Drug tunnel found by Becca Hodge

A tunnel connecting San Diego, California to Tijuana, mexico was found. Police discovered more than 80 tons of Marijuana and 325 pounds of cocaine while in search of the tunnel. More than 75 tunnels have been located since 2008 that have connected the US to Mexico. This particular tunnel had electricity, ventilation and a rail system. It was described as "just completed" according to an ICE statement.

I find it very strange that these tunnels were only just found but have been under construction for quite some time. My questions are, who built it? why? how long has it taken to be completed? How did they build this massive tunnel without being noticed?

Borders over family by Sam Stromness

This article focused on just one of many families who has been separated by the U.S. sub par immigration system. A family in Florida where both parents were illegal immigrants was separated, first their Mother, then their Father five years later. The children suffered from a variety of mental conditions because of the trauma of losing both their parents. This particular story helps provide more evidence of the flaws in our immigration systems.

This subject is one that is very close to my heart and I think this article just reinforces my opinions on this matter. I have a cousin who recently married someone from China, however while her husband did all that he was supposed was unable to get a visa because the U.S. Embassy lost his papers. He was forced to live in fear because of a flaw in the system. I understand that it's not nearly as simple as I may think it is,but I still firmly believe immigration laws need to be changed and adjusted because they are causing far to many families and loved ones to be separated because of them.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/26/us/immigration-parents-deported-children-left-behind/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

Touching on a new level of technology-- Robert Swofford

Within the last decade we went from normal keypads to touch screens on almost all things technology. Smart phones, tablets, and even laptops have the ability for the screen to be touched and utilized through various applications.
although we have never considered making these have feedback when you touch the screen to close an app, feel a photo, play a game and touching the icons or move your mouse cursor. A branch of the Walt Disney company has been putting that into work with touch screens that not only let you see and hear, but also feel.
Ivan Poupyrev, the principle research scientist at disney's interaction group says "Touch screen on mobile devices, tablets, laptops, tables and walls. Everything will be touch sensitive in the future and we need tactile feedback to make it more useful and usable."
I really like this idea, this could be used to advance security measures and make living more interactive and livable. I think this could also be used in the opposite as well; perhaps like a artificial tactile feeling to a robot, which could make androids more life-like and believable to be human. But as a form to make things more real through a screen, I think it s great idea, which can just make technology more fun to use.

the news letter

Cellphone saves life by Zoey Crummey

On Monday in the early hours of the morning, a man attempted an armed robbery against a gas station clerk. He walked in and demanded the man open the safe after he pulled out his gun. The clerk tried twice to open the safe but failed, so the robber fired a bullet at him and ran. Lucky for the clerk the bullet was stopped by his cellphone, and he suffered only minor injuries. "the worker had no idea the bullet had hit his cellphone until he pulled it out of his shirt pocket."

This is pretty incredible, to think that a man would be so lucky that the robber shot it right where his cellphone was and that the bullet would actually be stopped! On the other hand, this shows what a problem guns are, this man could have been seriously injured if not killed if he wasn't insanely lucky. Guns are a very serious problem in our society, one that needs to be stopped. 

http://news.yahoo.com/fla-police-cellphone-stops-bullet-fired-robber-011837154.html

Questions about the NSA spying by: Eleanor E-W

Recently it was revealed that the NSA has been using technology to inappropriately collect to much private information. People are trying to figure out who knew about it and how it was authorized. One of the biggest questions is whether or not President Obama knew about it.  The article presents evidence that supports him not knowing about it, and evidence that supports him knowing about it. So basically, it is still unclear. The article also talks about what Obama and the US are doing to try to deal with it.  According to the article he has ordered a "review of surveillance capabilities".

I think it's incredibly creepy that the NSA did this. I think we should be trying to unearth the truth about it--how it was authorized and who knew about. I like President Obama, and I hope that he was not really involved in this.

Source:http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/28/politics/nsa-spying-key-questions/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Brazil talks abortion by Polly Hynds-Riddle

in brazil it is illegal to have an abortion and many people don't think it should be changed but congressmen are debating whether or not to change them. many people thing they are necessary as i said before but one woman, even though she went through and illegal abortion, thinks they need to keep the laws but just loosen them.

i think that abortion should be up to the women and not be illegal because it is their body and life and they know what they can and cannot provide for the child. Another reason is many women risk their health to have a "back ally abortion"


source

A little boy survives hit and run. By; Kindle Kelley

Lorenzu Cantu survives a terrible hit and run shortly before his Birthday Party. Since neighbors had surveillance cameras they saw exactly what had happened. Family is just happy that the little 7 year old was able to have a birthday. They celebrated his birthday on Sunday but family says "better later than never." The Hit and Run driver still has not confessed, they are still looking for him. The little boy survived with only a concussion.

I think personally that whoever hit this poor little boy should come confess, because what if  it happened to another little kid but this time the injuries are more serious. That is how I see it. If this happened to my little brother I would seriously be so scared. I am so glad that this little boy is okay, and I hope they find out who hit him. I cant believe that you could just hit a child, and not stop, knowing that they could possibly be dead. That is terrible to me, I hope that he had a great birthday party because he deserves it.

Source: http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/7-Year-Old-Boy-Injured-By-Hit-And-Run-Driver-229466971.html

Racial profiling in New York by: Meggie Hunt

Several citizens of New York have reported racial profiling in many stores and it wasn't until the week that authorities. The situation has even become serious enough that even celebrities have had experiences with the racial prejudice as well as several college students. The two leading stores where the complaints have been reported (Macy's and Barneys) are claiming to be working to right the wrong done to their costumers.
what with the new voting restrictions which basically target the same demographic as the ones being discriminated against in this article, it provides little surprise that this would also be an issue, and yet the fact that this was to be expected is almost more sobering than the issue itself. Racial discrimination is not over, and probably wont be for a long time, but its still disgusting to hear about these kind of stories. The example in this article is not unlike that of the discrimination of practicing Islam's in airports. And as for Barneys' "zero tolerance" of this kind of behavior is probably the same kind of empty promise which many public school systems maintain.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/28/us/new-york-profiling-claims/index.html?hpt=us_c2

UK Approves New Cayman Islands Budget: by Frances Garnett

On October 1st, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office approved the new budget of the UK territory the Cayman Islands. The Premier of the Cayman Islands, Alden McLaughlin, stated that a lot of effort was put into the new budget, and was successful because of the logical approach they took to create it. He also said that the UK approved it on it's first submission, showing the evidence of hard work out into the budget, since that had never happened before. The UK is continuing to closely monitor the public spending of all its overseas territories to ensure they won't have to bail out anyone. They are also prepared to offer the Caymanian government with any help they need to follow though with its commitments to the UK.

 

This was a pretty dry article, and was probably written to simply inform people about business matters. But, it caused me to do some thinking about the territory's status as an overseas territory of the UK. Based on my previous knowledge of the negative consequences and attitudes towards colonization, I was at first surprised and troubled by the fact that one country has to approve everything another place does, even though they are miles apart and that place is necessarily rightfully theirs. But, since they seemed to be collaborating well, I did some basic research on the Cayman Islands. I found out that it is rated highly on the Human Development Index, and that it has one of the highest GDPs in the world (which is great for such a small place). I also found out that it opted to stay a territory in the 60s. I guess that makes sense, since there must be advantages to being connected to the UK that maybe bring success. Of course, I'm in no place to judge whether this is good or bad, because I don't know the territory's history, but I still wonder if the concept of territories and colonization is a bit outdated and clinging to a former power and era. Again, I can't judge. But I think this article is important because it can make us think about things like this.

Source: http://www.caribbeannewsreview.com/index.php/caribbean1/business/1111-uk-oks-ppm-s-full-budget

woman's body from Minnesota is finally found: Reagan Leslie

A woman from Minnesota that was missing six months ago was killed by a gunshot to the head. Before that she was buried in a shallow grave. Mandy Martula, aged 24, was found Saturday afternoon by a hiker hiking at the Mississippi River Park in Stearns County,Minnesota. Police in Minnesota said that the body that they found was wrapped in a blanket and with a few other accessories like a high school class ring and a pullover that was embroidered with the number 14 on it. Mandy was missing on May 1st. It wasreported that she was last seen with her ex boyfriend Dave Marshall Roe, which police think is one of the suspects. I just think this situation is horrible. I mean, Mandy left a family behind and her future in front of her. Some people are just cruel and leaving her behind in a grave. I hope the family will be okay.

Hurricane-force winds batter Northern Europe

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/28/world/europe/uk-severe-weather/index.html?hpt=wo_c1

Summary:
A major Atlantic storm causing hurricane force winds battered England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands early Monday, knocking out power to nearly 220,000 homes in England and blocking roads and railways with fallen trees. At least nine people have been killed due to these winds. Wind gust have gotten as strong as 99 mph.  At least two storm-related deaths have already been confirmed and a third person has been reported missing. In Germany, five people were killed, four due to fallen trees. And in France, the body of a woman was found on a beach near Belle-Ile. Witnesses say the woman was swept away by a wave. The storm cut power to people across the southern part of England. Weather forecasters had said before the storm arrived that it could be the region's worst in a decade. Hopefully these countries can recover from this tragic storm and get things back to the way they were.

Analysis:
This is horrible! I know these countries weren't prepared for this horrible storm and I hope they do whatever they can to pick up the pieces this storm left behind. There's no way to fight back winds this strong therefore I can only imagine the struggle they were going through. 

Mexican drug lord killed by a clown JULIA WOLTJEN

SUMMARY:  Last week Francisco Rafael Arellano Felix was shot to death by a gunman dressed in a clown suit, rubber nose, big shoes, the whole package. Felix was the oldest member of mexico's once feared Arellano Felix clan. On, Wednesday clowns gathered at a convention in Mexico city and all the attendees agree that the killer was not one of them. Their evidence is that all the clowns in Mexico and surrounding states know each other and their outfits, nobody recognized the shooter to be a fellow clown.

ANALYSIS:  The killer certainly had a weird way of covering his tracks, but the fact that a drug lord is no longer on the streets is reassuring. The fact that he was murdered is not. Police need to solve this any other murder, if not quicker since he was a drug lord. 


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/mexico/10401350/Clowns-deny-they-killed-Mexican-drug-lord.html

441 new animal species discovered in the Amazon since 2010 by Josie Blossfeld

Summary: In the span of just three years, 441 new animal species have been discovered in the Amazon, which spans over 8 different countries. There have been 258 plants, 84 fish, 58 amphibians, 22 reptiles, 18 birds, and one mammal found. Roughly 1 in 10 species found in the Amazon are found anywhere else on Earth.

Analysis: These animals are a great discovery for mankind. It's hard to believe, but there are so many different species we still have yet to discover in the rain forest. It's important to keep our rain forests safe so that these species will not become extinct. It makes me sad to think of all the animal species we have already lost! It's amazing that so many were found in just 3 years.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/amazon-species-discovered/index.html?hpt=ila_t2

Young man linked to 79 killings in Mexico by Angelica Fischer

Juan Pablo Vazquez was arrested earlier this month on October 8. The authorities linked him to 79 killings in northern Mexico. Juan confessed to 45 of those killings and those killings lead to 34 other slayings between 2011 and this year. He was caught selling drugs to a woman, Nancy Ortiz. He had 35 baggies of weed and 22 packets of cocaine.

I think this is terrible! Who kills 79 people for no reason?! And when Juan got caught selling drugs, he confessed to only killing 45 people. Why didn't he just say he killed all 79 people? I mean he's already going to jail. And he doesn't really have anything to fight over anymore. I think every person of those 79 killings didn't deserve to die, they didn't do anything to Juan. He just wanted to hurt many, many people for no reason. I just hope this never happens again.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/mexico-killings-arrest/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

Money for virginity by Gabriel David Giron Vives

Summery: Some woman in columbia sold her 12 daughters virginity once they had reached the age of 12. One of the girls got pregnant and told the police. The Columbian woman, Margarita de Jesus Zapata Moreno, was arrested this week. The police also arrested the man who got one of the girls pregnant. Some officers say that they were forced to do other things, such as drink and do drugs. They also say that 2 of her kids were not forced to do this yet, one 11 year old boy and a 9 year old girl.

Analysis: Well. Huh. This world gets more interesting by the moment. I don't know why. No. I Don't want to know why. Just. bleh. The fact that this still happens is just, Bleh. I feel like this is how most of my analysis' go, but, come on! Can the world just stop being gross and disgusting for one moment! Please!? Can't the news be like, " Fluffy Bunnies get even Fluffier!" or something like that? Please? The news now a days is just like, "New disease gives fluffy bunnies AIDS." Seriously! NO! Ok. I'm Done. 

Here's the link. 

Enjoy your lives everyone. 

Its Happened Again by Kera Mickus

A 20 year old man was found in association with 72 murders in Mexico. Pablo Juan Vazquez was caught on October 8, but the arrest was not announced until Thursday. He was arrested along with another female, Nancy Ortiz, whom police said was supposedly selling drugs to and or with Vazquez. The pair was caught with several baggies of weed and also several packets of cocaine. Fear of revenge or kickback from the cartels involved meant that officials kept details on the down low, not even disclosing what gang the suspect is a part of. Apparently, he young man confessed to 45 killings, and has been implicated in 34 other slayings between 2011 and this year.

 What surprises most people is the fact that officials are not surprised, or even moved to take down these warring gangs and gangsters. It’s sickening to know that in OUR country, we do everything to prevent it, but when people immigrate here illegally, we try to keep them out. I feel for the people who have to wake up every day and worry for their life, or worse; wake up and miss the life of someone they lost. The people of Mexico are almost soldiers – everyday they wake up and fight another group, essentially living in the battle zone. But I think it’s horrible that they are fight themselves.

(Original Source by Mariano Castillo, CNN)
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/mexico-killings-arrest/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

Brazil protests: Sao Paulo bus station attacked by Paige Kutschall

The high transport costs in San Paulo cause people to start protesting for free public transportation.  At first, it was just marches. But people went a far as to set a bus on fire, destroy cash, and vandalize ticket machines. Someone even threw a rock at a police officer. When Police came, protesters fled. 

The government is setting aside  $2.4 Billion to improve public transportation. 

I think that this is a cause that people should protest, but destroying things and setting the transportation on fire isn't helping anything. I think its great that the government is trying to improve the transportation conditions becuase it's obviously something that most people in Brazil care a lot about. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24680283

Mexico towns lose power- Julianne Swaykus

   Unidentified suspects armed with guns and Molotov cocktails attacked power stations in western Mexico State on Sunday. They left 11 towns with no power and were in a suspected drug cartel attack. "The interior ministry said in a statement that national power company equipment, six gas stations and a convenience store were targeted in 11 towns in the state of Michoacan, but that nobody was hurt." Authorities are currently investigating the attack. 

     I am glad that nobody was hurt in this attack. People do the strangest and stupidest things these days. 

http://iphone.france24.com/en/files/imagecache/aef_ct_mobile/images/afp/5109587ff82ce281ce45846d340cb421ba6be4f6.jpg

http://iphone.france24.com/en/20131028-mexico-towns-lose-power-suspected-cartel-sabotage

World Cup is heating up! By Madelyn Winkelman

On Saturday the 26th  the Arena Pantanal caught fire in the lower levels of the stadium. The Arena Pantanal is one of twelve stadiums that is used for the World Cup in Brazil and is currently under heavy construction. No one was harmed in the fire and workers are confident this wont set them back for their deadline,which is December 31. The workers believe that the Styrofoam that incased the lower levels of the arena was like a fuel to the fire which is why it spread so rapidly, but they believe that the only thing that needs to be fixed is the electrical wiring of the stadium.


I'm glad nobody was hurt and that the fire didn't engulf a larger portion of the stadium. But I must admit its very ambitious of them to still think they can finish the Arena Pantanal by December 31. I hope all goes according to plan, because lets be honest I am eagerly awaiting a new Shakira song! ;)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/brazil/10406437/Fire-at-World-Cup-stadium-in-Brazil-caught-on-camera.html

Man linked to 79 murders. By Jackson Daughety

Juan Pablo Vazquez is accused of being associated in the deaths of 79 people, including police officers. He was arrested earlier this month, on October 8th. The city of Monterrey, Mexico has had an astounding number of murders and it is not surprising to authorities that one man could and would kill this many people. The assumption is that almost all the murders have to do with fighting cartels. Mexico really needs to crack down on this issue. people are dying at an astonishing rate and not enough is being done about it. If one man can kill 79 people, over the period of a few years, before he is arrested there is a real issue here. http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/mexico-killings-arrest/index.html

Riots in Mexico, By: Jon Cope

Riots in Mexico, By: Jon Cope


Summary:
  About 300 miles south of the United States border, a fight broke out last night in a jail in Tamaulipas, Mexico. In this jail, nine criminals were in jail for state for federal or state crimes. Seven people were killed in the fight, the criminals say they "had a problem with the victims." The criminals were aged from 20 to 59 years old, and apparently, these criminals were all holding sharp objects/knives.

Analysis:
    I do not understand why people would want to fight, especially at or near a jail! Even if there was a problem between these people, they need to find a way to fix it. By killing or fighting with someone, you're just bringing another problem into your own hands.

Jon Cope

Sources: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/agencia-efe/131027/fight-leaves-7-inmates-dead-at-prison-mexico

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/killed-prison-riot-mexicos-gulf-coast-20692439

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/26/world/americas/mexico-prison-riot/index.html?iref=allsearch

Banksy: Vandal or Not? by Anna Pickett

     Banksy has been releasing new pieces of art in New York City each day this month. Banksy is a widely acclaimed street artist. He creates many different kinds of art, ranging from 2-D paintings to sculptures, from "travelling installations" to "performance art." On Wednesday, Banksy posted on his website that "Today's art has been canceled due to police activity." A week ago, the mayor of New York City stated that Banksy could be breaking the law with his art. An NYPD officer said that they haven't launched an investigation against Banksy because no one has called in to complain about his art.
     I really like Banksy's art. I don't think he's a vandal at all. He makes an artistic statement with his graffiti instead of just painting swear words everywhere. His work is selling for lots of money at auctions, so, clearly, people appreciate his work. It is possible that he might be breaking the law, but even if it is against the law, I know that people love his art anyway. Source

Obama Care website crashes again- Andrew Tunell

     After previous shutdowns on the Obama care were supposedly fixed the website shutdown again this Sunday. The Department of Health and Human Services blames the shutdown on a version worker trying to fix a"failure in a networking component".  President Obama said last week that his team was still "working out the kinks in the system."
     I think this is really ridiculous for a couple reasons. First I think Obama care is a horrible idea also,  the fact that the government spent $300,000,000 on setting up the site during the same time as they shut down the government to "preserve money", obviously they aren't making decisions wisely. Also the fact that they spent so much money on this project and still dont have a functional website.
http://money.cnn.com/2013/10/27/news/obamacare-website-malfunction/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Deported By: Hannah Kerman

Two children living in the US have had both of their parents deported back to Nicaragua. The children are both citizens but their parents are not. The two children were sent to live with a family friend and she became their legal guardian, but their parents are still in Nicaragua. Lots of children go through this and if they don't have family or friends, they could be put into the foster care system or adoption. If they're put up for adoption, they have no chance of seeing their parents again. If the children are put through the foster care system, most of them face depression and tend to move away from society.
I this that this is just awful! No child should have to go through this and their parents are just trying to find a better life. I mean, I understand why they are deported and I think that as a parent, their first priority is their family and to protect their family, first they need citizenship or at least a green card. It's a long process and it's really complicated, but it seems like the US doesn't even care about our generation. According to the article, 17 children are put into foster care each day and it seems like after they're put there, the US government just stops caring about them.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/26/us/immigration-parents-deported-children-left-behind/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

Two British Women Put in Brazilian Jail for Drug Smuggling by Bob Cummins

     Natasha Phiri and Nancy Barney were recently caught trying to smuggle 8 pounds of cocaine in suitcases from Brazil to the United Kingdom.  The drugs were found in one of their suitcases by a sniffer dog.  After they were arrested, they told the officers that they collected the suitcases without knowing of the cocaine in them.  They said that a man named Romeo, who apparently paid for their trip to Brazil, told theem to pick up the bags.  The judge of their case stated that their defense was filled with holes and contradictions.  They have been sentenced to 7 years at the Women's Penitentiary in São Paulo and were fined for £4,400.

     They gave a very weak testimony in my opinion.  Who in his right mind would go on a flight paid for by an acquaintance (they didn't even state this "Romeo"'s last name) and pick up some suitcases for a stranger without bothering to even look in them?  I see this as a weak lie to get them out of jail.  They probably went to Brazil in the first place to get the drugs and take them back to England!

Source: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9197087242021402711#editor/target=post;postID=4828345616785842415

Selling Virginity - Max Gaddis

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/colombia-mom-sells-daughters/index.html

A Colombian mother sold 12 out of her 14 daughters' virginity to older men to make money. When accused of and arrested for the crime along with one of the men who impregnated one of her daughters, she denied it. Margarita de Jesus Zapata Moreno, the mother of 14 daughters, would begin selling their virginity when they turned 12 years old. One of the daughters, now 16, had a baby when she was 14 because of this prostitution. She refused to have an abortion like Zapata told her to. She put the investigation at a standstill because she the only victim/witness willing to testify, disappeared for a year, afraid Zapata would harm her and her little boy, and when she came back, she released evidence about the man who fathered her child. Zapata is also being charged with forcing her older girls to do drugs and drink alcohol. Some of them have gone into professional prostitution, while others have gone missing. The only two children not forced into prostitution were the youngest, a boy of 11 years old and a girl of 9 years old.

I think this is sick and terrible. This needed to be stopped long ago and I'm surprised it wasn't. I wonder how the mother feels, knowing her children are either missing, prostitutes, or scarred for life by this whole ordeal. She should feel terrible for forcing her children to do this.

killer of 79 people by: Shadden Hashem

               Juan Pablo Vazquez, a 20 year old man from Nuevo Leon, is accused of killing rivals, a policeman, a stripper and other innocent bystanders (a total of 79 people).  Vazquez was caught on October 8 and was arrested with Nancy Ortiz. The pair was caught with 35 baggies of weed and 22 packets of cocaine according to the state's security secretariat. The man confessed to 45 killings and has been implicated in 34 others. Vazquez wasn't always the shooter in the cases, but was always involved in the killings.

               I can't believe someone would have to urge to just kill people for no reason! It really is awful. I am so glad he was caught.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/25/world/americas/mexico-killings-arrest/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

Girl expelled for having gay parents by Katelyn McLane

In  Monterrey, Mexico, a two-year-old girl was expelled from her daycare because she had two dads. Her parents were legally married in Mexico City, and it's against the law for schools to discriminate against any person in the LGBT community. The school's website said that they wish to be "the best bicultural school in Mexico's educational system." The dads, Alex and Pepe, are rightfully angry, and decided that they needed to go public with this. They thought that was the only way that the government would really listen. Alex and Pepe filed two complaints: one to the Nuevo Leon state department of public education and another to the Mexican agency that protects consumers. The Mexican Constitution states that nobody is to be discriminated against based on any sexual orientation, gender, age, etc. The girl's parents are now trying to find a new school for her to go to, along with a way to explain why she can't see her friends anymore.

I think this is such a sad story. The poor girl never did anything wrong, and her fathers weren't, either. They are legally married, and are doing everything any other parents would do for their children. It's horrible that the school claimed to want to be "the best bicultural school" and then turned around and expelled a young girl with gay parents. I get so angry when I hear these kinds of stories. I mean, honestly, why is it so hard for people to accept others in the LGBT community? They're not any different than everyone else. This is why I'm glad to go to Booker T. where everyone is treated equally.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/01/world/americas/mexico-day-care-gay-parents/index.html?iref=allsearch

Factory explosion by Bette Rathjen

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/24/world/americas/mexico-juarez-factory-explosion/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

An explosion at a candy factory in Mexico caused 42 people to be injured, 11 seriously injured, and at least one killed. The explosion also caused part of the roof to blow off. I think that this accident is awful and that they need to be more careful in order to be safe. I also wonder what caused the building to explode. This is really scary and I hope all of the family and friends of these victims are ok. It is hard to write alot about this accident because they dont know what caused it, but it is a terrible tragedy and I hope they are more careful reassembling the building.

Mike Miles being a coward

Everybody knows on the blog that I have a hate for Mike Miles. Well, there was a new article about him messing up for the 1000th time. YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!! Another reason for him to get fired. Don Smithdecided to investigate him for all his wrong-doing and Miles keeps freaking out about it and gave the investigator a bad review. Not only did he give him a bad rating, he also decided to interfere with the investigation. His overall score was a 77.5 out of 100. Before this score, he never scored below a 95. Miles also instructed Don Smith to suspend the investigation "for the good of the district", and that the investigation unit was "abusive" and "intimidating". As mad as I am, we should fire him. If he refuses, we should kick his head in. Cameron Ordinario Source: Dallas Morning Newspaper Metro pages 1b and 5b.

Recreating master pieces---Technology Robert Swofford

Ever since the printing press, people and artist have been able to sell their works to people in vast quantities, and make a profit from the outcome. But what about pre existing pieces, like the Mono Lisa? Well, with the latest in technology, scientist have created 3D printers that not only recreate the work, but the frame, color, and even make 3D representations of a 2D painting.
The only reason why this is being done is gain funding (by some people who are hiding somewhere in the news letter which I can't pin point) to renovate the Van Gogh museum, and for people who want to own a Van Gogh piece, who obviously don't have the several thousand dollars on hand to buy the actual piece or even rent it.
I like the thought of remaking master pieces, down to the line and weight of the brushstrokes. I also think this would lessen the value the original, I not sure that would happen, but it seems like a possible outcome. This is a very nice way to allow the same piece to be in several museums...but this also seems like a cheat; it just doesn't seem right to me but this can boost sell for smaller museums, so this is a bitter sweet situation, so if this becomes more commercial....It has my partial support.


The news letter: technology mimics the brushstrokes of masters

Brazil goes aflame- Amanda Maceda

Last night in Brazil, anarchy erupted. The day started out with regular protesters marching through the city, demanding free public transport; this same day, The President announced a 2 and a half billion plan to improve public transport. After three hours of this, some of the protesters broke out and began to attack the city center’s bus terminal. Other protestors were masked (Apparently apart of the anarchist group Black Bloc) vandalized cash machines and ticket turnstiles and also lit a bus on fire. Public transport isn’t the only trouble in Brazil; “wider unrest has been targeted at Brazil's rising cost of living, poor public services, corruption and the misuse of government money.”

Dolphins killed for shark bait by Julia F

Off of Peru's Pacific coast, thousands of dolphins are being slaughtered to be used just as shark bait even though the practice is outlawed by the South American country. The group joins a fishing vessel on the boat as it gets closer and closer to where the dolphins join. As the dolphin is bleeding terribly the dolphin is hauled on board and almost immediately dies on the deck of the vessel. With a sharpened knife, a Peruvian fisherman then peels the skin off the dolphin's back and carefully cuts the body into thin slices.

This is horrendous. Dolphins are great creatures that do no harm an do not desere to die this way. As well as it being a terrible thing to do, it is outlawed anyways so there is probably consequences for these conditions. If this continues to occur, dolphins might become extinct. 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/22/world/americas/dolphins-killed-peru/index.html?c=americas

Mexico factory explodes by Becca Hodge

In a sweet factory in Ciudad Juarez, a boiler exploded injuring many people. Unconfirmed reports state that 20 people are missing, dozens are injured, four of which are in critical condition and 10 are seriously injured. It is unclear if anyone was killed, more on that later.

This is a terrible event. My heart goes out to all of those hurt and the families of those people. Hope the injured recover fast!

Mexico is angry by Gabriel David Giron Vives

Summery: Mexico has found out that America just so happens to be spying on them. After some certain secrets had been reveled to the public, Mexico found out what was happening and they are outraged.The foreign ministry put out a statement saying, "This practice is unacceptable, illegitimate and against Mexican and international law."

Analysis: Not much to say about this. America's just spying on everyone, nothing we can do about that. Now, Mexico on the other hand? Who knows? We'll just have too see. 

till then.

Here's the Link

Dolphins killed for shark bate in Peru Sam Stromness

Although killing dolphins has been illegal for nearly twenty years in Peru, law enforcement is weak and there is an epidemic of dolphin hunting. Recently two journalists went undercover to see just how gruesome it actually was. The fishermen will harpoon the dolphin and drag it aboard where it dies soon after. The dolphin is then cut up and used as shark bat throughout the week. After this inside look at dolphin hunting surfaced the Peruvian government has taken a stance and plans to try and up law enforcement of dolphin poaching.

I think it is terrible that dolphin hunting is so prevalent in Peru; nothing should ever be killed or injured in such an inhumane way as these dolphins. I am glad these journalist brought to attention what a problem, this really is. Also while I think its good that Peru's government says they are going to better enforce these laws, but I'm a bit skeptical due to the lack of effort that they have made in the last fifteen years.

Dolphin killings in Peru

Cuba Decides to do Away with Dual Money by Kera Mickus

According to Patrick Oppmann's report, Cuba is deciding to do away with their "dual currency system".

What does this mean?
Well, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba has had two pesos; the Convertible Peso, which is somewhere near the US dollar, and the Cuban Peso, which is 4 cents. After the collapse, the US dollar was introduced into the Cuban Currency system, with a different facing.

Why is this such a big deal?
"The dual-currency system is unpopular with many Cubans, who complain that the Cuban pesos they received their salaries in are not accepted in stores that carry sought-after imported goods."
 - In other words, Cubans are being paid in one currency, but are being required to pay in another.

On Tuesday, the Cuban Communist Party announced the important news, and people's hopes are being raised, but no one has given a definite schedule on when the official process will occur.

"The announcement Tuesday said the Cuban central bank will continue to back both currencies and give Cubans time to convert their savings."

This is a great idea, since it will probably clear the confusion, and keep people happy. I mean, the economy seems hard enough, but trying to use the right amount of money, and the right money, seems much to complicating. I dont see why they introduced a second currency in the first place - but I guess it's good they're ending it now.

Link to Original Report:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/22/world/americas/cuba-single-currency/index.html?hpt=ila_c1

Venezuela shoots down two 'hostile' planes by Paige Kutschall

"This was the first plane shot mid-air in the country since the approval of the Law and Control Regulation for the Integral Defence of the National Airspace, following the orders of our commander-in-chief, President Nicolas Maduro," Gen Padrino said.

Recently, a bill allowing for Bolivian Military Forces to shoot down illegal planes entering the country's air space, was approved. This aircraft was thought to be carrying drugs and refused to follow the military pilots' orders.  The head of Venezuela's Strategic Operational Centre, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, told the country's state television that a plane had been targeted after "all other means of persuasion had been exhausted" in the early hours of Saturday. Planes smuggling drugs are no stranger to the country.  11 other planes were dissembled on the groud and over 35 tons of drugs were found just in the past year.

I think that the country is handeling this drug smuggling in planes very well. I don't know of any other way to handle it because the country probably doesn't have much money. And it's not like they are shooting down a plane full of people, there are only 1 or 2. And these people are doing it at the risk of thier lived anyway. I wish drugs were never discovered, a lot of problems would be fixed.

Report Denouces Declining Press Freedom in Venezuela - by Frances

On Sunday in Colorado, the Venezuelan Press Bloc submitted a report saying that there have been events in the past six months that are evidence to the deterioration of press freedom in Venezuela. Some of these events are: attacks on journalists and news organizations; restrictions on importations of products to make newspapers with; the government withdrawal from the Inter-American Human Rights System; the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro's, call for a law that allows him to make laws for a year; several incidences of buying and selling news media; an increase of lawsuits against news media that are privately owned; the difficulty of newspapers getting newsprint; the Venezuelan Attorney General's Office ordering an investigation of a so-called "false headline" about the country's supply of gasoline; and the creation of a new organization, Cesppa (Strategic Center for Homeland Security and Protection), that may be able to censor information that's perceived as a threat to the country. The report called these "severe attacks on freedom of expression".

It's curious how an article about the decline of press freedom in Venezuela is being produced in Venezuela, but maybe since it's one of the few extremely famous South American papers in English as well as Spanish or Portuguese, it is being influenced more by international writers and producers. However, this article never actually states any opinion other than the report's, so maybe there is some editing being done by the government. I don't know much about the status of governments and politics in Latin America, but I am aware that there have been difficulties over the years with giving citizens a voice. This probably affects my understanding and influences me to believe that what the article is saying is correct, and there is a deterioration of press freedom occurring in Venezuela. This article was probably written to protest the creation of Cesppa, as others are also expressing their concerns about it, since that founding is the main argument the article makes. I disagree with the goal of Cesppa. If the country is going to function in today's world, the government and its people need to be fully aware of all current events and both praises and criticisms.

ANOTHER SCHOOL SHOOTING?! by Polly Hynds-Riddle

Yet another school  shooting has occurred, this time in Sparks, Nevada. The shooter was a student who fired a gun killing one teacher and injuring two students. After the death and injury of people standing by the young shooter took his own life. Parents came quickly to the scene seeming most hadn't gotten very far because this was before school. The elementary and middle schools are closed for the week. Both of the injured students are stable and recovering in the hospital and the teacher will be missed greatly everyone remembers him as a great man who would do anything for his students.

i think this is just plain awful because i can't imagine this happening at booker t or even my middle school!!!! this type of thing makes you look around you and realie how blessed you are to live and/or go to school in a safe place!

source

New Jersey makes gay marriage legal By: Eleanor E-W

New Jersey is now the 14th state to legalize gay marriage. The New Jersey state court ruled to legalize it today, and the governor is not going to fight it. While some people in New Jersey who do not support gay marriage are disappointed same-sex couples in New Jersey are overjoyed at the ruling.

As I personally support gay marriage, I'm happy about this. I think that this is a step in the right direction--for New Jersey and the United States.  I think it's nice that same-sex couples in New Jersey can finally get married! I hope that more states will legalize gay marriage in the future.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/21/us/new-jersey-same-sex-marriage/

Jealously with Threats: Reagan Leslie

Imagine this scenario in your head. You and the person that you are with are really hitting it off. But on some occasions, you cant really tell how his affections are to you. (even his he meets with his previous lover to "catch up." Yes, we all know that jealously can be ugly in most cases, but there are some ways to control it. Here's some examples of how you can decode your emotions and if the women in his life are bad news: 1) If your jealous of the ex that's still around, don't bash on her and call her needy. Just tell him that you don't really feel comfortable that she's around us in the nicest possible way you can. Any boyfriend would do anything to make you comfortable. 2) Jealousy strikes when he has a previous lover that rocked his world. You can't really change the past, so all you can do is accept it. 3) Jealousy strikes with the female coworker. First tell him that you would like to meet the coworker to talk to her. If you just talk to her, you'll find out the truth. Jealousy hits with the best friend as a female. First, see if the friendship is harming the relationship. Try to tease him about it at first then if it really bothers you, talk to her instead. I think this is awesome advice, but a person like this is kind of desperate for some attention. So, in other words, if you are in a relationship with someone, make sure that you let them talk about themselves, really listen to them.... I think they will really appreciate.

School Shooting by Zoey Crummey

Another tragic school shooting has occurred, this time at a middle school in Sparks, Nevada. Two students were injured, one teacher was killed, and the shooter then committed suicide. The teacher who was killed had been protecting other classmates from the child with the gun. The math teacher was also a former Marine, Michael Landsberry. The students returned today after the end of their fall break, and will have the rest of the week off. The shooting came as a huge shock to the people of the community. "It's not supposed to happen here. We're just Sparks - little Sparks, Nevada. It's unreal." 

In my opinion this is a truly tragic event. It seems like every week there has been a new shooting, whether it's at another school, a mall, or a movie theater. When will people understand that the only way to eliminate this HUGE problem is to cut it off from the beginning- outlaw guns. Our nation is never going to improve on this issue if we continue to have guns legalized. You always hear stories like this and think "This will never happen to me." But it could. And that's the scariest thing out of all of this mess. 

http://news.yahoo.com/nev-student-opens-fire-kills-teacher-himself-001840801.html

42 die of poisoned liquor in India JULIA WOLTEN

SUMMARY: 42 people have died from illegal liquor. This liquor was poisoned with pesticides by bootleggers to thicken it making their end product larger. Bootleggers get away with this because of India's weak liquor laws. 10 more people have died making the total toll 42 in 3 days.

ANALYSIS:  India should just strengthen their liquor laws, nut instead their citizens are dying. What the heck!! Just fix the problem at hand! Citizens should also be more careful of what they buy, because you never know what could be in it!

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/10/20/death-toll-from-drinking-tainted-liquor-rises-to-42-in-india/

56 fires scorch eastern Australia; state of emergency declared - Allie Gonzales

Summary:
Hundreds of homes have been either damaged or destroyed by dozens of horific bush fires raging eastern austrailia. Unfortunately, officials fear that condition could get much worse. Volunteer firefighter Michael Green, who made a harrowing drive through the fire lines to his home in the mountain town of Dargan, said he and his wife could feel the intense heat through their windows. The fire had passed, but burned trees were still glowing red and the hot spots "were still quite severe," he said. Despite the risk, they had to make sure they're house and dog were ok. The Springwood fire destroyed at least 193 homes and damaged another 109. In the Mount Victoria fire, seven homes have been destroyed and one damaged. Both fires were sparked by power lines that had been buffeted by strong winds. At least one death has been reported. A 63-year-old man died of a suspected heart attack Friday while defending his home against a blaze on the New South Wales Central Coast, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.Forecasters are calling for hot, dry and windy conditions over the next few days,  yet they are doing everything they can to prevent more fires from startling up. 

Analysis:
It's really sad to see what Austrailia is struggling with. Fire is never fun to mess with and can be such a hassle to put out. Plus the damage it can cause is just too horrible to even think about. I really hope austrailia can overcome these fires or at least ease these horrible conditions.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/20/world/asia/australia-fires/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Child labor in Latin America By: Bella Morris

                 
                 Latin America has been known for having one of the highest rates in poverty and child labor. Nigeria ranking 10 in the 2014 Index of child labor, now taking the gold for being the highest rated child labor area in the whole world. In September polls were taken at the National Labor Organization. This poll displayed the age of 5-17 year old engaged in child labor decreased from 10.8% than the last poll being taken at the percentage of 13.6% in 2008.
                  Child labor is one of the most injustice and crudest thing. Children being worked to the extremes starting at the age of 5 is ridiculous! I really hope the percentages keep decreasing. It still surprises me there are situations like this going on around the world.

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/15/world/child-labor-index-2014/index.html?hpt=ila_t4

Haiti Epidemic By: Hannah Kerman

In 2010 just after Haiti had their awful earthquake that killed and ruined thousands of people, a cholera outbreak happened. The people of Haiti blamed the United Nations because they were near a river and apparently the disease spread downriver and the people of Haiti got it. An estimated 8,300 people died from the disease and many more, survived the illness. It didn't help that their lives had already been harmed by the earthquake. The people of Haiti are suing the UN for the loss of their people's lives and because they "brought it to them."
I think that this is awful especially since the people of Haiti were weak and the UN was trying to help not cause an epidemic. If it really is the UN's fault, I don't see how suing them would help their country. I mean, yeah they would gain some money, but if an earthquake happened again or some terrible disaster, the UN may not want to help in fear that they would cause another epidemic or just get sued again. It's not like (if it was the UN's fault) they wanted that disease to spread, all they wanted was to help.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/09/world/americas/haiti-un-cholera-lawsuit/index.html?hpt=ila_t3

Kiyanna Elliott Raymond becomes major hurricane, menaces Mexico's Pacific Coast By Matt Smith, CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/21/world/americas/tropical-weather-raymond/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

The powerful but small Hurricane Raymond stayed southern Mexico's Pacific coast Monday, growing slightly as it poured heavy rain north of Acapulco. At 5 p.m. Monday ET, Raymond was a Category 3 storm, a major hurricane, with top winds of 125 mph. Its eye was about 160 miles west-southwest of Acapulco, but its worst punch remained far offshore, since hurricane-force winds extended just 25 miles from the eye. The storm had been sitting still since Monday morning, and its movement over the next day was expected to be slow and erratic.

I wanted to post this since I looked up Latin American News and this was one of the articles. I hope that everything will blow over. So far the article hasn't said anything about any deaths.  

Former Mexican President's Email Account Hacked by US by Bob Cummins

     Recently, it was discovered by Edward Snowden, who hacked secret government information and leaked it to the public, that the a United States organization had hacked and had insight into former Mexican president, Pelipe Calderon's emails.  Der Spiegel, a German news magazine reported that a document leaked by Snowden said that this "top secret" organization hacked into something that gave them some insight about "Mexico's political system and internal stability".  The Mexican government, aided by the spokesperson of the Mexican Embassy, said that the surveillance was "unacceptable, unlawful and contrary to Mexican law and international law."  Snowden is currently wanted by the U.S. for hacking government information.

     This was stupid and unlawful for this organization to hack into this president's email account.  What's next, the government recording our phone calls? *wink wink*   If the government hacked into a citizen's email, or an American government official's email, then it would be all over the news.  It would be a huge deal.  For some reason, though, the media isn't blowing up over this unlawful act committed by our own government.  I think that Snowden was getting himself into deep trouble when he leaked this info, and I think that he knew it himself as well.  He is wanted for hacking this information, but how can the government explain (or get out of) this one?

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/20/21053479-report-us-hacked-into-former-mexican-presidents-email-account?lite

Taxation in Mexico by Josie Blossfeld

Summary: Mexico's lower house has approved a taxation on junk food, sugary drinks and pet treats. This taxation will boost government income in Mexico, whose government happens to be one of the lowest tax collectors in the region. However, these companies being taxed are criticizing the taxes, saying they will overall be bad for the economy. Excerpt from the article: Taxes in Mexico are equivalent to 13.7 percent of the gross domestic product, compared to an average 18.4 percent in the rest of Latin America, according to the government.

Analysis: I agree with the taxes being imposed on the businesses. They will overall help increase the government income in Mexico and boost the economy. I also believe the taxes will encourage buyers to buy less junk food and more healthy food.

Link to article: http://news.yahoo.com/mexico-lawmakers-back-tax-junk-food-pet-treats-191040187.html

THE SHUTDOWN IS OVER!!! unfortunately there are some side effects. By Nash F.

Well we did it the shutdown is over, can everyone party now? NO! the sad news is there is a lot of things that need to recover and a lot of people are taking some hits to their record.

First a few poles. A gallup pole has stated that Obama's approval rating went down two percent in the past week. Ted Cruz in another pole is doing worst he has dropped in favorability by both Republicans  and Democrats (+25 -31)* but he has risen in favor with the Tea Party (+74 -8)*. These two poles show an interesting pattern that while Obama may have taken a small hit in his popularity Ted Cruz, the face of the government shutdown, has become really unpopular. Except the Tea Party, a minority of the minority, love him so what could this mean.

I see this going one of two ways either A. the Republican party gets its act together and they find a way to make the Tea Party inside it to be more rational and not act up in the Congress. Or B. the Tea Party will slowly destroy the integrity of the Republican party and they will slowly dissolve from this.

In the end I see A Republican Party that will have to change its views to be slightly more Liberal if they are going to succeed in a America where they know that a majority of americans are not willing to put up with their junk.

I'd like to end on a quote.

"Back in 1995, we tried this experiment before. The American people reacted in a totally negative fashion, so we didn't do it again until we lost all corporate memory, except for a few of us old geezers."
      -John McCain (Rep. Ariz.)



*(+: Favorable   -:Unfavorable)

Bibliography:
http://www.gallup.com/poll/116479/barack-obama-presidential-job-approval.aspx
http://www.people-press.org/2013/10/16/tea-partys-image-turns-more-negative/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/17/john-mccain-government-shutdown_n_4115462.html?utm_hp_ref=politics

Two Escaped Florida Inmates, By: Jon Cope

Two Escaped Florida Inmates, By: Jon Cope


Summary:
    In Florida, two convicted murderers were apparently released from a Franklin County jail. This was a mistake, and they were released under forged documents! So, a victim's family called the police asking why he was released, and they started to investigate it. Later, a "friend" of the inmates told authorities that they were in this same area as where they were released. The police searched, and found these two criminals in a motel nearby, and now bringing them back to where they are meant to be.

Analysis:
    I think this is very brave of the "friend" of the criminals. They are risking their own life, to save many others. If for some reason this were to happen again, that "friend" might be the one to be hunted down. I'm glad that these victims / families will not have to worry anymore about these criminals being let out.

Jon Cope

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/20/justice/florida-inmates-mistakenly-freed/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Mystery Girl by Anna Pickett

     A 4-year old girl was discovered with a Roma couple by the police. This couple was pretending to be the girl's parents. Because of the distinct difference between the girl and her "parents," the police began questioning the couple. They continually changed the story of how they got her. When a genetic test showed that the couple and the girl were not related, the police took the girl away and took her to a charity called "The Smile of the Child." They are trying to find her biological parents now.
     I hope they find the girl's parents. I think it's awful that the couple possibly abducted this child and then lied to the police about how they got her. Apparently, the woman in the couple was registered to have had 10 children, while the man has had 4. I don't think any of these children were there along with the 4-year-old. I hope the little girl is safe now.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/19/world/europe/greece-mystery-child/index.html?hpt=ieu_c1

Taxes taxes taxes... -Julianne Swaykus

    Mexico's lower house had approved a plan that puts taxes on sugary drinks, junk food, and pet treats. They did this to boost government revenue in their second economy.

"President Enrique Pena Nieto has pushed the legislation, which would also raise taxes on higher earners, to improve the country's lackluster tax collection, one of the lowest in the region." Soft drink firms and other companies don't like this plan and think that is not good for the economy. 

     I think this is a good idea. A lot of people drink soda and eat candy so the government will get a lot more money. We also get treats for our pets but that is not as common.

http://news.yahoo.com/mexico-lawmakers-back-tax-junk-food-pet-treats-191040187.html

City of the Transformed - Max Gaddis

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2013/10/14/transforming-medellin.cnn.html?c=americas

The once crime-infested city of Medellin, Columbia has been transformed. The mayor, Anibal Gaviria, has done what no other mayor has done: he has restored tranquility, peace, and order to the city after it being run so long by Pablo Escobar, the drug lord. The mayor has done his best to maintain order by putting in seven-station outdoor escalators that run 18 hours a day, and a skyline that offers easy access to a nature reserve. Citizens can also ride the subway for less than a dollar.

I think this is the best way to restore the people's hope and trust in this city. The mayor made it a better place, just by adding these things alone!

Walk like a Zombie! By Madelyn Winkelman

On Saturday over 15,000 people participated in the 4th annual 'Zombie Walk, in the streets of Santiago Chile. This tradition took place in Sacramento California for the first time in 2001 and has made its way to major cities across the globe. The Zombie Walk is to represent equality and encourage tolerance for Zombie Culture....yes, its a real thing.


I think this is a pretty cool thing! To be able to spend an entire day with gruesome makeup and drenched in fake blood honestly sounds like a blast! If Dallas ever had its own Zombie Walk I would most definitely take part of it.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/10392072/Zombies-walk-the-streets-of-Santiago.html

Drug Cartel Killed by Clown By Jackson Daughety

Francisco Refael Arellano Felix was shot in a popular tourist destination in Cabo. Two men(Allegedly one dressed as a clown)came and shot him multible times. Francisco was a cartel figure, and had served time on prisons all over Mexico and the USA, Most arrests related to Cocaine selling. This part of Cabo was notorious for being the setting for drug deals and other crime. It's always upsetting when people die. But it is so much worse when drugs are involved. That buisness is so dangerous. People die every day. The Authorities need to tighten up on these criminals because this is still a serious problem for everybody. http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/19/world/americas/mexico-cartel-figure-killed/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

The 10 worst countries for child labor by Angelica Fischer

Eritrea and Somalia, the two top countries where child labor is most prevalent. High poverty rates a similar theme across countries where child labor is most commonly used. Important countries like China, India, Russia, and Brazil were also found to have extreme risks because child labor laws are often poorly enforced. Globally, there's been an improvement in the risks of child labor.

I think that children shouldn't have to work at such a young age. They should go to school and get their education and have fun being a kid. That way when they are adults they have a good job, that pays good money. Its a good thing that the child labor has decreased a little bit but there is still too many children working when they should be having fun being kids and making their mistakes.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/15/world/child-labor-index-2014/index.html?hpt=ila_t4

Lionfish infestation Andrew Tunell

        Recently in the Atlantic Ocean many fishermen have had trouble catching as many lobster, instead there catching mostly Lionfish. The lion fish are non native to the Atlantic Ocean where they have no predator other than humans and are know to wipe out up to 90% of a population in an area. Lionfish have poisonous spines to kill prey and can reproduce very rapidly. Scientists speculate that the fish were introduced by Florida pet owners and the population can be traced back to 6-8 fish.

       I think this is a very serious problem for the fisherman and the ecosystem in the Atlantic Ocean. These fish are non native and are disrupting the population of fish in the Atlantic. I think its good though that the community is making a effort to get rid of the fish.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/18/tech/innovation/lionfish-infestation-atlantic-linendoll/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Collapsed building in Columbia by: Shadden Hashem

              A 22-story residential building collapsed in Medellin, Colombia on Saturday night. One person was killed, two were injured, and 10 were unaccounted for. Officials noticed cracks in the building and evacuated 24 families on Friday. Construction workers also seem to be missing. Authorities evacuated residents of nearby buildings as a security measure. The police, the fire department, psychologists and the Red Cross were at the site.

               I can't believe the building just callapsed. I hope the injured and missing people are okay and I feel so sad for the person who was killed. This is so sad.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/13/world/americas/colombia-building-collapse/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

The Great (Sugar ) Burning- Amanda Maceda

Earlier today in Brazil, the port of Santos was ablaze for six hours. People at the scene at the time say a conveyor belt taking sugar into a warehouse caused the fire. Six warehouses were damaged and 180,000 tons of sugar from the Copersucar Company was burnt. “Brazil is the world’s main sugar exporter, accounting for nearly half of international sales.” New York raised sugar prices by 6 percent, but then shot it back down once they learned that the sugar business was not very affected by it. This is apparently the biggest fire in this ports history and the cause for the conveyor belt lighting on fire is unknown.

Bus falls off a cliff in Peru by Bette Rathjen

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/12/world/americas/peru-bus-falls-off-cliff/index.html?hpt=ila_c2
Last Saturday, a bus fell off a cliff in Peru. While headed to a celebration in the Santa Teresa district, the bus fell of a 656ft cliff. There were 51 people on the bus and every passenger was killed. 

This is horrible!!!! I think that Peru needs to do something so there wont be another accident like this. The article didn't really say what caused the bus to fall but there are some ways to fix a few things to prevent further accidents. One of the things they could do is make better roads to prevent accidents. A second thing they could do is build a railing or guard to protect vehicles. A third thing they could do is to educate their drivers better. All of these things could help prevent an accident one way or another. This is really awful and I hope that the families of all of the victims are safe and ok. 

Argentine President is released from hospital by Katelyn McLane

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner had been in the hospital due to a subdural hematoma, or blood clot on the surface of the brain. She had to have surgery, and luckily recovered quite well. She is now supposed to rest and avoid plane travel for 30 days, so the vice president of Argentina will take over her position for the time being.

It's great that Argentina's president is healthy and out of the hospital. It sounds like subdural hematoma would be a very bad thing to have, but it makes sense that she would live. I mean, there isn't much that the medical care we have today can't give you. I'm still glad that she's alright, however. Age 60 is definitely not old enough to die, especially when you're in charge of a country at that time.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/13/world/americas/argentina-fernandez-health/index.html?hpt=ila_c2

Tragedy hits a student in Townview

A student that went to Townview was shot and killed in Desoto on Thursday night. Lovell Jenkins III was just hanging out with his friends in Desoto and around 9 pm someone shot him in the chest. His friends ran away after that and they said to the police that they didn't know the man who shot him. Even though people expected the police to already crack down the case, unfortunately that's not what's happening. They said that they are still at the "baby stages" of this investigation. The article said that all the detectives are saying that maybe they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. They will hold a candlelight vigil for the student tonight at 7 pm. Cameron Ordinario Link: educationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/10/dallas-isd-student-at-townview-shot-and-killed-in-desoto-on-thursday.html

Wii U sales up 200% after price drop and release of Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD --Economy-Social Robert Swofford

Nintendo made a similar mistake with their Wii U with a hefty price, like-wise to their 3DS early into release. However they dropped the price to save their beloved console. Amazingly enough it increased the sales up 200% plus the Wind Waker bundle added to the sales.

Nintendo is very sly with these sort of marketing strategies. With the 2DS coming out later this year, for a cheaper substitute for the 3DS. Nintendo released the Pokemon X and Y on october 12, over 4 million copies have sold within 2 day of the release date, boosting sales high as ever for Nintendo. another smart motive by the marketing department, only $50 was removed by the initial price....It's amazing how much extra money could be made with a small cut in price.




the pathetically small article (plus a bonus for grin XD ) Wii U

Bus kills 6 people in El Salvador by Julia F

A bus carrying soccer fans ran off a 10-meter cliff in western El Salvador on Sunday, killing at least six people and injuring at least 48. The passengers were fans of a local team in Sonsonate, said William Flores of the Sonsonate fire department. He said five people were pronounced dead and the sixth victim died later at a hospital. The bus was said to have mechanical problems. 

This is so terrible to hear. I don't know exactly how they can fix such a thing but people need to be more careful and aware of their vehicles, it can save lives! 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/13/world/americas/el-salvador-bus-crash/index.html?c=americas

US Army Captain awarded the Medal of Honor by Becca Hodge

US Army Captain William Swenson was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama for saving many people in Afghanistan. Captain Swenson was seen helping a wounded shoulder after being trapped by an attack. He carried the soldier to a medical helicopter with out a helmet and in the range of enemy fire. After placing the soldier in the helicopter, he kissed the top of his head. "A simple act of compassion and loyalty to a brother in arms," President Obama said at the ceremony. Captain William Swenson was nominated for this award earlier but his paperwork was "lost." 

I think it is great that a person that has done so much to help others is being recognized for what he has done. I hope all the other soldiers that have not gotten recognized yet do. 

Teacher under fire because she posed for a playboy magazine. By; Kindle Kelley

A teacher at a Dallas Texas, Magnet High school is under fire because she posed for a Playboy Magazine a few years ago. The boys at the school saw it, and immediately started saying things to her about it. She teaches Spanish, and parents are saying that they do not want her teaching their children. The teacher decides  to take a few days off so maybe it can die down a little bit, but those boys love passing around her pictures.

I honestly do not see anything wrong with it, she was young and she wasn't even fully naked. She is a beautiful woman, and I don't think she should be in trouble. She was young and made mistakes. She shouldn't be in trouble for something she was when she was 18. That is my honest opinion.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/us/2013/10/08/ra-teacher-posed-for-playboy.hln.html

Medal of Honor Recipient Makes Unprecedented Move Sam Stromness

William Swenson, a former U.S. military Army captain was recently awarded the medal of honor, the highest possible military award.  He was given this medal for a his acts of heroism in a particular battle against the Taliban in 2009. He risked life and limb to help recover bodies and save troops from this dangerous situation and was able to save many lives. Swenson after having an amazing career and aiding so many people through out his active duty was awarded the most coveted award that any military veteran could receive; however the unusual thing was that Swenson, after accomplishing all that he has, asked to return to active duty in the military and continue his career.

I am amazed with the bravery and love this man has displayed. I couldn't imagine the dangerous situations and even tragedy he has seen and survived. After helping so many people in his career, I am in awe that he is passionate enough about what he does to return to active duty despite the dangers. I think regardless on your opinions about the military, this guy really is a hero.
-Sam Stromness
Medal of honor recipient makes an unprecedented decision

Nazi gets proper church burial by Gabriel David Giron Vives

Summery: Erich Priebke, a 100 year old Nazi solider who died last week, is to be buried with a christian burial. Many people are angry. The church said, "A Christian who has been baptized and who has received the sacraments of the Confession and the Eucharist, regardless of what have been his crimes and sins, as he dies reconciling with God and with the Church has the right to have a Holy Mass celebrated at his funeral " 

Analysis: This story is... Troubling. I need help trying to decide my feelings on this. Killing people is wrong. There is no doubt about that. Anyone who decides in there head that they need to kill themselves or others, is wrong. But, what would you do? This is what he honestly believed. He believed that doing this would save him, and the rest of his homeland. (Which is stupid, but hey what are you gonna do?) Heck, thousands of groups have done this. Back in the day, Christians killed everyone for not believing, for being different. American hate groups have killed other american races because, just like the germans, the other people weren't white. ( Or, "the master race") In fact, this same thing is happening now, with other hate groups killing people for not believing in they're religion. The "True" religion. And it'll keep on happening for all of time. Perhaps not as terrible as the holcohoust, and maybe even worse. Thats just how the multiverse works. Nothing we can believe  do, or say, will change a bigots mind. Only Time can do that. But, with time, other problems come. 
And other bigots return. 
Oh well.
Here's the link
Bleh  

Be cool.
Don't kill anyone. (that includes yourself)