going to arrest and silence him immediately. They attempted to fix the situation but don't want to deal with the grieving parents, that's not right.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/world/asia/24quake.html?ref=world
Misdiagnosed With Coma, Belgium Man Communicates After 23 Years
Chandler Thomas
Soc 202 TR 12:30
Blog #13
11/23/2009
6:30pm
A car accident left a then engineering student, Rom Houben, now 46, a quadriplegic in a deep coma. His coma was commonly referred to as a persistent vegetative state. Due to medical science his coma has been finally put to an ultimate end. Brain scanning techniques by Dr. Steven Laureys, a neurological researcher, discovered that Rom's cerebral cortex to still be active. Thus, realizing with shock that Rom was misdiagnosed and fully conscious. He has actually been conscious the entire 23 years he was believed to be comatose. With the use of technology, via computers and specially built keyboards, he is now able to communicate. He's stated that he would "scream, but there was nothing to hear". He sat and watched the doctors and nurses give up on him, no longer talking to him with the hopes of waking him up. This situation has been termed a "much-needed moment" for medical professionals, since 4 out of 10 similar situations are also misdiagnosed. It was a very big moment for Rom's doctors and nurses, much less to Rom himself.
WOW! Stories like this are terribly sad but they also are heartwarming. It's amazing that he's now awake and able to communicate. But its also sad that he suffered in silence for 23 years too. Hopefully, further advances in brain technology will lower the 4 out of 10 misdiagnosed coma rate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/world/europe/24iht-coma.html?ref=world
Soc 202 TR 12:30
Blog #13
11/23/2009
6:30pm
A car accident left a then engineering student, Rom Houben, now 46, a quadriplegic in a deep coma. His coma was commonly referred to as a persistent vegetative state. Due to medical science his coma has been finally put to an ultimate end. Brain scanning techniques by Dr. Steven Laureys, a neurological researcher, discovered that Rom's cerebral cortex to still be active. Thus, realizing with shock that Rom was misdiagnosed and fully conscious. He has actually been conscious the entire 23 years he was believed to be comatose. With the use of technology, via computers and specially built keyboards, he is now able to communicate. He's stated that he would "scream, but there was nothing to hear". He sat and watched the doctors and nurses give up on him, no longer talking to him with the hopes of waking him up. This situation has been termed a "much-needed moment" for medical professionals, since 4 out of 10 similar situations are also misdiagnosed. It was a very big moment for Rom's doctors and nurses, much less to Rom himself.
WOW! Stories like this are terribly sad but they also are heartwarming. It's amazing that he's now awake and able to communicate. But its also sad that he suffered in silence for 23 years too. Hopefully, further advances in brain technology will lower the 4 out of 10 misdiagnosed coma rate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/world/europe/24iht-coma.html?ref=world
Somali Woman Stoned for Adultery
Kelley Carter
6:23 p.m.
23 November 2009
In a recent upsurge in stonings in Somalia by the conservative Muslim group al-Shabab, another woman was stoned to death in front of a crowd of 200 people. The 20-year-old divorcee supposedly had an affair with a 29-year-old unmarried man. She recently had a baby who was still born and soon after was charged with adultery. Her sentence was to be buried up to her waist and stoned to death. Her boyfriend received 100 lashes for the offence. The group controls much of Southern Somalia where it has imposed Sharia, a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Anyone who has ever been married, whether they are divorced or not is liable to be found guilty of adultery under Sharia law. This death is at least the fourth stoning in Somalia in the last year.
This is the third or fourth story I’ve read where someone was stoned to death for adultery in Somalia. Each time more mention is made of how much al-Shabab controls in Somalia and never is there any mention of al-Shabab receiving any form of punishment. It is clear that the president, who was elected after UN brokered peace talks, does not have much power. On one hand I think al-Shabab is likely gearing up for an offence against the unstable government and should be treated like such. On the other hand, I think government oppression or mistrust will just make al-Shabab more angry and more dangerous. While the best way to prevent an armed conflict would be to allow them to practice their traditions, I cannot in good conscience say we should allow al-Shabab to practice traditions like stoning.
21 abducted, killed in 'gruesome massacre' in Philippines
Catherine Maynard
23 November 2009
.:Summary:.
In the Muslim autonomous region of Maguindanao in the Philippines, at least 21 hostages were found dead on Monday. A presidential advisor has called this event “the most gruesome massacre of civilians” in recent history. According to military officials around 100 gunmen surrounded a group of 40 people and took them hostage. The hostages were moved to a mountainous area to be held. 21 bodies were found, 13 women and 8 men, some of which were beheaded. It is believed that the women were raped and tortured before their deaths. 12 of the 21 bodies found are reported to be journalists, and 2 of the 21 were reported as the wife and sister of a man who was running to be the new governor of the region. The Filipino government has put the area under a state of emergency, upping security across the nation. It is understood that this event can be linked to the upcoming elections in the Philippines; the gunmen were loyal to Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan, who has held control of the area for the past decade. There is a history of violence in the area linked to political events, but none this shocking. The organization Reporters without Borders has been quoted as saying "This time, the frenzied violence of thugs working for corrupt politicians has resulted in an incomprehensible bloodbath."
.:Reaction:.
Yet again I am completely appalled by the actions of people. Tight knit groups with extreme loyalty to a person or ideal always seem to cause issues. Not saying that all groups are this way, but especially on the foreign fronts it seems to becoming more and more prevalent. What can we do? In my opinion, there is nothing. Like I said in reaction to my previous post, no matter what there will always be hate, and there will always be an opposing side that believes violence is the answer. I do not think that world peace will ever be obtainable. Raise security and awareness all you want; as we get smarter, so do terrorists.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/23/philippines.hostages/index.html
21 Killed as Political Rivalry turns violent
Caitlin Adams
11/23/09 6:00 pm
21 Killed as political rivalry turns violent
This article is about an attack that took place in the Philippines killing a politician’s wife along with 20 other Filipinos. The gunman apparently wanted to prevent this woman from filing her husband’s nomination to run for provincial governor. There were 21 confirmed deaths, about 30 people held hostage and it is said that there may be more bodies buried. The killings happened before troops arrived. Philippine elections tend to be violent in the south because of the presence of armed groups. These groups include Muslim rebels fighting for self-rule and political warlords who maintain private armies.
Hearing stories like this makes me feel thankful to live in America. Yes, people here have their fair share of political disagreements but it is not every day you turn on the 5 o’clock news to hear that there has been a shooting because of an election or because someone voiced their opinion. The Philippines are facing an election in May 2010 and it makes me wonder if they are planning ahead for violence. I feel that a lot of these violent acts could be taken care of if proper measures are taken before hand. For example, if they know that their elections have the tendency to be violent, than maybe plan for more security.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34105360/ns/world_news-asiapacific/
11/23/09 6:00 pm
21 Killed as political rivalry turns violent
This article is about an attack that took place in the Philippines killing a politician’s wife along with 20 other Filipinos. The gunman apparently wanted to prevent this woman from filing her husband’s nomination to run for provincial governor. There were 21 confirmed deaths, about 30 people held hostage and it is said that there may be more bodies buried. The killings happened before troops arrived. Philippine elections tend to be violent in the south because of the presence of armed groups. These groups include Muslim rebels fighting for self-rule and political warlords who maintain private armies.
Hearing stories like this makes me feel thankful to live in America. Yes, people here have their fair share of political disagreements but it is not every day you turn on the 5 o’clock news to hear that there has been a shooting because of an election or because someone voiced their opinion. The Philippines are facing an election in May 2010 and it makes me wonder if they are planning ahead for violence. I feel that a lot of these violent acts could be taken care of if proper measures are taken before hand. For example, if they know that their elections have the tendency to be violent, than maybe plan for more security.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34105360/ns/world_news-asiapacific/
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Italian Police arrest 2 linked to Mumbai attacks
On thursday in Rome Italian police arrested a father and son suspected of helping with the Mumbai terror attacks. The two spent over $200 to set up a phone network that was used to aid the militants to carry out the terror attacks last year in Mumbai, India. The two were arressted in a raid in Brescia where it was reported they ran thier money transfer agency. They allegedly stole money to pay for thier internet phone accounts, the transfer was $229 and gave militants five lines over the internet which are difficult to trace. The death toll was 166 people in the 3 day assult; by 10 militants.
It is really disturbing to hear that these people want to help assist others to kill innocent people. I think they are just as guilty as the ones doing to killing and should be locked up for just as long. I am glad they found out who they were and i hope they continue to find other involved in this case; and all other attacks.
It is really disturbing to hear that these people want to help assist others to kill innocent people. I think they are just as guilty as the ones doing to killing and should be locked up for just as long. I am glad they found out who they were and i hope they continue to find other involved in this case; and all other attacks.
Global climate change standstill
Hank Hostetler
November 22
7:30 pm
According to this article, well known scientists have reported that as a global average, climate change has been non-existent since 1999. There have been unusually high temperature rises in the arctic however, but the lower temperatures in North America and elsewhere have evened out the average in global climate change. Some scientists disagree with this finding, saying that parts of the arctic have not been accounted for in the averaging of the global climate change. Predictions for climate change show increases in a straight line, but scientists say that natural occurrences will cause the predictions to fluctuate as time passes. The article states that scientists generally agree global temperatures will rise in the long term, if not in the next decade. The stagnant global climate has raised eyebrows as many world leaders will meet in Copenhagen this December to discuss lowering greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
This article provided information on several interesting causes of global temperature fluctuations. It also seemed unbiased for the most part, giving opposing views. The biggest annoyance I have with articles about global climate change is the "facts" are always different. I do not understand why scientists cannot agree on whether the global temperature has risen or fallen on average over the last decade. There has to be one answer for this question. Sure, the argument is that some temperatures have apparently not been mixed into the global average. First, finding these temperatures should not be a problem with the weather predicting technology available today. Second, if these temperatures are known, and some scientists seem to think they know them, why are they not being mixed into the global average facts?
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,druck-662092,00.html
November 22
7:30 pm
According to this article, well known scientists have reported that as a global average, climate change has been non-existent since 1999. There have been unusually high temperature rises in the arctic however, but the lower temperatures in North America and elsewhere have evened out the average in global climate change. Some scientists disagree with this finding, saying that parts of the arctic have not been accounted for in the averaging of the global climate change. Predictions for climate change show increases in a straight line, but scientists say that natural occurrences will cause the predictions to fluctuate as time passes. The article states that scientists generally agree global temperatures will rise in the long term, if not in the next decade. The stagnant global climate has raised eyebrows as many world leaders will meet in Copenhagen this December to discuss lowering greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
This article provided information on several interesting causes of global temperature fluctuations. It also seemed unbiased for the most part, giving opposing views. The biggest annoyance I have with articles about global climate change is the "facts" are always different. I do not understand why scientists cannot agree on whether the global temperature has risen or fallen on average over the last decade. There has to be one answer for this question. Sure, the argument is that some temperatures have apparently not been mixed into the global average. First, finding these temperatures should not be a problem with the weather predicting technology available today. Second, if these temperatures are known, and some scientists seem to think they know them, why are they not being mixed into the global average facts?
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,druck-662092,00.html
Christian Leaders Take Issue With Laws
Andrew Pauley
11-22-09
4:45pm
Conservative Christian leaders unveiled a declaration Friday calling on Christians not to comply with rules and laws forcing them to accept abortion, same-sex marriage and other ideals that go against their religious doctrines. The declaration urges Christians to practice civil disobedience to defend their convictions, even though some signers of the document backed away from the strong language. The Catholic Archbishop of Washington, Donald W. Wuerl, was among the first signers of the Manhattan Declaration. He appeared at a news conference in the District on Friday to announce it, even as the Church was considering a city-proposed compromise on its same-sex marriage measure. Church officials say the bill, as it stands, would require faith groups, such as the church-run Catholic Charities, to extend benefits to married same-sex partners, an example of what the declaration's authors see as a violation of religious liberty law. The declaration notes that Christianity has taught over the centuries "that civil disobedience is not only permitted, but sometimes required." People who signed the declaration, however, were vague about how they hoped Christians would respond to it. "We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them," the declaration says. It lists the "fundamental truths" as the "sanctity of human life, the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife, and the rights of conscience and religious liberty."
If we are string believers in a faith and the country we live in allows things to happen that are in violation of our beliefs should we comply and support them? I think this question is not as complex as people make it out to be. If you believe in a faith and the country in which you live are putting laws into place that violate your doctrine, then you will just have to voice your disagreement in an appropriate manner. Just because others are accepting these things does not mean you have to. At least we still live in a country that lets us worship and practice our religion freely and does not punish us for being opposed to others beliefs.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/20/AR2009112004180.html
11-22-09
4:45pm
Conservative Christian leaders unveiled a declaration Friday calling on Christians not to comply with rules and laws forcing them to accept abortion, same-sex marriage and other ideals that go against their religious doctrines. The declaration urges Christians to practice civil disobedience to defend their convictions, even though some signers of the document backed away from the strong language. The Catholic Archbishop of Washington, Donald W. Wuerl, was among the first signers of the Manhattan Declaration. He appeared at a news conference in the District on Friday to announce it, even as the Church was considering a city-proposed compromise on its same-sex marriage measure. Church officials say the bill, as it stands, would require faith groups, such as the church-run Catholic Charities, to extend benefits to married same-sex partners, an example of what the declaration's authors see as a violation of religious liberty law. The declaration notes that Christianity has taught over the centuries "that civil disobedience is not only permitted, but sometimes required." People who signed the declaration, however, were vague about how they hoped Christians would respond to it. "We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them," the declaration says. It lists the "fundamental truths" as the "sanctity of human life, the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife, and the rights of conscience and religious liberty."
If we are string believers in a faith and the country we live in allows things to happen that are in violation of our beliefs should we comply and support them? I think this question is not as complex as people make it out to be. If you believe in a faith and the country in which you live are putting laws into place that violate your doctrine, then you will just have to voice your disagreement in an appropriate manner. Just because others are accepting these things does not mean you have to. At least we still live in a country that lets us worship and practice our religion freely and does not punish us for being opposed to others beliefs.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/20/AR2009112004180.html
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