A recent article posted on Yahoo news called "French jets bomb major Malian city in north" written by Rikmini Callimachi and Baba Ahmed described how the French bombed rebel targets in Mali's north on Sunday, demolishing many key areas used by the Al-Qaida linked Islamists who control the area.
French president Francois Hollande authorized four hundred French troops to attack the towns of Konna and Mopti, which are both currently controlled by the rebels. This decision was made after the rebels started to push further south to extend their control of the country. Many believe that if the Isalmists seize Mopti, the potential outcome would be "A terrorist state at the doorstep of France and Europe," according to French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
The Islamists, which are made up of three separate rebel groups, are well armed and well trained and seized control of the territory in the north in March, 2011. Mali was once a stable nation who gained it's independence from France in 1970. The country is now suffering from poverty and unrest, which makes it a perfect target and nesting place for Al-Qaida linked groups. "They obtained from Libya modern, sophisticated equipment, much stronger and more efficient than we had imagined," a French presidential aid stated.
Oumar Ould Hamaha, a rebel commander, confirmed that the French fighter jets had hit training camps and depots. He called them cowards and said, "The French attack has only heightened the rebels desire for jihad." Hamaha went on to explain that, "Our elements are constantly on the move." "France is going to reap the worst consequences possible from this. Now no French person can feel safe anywhere in the world."
The French are asking for help from the United States and Europe in the fight against these terrorist rebels in Mali. These terrorists impose their very strict form of Islam which is a form of religious fanaticism and oppression. Terrorists fight for control of people all over the world, mostly in impoverished countries similar to Mali.
This article shows us how the French are taking the steps to exterminate terrorism from the country of Mali. This should make us think about the fight for human rights everywhere in the world.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Marijuana Recreationally Legalized in Seattle, WA
Yahoo News recently published a story on the recreational legalization of marijuana written by Steve Gorman. This expository article describes the events that took place the night of Thursday, December 6, 2012. Marijuana was legalized in Seattle, WA, making history by becoming the first state in the nation to legalize the drug for adult recreational use.
Although the citizens knew the law forbid them from "lighting up" outside of the privacy of their own homes, many people gathered at the bottom of the landmark Space Needle to smoke cannabis and celebrate the legalization without being cited. There were no law enforcement officers at the scene to stop the mass "blaze," no citizens were fined.
The new law sets the state up for future trouble with the federal government. US Attorney Jenny Durkan in Seattle stated that the US Justice Department position that growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remained a federal crime, regardless of any changes in state law.
The Washington law legalizes possession of up to 16 ounces of solid cannabis-infused goods - like brownies or cookies - and up to 72 ounces of weed in liquid form. Colorado also chose to legalize pot for personal recreational use. Both states are among 18 that have already removed criminal sanctions for medical use of marijuana.
I disagree with the recreational legalization of marijuana because it will only make our country lazier and make everyone want to work even less than they already do. Some of my friends have told me of instances when they smoked marijuana, and they have explained that the feeling they get is of laziness and not wanting to do anything but relax. That feeling isn't wrong in all aspects, but when all one wants to do all day everyday is get high and do nothing, that could have a devastating effect and further plummet our country into disaster.
Although the citizens knew the law forbid them from "lighting up" outside of the privacy of their own homes, many people gathered at the bottom of the landmark Space Needle to smoke cannabis and celebrate the legalization without being cited. There were no law enforcement officers at the scene to stop the mass "blaze," no citizens were fined.
The new law sets the state up for future trouble with the federal government. US Attorney Jenny Durkan in Seattle stated that the US Justice Department position that growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remained a federal crime, regardless of any changes in state law.
The Washington law legalizes possession of up to 16 ounces of solid cannabis-infused goods - like brownies or cookies - and up to 72 ounces of weed in liquid form. Colorado also chose to legalize pot for personal recreational use. Both states are among 18 that have already removed criminal sanctions for medical use of marijuana.
I disagree with the recreational legalization of marijuana because it will only make our country lazier and make everyone want to work even less than they already do. Some of my friends have told me of instances when they smoked marijuana, and they have explained that the feeling they get is of laziness and not wanting to do anything but relax. That feeling isn't wrong in all aspects, but when all one wants to do all day everyday is get high and do nothing, that could have a devastating effect and further plummet our country into disaster.
Book Review #2
"You are normal, Vladimir. A perfectly normal, healthy teenage vampire. Some people are vegetarians, you drink blood---it's not weird or bizarre or abnormal in the least. You're just different from the rest of this town."
Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd, is book one of five, written by Heather Brewer. This series is about the life of a teenage vampire named Vladimir Todd. "Different" doesn't begin to describe Vlad's situation. Being in eighth grade is hard enough by itself, but it's even worse when you're dealing with the grief of losing both parents. To add to his problems he lives with an over-protective aunt and is trying to act more human, which is almost impossible. Heather Brewer's style of writing was engrossing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
The book is a fictional thriller whose theme is based around first impressions. It proves that one should use the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." This point is brought home to Vlad after he meets his strange and awkward substitute teacher named Otis Otis, who turns out to be his own uncle.
Before Vlad discovers that Otis is his uncle, he develops a strange dislike towards him. In class, Mr. Otis assigns research projects to all the students, and strangely enough, Vlad is chosen to research vampires. This makes him extremely suspicious of Mr. Otis. Vlad doesn't know how he will ever be able to stand in front of the class to talk about vampires when he IS one. Especially in front of the school bullies, Tom and Bill.
Vlad's best friend, Henry, knows that he's a vampire and accepts this without a problem. He protects Vlad from the bullies and even tries to fix Vlad up with the prettiest girl in school when Vlad shows an interest in her. Henry doesn't judge Vlad for what he is, he likes him for who he is.
Vlad's Aunt Nelly completely accepts that fact that Vlad is half vampire. She was his mother's best friend and she even brings blood to him from the hospital where she works. Vlad is baffled when his Aunt invites Mr. Otis to their home for dinner, since he believes that Otis is the enemy.
All the main characters have much to learn about trusting others and not making judgements without reason. Brewer makes the characters come to life in this book. She is very accurate in her description of Junior High School and the behavior of the teenagers. This is the perfect setting for the characters to interact and for Vlad to do the research he needs in order to start his journey into learning more about his parents, and the dangers that face him because of who he really is.
I connected with this book because it make the reader believe that it might really be possible to live in this world as a vampire/human. The author draws you into the story immediately by sparking your interest with captivating details and alluring questions that leave you wanting more.
Eighth Grade Bites: The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd, is book one of five, written by Heather Brewer. This series is about the life of a teenage vampire named Vladimir Todd. "Different" doesn't begin to describe Vlad's situation. Being in eighth grade is hard enough by itself, but it's even worse when you're dealing with the grief of losing both parents. To add to his problems he lives with an over-protective aunt and is trying to act more human, which is almost impossible. Heather Brewer's style of writing was engrossing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book.
The book is a fictional thriller whose theme is based around first impressions. It proves that one should use the old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." This point is brought home to Vlad after he meets his strange and awkward substitute teacher named Otis Otis, who turns out to be his own uncle.
Before Vlad discovers that Otis is his uncle, he develops a strange dislike towards him. In class, Mr. Otis assigns research projects to all the students, and strangely enough, Vlad is chosen to research vampires. This makes him extremely suspicious of Mr. Otis. Vlad doesn't know how he will ever be able to stand in front of the class to talk about vampires when he IS one. Especially in front of the school bullies, Tom and Bill.
Vlad's best friend, Henry, knows that he's a vampire and accepts this without a problem. He protects Vlad from the bullies and even tries to fix Vlad up with the prettiest girl in school when Vlad shows an interest in her. Henry doesn't judge Vlad for what he is, he likes him for who he is.
Vlad's Aunt Nelly completely accepts that fact that Vlad is half vampire. She was his mother's best friend and she even brings blood to him from the hospital where she works. Vlad is baffled when his Aunt invites Mr. Otis to their home for dinner, since he believes that Otis is the enemy.
All the main characters have much to learn about trusting others and not making judgements without reason. Brewer makes the characters come to life in this book. She is very accurate in her description of Junior High School and the behavior of the teenagers. This is the perfect setting for the characters to interact and for Vlad to do the research he needs in order to start his journey into learning more about his parents, and the dangers that face him because of who he really is.
I connected with this book because it make the reader believe that it might really be possible to live in this world as a vampire/human. The author draws you into the story immediately by sparking your interest with captivating details and alluring questions that leave you wanting more.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Israeli Invasion of Gaza
Israel bombed dozens of targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday and said that while it was prepared to step up its offensive by sending in troops, it preferred a diplomatic solution that would end Palestinian rocket fire.
Police said, "Militants in the Gaza Strip fired 110 rockets at southern Israel on Monday, causing no casualties." For the second straight day, Israeli missiles blasted a tower block in the city of Gaza housing international media. Two people were killed there, one of them an Islamic Jihad militant. Khaled Meshaal, exiled leader of Hamas, said a truce was possible but the Islamist group, in charge of the Gaza Strip since 2007, would not accept Israeli demands and wanted Israel to halt its strikes first. Khaled Meshaal said, “Whoever started the war must end it."
Yaalon also said Israel wanted an end to Gaza guerrilla activity in the neighbouring Egyptian Sinai peninsula. Although 84 percent of Israelis supported the current Gaza assault, according to a poll by Israel's Haaretz newspaper, only 30 percent wanted an invasion, while 19 percent wanted their government to work on securing a truce soon. A senior officer close to Netanyahu said, “Israel is prepared and has taken steps, and is ready for a ground incursion which will deal severely with the Hamas military machine.”
Egypt is acting as a mediator in the biggest test yet of Cairo's 1979 peace treaty with Israel since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. “I think we are close, but the nature of this kind of negotiation, (means) it is very difficult to predict,” says Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, who visited Gaza on Friday to show support to its people.
Police said, "Militants in the Gaza Strip fired 110 rockets at southern Israel on Monday, causing no casualties." For the second straight day, Israeli missiles blasted a tower block in the city of Gaza housing international media. Two people were killed there, one of them an Islamic Jihad militant. Khaled Meshaal, exiled leader of Hamas, said a truce was possible but the Islamist group, in charge of the Gaza Strip since 2007, would not accept Israeli demands and wanted Israel to halt its strikes first. Khaled Meshaal said, “Whoever started the war must end it."
Yaalon also said Israel wanted an end to Gaza guerrilla activity in the neighbouring Egyptian Sinai peninsula. Although 84 percent of Israelis supported the current Gaza assault, according to a poll by Israel's Haaretz newspaper, only 30 percent wanted an invasion, while 19 percent wanted their government to work on securing a truce soon. A senior officer close to Netanyahu said, “Israel is prepared and has taken steps, and is ready for a ground incursion which will deal severely with the Hamas military machine.”
Egypt is acting as a mediator in the biggest test yet of Cairo's 1979 peace treaty with Israel since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. “I think we are close, but the nature of this kind of negotiation, (means) it is very difficult to predict,” says Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil, who visited Gaza on Friday to show support to its people.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Living on Caffeine
The article written by Veronique Greenwood describes how scientists have recently discovered a bacterium that can derive energy by consuming caffeine, essentially making the phrase, "living on caffeine," literal.
Last month, scientists discovered a new bacterium that possesses the capability to derive energy from caffeine when consumed. They also use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine that human beings aren't able to extract because we do not possess the correct enzymes needed to break down caffeine. Scientists theorize that once the entire human microbiome is sequenced during future testing, the discovery of a hidden enzyme possessing the same capabilities of the enzyme found in this newly discovered bacterium could be quite possible. If an enzyme similar to or the same as the enzyme in this bacterium is discovered inside of humans, scientists may be able to start the process that would allow us to use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine, and essentially make it possible for human beings to live off of caffeine.
Personally, I don't normally drink coffee, or anything caffeinated for that matter. The chances that I would be affected in any way by having an enzyme discovered that could break down caffeine are very slim, given the fact that I stay away from caffeinated beverages.
Last month, scientists discovered a new bacterium that possesses the capability to derive energy from caffeine when consumed. They also use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine that human beings aren't able to extract because we do not possess the correct enzymes needed to break down caffeine. Scientists theorize that once the entire human microbiome is sequenced during future testing, the discovery of a hidden enzyme possessing the same capabilities of the enzyme found in this newly discovered bacterium could be quite possible. If an enzyme similar to or the same as the enzyme in this bacterium is discovered inside of humans, scientists may be able to start the process that would allow us to use vitamins and minerals found in caffeine, and essentially make it possible for human beings to live off of caffeine.
Personally, I don't normally drink coffee, or anything caffeinated for that matter. The chances that I would be affected in any way by having an enzyme discovered that could break down caffeine are very slim, given the fact that I stay away from caffeinated beverages.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Flying Saucer Theories Undone
An article by Fox News explains to us a possible reason as to why people have claimed to have seen flying saucers and alien space craft in the past.
Fox News states that recently the National Declassification Center opened one of over 100 boxes of classified information. They discovered a 114 page document from 1956 describing a project by the Air Force to create a flying saucer. It was proposed that the saucer would have an ejector seat and would be powered by a "ram jet". It was designed to reach a top speed of Mach 4 and be able to reach heights of over 100,000 feet. The government entitled the project, "Project 1794". The concept and blue prints looked as if the saucer would be a success, but thorough testing proved otherwise. The disk-shaped craft was basically an over exaggerated version of a hovercraft, and it didn't work out as the scientists had hoped. As the craft gained in altitude, is started to wobble uncontrollably. There was a followupplan to develope weapons for the saucer so as to make it capable of reconnaissance, intercepting enemy information, or to be used as a tacticle bomber. The idea of scientists attempting to build a flying saucer during the cold war is very interesting. The numbers in the name of the program, "Project 1794," can be rearranged to create the year of the Roswell incident, 1974, when a flying saucer was found crashed in Roswell, New Mexico.
Government testing of the saucer can be linked to many sightings and conspiracy theories about the Roswell incident and Area 51. This article written by Fox News has given an explanation for the alien space craft theory by providing proof that it was caused by government testing a new program.
Fox News states that recently the National Declassification Center opened one of over 100 boxes of classified information. They discovered a 114 page document from 1956 describing a project by the Air Force to create a flying saucer. It was proposed that the saucer would have an ejector seat and would be powered by a "ram jet". It was designed to reach a top speed of Mach 4 and be able to reach heights of over 100,000 feet. The government entitled the project, "Project 1794". The concept and blue prints looked as if the saucer would be a success, but thorough testing proved otherwise. The disk-shaped craft was basically an over exaggerated version of a hovercraft, and it didn't work out as the scientists had hoped. As the craft gained in altitude, is started to wobble uncontrollably. There was a followupplan to develope weapons for the saucer so as to make it capable of reconnaissance, intercepting enemy information, or to be used as a tacticle bomber. The idea of scientists attempting to build a flying saucer during the cold war is very interesting. The numbers in the name of the program, "Project 1794," can be rearranged to create the year of the Roswell incident, 1974, when a flying saucer was found crashed in Roswell, New Mexico.
Government testing of the saucer can be linked to many sightings and conspiracy theories about the Roswell incident and Area 51. This article written by Fox News has given an explanation for the alien space craft theory by providing proof that it was caused by government testing a new program.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Book Review #1
"I'm not what you think I am, I whispered desperately. The Darkling stepped closer to me and said, his voice so low only I could her, 'I doubt you have any idea what you are.'" This is a quote from a book called Shadow and Bone, book number one in a trilogy. I can already tell from reading the first book that it will be at the top of my list of favorites. Shadow and Bone is basically about a teenage girl name Alina in a fictional world, where magic is used and demonic creatures lurk in the darkness of the Flod. Aline has magical powers that show up uncalled for, but save her and her friends life, along with making her capable of saving or destroying the world. Leigh Bardugo's exquisite style of writing in Shadow and Bone had me enthralled in the story, making me extremely reluctant to stop at the end of each chapter.
Shadow and Bone is a fictional novel based in a fictional world and sports the theme of good vs. evil. The life lesson is to be careful who you trust, inner good conquers evil.
Alina, the main character, discovered she had a power that could lead her down one of two paths, to change the world for good or bad. Alina trusted the Darkling, an evil and deceptive person, and became enslaved by him so he could harness her power. Alina's life long friend, Mal, became a victim of the Darkling's plot to control the world. Alina's bond with Mal caused her to gather enough will power to conquer the Darklings evil, resulting in the saving of Mal's life.
Leigh Bardugo's style of writing makes this novel exciting to read. The way the book is narrated from Alina's discriptive point of view makes me feel as if I were watching the story on a movie screen, or as if I were really there. The way the author descibes the scenery in the land of Racka allows me to have a perfect mental image of every area. The narrators voice in this book is unique, being the first book I have read from a females point of view.
The characters in this novel are very well developed by the author and it is easy to recognize what type of people they are. It was easy to indentify the characters personality because of the authors discriptive writing. The fact that the characters were described so well allowed me to emerse myself in the story. Alina describes her self in the beginning as a small, frail girl that wasn't very attractive. The Darkling is descibed as a handsom, mysterious being with immense power. The Darkling decieved Alina by giving her anything she wanted to trick her into trusting him so he could enslave her. Mal is said to be the best tracker in Ravka, he is portrayed as a popular guy who is also Alina's best friend.
The setting of the novel is a war torn land called Ravka. The conflict in this novel is between Alina and Mal, who are good, and the Darkling, who is evil. Ravka is divided by a place called the Fold, which is inhabited by demon creatures, preventing people from crossing. The creatures of the Fold's main purpose is to kill anything the come across. When Alina and Mal try to escape the Darkling, they use Ravka's rugged terrain to hide and protect themselves.
This book connects with me because I love fictional stories. The only other books I have read similar to this are the Harry Potter books. This type of book appeals to me mainly because of the dramatic storyline and the use of mythological beings. This book would appeal to anyone who enjoys modern fictional fantasy and a great suspensful story line.
Shadow and Bone is a fictional novel based in a fictional world and sports the theme of good vs. evil. The life lesson is to be careful who you trust, inner good conquers evil.
Alina, the main character, discovered she had a power that could lead her down one of two paths, to change the world for good or bad. Alina trusted the Darkling, an evil and deceptive person, and became enslaved by him so he could harness her power. Alina's life long friend, Mal, became a victim of the Darkling's plot to control the world. Alina's bond with Mal caused her to gather enough will power to conquer the Darklings evil, resulting in the saving of Mal's life.
Leigh Bardugo's style of writing makes this novel exciting to read. The way the book is narrated from Alina's discriptive point of view makes me feel as if I were watching the story on a movie screen, or as if I were really there. The way the author descibes the scenery in the land of Racka allows me to have a perfect mental image of every area. The narrators voice in this book is unique, being the first book I have read from a females point of view.
The characters in this novel are very well developed by the author and it is easy to recognize what type of people they are. It was easy to indentify the characters personality because of the authors discriptive writing. The fact that the characters were described so well allowed me to emerse myself in the story. Alina describes her self in the beginning as a small, frail girl that wasn't very attractive. The Darkling is descibed as a handsom, mysterious being with immense power. The Darkling decieved Alina by giving her anything she wanted to trick her into trusting him so he could enslave her. Mal is said to be the best tracker in Ravka, he is portrayed as a popular guy who is also Alina's best friend.
The setting of the novel is a war torn land called Ravka. The conflict in this novel is between Alina and Mal, who are good, and the Darkling, who is evil. Ravka is divided by a place called the Fold, which is inhabited by demon creatures, preventing people from crossing. The creatures of the Fold's main purpose is to kill anything the come across. When Alina and Mal try to escape the Darkling, they use Ravka's rugged terrain to hide and protect themselves.
This book connects with me because I love fictional stories. The only other books I have read similar to this are the Harry Potter books. This type of book appeals to me mainly because of the dramatic storyline and the use of mythological beings. This book would appeal to anyone who enjoys modern fictional fantasy and a great suspensful story line.
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