The Police Strike Again

“No felony charges for SPD cop’s bone-breaking punch of handcuffed woman”

By: Mike Carter

Source: The Seattle Times

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025176977_shepherdpunch1xml.html

                Yet another incident, where police have brutally injured someone. Miyekko Durden-Bosley was seriously injured in the back of a police officer’s car. The Police Department says that Miyekko was intoxicated and verbally abusive after her arrest. The Police also say that Miyekko swore at Shepherd, the police officer who punched her in the face, and kicked at him while being put into the back of a police cruiser. Most people find this hard to believe due to recent behavior of the Police. Miyekko happens to be African American too, and that is yet another reason to not fully believe what the Police Department is saying. At the moment, it appears that Shepherd will not be charged criminally. He is on a paid administrative leave. He will not be charged unless the U.S. Attorney’s Office accepts that Shepherd’s actions violate the law. Even the chief of the Police Department said that what Shepherd had done was inappropriate, and unacceptable, especially to a woman. The Washington State Patrol stated that there is a chance that Miyekko’s kick was connected with Shepherd’s punch. Shepherd showed no signs of injuries, making his case weaker. On the video, which the public does not have access to, Shepherd is heard saying, “my jaw is jacked”, although he showed no signs of injury.

                It is important to know that these so called Police Officers are committing more crime than other people. This can be proved by their violent behavior and unnecessary murders. The crazy part about this is that they are not getting punished!

Illegal Immigration

“Obama Defends Immigration Executive Order”

By: Darlene Superville

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/23/obama-immigration_n_6209068.html

            Due to Republican criticism, President Barack Obama has made a speech regarding immigration. He made a speech on Sunday, stating how important it is to prioritize the deportation of criminals and recent arrivals. Obama also shows his kind side, by saying that the people, who lived in the United States of America for over five years and have roots, including children who are American citizens, are spared. They can stay and live on this land. A number of senators and other high ranked members in the government rejected President Obama’s statements. For example, Senator Ted Cruz, who is a Republican representative in Texas, stated that he rejects Obama’s claims and that he has gotten in the job of counterfeiting immigration papers. Another senator, Senator Lindsey Graham, a representative at South Carolina, also complained. President Obama is also urging Republicans to pass an immigration bill, because he does not want the world to think that Democrats rule the world, but that Republicans still have a say in what goes on around the world. Representative Raul Labrador, stated that he has been working on a bill from the Republican side. He said that their legislation is not going to be what the president is asking for.

            It is important to know that Barack Obama is taking extreme measures to end illegal immigration. While other parties are taking their sweet time on creating and enforcing laws, President Barack Obama is representing the Democratic side by defending an immigration executive order to stop these illegal actions.

The Magic of No Technology

     This was an experience. I have been born in the world of technology, and staying away from technology for ONLY 30 minutes felt like a part of me was missing. There were so many times that I reached for my phones to check Snapchat or Twitter, but all I had with me was pencil, paper, and a beautiful view that I had never noticed before. Sitting in the backyard of my house and looking at the extraordinary view, I was in a trance that was relaxing and comforting. For 15 to 20 minutes, I forgot about writing since I was feeling something I had never felt before. My mind was clear. I observed the birds flying in their V formation. It was amazing to see how they all fly at the same speed in such a calm way. I also saw the neighbor’s dog eating our plants. My dad had always blamed me for destroying the plants with the basketball. I laughed as the dog continued munching.

     This exercise opened my eyes to the beautiful nature that I had not paid attention to. My mind was clear afterwards, and for 30 minutes I did not think about any problems. I was free and I felt free. After I finished my 30 minutes outside, I went and took a nap. I woke up with no problems. I enjoyed it. I realized that I should have done something similar every day. That is why I have dedicated at least 10 minutes of everyday to sit outside, enjoy, and relax.

U.S. Takes Action

“U.S. Airstrikes Target ISIS Leaders in Iraq”

By: Michael Georgy and Phil Stewart

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/08/us-airstrikes-isis-leaders_n_6126622.html

                Finally the United States has decided to try to stop the infamous terrorist group known as ISIS. They have recently destroyed an Islamic State convoy near the city of Mosul. The main target was the terrorist group’s commander Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. There were 10 targeted vehicles, but the U.S. is not sure if the commander was eliminated or not. “I can confirm that a coalition aircraft did conduct a series of air strikes yesterday evening in Iraq against what was assessed to be a gathering of ISIL leaders near Mosul” (1). Ryder, a commander for the American forces said this as he was the one overlooking the bombings. Ryder called ISIS ISIL, which is another accepted name for the terrorist group. ISIS has not been as active as they have been the last couple of months, and have switched to a lower profile. They have been using vehicles to avoid being targeted, and have been having many meetings. Aby Bakr al-Baghdadi’s fate is unknown, but the Americans have shown the terrorist group that they are willing to do anything to stop and destroy them. ISIS used to not worry about the United States’ interference, because they believed that the Americans were bluffing and would never waste their time trying to solve problems in the Middle East. Although, now ISIS has a superpower to think of before commencing their attacks. They will think twice before

                It is important to know that the United States has stepped in and taken action matters in their own hands. The people of the Middle East can take a deep breath and relax.

Class of 2035

A ton of changes happen each year. It is crazy to imagine how school would be different in twenty years. With all the new technology and new inventions, surely the school system would be different than what it is now. It is not required at the moment to have note taking devices instead of notebooks. Although, in twenty years, it is possible that a person could not be able to do any work in school without having a device. It is also possible that teachers who are unable to come to the classroom can teach their class via online. People already do this with their families and friends through Skype, Oovoo, FaceTime, and so on. This has not been introduced to the classroom, but it is possible that as the years go by, this will be used in classrooms. Students will not interact with teachers solely online, since teaching is done better when they are in front of their students. Whether it is by physically showing something, or by quietly answering questions of students on a test, the teacher physically being there is better for the students. Students would not face a backlash to a more traditional model, since the new technology and inventions made will make the life of students easier. People used to get one small piece of information in the library, which would take up hours of their time. Now, they can simply search their question on the Internet. No matter how much technology advances although, students will still be reading. In order for one’s English skills and vocabulary to get better they will need reading. The books students read will be similar to what students read now. At the moment, people read literature that is 100s of years old. Twenty years will not make that much of a difference on reading lists. As a teacher, I would imagine myself trying to adapt to the new advancements and trying to incorporate these into teaching. Since the students are similar with all the new technologies, it would be better this way.

Climate Changes

“UN Climate Change Report Delivers Stark Warnings”

By: Karl Ritter

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/02/un-climate-change-report_n_6089392.html

                 On Sunday, the United Nation’s panel on climate science stated that, “Climate change is happening, it’s almost entirely man’s fault and limiting its impacts may require reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero this century” (1). In simpler words, climate is changing due to human actions. Emissions, such a burning of fossil fuels have to drop to zero by the end if the twenty first century, in order for the world to have a chance of keeping its temperature rise below dangerous levels. If this continues, technology will have to be completely remade into renewable sources, so it can power homes, cars, and industries without harming the environment. Scientists are saying that the effects caused by this climate changes are irreversible. Some effects are rising sea levels, warmer and more acidic ocean, melting glaciers and Arctic sea ice and more frequent and intense heat waves. “All we need is the will to change, which we trust will be motivated by knowledge and an understanding of the science of climate change” (1). With the will to change, there is a chance that humans can overcome this problem. At the moment, the American public is not convinced. They do not believe that such a disaster could happen due to human actions. Research by Pew Research showed that 67% of Americans believe global warming is occurring, and only the rest believe that climate changes are happening due to human actions.

                As said before, the world only needs the will to change. With the human force helping the environment and not harming it, it is possible to stop Earth from facing more “irreversible” effects.

The New Fashion

“Downloading Music Is Going Out of Fashion”

By: Kerry Flynn

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/24/downloading-music-fashion-streaming-services_n_6043924.html?utm_hp_ref=technology

               As technology is advancing, it is affecting numerous industries. One industry that got affected by new advancements was the music industry. At first, people used to buy records and play music, but as time went, they started buying cassette tapes, CD’s, and then started downloading music from the internet. Even though there are some people in the world who use record players or cassette players, the majority of the people follow what is the newest and most stylistic. Downloading music is how most people get the music they want, but as the title states, it is going out of fashion. People are becoming too lazy to download music and transferring to their phone, and other people are tired of spending huge amounts of money on music. The new fashion at the moment is streaming music, which can be done through apps such as Spotify or Pandora on all devices. It is technically free, and people can stream music wherever and whenever they want as long as they have mobile data (3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi). Although, by paying a small amount every month, people can listen and stream music with no ads and no interruptions, while also being able to download music to their phone to listen to at times when they do not have mobile data. As people started streaming music, Apple started losing business. Therefore, they are now working with the Beats streaming application in order to create a cheap, easy and effective application for the people. They hope that they will be back in business by doing so. It is important that the people read this, to understand what the fashion is at the moment, and to know the easiest and cheapest ways they can enjoy their lives listening to music.

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read"

     Francine Prose discusses literature and complains about the complexity of the reading skills of high school students. The subject of her piece of literature is the education curriculum about English. She bases her argument from evidence she gathered from high school reading lists, and quotes from intelligent professionals. The article was published during the September of 1999, on Harper’s magazine. This magazine was famous at the time, and a lot of people read it. Prose wanted people to read her viewpoints, and understand what is wrong with the high school curriculum. Even though the article was published in a magazine and any person could read it, the main and intended audience was English teachers. Prose hoped that English schoolteachers would understand her and therefore change their curriculum of teaching. Her purpose of writing this is to inform and to persuade the people. The speaker is Francine Prose. She believes, and proves with evidence that the curriculum now is wrong, and persuades them to take action. Throughout her essay, her tone is critical, informative, persuasive, superior, and professional. She knows and believes that her point of view is right, but does not directly criticize. Prose writes professionally, making her more believable. 

     SOAPST makes it easy for the reader to understand a piece of literature. All the things are laid out for them, making it easy for the reader to dig deep into the piece, examining all the important parts. This allows the person to not have to reread the piece over and over, but instead look at the SOAPST they created. Due to Prose’s professional and persuasive tone, her article was effective.

True Education

                Schools believe that they make students ready for the life that is ahead of them. Although, what students learn in school has little to do with the problems students face in their future. School teaches students how to read and write, do mathematical calculations, know about the history of the world, and so on. The truth is, people have no need of these types of knowledge after they become an independent person and face the world. That is why, it is believed by many people that schools do not serve the goals of a true education. True education would be preparing children for the inevitable, and teaching them what they need to become a successful person in life. If a person wants and is going to aim to become an English major, why do they have to learn advanced mathematics and science? Instead of helping the students, this will only result in the student receiving a low grade, and therefore a low Grade Point Average. If a student takes classes that are relevant to their major, they will most likely be more interested and enthusiastic whilst also receiving higher grades than they would if they took classes that had nothing similar to their field.

                It is important to know mathematics, know the history of the world, know the science, know literature, but it is all a waste of the instructor’s and the student’s time if they are not going to have anything to do with those subjects in the future.

Another Terrorist Attack

“Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 19 Outside Baghdad Mosque”

By: Ahmed Rasheed

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/19/suicide-bomb-baghdad_n_6010932.html

            

           Yet another terrorist strike. So many terrorist attacks have happened during these couple of months that people do not show any reactions to these events. A suicide bomber killed around nineteen people on Sunday, October 19, 2014, whilst also injuring and wounding twenty eight other people. This attack happened near a mosque, during a funeral in Baghdad. A police officer said that, “The attacker approached the entrance of the mosque and blew himself up among the crowd” (1). Baghdad has faced many terrorist attacks in the last month, and the government still has no clue of who is in charge of these attacks. The military tried to take action, but they were also shut down by the terrorists. An armored vehicle was bombed near a security force convoy, causing a chain explosion. This terrorist group never stands down. They are not scared of anything. Any force that has tried to go against them has been shut down and eliminated. These terrorists are not afraid of risks, and will take any necessary actions to reach their goals. Officials are saying that whoever is doing these attacks must be under the rule of a high powered person, whether it is a person in the government, or a wealthy businessman. The government has no leads yet, and is doing their best to find a solution to get rid of these bombers.

            People complain about having too much homework, or for being under too much stress. The truth is that none of the people that complain are under the pressure and circumstances of the people that live in countries where terrorist attacks happen regularly.

The Truth About Volunteering

As we all know, the meaning of volunteering has changed through time. Volunteering used to mean giving up one’s leisure time in order to help its community, whether it is by joining the army or cleaning up the streets of the city. Now, volunteering is much different. Since people do not have the urge to do it, they are being forced to volunteer. It is come to a point, where most schools do not let students graduate unless they complete a certain amount of volunteer hours. The whole definition of volunteering has changed throughout these years.

Although, making volunteering mandatory is actually better than not making it mandatory. If it was not required for graduation, most of the people would not at all think about volunteering. Students are so lazy, that they do their homework right before the period its due. If they are too lazy to do their homework, how are they going to have the urge to volunteer? “Many young people said that their motive in becoming involved was to make a stronger case to please college admissions officers – regardless of whether they were applying to an Ivy League school, a state university or a technical college” (Source 4). Making volunteering required to graduate and enter a university or college gives the students a motive, an urge to volunteer. Students will start competing to see who has more hours and who volunteered in a better place. They will start volunteering, and who knows? Maybe they will find a place that suits what they desire, and stay there regardless of how much volunteering hours they need.

Samsung > Apple

“Samsung Makes Butt Robot With Mom Jeans To Prove Its Phones Don’t Bend”

By: Harry Bradford

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/02/samsung-phones-bend_n_5923054.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

               

                More than half of the people that have phones, tablets, or computers usually favor Apple products. They believe that Apple makes the best products due to its unique style, therefore those are the types of products they purchase. Although, Apple has shown how horrible they are in creating phones with their new iPhone 6/iPhone 6 Plus product. The problem with the phone was not whether it was running slow or the resolution was low, but it was physically weak. The phone bends when pressure is added to the weak point, which may be caused by sitting on the phone and more.

               

                 However, Samsung Android products have not experienced this bending issue. This shows that they are made firm enough to not break. To prove that Samsung Android products are better, and that they do not bend, they have created a Butt Robot that ensures that their products are strong. This Butt Robot appears to be wearing mom jeans, in order to put the Samsung Android phone into the same condition and environment as the bendable iPhone 6’s. The phone that was used for the experiment was the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, one of Samsung’s newest inventions in the Android family. They have used this phone to show that their new inventions are still strong as before, “unlike some of its more prominent competitors” (1). The Butt Robot sat on the phone one hundred times, and still there was no damage to the phone. There is no other evidence needed to show that the Android products made by Samsung are more valuable and desirable.

                 People should read this and finally see what the better product is. Everyone is buying Apple products, because they are different than the phones we are used to. Well, the phones that people are used to are built stronger and better for the customer to receive what they want.

Air France Pilots Strike

“Air France Cancels More Flights As Strike Stretches On”

By: Alexander C. Kaufman

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/27/air-france-cancellations_n_5893378.html

                One of the famous and popular airline services, Air France, is experiencing strikes by the pilots that is causing many flights to get delayed or cancelled. They are facing “turbulence”. This ongoing strike is considered one of the longest strikes in the French national carrier’s history. It interrupted around fifty five percent of the flights scheduled for Sunday. One day before, Saturday, the pilots sent out a mediator to the airline, but they rejected it. No negotiations have been done since. “Air France regrets this situation and is making every effort to minimize the inconvenience this strike action may cause to its customers” (1). This strike is not only affecting the airline agency, but also the agency’s customers. Hundreds of thousands of people had their flights cancelled and rescheduled, having no say to when their flight would be rescheduled. The pilots stated that they will stop striking once all the salaried cockpit crews get the same pay and benefits as other agencies. At the moment, Air France pilots receive about a hundred thousand dollars. Their pay increases as their career goes. Demanding more would hurt the airline, but the pilots do not seem to care about it. The company has sent out about three million texts and emails about their flight cancellations, and their newly scheduled flights.

                Travelers and vacationers should take this into consideration and avoid using Air France to travel for the time being, since no one wants their flight rescheduled or delayed. This article also shows that pilots believe they are being paid unfairly. A solution or compromise is needed to not cause any more consequences to the people.

CHOOOOCOOOLAAATEEE

There are a ton of flavors of ice cream, yet there is only that calms my heart more than the others. While others prefer eating complicated flavors that include fifty trillion ingredients, I prefer plain chocolate. I was introduced to the amazingness of chocolate ice cream on the summer of 2005, where I was in Germany visiting my grandma. Germany is famous for having one of the best ice cream brands in the world, Häagen Dazs, which has a specialty in making chocolate ice cream. Till this day I remember waking up there and begging my parents for one euro, the cost of the ice cream. I would run down to the mall five blocks away from our house with my grandma, only to get ice cream. The blonde worker lady would automatically start making my ice cream from the first second of seeing me. She knew what I came for and she knew what I wanted. Chocolate ice cream has that sweetness that no other food or item can provide to me. Whether my family and me go shopping, visiting a friend, exploring, we always stop to buy ice cream. Not eating ice cream for a day there would be like going a day without eating or drinking. We would buy ice cream and feed the ducks and enjoy the long refreshing walk back home. Now whenever I eat chocolate ice cream, I remember the fun time I had in Germany. Even though the chocolate is not the same here and there, I enjoy and look forward to eating it.

Another Inhumane Act by ISIS

“Isis Video Claims To Show Beheading Of British Aid Worker David Haines”

By: Charlotte Alfred

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/13/david-haines-beheading_n_5816368.html

            The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) abducted David Haines, a worker for the French aid Agency and a father of two. Haines was kneeling in the sand, wearing an orange jumpsuit. The video shows him stating that Britain is getting dragged into an unwinnable war for helping the Kurdish Peshmerga battle against ISIS. David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, speaks out by saying,  “We Will do everything in our power to hunt down these murderers and ensure they face justice, however long it takes” (1). Haines has been working in aid agencies for a long time, helping rebuild homes and so on. He has worked in Croatia, Libya, South Sudan and Syria, where he was abducted in March 2013. Dragana, David’s wife, said that Haines was a fantastic father and man. The British government is providing and supporting the Haines family in any way possible, but all they wish for is to be left alone. Even the White House responded to this event, saying, “The United States strongly condemns the barbaric murder of the UK citizen David Haines but the terrorist group ISIL. Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Haines and to the people of the United Kingdom” (1). The United States has vowed to take down this evil group. Having already launched over one hundred and fifty airstrikes against the group in Iraq, they hope that they can destroy them once and for all.

            The people of the world should be aware of what is going on around them. Instead of focusing on celebrities and other unimportant things,. They should start acknowledging what is going on, and try to find ways to help in order to not let these inhumane acts repeat.

Do Not Watch This Movie!

“The Expendables 3”

By: Peter Travers

Source: Rolling Stone

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-expendables-3-20140815

                “If you’ve seen Sylvester Stallone and his over-the-hill gang in 2010’s The Expendables, paid up for the 2012 follow up, and can’t wait to see The Expendables 3, then you’re a glutton for movie punishment and I can’t help you” (1). Peter Travers started his review by criticizing the movie on the first sentence. This movie was rated one star (out of four), and is considered a waste of time. Since this is a review, there is no claim of fact. Although, there is claim of value. Through Travers’ harsh criticism, one gets persuaded to not watch this movie and instead look for alternatives. Automatic ethos is also shown in this review. Travers says that since this movie has Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lungren, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, people expect something big. “The Expendables 3, trading our affection for action stars of the past, has officially worn out its already shaky welcome” (1). An example of claim of value is again shown. Travers argues that this is an undesired movie, and persuades its audience to not watch it. These arguments are effective, since they are to the correct audience. People visit the Rolling Stone website to read reviews and so on about new movies, albums. Therefore this review will have an impact on its audience. This review is completely biased, therefore it does not include any facts or logos. It also does not fight for a change, thus having no claim of policy. Travers argues that this is a terrible movie, and states why.

 

Brain Communication

“People Talk ‘Brain to Brain’ For First Time Ever”

By: Macrina Cooper-White

Source: Huffington Post

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/06/brain-to-brain-communication-internet_n_5772700.html?utm_hp_ref=technology

                “Telepathy is a staple of science fiction—just think of Mr. Spock or the Jedi knights. But new research shows that mind melds no longer belong only to the world of make believe” (1). What people see in movies is coming true. Soon, people will be able to talk to each other using their brains. Dr. Alvaro Pascual Leone and his colleagues have done an experiment where a person in India sent a message to three people in France. Although, it is not simply speaking and thinking a person will hear. This process requires a ton of technology. Electrodes were attached to one person’s brain and an electroencephalogram was used to translate the electrical activity in the brain into binary code. Then, it was e-mailed to whoever was receiving the message, and the message was applied to the receivers using a process called transcranial magnetic stimulation. The information was decoded to reveal the original message. “Hola” and “ciao” have been the words transmitted, but through further advancements the researchers say it will be possible to exchange sentences and paragraphs through brain communication. Researchers also hope that through further achievements they could decrease the amount of technology used, since right now they use machines that no average person could afford.

                There are people that think that there is no point in finding ways to communicate with brain messages. Although if researchers are able to fully develop this, persons that cannot speak due to illnesses and diseases will have a way of being able to express themselves.