Possible Retaliation by North Korea?

Both South Korean and North Korean troops have been put on high alert after a naval skirmish that occurred off the west coast, a place of frequent disputes possibly due to it being a rich crabbing area, that left a North Korean naval ship almost destroyed. This was the first such engagement between the Koreas in seven years. Both Koreas blame each other for the conflict.
Reports by South Korea claimed that a North Korean patrol boat crossed the border and the South Korean naval ship fired several warning shots, which the North Korean boat responded to by open firing, starting the conflict.
The North Korean military claims that its ship was attacked by a South Korean ship after their ship was returning from checking "an unidentified object."

""It was an intentional provocation by North Korea to draw attention ahead of Obama's trip," said Shin Yul"

"Some analysts said the clash could have been accidental. "

Personally, I believe that North Korea is at fault here, but that is probably because I am biased against North Korea. North Korea has kidnapped US reporters before and tested nuclear weapons even after being warned to stop testing them, so I would not find it surprising if North Korea is trying to provoke the United States once again.
There is an argument that the conflict was merely an accident due to the disputed border of the rich crab fishing area. However, I believe that North Korea is simply using this to keep other nations from suspecting them of anything.

-Yuzo Yanagitsuru

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is [Environment]

A lot of critics are attacking Al Gore for his environmental policies and are accusing him for creating green agendas in order to make personal gains. Well, why should he NOT earn anything out of his efforts? After all, he's been pressuring people to be more environmentally aware for "more than 30 years" and says that he is "in a position to put at least some of my money where [his] mouth is." I personally don't disagree. I mean, the state we're in right now is pretty detrimental. Pollution is increasing and natural habitats dying off. Populations are on the rise in many parts of the world. There is a huge crisis that cannot be ignored in my opinion.

I don't understand why there are so many skeptics about environmental issues. It's one thing to be skeptical about the moon landing, but it's another to be skeptical about the environment. I mean, should we just sit back and watch the whole world fall apart, or should we actually do something about it?

Fort Hood Victims may they rest in peace

I attached a link to the title so everyone can see what the love ones, and families had to say about their lost ones. They are very sweet and moving. It is heartbreaking what happened to these families. I hope that they have the strength to get through this and that people are supportive throughout this.

I wanted to post this to give any one a chance just to wish the families the best and say something peaceful or respectful to the ones who lost their lives. These men and woman joined to serve and fight for our country. They were willing to risk their lives, but I don't think they planned to die on their own home ground.

I wish the families the best, and hope that they know that there are many people who are thinking of them. Thank you to the ones who died for committing to serve the country, and willing to die to keep our states free and safe.

Cough Candy Gone Sexual?!

Here is the link.

Once again, here's another watchdog news. Halls Refresh cough candy commercial is found to be sexual more than "wacky." What's disturbing is the age difference between the two roommates, a mid aged lady and a school kid. Also, when you go further into the commercial, the lady's son sees this interaction. Ew, disgusting.

Also, I have gotten all of my articles from the same source - AOL.com.

Recently, we watched a video stating how FOX news isn't really a news channel anymore because of the excessive analysis and rants. Well, it seems like I found another source that we cannot really trust to present the whole picture. Some positive news would be great.

Cell Phones and Cancer

It was recently stated in the last year that cell phones cause cancer, or brain tumors. It has been recommended that people keep the phone away from their bodies and heads as much as possible. It also has been recommended that parents try to keep their children from using cell phones for as long as possible. The longer a person is around the cell phone and keeps it close to you the more risk they have of getting cancer. Studies that looked at cell phone users of ten years and more seemed to be more at risk.

I don't know what to think about this. So many people use cell phones and I have not heard of too many people getting cancer or tumors from it. I'm sure that it is possible, but I'm not sure how risky it is to use a cell phone. The article stated that they test people who have cancer and brain tumors, but they don't test people that do not have brain cancer. They also suggested that they should do a study on a group of people when they start using cell phones and continue to study them over time.

I feel that this is a accurate, and beneficial way to study the risk of cell phones. It would give an accurate result of how risky cell phones actually are to people.

Giraffe Population Coming Back!

In West Africa, the giraffe population is rising again! This just made me really happy so I thought I would share. Link to the article embedded in title.

-Yuzo Yanagitsuru

Screw the Jobs, WE NEED HIPPOS!

It makes me wonder why people use money in certain ways. This article should stir up some debates between environmentalists and the opposition.

Instead of using government money to create more jobs, New Jersey took a sharp left and supported a local Aquarium in Camden with that money. Noting that Camden is one of the poorest city in the nation, spending money on an aquarium will not make the citizens happy.

There is more information about how the government spent money inside Camden in the article (click the title). Read it, it's actually interesting.

I guess I shall make the first comment about this topic to stir some debate up (hopefully). I think the Camden residents would have been happier if more jobs were created. Therefore, New Jersey should have put environmental issues aside, and think about the people. This may sound selfish of me to say, but our nation was created FOR THE PEOPLE. We need to support the PEOPLE before we can support fat hippos. That's my take on it, what do you guys think?

He's my hero.

9 year old Malik Medford pretty much saved him and his brothers lives today.

Jonathan Martin (32) attempted a carjack outside a convenience store in Charleston, West Virginia. In the car were four children, ages 9, 3, 19 months, and 4 months.

The play-by-play is on the article, but for convenience sakes I shall post it here.

"While she was away, Jonathan Martin yanked open the car door, according to police.

'He told me to get out, but I didn't get out,' Malik said in a WCHS-TV interview. He fought back because he feared for the lives of his brothers.

Skip over this content

Embedded video from CNN Video

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Malik pulled the keys out of the ignition and tried to keep them away from the attacker as he struggled with the man.

'He banged my head against the door,' the boy said. But Malik held on to the keys and ran into the store to get help.

The foiled carjacker ran, too. But he tripped in a nearby parking lot and lay there until police arrived, reported WSAZ, another local television station."

What do you guys think about this situation? Would you have done the exact same thing?

Link to Site.

Juvenile life terms

The Supreme court is deciding whether or not sentencing a juvenile to life in prison for a crime less serious than homicide is cruel and unusual punishment. Two Florida convicts both charged as teenagers are being considered in the case (both did not commit homicide, but did do pretty horrible things). The two convicts are now adults...should the justice system give them and others like them a second chance? Go to the link embedded in the title

It's Getting Cold. Is It Goosebumps or...?

Today is the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and thousands of people showed up at the ceremony that celebrated the downfall of such a terrible symbol that imprisoned people living behind it. Many important figures, such as former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, President Obama, and Chancellor Angela Merkel , attended. In this ceremony, 1000 dominoes were knocked down to represent the inevitable and grand fall of the wall. In this monumental celebration, people might get goosebumps or a chill down their spines just by reminiscing such an "epic" event. All of those years of hostility was broken on November 9, 1989. All of those years that people fought for freedom was recognized on November 9, 1989. November 9, 1989 was a birth of a new relation that would forever change foreign relations . Take a moment and think about that struggle and that freedom. Take a moment and think about that end to that cold war struggle.

Struggle still exists despite such grand achievements. In Venezuela and Columbia, there is a conflict that many call another "Cold War." Bitter dispute has occurred for a decade ever since Hugo Chavez became the leader of Venezuela. However, conflicts are on the rise again and it is now extremely hostile at the border of the two countries. Alliances are forming amongst countries in Latin America, and it does NOT look like any peace relations will happen soon. Maybe once in a blue moon.

Berlin
Venezuela//Colombia

Immigrants Cause Global Warming?

I just saw what seemed to be an anti-immigrant ad on TV (I can't judge it completely because I didn't pay too much attention to it). The guy talking on it said that immigrants release four times more carbon emissions in the US than their home countries.
What he said is probably true but this irritated me because he made it seem as though the immigrants are the problem and that they cause global warming. The immigrants are not at fault here because the countries that these immigrants come from probably do not release as much carbon emissions as the US does. So if an immigrant switches a light on in America, they will be emitting more carbon dioxide emissions than if they switch a light from their home country, say, Denmark.

-Yuzo Yanagitsuru

Hormonally Triggered Bioluminescence!

I just thought this was super cool.
This is the first ever, let me repeat that, FIRST EVER, case where scientists have found hormones to be the trigger for the bioluminescence of animals.

Scientists have found that the skin underneath the Velvet Belly Lantern Shark (Etmopterus spinax) that bioluminesces is triggered by various hormones such as melatonin and prolactin, with each hormone triggering a different type of glow.
Now the glowy part is super cool and all, but I think the best part is this:

"Finding a parallel pathway to bioluminescence — one that’s controlled by hormones, not nerves — strongly supports the notion that light-emitting powers have evolved multiple times in animals"

We may have made a scientific breakthrough in the study of evolution! Yahoo!

-Yuzo Yanagitsuru

No Mercy shown to D.C. Sniper

John Allen Muhammad who is the mastermind behind the sniper team who attacked a suburb in our nations capitol in October 22, was denied being saved from execution. He is known as the D.C. Sniper. There were three weeks in October where Muhammad and one other guy killed ten people and hurt three. They teased the police with phone calls with threats, and written messages. They demanded 10 million dollars to stop the shootings. Muhammad has plead his innocence in two lengthy trials with no such luck. He is to be executed tomorrow night Tuesday, November 10th, with lethal injection at 9p.m. Muhammad's real intention was to kill his wife and gain custody of his three children. He was convicted of capital murder and terrorism charges in Virginia for killing a man by the name of Dean Harold Meyers a Vietnam veteran. He also was convicted in Maryland for six murders. I feel this guy deserves the death sentence but I think he should have to stay alive and think about it for a little while longer. I don't feel that any murderer deserves to ever be free again but I don't feel the death sentence is that effective in some cases. I feel that some should be sentenced to life in prison so they have to think about what they have done. But the murderers such as Muhammad who have killed many people and possibly have people who follow them, who are out of jail, I feel deserve the death sentence. It's harsh and it's sad since they are human beings too, but sometimes it has to be done to ensure the safety of others.

Faking Breast Cancer for some mulah.

The scandal of today!

Trista Lathern, a 24 year old woman, allegedly FAKES breast cancer to raise some money. She collected $10,000 dollars before she admitted to an investigator that she does not have breast cancer. What is she going to use the money for, you may ask. Breast implants. She believed that the breast implants would have saved her 7 month marriage, but instead it became a catalyst. Her husband, William, filed for annulment the day she was arrested.

It's one thing to pay for breast implants, but it is a whole new story when you fake breast cancer. I mean seriously, I thought Tom Price was crazy, but I guess there are crazier people out there. (For those who don't know Tom Price, he is the "I OBJECT!" guy.)

What are your inputs on this?

P.S. Since blogspot.com thinks that % signs are illegal in the "Link" bar, here is the article URL.

http://www.aolhealth.com/condition-center/breast-cancer/news/article/_a/bbdp/trista-lathern-allegedly-fakes-breast/759177?icid=main|aim|dl3|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aolhealth.com%2Fcondition-center%2Fbreast-cancer%2Fnews%2Farticle%2F_a%2Fbbdp%2Ftrista-lathern-allegedly-fakes-breast%2F759177

San Jose Shooting.

Hey! This is my first blog post, and it seems like everyone else is posting more on national or global issues so I would like to present a local issue.

This article specifically focuses on a gang-related shooting in San Jose. While trick-or-treating on Halloween night, a 12 year old was shot and a 13 year old was stabbed. After a week in a local hospital, it is confirmed that both children will survive. However, the local police have not confirmed the suspects.

My psychic abilities tell me that a lot of you guys will comment on how awful this is. Yea, it's awful, but think a little further. San Jose is somewhat known to have gang-related crimes at least a few times a year. What can we do, as citizens, to reduce gang-related crimes?

Protestors outside of Sasha and Mailia's Schools

This morning protestors from the Westboro Baptist Church held anti-gay, anti-abortion and anti-Obma Signs outside of Mailia Obama's middle school. These protestors travel the country demonstrating outside of military funerals and more recently Jewish temples. The chuch is run by Fred Phelps and is extented family and posted a message on the Westboro web page refering to Mailia and Sasha as "satanic spawn" of a "murderous bastard". I think these people are way out of line to protest in front of a middle school to target Obama's children. Keep the children out of things like this. And their comments are compeletly disrespectful and hateful. Even the name of their website is horrible ( i dont even want to type it). The link to the article (not their website) is embedded in the title.

Step Forward in Fight Against Climate Change?

There is scheduled to be a major conference to be held a month from now in Copenhagen, Denmark to build a new climate treaty. I personally am really glad that this is taking place because the United States is being given another chance to take part in the international fight against global warming after refusing to take part in the Kyoto Protocol nearly 12 years ago.
This new treaty is being based largely off of the Kyoto Protocol and is to be seen as the successor to the it. One notable change that is proposed to be added to this treaty is for the participation of developing countries, as well as developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions. This fills in one of the major holes that the Kyoto Protocol had. However, this also means that the developed countries will also have to take part in supporting the developed countries, which for the United States at this time, may not be possible due to the current economic condition.

Here are some of the important issues negotiators from all over the world are discussing:

"— emission-reduction targets by 2020 from industrialized nations,
— plans by developing countries to limit a growth in their greenhouse emissions,
— short- and long-term funding from rich countries, and
— “an equitable structure to manage and deploy that money.”"

Although I think that it is really great that the United States is finally starting to attempt to take action against climate change, I do agree with the point that pessimistic Stanford University climate scientist, Stephen Schneider, points out.

"Schneider says the world is good at mobilizing to protect itself — at least when people get sufficiently scared that their planet is in peril."

Schneider believes that only a great catastrophe that takes place will finally convince people around the world that global warming is happening. He references the drafting of the Montreal Protocol as an example:

"The Montreal Protocol didn’t develop as soon as pollution’s threat to Earth’s protective blanket of stratospheric ozone emerged, he points out. It was only after researchers began imaging a newfound annual thinning of ozone above Antarctica, he says, that leaders rushed to draft the ozone treaty."

Now it's hard to disagree that humans tend to repeat their mistakes and that this may be another instance where we again repeat the mistake of not agreeing to a treaty to reduce carbon emissions, but what else is there to do but be optimistic and hope for the best for this treaty?

-Yuzo Yanagitsuru

Link to article embedded in title.

Ida...They really need to name hurricaines with a little more Pizazze

the AP article is embedded in the title.
It seems as if Ida is closer than most people think. Estimates say that as near as Tuesday the hurricane could be hitting Florida and other Southern states. I'm very glad I've never been in a hurricane or even near one because seeing/feeling those quick winds and water coming at you doesn't sound too appealing. I'm glad in Louisiana that they are in a state of emergency which will hopefully help the people get clear of the weather. More states need to follow Louisiana's example so they can be safe from the harms of the weather. The hurricane being sighted is almost like watching some exotic bird, or at least that's how the article makes it sound like because the hurricane travels fast as it picks up more speed. I was also surprised to learn that many Louisiana and Mississippi residents are still in state issued trailers after hurricane Katrina.
Now more importantly, whoever names a Hurricane needs to call it something a little more scary. like come on, Ida? How about Hurricane Lance or Hurricane Voldemort? That would strike a little more appropriate fear.

Really? It has Jake Gyllenhaal in it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGNaJABeWAU
This link is for the movie coming out in May called Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time. Back in the day when I had a Gameboy I played the game which the movie was based on. Sadly, I never beat the game but at least now I'll be able to know the ending. Anyways, When I think of this dagger-wielding badass of the game, I do not think of Gyllenhaal. I'd prefer maybe Jason Statham or Hugh Jackman. Jake is simply too much of a wimp for this role. I guess the fact that Disney is making the movie probably influenced how they picked a watered down hero. Oh well, I'm still going to see the movie because A) the commercial looked awesome B) I haven't seen a movie like this in way too long and C) maybe I'm prejudging Gyllenhaal too much.

Japan solar space station

By 2030 Japan plans to have a Space Solor Power System which would collect solor energy and sent it down to earth using laser beams or microwaves. Wow!! This would be a very out of the box way to collect energy and with global warming more ideas like this should be considered. Solar energy is 5 times stronger in space than on Earth so if this idea pans out a considerable amount of energy would be collected and for a cheap price (6 times cheaper than the cost of electricity in Japan currently).

Pelosi is such a Boss

For the full article, please refer to the link embedded in the title.
Pelosi has been given credit for her deft ability of democratic caucus to pass the new Health Bill. This victory will be a gateway to further government assistance and presence in the lives of Americans. The new bill will help all Americans have better access to health-care, be covered for more of their health-care costs, and will hopefully help to fix other issues within the health-care system.
I personally want to thank Ms. Pelosi for her dedication and self sacrifice. This bill truly could not have happened without her. John Murtha said that Pelosi hit the apex of her career by passing the bill, but I feel like she could truly do even more good for the country in her time as Speaker of the House. It's as if her full potential has not even been unlocked yet.
THANK YOU MS. PELOSI!

Taylor Swift on SNL

I personally really like Taylor Swift. She writes her own songs, plays the guitar, sings, and is gorgeous. And after watching SNL it is obvious that she is also funny. But I wish she played out the Kanye West incident a little more, maybe she took the more mature approach but I wanted some good Kanye dissing. Anyways go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1decRVDV0U to see Taylor on SNL. What do you think about her performance?

health care bill passes in the house

The 220-215 vote to pass health care legislation in the House marks a huge victory for Obama. The legislation "provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell. And if the Senate passes their version of the legislation Obama is "looking forward to signing it into law by the end of the year". If this goes through, Obama's approval ratings are sure to improve.

I'm Voting Republican

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqczNpLg9b8

ok so this video is a little outddated but I accidentally stumbled upon it during a break from supplement writing so I thought you'd all enjoy watching it. Yes, it is incredibly biased and satirical but hey, it's still funny!

I object

This saturday morning Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga) kept yelling out "I object" when Democratic congresswomen Lois Capps attempted to speak about the health bill benefiting women. Funny video go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/07/i-object-tom-price-tries_n_349587.html

adulterer stoned to death

In Somali a adulterer was stoned to death in front of a crowd of 300 people. This man was only 33 years old and his pregnant girlfriend is to be killed after she has the baby. This is disgusting that not only are people still tortured so in-humanly in this day but that 300 people wanted to watch this horrible act. The man was stoned to death for 7 minutes... this means that these 300 people were watching a human being brutally murdered for 7 whole minutes. I personally couldn't and wouldn't want to watch a human being tortured for a second. This is the 3rd time a person has been stoned to death because of adultery this year. Last year a 13 year old girl was stoned to death because she was accused of adultery, when actually she was raped. This is incredibly disturbing. I can't believe humans do this to other humans. Something needs to be done to stop this atrocity. go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8347216.stm

Wine of the Future...and by future I mean 21

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8334688.stm
this link goes to a really interesting article I found in BBC's technology section. It talks about using satellite imaging on vineyards to determine "vine leaf density, soil water content and grape bunch sizes." This system has helped the French and will help the English produce top quality grapes.
I always knew that Europeans cared a great deal about their wine but using a satellite is really intense.
This article also made me think how our drinking age is far higher than that in European countries yet, the US has more alcohol related accidents and problems overall. If we're ever going to lower the drinking age we definitely need to take a page out of the French and English book; don't abuse alcohol! Also, we should use this imaging satellite on other crops to ensure larger harvests. Farming 2.0, that's the future right there.

is the Swine really going to effect the Hajj?

In an Article on NPR which can be found in the title link, Saudi Arabian health officials are afraid that the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca may have an unexpected visitor, Swine Flu. However, no one can/ will cancel this sacred event because it has been a solid tradition in the Muslim World for 1,430 years. What the doctors are admonishing is for people to get the H1N1 vaccine at least two weeks before the Mecca begins and for pregnant women and young children to stay clear of the Mecca this year because they are most likely at risk for catching the disease.
I am not surprised that Swine Flu was brought up as a viable threat to this religiously charged and historic event because people will be at an extremely close proximity to each other. As seen in my picture, all these people are practically breathing down each others necks. This is a cause for concern because Swine, like any other flu-like sickness, spreads through bodily interactions and exchanges from things such as coughing and sneezing.
I'm hoping that Swine Flu will not get in the way of the Mecca because it is part of the Five Pillars of Islam that every true Muslim must participate in at least once in their lifetime.

I thought everything was supposed to be improving!

Oh how I love CNN news text messages. This one plainly reads, "U.S. unemployment rate hits 10.2 percent in October, the highest rate since April, 1983. Job losses total 190,000."
When I got this message I was shocked. After hearing for weeks now that the economy and employment was improving, this little text shattered that concept for me.
I never did hear any solid numbers on the improving job market and economy so I guess I can't really have expected the claims to be true but it was something I at least wanted to believe. However, my hopes were false as the economy and job market are clearly NOT improving. Obama's plans are either in vain or have not been set into full motion yet but either way something needs to be done.
What should be done to reverse our declining economy and job market?

HIV used for good??

Two boys under went a study that used HIV (disabled so it couldn't spread AIDS) to transport a healthy gene. This disease would be lethal so this development is extremely exciting. Also, this is the first successful gene therapy used to help brain disease. The reason the HIV virus was used is because it is one of the few viruses that can stick to a stem cell and stay their permanently. Two years after the virus was implanted in the boys they show no sign worsening brain damage. Good news!!

Report Cards Go Paperless

In elementary school, most of us can remember getting those envelopes that we were told not to open until we were with our parents. Report card's filled those envelopes and we all secretly ripped them open before we got home to check to make sure we had good grades, then taped it together and slid it on the counter like nothing happened. Most of us have been there, done that.

With technology advancing as we get older, there might not be an envelope for us to cut open and tape back together. Report cards are starting to go online. Parents would have an account to check your grades (such as we have Schoolloop), but not just progress reports, FINAL grades too. That means no hiding your report card under your pillow, or saying it got lost in the mail and the school can't print you another one.

Clarksville Montgomery County School District in Tennessee sent out 29,000 online report cards that students did not have to have their parents sign. A growing number of districts will follow this trend...soon there will be no more paper report cards!

Yankees Take the World Series!

The New York Yankees have not won a world series since 2000. From 1996 to 2000 they took four of the five world series. They haven't been able to take one since, until Wednesday night at the new Yankee Stadium. They didn't struggle with winning from 2001 to 2008, they just had a lot of "bad luck". They had around 775 wins during those years but could not pull off the World Series.

A two run single by Hideki Matsui broke open Game 6 of the World Series. Matsui was later named the Most Valuable Player of the World Series. The Yankees ended up taking the World Series from the Phillies. We'll see if Matsui will be given a new contract and a chance to prove he can still play in the field. Congratulations Yankees!

(The SF Giants will come around soon!)

As the Smoke Clears from the Fort Hood Massacre

This is a follow-up blog post to my most recent on on the Fort Hood Killings. Once again, the article my post is based on can be found on the title.
As new information continues to unfold, the killings have been attributed to an army psychiatrist named Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan. He was soon to be deployed to Iraq before the shooting occurred.
Hasan was reported dead at first but as reports are now coming in, he is still living.
Obama stated, "It's difficult enough when we lose these brave Americans in battles overseas," and that "It is horrifying that they should come under fire at an Army base on American soil." I completely agree with this statement. I did mention this in my other post but I will reiterate that these soldiers should not be faced with any type of danger when they are home and in their own base. There is still yet to be a motive and so I will hold judgments on Hasan's actions until then, but I will say that regardless of motive what he did was wrong and unforgivable.
As events continue to unfold, I want to know how America will respond to this act of violence and what new information will be revealed to the public. What do you think will be the next big news on this topic?

12 protesters arrested

Today 12 people were arrested outside of Nancy Pelosi's office. These demonstrators were protesting against Obama's health care reform. This protest was pretty nasty, with people bringing horrible signs comparing the plans for health care reform to concentration camps in Nazi Germany (Dramatic?). Of the 12 arrested, 4 were charged for refusing to leave Pelosi's office, and 8 were charged for unlawful or disorderly conduct. The protest was organized by conservative Rep. Michele Bachman (R-Minn.). Bachman spoke during the protest yelling "Oh come on, tell them how you really feel" with the crowd answering. “Kill the bill! Kill the bill! Kill the bill!”. Pretty hostile if you ask me. Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and actually messed up the words after joking that saying the Pledge "Drives the liberals crazy".. go to http://www.politico.com/singletitlevideo.html?bcpid=1155201977&bctid=48483738001 to watch

irony of U2 wall

Today, in Berlin, there was a free U2 concert in celebtration of the 2oth aniversery of the fall of the Berlin wall. 10,000 people who got tickets free tickets online, but the rest of the public the view of the concert was blocked because of a 2 meter high barrier.
"Both Berliners and tourists alike saw the irony in building a wall around a concert dedicated to the wall that already has come down". Although trivial it is ironic...

A Sad day for for the Armed Forces

Today I was shocked to discover that 12 soldiers were killed in dual shootings at the Fort Hood army base in Texas. One shooter was killed while two other suspects were recently caught. For a more detailed depiction of what occurred, I embedded a link in my title.
When I hear news like this, I shiver. I may be against war but the soldiers who fight for this country should never be targeted by hate crimes like this if this even is a hate crime at all. The shooter's motives were not revealed but whatever they are I am certain that they were not just causes.
What should be done to prevent further shootings like this? Was this a political statement? Was it more personal? What do you think of this travesty?

Three Dickinson State University Softball Girls Found Dead

Going to college is supposed to be the time of your life. Somewhere where you really truly find out who you are and what you're going to do with the rest of your life. For three senior softball girls, their live was taken from them a few days ago.

Three seniors who attended Dickinson State University in North Dakota were driving on a Sunday night where they lost control of their vehicle and ended up going into a nearby pond where they drowned. One of the girls tried calling a friend from her cell phone and the girl receiving the phone call could only hear water splashing and screaming. Immediately, she told authorities and the police tracked where the cell phone had placed the call. The girls were found dead the following Tuesday, leaving many families, friends, teammates and others devastated.

This story is totally true. It was on the news this morning as I woke up, and I was also informed via Facebook right after it happened as my friend was one of their teammates. This shows that anything unimaginable can happen.

The message I would like this story to tell is that we should all drive safe. I know it sounds super lame, but I know from personal experience that some of us do try to "show off" around our friends and drive fast, blast the music etc. but I know none of our parents, guardians, family, friends would want to receive that late night phone call from the police. So, drive safe so this doesn't happen to you, please!

Obama vs. Cheney

Well its obvious that Cheney and President Obama clearly have different views on whether or not Gitmo should be closed, but on Tuesday the Senate Democrats denied the administration's request for $80 million to close it down. So i figured to post a cartoon up instead of posting a blog. The link is at the bottom if you are interested in reading up on the closing of Gitmo. President Obama's position on Guantanamo Bay: "the prison has made the United States less safe and set back the country's 'moral authority'."

the link:http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/21/obama.speech/

Killing wolves

After 8 years of Bush's poor environmental work and standards, most green activists hoped Obama would an "evironmental superhero"....but has he been? He's been better than Bush but not perfect so far. Obama has neglected to outlaw the horrible practice of wolf hunting in the west. Hunting any animal is horrible enough, but hunting predators is even worse. It completely throws off the eco system--(predator populations controll themselves) . Wolves have a very complex family social structure, so if you kill an alpha wolf the whole pack will suffer. Also wolves are very easy to hunt because they live in packs, so its not much of a sport/skill to shoot one--its just evil. And contrary to popular belief wolves do not kill humans "There has never been a confirmed case of a healthy, wild wolf killing a human being in North America.". go to http://www.livingwithwolves.org/index.html for for wolf info. To check out Obama's action regarding other environmental issues go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/04/one-year-later-obamas-mos_n_344511.html?slidenumber=FXh2daZW24o%3D#slide_image

Blogging can be for Musicians too!

This is a blog of current events and the occasional silly post so I thought I'd put something on a little more fun.
Seeing as I already posted about my first voting experience, I thought I'd also post about my first music album experience. As you can see, my album is entitled "Windswept." At the start of Junior year I began writing and recording the music. After a lot of technical difficulties, problems with the recordings, wrong notes, and endless frustration, I finally finished the Album at the end of the summer.
Then, getting it distributed to iTunes and the other digital music stores was a pain because I didn't have my music in the right format! So after making those last minute changes I said good riddance to the final product and let it run wild on the web. I embedded my myspace link into the title for anyone who wishes to check out the music and it can be found on itunes, emusic, or whatever your digital music store preference may be. I can admit I'm self advertising on here but hey, it's all about media promotion. What candidates win or are even able to participate in elections without doing promotions right?
I've been offered over a hundred types of promotion deals that I was not willing to pay for so here I am doing it myself fo free! Anyways, check out the music, buy the album, give it a rating, and tell me what you think!

The Senate is all about helping those in need.....so hip.

See link in title for the Washington Post Article on this.
When I heard this news I was a little shocked to hear that all of the Senate voted unanimously on a bill to extend unemployment benefits in states that have high unemployment rates. This measure was done to stimulate the economy but I feel like extending these benefits only extends the amount of time people don't have to work while they look for a new job. The money would be much better spent creating new jobs for people instead of giving it to people who would most likely freeload off of it for longer. By actually lowering the unemployment benefits it would encourage people to work harder to find a new job instead of knowing that they can be more lax in terms of finding new work for themselves.
I completely see the merit of this bill, the homebuyer tax credits, and the business tax credit refund that are being coupled with the increased unemployment benefit bill. However, these economy boosting ideas may not produce the best effect. These bills are supposed to make people want to spend more knowing that they are receiving something back for their expenses but handing money back could just result in people saving it for later use instead of immediately spending it and thus stimulating the economy.
I have doubts that these bills will actually end up being effective in the long-run but then again if all of the senate voted yes on these bills then they have to work! right? maybe? I'm unsure!

Obama watched his own documentary?

Fox News mistakenly reported that President Obama watched his own HBO documentary last night instead of watching the election returns. However Obama's press secretary never said this, instead he said that he didn't know what Obama watched, but knew that he wasn't in front of the Tv watching the returns all night. I don't know how this turns into Fox thinking he watched his own documentary instead.... go to the link in the title and watch the Fox video.

Sixteen Year Old Swine Flu Case

Since the winter is getting closer, so is the cold season. Last year, the swine flu became the topic of conversations around most of the US with rumors and facts floating around. Now, we have commercials about H1N1 vaccines and nasal sprays.

The Swine Flu has begun it's journey again through children to adults. So should you get vaccinated? Well, it's a personal decision but heres a story for you to think about.

Here's a short version. Check out the link in the title for the full story. Tiffany is sixteen years old and came down with a cough and dizziness one day. She went to the doctors and was sent home. She returned a few days later to the hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia and sent to the Children's Hospital in Oakland. She has spent over one hundred days there where she is fighting to survive.

So, should you get the vaccine? Well, that's still up to you.

"Hey Seth, What'd you do today?"- "I voted....NBD."

That's right ladies and gents, I voted.
I went down to the polls and exercised one of my sacred rights as an 18 year old today. I didn't buy porn, cigarettes, signed up for the army, or bought lotto tickets, but instead I decided to vote. My experience was interesting because they poll didnt have my name down on their roster because I had registered so recently (October 10, my 18th birthday) but they still let me vote with a provisional ballot. I then proceeded to fill out my ballot which truly is designed so a four year old child could fill it out. However, my dilemma came from what boxes to fill out because I had not received candidate or measure information. Regardless, I filled out what I could like a champ. I won't share how I voted, but considering Allie Loy was in the room and txting me on who I should vote for on a particular candidate set...that's just a little hint. On the two measures, L&M, I read the provided information carefully before deciding my vote because those two measures will probably affect me in some small way if they get passed.
Lastly, I had the mentality throughout my American experience that my vote was just one in a large number that overall would not affect anything. Yet, I voted today because I am well aware that my age demographic has very low voting statistics so I came more to prove that the youth can indeed influence things. I'm really glad I registered to vote using Rock the Vote because it's an organization who's sole mission is to mobilize the youth vote which is something I respect tremendously.
With one vote under my belt, I know I'll be adding more votes to my collection in the future. When you turn 18 please vote! There may be a lot of elections, and it may be a pain to register, but we live in a democracy!
P.S. The little stickers they give you that say "I voted" are not very sticky =(

Score One for the Interracials!

Recently, Keith Bardwell, a justice of the peace from Louisiana resigned under pressure after illegally denying an interracial couple the right to marry. Please click my title which will direct you to a Youtube video which outlines Bardwell's offense.

After reading up on this issue along with watching the video about Bardwell's actions many times, I've come to the obvious conclusion that he was completely wrong in what he did but this type of story is not one that surprised me. Considering all the issues with gay rights, I almost mistook this article for something of that same nature. Bardwell had no legal grounds to deny this couple the right to marry but he claimed that he was indeed following the law and that he has denied other interracial couples the right to marriage. The fact that this was not stopped earlier frightens me. Bardwell must have said something truly sinister to the other couples to make them afraid to take action against him. People need to address these types of issues not only for themselves but for all the mistreated couples in the same situation.

Bardwell was wrong and I'm glad he realized that and resigned. I hope that he will guide his future actions and opinions accordingly after what occurred. I mean come on, you know something is wrong when your own religious leader is telling you to step down because you acted irresponsibly.

Gay marriage at risk in Maine

There is an old election saying: As Maine goes so goes the country. Today voters in Maine have the chance to either support or reject gay marriage. Hopefully, Maine voters will go to support, and so will the country. The gay marriage law was passed in May but never went into effect because of a conservative petition. New England is typically one of the most supportive regions of gay marriage and this law being repealed would be quite a hard blow to gay rights activists. Don't follow in California's footsteps!!

Click on the title for a link to a blog about this issue

Bellwether election in Virginia?

Today elections are being held all over the country but in Viriginia the race for Governor is being carefully watched. Virginia, a typically red state, in recent years has gone blue and the Democrats want to keep it that way ( a year ago the Democrats looked at Virginia as a sign of the party's dominance). If the Republican canidate, McDonnell, wins over the Democratic canidate, Deeds, this will be seen as a message that people aren't happy with Obama and the Democrats. Exit polls have been showing that voters in Virginia supported McCain over Obama in 2008, suggesting that the Democats didn't successfully get their base to turn out, perhaps meaning that voters were only fired up about Obama and won't turn out for other democrats. Go to http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091104/ap_on_el_ge/us_election_rdp_46 to see more details on the Virginia election. (check out the video on the left)

update on the Health care bill

Two issues stand in the way of Democratic leaders getting their bill passed: abortion and immigration. They seem confident that it will, but they have yet to secure enough votes. Last week, when i posted a similar blog regarding this bill, i possed the question on exactly who would pay for this bill. Although it doesnt really say who will, this still gives a little bit of insight on what it actually entails: " The 10-year, $1.2 trillion bill would extend coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans with a new requirement that almost everyone get insured, and give subsidies to help lower-income people afford plans. Businesses would be required to cover their employess, and insurance companies would no longer be able to turn people away because of their health status." It is not clear yet as to when the details of the "final language and price tag" on the bill the senators are waiting for will be known but debates on the may not even begin until the week before Thanksgiving.
" Anti-abortion Democrats were circulating language to strengthen prohibitions in the bill against federal funding of abortion. The bill stipulates that people getting federal subsidies would have to use their own money to get abortions, but that division is not clear enough to satisfy some lawmakers. Lawmakers are considering language that would make more straightforward declaration against use of federal funds of abortion." So if you are confused, its basically saying that its position regarding the funding of abortion is not as clear as anti-abortion Democrats would like it to be.
" On immigration, its still not settled whether illegal immigrants would be allowed to shop for insurance within a new purchasing exchange. Some lawmakers say that even if they use their own money to by private plans they would be getting a benefit from the federally established exchange. The White House does not want illegal immigrants to access the exchange, and the Senate bill would keep them out." <-- basically where they stand on immigration.

the link: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091103/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul;ylt=AjcTl1nHJVbr_hpf9mLbPrVsaMYA

US Politics or just another way to spend more money?

Questions and more questions might lead to a smaller turnout of voters on Tuesday. President Obama, who has spent a lot of time campaigning for New Jersey's and Virginia's candidates for the governor position might have a problem of his own whether or not both Democrats win. Talks about this being a referendum on President Obama seems to be what troubling the voters but as Mississippi Gov Haley Barbour, the chairman of the Republican Governor's Association said on CNN on Sunday, "its a great overstatement...but his policies have had a lot of effect on people's thinking. People are worried about jobs. Most Americans can't undestand why the government keep spending so much money". I would be too if i were voting in either state and seeing people worry about loosing their jobs. It wouldnt make sense. But i guess, thats just part of politics and campaign for someone in your party to get elected.

So some of the questions are on Obama's 2008 coalition (the youths, Hispanics,blacks,etc.), independents and how they feel and the GOP. Each party is looking for that big V but its not going to be easy seeing as how both states usually dont vote for the party that is in office; however, it also depends on the voters and how they feel about the candidates and what they have campaigned.

read this artcle and give your opinion and take on who should win or other comments you may have. here is the link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/01/ap/politics/main5484188.shtml.