Current Events Blog #7

This article was about beating cancer. It told about how cancer affects different sexes and ages. The big question was our we beating cancer. Many new advances were explained and it reported the results of new treatments. It didn't only tell about the positives though, the negatives were also talked about.

This article could connect to what were reading in class because we just finished our Utopian literature groups. In the Utopian books, there is not much sickness mentioned. This is probably because in Utopian society, there is not many problems. Cancer is currently one of the most common illnesses. It is becoming a more common occurrence.

I think that its awesome that they are coming up with news way to cure cancer but its terrible that it is becoming a bigger problem. This event could affect my future because I want to become a surgeon. Also I have many family members that have fought cancer, some who have survived and some who have died. If there is a cure, it could help future generations.

The authors use of language helps him to explain his opinion and thoughts. He is a doctor and he said that the new developments make more of his cases successes. He is happy to say that "Today nearly 80% of the
patients I see will be successfully treated." He thinks that age is a major factor of cancer cases and stated that "as we are all living longer more of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives." The fact we are living longer is good but it does make sense that in turn more people will end up with cancer.

"general cancer awareness bear." Photograph. deviantART. deviantArt, 19 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 April 2014. <http://my-clay-critters.deviantart.com/art/general-cancer-awareness-bear-280386410>.

Johnson, Peter. "Hard Evidence." Pg. 1-2. Web. 21 April 2014. <http://kellygallagher.org/resources/AoW%201314_30%20Cancer%20Fight.pdf>.

Current Events Blog #6

The article I read was about a little boy who is suffering from cancer for the fourth time. He is in critical condition and there is not much out there that can help him. One thing that his family has found is a new medicine that has not yet been verified by the FDA. The family of the little boy and his doctors have requested to use this medicine to try to save the little boy but all efforts are pointless. The company has no interest in letting the drug be used to help anybody that is sick. They have their reasons but many disagree with their decision. The company has received many letters and emails from people trying to pressure them to make the medicine available for the little boy but they still won't comply. Many can not believe that this company will not let the little boy receive the medicine because of selfish reasons.

This event connect to me because the medicine is located in North Carolina, which is where I live. Another reason is because I want to work in the medical field in the future. At school we are talking about Utopian societies. Not making medicine available to the public seems like something that would occur in those times. Also I am taking a business class. I see why providing this medicine could harm the company that is trying to create the medicine but to me there is still no reason that this child should be refused.

I think that its terrible that this company is refusing to allow this boy to use this medicine. Its is the only thing that his doctors and family can think of to help him. It makes me want to cry to think about this because I don't think any child should die this young and he has been through too much already. He is innocent and his loss would be greatly felt. If this medicine saved this boy, the positives would far out weigh the negatives. I hope that this company changes its mind and allows the boy to receive the medicine. I hope that this family has all the support they need because they are going through a tough time right now.

The writer uses quotes to help better understand both sides of the problem. The father of the little boy said, "This is just beyond belief to me." The CEO of the company that owns the medicine said, "There are no words to express our compassion for this young boy and his family and what they're going through." He feels for the child but he cares more about his company. It makes you see where the company is coming from but I think most still are on the side of the child. She shows both sides equally and that makes it even more obvious which side is right.

"Tablets pills medicine medical waste". Photograph. Wikipedia Commons. Wikipedia Commons, 9 Dec. 2009. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tablets_pills_medicine_medical_waste.jpg>. 

Cohen, Elizabeth. "Company denies drug to dying child". CNN Health. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., 11 Mar. 2014. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/10/health/cohen-josh/>.

Current Events Blog #5

This article was about communication between parents and their children of any age. Wallace talked to many parents about how they handle talking to their children. She told some of the mistakes parents make, like talking too much. Also she gave tips to help parents have a good relationship with their kids. Lastly she talks about when parents should have the talk.

This article relates to me because I am a teen. Also I think I have a good relationship with my parents to where if I was in trouble, I could defiantly go to them. Last semester in my Intro to Publication class, we talked about online safety. This topic connects to that because if kids and teens can talk to their parents, then they are likely to make better decisions. As a teen, I believe that communication between kids/teens and parents is important, especially today.

I think this article is completely true. The mistakes are things that I have seen parents do, even mine. Listening to what your kids have to say can help prevent arguments. Most teens are willing to talk at first but if they get the wrong response from their parents, then they will not try to talk to them again. Communication can fix problems everywhere, not even just in homes. I would be willing to show this to my parents, so that they could know how to act or talk to us. It amazes me that there are parents like this out there already.

The authors point of view is that communication between teens/kids and their parents is key. She emphasizes this by using quotes from parents that have the same view point as her. Two of these that stuck out to me were from Antony Tseng, a single dad, that said "Be involved in what they are interested in..." and from Kelli Caprine, a mom of four, who said "Mean what you say... stand by that." Both of these are similar to my opinion. If parents are not involved in their children's lives, then they cant stop them from making bad choices. Also if parents change what they say and essentially lie, then their child wont believe them. This can cause their child to think that talking to their parents is not an option.  The example's she uses all go back to the same thought. This helps make the effect of the text more obvious. For me, it makes me want to talk to my parents and I think that it would make parents want to have a relationship with their kids.


Wilke, Selena. "Two-people-talking-logo." Digital. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 22 Feb. 2010. Media. 9 Mar. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two-people-talking-logo.jpg>.

Wallace, Kelly. "OMG! Your teen actually talks to you?" CNN Living. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 9 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/living/talking-to-teens-communication-parents/index.html?hpt=hp_c4>.

Current Event Blog #4

This article was about using dredge sand to stop erosion on North Carolina beaches. It is telling about the side that does not want the sand. The people who want to add the sand want to also add housing. The land is the home of wild horses but no people. Some consider the land a national park that should not be touched but it is not actually a certified national park. This article gives many reasons that the land should be left alone. They want the sand to instead go to other beaches. This would help protect what is already there.

This article connects to me in two ways. The most obvious is that it is located in North Carolina which is where I live. I also visit the beaches here. The other way that it relates is the erosion part. I am currently taking a earth science class. In this class we are learning about erosion and natural occurrences.  This makes it easier for me to understand what is happening. 

I agree that the beaches should be left alone but should be open for discussion later on. I think that the land should be a verified national park. This would make sure that it is not destroyed. This is a tourist spot and a home to the horses. If this land is destroyed where would they go? I believe that this is more of a community decision. Big companies love to come in and take over if they think they can earn a profit. If they get to add sand and housing then I will be unable to visit these beaches. I think the sand should go to the other places. This will allow nature to have its way but also make the residents happy and keep them safe. 

The author uses numbers to really get her point through. She tells how many horses live on the beaches and  how long its been since people have lived on these beaches. The plan for the beaches in the authors words is "a 20-year Dredge Material Management Plan." I personally would like to know how they could continually bring in sand for 20 years. Another thing that stood out was "It's natural for inlets to expand and contract over time... Shackleford Banks is doing what nature intended it to do." I agree with this. Nature should be left alone to an extant. I was persuaded that the beaches should be left alone and that seems to be the outcome that she wanted. 

Waggoner, Martha. "Feds seek option..." U-T San Diego." The San Diego Union-Tribune, LLC, 18 Jan. 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. <http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/Jan/18/feds-seek-option-for-dredge-sand-along-nc-beaches/?#article-copy>.

Frailey, Zach. "Swirling Seas." Photograph. Flickr. Flickr, 4 March 2012. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.<http://www.flickr.com/photos/zrfraileyphotography/6945749950/>.

Current Events Blog #3

This article was about the most recent altercation with the police and Justin Bieber. It was talking about whether or not parents should worry so much about who their kids idolize. It talks about talking to your kids instead of just assuming. The article was more on how Justin Bieber affects kids or teens today rather than what actually happened. A thought that came from this was "Maybe...being famous isn't all its cracked up to be."

This does not relate much to specifically what were learning right now but it does relate to our lives. Being irresponsible is something that is common and cause a lot of harm. In the novel I am reading, there is a part about a car crash. The person hit a stop sign and knocked it down. Since she did not report it, another crash happened later on that caused a death. This is not exactly the same thing but you should get the point. If people try to be like Justin Bieber or any other celebrity that is a bad influence, then this world is going to end up being a terrible place.

Personally I don't know what to think about this event. He has had so much bad press and reports lately. I have never been a fan of him or his music. I have heard that the arrest was uncalled for and the report was falsified. If so, then the shame should be on the cops. Either way he doesn't seem too upset and he is already out of jail. If he was racing and doing drugs then the fact that he got away with it is appalling. I agree with Wallace about not parents not worrying about who their kids are idolizing.

The structure of this text refines and supports her claim by giving all the information in an organized way. She said in one part near the beginning, "But instead of fretting over what to say, many parents believe his arrest is a chance to continue the conversation about drinking, drug use and doing either while behind the wheel." A little later, she says, "And I'll go one step further and say they shouldn't judge him." She gave all the information but still stayed unbiased. She thinks that this should not be a big issue and I have to agree. She had quotes from many people that supported both sides. This makes her a good writer because it is easy to believe her. 

"Justin Bieber Mugshot." Photograph. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 23 Jan. 2014. Web. 9 Jan. 2014. <http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Justin_Bieber_mugshot,_front.jpg>.

Wallace, Kelly. "Justin Bieber's downward spiral." CNN Living. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc, 24 Jan. 2014. Web. 4 Feb. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/living/justin-bieber-arrest-talk-to-kids-parents/index.html?hpt=hp_bn11>.

Current Event Blog #2

I read an article about college level athletes and their academic levels. It explained that many college athletes cannot read past a third grade level or at all. Many people don't believe this is fair. They think everyone should have the same standards. According to the article teachers are payed for classes or grades that are not taught or deserved.

We are learning about plagiarism a lot this year. I think this could fit in that category. This athletes are either not doing their work or turning in someone else's work. If they are lying about classes, grades, etc., then how can anyone believe that their results for the entrance exams are true. The fact that these people will eventually graduate means that they will be doing public jobs. They possibly won't be able to read but they can become doctors or lawyers.

I think this is ludicrous. It scares me a little. This should not be happening or be possible. I believe in equality
and they should have to work as hard as every other person. I wouldn't want to go to a college that allows this. It is something that gives young people a reason not to care about school as long as they can play a sport well. I hope that schools get this under control and make sure it doesn't continue in the future. In the future, when I'm looking into colleges, I will certainly look into this.

The author supports his claim that this is happening by giving details, statistics, and percentages. The article states "Some athletes don't aim for high scores when taking entrance exams, looking only to score high enough to become NCAA eligible." This is one of the many problems that occur when academics are not deemed important. He told about how, while they were doing the investigation, they talked to many colleges. The results they got from every college varied. One college that had a program in place to help solve this problem. At Iowa State, their program is "any athlete who is specially admitted... is mandated to start school in the summer term, where they are given remediation." This remediation/tutoring is available to the other students as well. I think this is a great idea. Everything in this text makes this seem like something that is terrible but can be fixed.

Phayes, Michael. "Masuk football." Photograph. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 16 Oct. 2011. Media. 26 Jan. 2014. < http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Masuk_football.jpg >.

Ganim, Sara. "CNN analysis: Some college athletes play like adults, read like 5th-graders." CNN U.S. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 26 Jan. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/07/us/ncaa-athletes-reading-scores/index.html?hpt=hp_t1>.

Current Event Blog #1

 There was a devastating car crash that killed 4 people last month. The cause was a drunk teen driver. He had stolen a beer from a Walmart and then proceeded to crash his car. The first woman he killed was stranded on  the side of the road due to a car issue. Another woman and her daughter came to help and were also hit. A passerby was the last victim. The verdict was decided based on the thought that the teen suffered from  "affluenza". This means that he didn't understand the consequences of his actions because he was too rich and privileged. 

In my English class I am reading a book about suicide and that relates to this because of the deaths of young people. In Earth science we will learn about roadways and weather. I just finished a drivers ed class. This makes me think about how soon I will be driving. I don't want to end up in this teens position. I would never want to be responsible for someones death because I was being stupid. 

I think that this was the wrong decision on the judges part. Now there is an excuse for killing people that rich people can use. Not that they couldn't buy their way out of any way. This is the perfect example. He stole that beer. He got into his car. He needs to be punished. I don't know how he lives knowing what he did and the fact that he got away with it. I think some jail would do him good. He murdered 4 people. There is no way around that. Their families are suffering a loss that was unnecessary. As I read this article I was astonished at how crazy this is. I don't to drive knowing people like that are on the roads. I feel horrible for those peoples families.

His parents need parenting lessons. They should of had more control over their sons life. He should have never been allowed that freedom. I don't know him. I don't know his full story but I do know what its like to lose someone. I hope he has at least learned a lesson. I hope this teaches people about consequences. This should be a warning and should be spread. It could save lives if people find out what happens when your stupid. Don't ever think it won't happen to you. I'm sure that is what this teen thought. 

The central idea of the passage was the verdict of the case. It started by telling about car crash deaths. Then it told what this teen had been diagnosed with. The diagnosis was "affluenza" which the passage described as "his wealthy parents pretty much let him get away with everything." It explained what had happened with the case and how it ended. The final part included was what Eric Boyles, the husband and father of the woman and her daughter that were murdered, thought about the case. Boyles said "I felt that money did prevail." I have to agree with him. (Gray)

Howell, Robert. "Car Accident." Photograph. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 10 Oct. 2005. Media. 9 Jan. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Car_Accident.jpg>.

Gray, Madison. "The Affluenza Defense: Judge Rules Rich Kid’s Rich Kid-ness Makes Him Not Liable for Deadly Drunk Driving Accident." Time NewsFeed. Time Inc, 12 Dec. 2013. Web. 9 Jan. 2014. <http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/12/12/the-affluenza-defense-judge-rules-rich-kids-rich-kid-ness-makes-him-not-liable-for-deadly-drunk-driving-accident/>.