Christmas = BEST HOLIDAY

For me Christmas is the only holiday that I get to see all of my family and with winter break it is for more than just one day. It is very true that people are in a great mood because they will receive presents but there are many other things that add to the joyful mood. With snow, especially the one we got this year, people are able to come together to play, shovel, or plow together. Christmas is a unique holiday in which people can spend an extended amount of time together and give to each other. CHRISTMAS ROCKS!

Political Cartoon

Who: Jeff Parker
Title: No Room At The Economy
Date: 12/22/2009
Where: Florida Today
Issue: The Economy's downfall and its effect on the housing problem
Message: In a humorous way the cartoon is showing how the foreclosing of houses ruins the lives of people
Agree: I do also believe the amount of
foreclosing houses is a major problem

Display of Religion

It is a freedom to display the religion or faith you believe in. As long as people are not vandalizing with where they place their religious signs, alters, or what have you, then it's fine. There is no need to get every one's underwear in a wad by making it illegal to display your religious thoughts. It is not causing a huge problem and it allows people to discuss their differences.

The Salahis at the Nativity (Political Cartoon)

Political Cartoonist : Dave Granlund
Source & Date: http://www.davegranlund.com/; 12/11/09
Event: The couple that snuck into an exclusive White House dinner party without being invited. The Message: It is not difficult for any normal person(s) to break into events that include very important person(s). In the cartoon the person so happens to be dear sweet baby Jesus.
Agree or Disagree: I agree I do believe that is is a big deal that an uninvited person can sneak their way into an event that the president of the United States is attending. Even if they did not have a bomb or a gun; they don't need one. Our security needs to wake up because that's simply embarrassing. I mean Jesus we can give a break for the Salahis sneaking up, I mean back then they didn't have professional guards to hire.

The Health Care Reform

The Health care reform is now focused on the bill that is now being disputed through the House and the Senate. Both groups are putting there energy into having the bill reach a couple goals. They want; a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity, access for all with a special concern for the poor and inclusion of immigrants, pursuing the common good and preserving pluralism including freedom of conscience and variety of options, restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers. They are pushing to finish before the winter break, but the people will have to sit and wait to see the changes that will be made and what the outcome will be.

Drawn by Randy Cate; Published 12-6-09.
Randy's cartoon is showing that the citizens of America would rather focus on entertaining things of little importance, like Tiger Wood's marital issues. Then focus on the health care issue and actively participate in the government. Its frustrating to hear people complain about economy when they do nothing to influence political choices.

Texting While Driving Ban

Cartoon by Jeff Parker; Florida Today; 11/20/2009
The cartoon is showing the problems that derive from texting while driving. I agree that texting has become overly popular and is becoming potentially dangerous if done while driving. If you are looking at your phone you are not watching the road and next thing you know, you're dead.

What it Takes to be Herndon High's New Prinicple

By the beginning of December Herndon will have a new Principle. Although the students may not be able to see much of what the Principal does he or she is key to how the school is run and therefore whether the school will change for the better or for the worse. I feel safe to say that most students appreciated Mr. Cooper when he acted as the HHS principle for a couple of weeks. Never before had I felt that my Principle was so involved with my school. Mr. Cooper frequently stepped into students classrooms and attended many school-wide activities. His annoucments on the intercom give the sense that he is part of the school and not some superior that dominates all of HHS. I hope that the new Principle is able to reflect Mr. Cooper's actions by being a friendly and sociable role model that stays involved with the student body. The High school simply needs a Principle that is willing to get to know the students and make change that will benefit our education.

Obama is There to Provide Defense!!!

President Obama signed a defense bill Wednesday that kills some costly weapons projects and expands war efforts. In a major civil rights change, the law also makes it a federal hate crime to assault people based on sexual orientation.The $680 billion policy bill authorizes spending but doesn't provide any actual dollars. Rather it sets guidance that is typically followed by congressional committees that decide appropriations. Obama hailed it as a step toward ending needless military spending that he called "an affront to the American people and to our troops." Obama is taking initiative and creating the change he promised. It is critical that our nation save every penny possible as we increase our debt. This is one of hopefully many more changes that will aid in overcoming this recession.

Source:http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114255031

Personal Response: NASA's New Rocket Lifts Off On Short Test Flight

The Ares I-X test rocket blasted off on a brief test flight Wednesday, taking the first step in a back-to-the-moon program that could be shelved by the White House. The flight was focused on giving the NASA scientists new information on rocket science. The rocket was covered with more than 700 sensors, and during its two-minute powered flight, NASA officials hoped to learn how the rocket responds to the stress of liftoff. The data will provide a reality check for computer modeling used in the rocket design process. Although this launch is cool looking, its cost was $445 million. Wednesday's flight came just days after a panel of experts convened by the White House reported that the Ares I rocket program can't really do the job it was intended to do, and perhaps should be scrapped. I do think that rockets and space shuttles are a cool thing and have provided in some sweet discoveries. However I am not sure if it is very cost effective and I agree with the White House's choice to maybe cut the program. At this moment with the recession I think it would be more logical to use these scientists minds for projects that may better the economy.

Source:http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114241519

Who will win the Virginia Governor's Race?

I am leaning towards Republican Robert F. McDonnell, a state attorney general as Virginia's next Governor. As of October 12, McDonnell had a seven point lead. It is still very close between him and Democrat Creigh Deeds however I believe McDonnell has the upper hand. Deeds stumbled over a debate question, opening the door to charges that he intended to raise taxes to cover the state’s transportation needs. McDonnell’s campaign has been pounding on the tax issue since late September. McDonnell also has been trying to link Deeds’ previous fortunes to those of President Obama. Deeds last month seemed to distance himself somewhat from the president but now says he hopes Obama will come to the state to campaign for him.Transportation is one of Virginia's largest political problems if McDonnell gets the peoples trust on this problem he may be open to the spot of Governor.

Source:http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2009/

virginia/election_2009_virginia_governor_election

Congress Approves Bill Helping Overseas Voters

Election Day has been just out of reach for many American troops and civilians abroad. After struggling to get the paperwork needed to register, they often receive their ballots too late to return them by the deadline. On Thursday, however, federal lawmakers made it easier for American citizens to cast ballots overseas. By a 68-to-29 vote in the Senate, Congress gave final approval to legislation requiring all states to provide overseas voters with the new option of getting ballots electronically and no later than 45 days before the election. This is so voters have adequate time to complete and mail them back to the United States. Voting is a major importance to involving the people with politics and unfortunately the United States number of citizens that get involved by voting is very low. By making the ability to vote easier it may make the people get more involved, which is very much needed in these times of a recession if the people want to get well represented.

Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/23/us/politics/23vote.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&ref=todayspaper&adxnnlx=1256501445-3y6XUsYaTCrRd7RctK3cIA

Virginia's Biggest Political Issue

Virginia is getting itself in line to face some major issues with public transportation. Virginia has not raised taxes for public transportation since Ronald Reagan was the President in office. Which makes us have one of the nations lowest gas taxes and one of the most deteriorating road system. The article states that in the next Governor' race that the Democratic representative will not raise taxes. However Republican rep. Deeds said he would sign a bill to increase taxes in this issue. The main reason the Democratic representative will not raise taxes is because most Virginians do not want to raise taxes. It would involve them spending more money and money is tight because of the recession. The governors and the state lawmakers can only change the issues marginally on their own. So the truth is that if Virginians want first-rate education and a better transportation system, they will have to pay for it.

Source:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/19/AR2009081903423.html?wpisrc=newsletter

IR power plant set to clean up its act

The largest air pollution control project in Delaware's history received final approval Wednesday, a $500 million plan that could produce up to 500 construction jobs at NRG's Indian River power plant.
"It's been a problem for many, many years, and now they have concerns that the emissions could be causing a high cancer level," said Brignoli, who has lived northeast of the 740 megawatt oil- and coal-fired plant for 11 years. What's awesome is that the Pollution control efforts at NRG's Indian River power plant are expected to cut mercury emissions by 90 percent, while also reducing soot and acid gas. So if the factory was actually a cause of cancer there won't have to be many worries when pollution control comes into effect. This project should give a boost to the local economy and prevent the locals from recieving any health oriented abnormalities from the pollutants.

Source: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091015/NEWS02/910150352/1003/BUSINESS

Obama's Report Card

I first would have to say that it takes balls to even run for president at this time. With the economy in as bad shape as it is, knowing that it won't be fixed completely for a long time. The president's job is simply stressful, extremely difficult and working towards something that is seemingly incurable. So first off I give Obama props for just running and being positive about being president.
What I like about Obama is that he has given a clear and concise strategy to how he and his administration will approach the economic problem. He didn't wait a second, less than a month in office Obama signed the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which has been controversial to how effective it has been. I personally haven't felt or heard of any considerable effects from the large sum of money.
However Obama has made some other decisions that I believe will have considerable effects. Obama fast-tracked the process to apply new fuel standards to 2011 car models and initiated steps to allow California to set its own standards for auto emissions that are stricter than that of the Federal government. As well as asked the military leadership to engage in additional planning necessary to execute a responsible military draw down from Iraq. Which i don see a lot of cons, however it shows that he is not going to allow our country to sit and not face any change.
I would give Obama a reasonable B- because he is obviously working hard at making positive changes to our country, is not going to hold back, and is informative to the people.

New technologies may grab carbon right out of air

While global warming has been creeping in on the world trying to melt it into nothingness, may people and companies have been fighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This time they may have found something that could very well work. This telescope looking device (pic to the left) is made not reduce the amount off carbon emitted by the plant, but to suck the carbon straight from the air. It's quite amazing really, especially because it need not be next to a carbon-belching factory. These devices can be placed to help the poorest countries. Which at this point cannot benefit from the global carbon market, in which companies in developed countries get credits for investing in carbon-limiting projects in poor countries. The primary carbon market lets industrialized countries invest in U.N.-approved emissions-cutting projects in developing countries instead of more expensive emissions reductions at home. I cannot see a more effective way of ridding the world of carbon than simply sucking it out. If these devices work it could end global warming and in turn help out poor countries by allowing them into the carbon-market.

source:http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/earth/science/reuters-update-air-capture.html

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB)

A provision to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, the 10 year Federal Assault Weapons Ban (AWB) attempted to broadly define 'assault weapons' and create more effective restrictions on their production and distribution. The bill was signed into law by President Clinton on 13 September, 1994 and expired in 2004. The states of New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California all have independent assault weapons bans. In a 2004 report it was said that the pre-ban rate of assault weapons used in crimes was 66% and during the ban it dropped to 1.66%. I do not understand how this would not be evidence that the ban was effective and therefore should continue. I personally believe that the AWB should be strengthened, giving a clear definition of 'assault weapon', and making it more difficult to receive these weapons.
source: http://www.politicalbase.com/issues/assault-weapons-ban/57/

Nigerian rebel leaders give up arms in amnesty deal

Good News Network- Ateke Tom and Farah Dagogo, both responsible for years of attacks on the oil industry in the eastern Niger Delta, led gunmen from camps in the mangrove creeks to the oil hub of Port Harcourt to disarm. The hundreds of Nigerian fighters gave up their weapons in amnesty deal after years of bloodshed for the oil. Government Tompolo, the final prominent militant, signed an amnesty agreement in the capital Abuja after meeting with President Umaru Yar'Adua.

This is an incredibly amazing piece of news because every month the country loses 1 billion dollars that it could be making off of the oil-industry. If these amnesty works it will be able to start making that billion dollars a month, benefiting the country excessively. Needless to say it is also amazing because these different military groups have been fighting over the Niger Delta for years and it now may come to a halt.

source: http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/civics/general/nigerians-disarmed-for-amnesty.html

A World First: Vaccine helps prevent HIV infection

A world first: Vaccine helps prevent HIV infection

This is the first time ever that an experimental vaccine for the AIDS virus has proven to do so well against the deadly epidemic. Even though doctors say that it will still be years until a true vaccine is found to cure people from the virus, this latest test has given hope. In one of the largest test groups of 16,000 patients 31 % cut the risk of being infected with the vaccine. Here's a fun fact; the vaccine is actually a combination of two previous used trial vaccines that failed.

I believe that this a huge deal and a great breakthrough. Doctors have been working to find a vaccine for HIV for what seems forever and now they can feel they have a chance at finding a cure! AIDS has demolished millions of lives and to think that that monster could be stopped is a blessing.