Global News
The New York Times
Taliban Helps Hundreds Tunnel Out
According to Gen. Ghulam Dastagir Mayar, in Kandahar,Afghanistan there was a prision break on early Monday that freed at least 476 political prisionars. This was done by the Talibans who used a long tunnel to escape, which was later discovered by authorities on Tuesday morning. The tunnel supposedly went under a highway and into the prision. The governor of Kandahar said, "this is absolutely the fault of the ignorance of the security forces," and therefore will act upon it by enforcing stricter rules and security within the prisons. It fears the government not only that this will be an advocate for other prisoners to attempt escape, but they do not know those who have escaped plans and what they intend to do now that they have been freed.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/26/world/asia/26afghanistan.html?_r=1&ref=world>
National News
The New York Times
The Perfect Fit
Many women face the dilemma that they have no definite size, because in one store they are a four, in the next they are a six, and in the last they are an eight. What companies are now doing is establishing new ways to make clothing sizes easier to access for oneself without having to carry four different sizes into the dressing room or buying six sizes of the same dress online. One company is offering full-body scans at department stores, which tells the customer what size they are among the various brands. A customer would step into a circular booth wearing all their clothes as a wand (emitting low-power radio waves) rotates around her body, counting over 200,000 body measurements. Then, the system matches the sizes of the body to the clothes stored in the database. Lastly, the customer would receive a print out of the sizes that suit the customer at each store best. This ultimately will make the shopping experience much easier and less of a hassle.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/business/25sizing.html?ref=us>
Local News
The Bergen Record
Atlantic City Casinos Failing to Enforce Smoking Laws
In Atlantic City, since 2007, the casinos have been trying to enforce a law against smoking on casino grounds. However, they have been failing tremendously in fear of loosing customers. As a compromise, they have decided to instill this law among 75% of casino floors instead of all. Officials declare that the city's Health and Human Services Department have not tried to force their efforts to enforce the ban down the casinos throats because they rely on the casino industry to take matters into their own hands. Although some argue that this is a manner of pure economics, it involves both the smokers and non-smokers health and should be handled with care in order to ensure a healthy society.
<http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/042411_Report_AC_Casinos_failing_to_enforce_smoking_ban.html>
Monday, April 25, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 28th, 2011
International News
CNN News
China's First Blogger Speaks Out
In Hong Kong, China, Isaac Mao speaks out against the censorship of the Chinese government. He is the "first blogger" from China and presents new ideas about the firewall. He says, "I think the problem to the whole country is that if we censor more and more keywords, we will be stopping the country from more and more innovations." Although there have been people who got around the censorship, the majority of society is being blockaded from understanding more and being exposed to new ideas. With the internet accessible, one has the world at their fingertips and Chinese government is trying to keep their citizens from getting out of their grasp. Words such as sex, Jasmine, protest, and Empty Chair (ignifying the Chinese dissident Liu Xiao Bo) are censored. IT is Mao's goal to "try to persuade the authorities that it will hurt the whole country's development in the future, and the economy eventually."
<http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/03/28/China.blogger.mao/index.html>
National News
The New York Times
States Weigh Fighting Meth With Drug Prescriptions
Nashville Texas and many other states are contemplating weather or not to have a prescription required for simple decongestants such as Sudafed. According to the New York Times, decongestants like such have a lot of pseudoephedrine, which is the most prevalent ingredient in methamphetamine, "and the police say past efforts to keep them out of the hands of meth cooks have failed."Although many over the counter drugs do not contain pseudoephedrine, there are those that do, meaning that there is a higher probability of meth being produced. One lady complains, "“It’s very irritating,” she said of the limits and the requirement to show identification whenever she buys Zyrtec-D. “I’m 77 years old with a head full of white hair, so they should look at me and know I’m not making meth.”"
<http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/us/29meth.html?hp>
Local News
The New York Times
Come Together For Japan
At the Riverside Church on the Upper West Side on Sunday, March 27th, people of all ethnicities, races, and religions joined together to pray for those in Japan. The service was called Interfaith Time of Reflections For Japan brought out the city's diversity, "outside of subway cars and rush-hour sidewalks, when the population truly blends in a common pursuit" and this was a perfect example of the melting pot New York City is perceived to be. The event fundraised for Japan relief and also brought a feeling of hope amongst those who attended.
CNN News
China's First Blogger Speaks Out
In Hong Kong, China, Isaac Mao speaks out against the censorship of the Chinese government. He is the "first blogger" from China and presents new ideas about the firewall. He says, "I think the problem to the whole country is that if we censor more and more keywords, we will be stopping the country from more and more innovations." Although there have been people who got around the censorship, the majority of society is being blockaded from understanding more and being exposed to new ideas. With the internet accessible, one has the world at their fingertips and Chinese government is trying to keep their citizens from getting out of their grasp. Words such as sex, Jasmine, protest, and Empty Chair (ignifying the Chinese dissident Liu Xiao Bo) are censored. IT is Mao's goal to "try to persuade the authorities that it will hurt the whole country's development in the future, and the economy eventually."
<http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/03/28/China.blogger.mao/index.html>
National News
The New York Times
States Weigh Fighting Meth With Drug Prescriptions
Nashville Texas and many other states are contemplating weather or not to have a prescription required for simple decongestants such as Sudafed. According to the New York Times, decongestants like such have a lot of pseudoephedrine, which is the most prevalent ingredient in methamphetamine, "and the police say past efforts to keep them out of the hands of meth cooks have failed."Although many over the counter drugs do not contain pseudoephedrine, there are those that do, meaning that there is a higher probability of meth being produced. One lady complains, "“It’s very irritating,” she said of the limits and the requirement to show identification whenever she buys Zyrtec-D. “I’m 77 years old with a head full of white hair, so they should look at me and know I’m not making meth.”"
<http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/us/29meth.html?hp>
Local News
The New York Times
Come Together For Japan
At the Riverside Church on the Upper West Side on Sunday, March 27th, people of all ethnicities, races, and religions joined together to pray for those in Japan. The service was called Interfaith Time of Reflections For Japan brought out the city's diversity, "outside of subway cars and rush-hour sidewalks, when the population truly blends in a common pursuit" and this was a perfect example of the melting pot New York City is perceived to be. The event fundraised for Japan relief and also brought a feeling of hope amongst those who attended.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, March 21st, 2011
Global News
Twitters' 5th Anniversary
The Bergen Record
Five years ago, the website www.twitter.com launched an idea that would become a cultural phenomenon. Answering 'what's on your mind' in 140 characters has become a trend. Twitter is a website where breaking news is reported, such as the miracle landing on the Hudson River to Charlie Sheen frequently updating his twitter with stories and infamous original quotes. The first tweet ever was sent by Jack Dorsey, chairman and co-founder of Twitter said, "inviting coworkers." It took 3 years, 2 months, and 1 day to reach 1 billion tweets, and now, there are 1 billion tweets tweeted each week. As Kara Yorio said, "At first, we didn’t know why we would need it; now we can’t live without it."
<http://www.northjersey.com/news/118346574_Fifth_anniversary_for_Twitter.html>
National News
Predicting The Next Earthquakes
CNN News
With the entire world shaken of the tragedy in Japan, everyone is wondering, "Who will be next?" After hypothesizing how we could apply modern technology and further understanding after the Japanese earthquake, scientists have concluded that they can begin to predict where the next eartquakes will occur. Not necessarily when they will occur but if the earthquakes will happen in certain places. It all depends on platonic movement and the locations and timing of the Earth shifting. Susan E. Hough says, "What we know for sure is that preparedness remains our best defense against devastating earthquakes." This will eliminate a lot of fear in society and ultimately prepare everyone for what is to come.
<http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/03/21/hough.predict.earthquakes/index.html>
Local News
Killing Over Purse
The Bergen Record
From Queens Village, after their happy marriage, a couple was walking home from their parents house. It was not like just any other stroll, because they were held up at gunpoint by three teens. Rabia Mohammed, 23, and her husband, Shazam Khan, 29 were demanded to lie down on the ground and Rabia would not give up her purse. With $20 and an i-pod found in her bag, Rabia was killed by a shot in the heart. The three youths, Tiyquon Hodges, 16, Corey Brown, 17, and Ian Green, 17, will be charged with second-degree murder, robbery and criminal possession of a weapon, said Meris Campbell. The official said that a fourth person was also arrested Thursday, as believed to be the getaway driver on the night of Ms. Mohammed’s death for the teens.
<http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/nyregion/21newlywed.html?ref=nyregion>
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 28th, 2011
Global News
The New York Times
Loss Of Last World War I Doughboy
At the astonishing age of 110, Frank Buckles passed away in his home town of Charles town, West Virginia. Although not involved in direct combat, he became much like, "a national treasure as the last living link to the two million men who served in the American Expeditionary Forces in France in “the war to end all wars.”" From age 16 when he was inspired by propaganda to join the forces to the day of his death, Frank never forgot his time spent serving the war in France. Through interviews, videos, and lectures, Frank Buckles enlightened the world on what truly happened behind the scenes of World War I. The last veterans of the British and French dies just moths apart from 2008 to 2009, and Frank was the last known World War I doughboy whom lived a life of experience and celebration.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/us/01buckles.html?_r=1&ref=us)
National News
The New York Times
Protection in Hospitals
At the Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Sclafani was extremely disappointed in his co-workers when he found out that premature babies were being over radiated during their simple X-rays. Doctors found that numerous Xx-rays had been run on premature babies who were in the wrong position, not covered by a gonadal shielding, and with levels of radiations that exceeded those appropriate for a baby. With mothers in despair and defenseless babies getting unnecessary radiation, the state laws are being considered to being tightened. “In my profession, there is very little room for error and no room for unqualified personnel,” said Dr. Steve Goetsch, a medical physicist in California who runs training programs in the field.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/health/28radiation.html?ref=us)
Local News
The New York Times
A New York Teachers Layoff List
On Sunday, February 27th, a decision was made that 4,675 teachers would be laid off in the state of New York. It will be decided who is to get laid off by the State Senate in a meeting soon to come. Physical education, art, and music teachers will be hit the hardest with these cuts as they are not 'core' subjects. One school in Harlem, New York is loosing 14 of its 20 teachers. Many teachers will be disappointed with the news, but it will spark a light in numerous young adults to change their career path for their potential benefit.
(http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/morning-buzz-a-teacher-layoff-list/?src=mv&ref=nyregion)
The New York Times
Loss Of Last World War I Doughboy
At the astonishing age of 110, Frank Buckles passed away in his home town of Charles town, West Virginia. Although not involved in direct combat, he became much like, "a national treasure as the last living link to the two million men who served in the American Expeditionary Forces in France in “the war to end all wars.”" From age 16 when he was inspired by propaganda to join the forces to the day of his death, Frank never forgot his time spent serving the war in France. Through interviews, videos, and lectures, Frank Buckles enlightened the world on what truly happened behind the scenes of World War I. The last veterans of the British and French dies just moths apart from 2008 to 2009, and Frank was the last known World War I doughboy whom lived a life of experience and celebration.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/01/us/01buckles.html?_r=1&ref=us)
National News
The New York Times
Protection in Hospitals
At the Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Sclafani was extremely disappointed in his co-workers when he found out that premature babies were being over radiated during their simple X-rays. Doctors found that numerous Xx-rays had been run on premature babies who were in the wrong position, not covered by a gonadal shielding, and with levels of radiations that exceeded those appropriate for a baby. With mothers in despair and defenseless babies getting unnecessary radiation, the state laws are being considered to being tightened. “In my profession, there is very little room for error and no room for unqualified personnel,” said Dr. Steve Goetsch, a medical physicist in California who runs training programs in the field.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/health/28radiation.html?ref=us)
Local News
The New York Times
A New York Teachers Layoff List
On Sunday, February 27th, a decision was made that 4,675 teachers would be laid off in the state of New York. It will be decided who is to get laid off by the State Senate in a meeting soon to come. Physical education, art, and music teachers will be hit the hardest with these cuts as they are not 'core' subjects. One school in Harlem, New York is loosing 14 of its 20 teachers. Many teachers will be disappointed with the news, but it will spark a light in numerous young adults to change their career path for their potential benefit.
(http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/morning-buzz-a-teacher-layoff-list/?src=mv&ref=nyregion)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Monday, February 7th, 2011
Global News
App Can Not Replace Confession
The New York Times
From gaming, social networking, business, to religion, the iPhone application store has it all. Not long ago, the application "Confession: a Roman Catholic App" was developed by two priests, American entrepreneurs, and the blessing of a Bishop. Its purpose was to "both to revive interest in confession and to help Catholics prepare for the sacrament." This 'virtual priest' does not do the job of a 'real' priest because as Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman says, "“One cannot speak in any way of ‘confession by the iPhone."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/technology/10vatican.html?ref=world)
National News
White House Goes Healthy
The New York Times
First Lady Michelle Obama is working with the National Restaurant Association to, according to White House officials, "get restaurants to adopt her goals of smaller portions and children’s meals that include healthy offerings like carrots, apple slices and milk instead of French fries and soda." Although the NRA is not budging with changing their approach to service, since January 31, 2010 Michelle's "Let's Move!" campaign to stop child obesity has made much progress. Other efforts such as when her team worked with beverage makers to reveal the calories in each soda have succeeded as well. Although this one hurdle might take a little more effort to overcome, "“At the end of the day, this is about changing how we as a country look at food, the food industry will change when consumers change what they want, and she’s worked hard to help us look at food differently. Long term, that’s what’s important.”"
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/us/politics/07michelle.html?ref=todayspaper)
Local News
Wayne Disabled Students Exposed to Opportunities
The Bergen Record
In Wayne, New Jersey Disability Awareness Dat at the pre-l-5 schools shined a light of opportunity on youngsters. It was designed in ways that would create empathy and understanding of what it is like to try to accomplish tasks that are perceived as simple in a way that is challenging. Last year, a 12 year old student confided to his classmates that they were experiancing the kind of challenges he went through each day. The purpose of this day was not to make the disabled stand out from the non-disablesm but to let students understand one and other because, "if you can see why somebody is the way they are, you are much less likely to target them becuase of the way they are," said Karen Stack, a SPA leader.
(http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/115622209_Program_builds_empathy_for_the_differently_abled.html)
App Can Not Replace Confession
The New York Times
From gaming, social networking, business, to religion, the iPhone application store has it all. Not long ago, the application "Confession: a Roman Catholic App" was developed by two priests, American entrepreneurs, and the blessing of a Bishop. Its purpose was to "both to revive interest in confession and to help Catholics prepare for the sacrament." This 'virtual priest' does not do the job of a 'real' priest because as Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman says, "“One cannot speak in any way of ‘confession by the iPhone."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/technology/10vatican.html?ref=world)
National News
White House Goes Healthy
The New York Times
First Lady Michelle Obama is working with the National Restaurant Association to, according to White House officials, "get restaurants to adopt her goals of smaller portions and children’s meals that include healthy offerings like carrots, apple slices and milk instead of French fries and soda." Although the NRA is not budging with changing their approach to service, since January 31, 2010 Michelle's "Let's Move!" campaign to stop child obesity has made much progress. Other efforts such as when her team worked with beverage makers to reveal the calories in each soda have succeeded as well. Although this one hurdle might take a little more effort to overcome, "“At the end of the day, this is about changing how we as a country look at food, the food industry will change when consumers change what they want, and she’s worked hard to help us look at food differently. Long term, that’s what’s important.”"
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/07/us/politics/07michelle.html?ref=todayspaper)
Local News
Wayne Disabled Students Exposed to Opportunities
The Bergen Record
In Wayne, New Jersey Disability Awareness Dat at the pre-l-5 schools shined a light of opportunity on youngsters. It was designed in ways that would create empathy and understanding of what it is like to try to accomplish tasks that are perceived as simple in a way that is challenging. Last year, a 12 year old student confided to his classmates that they were experiancing the kind of challenges he went through each day. The purpose of this day was not to make the disabled stand out from the non-disablesm but to let students understand one and other because, "if you can see why somebody is the way they are, you are much less likely to target them becuase of the way they are," said Karen Stack, a SPA leader.
(http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/115622209_Program_builds_empathy_for_the_differently_abled.html)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 31st, 2011
Global News
Bombing Strike in Pakistan
The New York Times
In northwestern Pakistan in Islambad, at lead six people were killed by two bombs that according to officials, were targeted at security officers. According to an official that was involved with the bomb disposal, the bomb was extremely complex and well constructed; by someone with an experience. The first of two attacks was when a teenage suicide bomber attacked a police vehicle on the outskirts of the city. The second, just hours after the first attack was when " police official was killed and three others were wounded when a homemade bomb aimed at another police vehicle detonated." Fingers have been pointing at Taliban terrorists, but no official decision has been made with proof.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/01/world/asia/01pakistan.html?ref=asia)
National News
Soda Pot
The New York Times
As marijuana was just legalized in California, businesses have begun to use this legalization to their advantage. For $10 to $15 per bottle, "Canna Cola" is now making a soda with 35 to 65 milligrams of pot in each 12 oz bottle. The mastermind behind this addicting beverage said that "There are a wide range of products available in this category, sometimes, you'll buy a cookie with just a laser-printed label that says 'Cookie' with no other information -- you don't know who made it! You won't find that with spaghetti sauce or pharmaceuticals. I thought about creating national branding for something that is fragmented and local." Don't get too excited, this soda will only be sold in states that legalized the drug.
Local News
Peanut Butter Weed Time?
The Bergen Record
At Northern Valley High School in Demarest, New Jersey on Monday, January 24th, a suspicious package was delivered. Just as midterm exams were being passed around, all students were called to the opposite side of the school from where the package was being opened. A teacher said that there was nothing wrong with the package until she opened it and noticed a peculiar odor. Within moments, the students had been evacuated to a safe area, parents were notified of the scenario, and x-rays of the package were being examined. Turned out, it was a rebound package sent back to the school which was the address on the return label and in a peanut butter jar was weed. The police got rid of the substances and students went back to a delayed midterm examination schedule.
(http://www.northjersey.com/news/114493904_Police_investigate_suspicious_package_at_Northern_Valley.html
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 24th, 2011
Global News
Moscow Airport Blast
The New York Times
On Monday afternoon in Moscow, Russia, an explosive bomb attack killed 31 people and left at least 150 people severely injured.The President, Dimitri Mendelev ordered to police to track down the person who set it off, because they saw this as an act of terrorism. The frightening blast took place at the Domodedovo Airoprt. Previous terrorist attacks on Russia have strengthened their government, specifically when a woman who confessed to bombing a subway posted a video on a website of her saying, "the war will come to your streets, and you will feel it in your own lives and on your own skin.”Investigators will continue to dissect the situation, trying to place their finger on the one who started this terror, as there is no certain accused.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/world/europe/25moscow.html?ref=world)
National News
Attn: Mexican Truckers!
The New York Times
Money, money, money. America is currently in an economic depression and most people would admit that nay new type of job would be for the better. What if this job had a few threats? Recently, the Obama Administration has been focusing on the Mexican transportation within the united States. If these thoughts were to be put into action, drivers from Mexico would be permitted to cross the Texan border and travel freely within the United States. Well, not too freely. The restrictions would consist of frequent inspection of the vehicles, and "participating vehicles be equipped with electronic recording devices to allow monitoring of the drivers’ hours of service and compliance with American trucking laws." And do not worry, because if this idea does get put into action, the drivers will have will have their "American and Mexican driving records checked to ensure that they have no history of unsafe driving that would disqualify them under United States standards."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/23/us/23tttruckers.html?_r=1&ref=americas)
Local news
Healthy for Life
The New York Times
From swimming the entire length of the golden Gate Bridge with 150 pounds of supplies attached to him to a 9 and a half hour paddleboat trip, to his most recent public stunt in 1994 at the age of 80, "he celebrated his 80th birthday by getting handcuffed and shackled in order to fight strong winds and currents and swim 1.5 miles while towing 80 boats with 80 people from the Queensway Bay Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mar", Jack LaLanne has tackled some pretty hefty activities. Jack died on January 23, 2011 at the age of 96, leaving behind a life filled with healthy foods and daily exercise.
(http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/24/jack-lalannes-10-strangest-stunts/)
Moscow Airport Blast
The New York Times
On Monday afternoon in Moscow, Russia, an explosive bomb attack killed 31 people and left at least 150 people severely injured.The President, Dimitri Mendelev ordered to police to track down the person who set it off, because they saw this as an act of terrorism. The frightening blast took place at the Domodedovo Airoprt. Previous terrorist attacks on Russia have strengthened their government, specifically when a woman who confessed to bombing a subway posted a video on a website of her saying, "the war will come to your streets, and you will feel it in your own lives and on your own skin.”Investigators will continue to dissect the situation, trying to place their finger on the one who started this terror, as there is no certain accused.
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/world/europe/25moscow.html?ref=world)
National News
Attn: Mexican Truckers!
The New York Times
Money, money, money. America is currently in an economic depression and most people would admit that nay new type of job would be for the better. What if this job had a few threats? Recently, the Obama Administration has been focusing on the Mexican transportation within the united States. If these thoughts were to be put into action, drivers from Mexico would be permitted to cross the Texan border and travel freely within the United States. Well, not too freely. The restrictions would consist of frequent inspection of the vehicles, and "participating vehicles be equipped with electronic recording devices to allow monitoring of the drivers’ hours of service and compliance with American trucking laws." And do not worry, because if this idea does get put into action, the drivers will have will have their "American and Mexican driving records checked to ensure that they have no history of unsafe driving that would disqualify them under United States standards."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/23/us/23tttruckers.html?_r=1&ref=americas)
Local news
Healthy for Life
The New York Times
From swimming the entire length of the golden Gate Bridge with 150 pounds of supplies attached to him to a 9 and a half hour paddleboat trip, to his most recent public stunt in 1994 at the age of 80, "he celebrated his 80th birthday by getting handcuffed and shackled in order to fight strong winds and currents and swim 1.5 miles while towing 80 boats with 80 people from the Queensway Bay Bridge in the Long Beach Harbor to the Queen Mar", Jack LaLanne has tackled some pretty hefty activities. Jack died on January 23, 2011 at the age of 96, leaving behind a life filled with healthy foods and daily exercise.
(http://www.aolnews.com/2011/01/24/jack-lalannes-10-strangest-stunts/)
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