Accidental outing of CIA official could end a covert career - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

Accidental outing of CIA official could end a covert career 

      In a report sent out to 6,000 journalists of a list of servicemen stationed in Afghanistan to be briefed by President Obama for a surprise briefing, there was a name of a CIA agent that was not be listed. They are currently investigating how such events could have occurred. 

      I don't understand how this could have happened. An agency that is supposed to be so covert and protected manages to leak the identity of an agent on a current mission. Now he and his family are threatened. This is does not look good as far as attaining future CIA agents. 

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/27/politics/white-house-cia-outing/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 

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Treatment For Cancer At Your Home? - Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

A Cancer Treatment in Your Medicine Cabinet? - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period 

     So scientists are beginning to speculate that a treatment against breast cancer may exist, and could be located in the home of most Americans: aspirin. But, the possibility has yet to receive formal research until Cancer Research UK announced its research project that would culminate in 2025. So why the long wait? Aspirin is a cheap drug that's very accessible to the public, making the drug unprofitable unlike the expensive multi-thousand dollar procedures used for cancer treatment. So once again, America is only in it for the money. Not even surprised. C'mon 'Murica! 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/20/opinion/a-cancer-treatment-in-your-medicine-cabinet.html?hp&rref=opinion&_r=0 

Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

Bears Lineman Kyle Long Hangs Out With Bullied Youngster - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

A parent had reached out to Kyle Long, Bears offensive guard, and told him that his son had been bullied on his school bus. Kyle Long had experienced bullying as a child and offered to ride the bus with him. But he did more than that, he went to Chuck E. Cheese's with him and even took this selfie:

 

It's great to see such initiative in celebrities. Acts of kindness go a long way, and I think that this shows that no one is to big to lend a helping hand. Bullying seriously affects children and we have to let children know that they are important, because at the end of the day, bullying will not go away but simply take new forms. So we just have to instill principles in the next generations. 

Source: http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/good-sports/201405/kyle-long-hangs-out-bullied-youngster-chuck-e-cheese 

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Why Did the N.B.A. Long Tolerate Sterling? - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

Donald Sterling is A Racist, But That's Not News for the N.B.A. - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period


   Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, was recently recorded instructing his girlfriend, V. Stiviano, to NOT associate with black people or bring them to the game. He has received a bunch of backlash and the players association wants him banned from attending future playoff games of the season, but the problem is that his bigotry has been known for too long by the organization.

   I don't understand how people could give him their money knowing that he is so racist. I don't understand how the players signed their contracts knowing that they would playing under a racist-headed organization. I couldn't do it. It really angers me when people so ignorant (particularly racists).

  BTW just in case I didn't make it clear: I LOATHE RACISTS!!

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/29/opinion/why-did-the-nba-long-tolerate-sterling.html?hp&rref=opinion&_r=0

Beijing Develops Technology to Supply Water - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

Seawater to supply Beijing in 2019 

Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

           Beijing Enterprises Water Group develops a reverse osmosis membrane technique to desalinate water, which will in return allow for Beijing to "save and recycle used water at the consumer end." The project will begin reaping results by 2019. 

      This is a great method of providing water to China; however, I will need more information before I fully approve the technique. I worry that there may be adverse effects to the surrounding marine ecosystems, which may - as a result of the project - experience immediate significant changes in chemical concentrations. The project includes saltworks processing the salt. But the questions remains as to whether or not large-scale desalination efforts would result in negative effects in the environment. 

Source: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/854547.shtml#.U1XayOZdXgB 

Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

2018 Winter Olympics: Pyeongchang, South Korea - Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

XXIII Olympic Winter Games: Pyeongchang, South Korea 

     The 2018 Winter Olympics are to be held in South Korea in the city of Pyeongchang. Luckily unlike Sochi, the country already has 5 of the 13 needed venues, meaning that the country won't have to spend the estimated $51 billion on constructing the necessary venues for the events. 

      I'm glad that the Olympics will be in South Korea. Its a beautiful country that is modern day democracy. Now I can actually watch them, because I didn't want to watch Sochi 2014 because I felt conflicted about supporting the corruption that happened as a result of the Olympics. I don't like enabling. But now I feel that I can enjoy the Winter Olympics fully.

     Tell me what you think..... #SportsAtBTW 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/25/sports/olympics/south-korea-awaits-2018-games-with-a-different-plan.html?ref=sports 

U.S. Defeats Russia, 3-2, in Olympic Men's Hockey - Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

Oshie Lifts U.S. Over Russia in Hockey Shootout

 

     The U.S. beat Russia in Olympic Men's Hockey in a shootout. What does this mean? If we beat Slovenia, we get a bye in quarterfinals and go to semifinals. 

      I definitely did not see that coming. For two reasons, because I haven't been keeping up with the Winter Olympics this time, and because I wouldn't have expected the U.S. to beat Russia. 

       What did you think? 

Source: http://sports.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/15/u-s-russia-hockey-latest-updates/?emc=edit_na_20140215 

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U.S. Economy Adds 113,000 Jobs, Unemployment Drops - Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

Payroll Data Shows a Lag in Wages, Not Just Hiring

     The last monthly report showed that the economy added 113,000 jobs, but also noted that employment dropped from 6.7% in December to 6.6% in January. Although the unemployment rate dropped significantly, employees have noted that for those who are employed, it has become increasingly difficult to get a raise. 

     It's great the economy is getting better, so why not focus on how it got better? Before focusing on raises we have to fix the unemployment rate. Take things one step at a time. 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/08/business/us-economy-adds-113000-jobs-unemployment-rate-at-6-6.html?emc=edit_na_20140207 

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Denver Broncos get Blownout at the Super Bowl - Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

Seattle Seahawks Win Super Bowl XLVIII 

       The Seattle Seahawks blew out the Denver Broncos 43-8 at Super Bowl XLVIII. 

       Wow! I can't believe that Seahawks won, so well too. I was actually cheering for the Seahawks for the season (after the Cowboys, because I'm a Cowboy fan first), but I didn't plan on the Seahawks winning, but if they did, I certainly didn't plan on a landslide win. 

      What did you think? 

Source: http://projects.nytimes.com/superbowl/2014/dashboard?hp=&emc=edit_na_20140202 

Madonna uses N-word - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

#MadonnaSaysN***a

      Madonna used the N-word when talking about her son in a post on Instagram, using the hashtag, #disn***a. Madonna later apologized for any offenses she may have caused.

      Unfortunately, as much as we try to say that we are in a post-racial society, the true is that we are NOT. It's gonna take some years of healing before the African-American society will be okay with the usage of this word in the Caucasian-American society. Sorry Madonna, you're the Queen of Pop, not the Queen of the world. But at least you apologized. 

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/18/showbiz/madonna-n-word-apology/index.html?hpt=en_c1

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Beyoncé Stumps for Gender Equality - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

BEYONCÉ: Modern-Day Feminist 

    The Civil Rights Movement would not have been as successful if it was only supported by Black Americans. Its success can be attributed to people of all different colors. So why would we expect to see gender equality if we only want women to support feminism? Beyoncé, arguably the face of modern-day feminism, presents this idea in new her essay Gender Equality is a Myth! 

     Of course! If feminists actually plan on seeing gender equality, the movement requires more than just the support of women. If all it took we're the support of women for gender equality, it would have happened years ago! 

    So is gender equality really possible? If so, could it happen any time soon? What defines gender equality? When do we cross the line in gender equality? Tell me what you think in the comments below...

Source: http://radioalice.cbslocal.com/2014/01/13/beyonce-stumps-for-gender-equality-in-new-essay/ 

-  Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

Bombs in Baghdad kill 18 - Victor Rasgdale - 4th Period

Car bomb and roadside bombing kill 18 in Iraq

          The ever-present tension as a result of the U.S. mission's success in finding and killing Osama bin Laden has yet to lose its intensity. Since the event and Iraqi authorities have cracked down security on a Sunni protest camp, there have been a multitude of attacks on people in public places. In this month alone, there have been 147 deaths from attacks in Iraq. 

          It's very unfortunate that the possibility of peace among the terrorist nations has become increasingly impossible. We may have to face this sad reality, but this doesn't mean we shouldn't try to keep it a minimum. Is there anything that we can do to stop violence in the Middle East while maintaining peace at home? 

Tell me what you think... 

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/09/3807644/car-bomb-and-roadside-bombings.html   

Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

Metro-North Train Sped at 82 M.P.H. Ahead of Curve in Fatal Crash - Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

Metro-North Train Sped at 82 M.P.H. Ahead of Curve in Fatal Crash 

           The Metro-North Railroad train that ran off tracks is being investigated for the cause of the incident. The train engineer operating the locomotive is in the hospital, and the case has been investigated for criminal intent. After testing him for drug and alcohol, they found "no criminal intent." Officials believe he was going above the maximum at the turn, which is 30 mph. Even on straight paths, the max speed is 70 mph, well under the 82 mph traveling locomotive. 

  

           Seriously dude. Did you just zone out or something? How did you not realize that you were speeding at a crazy rate? Even if you didn't, was there not someone monitoring the train to see that it was above the maximum speed? You would think that in the 21st century, we would be smart enough to invent an alarm that notifies the operator and the home base that a vehicle is traveling at undesirable speeds (whether that be too fast, or too slow). C'Mon, 'Murica! Tell me what you think... 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/03/nyregion/metro-north-train-accident-bronx.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0 

Spider-Man to Close on Broadway - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

'Spider-Man' to close on Broadway - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period 

      "With great power, comes great responsibility," as we learn from the beloved Uncle Ben. Broadway's 'Spider-Man' is closing due to its mediocre profits. The musical is notorious for many injuries on stuntmen. I guess that Broadway didn't quite understand that Uncle Ben wasn't to be taken lightly. When having people jump and "fly" tens of feet in the air, there are certain responsibilities you are expected to uphold. The musical is supposed to move to Las Vegas and undergo a revamping to be released in 2015.  

Should this musical be returned to Broadway, revamped for Vegas, or rejected altogether? 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/19/nyregion/spider-man-to-shut-on-broadway.html?hp&_r=0 

French Foreign Minister Says Iran Nuclear Talks Failed to Reach Deal - Victor Ragsdale 4th

Talks With Iran Fail to Produce a Nuclear Agreement 

Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

          French foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, and Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, were unable to reach a conclusion on Iran's nuclear program. In an effort to freeze the Iranian nuclear program, the negotiations began, but after days of (what seemed to be) progress, Iran voiced dissatisfaction of the proposal. But the time spent was not in vain; the countries will continue the negotiations soon. 

          Despite how much we try to reason with certain nations, they insist on using and enabling nuclear weapons technology, (in spite of their lack of a technological foundation and stability). Why world? WHY?

Tell me what you think of Iran's nuclear weapons program.... Freeze it? Or keep it running?

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/10/world/iran-nuclear-talks.html?emc=edit_na_20131109&_r=0 

U.S. Drones Kill Leader of Pakistani Taliban - Victor Ragsdale - 4th

U.S. Drones Kill Leader of Pakistani Taliban 

          U.S. drones killed the leader of the Pakistani Taliban (Hakimullah Mehsud) - which is related but independently operated from the Afghan Taliban - who are known for killing thousands of Pakistani civilians and has made many efforts to terrorize U.S. citizens. Despite the prime minister of Pakistan's disapproval of drone usage, the drones were used anyway and garnered the support from the civilians of Pakistan who were relieved from the death the leader. 

          This attack will hopefully gain the support of those who are against drones because of the possibility of the drone hurting civilians, but in this case the drone was successful in attacking the target(s) and not harming innocent bystanders. 

Source: Drone Strikes Are Said to Kill Taliban Chief

F.D.A. Urging a Tighter Rein on Painkillers - Victor Ragsdale - 4th Period

F.D.A. Urging a Tighter Rein on Painkillers - Victor Ragsdale

           The Food and Drug Administration is recommending tighter controls on prescribed drugs as a result of the increasing amount of overdoses on prescribed drugs. The abuse of prescription drugs has quadrupled since 1999, and the loose rules for governing them are likely for the ever-increasing abuse. The problem is how to determine how tight controls of certain drugs should be, for some drugs are not as effective as others. 

          This article was published to raise awareness of substance abuse (specifically prescribed substance abuse), and hopefully receive a significant uproar in the pharmaceutical consumer audience. 

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/25/business/fda-seeks-tighter-control-on-prescriptions-for-class-of-painkillers.html?emc=edit_na_20131024 

With Accusations of Sabotage, Venezuela Expels 3 U.S. Embassy Officials - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

With Accusations of Sabotage, Venezuela Expels 3 U.S. Embassy Officials - Victor Ragsdale 4th Period

      The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro expelled the top American diplomat and two other U.S. embassy officials accusing them of being in a plot to sabotage the Venezuelan economy. He gave them 48 hours to leave the country.

      Of course this was done because the president needs a scapegoat for the economic issues in Venezuela. How could he have handled the situation better? Well, instead of looking for a scapegoat, President Maduro should be looking for a solution. He needs to focus on the real problem at hand, which is not the "suspect", but the victim. He needs to find a way to help his people and country. Finding a person to blame is not the way.

Tell me what you think...

Source: NYTimes.com - Venezuela Expels 3 U.S. Embassy Officials