On February 27th, 2011, the United Nations Security Council gathered and unanimously decided to refer the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court. This sent a huge message to the leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi, all of his commanders, as well as other governments in the area that their abuse of human rights will not be tolerated. The resolution made by the United Nations Security Council has put a hold on all asset in Libya and put a hold on travel for many Libyan leaders. The action of referral to the ICC was a decision made by the United Nations to bring justice to the people living in Libya but more importantly to prevent the rise of more victims. The UN General Assembly has decided that, if the Libya government does not respond to the resolution promptly, the UN will suspend Libya from the Human Rights Council.
The swift action on the United Nations Security Council could result in the same historic change that came to Egypt in its time of need. This is yet another example of people who are willing to solve a social problem and taking the action to see that the problem gets fixed. I find it amazing that this rapid change came about by the actions of one person, Hilary Clinton. Not only does this show the power of one person verses a huge social problem, but it also shows that one person can start a movement of world leaders to change human equality around the world.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/27/un-security-council-refers-libya-icc
Monday, February 28, 2011
Blog 7: Crime Holds Back World's Youth
Crime Holds Back World's Youth
Kaitlyn Toomes
March 2, 2011
2:50PM
Crime Holds Back World's Youth
The United Nations Children's Fund released a "State Of The World's Children" report on Friday, February 25, 2011. In this report UNICEF discusses the rise in youth unemployment, children kept in jail, and crime amongst youths. The report included statistics stating that "hundreds of thousands of youth are used by armed groups as solders, spies, messengers, and sex slaves." The report also discussed the outrageous amount of youth involved in conflict with the law. Another unfortunate problem found amongst the youth is the lack of job opportunities. Investing in adolescents rarely comes first "when governments set social targets." UNICEF feels that has to change because "investing in adolescents provides our best hope of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and inequality that weakens communities and countries and imperils the development and rights of countless children."
Unfortunately the problem of crime amongst youth can be seen in every country, regardless of economic status. I have to wonder first and foremost where all of these children's parents are. I realize some may be orphans and some children's parents may be struggling to survive, but where are all of the other children's parents. After all it is their responsibility to provide a home, love, and care for these children. I agree that countries need to invest in their youth, because the youth are the future; the future doctors, lawyers, rulers, and teachers. If the children are raised to be criminals then they will see this as the "social norm" and raise their children to be criminals. The first step to helping these children is providing an education. Without an education how will these children develop the skills to find and work jobs? If we can educated the youth of the world than maybe we can stop the cycle of poverty. Yes, the youth committing crimes is a social problem, but the fact that the lack of concern from parents, or the lack of resources offered from the government are some of the few the driving forces behind these hardships is an even bigger social problem; if we can stand together to help the world's adolescents than maybe we can change the world for the better. By giving these adolescents an outlet to mature in and a better opportunity structure we can prevent their desperation that leads to committing such crimes.
Source:
Grim Prospects, Crime Hold Back World's Youth: UN
Grim prospects, crime hold back world's youth: un. (2011, February 25). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ariticle/ALeqM5hD3g3Dhj49An115z9YtK22z58qMg?docId=CNG.99868blecc4e65dad00cb9c958f4949c.fl
Kaitlyn Toomes
March 2, 2011
2:50PM
Crime Holds Back World's Youth
The United Nations Children's Fund released a "State Of The World's Children" report on Friday, February 25, 2011. In this report UNICEF discusses the rise in youth unemployment, children kept in jail, and crime amongst youths. The report included statistics stating that "hundreds of thousands of youth are used by armed groups as solders, spies, messengers, and sex slaves." The report also discussed the outrageous amount of youth involved in conflict with the law. Another unfortunate problem found amongst the youth is the lack of job opportunities. Investing in adolescents rarely comes first "when governments set social targets." UNICEF feels that has to change because "investing in adolescents provides our best hope of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and inequality that weakens communities and countries and imperils the development and rights of countless children."
Unfortunately the problem of crime amongst youth can be seen in every country, regardless of economic status. I have to wonder first and foremost where all of these children's parents are. I realize some may be orphans and some children's parents may be struggling to survive, but where are all of the other children's parents. After all it is their responsibility to provide a home, love, and care for these children. I agree that countries need to invest in their youth, because the youth are the future; the future doctors, lawyers, rulers, and teachers. If the children are raised to be criminals then they will see this as the "social norm" and raise their children to be criminals. The first step to helping these children is providing an education. Without an education how will these children develop the skills to find and work jobs? If we can educated the youth of the world than maybe we can stop the cycle of poverty. Yes, the youth committing crimes is a social problem, but the fact that the lack of concern from parents, or the lack of resources offered from the government are some of the few the driving forces behind these hardships is an even bigger social problem; if we can stand together to help the world's adolescents than maybe we can change the world for the better. By giving these adolescents an outlet to mature in and a better opportunity structure we can prevent their desperation that leads to committing such crimes.
Source:
Grim Prospects, Crime Hold Back World's Youth: UN
Grim prospects, crime hold back world's youth: un. (2011, February 25). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ariticle/ALeqM5hD3g3Dhj49An115z9YtK22z58qMg?docId=CNG.99868blecc4e65dad00cb9c958f4949c.fl
Blog 7: The End of Paper Exams
Jordan Rolph
February 28, 2011
3:50 p.m.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12566122
February 28, 2011
3:50 p.m.
The England Education system is thinking about banning paper exams and turning to computers instead. Many teachers have a concern with resources for a computerized system. The Education Board feels that students are technical savvy these days and it would help deepen their knowledge and it is what the students are familiar with these days. Isabel Nisbet, Ofqual chief executive, believes school exams are running the risk of becoming invalid, as their medium of pen and ink increasingly differs from the way in which youngsters learn. There is the belief that technology has the potential to transform education by making its delivery more personalized, efficient, and effective. AQA chief executive, Andrew Hall agreed with Ms. Nisbet and commented, “it is really important that students be assessed in the same way that they learn and using the technologies that are commonplace in the world outside the classroom.” Another aspect is students will get to take the exam on their own time when they are ready. Although there are some problems associated with this new idea such as what if someone does not have a computer? Or what if a computer is broken and there is not enough? There is always room for paper and pen to be accepted into a classroom, not everything should be done using a computer or some form of technology.
Taking exams on a computer has its positives and negatives. Even though technology is always advancing I am sure anyone can attest to the fact that there are always problems and setbacks with technology as well. You never know how the computer, printer, internet, etc. is feeling that day and if they feel like working or being difficult. There are many of things that can go wrong while someone is taking an exam; it’s happened to me many of times. A lot of teachers love that exams can be taken online because it saves classroom time and gives the teacher more time to lecture and teach. A negative to this idea is also that not all countries can afford computers in a classroom and that puts some people in advance than others. Education is already a major problem in the world because many poor countries cannot afford resources or even a building to have a school. The United States is a wealthy country and they too have many places of poverty that can barely afford a pen and paper. We have to think about how far we want technology to take us and when we need to put a stop to it. Maybe taking computerized exams should only be for students in high school and college because they have more funding and the students are more likely able to handle a computer better than younger students.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12566122
Blog 6 Moving in the Wrong Direction
As we see major changes and political uproar in the Middle East, there is also evidence of what could be preliminary problems in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe African National Union- Patriotic Front or ZANU-PF has been seen behind many violations of human rights recently, with their push to gain control of the political system as their main motive. Many of the attacks come against potential opponents such as the Movement for Democratic Change or the MDC, who have been a primary target for these attacks. The political system in Zimbabwe is currently a shared power, between the two groups, with the MDC currently as the head of power, and in the upcoming election the ZANU-PF is planning to run for election, and change this. One leg that the ZANU-PF has, is it’s control over the authorities, they are able to “get away” with many of their acts of intimidation, because there is no one in the authorities, to go against them, or who is willing to show leniency, or see the both sides of the story.
One major attack came on February 19, as 46 people were arrested for simply watching a video of recent events in Tunisia and Egypt. Most of the people arrested were charged with attempting to overthrow the government, or treason, which can carry a life in prison or death penalty. The viewing of this video, was viewed as a threat to the current government. ZANU-PF doesn’t want to receive any criticism or opposition in the upcoming race, and by intimidating the potential opponents, they are trying to send a message to the general population. Also 23 others including a member of parliament, affiliated with the MDC have also been arrested in separate situations. There has been countless violence, and attacks caused by the ZANU-PF against supporters of the MDC, but all the blame has been but on members of the MDC.
Violating these people’s rights to chose the government of their choice is a blatant for of violation of human rights. It has been seen by members of neighboring IGO’S and NGO’S and a call to cease action has been called. Members of Human Rights Watch, and the Southern African Development Community, have both spoken out against the violence and unfair treatment of “potential opponents”. In my opinion, if they are not stopped, this ZANU-PF has the potential to become an autocratic regime, similar to many of the government leaders that many other countries are trying to dispel.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/02/24/zimbabwe-free-activists-charged-viewing-mideast-video
Blog 5 Freedom to Believe
In the United States, one freedom that we enjoy every day, that many other countries do not, is the freedom of Religion. One country that has recently experienced problems with this is Indonesia, a primarily Muslim country. This week Muslim Protesters stormed a courthouse, and even burned down two Christian churches in central Java. The reasoning behind the protest came after a Christian man was sentenced to five years in jail, for giving out Christian literature that was considered to be insulting to Islamic faith. The protesters began to act out following his sentencing, which they believed was too lenient, and that he should have received the death penalty.
To see that one man and a group of people that have the same beliefs as this man, are being attacked by another group is an extreme violation of human rights. Although no one was physically harmed, harming the churches, a symbol of their beliefs, and what many what is believed to be a safe place, not only instills fear, but is a way of undermining the Christians of the area. From what many in the industrialized world believe as fair human and civil rights, this is an extreme violation. No one person should be condemned for their religious beliefs, in any sitioution. Also, he should have received a fair trial of his peers (including other Christians) and should have received aid and protection from the government following his sentencing. Although the western world is in no way completely fair, and treats everyone fairly, I just hope that someday the world as a whole can learn to tolerate the differences in one another.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Canadian Water Conservation Technology
Drinking water, the most essential of all life-supporting resources on the planet, is in short supply in many parts of the world. It has been predicted that in 15 to 20 years one third of the entire population will not have enough water to sustain life. Many of the nations experiencing the worst shortages in water will be developing countries with limited access to effective water discovery, purification, and management technology.
In addition to this massive drinking water deficit, extreme flooding has become much more common occurrence in recent years. Large floods that were known to take place once a century are now happening every twenty years.
Many have begun to look towards Canada for technological solutions to these impending catastrophes. With freshwater lakes that account for 9 percent of the earth's total drinking water, Canada has been continually on the cutting edge of water usage and distribution technology. However, because these lakes are not all fed by precipitation, successful management of these resources through technology is key.
Canada also has experience managing instances of large-scale flooding with impressive ease. According to Zafar Adeel, the chair of UN Water, many of the problems that have been overcome by Canadian communities mirror those in Third World countries.
As water supplies around the world continue to dwindle and demand rises higher and higher, it is wise to analyze nations that have successfully managed their water resources in order to find a solution. Canada's dedication to technological innovation in regards to water usage could hold the key to deactivating the time-bomb of a global water shortage.
Blog 6 Classroom Tech: What to Do When Students Know More Than Teachers?
Today many students know more about technology than the teacher. This can be a big problem when it comes for the teacher to teach this. Many kids today are using tech most if not all the time, while some teachers are not up to-date with tech. They did a study to see if the children use tech more than their teachers, the results were that the kids used tech more in their life than any of the teachers. In classes in South Carolina, schools are teaching teachers to learn how to use things such as YouTube and Skype to make teaching easier for them. This is great to help teachers who don’t have a good understanding of technology today. If the teachers here aren’t up to date with tech imagine the teachers in other countries. This can be a big problem for many. If the student knows more than the teacher then this is a big problem. We should be showing teachers everywhere how technology today can help teaching in the classroom. This would greatly help out academics if we informed every teacher on new tech to help them with the students and help in their lessons. Many people believe you enhance students learning experience if you have technology assisting the teacher. Other countries are learning the importance of having technology in the school programs as they are very beneficial. If we spend the money on enhancing the learning programs everywhere with tech we will find this to be very beneficial to everyone as kids would be learning a lot more if we used tech to help enhance the learning process for kids.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/02/27/classroom-tech-students-know-teachers/
Gender and Armed conflict in Africa. Blog #6
Erica Herndon
2/27/2011
2/27/2011
Women in Africa are given more opportunities and responsibilities in both domestic and public spheres giving them a sense of self-confidence and independence. There talk among the feminist scholars that suggest that this phenomenon might have the potential to promote greater political participation by women in post-conflict societies. Women are seen as ‘naturally’ peaceful due their roles as nurturing mothers and caretakers, while men’s aggressive associated with violence and war has been seen as a part of men’s nature. Women are started to become more aggressive like men and are actually having more “male dominated” roles to do. Women have been gaining more economic roles through income-generating development programs and social responsibilities as ‘temporary leaders’ of their households and communities, bestowing on them greater self-confidence and independence. While there is a good side to this there is also a bad side which would lead to the question, why are changes in gender roles during conflicts not sustained after conflict? There are studies that indicate that in Africa changes in gender roles during conflicts tend not be sustained after conflicts. Many African countries, emerging from armed conflicts have adopted new constitutions that guarantee equal political, social, and economic rights for both men and women. But in practice, women’s empowerment and gender equality never occur due to the unchanged patriarchal culture and social norms. This article says that society forces women to go back to their ‘original’ gender roles. Even though women have more of these male roles, they are still understandable under men. Men go back to their patriarchal tradition to reassert their identity and to secure men’s power over women. Maybe one day the world will stop with this inequality between men and women and finally give women the opportunity they deserve.
Blog #6 Meeting Goals
Kathryn Summers
SOC 202-01
February 27, 2011
SOC 202-01
February 27, 2011
Meeting Goals
This article is a positive story, but highlights several problems in education. Bangladesh has made good progress toward meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals. They have increased school enrollment over thirty percent in the past eleven years. They are also enrolling more girls, and have more female teachers. These are encouraging things to hear, but problems still stand. Many families in Bangladesh cannot afford to send their children to school, so food incentives must be offered. Another problem is that “Disadvantaged children - such as children with disabilities or from ethnic minorities…” are often excluded from school. Poorly trained teachers are common, and result in lessons that are mostly memorization and do not teach practical life skills. Students are not able to spend the time needed in school so they go to school for more years and repeat grades often. Finally, sanitation is a large concern. With a ratio of “150 pupils for every toilet” and wells that may contain arsenic, enrollment is clearly not the only issue in schooling.
Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not alone in its problems. The MDGs reach for more enrollment and gender equal enrollment, but there are many other issues to be tackled after those hurdles are met. In many countries parents depend on their children to contribute to the income of today to stay alive. Though an education will bring in significantly more money in the future, it does not help feed the family now. Countries have to offer subsidies to encourage parents to give up the needed child labor in turn for the children’s education. Prejudices are another global social problem that effects education. Disadvantaged children or those with differences are often left out of education. Though Americans believe education is a right of everyone, this is certainly not the case everywhere. I have read of many countries in need of adequate teachers and facilities as a main concern. If the staff and facilities are not available, I do not see how the education institution will fare well. Though the MDGs being met are encouraging, there are many issues still standing strong.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8587387.stmzeenab Khan, 02-27-2011, Topic: Crime, Posted: 1:47 P.M.
More deaths and clashes follow Iraq demonstrations
About eight people were injured Saturday in the Iraqi city of Samarra because of the clashes among security forces and irritated mourners associating the caskets of two people killed in protests the day before, according to local police. Two protesters were also wounded in the Friday protests in Tikrit and they died on Saturday, police said. A teenager boy died Friday night during protests in Kubaisa, police said Saturday. Their protests are against corruption, unemployment, restrictions on freedom of expression, and poor government services. Security forces fought some of the protesters and then afterwards they opened fire to scatter the crowd, wounding at least eight, police said. In Basra, mourners held a funeral parade Saturday for a protester killed the day before. Why are these deaths happening in Iraq? Almost everyday we hear on the news about these clashes and deaths. Also we hear how many people were wounded. How can this stuff come to a stop? I believe everyone should be peaceful and not always fight. It said this happened because of the security forces and irritated mourners. Individuals should get along with each other. In some of the cities police said security forces fired at crowds of protesters to scatter them. In Tikrit, police said two protesters were killed and 17 others were wounded during the clashes. In Samarra, two people were killed and seven protesters were injured, police said. I think the security forces shouldn’t have fired at the crowds. They should of peacefully told everyone to leave or they would get arrested or something. If the security was strict in the first place then they would have never had to fire.
Link: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/26/iraq.protests/index.html
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Blog #7: Ten held in 'sham marriage' raids
Michael Stone
February 26, 2011
8:56 p.m.
The UK Border Agency and police targeted and stopped a known international sham marriage. In Eastern Europe, investigators believe that their women were coming to the UK and offering themselves as brides for would - migrants, for a very large price. Sotuh Yorkshire Police and UK Border Agency's Specialist Immigration Crime Team, also known as UKBASICT, teamed up and executed operation codenamed Razorback. Brides would go to a place, get married, then come back and file paperwork for their spouse to come and join them in the UK. A sham marriage typically occurs when a non-European national marries someone from the European Economic Area, including the UK, as means of attempting to gain long-term residency and the right to work and claim benefits. Detective Sergeant Alisdair Duncan stated: "Today we have arrested several suspects who we believe are part of an organised crime group and who have played a pivotal role in attempting to breach immigration law and in assisting others to do so." Those arrested were a twenty-five year old Pakistani man and woman, a nineteen year old Slovak male and seven Szech and Slovak women aged between twenty-one and thirty-six.
The problem here is illegal immigrants trying to cheat the system. Regardless of the reason, as a society, we have to obey the rules and keep order. Without it, our world will fall to pieces. it made be better living conditions in the UK from where they were coming from or they could of been doing this strictly for profit but it doesn't make it the right thing to do. This is known as immigration abuse and if everyone stared to do it, our countries will be overrun with people from everywhere and we not have a history or idea what kind of people we are housing in our great countries.
February 26, 2011
8:56 p.m.
The UK Border Agency and police targeted and stopped a known international sham marriage. In Eastern Europe, investigators believe that their women were coming to the UK and offering themselves as brides for would - migrants, for a very large price. Sotuh Yorkshire Police and UK Border Agency's Specialist Immigration Crime Team, also known as UKBASICT, teamed up and executed operation codenamed Razorback. Brides would go to a place, get married, then come back and file paperwork for their spouse to come and join them in the UK. A sham marriage typically occurs when a non-European national marries someone from the European Economic Area, including the UK, as means of attempting to gain long-term residency and the right to work and claim benefits. Detective Sergeant Alisdair Duncan stated: "Today we have arrested several suspects who we believe are part of an organised crime group and who have played a pivotal role in attempting to breach immigration law and in assisting others to do so." Those arrested were a twenty-five year old Pakistani man and woman, a nineteen year old Slovak male and seven Szech and Slovak women aged between twenty-one and thirty-six.
The problem here is illegal immigrants trying to cheat the system. Regardless of the reason, as a society, we have to obey the rules and keep order. Without it, our world will fall to pieces. it made be better living conditions in the UK from where they were coming from or they could of been doing this strictly for profit but it doesn't make it the right thing to do. This is known as immigration abuse and if everyone stared to do it, our countries will be overrun with people from everywhere and we not have a history or idea what kind of people we are housing in our great countries.
Ten held in 'sham marriage' raids
Blog #6
Kerris McKoy
2/26/2011
12:35PM
Scientists at the University of Chicago may have found discovered a way to prevent celiac disease. Celiac disease is a painful digestive disorder. Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, and prevents it from absorbing healthy parts of foods. In the United States 1 out of 133 people are estimated to have celiac disease, which causes cramping, bloating and diarrhea. At the study conducted at the University of Chicago mice were used. The scientists found a biochemical reaction that may trigger an autoimmune reaction in the intestines of genetically susceptible people. Researchers found that retinoic acid (form of Vitamin A) works together with high levels of an inflammatory substance. This substance known as interleukin-15 breaks down the body’s tolerance to gluten (a protein). Study author Dr. Bana Jabri (co-director of the university’s Digestive Research Core Center) stated "this is the first time that we actually show how inducing a specific dysregulation in the intestines can lead to losing tolerance to a food antigen, and in particular to gluten.” Jabri and her team examined the records of patients at the university's Celiac Disease Center. These patients had high levels of IL-15 in their intestines. They used a new mice model of the disease that was conducted in Jabri’s lab. Researchers increased levels of IL-15 in mice. As a result, the animals developed all the early symptoms of celiac disease, and the adding of retinoic only worsened the disease. Researchers then blocked IL-15 in the mice, and their symptoms improved and they could tolerate gluten again. Retinoic acid may spur digestive disorder. Celiac disease can develop at anytime in one’s life. Some say that celiac disease is not on the rise, but some may misdiagnose themselves, and thinking that symptoms will go away on their own.
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/649751.html
2/26/2011
12:35PM
Scientists at the University of Chicago may have found discovered a way to prevent celiac disease. Celiac disease is a painful digestive disorder. Celiac disease is a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, and prevents it from absorbing healthy parts of foods. In the United States 1 out of 133 people are estimated to have celiac disease, which causes cramping, bloating and diarrhea. At the study conducted at the University of Chicago mice were used. The scientists found a biochemical reaction that may trigger an autoimmune reaction in the intestines of genetically susceptible people. Researchers found that retinoic acid (form of Vitamin A) works together with high levels of an inflammatory substance. This substance known as interleukin-15 breaks down the body’s tolerance to gluten (a protein). Study author Dr. Bana Jabri (co-director of the university’s Digestive Research Core Center) stated "this is the first time that we actually show how inducing a specific dysregulation in the intestines can lead to losing tolerance to a food antigen, and in particular to gluten.” Jabri and her team examined the records of patients at the university's Celiac Disease Center. These patients had high levels of IL-15 in their intestines. They used a new mice model of the disease that was conducted in Jabri’s lab. Researchers increased levels of IL-15 in mice. As a result, the animals developed all the early symptoms of celiac disease, and the adding of retinoic only worsened the disease. Researchers then blocked IL-15 in the mice, and their symptoms improved and they could tolerate gluten again. Retinoic acid may spur digestive disorder. Celiac disease can develop at anytime in one’s life. Some say that celiac disease is not on the rise, but some may misdiagnose themselves, and thinking that symptoms will go away on their own.
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/649751.html
Friday, February 25, 2011
Protesters across Iraq clash with security forces
Blog #6
In anti-government protest in Iraq, 11 people died and many buildings caught fire. Violence had escalated between demonstrators and security forces. Iraqis marched outside official buildings and in town centers calling for less corruption, more jobs and better public services as part of a "day of rage." In Baghdad, the security forces fired bullets and tear gas into crowds. Many people were beaten and chased through the streets. Over 5,000 people gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square in the late morning. Hundreds of riot police officers marched over the bridge to block their path. The officers came under a hail of stones as angry demonstrators chanted that Prime Minister Nouri Maliki was a liar and that they would not leave. Iraqi police sources said two journalists were arrested. The day of protests had been planned and discussed on social networking sites and by civil society organizations. Some buildings were set on fire in Anbar province in western Iraq, and three people were killed in demonstrations in Hawija. Two deaths were reported in Tikrit and one in Kalar. In Basra the governor, Sheltagh Abboud, resigned. There were results, so that was good. But every time people have to go out in mass protest and get shot, it is not good. So many countries have had to go through this whole ordeal and it is always messy. Maybe it will all work out for Iraq, mass protest and the rebellion of a people seems to be the only way any major change happens.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq-protest-20110226,0,2300792.story
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