At Utah school, there really was no such thing as a free lunch

At Utah school, there really was no such thing as a free lunch

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/30/us/utah-school-lunches-snatched/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Uintah Elementary School in Utah found themselves in hot water after dozens of students went hungry this week. Salt Lake City School District officials state that they took the trays away from some of the students because they had negative balances in their accounts. Therefor, they could not pay for their lunches. To compensate, the school gave them fruit and milk. 

According to officials and other students, there were many tears and upset students, as well as irate parents. School officials received fire for this act and later owned up to the fact that they made a mistake. The district will also be notifying parents about negative account balances on Monday. 

This is elementary school. Lunch is free in our public schools now. Why would we still be enforcing payment for lunches after the government shutdown? This is ignorant as well as damaging to many kids' nutrition and stability. Lunch is imperative for the children so that they can be active and alert throughout the day, and in turn, meet the expectations that the school district sets for them on tests, and, in turn, represent the school to the fullest degree, as many of these establishments preach about. 

Madison Ceurter 5th period: How to protect your phone in cold weather

This article caught my attention because I love reading about technology.  As I was reading this article it was saying some interesting facts about phones in cold weather.  Some of the things were if you turn your phone off it can be in weather from 4 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.  One thing that really made sense was your battery going down because of the cold weather.  I have been realizing that my battery has been going down faster then usual and I think this might be the explanation.  To help keep your phone from freezing you should't leave it in the car while it is cold outside and that goes for any electronic devices.  You can also keep it in your pocket so it has some of your body heat or put a case on it.  I hope this helps some people with their phones in this crazy weather that we are going through right now!

Kid Figures He’ll Go Down Slide 35 More Times Then Call It A Day by: steffani lopez

http://www.theonion.com/articles/kid-figures-hell-go-down-slide-35-more-times-then,35081/

This kid is approached by a news team and questioned as to what he plans to do with the remaining hours of sunlight. He responds with a very thought out response. He will go down the slide about 35 more times and then call it a day.

I think this is pointless but hey it's a current event. I am so sorry.

Justin Bieber egg probe 'tightening up'; prosecutor wants more investigation BY Jenna Cary 1st Period

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/28/showbiz/justin-bieber-egg-probe/index.html?hpt=hp_t5

So apparently, Bieber isnt really as bad as was thought. The arresting Miami officer had said that Bieber was intoxicated, although the he blew between a .011 and .014. He was initially pulled over for speeding although trackers in the car indicate that he never drove over 55 mph. Although more trouble has arisen for the pop star. The Mansion next door to his is suing for 20,000 in damages after Bieber threw eggs over the fence.

Okay, so I hate Justin Bieber as much as the next person although honestly it seems as though the police are just out to get him. If he wasnt breaking any laws when he was pulled over, then why was he arrested? On the other hand, egging the house next door seems very childish. I mean, I know he is a child star but it doesnt give you the right to act like a child for eternity.

"Company Struggles to Keep U.S. in the Uranium Enrichment Game" (Melissa Kurtzman, 5th Period)

Summary: This article is about a Uranium company based in New Mexico whose output is declining due to the success of European companies. Although the U.S. company was achieving success for awhile, the American demand for uranium has gone down whileEuropean demand has gone up. For the past few years, the American company has been receiving loans from the government but this year might not receive one, resulting in a threat to close the plant. Although the loan might not come through, Congress recently passed a new budget plan for U.S. nuclear weapons.

Analysis: I think this article was very informative and shared a lot of insight into the nuclear weapons industry. I had no idea that there were so many Uranium production companies around the world. I'm glad that I read this article because it taught me new information about a subject that I had never learned about before.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/business/energy-environment/company-struggles-to-keep-us-in-the-uranium-enrichment-game.html?ref=us

Sisters hold triple wedding for ailing mother - Carolyn Villalobos 4th Period

In October, three sisters, Jodie, Sarah and Kaylie Swales, decided to hold their weddings all on the same day. Their mother, Becky Swales, was dying of  breast cancer, and had very little time left to live, so they decided to grant their mother's dream of seeing them walk down the aisle before she passed away. When they discovered she had even less time to live than they originally thought, they moved their weddings up several weeks. Sadly, the day after the ceremony, Becky passed away.

This is a bittersweet article. On one hand, Mrs. Swales was able to see all three of her daughters walk down the aisle. On the other hand, her grandchildren will never be able to know her, and her husband and daughters will be unable to spend time with her anymore. I am glad she was able to live and see the ceremony, but it is sad that she died so soon afterwards.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/23681452/triple-wedding-held-early-as-mother-d#axzz2qWkCFa9C

Byron Otis-UNC Athletic Educational Fraud

We've known for some time that the University of North Carolina has been creating fake classes in which they've been putting their academically disadvantaged football players. Up until now, the UNC officials have been placing the blame on one man, who has since been put away on fraud charges. Now, one of the deans of the school has come out to say that it was perhaps more than this man who allowed this fraud to take place. The fake classes, with fake grades, are embarrassing to the school, and show an abundance of poor judgement within their faculty and the players especially, for allowing this to take place. I hope that no other schools are doing this in secret.

Clues To Identity of Decapitated Victim - Lizy Rutherford, 4th pd

A distinctive belt with a horse buckle is all Park County, Wyoming police have in identifying a decapitated man. The victim is described to be light skinned, about 35 years old, and an agricultural worker of some sort, with a healthy body. The body was found in a drain by a man and his son who were out hunting ducks on Jan. 9. The head has yet to be recovered.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/decapitated-victim-left-clues-belt-article-1.1593905

How horrifying to find a headless body. Especially when one's already out and about hunting. I hope they find who they are looking for, as well as finding the perpetrator. I'm worried for whoever finds the head.

Wage Hike Affects "Absolutely No One" - Lizy Rutherford, 4th pd

Or so says House Speaker John Boehner. He denounced Obama's executive order to raise the minimum wage to $10.10. He said Tuesday morning, "...Somebody might want to ask the White House, ‘well how many people is this going to affect?’ Because I suspect it affects absolutely no one.” He then argued that it would deeply hurt minority communities because "When you raise the price of employment, guess what? You get less of it."

http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/boehner-disses-wage-hike

Two things:

1) You are a well paid politician. You get only 100 working days per year. You also have health insurance and perks for the rest of your life, even when you retire. You will be paid the rest of your life, and you have a problem with raising minimum wage.

2) You're white. You've never had the problems other minorities face because of the color of your skin/stereotypes that go with it. You've never lost job opportunities based on discrimination from possible employers. Even though you're so privileged (and it prevents you from seeing that you are), you have a problem with raising minimum wage.

Sit down.

Beka Canfield

http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=21826251&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Texas has recently done away with the mandate stating that students have to take algebra II to pass. 

reasoning includes increased opportunity for vocational training instead of rigorous academics. 

I think the state is making a big mistake with this. math isn't about knowing how to do extremely specific, otherwise useless equations. math is about learning how to solve problems. 

"Mental health patient shot dead by South Carolina probation agent" Tyra Harris, 5th period

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/28/us-usa-southcarolina-shooting-mentalilln-idUSBREA0R01V20140128

Summary: A mentally ill patient of Tri-County Community Mental Health Center in South Carolina was killed by a state agent. The clinic claims that the patient became "loud and argumentative" in a psychiatrist room  and the state agent went inside. The state agent then fatally shot the patient.  The state's Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services didn't explain how the argument led to the shooting. The psychiatrist says he was physically assaulted by the patient, but not seriously injured.

 

Analysis: I'm sure there could have been other means to handle the situation than with a deadly weapon. People who work with the mentally ill should expect to deal with certain behaviors of patients. It's a shame that the issue was resolved with a gun. The patient was unarmed and didn't deserve to lose his life.

Another One Down - Nasya King

So apparently a 27 year old police officer shot and killed an ex-football player from FamU. The story is that Jonathan Farrell had just survived a crazy car wreck at 2:30 a.m. and went to search for help himself. He went to the house of a woman who opened the door thinking it was her husband. She had her one year old son in the house with her. Upon seeing Farrell banging on her door she called the police. All the while Farrell is trying to explain that he is hurt and just wants help. She slams the door shut and turns on her alarm. Farrell never makes any threats or displays any destructive behavior. The woman frantically tells the police how stupid she is, she thought it was her husband, her husband has a gun and she can't find it, etc. Farrell walks down the street to continue looking for help. Kerrick (the officer who killed Farrell) and two others arrived. Instead of going to the woman's house, he hunts down Farrell. Farrell still has not displayed any dangerous behavior, however I\ don't believe anyone knew he was hurt. Kerrick finds him and "Defendant Kerrick, in direct violation of written police department regulations, fires 12 high-velocity bullets at Jonathon, striking him 10 times in the chest and arms." The police department has already said that the officer's actions were against the law. They also took place after the suspect was already tazed, because he was not subdued at that point. Farrell did advance toward Kerrick, but he was unarmed. The case went to court and the jury did not indict Kerrick asking for a lesser charge. Farrelll's family lawyers declined and a new case was filed for saying they wanted a full panel of jurors. The defense says this is completely outrages, that the trial was fair in every aspect, but the Attorney General disagreed. Farrells\'s mother says she prays for Kerrick, but wants justice served so this will never happen again. \

This case sounds all too familiar to so many cases that have been "popping up" lately. This officer, regardless of whether he felt like he was in danger at the time of the shooting, took no action to ensure he would not be in any danger upon encountering the Farrell before hand. He never talked to the woman, did not follow the lead of the other two cops (wherever they were), and did not even question or give Farrell a chance to speak. I can undertand not wanting to die, and being a police officer you never know what might happen. However, this officer's actions were extremely excessive and inexcusable. I hope they convict him of voluntary manslaughter. He shot at Farrell twelve times, intending to wound and kill him with every shot seeing as though ten of them actually hit. None seemed to be warning shots or whatever. I am outraged that a jury would not convict him the first time. This is a sad example of the failing system that is what we call justice in America. I wonder how this officer would feel if he was in a car wreck and was not harming anyone, just trying to get help and was consequently shot ten times without any hesitation or chance to speak on his own behalf. And we are not even going to pretend like Farrell being a huge black ex-football player had nothing to do with this. There is a stigma in America that big black men are dangerous, and this only adds another thing black men (and even women) have to worry about in their daily lives. How would you feel if everyday you walked out of the door you had to have the subconscious or conscious question always ringing in your ear "I am innocent, but am I safe?"
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/us/north-carolina-police-shooting/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Brain dead Texas woman taken off ventilator (Haley Hill 4th)

Brain-dead Texas woman taken off ventilator

From Caleb Hellerman. Jason Morris and Matt Smith, CNN

Haley Hill

After being considered brain dead on November 26th 2013, Marlise Munoz was finally taken off of life support on 11:30 am this sunday. However, the struggle to get her off of life support was difficult for her family not because they believed it was unethical, but because she 

was 14 weeks pregnant at the time she was considered brain dead. A Texas state law requires hospitals to keep women on life support if they are pregnant. Even though her husband and family all said they wanted to take her off life support because she even stated that she didn't want to live by being hooked up to machines, it was still not their decision. After a difficult court fight however, they finally won giving the family peace. 

During the court fight, there were many pro-life people protesting outside the hospital that the women was residing in at the time. I believe that people have a right to their own opinion, but I think in this delicate situation the decision should have been kept private, not public, because of the extremely hard decision that had to be made by the family. What do you think?

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/26/health/texas-pregnant-brain-dead-woman/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews

"Man posts own wanted poster to Facebook, arrested 45 minutes later" - Devin Lewis

"Man posts own wanted poster to Facebook, arrested 45 minutes later" - By Eric Pfeiffer

 A man who has been avoiding the police since November 2013 is now in jail all from posting his mugshot on Facebook. Now being set on bail for $25,000, Anthony James Lescowitch supposedly leaked his own mug shot by accident in order to taunt authorities such as the Freeland police. Friends responded to the released mug with comments like: "I can't like that!!" and another "Good luck lmao." In order to arrest A.J. Lescowitch, the police set up a fake Facebook profile of a woman . When caught, the Police Department announced the arrest on its own Facebook page. "CAPTURED!!!!!! SHARES OUR STATUS ON FACEBOOK ABOUT HIMSELF, CAPTURED 45 MINUTES LATER.” 

I have i love/hate opinion towards this article. One: It shows how clever this Police Department and how the law will eventually catch up to criminals. Two: It shows the lack of common sense that some people have and the terrible consequences that arise from it.

 Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/man-posts-own-wanted-poster-to-facebook--arrested-45-minutes-later-213849986.html

"Marlise Munoz removed from life support"

Summary:
     Erik Munoz' pregnant wife Marlise, suffered a blood clot and layed brain dead in a Fort Worth hospital for 8 weeks. Erik Munoz sued JPS Hospital because state law protected her unborn child, and he wanted her removed off of life support because the fetus would not survive. The fetus at 23 weeks could not be born alive. The debate raised controversy about end-of-life care, and anti-abortion groups thought the fetus deserved a chance. The hospital argued it was only following the state law.

Analysis:
     I find this situation very sad and unfortunate. I can't imagine how Erik Munoz feels having to give up not only his baby, but his wife. I see how this would cause controversy, because even though state law says that you have to protect the unborn child, he did not want to keep his wife on life support and knew his baby wouldn't live anyway. Making that decision period would be very difficult.

http://kdfw.m0bl.net/r/1sdhoo

Montana Dalton 2nd - 7000 years ago.

Recently a group of scientists have discovered a skeleton structure of a man who has been estimated to live around 7000 years ago. They from researched a pigmentation gene extracted from one of the mans tooth, which has revealed that he had dark skin like an African-American however he also had  blue eyes like those of a Scandinavian. Scientists said that  "suggesting the light skin of modern Europeans was not yet ubiquitous in Mesolithic times." As they looked more and more into case "La Brana 1", they discovered some of his traits. They know that he was a hunter gatherer, with african gene traces and he specifically had trouble digesting milk. Scientists found this rather odd, until their studies persisted true as they found a "La Brana 2", another skeletal man from the same cave.

I find this so incredibly interesting, discoveries like this are occurring everyday. Who knows, we might discover a whole new ethnic group and learn of their history as technology and researchers become more and more advanced. Its crazy to think that entire civilizations, and cultures have been lost into our history though, and makes me wonder how will we have impact history in a couple thousand years.
.

Is believe in immortality hardwired in humans? Meg Mickelsen

In every corner humanity, throughout history, one will find the belief in immortality, that is that some part of every person, an essence or soul will transcend death and live on into some form of afterlife.  Every major religion conforms to this one bizarre idea as well as every culture.  It seems, that even if we understand that our minds our a product of our brain, we instinctually separate the two.  Scientific studies on religion have long shown that both children and adults share this belief in an eternal soul, however, for years the "why" behind this world wide phenomenon has been blamed on cultural exposure. A new, revolutionary study on the subject, led by Natalie Emmons is radically changing previous conceptions, by suggesting that human's belief in an immortal essences is hardwired.   Emmons conducted her research by focusing on prelife, a subject that few cultures have beliefs on. She first interviewed children from and indigenous Shuar village in the Amazon Basin of Ecuador, children from a culture with zero beliefs about prelife.  These children should also have a very balanced rational view of life and death due to their exposure to hunting and farming.  She also interviewed children in an urban area near Quito, Ecuador.  These children were Roman Catholic, a religion that teaches that life begins at conception.  Emmons showed the children drawings of a baby, a young woman, and the same woman while pregnant, and then asked questions about the child's abilities and feelings during the time before conception, in the womb, and as a baby.  Emmons thought that these two radically different cultures would have very different beliefs, but she was wrong.  Both groups believed that the body didn't exist before birth and neither did thought or memory, but they seemed to think that feelings and desires existed only with the potential of conception. For example, although they reasoned that they could not see without eyes they also reported being happy about meeting their family or sad that they were apart from their family.   "They didn't even realize they were contradicting themselves," said Emmons. "Even kids who had biological knowledge about reproduction still seemed to think that they had existed in some sort of eternal form. And that form really seemed to be about emotions and desires."   Yet despite all this lovely information, a major question is still unanswered.  What purpose do these innate beliefs serve? Why did we evolve to hold such irrational fancies?  I, completely aware that consciousness and emotions are  products of the brain, struggle to imagine my mind as indistinct from my body, but why do I have this shared biological quirk.  Well, Emmons has a theory.  "We're really good at figuring out what people are thinking, what their emotions are, what their desires are," she said. We tend to see people as the sum of their mental states, and desires and emotions may be particularly helpful when predicting their behavior. Because this ability is so useful and so powerful, it flows over into other parts of our thinking. We sometimes see connections where potentially none exist, we hope there's a master plan for the universe, we see purpose when there is none
, and we imagine that a soul survives without a body"   Read more here
.

Patience Henderson 1st Period; 2 firefighters killed in Ohio blaze

On Sunday afternoon in Toledo, Ohio two fireman Machcinski, age 42 and Dickman, age 31 were killed in a fire. Machcinski wqas a 16-year-veteran with the fire department and Dickman joined the department last year. They both suffered serious burns and right after fighting the fire they were rushed to the hospital. While at the hospital they were pronounced dead 5 minutes part from each other.



Analysis:


I find this so heroic, firefighters take these jobs knowing what they are going to get into. I think it's crazy that people actually risk their lives everyday for other people in need. I love it so much, in this case it is very sad. I just admire there heroicness so much!







http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/26/us/ohio-firefighters-dead/index.html?hpt=us_c2

"North Carolina police officer indicted in shooting of unarmed man" Tyra Haris, 5th period

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/28/us-usa-ncarolina-police-idUSBREA0R00820140128

Summary: Officer Randall Kerrick of Charlotte, NC has been indicted on the charge of involuntary manslaughter charge after killing an unarmed college student 10 times last September.  The college student was Jonathan Ferrell, a Flordia A & M University football player who crashed his car in a wooded area and knocked on the door of the nearest home in a cry for help. The owner of the home called 911, suspecting Ferrell to be a burglar. Cops found him a short distance away from the home and Ferrell ran towards them. An officier unsuccessfully tazed him and Kerrick proceeded to shoot at Ferrell 12 times.

Analysis: Why has his charge been reduced involuntary manslaughter? He deserves to be charged with MURDER. In the course of duty, officers must know when and when not to fire their weapon. This was obviously not a time to fire a weapon. This case has sparked a lot of national  outrage because it is believed to be race related. Ferrel knocked on the door of a house in a predominately white neighborhood. Ferrel is black and Officer Kerrick is white. Discrimination and prejudice in America is not a resolved issue. I hope justice is served for Kerrick's family's sake & the hope in overcoming racial hate.

Wingmen- Francesca Bartos, 2nd

     When it comes to ladies, male fruit flies often battle each other for a mate. But this new experiment shows that male fruit flies who are also brothers will help each other obtain mates, or even share. This increases reproductive life of the female and also increases the chance of offspring surviving to adulthood. Scientists say that is could be an alternative way of making sure genes are passed on. This is like sister wives, except with males, and there's no marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/28/science/fruit-fly-brothers-tend-to-cooperate.html?ref=science

"Man arranges fake arrest for surprise marriage proposal" by Hannah Kilpatrick

Summary:

Matt VanVliet and Samantha Labo first met their freshman year at Colby-Sawyer College when they were arrested at an underage drinking party. They both passed the Breathalyzer test and so were released, and they’ve been dating ever since. So four years later Matt decided that he would get the cops involved with the proposal since their arrest was the reason they met in the first place. So in September of 2013 Matt called Police Chief Andersen, the same police officer who has arrested him 4 years before, and explained to him the polices involvement in his and his girlfriend’s meeting and requested that he pull the two over while they are on their way to a dinner with friends. Chief Andersen, who made the arrest on his own time, said he “felt honored to do it for them; it's nice to do something fun.” Anderson said he's never done anything like this in his 20 years on the force and it would take a unique situation to do anything similar. In a dash-cam police video that recorded the encounter and was posted by the couple on YouTube, New London, New Hampshire, Police Chief Edward G. Andersen and his partner approached the vehicle and asked Matt for his license and registration. Samantha asked on the police officers why they were being pulled over and was answered with a rude remark. When the police officers came back to the vehicle, they said that there was an arrest warrant out for Matt and told him and Samantha to step out of the car. So Andersen pretended to handcuff Matt and Samantha began bawling hysterically. Then Andersen patted down Matt and pulled out the ring box which Matt then took and walked over to Samantha, bent down on one knee and proposed to her. Then all of a sudden her friends came running out too, and she said yes. “I had no idea why. They weren't answering my questions. They made me step out of the car, too. It was just crazy, the whole experience,” Samantha said. "I was just in shock, I wasn't expecting it at all," said Samantha. "He just put so much planning into it and the fact that he planned everything with the cop was just amazing, I was completely ecstatic." The couple has set the wedding for August 2015.

Analysis:

All I can say is that I hope my future husband, whoever he may be, comes up with something creative like that when he proposes… I mean I’m sure I won’t complain but that would still be pretty cool! She went from complete confusion, to horror, to utter disbelief, and then to joy!!! She must have been completely flabbergasted and just lost for words; I know I would be! And then to see all her friends come running out, wow what a perfect proposal!!! And I think that is so neat that they’ve been together since their freshman year of college, I can guarantee they’ve been through a lot together so that is just really cool. I hope one day that I will be able to have such a great relationship; everyone deserves to be loved by someone unconditionally. This was such a cute story and just really made my day.

Here is the link to my article:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/us/new-hampshire-police-marriage-proposal/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Family Wants Son Exonerated - Nasya King

So apparently a young black boy, fourteen years old, was electrocuted for killing two white girls in the south 70 years ago. His name was George Stinney, and now his family wants justice for him. They had a hearing which the judge has not made any conclusions about, about whether or not they should try the case again. The girls were found in a water logged ditch with at least seven blows to the head each. The blows were made with a hammer like object and made holes in the front of the skulls and crushed the backs. Stinney was 5' 1" and ninety pounds. So small that they had to put books underneath him so his arms could reach the straps. The mask slipped off of his face and his convulsing body was exposed to some 40 witnesses. America is one of two countries to execute a person under the age of fifteen. The officers on his case 70 years ago said he confessed. The boy allegedly confessed to wanting to have sex with one of the girls, but there was only evidence of an attempt to sleep with one. Relatives of the girl say Stinney got what he deserved. Stinney's sister says she was with her brother tending to cows, so he couldn't have done it. And Stinney's cellmate for the three months between conviction and death reports Stinney continuously asking why they'd want to kill him for something he didn't do.

The thing is, this is such an obvious racist false conviction. A boy too small too fit in an electric chair is going to deliver a blow strong enough to put a hole in someones skull...really? The only thing is, the exoneration and all of the deep hatred we have for the ignorant Jim Crow South isn't going to bring him back. There are only so many tax dollars to spend on getting innocent people out of jail and quite frankly, there are just too many innocent men and women in prison now who's entire lives don't have to be ruined by a corrupt (or flawed if you want to be naive) justice system. We should all know in our hearts that young George Stinney could not possibly have committed such brutal crimes (even if he could throw the blows, what about carrying the bodies and cleaning the blood) so why don't we just let his name rest in peace. I understand getting it off the record as a murderer, but honestly...whether he's in heaven, reincarnated, or just resting in the ground (whatever your beliefs) I'm sure he doesn't care about any heartless racist who might, under rare circumstances, bring his name up in negative context. RIP George Stinney. And FREEDOM TO THE WRONGLY IMPRISONED!!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/21/us/george-stinney-hearing/index.html?hpt=us_t5
Stinney probably looks mean because he is in a prison jumpsuit.

Ashley Barnes, 2nd "The System Failed My Son"

A mentally unstable child was admitted to a mental facility under emergency holding, which could maintain the child for a short amount of time, in order to try to stabilize him. However, his time was cut short due to the lack of room, and he was sent back to his home, despite his mental instability. The boy's father was holding conversation with him, when the child started to attack the parent. An attack happened again later that evening, where the father was stabbed. The child then turned a gun upon himself, and committed suicide. A Democratic lawmaker is now trying to better the mental hospital facilities, and make emergency holdings last longer.

Many people consider physical health and mental health to be two separate things. They see mental health as something less impactful than physical health, and a lot of people ignore it, until they themselves are mentally unstable. This father knew that his child needed help, and was in danger of himself and others. It sickens me to think that the father did everything he could, but because of mental health policies, he was released and ultimately ended his life. I hope that mental hospital reforms are made to prevent more incidents like this from happening.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/26/politics/creigh-deeds-attack/index.html?hpt=us_t4

"Maryland mall reopens after fatal weekend shooting" Tyra Harris, 5th period

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/27/us-usa-maryland-shooting-idUSBREA0O0IU20140127

Summary: On Saturday, January, 25, 2014, 19 year old Darion Marcus Aguilar opened fired in a Maryland retail complex and killed two people, before taking his own life. Among those murdered were two Zumiez employees in their twenties. The gunman had no relation to them. Aguilar had a clean criminal history and legally bought the weapon last month. Today, the mall reopened. However, the Zumiez store is closed in respects to the workers who were gunned down there.

Analysis: No where is safe. Not movie theaters. Not your own home. Not the local malls. Not schools. So many recent random shootings have occurred within the last two years. Imagine what the years to come will be like. This shows the overall ethical values our country possesses. Sad, ain't it?

What humans may have looked like 7,000 years ago (Valerie Coahuilas)

The Mesolithic skeleton found at the La Brana-Arintero site shows signs after DNA sampling of having belonged to a dark skinned, blue eyed human living at the time. The 7,000 year old remains showed signs of just what kind of diet the once living human indulged in and showed another interesting sign of the once living man to have been lactose-intolorent. That being said, the apparent immune system once present seemed to be an advanced one not thought to have been possible at that time. Its amazing just how much can be deduced from just examining the remains of a person , no matter how long ago. And the more technology grows, the more we can look back into. 

Man arranges fake arrest for surprise marriage proposal Ilana Lemack

A man from New Hampshire planned an unforgettable proposal to his bride-to-be involving the town's police chief. Matt Van Vliet and his now-fiancée, Samantha Labo, were on their way to a farewell dinner with friends when police pulled them over. Police Chief Edward G. Andersen and his partner approach the vehicle and ask Van Vliet for his license and registration. The girlfriend was confused as to why they got pulled over, considering they were going the speed limit. When Labo asked why they were being pulled over, the policeman responded with a rude remark. The policemen walked away and came back and told Van Vliet there was a warrant for his arrest. While the police officer was handcuffing Van Vliet, the officer did a quick pat down and found a ring box. The video (all recorded from a camera inside the police car) shows him taking the box out of the Van Vliet's pocket and asking him what it is. Van Vliet then takes the ring from the officer and walks over to Labo, who is crying. Van Vliet gets down on one knee and asks her to marry him. The couple originally met several years ago after they were arrested (but then let go) at an underage drinking party. He thought what better way to propose than by "being arrested" 

This is actually so cute/funny. I hope when i get proposed to it is something unique like this. It is also nice to see an uplifting current event for a change, rather than the shootings/political  type things I usually post. I really enjoyed reading this…which is rare for me…

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/us/new-hampshire-police-marriage-proposal/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Nia Edwards 4th period--Could Justin Bieber be Deported??

Nia Edwards

4th period

                                                  Could Bieber be Deported?

Singer, Justin Bieber, was arrested recently in Miami Beach, Florida, for suspicion of drunk driving, resisting arrest, and driving without a valid license. Although law experts believe that its very unlikely for him to be kicked out of the United States, if he is charge or convicted of any drug offenses things could change. In addition to his charges of drunk driving in Florida, Bieber may also face a vandalism charge for egging a neighbors house. Lawyers don't think that he will be deported for his felonies are nonviolent and " according to federal law, only violent crimes and sentences longer than one year result in a re-evalutation of a person's visa status." Recently, the authorities searched his house and found illegal drugs at his bedside. If the authorities add a drug charge to the table deportation could be a serious possibility.

Honestly, I believe Justin Bieber needs to be taught a lesson. Maybe some serious consequences for his actions could really do him some good. I think that he just might be going through a rough patch and just needs to be guided onto the correct path. Disagree with me if you must, but Justin is nineteen now and needs to start taking responsibility for his actions and stop relying on his celebrity figure to get him out of trouble.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/showbiz/justin-bieber-deportation/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

New Trial for George Stinney (sydney c, 5th period)

The 14 year old George Stinney was accused of murdering two young sisters, aged 7 and 11.  Shortly after his (very convincing and detailed, but potentially forced) confession, a short trial took place, in which no witnesses were cross examined by Stinney's defense, and no evidence or witnesses were presented to support him.  According to his brother, Ruffney, the police were simply looking for a scapegoat to blame the murder on.
Shortly after the trial, Stinney became the youngest person executed by electric chair in the United States since the 1800's.  The executioners had to place books on the seat of the chair in order for his small frame to fit. 
His relatives today are seeking another trail to achieve the justice denied Stinney in the trial that took place in 1944. 
The descendants of the sheriff who arrested Stinney, as well as the relatives of the two sisters he was accused of murdering, believe that another trial is unnecessary. 

I think that if another trial could potentially clear the name of a child, then to not conduct one is a crime. 

original article (by Eliot C McLaughlin) here.

Felicia Padilla 5th period "Can you test drive a home?"

Buying a home is both an exciting decision and a hesitant one. You aren't quite sure if all of your furniture will fit in your bedroom or if your kitchen has enough room for your kids. When some people are considering buying a house they go the extra mile and decide to give it a "test drive" by sleeping in it. This allows them to find out if their neighbors are noisy, and how the water pressure is.. Although I had never heard about this, according to some real estate agents it does happen. Allowing prospective buyers to sleep in the house can actually be a benefit for the seller because it ups their chances in making a faster sale. Apparently it is common among both vacation and retirement homes. Some "sleepovers" require a nightly fee and/or a security deposit. Most people suggest designing a sleepover contract.






http://homes.yahoo.com/news/can-you-test-drive-a-home-211504111.html

Police investigate alleged rape of collegiate swimmer who died in suicide- Jessica Dicker (second period)

College swimmer Sasha Menu Courey committed suicide in 2011. It is only now that her family learns she was raped before her suicide. The president of the university sent a letter to school officials late Sunday, saying that he is asking to hire independent counsel to conduct an investigation of the school's handing of the case. The investigation has now also been referred to the Columbia Police Department from the University of Missouri Police Department. After a night out drinking with friends, Courey said she went home with a former university football player, and had consensual sex. A few months later, she told a rape crisis counselor and wrote in her journal that after the former football player left, another football player entered the room, locked the door and raped her. The school never reported it or had an investigation. While after the fact and news that Sasha was raped, the university did launch a full investigation, which is good to find answers and closure. However, the university might want to consider being more proactive in rape investigation, a sad but common issue in all universities. http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/us/missouri-suicide-rape-allegations/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

New Girl Scout Cookies - Zien Lin (P4)

Summary: The Girl Scouts released two new cookies this year including the first ever trial run of gluten-free chocolate chip shortbread for the gluten-intolerant people that depending on sales this year may or may not be continued and a whole-grain cranberry citrus crisp cookie for the "health minding" cookie addict.

Response: I think it's a good thing because the Girl Scout Director of Communications has said that they've received many letters from gluten-intolerant people requesting a cookie they can eat so its nice to see them doing something about that. I don't see how a cookie is healthy but I just hope the whole grain adds to the taste.

Source: http://www.yahoo.com/food/girl-scouts-release-gluten-free-cookies-74744790431.html

Brain-dead pregnant woman's husband names fetus- Sarah Klein 4th Period

A pregnant, brain-dead Texas woman who was taken off life support over the weekend by her husband, who gave the name Nicole to what would have been their second child before his wife was removed from machines.

Doctors at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth indicated to Munoz that the fetus would probably have been a girl, though  the fetus was said to have suffered from deformation of the lower body that made it impossible to determine a gender.

Both Munoz's attorneys and the hospital, which initially refused to disconnect Marlise Munoz, agreed the fetus could not have been born alive after 23 weeks of pregnancy.

The fetus was not delivered when the hospital complied Sunday with a judge's order to pull Mrs. Munoz from life support. She was declared brain-dead in November, but was kept on machines for the sake of the fetus and in accordance with Texas law.

I think it is wrong that Texas law keeps a brain-dead woman on life support at any stage of pregnancy. It would be one thing if the law applied to pregnancies near termination, but really, a decision like that should be left up to the family.

http://news.yahoo.com/brain-dead-pregnant-woman-39-husband-names-fetus-232934305.html

Mizzou Give Alleged Rape Case To Police: Gloria Jones 4th

A female swimmer at the University of Missouri recently killed herself. It's believed this is due to several sexual harassment (including rape) cases that she's been the victim of. Now there are complaints being filed saying that the university has not, nor did not, do enough to look into these cases. There are several laws regarding confidentiality and protocol when it comes to rape victims confusing in counselors and doctors. The university sent a letter to the girl's parents asking if they would like for the school to investigate. However, the parents said the letter appeared insincere and did not even deserve a response. This is a very delicate case. Not only because of the trust that this girl put into the people she told, but because their honor to her secret may have lead to an unjust death.

So how at fault is the university for not launching a investigation earlier? Did they have the right too in the first place?

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2014/01/28/erin-dnt-howell-univ-of-missouri-rape-allegations.cnn.html?c=us

Fake Arrest for Surprise Proposal- Alexa Almaguer Period 4

Summary:
A couple from New London, New Hampshire was recently engaged with the help of a few police officers. The couple met after being arrested at a party their freshman year of college. After passing a breathalyzer test, the two were released but began dating. The officer who arrested the them four years ago, helped take part in this unordinary proposal by pretending to arrest Van Vilet. After patting down Vilet, a boxed engagement ring is revealed and girlfriend, Samantha Labo is left stunned and in tears. Police Chief Anderson says he has never taken part in a scenario like this in his twenty years on the force.

Analysis:
This definitely tops all of the recent bizarre proposals lately. I think this was a creative idea that Van Vilet devised and all of the planning he put into it was worth it. Reaching out to the same officer from years ago, really added a personal and sentimental touch to it all. I hope the couple is really happy together!

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/us/new-hampshire-police-marriage-proposal/index.html?hpt=us_c2

"See you later alligator" Alexis Washington 2nd period

A 12 year old boy goes missing after swimming in a watering hole in Australia. The 12 year old was swimming with friends when an crocodile bites one of the boys arm. The 15 year old fights off the croc which turns on the 12 years old and swims off. Attacks from crocodiles have occurred in the past, and people are warned about swimming in watering holes at this time of year. The authorities are currently on the hunt for the missing boy and the croc. With every passing day, the chances of finding the boy alive dwindles.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/world/asia/australia-crocodile-missing-boy/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Kolina Hocevar period 5 sad story of a young girl

She went to the University of Missouri to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a competitive swimmer. Sasha Menu Courey made the team there, on scholarship, in 2009. "People were telling us that she had been raped and she wrote it in her journal," said Lynn Courey, Courey's mother. School officials say they later discovered and turned over to Courey's parents a transcript of Courey's conversation with the rape counselor. They also sent her parents a letter asking if they wanted the matter investigated. Officials say they got no response. She felt pressure and later committed suicide. As though she thought that was her only choice.

This is just so sad. Never give up and always fight for justice. This tragic case is so upsetting, many of these big schools seem to worry about negative publicity foremost and will do anything to cover up a potentially damaging situation 

Creigh Deeds: "The system failed my son"-Julian Randall 5th pd

Summary: Creigh Deeds, the Senator of Virginia was stabbed by his son, Austin, one day. It all started one morning in the yard. Creeds had headed over to the barn to feed the horses, and as his son crossed the yard, Creeds simply asked his son if he slept well and turned back around. When Creigh turned around he saw that his son began to come for him uncontrollably stabbing him. However, there is additional information that would definitely need to be taken into account when evaluating this situation. Less than 24 hours before the attack, Austin (Gus) Deeds had undergone a mental health evaluation by health professionals and was under emergency custody. However, there were no more beds available for them to keep him, and they could only hold him for up to six hours, which is why officials released him initially. That night Creigh and his son had dinner, where Gus frantically and furiously wrote in his journal, and the following morning Creigh was stabbed multiple times again by his son. In spite of the illness that Austin had been diagnosed with, according to Creigh his son was the "perfect son" and hopes that Gus is not defined by the illness alone.


Analysis: The article was created by Dana Ford with CNN. It was also produced January 27, 2013 at 11:01 AM. The reformation in mental health centers that took place after the action is what primarily gears the audience, purpose, meaning, and relevance of the article. Shortly after the attacks, Creigh, a Democratic lawmaker made a legislative proposal in mental health clinics for commonwealth. More specifically, his proposals consisted of requests to expand time span to hold those with psychiatric illnesses, and increase the number of available beds for them. The audience was to those who care for people with psychiatric illnesses and those who actually have them. The article was simply published in hopes of releasing perhaps a more inspirational story, which was what Creigh wished for after the incidents.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/26/politics/creigh-deeds-attack/index.html?hpt=us_t4

"New Hampshire Man Arranges Fake Arrest for Marriage Proposal" - Camille Farrar

            This article, by Julia Talanova, outlines the sweet act Matt Van Vliet put together for his now fiancée, Samantha Labo. The couple was driving down the highway and was pulled over by the police. Van Vliet was told that there was a warrant for his arrest and they began to pat him down. The police chief Edward G. Andersen found a small jewelry box in Van Vliet’s pocket and asked what it was for. This was when Van Vliet went over to Labo, hysterical at this point, and proposed. The article explained that the couple met and began dating because Andersen had arrested them four years before for underage drinking at a party, however they were both released with clean breathalyzer results. Van Vliet explained that they wouldn’t have been dating without the incident, so he asked Andersen to help make it special.

            I chose to read this article because the title stood out to me. It was different from all the stories about all of the bad things happening. For once, a happy story was on the front page of the news site. I was a bit confused as to why Van Vliet would want to pretend to be arrested before proposing, but once I saw later in the article, I thought it was sweet. I’m glad that Labo wasn’t too upset by the fake arrest before she found out its true purpose. If I had been in her place, I might have been too nervous and terrified to accept! I think it’s great that the officer accepted the request to do something so far outside of his duties as a police chief. I hope the couple has a very happy life ahead of them.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/us/new-hampshire-police-marriage-proposal/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Colorado students on fire Peyton Wilson 5th period

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25917011

Apparently a student at Standley Lake High School set himself on fire in a suspected attempt to end his own life. Not necessarily the most common or popular way to go about suicide nowadays. The student was rushed to the hospital and reported to be in critical condition.

No other students were reported to be injured, but one adult who tried to put the fire out does have minor injuries. I don't know if the other adult mentioned in the article is the same as the aforementioned,  but they suffered abrasions from breaking the class to get the fire extinguisher. This wasn't a threat or put any other students in intentional danger.

Response:
I wonder how this guy thought the way out should have been through fire. I mean, you always hear about gunshot wounds and overdosing on pain killers (I am not generalizing the issue of suicide. It is one of the saddest and most depressing things in the world), but rarely do you hear about a 16 year old boy setting himself on fire at 7 in the morning in the cafeteria.  Whether it even was a suicide attempt, it's still a strange thing to do in front of a group of people if you are not a trained professional or in the circus.

Erinn Green -PHOTOS: Sisters wed hours before mother passes away

SNELLVILLE, Ga. - Newly-released pictures shared by a photographer show the beautiful wedding shared by three Georgia sisters back in October. Millions of people were touched by the triple wedding planned by the sisters so that their mother could attend before she passed away.

After a four year long battle with breast cancer, doctors gave Becky Swales months to live last year. Her daughters Jodie, Kaylee, and Sarah, who were already engaged, decided to hold their wedding together so that their mother could attend. The wedding was pushed up by a couple weeks after Becky began to grow more ill.

Hours after the wedding, Becky Swales passed away. But not before she witnessed her daughters' wedding.

That wedding was captured by Colors of Life Photography. Click the slideshow above to view the beautiful pictures.

Cruise cut short after 600 sickened: Joan Milburn pd. 1

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/26/travel/cruise-ship-illness/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

A 10 day royal Caribbean Cruise( what is supposed to provide a luxurious vacation) is actually being cut 2 days short due to a string of gastrointestinal issues. Over 600 passengers and staff members have been sickened. Crew members themselves reported vomiting and diarrhea
.
Response:
Well I am sorry for all the people that must be having a sucky vacation because I know if I was having violent illness I wouldn't really be able to enjoy myself. I am questioning what went down on the cruise ship to actually make such a staggering amount of people suck because people just don't all get the same thing(especially 600)

Boy missing after Crocodile attack: Joan Milburn pd. 1

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/world/asia/australia-crocodile-missing-boy/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

5 children were swimming in Australia when a large crocodile approached them and attacked. A 15 year old boy was bitten but managed to escape and the croc then turned to the boys 12 year old friend. He grabbed him and though the other boy tried multiple ways to free him, the 12 year old drifted off with the crocodile. He is yet to be located and is feared dead.

Response:
My heart goes out to this boys family and friends. It must be terrible not knowing what's actually happened to the boy… but at the same time I wonder why the boys were playing in such a dangerous area. The area should have had warnings at least or the parents should have been more cautious. Regardless this is a very sad story and I hope they find the boy soon.

Pot and Planes: Joan Milburn pd. 1

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/27/travel/marijuana-colorado-washington-airports/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

So, if you're stuck at an airport in Colorado with your marijuana, what do you do? Don't worry! Colorado Airports have plans to set up amnesty boxes so that the pot can be disposed of penalty free. Now the airport knows that pot may be illegal in other states(most states) so they do make a point to warn travelers about it and gives them the opportunity to get rid of it. They don't actually allow the people to get on the planes with it because it is illegal to fly to another state where pot is against the law.

Response
I think this is interesting. Personally I believe marijuana should be legalized even if I don't enforce it. I think it would make the crime rate lower, and so on and so on. I think it is actually pretty cool that the airports in colorado are recognizing that though pot is legal there it shouldn't be taken to another state and therefore gives them a way to dispose of it.

Carsin Ablon, 1st Period APUSH - Sloth Hair as a Novel Source of Fungi with Potent Anti-Parasitic, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Bacterial Bioactivity

Tropical forests, being the heart of biological diversity, host an enormous variety of animals. However, as of late, the interest in tropical forests have switched from the animal life to the microscopic, rare breeds of bacteria and fungi. Luckily for scientists, these exotic species of microscopic life are especially populous in the thick hair of the three toed sloth. When the mixed fungi and bacteria from the sloth's rich coat were isolated, scientists found 84 fungi and 74 distinctive bacterium; many with medicinal value. The fungi extracted from the unharmed sloths can be used to treat malaria as well as breast cancer. The rich bacteria can be applied to digestive aide and some, quite ironically are being researched to be used as somewhat of an antibiotic due to its bacteria regulating affect.

I think that this article is somewhat endearing as science has found a highly medicinally beneficial purpose in an animal that would otherwise be seen as nothing more than slow and cute. The sloth's slow movement and lack of fast, effective hygiene has allowed for a larger amount of bacteria and fungi to produce on its body at a warmer climate than the rest of the jungle resulting in the perfect breeding ground for a symbiotic relationship between the two life forms. As long as humans do not harm any of natures more defenseless animals, i think that the slowly moving breeding ground could benefit humans while giving the sloth a much needed bath.

To read more, see: http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0084549

Justin Beiber by: Taylor Grant-Gates

So as many of you may have heard, Justin Bieber was arrested 4:00 Thursday morning January 23, in Miami Beach. He was drag racing with an estimated 65-70 mph in a 35 mph posted sign. He was drag racing with friend and recording artist Khalil, and had two black Escalades full of other entourage members. He was pulled over and charged with DUI, Resisting Arrest, and driving with an expired license. Bieber admitted to smoking marijuana, taking prescription pills, and drinking alcohol. He was set out on a $2,500 bail and rumor has it that he had been taken to Panama by his mentor Usher, and his Manager Scooter Braun. He also posted a picture on Instagram comparing himself to Michael Jackson after he had gotten released from jail. 

Justin has a lot of nerve for comparing himself to Michael Jackson. He is not that talented and he needs to go sit down somewhere. I also personally believe that the bail was way to low. $2500!!! A regular person would most probably been charged more than that and he smiled in his mugshot....no. But the only reason why this is getting so  much press is because he was turning into the "bad boy" and we were just antsy waiting for home to get arrested. Honestly this is sad. What happened to our child stars?

Bomb Threat?

A 19 year old Russian studying at Penn State was caught growing marijuana in his apartment and the police discovered a homemade bomb. Bail was set at 500,000 dollars. Neighbors say he was a quiet and very weird young man. He bought his supplies on the internet. This isn't his first bomb he's made. He's made previous bombs and set them off. He claims to not cause any harm.

This is crazy, I mean just under a year ago the Boston incident happened with a bomb explosion. This seems pretty similar. Thankfully it was prevented. I believe the Federal Government should have more of a surveillance on stuff bought on the internet as in chemicals and such. 

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/26/justice/pennsylvania-teen-bomb-arrest/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Chemical tanks removed in West Virginia - Emily Gray

A company's storage tanks busted and tainted the water for over 300,000 people in West Virginia. Governor Tomblin has ordered the removal of these tanks begin by march 15. Three tanks contained crude contaminating the river up to a mile. The 300,00 people were adivised not to use the tap water. Some waited even 10 days to reuse this water.

This article was written on January 25, 2014. It was written by Kevin Murphy. I thought this was a good stand point from the governor. I'm glad he is taking a stand for the people and not for the business. This reminds me of the progressive era we have been learning in class. We're the government should intervene with business for the general good of the people.

- Emily Gray , 5th period
Link: http://news.yahoo.com/chemical-tanks-ordered-removed-west-virginia-spill-005919533--sector.html

Pregnant Woman Taken Off of Life Support - Trey Bihari

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-25907874

In this tragic story, Marlise Munoz, a pregnant woman (22 weeks), was taken off of life-support after she fell unconscious in November from what appeared to be a blood clot. Her husband, Erick, filed for her to be taken off of life support on January 14, but the hospital denied, stating that, by Texas law, a pregnant patient cannot be taken off "life-sustaining treatment", no matter what her final wishes may have been. However, presiding Judge Wallace ruled that Mrs. Munoz was, in fact, legally dead and ordered her life support be terminated by 5:00 PM on Monday (it was actually turned off on Sunday). She was pregnant with her second.

Griffin Johnston, 4th period, Russian born American found in possession of bombs and bomb making materials

            An article on CNN.com reports on the discovering of a Russian man in Pennsylvania in possession of “weapons of mass destruction.” The Investigation was initially prompted by reports of Marijuana cultivation, but the police ended up finding, in the words of the article, “bomb making materials,” that, according to the man, were bought off the internet. After having been taken into custody, police asked the man, Vladislav Miftakhov, what he intended to do with the weapons. Miftahav answered with “to blow things up.” He later stipulated that the explosions would have been done in a field. People living in the same building as Miftakhov stated that he had recently set off three small homemade bombs outside of the apartment, as well as saying that he attended the Penn State (Altoona, PA branch). Police also did end up finding evidence of Miftakhov growing Marijuana.

            The correlation between the growth of drugs as well as the making of bombs is definitely significant because it shows that his intentions for the usage of the bombs were most likely, as he seemed to sound with the answering of the police’s questions, innocuous. However, the presence of drugs does bring up another question, as does the fact that he is a Russian native. Russia is currently a very unstable country and, especially with the recent acts of terrorism surrounding the upcoming Sochi Olympics, the presence of this Russian-born man in Pennsylvania with bomb making materials could provoke suspicion. However, assuming his intentions were harmless, the influence of the marijuana on his use of the bombs could definitely been dangerous. However, one could say the same for the much more socially acceptable consumption of alcohol and how this could have equally motivated him to commit to dangerous undertakings with his bombs. Yet, it seems as though Marijuana would have a more intense and lasting effect on the brain and body during and after usage. Nevertheless, it is always shocking to find how people choose to spend their time and to find that there are numerous people who do not have a drive and a passion to make a positive impact on the world the best they can.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/26/justice/pennsylvania-teen-bomb-arrest/index.html?hpt=hp_bn1

McKenzie Hartmann, 4th Period - Judge rules on Life Support

In a recent Fort Worth court case, a judge ordered the removal of life support on a brain dead pregnant woman at the request of her family, under the pretense that it was not her wish to be kept alive on machines, after it was found that the fetus was no longer viable.  The hospital argues that this decision goes against state law, which mandates that in life support cases involving a fetus, termination of life is not permitted.  However, the hospital did admit that the patient, Marlise Munoz, had been clinically brain dead since November 28.  The family had been fighting since then to have her body released and given a proper burial, though the hospital continuously refused, prompting the fore mentioned court case.  The family feels the prolonged release warrants further investigation and believed state law was used to justify the mutilation of a corpse against the will of the patient and her family.  The hospital has had little to comment, and while it is unclear what this means for state law, the situation has stirred controversy on the procedure in these situations and the validity of the law.

This case is really very tragic.  While I understand the hospital's actions in not releasing Munoz, I feel that when it is clear there is no chance of recovery or salvaging of the fetus, it is pointless to make the family endure more suffering rather than adhering to their wishes and that of the deceased.  The law should be reviewed as this situation was callous and caused the family unnecessary burdens and pain.  They already lost a loved one, but they had to fight to see her wishes fulfilled and give her a proper burial...that is just wrong.  People have turned this into a debate on the sanctity of life and the rights of the fetus, but I think they are grossly overlooking that of the mother.  I mean the fetus is brain dead along with the mother, yet because it once had the possibility to exist, it now hinders the mother's ability to pass on.  In this particular situation when neither party could be saved, I think the right thing to do is to let both go, listening to the family's wishes and the law should support that.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/health/pregnant-brain-dead-woman-texas/index.html?hpt=us_c2