News Log # 32

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/13/us/13sailor.html?ref=us

Article: Teenage Sailor Is Rescued From Her Damaged Boat

Summary: 16-year old Abby Sunderland set out to sail around the entire world- alone. This past Saturday a French fishing vessel rescued the California teenager from her crippled sail boat in the Indian Ocean. “She got out of her vessel with the clothes on her back, and we are just really excited and ecstatic that Abigail is in safe hands,” her father, Laurence Sunderland said. “She was in good spirits. She talked to her mother.” Abby had been stranded since Thursday when the mast on her boat collapsed and knocked out her satellite communications. In an interview with "The Today Show", her father stated he was proud of her and would let her try the voyage again. Abby set out of the Marina del Rey in L.A. on January 23rd, trying to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe. The record was previously held by her brother, Zac, at age 17.

Conclusion: It is ridiculous that Mr. Sunderland would allow Abby to do the same thing that almost had gotten her killed again. Maybe he thinks that just because his son had successfully circumnavigated the globe, his daughter can too. I feel like Abby felt pressured to live up to her family expectations even if she wasn't ready to complete such a treacherous journey.

News Log # 31

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/business/04lawsuit.html?hp

Article: Lawyers Warned Wal-Mart of Risks Before Bias Suit

Summary: Six years before the drug store behemoth was sued for gender discrimination, they hired a prominent law firm to analyze their vulnerability to such a suit. The law firm found many gender preferences in pay and promotion in the chain of stores and urged the company to do some basic things in order to avoid being sued, such as creating specific goals to promoting women and minorities. The 1995 report said that women working at Wal-Mart earned less than men in several job categories, with men in salaried jobs earning 19 percent more than women. In 2001, seven women filed a law suit on behalf of all women working at the company. The largest retail company in the world has denied any gender discrimination. After the lower courts ruled the case to proceed as class action, Wal-Mart has plans to ask the Supreme Court rescind the class certification this summer.

Opinion: It is horrendous that even in the year 2010 there is still gender discrimination against women. What's even more disturbing is that Wal-Mart already knew they were discriminating, so they hired lawyers to determine their risk of being sued six years before the seven women came forward. Even a seemingly reliable and family friendly store like Wal-Mart cannot be trusted. They may seem to be trying to put the "best" person in the position (a man) so there service looks better, but instead they are viewed as backwards and biased.

News Log #30

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/27/business/27bugs.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1274962020-QV8CznyoZ3AmbWF7vnCSFg

Article: In E. Coli Fight, Some Strains Are Largely Ignored

Summary: Over the past two decades, the main focus for food industries and the government has been a virulent strain of E. Coli bacteria, known as E. coli O157:H7. They have been ignoring six rarer strains of this toxic bacteria. those other strains are now emerging as a serious threat to the food industry. In April, romaine lettuce tainted with one of them sickened at least 26 people in five states, including three teenagers who suffered kidney failure. Although the federal government and beef and produce industries have known about these strains, they have done very little to prevent it. For three years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has been debating whether to make selling ground beef with these six less known E. coli strains illegal. Now with the severity of the outbreak in April, they are reconsidering their consensus. Meanwhile, beef and produce industries are doing their best to keep the food bacteria free.

Opinion: The fact that such major companies are ignoring something as important as public health is deplorable. How can the U.S. Department of Agriculture just sit around and watch Americans get extremely sick as a result of their poor evaluation? It is time to reassess their previous observation and make stricter laws about what can be sold. Healthy Americans are vital to keep this country going.

News log # 29

Article: The 3 Facebook Settings Every User Should Check Now

http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2010/01/20/20readwriteweb-the-3-facebook-settings-every-user-should-c-29287.html?src=me&ref=technology

Summary: This past December, Facebook made some bold and controversial changes to the privacy settings on their website. The internet behemoth used to be only available to college kids. Now, it seems, they desire to become more competitive with open privacy sites such as Twitter. During this time of transition Facebook posted a "transition tool" on their homepage in order for users to update their privacy info. If you ignored this and opted to go with the recommended settings, then you should take a look again. By doing this you gave Facebook the right to publicize your private info. Everyone should immediately revise their settings and focus on areas such as who can see the things you share (photos, status updates, videos, etc.), who can see your personal info (where you live, job, school) and what Google can see (keeping your data off the search engines). This privacy glitches shouldn't be missed and corrected by every Facebook user immediately.

Response: Right after reading this article I altered my privacy settings on Facebook. I never knew how many corners they cut just to gain more. These types of articles always interest me because I feel like they affect me directly. I never think what other people (people I'm not friends with) can see when I post a new status about what I'm doing this weekend. Everyone should take into consideration what they post on Facebook because you never know who might be viewing it, especially with these new privacy changes.

News log #28

Article : Man Is Charged With Aiding Suicide Online

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/us/14suicide.html?pagewanted=1&hp

Summary: Over the past few years, William F. Melchert-Dinkel, a 47-year-old husband and father from Faribault, Minnesota, has been posing as a young female nurse named Cami online. He visited sites and chat rooms that were pro-suicide. Melchert- Dinkel urged people to take their lives and "techniques" on how to do it. Investigators have said that the male nurse had an "obsession with death and suicide" and "loved the chase". He is being charged for two aiding two known suicides. One was in Britain in 2005 and another in Canada in 2008. This case brings up many legal issues, some even including the First Amendment. First, many states have laws against aiding suicide, but they don't include instances when the person is across the country from you and when words, instead of pills or guns, are used to promote this atrocity. Regarding the limits of speech, can you blame someone who shares thoughts with people that are already considering suicides? The fact that it is over the internet is also an issue because the most vulnerable people are usually found online seeking attention or answers.

Response: In my opinion, it is completely awful that a person could urge another human being to end their life. It's sick that individual you go to work with or hang out with can be committing silent murder. Also, regarding the fact that there are pro-suicide chat rooms (similar to pro-ana (anorexia) chatrooms) out there is disturbing on another level. Who creates these type of things? I recently read another article about people that watched another person commit suicide on a webcam. I think that someone needs to put a stop to this immediately. Thankfully, there are some groups that help people dealing with suicidal thoughts, such as To Write Love On Her Arms and Papyrus.

News log # 27

Article: Teenage Insults, Scrawled on Web, Not on Walls

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/us/06formspring.html?pagewanted=1&ref=general&src=me

Summary: This article talked about how much impact the newest social network website, Formspring, has on teenagers' lives. Most people post invasive and sexual comments or questions on others' Formsprings. The catch to this new phenomenon is that you can post as many nasty things as you want for one reason: it's anonymous. Many guidance counselors and parents are noticing teenagers' addiction to Formspring. They have observed that the kids find it interesting to hear what someone usually wouldn't say to your face. While this may seem like all fun and games, Alexis Pilkington, a 17-year old from Long Island committed suicide in March after receiving many nasty comments. According to Quantcast, more than 28 million people visit the site each month.

Response: In my opinion, Formspring is a total waste of time. Yes, I admit that it is sometimes entertaining to read other people's ( I don't have one ) after a while the posts get old and you become disgusted from the things your supposed "friends" write. Then again you will never know if that person who wrote that you have ugly teeth is your worst enemy or your best friend. The thing with anonymity is that it is extremely cowardly. If you really feel that way about someone you should be able to own up to it. Hiding behind your computer shows that YOU are the one that is self-conscious and insecure and by writing mean comments on other people's Formsprings, you make yourself feel better. Also, when people complain about all the mean comments they receive, they should know that when they make a Formspring they are basically asking for it. Once you receive that first mean comment you begin to crave reading more and more to see what everyone thinks of you. Formspring is an unhealthy, and sometimes dangerous, way of expressing yourself. Next time, own up to your beliefs or keep them to yourself.

News log #26

Article: Schools in New Jersey Plan Heavy Cuts After Voters Reject Most Budgets

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/22/education/22schools.html?hpw

Summary: After 58% of districts' budgets were rejected by voters this past Tuesday (the most in 35 years), school officials need to look at the future and see what happens now. They will most likely have to lay of hundreds of teachers, increase class sizes, eliminate sports teams and AP classes. As a result of the lack of financial aide the schools are receiving because of Governor Christie's new plan to reduce state aide by about 5% because of the 11 million deficit he needs to make up, the schools need to make up the difference by increasing property taxes of residents. The voters became angry and felt that "enough is enough". The rejection of the budgets results in school officials trying to prepare another plan to present to their town councils immediately. At Teaneck High School, students marched around their football field for one hour protesting the budget's defeat. Many other schools and superintendents feel apprehensive about what's to come in the future.

Response: In my opinion, the Pascack Valley District is very fortunate that the budget passed. While it may seem that budget rejections aren't near our area, the town of Hillsdale rejected their school budget. On the other hand, while we may be very lucky that we won't be sitting in 30-student classes next year, I see why some towns may have rejected their school budgets. Their property taxes are already high enough and with another raise, people may not be able to afford them. Also, Governor Christie may seem like an evil man for taking away state aid, but the state of New Jersey has an $11 million dollar deficit to close. How are we supposed to get out of debt (and prevent from going deeper in it) while spending more? This is a very complicated issue and I, myself, don't understand everything about it. It is unfortunate for some schools that will need to make severe teacher cuts because class sizes will grow and even some sports teams may be eliminated. I think people should just realize that money doesn't grow on trees and we have to get out of debt before we can spend more.

News log #25

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/world/europe/11poland.html?scp=1&sq=polish%20president&st=cse

Article: Polish President Dies in Jet Crash

Summary: Lech Kaczynski, Poland's president, and dozen's of the country's top political and military leaders were killed on April 10. The group was traveling to the site of a Soviet massacre of Polish officers during World War II in West Russia. The pilot tried to land in a thick fog, missing the runway, and getting caught in some treetops about half a mile from the airport. Besides that fact that the accident killed a large portion of Poland's government, the crash also happened at the moment when Poland was finally forgiving Russia for the massacre of their elite officer corps at that same exact place 70 years ago. The Russian crew at the airport warned the pilot of the plane not to land because conditions were dangerous, but unfortunately the plane continued to descent anyways. The mourning period of the Poles was similar to the one when Pope John Paul II passed away five years ago. Candles and flowers covered the outside of the Presidential Palace.

Response: Since I was born in Poland and my family follows Polish traditions and customs, this issue really hit home for me. Such a tragedy was unexpected and it caused turmoil to the entire country. Not many people hear about Poland in the news, but as a result of the tough times in their past they overcame, when Communism affected all lives, the country should not only be honored now during just a tragic moment, but all the time. Hopefully, this catastrophe won't knock the Polish people off their feet for too long and the country will be standing proud again soon, but never forgetting the day when so many people were killed.

News log #24

Article: How Privacy Vanishes Online

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/17/technology/17privacy.html?src=me&ref=homepage

Summary: Many people are sharing so much online, through Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr, that people could put all the pieces together and even find out the person's Social Security number. They share everything from birthday greetings school and work gossip to photos of family vacations, and movies watched. Maneesha Mithal, associate director of the Federal Trade Comission, says, "Technology has rendered the conventional definition of personally identifiable information obsolete. You can find out who an individual is without it." People often have tight privacy control settings on their Facebook profiles, but that may no longer be enough. Now even what your friends say to you (referring to your school, gender, interests) can be accessed and read. This may reveal tons about a person. Jon Kleinberg says it best, "When you’re doing stuff online, you should behave as if you’re doing it in public — because increasingly, it is.”

Opinion: In response to this article, I think it is absolutely imperative that everyone is be careful of what they say on the internet. Now, more than ever, what pictures you use can be used against you when applying to college or for a job. Besides that scenario, hackers can now even access your bank account if they hack into the system. Being safe and cautious on the internet should be a top priority for everyone.

News log # 23

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/kyleighs_law_requiring_decals.html

Article: Kyleigh's Law requiring decals for N.J.'s teen drivers is upheld by judge

Summary: A new law has stated that new teen drivers have orange decals on their vehicles so it is easier for police to identify them. This law is to be effective on May 1. Some people disagree with this like attorney Greg Trautmann, who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of his teen son and nephew against Kyleigh's Law that will require teens with learner's or exam permits or provisional licenses to display the stickers on their license plates. Trautmann thinks the stickers will make the teens become targets for not only unfair police treatment (because of age discrimination), but for pedophiles and stalkers too. There is also a Facebook group against the law called New Jersey Teens Against Teen Driving Restrictions and Kyleigh's Law. The founder of the group fears for his little sister who is going to be getting her permit in the fall. He says, " I don't want her driving around with a sticker on her car that labels her a teen driver. I think it's dangerous for her. I don't think a sticker on a teen's car will change how someone drives."

Response: I completely agree with Trautmann and the Facebook group creator. I think it is completely unnecessary for a teen to have to put a sticker on their car. This will in no way protect them against car accidents. If a person isn't abiding the driving laws, the cops should pull them over no matter what their age. Just because someone is a teen doesn't give the police more reason to give them a ticket. Not only is this age discrimination, but also a potential danger when concerning sexual predators. This sticker is basically a flashing red sign calling any pedophiles to come and follow the car. This law will not save lives, but put them in jeopardy.

News log # 22

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/01/in-obesity-epidemic-whats-one-cookie/?em

Article: In Obesity Epidemic, What's One Cookie?

Summary: When Michelle Obama recently launched her "Let's Move" campaign, she spoke about childhood obesity. She said that parents should urge their kids to "make small changes that add up". These changes can be anything from walking to school or skipping dessert which lead to significant weight loss over time: a pound every 35 days or 10 pounds a year. While this method may give parents of obese children a glimmer of hope, it's misleading and incorrect. The person who gives up sweets may see a quick change in their weight, but scientific studies show that the body's behavioral and biological adaptions, reducing any benefits of an effort to cut back on junk food. While this may sound negative, there is still a hope that small changes will help slim down the obesity rate in America. Scientists find that if someone makes small changes, eventually over time they will increase whatever they are cutting back on. For example, if a person gives up 2 hours of TV each week, they will increase that number each week. This news will hopefully stop people from throwing their hands up in the air and saying "I give up".

Response: In my opinion, it's beneficial that the people know what they are doing to their bodies. If they think that not having that extra cookie after dinner will help them lose 50 pounds, then they need a reality check.Anyone trying to lose weight should also take into account exactly how much they want to lose. If you just want to get rid of that extra flab on your stomach, drastic measures aren't necessary. On the other han, if you want to lose 50 pounds, then you should consider a healthy diet (not just giving up cookies) and exercising on a daily basis.Many of my family members and friends have tried to loose weight, but gave up after a week. Michelle Obama's campaign will hopefully be the step in the right direction, but people should also take exercising into account. If you sit on the couch without that bowl of chips, but don't hit the treadmill, you shouldn't expect to see results instantly.

News log #21

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/24/dining/24robots.html?em

Article: Just like Mombot Used to Make

Summary: At Carnegie Mellon University, professional Paul Rybski and a couple of graduate students unveiled their latest creation. After two years and help from over 17 staff members, they showed a robot with a 20,000 laser navigation system, sonar sensors, and a camera that functions as its eyes. This bot delivers snacks and fulfill food orders. Besides making snacks, the robot was made to see how robots interact with humans. They also can act as good-will ambassadors and salesmen for a more automated future. The robots feature stoves and any other objects that are needed to make the food. These robots were made before such as the Omelet Maker Robot in Switzerland in 2008.

Conclusion: In my opinion, it's great that these students are coming out with such innovative ideas. Although it may be weird to have your food cooked by a robot at first, it becomes a benefit in the future when we're all too busy. Hopefully people don't take advantage of such tools and only use them absolutely necessary as these robots are definitely very expensive.

News post #20 (Haiti Day)

http://www.editorsweblog.org/newsrooms_and_journalism/2010/01/call_for_journalists_in_haiti_to_remain.php

http://worldfocus.org/blog/2010/02/10/as-journalists-continue-to-leave-haiti-hopelessness-persists/9630/

Journalists need to remain objective even when faced with covering a tragedy. The Society of Professional Journalists have a major concern when it comes to how journalists report on what is going on Haiti. They have issued a press release stressing the idea that the reporters there need to stay out of the stories they are covering. The organization says that even in such a time of disaster it is still the journalists' responsibility to remain objective. Kevin Smith, the president of the society, says, "I think it's important for journalists to be cognizant of their roles in disaster coverage. "Advocacy, self promotion, offering favors for news and interviews, injecting oneself into the story or creating news events for coverage is not objective reporting, and it ultimately calls into question the ability of a journalist to be independent, which can damage credibility." The ability to distinguish the difference between participant and observer in Haiti is crucial to remaining neutral when covering such a horrific incident.

Another issue involving journalists in Haiti is the debate whether they are doing more harm than good. The supply of resources is small and all that they have must used on earthquake victims. The New York Times and Washington Post each sent a staff of 10 people to Haiti to cover the story. A writer for the New Republic, Noam Scheiber suggests that journalists in Haiti are "mooching off supplies intended for earthquake victims" and describes the news sent back to America about what is going on "redundant".

On the other hand, many people are wondering if the journalists will continue to cover what is happening on the unfortunate island. Many reporters are pulling out and leaving Haiti. The country is still in desperate need for relief effort, but without news coverage how will we stay updated on what is happening? Peter Slevin, of the Washington Post, says, "“Haiti is tumbling headlong through a crisis that has not begun to abate, with evidence everywhere that current relief efforts are falling short.” Despite the difficult living conditions there, hopefully journalists will be able to endure and continue to cover the disaster without giving up hope.

News post #19

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/02/health/AP-EU-Britain-Medical-Journal.html?_r=1&em

Article: Vaccine- Autism Study Is Retracted

Summary: This past Tuesday, a major British medical journal, The Lancet, retracted an incorrect study that the vaccine for mumps, measles, and rubella is somehow related to autism. BMJ, a competing medical journal of The Lancet said,"'The arguments were considered by many to be proven and the ghastly social drama of the demon vaccine took on a life of its own.'' BMJ was outraged about how the theory was never proven and should have never been published.Ever since this study was published a couple years ago British parents have been avoiding the vaccine and the rate of measles has been increasing.

Conclusion: In my opinion, this casts a very poor light on British medical journals such as The Lancet because it shows how truly unreliable they can be. Despite the fact that they retracted the study, it has affected so many parents who were wary about getting their kids vaccinated in order to avoid autism. Now that it has been retracted hopefully people will learn to research issues like these more thoroughly before releasing them to the public.

News post #18

Article: Foreign Languages Fade in Class — Except Chinese

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/education/21chinese.html?hp

Summary: According to a government- financed survey, thousands of public schools have stopped teaching foreign languages in the last decade. Juxtaposing this fact, American schools are in a rush to start teaching chinese in their schools. While some schools are paying for the classes without help, some are receiving funds from China. The chinese government is sending teachers from their country to teach chinese in american public schools while paying part of their salaries. The reason that schools are getting rid of their language programs (except for Chinese) is because it's very expensive to get a Spanish teacher compared to a chinese teacher.

Opinion: In conclusion, it's unfortunate that languages like Spanish and French are not going to be taught in schools. It's imperative that american students become exposed to all languages not just the "cheapest" ones. On the other hand, the chinese language is very important because of how many jobs will soon be outsourced to China. Let's hope that schools raise enough funds to teach their students a variety of languages. In a certain case, schools could take a poll and see which languages are most popular and eliminate the least popular ones.

News post #17

Article: Democrats Fight to Hold Crucial Seat: Kennedy’s

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/14/us/politics/14massachusetts.html?hp

Summary: The race for the late Ted Kennedy's seat in the Senate is becoming tighter and tighter in Massachusetts. Martha Coakley, the Democrat candidate who previously a shoo-in for the spot, is having trouble staying ahead of Republican candidate Scott Brown. Polls are showing that the race that was originally thought to be predictable is becoming more and more interesting. The crucial 60th vote in the Senate house could have huge impacts on the health care bill if a Republican wins. Democrats were shocked to see how close the race was when the numbers were released because Coakley had clearly more money, recognition, and support. Former president is coming to aid Coakley in her campaign this Friday in hopes of putting her back on top. The elections are to be held this coming Wednesday.

Conclusion: In my opinion, it's ironic that Coakley thought she could win easily and now her conceitedness is coming back to get her. Since this election is especially crucial to the whether or not the health care bill will be passed, hopefully everyone in Massachusetts will go out and vote. Coakley should take into account that fact that she may not win and step up her game. If Scott Brown wins, the Democrats' seat in Senate will be gone and will have huge impacts on the health reform bill.

News post #16

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/06/city-says-911-trials-will-cost-200-million-per-year/?hp

Article:

City Says 9/11 Trials Will Cost $200 Million a Year

Summary: The office of Mayor Bloomberg has released how much the trials of the 9/11 terrorist suspects will cost. $200 million will be spent each year for these upcoming trials. They will be the most expensive security operation for a city in recent times.

The mayor outlined the costs and sent a 2 page letter to the directors of the Federal Office of Management Budget. Most of the money will go to security-funding. The rest will be sent to equipment related expenses. Bloomberg said these costs were realististic and neccesary for the protection of New York City.

Conclusion: In my opinion, the trials shouldn't be held in New York because we can never be sure what the terrorists could be planning next. For the safety of New York and its people the trials should be held somewhere else. The funds for security are outrageous and if it was held somewhere else, a majority of the money would be saved.