Tuesday, December 21, 2010
January 7 - Last Day for "Missing" Assignments
Got missing assignments? Last day to hand in assignments to me is by or before Friday, January 7.
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Arsenic Monsters!!!
Journal: Science Express
Date: December 2, 2010
Length: 5 pages
Title of Article: A Bacterium That Can Grow by Using Arsenic Instead of Phosphorus
Summary By: Anastasia
Article Summary:
All living things are mostly composed of 6 major elements: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorous. No organisms have been found that don't follow this rule - until now, that is. NASA scientists have recently discovered a bacterium that can replace the phosphorous in its cell body with arsenic, an element that, while similar to phosphorous in structure, is nevertheless toxic to most living things. The environment where these little arsenic monsters live (Mono Lake, CA) has little phosphorous, but a very high concentration of arsenic. The bacteria have taken advantage of this by evolving the ability to incorporate arsenic into those structures in their cells that would normally require phosphorous. This by itself is not surprising; around 20 other types of bacteria can do this. What makes these bacteria from the Halomonadaceae family special is the fact that they can live entirely on arsenic, without using phosphorous at all. It is the only known organism that can do this.
Scientists discovered this organism's special secret by isolating it from the mud on the lake's bottom and growing it in a petri dish. Gradually, they gave the bacterial less and less phosphorous and more and more arsenic, until, eventually, there was no phosphorous in the dish at all. They were surprised to find that the bacteria were still able to thrive in these circumstances.
Conclusion:
This discovery is important not only in a biological sense, but also in the context of space science. Many planets have different ratios of elements than we do here on earth. Previously, those planets that did not contain large amounts of the 6 elements vital for Earth life were dismissed as unsuitable for any life forms. However, these arsenic-munching bacteria prove that it is possible for organisms to do without at least one of these 6 elements, raising new possibilities and hopes in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Date: December 2, 2010
Length: 5 pages
Title of Article: A Bacterium That Can Grow by Using Arsenic Instead of Phosphorus
Summary By: Anastasia
Article Summary:
All living things are mostly composed of 6 major elements: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorous. No organisms have been found that don't follow this rule - until now, that is. NASA scientists have recently discovered a bacterium that can replace the phosphorous in its cell body with arsenic, an element that, while similar to phosphorous in structure, is nevertheless toxic to most living things. The environment where these little arsenic monsters live (Mono Lake, CA) has little phosphorous, but a very high concentration of arsenic. The bacteria have taken advantage of this by evolving the ability to incorporate arsenic into those structures in their cells that would normally require phosphorous. This by itself is not surprising; around 20 other types of bacteria can do this. What makes these bacteria from the Halomonadaceae family special is the fact that they can live entirely on arsenic, without using phosphorous at all. It is the only known organism that can do this.
Scientists discovered this organism's special secret by isolating it from the mud on the lake's bottom and growing it in a petri dish. Gradually, they gave the bacterial less and less phosphorous and more and more arsenic, until, eventually, there was no phosphorous in the dish at all. They were surprised to find that the bacteria were still able to thrive in these circumstances.
Conclusion:
This discovery is important not only in a biological sense, but also in the context of space science. Many planets have different ratios of elements than we do here on earth. Previously, those planets that did not contain large amounts of the 6 elements vital for Earth life were dismissed as unsuitable for any life forms. However, these arsenic-munching bacteria prove that it is possible for organisms to do without at least one of these 6 elements, raising new possibilities and hopes in the search for extraterrestrial life.
Prop. 8: Judges question whether gay-marriage foes have legal standing
Name: Adrian
Blog Posting #2
Topic: Political
Title: Prop. 8: Judges question whether gay-marriage foes have legal standing
Writer: Jessica Garrison
Publication name: Los Angeles Times
Date of publication: Dec 6, 2010
length:~733
Main Idea
The Supporters of prop 8 are trying to repeal the walker decision that said that prop 8 is
unconstitutional. This Morning Monday December 6 the lawyers that want prop 8 to be upheld
and don’t want same sex marriages are fighting in court. The court has gone back and forth on
this issue since 2008.
• May 15 2008 the judges ruled that same sex couples have the right to marry.
• Proposition 8 was passed in the November 2 Elections. Said that only men and women can
get married.
• August 4,2010 Judge Vaughn Walker said prop 8 is unconstitutional
Conclusion
Currently same sex marriage is illegal but later in maybe years from now to say what is
constitutional and what’s not. The case will eventually end up in the California supreme court
Blog Posting #2
Topic: Political
Title: Prop. 8: Judges question whether gay-marriage foes have legal standing
Writer: Jessica Garrison
Publication name: Los Angeles Times
Date of publication: Dec 6, 2010
length:~733
Main Idea
The Supporters of prop 8 are trying to repeal the walker decision that said that prop 8 is
unconstitutional. This Morning Monday December 6 the lawyers that want prop 8 to be upheld
and don’t want same sex marriages are fighting in court. The court has gone back and forth on
this issue since 2008.
• May 15 2008 the judges ruled that same sex couples have the right to marry.
• Proposition 8 was passed in the November 2 Elections. Said that only men and women can
get married.
• August 4,2010 Judge Vaughn Walker said prop 8 is unconstitutional
Conclusion
Currently same sex marriage is illegal but later in maybe years from now to say what is
constitutional and what’s not. The case will eventually end up in the California supreme court
Friday, December 3, 2010
Privacy vs. Commerce: Lawmakers Debate Wisdom of 'Do Not Track' Laws
Brenda
Current Even Posting 2
Topic:Law
By: Sherisse Pham
Published December 2nd
Abc News
Length: One page
Main Idea
Something very disturbing to all internet users are they're still being secretly tracked by companies from all over. Research shows they are more invasive than we thought. For example, when telemarketers got out of hand, the government responded with the 'Do Not Call' list, and now, Lawmakers debate the 'Do Not Track' list. There were very powerful responses from both lawmakers and witnesses on regulating online tracking. Susan Grant, the director of consumer protections at the Consumer Federation of America said, “companies already track consumers' every online move, often without their consent. If someone were following you around...tailing you and making note of everywhere you go, what you read, who you talk to, what you eat, the music that you listen to, what you buy, what you watch, you might find this disturbing.” Daniel Castro, a senior analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, said, “'Do not Track,' of course, doesn't actually stop online advertising, it only limits the ability of ad networks to deliver ads the user might actually want. Users who opt out of tracking would receive more – not less – unwanted advertising.”
Conclusion
The 'Do Not Track' list is actually extremely different from the 'Do Not Call' list. It's not like the companies like Sears can listen to all your phone calls and just interrupt with a Sears ad. The 'Do Not Call' list is a lot simpler and straightforward. The 'Do Not Track' list is more complex, there are good and bad sides to it because either way, there will always be ads on whichever site you visit, the only difference is if the ad actually fits the consumers need. I think the 'Do Not Track' list should not pass because you will always have ads, the only difference is it only limits the ability of ad makers to deliver ads the user might actually watch rather than having a completely irrelevant ad.
Groups Make Late Push to Salvage Bill Aiding Illegal Immigrant Students
Samantha
Current Event Posting #2
Topic: Education
By JULIA PRESTON
Published: November 30, 2010
New York Times
Length: 1 page
Main idea:
Illegal migration has always been a controversial topic in United States, especially when it is about undocumented immigrants that are under 18 years old. In this case, I will focus in the issue of educating undocumented young students.
One of the sources of this hot debate is that the American constitution of the United States made education a "fundamental right" , stating that all students under 18 years old must go to school.
In the past weeks, several immigration advocacy groups have done mayor efforts to convince Congress to pass a bill to legalized thousands of illegal immigrant students.
Democrats, like Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, are supporting this position and put forward legislation to grant legal status to some students who are illegal immigrants. On the other hand, many Republican senators who are seeking to reduce the immigrant population are totally against this bill.
The article published on November 2010 in the New York Times, describes a increased nationwide mobilizations to give an opportunity to these children. For example, in California and in Washington state several groups of students, immigrant activists and farm immigrant workers made protests and caravans. Furthermore, education sectors from the American society are also supporting the cause, for instance, leaders of several prestigious universities, like Brown, Harvard and MIT, have signed supporting letters.
Although these are huge advocates to this cause, opponents like Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who wrote a detailed 10-point critique to the bill, in which one of his points was that this bill “would give safe harbor to some immigrants with criminal records and could benefit illegal immigrants who were no longer youths.”
Conclusions:
I think that Congress should pass this bill for several reasons. One is that despite undocumented children are able to go to public schools up to secondary education; most of them are not able to pursue higher education. Their “illegal status” might create several barriers between students and school personnel that could affect negatively these students.
Secondly, for those students work really hard in school and are really respectful of the law, and it’s just really unfair that despite all that effort they can be deported.
Third, giving them the chance to study being legal citizens facilitates work opportunities, which could reduce unemployment rates and criminality that might beneficiate their society in general.
Drugs common in fatal car crashes
Joseph Alexander
Current Event Posting: # 1
Topic: Health
Title: Drugs common in fatal car crashes
Writer: David Martin
Publication Name: CNN, the chart
Date of Publication: Nov 30, 2010
Length: 439 words
David Martin, the Senior medical producer at CNN, researched the link between car accidents and drug use. This was the first ever drug analysis of drivers performed in 2009, as reported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
These studies have shown that 1/3 of every person killed in an accident in America, had been under the influence of drugs. This article sheds light on the fact that driving under the influence of drugs can be just as, if not more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. This study has shown that illegal drugs are not the only type of drugs that can impair you enough to cause an accident that could have been prevented. Prescription drugs have also been known to cause impairment in drivers, causing accidents.
Although drug companies deny taking any responsibility for the accidents caused by consumer drug consumption, this study has linked the cause-effect relationship between over-the-counter and prescription drugs to car accidents.
Gil Kerlikowse, director of the national drug control policy said that the percentage should serve as a wakeup call for people who drive under the influence of drugs. For example the 10.5 million people age 12 or older reported driving under the influence illicit drugs during the past year. Or the about 4 percent of the population. Hopefully people will wake up and stop driving under the influence of drugs.
Current Event Posting: # 1
Topic: Health
Title: Drugs common in fatal car crashes
Writer: David Martin
Publication Name: CNN, the chart
Date of Publication: Nov 30, 2010
Length: 439 words
David Martin, the Senior medical producer at CNN, researched the link between car accidents and drug use. This was the first ever drug analysis of drivers performed in 2009, as reported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
These studies have shown that 1/3 of every person killed in an accident in America, had been under the influence of drugs. This article sheds light on the fact that driving under the influence of drugs can be just as, if not more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. This study has shown that illegal drugs are not the only type of drugs that can impair you enough to cause an accident that could have been prevented. Prescription drugs have also been known to cause impairment in drivers, causing accidents.
Although drug companies deny taking any responsibility for the accidents caused by consumer drug consumption, this study has linked the cause-effect relationship between over-the-counter and prescription drugs to car accidents.
Gil Kerlikowse, director of the national drug control policy said that the percentage should serve as a wakeup call for people who drive under the influence of drugs. For example the 10.5 million people age 12 or older reported driving under the influence illicit drugs during the past year. Or the about 4 percent of the population. Hopefully people will wake up and stop driving under the influence of drugs.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Topic: Technology/Civil Rights
Title: Amazon Bows To US Censorship Pressure: Refuses To Host Wikileaks
Publication Name: Amazon takes action against Wikileaks. Writer: Mike Masnick
Date of Publiction: 12/1/10 Words: 1000
- Main Ideas: Amazon has officially denied hosting the WikiLeaks website. The site, “WikiLeaks” has been a hot topic in the media because the site has allegedly been releasing “secret information” which could affect “national security”. In reality the site is realizing articles that are well within public domain. WikiLeaks shares articles, which discuss government and military mishaps, which is not illegal. Many officials however, feel that this is a threat to national security, and are looking for a way to extend the espionage act, to ban WikiLeaks off of the web. In the meantime, more traditional ways of censorship are being used to block the site. Senator Bill Lieberman is the main voice in the expansion of the espionage act in order to ban WikiLeaks. Senator Lieberman was quoted saying “…this site is a definite threat to both the white house, and the military. They are releasing misguiding and often false information about the U.S. government, which should be deemed unconstitutional. As of now the WikiLeaks site is public domain and is protected by the 1st Amendment, but officials say that until a ban can pass through congress and the senate, the only way to combat this site is to put pressure on those sites which support it. Amazon dumped WikiLeaks after much pressure from the government, and it seems many other search engines are soon to follow.
- Conclusion: WikiLeaks is not violating any laws. Although they do provide articles, which are often misleading and may not portray the U.S. government and military in good light, they still have a right to express their opinion under freedom of speech. However, the espionage act, if amended to deal with WikiLeaks, does have a right to censor what the country deems as a threat to national security. The government sees WikiLeaks as a fountain of doubt and mistrust, which would affect the minds of many American citizens. In these hard times, officials don’t want Americans to lost any more trust in the government, and therefore banning WikiLeaks seems essential.
state board of education changes kindergarten age
Paul Blanchette
C.E. posting #2
Topic: education
Title: state board of education makes change to starting age for kindergarten
Writer: Eileen FitzGerald
Publisher: newstimes.com
Date of publication: 12-3-2010
Length: 341 words
The State Board of Education in Connecticut and three other states have changed there starting age from five years old in January to 5 years old in October. This change will take a total of four years to complete because they want to do it gradually. By next year the dead line to be five will not by January but it will be December first, by 2013 the day will become November first, and in 2014 it will make it to its final spot of October first. There are a few reasons for this change one of them being that some kids need to experience more pre-school activities to develop. Another reason to change the age for kindergarten is that it will lesson the gap between age within the classroom, which will allow the kids to develop better and faster. Also this will become a more efficient kindergarten system after the transformation is finished. For all these positives there are also some negatives for example some of the underprivileged children and there familys will have to, in some cases pay for anther year of child care. This will not effect some familys because the State Board of Education in these four states will provide 27.5 million dollars for the year of care. The new age of this change will effect about 7,500 kids who are in the age group that are going to have to another year of pre-school.
Conclusion: These changes to me seem to be pointless and that it is a waist of mony for the schools and the parents of the kids who are affected. Although this change is supposed to help develop kids faster and better I believe that it is not worth 27.5 million dollars for something that might work. This bill will help the development of the kids but with a dent in the schools wallets.
Obama Reverses oil drill expansion after BP spill
Name: Alex
Blog Posting #2
Topic: Science/environment
Title: Obama reverses oil drill expansion after BP spill
Writer: Karin Zeitvogel
Publication name: Yahoo.com
Date of publication: Dec 2, 2010
length:~650 words
Main Idea:
On Wednesday, President Obama reversed a decision to expand off shore oil drilling to the Atlantic ocean and eastern gulf of Mexico. However he still allowed deep sea drilling in the gulf where the oil spill happened. the move banned oil drilling in new areas until 2017. there were mixed reaction among the states hit by the oil spill. Florida said the decision would safeguard the areas tourism and fishing industry. Louisiana, on the other hand disagreed saying it is a major step backwards for energy security. Texas Congressman John Culberson gave it the thumbs down saying that it would harm the economy by raising energy prices. Also the Natural Resources defence council says that the move did not go far enough because it left the door open for drilling in the arctic and allowed seismic testing in the Atlantic, both of which are harmful to the environment.
Conclusion:
President Obama reversed a decision to expand offshore oil drilling in new areas until 2017. states hit by the oil had mixed feelings about the decision. some say it was a good decision, while others say that it could harm the economy. One group said it did not go far enough because it left too many doors open for drilling elsewhere.
Blog Posting #2
Topic: Science/environment
Title: Obama reverses oil drill expansion after BP spill
Writer: Karin Zeitvogel
Publication name: Yahoo.com
Date of publication: Dec 2, 2010
length:~650 words
Main Idea:
On Wednesday, President Obama reversed a decision to expand off shore oil drilling to the Atlantic ocean and eastern gulf of Mexico. However he still allowed deep sea drilling in the gulf where the oil spill happened. the move banned oil drilling in new areas until 2017. there were mixed reaction among the states hit by the oil spill. Florida said the decision would safeguard the areas tourism and fishing industry. Louisiana, on the other hand disagreed saying it is a major step backwards for energy security. Texas Congressman John Culberson gave it the thumbs down saying that it would harm the economy by raising energy prices. Also the Natural Resources defence council says that the move did not go far enough because it left the door open for drilling in the arctic and allowed seismic testing in the Atlantic, both of which are harmful to the environment.
Conclusion:
President Obama reversed a decision to expand offshore oil drilling in new areas until 2017. states hit by the oil had mixed feelings about the decision. some say it was a good decision, while others say that it could harm the economy. One group said it did not go far enough because it left too many doors open for drilling elsewhere.
Caffeine and Alcohol Drink is Potent Mix for Young
Conor Kennedy
Current Event Posting #2
Topic: Health
Title: Caffeine and Alcohol Drink is Potent Mix for Young
Writer: Abby GoodNough
Publication Name: NY Times
Date of Publication: October 26 2010
Length: 1069 words
Summary:
New beverages called Four Loko that mix alcohol and caffeine into an intense fruity flavor, have blown up in popularity among teenagers. These drinks are not only illegal for people under the age of 21, but they are also very dangerous for the human body. Normally when someone takes in alcohol, their body, at some point will stop communicating with the brain and they will either pass out, or regurgitate the substance. But with the caffeine now added to the mix, it tricks the body by keeping the body in a "normal state" so the person will keep on consuming alcohol till they become seriously ill. In a small school called Ramapo College in New Jersey, a number of students had been hospitalized due to the affects of the four loko drink. The president of the college has banned the drink and is encouraging others to do the same. The Food and Drug Administration is investigating whether the mixing of alcohol and caffeine is safe for the human body. This drink is very cheap, so it is very affordable for college students and teenagers. Yes, the law does state the you must be under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, but many kids and young adults ignore this law. Thus being said, people are questioning the owner of four loko and are asking him if they are trying to target a younger group. Even the cans look like the energy drinks/ice tea drinks that kids drink, parents said that they didnt even notice that the drink that their child was drinking was illegal.The owner, Michael Michail says that the company has no intention to sell to minors and that on the can, it states multiple times that the drink has alcohol in it.
Current Event Posting #2
Topic: Health
Title: Caffeine and Alcohol Drink is Potent Mix for Young
Writer: Abby GoodNough
Publication Name: NY Times
Date of Publication: October 26 2010
Length: 1069 words
Summary:
New beverages called Four Loko that mix alcohol and caffeine into an intense fruity flavor, have blown up in popularity among teenagers. These drinks are not only illegal for people under the age of 21, but they are also very dangerous for the human body. Normally when someone takes in alcohol, their body, at some point will stop communicating with the brain and they will either pass out, or regurgitate the substance. But with the caffeine now added to the mix, it tricks the body by keeping the body in a "normal state" so the person will keep on consuming alcohol till they become seriously ill. In a small school called Ramapo College in New Jersey, a number of students had been hospitalized due to the affects of the four loko drink. The president of the college has banned the drink and is encouraging others to do the same. The Food and Drug Administration is investigating whether the mixing of alcohol and caffeine is safe for the human body. This drink is very cheap, so it is very affordable for college students and teenagers. Yes, the law does state the you must be under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, but many kids and young adults ignore this law. Thus being said, people are questioning the owner of four loko and are asking him if they are trying to target a younger group. Even the cans look like the energy drinks/ice tea drinks that kids drink, parents said that they didnt even notice that the drink that their child was drinking was illegal.The owner, Michael Michail says that the company has no intention to sell to minors and that on the can, it states multiple times that the drink has alcohol in it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the malt beverage four loko is being investigated by the Food and Drug administration on whether the mixing of alcohol and caffeine is safe for the human body. Many kids have been hospitalized because of the affect that the drink plays on the body. The caffeine makes the mind think that they are in a "normal state" which leads to serious health problems. The drink is obviously supposed to be drunken by people over 21, but the majority of people who drink it are under that age. In my opinion, I think that the idea is smart, because people love energy drinks now a days, but the health risks and problems are too much.
'Don't ask, don't tell': The reality of repeal
Taesu
Posting number: 4
Topic: Politics
Title: 'Don't ask, don't tell': The reality of repeal
Writer: Ed Hornick
Publication name: CNN
Date of publication: December 2, 2010
Length: Full article
a. The whole idea of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was for recruitment of soldiers and also for the soldiers serving in the war. It was set up as a way to allow homosexual people to join to armed forces without being penalized for their sexual beliefs. The problem that has arisen to this very date is that it is now being debated whether or not it should be repealed. Now the major question, if it is repealed, it what to do with the homosexual people that will be openly exposed and be free to expose their sexuality. The question the military and right party politicians is how they need to deal with the gay and lesbian people in service of the United states. The questions of housing and showers comes up immediately and people begin to wonder if they have to separate the gays and lesbians, or to keeps them unified. Another question comes into play, and it is if the the unit will be unified the way it is, if the repeal is placed. McCain even suggested that the unit would be disrupted in its unification if such thing were to happen at the present time. He also mentioned that the United States was in a time of war and that a disruption in unity could lead to a decrease in recruitment. It all comes down to whether or not people find the repeal damaging or healing.Congress is expected to vote on this repeal either at the end of this year or early next year.
b. So in the end, when congress votes, it can get very complicated. The reason for complication is that there would be a large amount of debate and controversy before and after the repeal is decided upon. With the right party against the repeal and the left party for the repeal, it can be a complete flop and a big mess. The repeal might never even occur because of the partisan politics in the system of the united states. This repeal is going to bring questions that will need to be answered.
c. I think that this whole "don't ask, don't tell" policy can be biased but it can also be a good thing in some senses. I have mixed feelings on the whole policy and my opinion is leaning toward that it should not be repealed. I feel that this policy gives the army a sense of unity in way that all of the soldiers are comfortable with each other.
Held as Slaves, Now Free
Loveless
Posting: #2
Topic: Civil Rights
Title:"Held as Slaves, Now Free"
Publication Name:Held as Slaves, Now Free
Writers:Scott Bronstein, Amber Lyon, Alexandra Poolos
Date of Publication:Dec 2, 2010
Length:1603 words/3 pages
A. Main Ideas
This article, "Held as Slaves, Now Free" is about two girls Zena and Nicole, both from Africa. Zena is from Togo and Nicole is from Ghana. In the early 2000's, they were brought over from a family friend to "get a better education" but ended up becoming slaves that could do nothing but braid hair. The family friend, was a human trafficker, and had them slaving in salons for about five years. This occurred because there parents were fooled into thinking their children would get a better education abroad. This happened in Newark, NJ about 10 minutes from New York City. It happened from 2002 to 2007. The captors (three), of these girls were sentenced to 25, 24 and 4 years in prison.
B. Conclusion
In conclusion, two foreign girls' families were bamboozled about their education. They became modern slaves and were treated horribly. Although the article only covers two girls, they say more than 20 of them are included in this illegal operation. This is terrible, as in 2010, slavery across the country should have been abolished by now. Sadly, many other types of slaves exist today. Experts say human trafficking is done 100% for the money.
Sometimes a 90% Fat Diet Is Good For You
Mason
Posting #2
Topic: Health
http://healthland.time.com/2010/11/19/sometimes-a-90-fat-diet-is-good-for-you/
Some children who have epilepsy are having up to 130 seizures a day and are unresponsive to medication. So there is a new diet called the Ketogenic Diet. It is a diet that is 90% fat. The way this diet works is that the body goes into starvation mode and starts burning fats instead of carbohydrates. This seems to control the seizes when drugs fail. A study in London found that 38 percent of patients on the diet had their seizure frequency reduced more than 50 percent and that 7 percent had their seizure frequency reduced more than 90 percent. The kids on this diet have to take vitamin supplements otherwise their hair and teeth would fall and as well as their growth would be stunted. Also, there is an increased risk for kidney stones and constipation. Around 100 hospitals in Canada and the United States have suggested the diet to patients.
Conclusion: This diet seems like an alternative to harsher drugs, and also could potentially be cheaper. Instead of putting money into buying strong medicine the money could be put into buying food instead. More hospitals should be prescribing this diet to parents who have tried everything. Although parents will eventually have to look for another alternative, this will work for the time being. This diet seems to be an improvement in the epilepsy treatments.
Posting #2
Topic: Health
http://healthland.time.com/
Some children who have epilepsy are having up to 130 seizures a day and are unresponsive to medication. So there is a new diet called the Ketogenic Diet.
Conclusion: This diet seems like an alternative to harsher drugs, and also could potentially be cheaper. Instead of putting money into buying strong medicine the money could be put into buying food instead. More hospitals should be prescribing this diet to parents who have tried everything. Although parents will eventually have to look for another alternative, this will work for the time being. This diet seems to be an improvement in the epilepsy treatments.
Technology Mystery Surrounds Cyber Missile That Crippled Iran's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
#2
topic-technology
author- Ed Barnes
Title-Mystery Surrounds Cyber Missile That Crippled Iran's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
Published November 26, 2010
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/11/26/secret-agent-crippled-irans-nuclear-ambitions/
Through a computer virus that manipulates windows software using zero days which are unidentified wholes in a systems security in this case windows 7 which are used to run Iranian nuclear facilities. Tncredibly complex the worm had multiple stages and was manipulating the system into thinking that it didn't exist. It was capable of penetrating a non server based operating terminal that had no connection to the world wide web. The worm was programmed almost exclusively for the sabotage of the Iranian nuclear facilities and was able to get onto the computer terminals and manipulate the logic controllers of the facility through workers using flash drives to connect to the terminals. The worm targeted workers around the facilities infecting all the computers and because it is able to use the operating system to hide it it wasn't found. The ingenuity of the worm is that is specifically targeted usb sticks to get onto the control computers because of the previously stated reasons. The planning and thought put into to the writing of this worm must have been years in the making a monster of a worm that can be used for industrial espionage and will undoubtedly be used in such terms because of its unique capabilities(the ability to control programmable logic controllers which are used to control robots). the program can erase its traces in the computer trace log which is how it hides its tracks. Perhaps the most incredible thing is that the worm is constantly being updated in fact they think that some anti virus programs are actually programmed to update the virus instead of get rid of it. The virus was discovered on august 6th this year and the writer is unknown but is thought to be a combination of us and Israel intelligence agency and is estimated to have taken 10000 man hours to write. The day that they found the worm the people who made it were able to erase it withing 24 hours of it being found.
topic-technology
author- Ed Barnes
Title-Mystery Surrounds Cyber Missile That Crippled Iran's Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
Published November 26, 2010
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/11/26/secret-agent-crippled-irans-nuclear-ambitions/
Through a computer virus that manipulates windows software using zero days which are unidentified wholes in a systems security in this case windows 7 which are used to run Iranian nuclear facilities. Tncredibly complex the worm had multiple stages and was manipulating the system into thinking that it didn't exist. It was capable of penetrating a non server based operating terminal that had no connection to the world wide web. The worm was programmed almost exclusively for the sabotage of the Iranian nuclear facilities and was able to get onto the computer terminals and manipulate the logic controllers of the facility through workers using flash drives to connect to the terminals. The worm targeted workers around the facilities infecting all the computers and because it is able to use the operating system to hide it it wasn't found. The ingenuity of the worm is that is specifically targeted usb sticks to get onto the control computers because of the previously stated reasons. The planning and thought put into to the writing of this worm must have been years in the making a monster of a worm that can be used for industrial espionage and will undoubtedly be used in such terms because of its unique capabilities(the ability to control programmable logic controllers which are used to control robots). the program can erase its traces in the computer trace log which is how it hides its tracks. Perhaps the most incredible thing is that the worm is constantly being updated in fact they think that some anti virus programs are actually programmed to update the virus instead of get rid of it. The virus was discovered on august 6th this year and the writer is unknown but is thought to be a combination of us and Israel intelligence agency and is estimated to have taken 10000 man hours to write. The day that they found the worm the people who made it were able to erase it withing 24 hours of it being found.
Update on WikiLeak Cables
Linnea
Current Event Posting: # 2
Topic: Politics
Title: Cables Describe Scale of Afghan Corruption as Overwhelming
Writers: Scott Shane, Mark Mazzetti and Dexter Filkins
Publication Name: New York Times Online
Date of Publication: December 2, 2010
From info on the diplomatic cables Afghanistan appears to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Information on bribery, extortion and embezzlement seem to imply that in Afghanistan they are the norm. for politicians. There was also information that several of these ambassadors took money from American development projects. One official from Afghanistan explained the four times when the corrupt officials steal the money. These are when contractors bid on a project, at application for building permits, during construction, and at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. A while ago Abdul Ahad Sahibi a mayor in Afghanistan was aressted for massive embezzlement in as a "small victory against corruption". However, according to the cables this man was framed for this crime because he was trying to halt a corrupt land-distribution scheme. This sadly increases the idea that honest men in that government are few and far in between and sadly the rare kinda of politician you can find. An advocacy organization Transparency International has ranked Afghanistan as the 3rd most corrupt country in the world. This ranks it as only being behind Somalia and Myanmar. In the summer of 2009 a report from Kabul stated that President Hamid Karzai “allowed dangerous individuals to go free or re-enter the battlefield without ever facing an Afghan court.” Mr. Karzai also pardoned a border police officer who was found with approximately 273 pounds of heroin. He also intervened in a narcotics case involving the son of one of his wealthy supporters. This only can increase the fear and blatant obviousness of a drug trade fulled government.
From info on the diplomatic cables Afghanistan appears to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Information on bribery, extortion and embezzlement seem to imply that in Afghanistan they are the norm. for politicians. There was also information that several of these ambassadors took money from American development projects. One official from Afghanistan explained the four times when the corrupt officials steal the money. These are when contractors bid on a project, at application for building permits, during construction, and at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. A while ago Abdul Ahad Sahibi a mayor in Afghanistan was aressted for massive embezzlement in as a "small victory against corruption". However, according to the cables this man was framed for this crime because he was trying to halt a corrupt land-distribution scheme. This sadly increases the idea that honest men in that government are few and far in between and sadly the rare kinda of politician you can find. An advocacy organization Transparency International has ranked Afghanistan as the 3rd most corrupt country in the world. This ranks it as only being behind Somalia and Myanmar. In the summer of 2009 a report from Kabul stated that President Hamid Karzai “allowed dangerous individuals to go free or re-enter the battlefield without ever facing an Afghan court.” Mr. Karzai also pardoned a border police officer who was found with approximately 273 pounds of heroin. He also intervened in a narcotics case involving the son of one of his wealthy supporters. This only can increase the fear and blatant obviousness of a drug trade fulled government.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Why Eating A Lot Feels So Darn Good
Galen
Current Event: 2Topic: Health
Why Eating a Lot Feels So Darn Good
By Madison Park, CNN
November 24, 2010
Length: 1856
Filling a stomach with comfort food is an evolutionary instinct that we do because we are subconsciously preparing for the dark times. We are in survival mode. “Just like puffy-cheeked squirrels storing up for the winter.” Our brains reward us by releasing chemicals that make us feel good in a similar way that alcohol and drugs do. Scientists call it ingestion analgesia, literally pain relief from eating. Professor Roger Cone says that "for most animals and most of human history, we have not had excess of calories. Animals and humans had to work harder to survive, but now, with unlimited calories everywhere for most people and a great reduction in the amount of physical activity, we've become obese." By having such easy access to fat, sugar and much more, our bodies have adjusted by releasing endogenous opioid, which help control pain. A study published in Nature Neuroscience this year suggested that these high fat and calorie foods affect he brain in the same way that cocaine and heroin does. A study this year found that when rats consumed these foods in large quantities it lead to compulsive eating habits that resemble drug addiction. Food replaces emptiness with a sleepy relaxing feeling known as the food coma.
Fortunately, our body releases a hormone when food travels to the upper small intestine to tell the brain to stop eating. As our food intake increases our blood glucose level changes and the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, calms down. That feeling of satiety should end the meal. Unfortunately we often ignore this cue. The bottom line is we need to eat less. Rolls, a professor of the national science at Pennsylvania State, says to “ eat when you feel a little hungry, but don't wait until you feel ravenous, because you'll probably overeat.” People should stop eating when they are pleasantly full instead of when they can’t stand up.
OnLive Gaming System Will Steam to TV Sets
Nicholas
Current Event Posting: # 2
Topic: Technology
Title: OnLive Gaming System Will Stream to TV Sets
Writer: Eric A. Taub
Publication Name: New York Times Online
Date of Publication: November 28, 2010
Length: about 700 words
A new gaming console is on the rise. OnLive gaming system is looking to compete with Play Station 3, XBox 360, and Nintendo's Wii. Why is OnLive any different, well for starters, it uses no disks. It uses state-of-the-art technology known as a cloud, an internet-based computing method in which resources, software, and information can be shared on demand, eliminating the need for disks. OnLive's creator, Steve Perlman, is already a well-known Silicon Valley inventor and hopes that by December users will be able to stream games to their televisions using a small box the size of a cigarette package that taps into high-speed internet. The cost of the box, only $99. OnLive is also different because it eliminates stuttering, stalling, and lower resolution displays by shrinking the size of the game programs during transmission. “The low latency of the video compression scheme makes a game look like it’s appearing instantaneously,” Mr. Perlman said. He envisions that television companies will eventually incorporate this small box directly into their TVs with games being held at his companies data centers, extinguishing the need for any hardware at all. Another advantage of OnLive is that games are usually about $10 cheaper, due to the fact that there is no actual disk being purchased. One analyst said, “I think that there is a huge potential for many other value-added services, such as videoconferencing, secure computing and Internet TV.” OnLive, however, also has some disadvantages. Competing with big companies with deep pockets poses one problem. Another is that there is a much smaller game selection. As of now there are about 35 titles available and hopefully about 50 by Christmas. Lastly, many consumers don't to add another box to their house.
In conclusion, the OnLive gaming console has a promising future. When loosing games, breaking and scratching disks, or even getting them too dirty to play is a problem, OnLive is your solution. This disk-less console uses top of the line, cloud technology to stream games directly to your TV using a small box. OnLive is also cheaper because there is no need to buy actual disks, not to mention the fact that the box itself is much cheaper than other consoles.
In my opinion, OnLive is going to help many gamers. Once it expands its selection the future is bright. Now-a-days many people ruin or lose disks, while others are just too lazy to go to stores to buy new games. Using cloud technology is a great idea to appeal to those users. It is also a great solution to consumers who don't want to jumble up TV displays with big boxes or tons of disks.
Feds open criminal investigation into WikiLeaks discloser
Taesu
3
Espionage/Politics
Feds open criminal investigation into WikiLeaks disclosures
Writer: CNN wire staff
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: November 29, 2010
Pages: The whole article
a. Wikileaks began to release classified documents of United states diplomats on the internet. This leaking of classified information is illegal and the United States Attorney is persecuting. The Attorney general, Eric Holder, is investigating these illegal actions on behalf of the Espionage act. This allows Eric Holder to persecute a person practicing espionage, in this case the person practicing espionage is one of our own soldiers. The prime suspect is U.S. Army Private First Class Bradley Manning, who was linked to past Wikileaks, is being investigated for espionage. The articles on wikileaks has to do with King Abdulah of Saudi Arabia asking the Iran to not go nuclear and the USA always being ready to bomb areas containing nuclear devices. This article on Wikileaks is not only controversial but is confidential. The United states is trying to counter this release of confidential information by reviewing the articles posted. The counter-intelligence agencies are doing all they can to counter anything that would jeopardize national security. The new york times, along with some other European news papers, are going to publish excerpts beginning on Sunday this week.
b. In the end the information will be leaked and the USA will determine whether or not the information that is released jeopardizes the national security of the USA. The USA attorney general and counter-intelligence agencies all over the united states are working to find who leaked the information. The USA will persecute the man who released the information in supreme court. He will be tried on the behalf of espionage and the release of classified documents that were not authorized to be released. In the end, the man will be caught and the information could be with-held from the public.
c. I think that the 1st amendment is being slightly violated because the USA is persecuting the citizen who leaked this information because of his desire for people to receive knowledge of secret operations. The story that is not told to us is the story behind all of the lies and the deception of the United States government. We are not told the full story.
3
Espionage/Politics
Feds open criminal investigation into WikiLeaks disclosures
Writer: CNN wire staff
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: November 29, 2010
Pages: The whole article
a. Wikileaks began to release classified documents of United states diplomats on the internet. This leaking of classified information is illegal and the United States Attorney is persecuting. The Attorney general, Eric Holder, is investigating these illegal actions on behalf of the Espionage act. This allows Eric Holder to persecute a person practicing espionage, in this case the person practicing espionage is one of our own soldiers. The prime suspect is U.S. Army Private First Class Bradley Manning, who was linked to past Wikileaks, is being investigated for espionage. The articles on wikileaks has to do with King Abdulah of Saudi Arabia asking the Iran to not go nuclear and the USA always being ready to bomb areas containing nuclear devices. This article on Wikileaks is not only controversial but is confidential. The United states is trying to counter this release of confidential information by reviewing the articles posted. The counter-intelligence agencies are doing all they can to counter anything that would jeopardize national security. The new york times, along with some other European news papers, are going to publish excerpts beginning on Sunday this week.
b. In the end the information will be leaked and the USA will determine whether or not the information that is released jeopardizes the national security of the USA. The USA attorney general and counter-intelligence agencies all over the united states are working to find who leaked the information. The USA will persecute the man who released the information in supreme court. He will be tried on the behalf of espionage and the release of classified documents that were not authorized to be released. In the end, the man will be caught and the information could be with-held from the public.
c. I think that the 1st amendment is being slightly violated because the USA is persecuting the citizen who leaked this information because of his desire for people to receive knowledge of secret operations. The story that is not told to us is the story behind all of the lies and the deception of the United States government. We are not told the full story.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Marijuana Smokers Who Start Early Are at Greatest Risk, Study Finds
Current Event Posting Number: 2
Topic: Health
Title: Marijuana Smokers Who Start Early Are at Greatest Risk, Study Finds
Publication: New York Times
Length: words/1 page
Date: November 15, 2010
Author: Roni Rabin
Marijuana. Good or bad? Harmless or harmful? Smoking Marijuana is usually present during teens. And the timing could not be worse, a new study shows.
Teenagers who started using marijuana or weed, regularly in their early teens performed much worse on the Cognitive Tests (that assessing their brain and how it functions), than those who were at LEAST 16 at the time they had started smoking scientists report. These findings were presented at the annal meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, California, which led researchers at McLean Hospital to come to a conclusion that the developing brain of a teenager is much vulnerable to the effects of weed. Dr. Staci A, tries explaining the difference between the developing teenage brain and the brain of an adult. The study that was performed in conjunction with brain scans was small had consisted of 35 chronic weed smokers who were 22 years old, on average. 20 of them had started smoking on a regular basis before they reached the age of 16, while the other 15 started smoking regularly when they reached the age of 16 or older. All the people who smoked weed had similar life-styles, education AND income. The people were asked to complete an assessment of executive function where the brain is responsible for planning and abstract thinking, as well as understanding rules and acting inappropriately. The test asked them to sort cards with different shapes, numbers and colors, which is a measure of cognitive flexibility, obedience, the ability to stay focused and control impulsive responses. The people who started smoking at an earlier age scored much lower on the test than the ones who started smoking at a more "decent" age, past 15 or 16. "They got fewer of the card-sorting categories correct and made more mistakes. They were also much more likely to repeat their mistakes, continuing to give incorrect answers even after being told that they were wrong." At age 15 the brain starts changing and "the part that modulates executive function is the last part to develop." There are also other significant differences between the two groups of smokers. Those who had been using weed on a more regular basis smoked more than twice as often then those who started smoking in later years. Studies show the early users smoked 14.7 grams per week, almost three times as much as the later smokers who used 5.9 grams a week, on average.
Conclusion: In conclusion, weed is unhealthy, but it depends on what age you start smoking. If you are "safe and smart" with this drug, you will not have the after affects of being unintelligent. Dr. Gruber believes that if weed were to be legalized in 2012, it would be alright only if there is an age restriction (which there was on the Prop 19) ballot. After completely developing, or at least leaving the stage of developing.
Opinion: I agree with the age restriction, since weed is one of the "safest" drug. Of course any drug is bad for you, but so far marijuana has proved to be the "healthiest" and "safest" hence, medical marijuana. Weed is also safer than alcohol, so if alcohol is legal, there isn't really a reason for weed to be illegal or looked down upon more than alcohol. Brain cells obviously are lost, but not as much, and not as often. [Same protocols would be taken with weed as if it were alcohol, so it really would not be AS unsafe]. But as I've stated, I think it'd be a good idea to at least wait to be 15 or 16, or a reasonable age to start smoking if you'd plan to do so which is also backed up by reports and tests.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Pelosi Announces Run For Minority Leader
Sonal
Current Event Posting Number: 2
Topic: Leaders (national)
Title: Pelosi Announces Run For Minority Leader
Writer: Dana Bash and Deirdre Walsh
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: November 5, 2010
Length: 1200 words/2 pages
Main Ideas:
Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker, says she will run for Minority Leader in the 2012 elections. However, she has been receiving little support from the White House. Pelosi has raised $50 million for the Democrats in order to gain more support. Heath Shuler is considering challenging Pelosi if she runs, but very few think he will win. Pelosi is running for this position because she feels her work is not finished because of the urgency of protecting health care reform, Wall Street reform, and Social Security and Medicare. She also says that a lot of her colleagues have called with their recommendations on how to continue America's fight for the middle class. They also have encouraged her to run for House Democratic Leader. Some people think that she has a full shot in winning while others believe there should be a new leader. When she met John Boehner, the current minority leader, had no comment. Some other chances that she may not win are because senators from the past may want to run again.
Conclusion:
Furthermore on whether Pelosi will win is that during the next couple of years, there will be fewer Democrats than Republicans starting from 2011 because of the midterm elections on November 2. This may partially affect Pelosi's chances for winning because of a smaller Democratic caucus. Basically, Pelosi will have to work hard for the next couple of years. On the other hand, Americans United for Change, a progressive political organization, sent an email to its members requesting them to urge Pelosi to stay. A big question at the moment, according to Democratic sources, is what Pelosi's progressives want her to do.
Opinion:
I think that Pelosi has a great chance in winning. She has been striving to help the common man, working and middle class people, the past few years and has brought great change. Pelosi was also the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Therefore, many women will want her to be reelected. Overall, I think Pelosi has a determined and ambitious personality that will allow her to reach her goals.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Noisy Workplaces Could Strain Heart
Noisy Workplaces Could Strain Heart
Joseph Alexander
Blog posting #1
Topic: Health
Publications: CNN
Length: 315 words/1 page
According to a recent study, a noisy work environment has bad effects on people over the age of 50. The stress that is experienced from a noisy work environment has horrible effects on a person’s health. The noise can stress a worker out which clogs arteries causing angina, coronary heart disease and hypertension. In the US 17.2 percent of workers experience noisy work environments and have health problems because of it.
Conclusion:
I think that if the environment gets too noisy then there should be a way of protecting workers’ ears so that they won’t be as stressed and less likely for having heart conditions. I think it is the company’s responsibility to protect their workers by ensuring a healthy work environment.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Linked
Name: Brenda
Current Event Posting #1
Topic: Health
Publication Name: MSNBC
Length:208 words/1 page
Health experts have already been thinking Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease are related somehow in a way. And recently, at a School of medicine they discovered one reason why the two might go together. It turns out that some genes that are controlled by insulin, also control the buildup the material in the brain that causes Alzheimer's. The buildup is often the first sign of Alzheimer's disease. The variables they came out with are out of 24 million people that have diabetes, 5 million have Alzheimer's.
Conclusion:
I believe that they still have room for finding out more about this situation. To me personally, since I have a person really important and close to me that has Type 2 Diabetes, I hope that they find a different way to control your blood sugar. Since the insulin controlling it is causing the buildup to the materials causing Alzheimer's. This helps experts target new ways of controlling and curing diabetes. For Type 2 Diabetes, it is possible to get rid of it by a having a controlled diet of eating about 1800 calories per day and exercising everyday. This way, you can decrease your medicine intake and also decrease the buildup.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Justice Department finds significant cheating on FBI test
Wil
Current Event Posting: #1
Topic: Leaders (State, federal/national)
Writer: Carol Cratty
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: September 27th, 2010
Length: 228 words/1 page
Main Ideas:
In this article, it briefly explains how 22 FBI appointed officials were accused of "improperly taking" or cheating on the entrance test. Even though the test was open book, the employees were instructed to complete it for themselves and prove that they did. Most of those were accused used and shared other answers, and manipulated a computer system flaw to reveal answers. Many of the officials and employees most likely cheated because they wanted to choose the easy route, instead of honestly being graded for their performance. Most of these cases occured in the Distict of Columbia, and the investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this article points out the corrupt agencies and groups linked to our government and leaders. Although there were very few cases, it still is a problem, because these people are needed to be some of the most honest people in America. Choosing the easy route seems to be a common choice for even the officials of the FBI.
Opinion:
In my opinion, I honestly think it's a big deal that a few employees of the FBI cheated on entrance exams. If they felt the need to cheat, then most likely they don't belong in the FBI. These are the people that are needed to carry out serious investigations and if they cheat and aren't honest, how can their investigations be proven true?
Current Event Posting: #1
Topic: Leaders (State, federal/national)
Writer: Carol Cratty
Publication Name: CNN
Date of Publication: September 27th, 2010
Length: 228 words/1 page
Main Ideas:
In this article, it briefly explains how 22 FBI appointed officials were accused of "improperly taking" or cheating on the entrance test. Even though the test was open book, the employees were instructed to complete it for themselves and prove that they did. Most of those were accused used and shared other answers, and manipulated a computer system flaw to reveal answers. Many of the officials and employees most likely cheated because they wanted to choose the easy route, instead of honestly being graded for their performance. Most of these cases occured in the Distict of Columbia, and the investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this article points out the corrupt agencies and groups linked to our government and leaders. Although there were very few cases, it still is a problem, because these people are needed to be some of the most honest people in America. Choosing the easy route seems to be a common choice for even the officials of the FBI.
Opinion:
In my opinion, I honestly think it's a big deal that a few employees of the FBI cheated on entrance exams. If they felt the need to cheat, then most likely they don't belong in the FBI. These are the people that are needed to carry out serious investigations and if they cheat and aren't honest, how can their investigations be proven true?
Malware Hits Computerized Industrial Equipment
Mallory
Current Event Posting Number 1
Topic: Technology
Writer: Riva Richmond
Publication Name: The New York Times
Date of Publication: September 24, 2010
Length: 509 words, 1 page
Main Ideas: Stuxnet marks the dawn of a new era. This malicious software program has infiltrated factory computers around the world, and is the first such attack on critical industrial infrastructure. Security experts initially believed Stuxnet’s primary purpose was espionage because of its ability to steal documents for industrial control systems. A newer more in depth study of this extremely large and complex program, shows that it can also make changes to those systems. Experts are unsure of Stuxnet’s original purpose, however many believe the malware was created to attack an Iranian industrial facility and it could have the potential to do some serious damage. “The True end goal of Stuxnet is cyber sabotage. It’s a cyber weapon basically,” said Roel Schouwenberg, a senior antivirus researcher at Kaspersky, a security software maker. “But how it exactly manifests in real life, I can’t say.” All evidence leads experts to believe that it was most likely staged by a government or government-backed group. The malware was first discovered in July, at least several months after its creation. Since it was first released, there have been 15 reports from around the globe.
Conclusion: In the end, most people will not be infected by the malware, and most commercial antivirus programs can detect and remove it. The question remains who made this piece of malware, because with the amount of funding and time required, this can’t just be a teenager in his basement.
Can Psychedelic Drugs Help with Cancer and PDSD?
Galen
1
Topic: Health
Pub Name: Can Psychedelic drugs treat depression?
Writer: Anne Harding, CNN
Pub Date: September 27th 2010
Length: 1684 Words
It may seem odd that a psychedelic drug associated with hippies from the 60s and 70s might help cancer patients and those suffering from post-dramatic stress disorder. Yet in the past month, studies have been published on the benefits of Ecstasy and psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" in people with these conditions. Although these drugs may be dangerous in the wrong hands, if taken under professional supervision along with therapy, researchers say, just a few doses can help patients experience therapeutic breakthroughs that would have otherwise taken many months or years. Actually in the early 1960s, a team of researchers who were led by psychologist Timothy Leary looked into the effects of psilocybin and LSD in a series of experiments at Harvard University. But research came to a halt after drugs were adopted by college students and hippie communities.
In conclusion, I believe these drugs may release some of the stress and pain put upon those who are not as fortunate as I to be in good health. I am not ignoring the potential consequences of the actions that may follow putting hallucinogens out into the public world. Yet in the right hands, these drugs may be of powerful help. It is worth a try.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/24/psychedelic.drugs.depression/index.html
1
Topic: Health
Pub Name: Can Psychedelic drugs treat depression?
Writer: Anne Harding, CNN
Pub Date: September 27th 2010
Length: 1684 Words
It may seem odd that a psychedelic drug associated with hippies from the 60s and 70s might help cancer patients and those suffering from post-dramatic stress disorder. Yet in the past month, studies have been published on the benefits of Ecstasy and psilocybin or "magic mushrooms" in people with these conditions. Although these drugs may be dangerous in the wrong hands, if taken under professional supervision along with therapy, researchers say, just a few doses can help patients experience therapeutic breakthroughs that would have otherwise taken many months or years. Actually in the early 1960s, a team of researchers who were led by psychologist Timothy Leary looked into the effects of psilocybin and LSD in a series of experiments at Harvard University. But research came to a halt after drugs were adopted by college students and hippie communities.
In conclusion, I believe these drugs may release some of the stress and pain put upon those who are not as fortunate as I to be in good health. I am not ignoring the potential consequences of the actions that may follow putting hallucinogens out into the public world. Yet in the right hands, these drugs may be of powerful help. It is worth a try.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/08/24/psychedelic.drugs.depression/index.html
New Weapons in the Fight Against Cancer: Can Our Own Bodies Hold the Key?
Journal: Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals
Date: Sep 19, 2010
Length: 6 pages
Title of Article: Phase II Trial of Dendritic Cells Loaded with Antigens from Self-Renewing, Proliferating Autologous Tumor Cells as Patient-Specific Antitumor Vaccines in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma: Final Report.
Article Summary
Cancer has become one of the most widespread and widely studied diseases of our time. It occurs when cells inside the body acquire a series of mutations that give them the ability to divide uncontrollably. However, such mutations appear in our cells with surprising regularity. The reason that every single human does not end up dying of cancer by their early thirties is the fact that our immune system can spot these mutated cells and kill them before the cancer has a chance to grow. Cancer arises when the immune system fails to react to the mutated cells, allowing them to grow out of control. At first, these cells stay in one area, where we can target them with radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. However, cancer cells can also metastasize, or spread to other areas of the body, where they are often out of reach of drugs and surgery.
But not out of reach of the immune system. The only problem is that, if the cancer has metastasized, that means that the immune system cannot recognize it as harmful. Researchers at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian have devised a way to "teach" the patients own immune system to recognize the cells from their particular tumor as enemies in a lab, and then transfer those immune cells back into the patients body so they can fight off the cancer, even if it is out of reach of most traditional therapies. Essentially, the scientist have learned to create a personalized vaccine against the particular tumor in a person's body.
This study is the first to show that a cancer vaccine of this type is sucessful at forcing a cancer that has metastasized into complete remission, not just temporarily improve a patient's condition. However, this study has only tested the therapy in melanoma (a specific type of cancer) patients.
Conclusion/Personal Thoughts
This article is part of a growing trend of studies pioneering the use of our body's own natural defences to fight cancer. It seems that such treatments are clearly within the realm of possiblity, and they are certainly less damaging to the human body than the radiation and chemical treatments that are commonly used today. However, since these treatments are so new, and take advantage of processes that we do not yet fully understand, I am sure that there are also many things that can go wrong with this kind of treatment. For example, the immune system could become accidentally programmed to kill healthy cells, killing the patient as surely as the cancer. I suggest that, because of the dangers and uncertanties involved, this type of therapy only be used on patients who have no other options. We should test the water carefully before jumping in with both feet. But I think that this technology will soon become part of the growing arsenal of weapons we will use to fight cancer in the future.
Date: Sep 19, 2010
Length: 6 pages
Title of Article: Phase II Trial of Dendritic Cells Loaded with Antigens from Self-Renewing, Proliferating Autologous Tumor Cells as Patient-Specific Antitumor Vaccines in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma: Final Report.
Article Summary
Cancer has become one of the most widespread and widely studied diseases of our time. It occurs when cells inside the body acquire a series of mutations that give them the ability to divide uncontrollably. However, such mutations appear in our cells with surprising regularity. The reason that every single human does not end up dying of cancer by their early thirties is the fact that our immune system can spot these mutated cells and kill them before the cancer has a chance to grow. Cancer arises when the immune system fails to react to the mutated cells, allowing them to grow out of control. At first, these cells stay in one area, where we can target them with radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. However, cancer cells can also metastasize, or spread to other areas of the body, where they are often out of reach of drugs and surgery.
But not out of reach of the immune system. The only problem is that, if the cancer has metastasized, that means that the immune system cannot recognize it as harmful. Researchers at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian have devised a way to "teach" the patients own immune system to recognize the cells from their particular tumor as enemies in a lab, and then transfer those immune cells back into the patients body so they can fight off the cancer, even if it is out of reach of most traditional therapies. Essentially, the scientist have learned to create a personalized vaccine against the particular tumor in a person's body.
This study is the first to show that a cancer vaccine of this type is sucessful at forcing a cancer that has metastasized into complete remission, not just temporarily improve a patient's condition. However, this study has only tested the therapy in melanoma (a specific type of cancer) patients.
Conclusion/Personal Thoughts
This article is part of a growing trend of studies pioneering the use of our body's own natural defences to fight cancer. It seems that such treatments are clearly within the realm of possiblity, and they are certainly less damaging to the human body than the radiation and chemical treatments that are commonly used today. However, since these treatments are so new, and take advantage of processes that we do not yet fully understand, I am sure that there are also many things that can go wrong with this kind of treatment. For example, the immune system could become accidentally programmed to kill healthy cells, killing the patient as surely as the cancer. I suggest that, because of the dangers and uncertanties involved, this type of therapy only be used on patients who have no other options. We should test the water carefully before jumping in with both feet. But I think that this technology will soon become part of the growing arsenal of weapons we will use to fight cancer in the future.
Are sports drinks part of a healthy teen lifestyle?
Carly
Current event posting No. 1
Topic:Health
Title: Are sports drinks part of a healthy teen lifestyle?
Author: Sarah Klein
Publisher:Health.com
Date of publication: September 27th 2010
Length: 1 Page
Advertisements for sports drinks have featured world-class athletes such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The message is clear: if you want to be a good athlete then you must drink a sports drink. This marketing strategy has worked so far. According to a new study in pediatrics, teenagers these days who are more active in sports and other physical activities are more likely than their less active peers to want to drink a sports drink. While other teens who are less active and watch t.v. a lot are more likely to drink sodas. Consuming sports drinks and other non-carbonated drinks are linked to eating more fruits and vegetables. Especially among girls. Fruit and vegetable counts dropped drastically when the soda consumption rose. These results are shocking. Researchers say that candy colored sports drinks as a healthy alternative to soda. Dehydration is a very common hazard and a very important health issue. Sports drinks may encourage teens to drink more liquids so they wont be dehydrated.
Conclusion
Sports drinks are still bad for you. They may not be as bad as sodas but they still have plenty of sugar in them that is bad for you. A person who bikes for 90 to 180 minutes who drinks water only drinks 50% of it but if you gave the bike rider a sports drink then they drink 90% more of the sports drink then they would water. Researchers have said that the teens who often drink sports drinks that they don't exercise nearly enough to need it to hydrate.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Children raised by gay couples show good progress through school
Samantha
Current event posting No. 1
Topic:Social Science
Title:Children raised by gay couples show good progress through school
Author: Adam Gorlick
Publisher:Standford News Services
Date of publication: august 30, 2010
Length: 1 Page
Main Ideas:
There exist an old debate about gay couples and their roles as parents. It is generally believed that their children might not be able to adjust nor succeed in societies dominated by traditional families. However, a Stanford Sociologist, Michael Rosenfeld sustains that children being raised by same-sex couples have nearly the same educational achievement as children raised by married straight couples.
In his article published on August in the journal Demography, Rosenfeld used data from the 2000 Census to estimates the rates at which kids raised by gay and heterosexual couples repeated a grade during elementary or middle school. According to his findings Parents' income and education are the biggest indicators of a child's success. Children raised by parents who are the same gender is not in itself any impediment to do well in school.
Conclusion.
This is a relevant article for several reasons. One, it adds new evidence that reliable; this findings are generalizable for the population since it is based on the US census. Two, it refutes a popular myth that children raised by same-sex couples cannot adapt socially compared to a children raised by a traditional family. Third, I believe it is important to break down stereotypes in society to reduce discrimination against minority groups, like the gay population. Source: http://news.stanford.edu/pr/2010/pr-gay-study-083010.html
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