After several days of terrorizing the beaches in Amity, the shark that has caused multiple deaths to Amity citizens, has been captured and killed by several local fisherman off the coast of southwest Amity.
The fisherman will receive a $3,000 reward for their bravery and selfless efforts to catch this marine beast.
Just days ago, the shark was responsible for the death of Wendy Watson, a teenage citizen of Amity, and Alex Kintner, a 10-year-old, also from Amity.
The shark was caught one mile of the southern coast of Amity, and in between the beaches in which the two attacks occurred.
When the shark was brought ashore, it was inspected by marine biologist Matt Hooper from the Woods Hole, Mass. Oceanographic Institute. Hooper, who is one of the world's foremost experts on sharks, determined that the shark was a Nurse shark, which is notorious for its brutality. Its species is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of swimmers along the East Coast in recent years.
All beaches in Amity will reopen immediately, just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations.
Beachgoers should not be alarmed by the presence of shark spotters from the Coast Guard, Marine Patrol, the Massachusetts State Police, and other organizations. They are present for precautionary safety purposes only.
The beach population was hesitant to enter the water in light of the recent attacks, but as soon as everyone realized it was again safe to swim, everyone jumped at the opportunity to go into the water.
Amity Mayor Bob Farley urged TV cameras that the alleged shark attacks were in the past, and that it was perfectly safe to enter the water.
During the recreation period, two children with a cardboard fin as a hoax scared everyone out of the water, alerting the authorities immediately. When police and Marine Patrol boats reached them, they discovered the children, pulling them from the water and taking them into custody. They will have to do public service as part of their punishment, since they aren't old enough to be tried as adults.
Village Beach was chaotic as everyone ran from the water at once, stumbling and falling over each other in order to reach safety. Visitors and residents alike were not happy to find out this was all a prank pulled by a couple of kids.
If local citizens or visitors should spot anything remotely resembling a shark, do not hesitate to notify the authorities as soon as possible. The number to call is 1-800-sharksee.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Editor Meetings
The meetings I had with my editor weren't really as helpful as I would have liked them to be. I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing, AP style usage and professional technique. But Makisha wasn't very confident in herself to help me out. She thought that I basically knew everything I needed to know; more than she even did, because I work for TNH. I didn't agree, because she's been through more of the journalism program than I have, so I figured she knew more about the basics that I lack. When we did meet, we talked about some ideas I had for stories and how I could improve one of them with a different angle on quotes. We met a total of two times. Overall, I thought it was a good experience having my work critiqued by someone who has been through the program, but lacked the confidence to help me improve on my work quality.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
New York Times - Dec. 3, 2009
Another installment from the N.F.L. was in today's New York Times about how the league looks to try and prevent players from making their situations worse after suffering head injuries during games. The league announced that if a player is to suffer a head injury during a game and show the slightest signs of a concussion, then they are to remain out for the entirety of the game, regardless of whether or not the feel apt to coming back in or not. My feeling is probably the same as just about everyone else's on this subject, and came be summed up in three words: it's about time. For years, players have experienced serious mental and cognitive disabilities, which can easily be blamed on traumatic head injuries suffered during their playing days. They probably didn't get the proper treatment, and went right back in as soon as they felt up to it, which in turn only made it worse for themselves. This way, they can prevent any long-term damage by not experiencing head injury after head injury out on the field, only making the situation worse.
Also somehow, and I'm not totally sure how, a story made it on the front page about the types of gates department stores and shops in New York City use when they shut down at night. It doesn't seem like this story would be that big of a deal, but apparently the city wanted to switch all closing security gates to the ones you would typically find in malls that allow a passerby to see into a store. They want to do away with the old-fashioned garage door gates, because vandalizers have taken advantage of them by covering them in street art, making the city look trashier and run-down. The matter was voted upon on Monday, and the Council elected to get rid of the old gates completely. It seems like a very random front page article with little relevance to anything.
Also somehow, and I'm not totally sure how, a story made it on the front page about the types of gates department stores and shops in New York City use when they shut down at night. It doesn't seem like this story would be that big of a deal, but apparently the city wanted to switch all closing security gates to the ones you would typically find in malls that allow a passerby to see into a store. They want to do away with the old-fashioned garage door gates, because vandalizers have taken advantage of them by covering them in street art, making the city look trashier and run-down. The matter was voted upon on Monday, and the Council elected to get rid of the old gates completely. It seems like a very random front page article with little relevance to anything.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
New York Times - Dec. 2, 2009
It's a little worrysome when discussing national security to read a story in the New York Times about a couple who actually CRASHED a dinner party at the White House, of all places. How is this nation supposed to feel safe when the Secret Service outside one of the most heavily-guarded houses in the entire world falters and lets in two suspicious dinner guests, who clearly weren't even on the invitation. I don't know what they must have slipped the security guard standing outside of the White House gates, but whatever it was, it made him overlook the fact that they didn't have an invitation to one of the most prominent dinner get-togethers in all of America. The Salahi's (the couple who "crashed" this dinner party) claims they were invited, despite the fact that several sources confirm that they were specifically told NOT to show up, because they didn't have room to fit them in. It's one thing that two people who just wanted some attention and their 15 minutes of fame, but what if someone with a bomb strapped to their chest walked right past national security and blew the entire Obama administration up? It's a horrible thought, but after this can we rule it out? I don't think so.
On another note, I found it somewhat comical that Comcast, who doesn't even have complete control yet after purchasing NBC Universal, already has plans to make Versus a serious competitor with ESPN for sports cable. Let me start by saying that will never happen, and if it does than we can all just give up on the world of sports, because if there's no hope for ESPN, which is essentially sports, then the world of athletics is in for a complete and unnecessary change. No one who follows sports wants any other station to compete with ESPN, because everyone who likes sports LOVES ESPN. Comcast doesn't have the resources to post a competitor, especially Versus, which barely covers any national or professional sports as of right now. If ESPN were around forever, every sports fan would be happy.
On another note, I found it somewhat comical that Comcast, who doesn't even have complete control yet after purchasing NBC Universal, already has plans to make Versus a serious competitor with ESPN for sports cable. Let me start by saying that will never happen, and if it does than we can all just give up on the world of sports, because if there's no hope for ESPN, which is essentially sports, then the world of athletics is in for a complete and unnecessary change. No one who follows sports wants any other station to compete with ESPN, because everyone who likes sports LOVES ESPN. Comcast doesn't have the resources to post a competitor, especially Versus, which barely covers any national or professional sports as of right now. If ESPN were around forever, every sports fan would be happy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
New York Times - Dec. 1, 2009
There were some very interesting stories in today's issue of the New York Times. I really enjoyed reading the piece on the front about how some cops in New York City have started carrying around fake badges so they don't lose their real one's. I understand that they don't want to lose their real badges, because there's a penalty for losing it, which is something like loss of 10-day's pay and a ton of unnecessary paperwork. But if the cops aren't following the rules, is that a good example for everyone else in the city? And now they can't use the excuse "no one knows that we do this," because it was just on ther front page of the New York Times, so everyone's looking for it now. There's really a very small difference between the real and fakes badges, but less paperwork if lost. It never looks good if police are the one's getting in trouble for something stupid like carrying a fake badge.
One of the more talked-about stories of the week was the headlining story for the day, about Maurice Clemmons, the man who shot and killed four police officers in Seattle just days ago. The article is about how Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is very lenient in granting clemency to convicted fellons, allowing them to go free easily. Well, it turns out he was the one who granted Maurice Clemmons clemency, and now it will be the primary argument against him come the 2012 elections, where he was expected to be ther Republican frontrunner. He has a past of granting easy clemency to those convicted, for reasons no one really knows.
On a side note, it was announced today that Maurice Clemmons was shot and killed by a patrolling officer in Seattle. He was found in a stolen car at 2:45 a.m. and was shot after he refused to stop squirming in his car and show his hands. Others may be arrested in aiding the hiding of Clemmons.
One of the more talked-about stories of the week was the headlining story for the day, about Maurice Clemmons, the man who shot and killed four police officers in Seattle just days ago. The article is about how Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is very lenient in granting clemency to convicted fellons, allowing them to go free easily. Well, it turns out he was the one who granted Maurice Clemmons clemency, and now it will be the primary argument against him come the 2012 elections, where he was expected to be ther Republican frontrunner. He has a past of granting easy clemency to those convicted, for reasons no one really knows.
On a side note, it was announced today that Maurice Clemmons was shot and killed by a patrolling officer in Seattle. He was found in a stolen car at 2:45 a.m. and was shot after he refused to stop squirming in his car and show his hands. Others may be arrested in aiding the hiding of Clemmons.
Monday, November 30, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 30, 2009
Today's New York Times featured stories in about as many different varieties as one could fit on the front page. I read a story about Obama needing to supply more troops overseas in order to bring the ones that are currently over there home in a plan to withdraw completely from the war in thr Middle East. I read a story about a man who discovered the peat land in Indonesia was giving off a great amount of harmful gases to the environment, and wants to help improve the water quality in the Kampar Peninsula. I read a story about a man who is feared by high school athletic departments because of his ambitious attitude toward equality for girls athletics. I read a story about the sales of alligator skin diminishing this year after a dismal year last year. My point is that there isn't a real hard news story in here, other than the Obama piece. Nothing really jumps out at the reader when they scan the front page for any big events or stories they need to read. Maybe it's just because there wasn't anything really newsworthy for today's issue, but I feel that editors and publishers could have put together a few more interesting story ideas. Not that many people care about extremely expensive alligator skin except...people who can actually afford extremely expensive alligator skin. I thought it was a poor effort to try and appeal to the majority of the American public. I think that it would be better if they tried to focus the lead story on American issues, not foreign issue like tree harvesters in Indonesia. I know I'm not qualified to make that call, but that's what I would do if I had a say in what was printed in the Times.
Another Death in Amity
In the early afternoon on July 2, another death occurred at an Amity beach, but this time it was a 10-year-old male resident that was the victim of what appears to be a vicious shark attack.
Alex B. Kintner, of Mayfair Court, was swimming with his friends in the waters off Village Beach at 2 p.m. yesterday, when he and his floatation raft disappeared from the surface of the water.
This is the second of what appears to be related shark attacks in the last two days. Village Beach and South Beach (where the first incident occurred) are seven nautical miles apart. However, the police department has stressed that these attacks have not yet been confirmed as shark-related.
Witnesses of the event, including police chief Martin Brody, said they saw Kintner floating in the water when he suddenly disappeared and was not found. No body was recovered, but when the floatation raft Kintner was using drifted ashore, there appeared to be a large bite taken out of it.
Alex’s mother, Marion Kintner, is currently being treated for shock at Amity General Hospital after being present during the time of her son’s disappearance. She is listed in fair condition. There were no other injuries reported from the incident.
Police now believe that the Watson death, which occurred at some point last night, may be related to the possible shark activities in Amity.
A meeting was held last night to discuss the order of operations dealing with the potential shark activities. Chief Brody plans to close the beaches until further notice, while the department will bring in spotters for the Amity beaches to watch for sharks.
The Kintner family has placed a reward for $3,000 for the capture of the perpetrator. Fisherman Ben Quint has submitted an offer to the town’s administrators for $10,000 to hunt down the shark thought to be the cause behind these deaths.
The administration has taken Quint’s offer under advisory, and will discuss the offer behind closed doors.
In the meantime, Amity Mayor Bob Farley and chief Brody have issued their deepest sympathies and most sincere condolences to the Kintner family for their loss.
Alex B. Kintner, of Mayfair Court, was swimming with his friends in the waters off Village Beach at 2 p.m. yesterday, when he and his floatation raft disappeared from the surface of the water.
This is the second of what appears to be related shark attacks in the last two days. Village Beach and South Beach (where the first incident occurred) are seven nautical miles apart. However, the police department has stressed that these attacks have not yet been confirmed as shark-related.
Witnesses of the event, including police chief Martin Brody, said they saw Kintner floating in the water when he suddenly disappeared and was not found. No body was recovered, but when the floatation raft Kintner was using drifted ashore, there appeared to be a large bite taken out of it.
Alex’s mother, Marion Kintner, is currently being treated for shock at Amity General Hospital after being present during the time of her son’s disappearance. She is listed in fair condition. There were no other injuries reported from the incident.
Police now believe that the Watson death, which occurred at some point last night, may be related to the possible shark activities in Amity.
A meeting was held last night to discuss the order of operations dealing with the potential shark activities. Chief Brody plans to close the beaches until further notice, while the department will bring in spotters for the Amity beaches to watch for sharks.
The Kintner family has placed a reward for $3,000 for the capture of the perpetrator. Fisherman Ben Quint has submitted an offer to the town’s administrators for $10,000 to hunt down the shark thought to be the cause behind these deaths.
The administration has taken Quint’s offer under advisory, and will discuss the offer behind closed doors.
In the meantime, Amity Mayor Bob Farley and chief Brody have issued their deepest sympathies and most sincere condolences to the Kintner family for their loss.
Body of Girl Found on South Beach
Early this morning, police discovered the body of a teenage girl washed up on an Amity beach completely mangled by an attacker of an unknown origin, police say.
Investigators say the mauled body of Wendy W. Watson, 17, of 23 Sharkstooth St. washed up on Amity’s South Beach, and was discovered after a brief investigation. Police were notified of the missing Watson at 4 a.m. According to another source, a teenage male whose identity is being withheld, Wendy was last seen at a beach party at 11 p.m.
The body was taken to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. According to a confidential source, the original report is that Watson was mauled in a shark attack while swimming late at night. Police have not yet confirmed the report, but are not ruling anything out.
Investigators learned that both teenagers had been drinking heavily during the evening, and decided to enter the water near the South Beach Shoal bell buoy, where police say the attack took place. The water temperature was roughly 72 degrees F at the time of the attack, and the seas were calm, with winds out of the south at three knots.
Police chief Martin Brody notified authorities that no charges have been filed in the case, and that police are continuing their investigation into the incident. In a press release, Brody stated that, although a shark attack has not yet been ruled out, they want to assure all residents and visitors that they are in no danger.
The beaches will remain open for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.
Investigators say the mauled body of Wendy W. Watson, 17, of 23 Sharkstooth St. washed up on Amity’s South Beach, and was discovered after a brief investigation. Police were notified of the missing Watson at 4 a.m. According to another source, a teenage male whose identity is being withheld, Wendy was last seen at a beach party at 11 p.m.
The body was taken to the coroner’s office for an autopsy. According to a confidential source, the original report is that Watson was mauled in a shark attack while swimming late at night. Police have not yet confirmed the report, but are not ruling anything out.
Investigators learned that both teenagers had been drinking heavily during the evening, and decided to enter the water near the South Beach Shoal bell buoy, where police say the attack took place. The water temperature was roughly 72 degrees F at the time of the attack, and the seas were calm, with winds out of the south at three knots.
Police chief Martin Brody notified authorities that no charges have been filed in the case, and that police are continuing their investigation into the incident. In a press release, Brody stated that, although a shark attack has not yet been ruled out, they want to assure all residents and visitors that they are in no danger.
The beaches will remain open for swimming pending the outcome of the investigation.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Fluffy Story
Keepers at the Durham Zoo noticed early this morning that their rare spotted leopard, known as “Fluffy,” was missing from her cage and could be anywhere within the zoo or downtown, zoo experts reported.
The zoo was opened at 7:30 this morning as usual, but only for zoo staff to find Fluffy missing from her cage. Everything seemed normal; the cage was shut and the fence was unbroken, yet the leopard was missing.
Fluffy is a 10-year-old Romanian spotted leopard, a species that is known to be carnivorous and driven to the brink of extinction because of their appetite for young children.
The last time anyone saw Fluffy was last night (Tuesday) around 9 p.m. when the zoo was closed.
Gerry Durrell, the director of the zoo, said that at that time, everything seemed normal.
“We have no idea what time Fluffy escaped or where she went,” Durrell said. “When we opened the zoo at 7:30 this morning and began feeding the animals we immediately noticed Fluffy was missing. We are searching the grounds of the zoo but so far we haven’t a clue.”
Durrell added that at this point it is possible for the cat to be anywhere around Durham.
Kitty Smith, the zoo’s chief biologist, said that Fluffy was a gift to the city zoo from Durham’s sister city in Romania, Durhamvoska. There are only five currently in existence, while Fluffy is the only remaining female of the species.
“It is a priceless animal, and has been at the zoo for five years,” Smith said. “Its cage is alarmed, but no alarms were sounded during the night.”
Smith told reporters that the leopard is black with white spots, weighs 146 pounds and can run up to 60 mph.
“Fluffy is a wonderful, warm, gentle cat who has never hurt anyone,” Smith said. “But if these cats are cornered – or encountered on a dark night – their defense is to kill, and kill quickly.”
The zoo urges anyone who encounters Fluffy to get slowly to the ground and lay still, as the cat may do a lot of licking and sniffing, but as long as she doesn’t sense fear she’s not likely to attack.
Durham Police Chief William Blair said that the police department will do everything in their power, and search every inch of the zoo, to recover the missing cat.
“If possible, Fluffy will be shot with a tranquilizer gun,” Blair said. “But if necessary, we will shoot to kill. If we can’t find her in the zoo, we will begin searching the neighborhood, moving farther and farther away from the zoo.”
He added that they are concerned because of the residential neighborhood in Durham with an elementary school nearby. The goal of the police is to find Fluffy before 3 p.m. when school lets out.
Both the zoo and Durham police have asked the New Hampshire State Police and the state wildlife department to aid in the search. The National Guard will also be supplying five helicopters with infrared sensors to help find Fluffy.
The zoo was opened at 7:30 this morning as usual, but only for zoo staff to find Fluffy missing from her cage. Everything seemed normal; the cage was shut and the fence was unbroken, yet the leopard was missing.
Fluffy is a 10-year-old Romanian spotted leopard, a species that is known to be carnivorous and driven to the brink of extinction because of their appetite for young children.
The last time anyone saw Fluffy was last night (Tuesday) around 9 p.m. when the zoo was closed.
Gerry Durrell, the director of the zoo, said that at that time, everything seemed normal.
“We have no idea what time Fluffy escaped or where she went,” Durrell said. “When we opened the zoo at 7:30 this morning and began feeding the animals we immediately noticed Fluffy was missing. We are searching the grounds of the zoo but so far we haven’t a clue.”
Durrell added that at this point it is possible for the cat to be anywhere around Durham.
Kitty Smith, the zoo’s chief biologist, said that Fluffy was a gift to the city zoo from Durham’s sister city in Romania, Durhamvoska. There are only five currently in existence, while Fluffy is the only remaining female of the species.
“It is a priceless animal, and has been at the zoo for five years,” Smith said. “Its cage is alarmed, but no alarms were sounded during the night.”
Smith told reporters that the leopard is black with white spots, weighs 146 pounds and can run up to 60 mph.
“Fluffy is a wonderful, warm, gentle cat who has never hurt anyone,” Smith said. “But if these cats are cornered – or encountered on a dark night – their defense is to kill, and kill quickly.”
The zoo urges anyone who encounters Fluffy to get slowly to the ground and lay still, as the cat may do a lot of licking and sniffing, but as long as she doesn’t sense fear she’s not likely to attack.
Durham Police Chief William Blair said that the police department will do everything in their power, and search every inch of the zoo, to recover the missing cat.
“If possible, Fluffy will be shot with a tranquilizer gun,” Blair said. “But if necessary, we will shoot to kill. If we can’t find her in the zoo, we will begin searching the neighborhood, moving farther and farther away from the zoo.”
He added that they are concerned because of the residential neighborhood in Durham with an elementary school nearby. The goal of the police is to find Fluffy before 3 p.m. when school lets out.
Both the zoo and Durham police have asked the New Hampshire State Police and the state wildlife department to aid in the search. The National Guard will also be supplying five helicopters with infrared sensors to help find Fluffy.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 19, 2009
The first story that really caught my eye today in the Times was about a young boy named Carvett Gentles. It was actually the picture dipicted on the front page that drew me into the story. A young boy who looked like he was 14 or 15 (his real age is 16) was in handcuffs abd being led into a courtroom wearing an all-black suit by policemen on either side of him. My first thought was "how could this young boy have done something so serious to be in handcuffs?" Then I read the caption, and found that he was accused of shooting a 15-year-old girl named Vada Vasquez. I had to read the story by this point, because I was very intrigued as to how a young boy could have even gotten his hands on a gun.
It turns out he was the one "chosen" to shoot a rival gang member, Tyrone Creighton, while coming out of a building in the middle of the day. He fired six shots, one of which went soaring through Creighton's shoulder and puncturing a lung. One stray bullet hit miss Vasquez behind the head just over her ear. She was put into a medically induced coma in order to recover, where she remains in critical condition.
It's a mystery to me how these young kids could have even gotten their hands on a firearm. But what's even worse: how do these kids get into such gruesome violence at such a young age? This boy isn't even old enough to be tried as an adult, and he's already attempted to kill someone with a gun! This is the problem with our country; that kids are brought up in poor households and are taught malicious and violent acts by their parents, friends, or even video games nowadays. It's sad that our country is so violent, but it can't really be stopped, only contained. My thought is to be as encouraging and supportive to young kids as possible, so they grow up with the same respect of their surroundings and the world as their parents did. Being a positive role model goes a long way.
It turns out he was the one "chosen" to shoot a rival gang member, Tyrone Creighton, while coming out of a building in the middle of the day. He fired six shots, one of which went soaring through Creighton's shoulder and puncturing a lung. One stray bullet hit miss Vasquez behind the head just over her ear. She was put into a medically induced coma in order to recover, where she remains in critical condition.
It's a mystery to me how these young kids could have even gotten their hands on a firearm. But what's even worse: how do these kids get into such gruesome violence at such a young age? This boy isn't even old enough to be tried as an adult, and he's already attempted to kill someone with a gun! This is the problem with our country; that kids are brought up in poor households and are taught malicious and violent acts by their parents, friends, or even video games nowadays. It's sad that our country is so violent, but it can't really be stopped, only contained. My thought is to be as encouraging and supportive to young kids as possible, so they grow up with the same respect of their surroundings and the world as their parents did. Being a positive role model goes a long way.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 18, 2009
The headlining story for the Times today is about how New York will become the second U.S. state that will make it a felony if a person is arrested for drunk driving with a child in the car. The recent surge in deaths of children are causing state officials to crack down and the state government to pay strict attention to the subject. I personally think that this shouldn't be a felony in two states, I think it should be a felony in EVERY state. How stupid does a person have to be to get into a car after having several drinks with children? I realize that alcohol impares ones judgement, but you'd think that if a person knew they were going into a situation where alcohol might be involved, that this said person wouldn't bring children along for the ride, or at least have anything to drink if the person was aware they had to transport shildren in the immediate future. It doesn't make any sense to me as to why this isn't a punishable felony in all states, because it certainly should be. If it were, then it would most definitely reduce the number of people who go out and do this kind of thing, and in turn would reduce the number of child deaths resulting from this recurring problem.
The story also talked about this new installment in cars that would be a lot like a personal breathalizer test, and if the driver of the car failed, the engine would not start. This makes sense to me, and will surely prevent many deaths in the United States. It's sad, though, that we have to rely on our own cars now to tell us when it is or is not safe for us to drive. Our judgement is that poor. Oh well, if it's going to save lives, I'm not complaining. As a race we need something that will make sure we're safe if we're not the ones best suited to make that decision.
The story also talked about this new installment in cars that would be a lot like a personal breathalizer test, and if the driver of the car failed, the engine would not start. This makes sense to me, and will surely prevent many deaths in the United States. It's sad, though, that we have to rely on our own cars now to tell us when it is or is not safe for us to drive. Our judgement is that poor. Oh well, if it's going to save lives, I'm not complaining. As a race we need something that will make sure we're safe if we're not the ones best suited to make that decision.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 17, 2009
I didn't find too many stories today on the front page that I found intensely interesting like I normally do. I could write about how the G.M. company is on the rebound after going bankrupt over the summer, but they first need to pay back the government after they loaned the company a great sum of money to aid their financial situation. But that's the news, and my job as a blogger isn't to write the news again, it's to react to the news. I found there wasn't a whole lot I could "react" to on the front page.
But one thing I found that I personally could write a 5000-word essay on was on the front page of sports (shocker). But the story I want to wrote about doesn't involve a game story, it involves the future of not just one, but MANY Division I athletic programs in New York.
Due to the lack of funding, lack of success and negative press coverage of several Division I athletic programs in the SUNY college system, the state of New York is considering dropping ALL D-I athletic programs in order to meet a more affordable budget. This could be devastating for one of the "second-tier" state in terms of population size. Some programs have had a great deal of success in the past, like Binghamton University's 2008-'09 men's basketball team, which made it to the NCAA March Madness tournament where they played national powerhouse Duke University. They lost, but it was only positive press coverage for the team. However, after releasing six of their top players this past fall for violation of team and federal laws, the program is only experiencing negative media coverage, and it doesn't appear to be getting any better for the program.
Nothing has been decided on officially yet, but it is under serious consideration to drop all D-I athletic programs from SUNY colleges all throughout New York. It's an unbelievable story, and I will certainly be keeping my eye on it as the news continues to develop.
But one thing I found that I personally could write a 5000-word essay on was on the front page of sports (shocker). But the story I want to wrote about doesn't involve a game story, it involves the future of not just one, but MANY Division I athletic programs in New York.
Due to the lack of funding, lack of success and negative press coverage of several Division I athletic programs in the SUNY college system, the state of New York is considering dropping ALL D-I athletic programs in order to meet a more affordable budget. This could be devastating for one of the "second-tier" state in terms of population size. Some programs have had a great deal of success in the past, like Binghamton University's 2008-'09 men's basketball team, which made it to the NCAA March Madness tournament where they played national powerhouse Duke University. They lost, but it was only positive press coverage for the team. However, after releasing six of their top players this past fall for violation of team and federal laws, the program is only experiencing negative media coverage, and it doesn't appear to be getting any better for the program.
Nothing has been decided on officially yet, but it is under serious consideration to drop all D-I athletic programs from SUNY colleges all throughout New York. It's an unbelievable story, and I will certainly be keeping my eye on it as the news continues to develop.
Monday, November 16, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 16, 2009
Just about all of the stories on the fornt page of today's New York Times are pretty negative and depressing, telling stories about the lack of money for immigrant workers in the United States, how it will be hard to get a fair trial for Major Nidal Malik Hasan: the man who shot 13 people at Fort Hood (this is America, you'd think everyone could find a fair trial SOMEWHERE), and how drug companies, despite recently being told they must accomodate harsh economic times, continue to increase their prices. I want to start with the immigrant workers in the U.S. story.
Yes, times are getting rough here financially for many of American families due to the crashing economy. However, our low economy is still much better than that of Mexico's, which is why so many people immigrate here from the south illegally. What really gets me is that, despite the lack of success many other immigrant workers are experiencing, they still continue to come here every day by the dozens. If their families in Mexico have to wire money to those failing to find some sort of work in America, maybe it isn't worth making the trip for. That seems to make the most sense to me.
For Major Hasan, the death penalty seems to be looming down on him as he awaits for a trial. Problem is, his lawyer can't find a court or hospital that will give him a fair chance. The best medical doctor to analyze him and declare him legally insane (so that he could plead insanity) is at Fort Hood, the same medical building where he shot and killed 13 people. The next best place for evaluation in the United States is in Washington. But that isn't an option either, as he served as a psychiatrist there for a number of years, and where people know his anti-American ways. Things just aren't looking good for the 13-time murderer Hasan.
Yes, times are getting rough here financially for many of American families due to the crashing economy. However, our low economy is still much better than that of Mexico's, which is why so many people immigrate here from the south illegally. What really gets me is that, despite the lack of success many other immigrant workers are experiencing, they still continue to come here every day by the dozens. If their families in Mexico have to wire money to those failing to find some sort of work in America, maybe it isn't worth making the trip for. That seems to make the most sense to me.
For Major Hasan, the death penalty seems to be looming down on him as he awaits for a trial. Problem is, his lawyer can't find a court or hospital that will give him a fair chance. The best medical doctor to analyze him and declare him legally insane (so that he could plead insanity) is at Fort Hood, the same medical building where he shot and killed 13 people. The next best place for evaluation in the United States is in Washington. But that isn't an option either, as he served as a psychiatrist there for a number of years, and where people know his anti-American ways. Things just aren't looking good for the 13-time murderer Hasan.
Biddeford Airport Story
It used to be a nice place for the people of Biddeford, Maine to enjoy a nice day, eat at the restaurant and maybe catch a plane out of town. Now, it’s turned into a dividing line that has citizens choosing sides in a city-wide debate.
The Biddeford City Airport, which is the home of 47 planes and a 126-acre property, could be closed down due to elevated taxes and the unwillingness of the citizens to meet the increasing financial burden.
Residents of Biddeford say that their taxes could be put to much better use than supporting an airport that brings in about $56,000 annually from sales of gas, property taxes and land leases. The project would potentially cost $3 million to shut down and demolish, which would be taken from general operating funds.
However, opposing arguments state that the airport serves a very useful purpose, because the closest facility besides in Biddeford is located in either Sanford or Portland. Phyllis Landry, an independent pilot who has been flying out of this airport for 25 years, said that there is too much history and value here for the airport to be shut down.
“Maybe it’s expensive to run, but it’s a great resource,” Landry said. “I know business people who fly in here all the time. I’ve been flying out of this airport for 25 years. I love this airport.”
What many of the taxpayers in Biddeford would like to see is something much more resourceful as a substitute for the airport after it has, potentially, been shut down and demolished.
“We’d really like to see it shut down for good, and maybe put an industrial park in there,” Paul Archambault, Chairman of Save Our Little Airport (SOLA) said. “Or how about a wind farm? We could provide power to the nearby schools. That’s the kind of progress we’d like to see.”
Archambault added that when they started looking at the airport, they came to the conclusion that there is no financial benefit at its existing size and capacity, and that it continues to be a tax burden.
Airport manager Tim Bryand said that the runways and facilities are being used for purposes that aren’t authorized, like for four-wheeling and snowmobiling.
“We have pedestrians, motorcycles, four-wheelers (and) ATV’s all using it,” Bryand said. “They just use it as a backyard and that’s against regulations.”
Landry said that one time about five years ago she was forced to abort takeoff because there were neighborhood children playing in the runway right in front of her plane.
It’s a surprise that someone living next to the airport wouldn’t be frequently bothered by the constant noise and roar of plane engines. But Roland Pelletier has lived next to the airport for 25 years, and said that the noise doesn’t bother him, but the monetary situation does.
“The money is the biggest thing,” Pelletier said. “If it was self-supporting, fine. Let it go. But times are tough in the economy, and we can’t afford to support operations that don’t support themselves.”
The referendum will be on the ballot for the June 4 general election in Biddeford. City manager John Bubier said that he thinks the voters are going to be the ones to settle the issue, which is what he believes City Council really wants.
The Biddeford City Airport, which is the home of 47 planes and a 126-acre property, could be closed down due to elevated taxes and the unwillingness of the citizens to meet the increasing financial burden.
Residents of Biddeford say that their taxes could be put to much better use than supporting an airport that brings in about $56,000 annually from sales of gas, property taxes and land leases. The project would potentially cost $3 million to shut down and demolish, which would be taken from general operating funds.
However, opposing arguments state that the airport serves a very useful purpose, because the closest facility besides in Biddeford is located in either Sanford or Portland. Phyllis Landry, an independent pilot who has been flying out of this airport for 25 years, said that there is too much history and value here for the airport to be shut down.
“Maybe it’s expensive to run, but it’s a great resource,” Landry said. “I know business people who fly in here all the time. I’ve been flying out of this airport for 25 years. I love this airport.”
What many of the taxpayers in Biddeford would like to see is something much more resourceful as a substitute for the airport after it has, potentially, been shut down and demolished.
“We’d really like to see it shut down for good, and maybe put an industrial park in there,” Paul Archambault, Chairman of Save Our Little Airport (SOLA) said. “Or how about a wind farm? We could provide power to the nearby schools. That’s the kind of progress we’d like to see.”
Archambault added that when they started looking at the airport, they came to the conclusion that there is no financial benefit at its existing size and capacity, and that it continues to be a tax burden.
Airport manager Tim Bryand said that the runways and facilities are being used for purposes that aren’t authorized, like for four-wheeling and snowmobiling.
“We have pedestrians, motorcycles, four-wheelers (and) ATV’s all using it,” Bryand said. “They just use it as a backyard and that’s against regulations.”
Landry said that one time about five years ago she was forced to abort takeoff because there were neighborhood children playing in the runway right in front of her plane.
It’s a surprise that someone living next to the airport wouldn’t be frequently bothered by the constant noise and roar of plane engines. But Roland Pelletier has lived next to the airport for 25 years, and said that the noise doesn’t bother him, but the monetary situation does.
“The money is the biggest thing,” Pelletier said. “If it was self-supporting, fine. Let it go. But times are tough in the economy, and we can’t afford to support operations that don’t support themselves.”
The referendum will be on the ballot for the June 4 general election in Biddeford. City manager John Bubier said that he thinks the voters are going to be the ones to settle the issue, which is what he believes City Council really wants.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 12, 2009
In this issue of the New York Times, there is another article about the Fort Hood shooting rampage on the front page, and rightfully so. Since this is the largest shooting on a military base in history, I think it deserves all of the media coverage, because this cannot happen again. This article is basically an argument on who shot down Major Hasan, either Sgt. Kimberly Munley or Senior Sgt. Mark Todd. Personally, I don't think it matters at this point in the investigation. I think the major concern should be focused on Major Hasan and his motives for killing 13 innocent soldiers in a medical base at Fort Hood. He is responsive to doctors, but has not talked to any of the press yet, and probably won't for at least another week or so. But the article focuses on the person who was identified shooting down Major Hasan, which is somewhat relevat right now to the investigation. At first, authorities said it was Sgt. Munley who bravely stood up to Hasan and shot him in the leg, causing him to drop to the ground and cease fire. Now a report has been released that an anonymous soldier has come forward and told authorities that Mark Todd was the real man who took down Hasan after Munley was shot herself and on the ground in pain. Basically, right now it is someone's word against someone else's word. I don't believe this should be the central focus of the investigation at this point, but until Major Hasan starts talking to authorities then I guess we have nothing else to discuss about this national conflict. Maybe someone soon will come forward and admit that they didn't shoot Hasan so we can get going with the operation and investigation at hand.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 10, 2009
First off, I would like to start by pointing out that in my last blog post, about yesterday's New York Times, I mentioned the gunman from Fort Good, Texas. The name of the town is actually Fort Hood, Texas, not Fort Good. My mistake and I retract that error and change it to it's correct title.
There was more on the tragedy at Fort Hood today as well. Two stories were placed side-by-side on the front page, which detailed several new developments in the shooting story. The one that I found to be most interesting was the news article about how the FBI discovered ties to Anwar al-Awlaki, a known anti-America incendiary whose teachings are very strong against this country. The investigation showed that Sgt. Nidal Malik Hasan, the shooter at Fort Hood, was in contact with al-Awlaki through e-mail just weeks before the shooting took place. Officials don't know yet whether or not al-Awlaki had any influence on Hasan's decision to go on the shooting spree. Hasan just recently woke up from a coma in his hospital bed a few days ago, and has since been communicating with his doctors, but no one else.
I think that this guy, Anwar al-Awlaki, must have had a serious impact on Mr. Hasan, because he is a spiritual leader whom Hasan looks up to. If he had been in contact with him, it's fair to say that at least some workds must have been spoken about an attack. At the very least Hasan could have informed al-Awlaki of his own plan to kill several military members. I think that the FBI should invest in finding this man, al-Awlaki, and do everything in their power to find out what he knows. Maybe it doesn't stop with Hasan; maybe there are more men like him out there in our military system, waiting for their time to rise. This attack shows that we could have a serious problem within the veins of our country's defense.
There was more on the tragedy at Fort Hood today as well. Two stories were placed side-by-side on the front page, which detailed several new developments in the shooting story. The one that I found to be most interesting was the news article about how the FBI discovered ties to Anwar al-Awlaki, a known anti-America incendiary whose teachings are very strong against this country. The investigation showed that Sgt. Nidal Malik Hasan, the shooter at Fort Hood, was in contact with al-Awlaki through e-mail just weeks before the shooting took place. Officials don't know yet whether or not al-Awlaki had any influence on Hasan's decision to go on the shooting spree. Hasan just recently woke up from a coma in his hospital bed a few days ago, and has since been communicating with his doctors, but no one else.
I think that this guy, Anwar al-Awlaki, must have had a serious impact on Mr. Hasan, because he is a spiritual leader whom Hasan looks up to. If he had been in contact with him, it's fair to say that at least some workds must have been spoken about an attack. At the very least Hasan could have informed al-Awlaki of his own plan to kill several military members. I think that the FBI should invest in finding this man, al-Awlaki, and do everything in their power to find out what he knows. Maybe it doesn't stop with Hasan; maybe there are more men like him out there in our military system, waiting for their time to rise. This attack shows that we could have a serious problem within the veins of our country's defense.
Monday, November 9, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 9, 2009
In what might possibly be the biggest and most disastrous news story of the year, 13 soldiers at the Fort Good military base in Texas were shot and killed on Thursday by not some random terrorist, but a comrade. Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan of Virginia, who's parents immigrated to the United States from Pakistan just years before he was born, shot and killed 13 soldiers, while wounding more than 40 more, in a military medical center as what appears to be mostly a sign of protest. It was said by family members that Hasan was showing signs of disappointment and depression about being shipped overseas to Afghanistan in the next few months. But his skepticism about heading overseas wasn't the only thing that family members say probably contributed to his violent outburst. According to Hasan, before his shooting rampage, other soldiers in the military made fun of him for being Muslim by saying mean things to his face and vandalizing his property. Hasan attempted to be discharged, but to no avail, because the Army is in short supply of pshychiatrists, and desperately needed him over to help on the warfront. So, in any case, Hasan felt that he needed to kill his fellow members of the armed forces in order to prove a point, and to get some revenge. My question is: how is it that Hasan was able to kill 13 people and wound over 40 more without him being taken down within a few seconds? If he was surrounded by that many people at a military base, you'd think they would have him either completely seized on the ground, or even dead within a split of firing the first shot. Granted he was shooting people at a medical center, but that doesn't mean that no one should have a gun. It's a terribly tragic situation, and I am positive a whole lot of changes and rule enforcements will come with the overall sting this leaves the nation's burns.
Theft Story
Safety of student possessions is now in question after stdent body president Charlotte Noreng's backpack was taken outside of Holloway Commons yesterday, witnesses say.
Noreng had reportedly left her backpack, which contained a laptop, iPod, cell phone, and wallet, outside of the dining hall when she went inside for dinner just before 6 p.m.
Commenting on her stolen possessions, Noreng said that she had always felt safe leaving her belongings outside of Holloway Commons.
"I never thought twice about it," Noreng said. "Everyone leaves their stuff outside. Why would anyone target my stuff over the rest?"
Witnesses who saw Noreng leave her backpack outside noticed her iPod sticking out of a side pocket. Others say they saw a male student handling the backpack and surrounding jackets, appearing to be searching for something.
Witnesses say the male was about 5-foot-7 with curly brown hair and wearing a black North Face fleece.
Holloway Commons employee Ingrid Higginbottom, who was swiping student ID's the day the backpack was reported missing, said that she didn't notice abnormal behavior that day, but that there was an unusually large dinner rush that night.
"It would have probably been easy to take something, considering how many students there were milling around outside," Higginbottom said. "I feel bad for poor Charlotte."
Police are expected to be involved since Noreng reported the missing backpack this morning.
Six months after the reported theft of Charlotte Noreng's backpack from outside of Holloway Commons, Rob Cash was convicted in the Durham District Court today.
After being charged with stealing approximately $2,000 worth of Noreng's personal belongings, Cash was ordered to repay Noreng her losses, as well as an additional $1,000 for damages.
Cash's subsequent sentence included probation and 100 hours of community service at Holloway Commons, serving as a part-time janitor.
Cash was arrested when the tracking device in Noreng's computer was located in his dorm room in Stoke Hall. Police arrested Cash at the scene and took him into custody. He was put on $500 bail, which he met and was released until his court date a week ago.
Noreng had reportedly left her backpack, which contained a laptop, iPod, cell phone, and wallet, outside of the dining hall when she went inside for dinner just before 6 p.m.
Commenting on her stolen possessions, Noreng said that she had always felt safe leaving her belongings outside of Holloway Commons.
"I never thought twice about it," Noreng said. "Everyone leaves their stuff outside. Why would anyone target my stuff over the rest?"
Witnesses who saw Noreng leave her backpack outside noticed her iPod sticking out of a side pocket. Others say they saw a male student handling the backpack and surrounding jackets, appearing to be searching for something.
Witnesses say the male was about 5-foot-7 with curly brown hair and wearing a black North Face fleece.
Holloway Commons employee Ingrid Higginbottom, who was swiping student ID's the day the backpack was reported missing, said that she didn't notice abnormal behavior that day, but that there was an unusually large dinner rush that night.
"It would have probably been easy to take something, considering how many students there were milling around outside," Higginbottom said. "I feel bad for poor Charlotte."
Police are expected to be involved since Noreng reported the missing backpack this morning.
Six months after the reported theft of Charlotte Noreng's backpack from outside of Holloway Commons, Rob Cash was convicted in the Durham District Court today.
After being charged with stealing approximately $2,000 worth of Noreng's personal belongings, Cash was ordered to repay Noreng her losses, as well as an additional $1,000 for damages.
Cash's subsequent sentence included probation and 100 hours of community service at Holloway Commons, serving as a part-time janitor.
Cash was arrested when the tracking device in Noreng's computer was located in his dorm room in Stoke Hall. Police arrested Cash at the scene and took him into custody. He was put on $500 bail, which he met and was released until his court date a week ago.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 4, 2009
I thought the most interesting story on the front of the New York Times was the profile/feature piece on the sniffing dogs the police forces use for crimes. It turns out they are used more often than people may think, and have actually put people in jail for long periods of time. They have the keen ability to smell the most intricate details on just about anything, which leads investigators to find what they are looking for, whether that be a person, a body, or more evidence. I think it's incredible that these animals have the ability to do that, and I think it's smart on our part to train them to aid our police and investigative forces. Interesting story, interesting topic.
Another story (well, line actually) that caught my eye was in the Iraq bomb story, which was about how the use of a "nuclear" detector was used at police checkpoints to decipher whether or not some material is radioactive, or may be bomb-material. One man went as far as to say the device, that resembles a wand, was "on the same principles as a Ouija board." Well, to me that means instant failure. I don't believe in Ouija boards in any way, and nor should I. They are based on the fluctuation and involuntary movements in peoples muscles, or the one wise-guy who pushed the "magic eye" towards whatever he wants to see appear. Therefore, if this wand is anything like a Ouija board, I say don't believe anything it says.
Another story (well, line actually) that caught my eye was in the Iraq bomb story, which was about how the use of a "nuclear" detector was used at police checkpoints to decipher whether or not some material is radioactive, or may be bomb-material. One man went as far as to say the device, that resembles a wand, was "on the same principles as a Ouija board." Well, to me that means instant failure. I don't believe in Ouija boards in any way, and nor should I. They are based on the fluctuation and involuntary movements in peoples muscles, or the one wise-guy who pushed the "magic eye" towards whatever he wants to see appear. Therefore, if this wand is anything like a Ouija board, I say don't believe anything it says.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 3, 2009
Well, if there's one story that the media have certainly beaten to death in this decade, it is quite obviously the use of steriods and performance-enhancing drugs in major league baseball. The front page of today's NY Times does include a story on the world-wide scandal, but in a different light than all of the typical "so-and-so is using steriods, he's a cheater" articles. This article was about how Alex Rodriguez, third baseman for the New York Yankees, and Andy Pettite, pitcher for the Yankees, both took a different route than most others when they were accused of using steriods. Instead of choosing to do one of the two main things when accused: deny it or hide, they chose to admit their guilt and came clean almost as soon as the news began circulating. The article is about how that strategy really paid off for the two of them, because now they are in the limelight of the baseball stage: the two are playing in baseball's World Series which goes on as we speak. That's apparently the right strategy to take for anyone who is either looking to come clean or is accused of using the banned drugs; come clean fast and get it over with so you can get back to playing and prove that you don't need to use steroids to play well. That's what Pettite and Rodriguez did, and both are playing marvelously in New York this postseason, especially after that metaphorical monkey has been lifted off of their backs. The same cannot be said for Mark McGwire, however, who was jusr recently hired back into baseball after disappearing just months after his failure of a defense at the Congressional hearing years ago. Coming back into baseball for McGwire will only raise those questions all over again, along with new ones since he vanished from the scene. He's in for a whole new battle.
Monday, November 2, 2009
New York Times - Nov. 2, 2009
The story that certainly drawns my undivided attention has to do with a modern problem that people are currently trying to resolve, which is driving and texting. The story by Elisabeth Rosenthal talks about a young woman, who records show was texting before the accident, slammed into the rear of a vehicle on the side of the road, driven by Victoria McBryde. McBryde, 24, was killed instantly, while Phillipa Curtis, the driver of the acting vehicle, was not hurt, but was sentenced to 21 months in prison for violating "unsafe driving" laws in Britain. There are many who believe Curtis should have received a much longer sentence, because technically what occurred was a homicide, and since the driver was in no way impared other than focusing on her cell phone. Police reports show that Curtis was not texting when the accident occurred, but that she had received a message seconds before impact, which may have caused her to lose attention for just seconds, therefore unable to see the flashing lights of McBryde's broken down car.
I think that, although this is a serious problem and should be recognized by the country's legal services, it is something that is hard to contain and even stop. Cars that move at, let's say, 45 miles per hour are too difficult for any human being to look into and deduct whether or not the driver os texting, or performing a different act, like checking a GPS system or receiving a call. There are millions of people who text while they drive, and although I think it is dangerous, I don't see law enforment being able to stop it, especially among youth drivers ages 25 and under.
To me, it seems like it would be easier for phone companies to invent new products that don't require the use of hands to text. I feel like it can be done digitally by a voice recording computer system built into the phone that can type out a voice command, send it to a friend, and relay a verbal message back to the originator. That would be easier than trying to stop the world from texting while driving, and would certainly be a lot less expensive.
I think that, although this is a serious problem and should be recognized by the country's legal services, it is something that is hard to contain and even stop. Cars that move at, let's say, 45 miles per hour are too difficult for any human being to look into and deduct whether or not the driver os texting, or performing a different act, like checking a GPS system or receiving a call. There are millions of people who text while they drive, and although I think it is dangerous, I don't see law enforment being able to stop it, especially among youth drivers ages 25 and under.
To me, it seems like it would be easier for phone companies to invent new products that don't require the use of hands to text. I feel like it can be done digitally by a voice recording computer system built into the phone that can type out a voice command, send it to a friend, and relay a verbal message back to the originator. That would be easier than trying to stop the world from texting while driving, and would certainly be a lot less expensive.
Meeting Story Exercise
A new question pertaining to future disciplinary actions of students at Portsmouth High School was raised amongst the members of the Portsmouth School Board last night.
Instead of students serving entire days in in-house suspension for violating school rules, a motion was made to institute a new policy that would require students in detention to return to schoool on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon.
School Board member Tim Steele brought the idea to the attention of attendees, and said that to meet the staffing requirements an allocation of about $3,000 wouold need to be set aside in the budget.
"I know this isn't good news for parents," Steele said. "But I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make students think twice before breaking the school rules."
Parent Pegggy Bacon was the first to oppose the motion made by Steele, saying that it really causes an inconvenience to parents, both financially and time wise.
"I work six days a week -- including Saturday morning -- and it's bad enough to gte my son off to school Monday through Friday," Bacon said. "Why should I have to worry about Saturday as well? I just don't think it's going to make any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it -- in higher taxes as well as ruined Saturday's."
Steele said that his main concern is to limit smoking in the Portsmouth school system, as it is the cause for most in-house suspensions. In 1995, 154 students received in-house suspensions, requiring them to spend a day under close faculty supervision in an empty classroom.
Students are not allowed to make up any class time they miss while suspended. Steele added that this way no students would miss any class time or work and still be punished for violating the rules.
Lisa Gallagher, a senior at Portsmouth High School, was in attendance during the discussion. She said that she didn't like the idea because there's nothing preventing students from skipping their punishment sessions.
"I think it's just being done to make life easier for the faculty," she said. "So that they don't have to deal with detentions during the week. Anyway, what if someone skips the session? What are they going to do, make them stay all weekend?"
Steele rebutted by saying that students wouldn't be allowed to return to school until they made up the detention session.
The board voted 5-3 in favor of tabling the issue until March 7, where it will be discussed during the next meeting.
Instead of students serving entire days in in-house suspension for violating school rules, a motion was made to institute a new policy that would require students in detention to return to schoool on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon.
School Board member Tim Steele brought the idea to the attention of attendees, and said that to meet the staffing requirements an allocation of about $3,000 wouold need to be set aside in the budget.
"I know this isn't good news for parents," Steele said. "But I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make students think twice before breaking the school rules."
Parent Pegggy Bacon was the first to oppose the motion made by Steele, saying that it really causes an inconvenience to parents, both financially and time wise.
"I work six days a week -- including Saturday morning -- and it's bad enough to gte my son off to school Monday through Friday," Bacon said. "Why should I have to worry about Saturday as well? I just don't think it's going to make any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it -- in higher taxes as well as ruined Saturday's."
Steele said that his main concern is to limit smoking in the Portsmouth school system, as it is the cause for most in-house suspensions. In 1995, 154 students received in-house suspensions, requiring them to spend a day under close faculty supervision in an empty classroom.
Students are not allowed to make up any class time they miss while suspended. Steele added that this way no students would miss any class time or work and still be punished for violating the rules.
Lisa Gallagher, a senior at Portsmouth High School, was in attendance during the discussion. She said that she didn't like the idea because there's nothing preventing students from skipping their punishment sessions.
"I think it's just being done to make life easier for the faculty," she said. "So that they don't have to deal with detentions during the week. Anyway, what if someone skips the session? What are they going to do, make them stay all weekend?"
Steele rebutted by saying that students wouldn't be allowed to return to school until they made up the detention session.
The board voted 5-3 in favor of tabling the issue until March 7, where it will be discussed during the next meeting.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 28, 2009
There were several stories in the Times that really caught my eye today. I especially liked the one about the former NFL players that have been diagnosed with varying disorders like migranes, fury and depression. Obviously I don't like it for those reasons, but I think it certainly is a problem among former NFL vets who have suffered some form of head injury while playing in the league. The NFL doesn't seem to acknowledge that this is happening due to palying football, which I believe it most definitely is. Players that go out, retire or leave games with concussions are more apt to experience side effects of having serious injuries than those that don't; so why not acknowledge that? That's what Gay Culverhouse, former president and daughter of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers president, is out to uncover. She wants the league to show that they are concerned about the safety of players not only during their careers, but also afterwards too. I think that she is perfectly correct in doing so, because it really has become a serious problem among veterans who suffered multiple head injuries during their playing days.
I also enjoyed reading the article about the "swine flu police." They are people who have to turn away citizens standing in line in local swine flu vaccination clinics to make sure children and those with serious medical conditions get them first. It has gotten to the point where many people who originally have been turned away to lie about their medical conditions by saying they are pregnant or have heart trauma, for example. I think people need to realize that swine flu isn't as serious as most think it is, especially to adults. Let the ones who are in the greatest risk have it first, and if there is any left, then it's your turn.
I also enjoyed reading the article about the "swine flu police." They are people who have to turn away citizens standing in line in local swine flu vaccination clinics to make sure children and those with serious medical conditions get them first. It has gotten to the point where many people who originally have been turned away to lie about their medical conditions by saying they are pregnant or have heart trauma, for example. I think people need to realize that swine flu isn't as serious as most think it is, especially to adults. Let the ones who are in the greatest risk have it first, and if there is any left, then it's your turn.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 27, 2009
Another installment was released today on the front page of the child runaways and prostitutes that are living among the homeless in America. It was yet another sad story to read, because we just don't realize it or even think about it as we go on with our lives daily as we have access to plenty of food, drinks and shelter. This kind of story just hits you with factual text and intense quotes and evidence that you can't help feeling sorry for these children, and ignorant that it's happening everywhere in this country. Yesterday's issue addressed the child runaways part of the problem, and today's issue mainly focused on the fact that a lot of runaway female children, usually between ages 12-17, sell their bodies for sex in order to make money and maintain a place to stay. It really is sad, but a good way to become knowledgeable on the fact that this is happening, and that there is always something we can do to help reduce it little by little.
Another piece of information that I thought was just interesting was the story on the front page about the former chief of A.I.G, the insurance company that fell through and almost went completely bankrupt. Now, Maurice Greenberg has fought his way back up into the ranks of the elite insurance company owners within the country once again, rivaling his former company. This could be a bad thing though, as A.I.G is paid for primarily by taxpayers, which was in an effort to save the millions of people who owned an insurance plan with the company. If Greenberg takes down his former insurance titan, then taxpayers will have lost out on a great deal of money, and many people will be without insurance. Is this the best idea you have, former chief Greenberg?
Another piece of information that I thought was just interesting was the story on the front page about the former chief of A.I.G, the insurance company that fell through and almost went completely bankrupt. Now, Maurice Greenberg has fought his way back up into the ranks of the elite insurance company owners within the country once again, rivaling his former company. This could be a bad thing though, as A.I.G is paid for primarily by taxpayers, which was in an effort to save the millions of people who owned an insurance plan with the company. If Greenberg takes down his former insurance titan, then taxpayers will have lost out on a great deal of money, and many people will be without insurance. Is this the best idea you have, former chief Greenberg?
Monday, October 26, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 26, 2009
The story written about runaway youths in America is just amazing. Everyone is aware that there are kids who do this in the country, but this story really portrays a light unknown to almost everyone who never really gets to see for themselves. It's an awful life to have to live for these kids, who all say they like it better living in the woods, on the streets and in public buildings. No one should go through the abuse that they do, but we can't prevent it from happening, so their best solution is to just leave and forget about their families. It's an unbelievably sad story, yet it is one that I found I couldn't stop reading until I hit the end, because it was so powerful and moving. I liked how the writers broke the story up in little categories, which made it really easy and interesting to read. Such a bad way to live, but a great profile on these kids by Ian Urbina.
In a much lighter story on the front page, I read that elementary school children in a town in China are required to stop and salute cars they pass on their way to and from school. The story says that it is now a law to try and slow drivers on the roads down and cause them to pay attention. While I think that it's a clever idea, I think the town committee could have approached it in a more logical manner, like stop signs or speed bumps, as the story says. I can't go along with the argument that it's an inconvenience to these little children, because all they have to do is put their arms up and stop walking for about a second, but I think the town could have come up with a more rational way to get these drivers to slow down. Maybe employ more police officers who sit out and watch the roads for speeding vehicles? Seems more sensible to me.
In a much lighter story on the front page, I read that elementary school children in a town in China are required to stop and salute cars they pass on their way to and from school. The story says that it is now a law to try and slow drivers on the roads down and cause them to pay attention. While I think that it's a clever idea, I think the town committee could have approached it in a more logical manner, like stop signs or speed bumps, as the story says. I can't go along with the argument that it's an inconvenience to these little children, because all they have to do is put their arms up and stop walking for about a second, but I think the town could have come up with a more rational way to get these drivers to slow down. Maybe employ more police officers who sit out and watch the roads for speeding vehicles? Seems more sensible to me.
Police pursuit ends in death of hijacker
Afetr a long pursuit, a train hijacker was shot and killed by a New York City policeman on Sunday afternoon.
Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle ended the run of suspected assassin Pierre Jeantot, 36, of Nice, France, at 4:08 p.m. at the bottom of the steps to the platform of the 15th St. elevated railway station.
Jeantot hijacked the train at the 35th St. Station, where Doyle commandeered a car and pursued the train until the fatal confrontation at 15th St. Station.
The Frenchman arrived in the United States on a flight from Paris, France, on Nov. 4, Homeland Security reports. Jeantot was suspected in a plot to smuggle a large shipment of heroin into the United States.
Two other men thought to be involved in the smuggling operation are being sought at this time.
Doyle's use of deadly force was called for, as Jeantot had taken several shots at Doyle earlier in the day from the rooftop of the 1767 W. 57th Ave. apartment building. He had also shot and killed a bystander: Betty B. Badluck , 63, of the Bronx, while walking with her granddaughter earlier in the day.
New York City Police Commissioner Ruth L. Ess said that, although the pursuit ended in the loss of a life, the police commission commends Detective Doyle for his bravery.
"We would have preferred to see Jeantot prosecuted in courts," Ess said. "And We believe Doyle was close to a breakthrough on the case. We commend Detective Doyle for his bravery and quick-thinking under very trying circumstances."
She also said that the police commission will comtinue a vigorous and thorough investigation into what appears to be a major smuggling operation.
"We will not sit while drug dealers walk our streets," she said.
Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle ended the run of suspected assassin Pierre Jeantot, 36, of Nice, France, at 4:08 p.m. at the bottom of the steps to the platform of the 15th St. elevated railway station.
Jeantot hijacked the train at the 35th St. Station, where Doyle commandeered a car and pursued the train until the fatal confrontation at 15th St. Station.
The Frenchman arrived in the United States on a flight from Paris, France, on Nov. 4, Homeland Security reports. Jeantot was suspected in a plot to smuggle a large shipment of heroin into the United States.
Two other men thought to be involved in the smuggling operation are being sought at this time.
Doyle's use of deadly force was called for, as Jeantot had taken several shots at Doyle earlier in the day from the rooftop of the 1767 W. 57th Ave. apartment building. He had also shot and killed a bystander: Betty B. Badluck , 63, of the Bronx, while walking with her granddaughter earlier in the day.
New York City Police Commissioner Ruth L. Ess said that, although the pursuit ended in the loss of a life, the police commission commends Detective Doyle for his bravery.
"We would have preferred to see Jeantot prosecuted in courts," Ess said. "And We believe Doyle was close to a breakthrough on the case. We commend Detective Doyle for his bravery and quick-thinking under very trying circumstances."
She also said that the police commission will comtinue a vigorous and thorough investigation into what appears to be a major smuggling operation.
"We will not sit while drug dealers walk our streets," she said.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 21, 2009
To start off on an interesting note, Iran has jusr recently signed an agreement with our government saying they wouldn't continue to build or look into nulcear weaponry for another year, in exchange for a friendlier alternative for energy from Russia. Iran shipped about three quarters of its known stockpile of nuclear waste and fuel to Russia for a conversion to change it into a peaceful nuclear reactor. The agreement still must be approved in Washington and Tehran, but it looks to be a winning formula for both sides.
Something that doesn't happen often occured in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night. Two ships collided at night while travelling, and spilled over 18,000 gallons of fuel oil into the water. Due to the high seas, the Coast Guard was kept from using booms and special oil-skimming boats to try and contain the spill. Special chemical compounds were dropped into the water in an attempt to try and break up or dissolve the oil. By the next morning, the oil had reportedly reach an area of about two miles long and a mile and a half wide, and was moving north towards the shores of the southern United States.
Something that doesn't happen often occured in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday night. Two ships collided at night while travelling, and spilled over 18,000 gallons of fuel oil into the water. Due to the high seas, the Coast Guard was kept from using booms and special oil-skimming boats to try and contain the spill. Special chemical compounds were dropped into the water in an attempt to try and break up or dissolve the oil. By the next morning, the oil had reportedly reach an area of about two miles long and a mile and a half wide, and was moving north towards the shores of the southern United States.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 20, 2009
I thought the narrative on the front page was a phenomenal story, detailing a first person account of a man being held captive by Taliban soldiers. I thought the person who wrote it recounted it perfectly and then translated it to script extremely well. I really liked the beginning, how it started off right in the action of passing by an army vehicle of Pakistan. I doubt that he recorded everything while he was being held as a hostage, which means that he did a great job of remembering direct quotes that Taliban leaders and other officials said to him while he was imprisoned. Nicely done with the narrative, New York Times.
In other news, President Obama will be flying to New York tomorrow for a Democratic Party meeting with all of the chief investors and donors to his campaign. However, most of the biggest donors and financial giants won't be attending. Part of the reason, as listed in the article, was that "Wall Street titans profiting from their government bailout may use their winnings to give back to Washington in return." According to Scott Talbot, a lobbyist for the industry’s Financial Services Roundtable, showing up at the benefit could make a donor a target for criticism.
In other news, President Obama will be flying to New York tomorrow for a Democratic Party meeting with all of the chief investors and donors to his campaign. However, most of the biggest donors and financial giants won't be attending. Part of the reason, as listed in the article, was that "Wall Street titans profiting from their government bailout may use their winnings to give back to Washington in return." According to Scott Talbot, a lobbyist for the industry’s Financial Services Roundtable, showing up at the benefit could make a donor a target for criticism.
Monday, October 19, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 19, 2009
As if people weren't paying enough already for their medicare bills, a new increase that will take effect next year will raise medicare payments up to 15 percent. But this new increase won't effect everyone, just roughly 27 percent of medicare beneficiaries, who are mostly senior citizens. The other 73 percent of the medicare population will be covered because their medicare premiums can't go up past their social security benefits.
In other news, President Obama will be flying to New York tomorrow for a Democratic Party meeting with all of the chief investors and donors to his campaign. However, most of the biggest donors and financial giants won't be attending. Part of the reason, as listed in the article, was that "Wall Street titans profiting from their government bailout may use their winnings to give back to Washington in return." According to Scott Talbot, a lobbyist for the industry’s Financial Services Roundtable, showing up at the benefit could make a donor a target for criticism.
In other news, President Obama will be flying to New York tomorrow for a Democratic Party meeting with all of the chief investors and donors to his campaign. However, most of the biggest donors and financial giants won't be attending. Part of the reason, as listed in the article, was that "Wall Street titans profiting from their government bailout may use their winnings to give back to Washington in return." According to Scott Talbot, a lobbyist for the industry’s Financial Services Roundtable, showing up at the benefit could make a donor a target for criticism.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 15, 2009
One of the top stories in today's issue of the New York Times has to do with wounded war veterans and returning to the place in which they fought. A new program called "Operation Proper Exit," which has been in the works for some time now, and has only just been revealed to the public, allows war veterans to return to places in which they were stationed during combat. Many veterans have returned to Normandy, Vietnam, and countries in the Middle East, such as Iraq and Afghanistan. It also allows these wounded veterans to see how different the world and its countries has become, and the changes that were brought to the country as a result of the war in which they fought. I thought that was a very nice story for the front page.
One thing that I don't get is how people enjoy reading entire novels on their computer screen. A story on the front page tells that libraries all across the country are now putting books online so that computer-savvy patrons can read their favorite novels or class textbooks online. In my opinion, I would much rather read a print version of a book, because I know what it's like to stare at a computer screen for hours on end reading stories and placing them on Indesign. It can seriously damage your eyes by staring for too long. I think books should be strictly in print.
One thing that I don't get is how people enjoy reading entire novels on their computer screen. A story on the front page tells that libraries all across the country are now putting books online so that computer-savvy patrons can read their favorite novels or class textbooks online. In my opinion, I would much rather read a print version of a book, because I know what it's like to stare at a computer screen for hours on end reading stories and placing them on Indesign. It can seriously damage your eyes by staring for too long. I think books should be strictly in print.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 14, 2009
The government's now-famous healthcare bill is starting to take shape, but is still a long way from being settled upon. One of the bigeest questions that needs to be answered deals with insurance, and whether or not there should be a government-funded insurance company to compete with the leading outside competitor. President Obama was who the nation had its eyes on, as he was to reconcile his party divisions, while Olympia Snowe from Maine was to decide on a government plan that would create a fallback as a compromise idea.
I find it pretty easy to believe that the Times had a shortage on content for this issue, as one of the lead stories dealt with standardized math scores from the state of New York. The story was simply put and summerized very nicely in the first sentence; that there were little to no changes in math scores from tests administered to fourth ad eighth graders this year. Although teachers report a growth in the numbers over the past few years, federal standards say that a majority of these kids are proficient in math, which continues to disappoint teachers and parents all throughout the nation.
I find it pretty easy to believe that the Times had a shortage on content for this issue, as one of the lead stories dealt with standardized math scores from the state of New York. The story was simply put and summerized very nicely in the first sentence; that there were little to no changes in math scores from tests administered to fourth ad eighth graders this year. Although teachers report a growth in the numbers over the past few years, federal standards say that a majority of these kids are proficient in math, which continues to disappoint teachers and parents all throughout the nation.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 13, 2009
Making the front page news today was a giant gas-transporting pipeline that runs from Western Russia into Europe, which could pose some problems in the future to Europe. The pipeline is currently under planning stages, but it is scheduled to be placed underwater at the bed of the Baltic Sea. Eastern European leaders fear that the new pipeline may lead to a dominance by Russia in an era of gas-leverage in the former Soviet Bloc.
Also making the front page is the Disney corporation and their new plans to sell the Disney shopping mall rights to the Apple company, as to overhaul the stores and set up a new, more customer-friendly environment for people to shop. The article states that new, more Disney-realistic items and themes will be added to stores, such as magic mirrors that can talk, and live online chat with a Disney Channel star. The upgrades are to make the retail stores more accessible and relatable to kids, so that when they enter a store they feel more apt to stay longer and buy something, which is the goal of the Apple retailers.
Also making the front page is the Disney corporation and their new plans to sell the Disney shopping mall rights to the Apple company, as to overhaul the stores and set up a new, more customer-friendly environment for people to shop. The article states that new, more Disney-realistic items and themes will be added to stores, such as magic mirrors that can talk, and live online chat with a Disney Channel star. The upgrades are to make the retail stores more accessible and relatable to kids, so that when they enter a store they feel more apt to stay longer and buy something, which is the goal of the Apple retailers.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 8, 2009
There was a very interesting profile piece on the history and genetics of Michelle Obama. The story told of her ancestor, Melvinia Shields, who was a slave in South Carolina in the 1850's. She was sold to a family in Georgia, and would eventually give birth while still a teenager to a baby, fathered by a white man. Centuries later, Michelle Obama, ancestor of Melvinia, would end up in the White House, with as much power and say as humanly possible in the nation. I thought it was a very interesting piece, but I feel like the New York Times must have been short on content. Although it is intriguing, it really shouldn't front page news-worthy.
Also in the news, New York City is reporting that flu levels are about as average as ever, despite the H1N1 virus floating around posing a threat to everyone in the city. Schools are reporting normal attendance levels, and the general population of the city seems to be healthy for the most part. That seems unusual, however, because the rest of the country is currently seeing disease numbers rise to highs never seen before at this time of year. Everyone needs to be wary of this flu epidemic as it tears through the country.
Also in the news, New York City is reporting that flu levels are about as average as ever, despite the H1N1 virus floating around posing a threat to everyone in the city. Schools are reporting normal attendance levels, and the general population of the city seems to be healthy for the most part. That seems unusual, however, because the rest of the country is currently seeing disease numbers rise to highs never seen before at this time of year. Everyone needs to be wary of this flu epidemic as it tears through the country.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 7, 2009
A lot of people during the presidential election thought that as soon as Obama was elected president, our troops would be out of the Middle East and home safely within the first couple of weeks in office. Not only has that not come true, but he told Congressional leaders on Tuesday that he would not be reducing the number of troops in just Afghanistan substantially. The war continues although Obama is in office, to the dismay of many left-leaning voters.
One thing I was very interested in was the story on closer Brad Lidge, who has certainly had his ups and downs when it has come to finishing off a close game. Although he is the desingated Phillies closer, winning games in the ninth inning is the one thing that he is struggling with this season. Last year he was a perfect 48 of 48 (postseason included) in save opportunities. This year Lidge has so many problems with consistency that it is almost inevitable he will lose his closer job as late as next season, or even as early as this postseason. We all know that teams in the playoffs can't afford to send out an inconsistent pitchers and pray that the guy will throw strikes and get people out. That doesn't work in major league baseball.
One thing I was very interested in was the story on closer Brad Lidge, who has certainly had his ups and downs when it has come to finishing off a close game. Although he is the desingated Phillies closer, winning games in the ninth inning is the one thing that he is struggling with this season. Last year he was a perfect 48 of 48 (postseason included) in save opportunities. This year Lidge has so many problems with consistency that it is almost inevitable he will lose his closer job as late as next season, or even as early as this postseason. We all know that teams in the playoffs can't afford to send out an inconsistent pitchers and pray that the guy will throw strikes and get people out. That doesn't work in major league baseball.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 6, 2009
The New York Times had a few very interesting articles in the front section today. The one I found most interesting yet horrific was the terror in Guinea. Hundreds of women were being raped and beaten and used as prey as a result of the outrageous terror regime currently taking place. The story tells of several women recounting their awful experiences being trapped and forced into an area like herded cattle. It's a tragic profile piece featuring actual people who fell victim to the demonstration, as they're calling it.
Also in the news were stories about the timely emergence of a vaccination for the swine flu. Because of the panicked craze, the vaccine is high in demand, and has created a rush of people scrambling to get it before the virus strikes a place close to home.
Finally, the popular food magazine Gourmet will be printing its last issue in the coming weeks. Published since 1941, the magazine was famous in the world of cooking, and has set the standard for all cooking publications in the country.
Also in the news were stories about the timely emergence of a vaccination for the swine flu. Because of the panicked craze, the vaccine is high in demand, and has created a rush of people scrambling to get it before the virus strikes a place close to home.
Finally, the popular food magazine Gourmet will be printing its last issue in the coming weeks. Published since 1941, the magazine was famous in the world of cooking, and has set the standard for all cooking publications in the country.
Monday, October 5, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 5, 2009
It's funny that the New York Times should put a story on the front page about a McMahon, because I just recently started watching wrestling this summer. If it weren't for a few friends of mine who started watching it every Monday night last year, then I wouldn't have a clue as to who Linda McMahon was. But now I find this story about her running for a Senate seat in Connecticut fascinating. She is going up against Senator Christopher Dodd, who has help his spot in office for nearly three decades now. Although the story references several disadvantages for Ms. McMahon, maybe it's time for a change in Connecticut.
There's also a story on the front page that caught my attention was that of the court cases that may be hinting views on regulating business. But it wasn't the headline that caught my attention, however. I began reading and noticed the long sentences that were packed full of information. Some of the sentences had so much information that I had to go back and read many of them twice. The other reason I particularly noticed this story was the by-line. The author of the story was Adam Liptak, a relative of mine. His beat is covering the Washington court systems and breaking news on the federal level.
There's also a story on the front page that caught my attention was that of the court cases that may be hinting views on regulating business. But it wasn't the headline that caught my attention, however. I began reading and noticed the long sentences that were packed full of information. Some of the sentences had so much information that I had to go back and read many of them twice. The other reason I particularly noticed this story was the by-line. The author of the story was Adam Liptak, a relative of mine. His beat is covering the Washington court systems and breaking news on the federal level.
Car Crash
On Monday evening, a car driven by a 17-year-old boy on Mile Hill Road in Belmont, Mass., swerved around a corner, ran into an embankment and flipped over onto its roof.
The driver, Jamie Peterson of Elm Street in Belmont, managed to crawl out the car overturned car on his own accord. There were two passengers in the car at the time of the accident.
According to police, 17-year-old Tom Carroll Jr. was driving behind the white mustang in his pick-up truck when the car suddenly sped up around the curve. The next time he saw the car it was on its roof.
“I thought the worst,” Carroll said. “They were flying. It’s hard to see kids your age in something like this. You realize when you see it what could happen, especially on this road.”
Carroll also told police that when he looked underneath the car he saw three empty Budweiser beer cans.
Josie M. Crandall lives across from the fairgrounds at 27 Mile Hill Rd. She told police that she looked out a window from her home at 9 p.m. and saw the white mustang headed north on the road. She informed police as soon as the accident happened.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road,” Crandall said. “It’s a dirt road, and it’s really easy to lose control.” Mile Hill Road does not have any streetlights as well.
Rescuers arrived at the scene and used the Jaws of Life to pull the two passengers, both female, from the crushed vehicle. The victims were taken to Memorial Hospital in Belmont, where one was listed in stable condition. The other was airlifted to Mass. General Hospital in Boston.
There was a similar accident on this road on Dec. 24, 1998, involving speed and intoxication as well. The crash claimed the lives of two people in the car.
The driver, Jamie Peterson of Elm Street in Belmont, managed to crawl out the car overturned car on his own accord. There were two passengers in the car at the time of the accident.
According to police, 17-year-old Tom Carroll Jr. was driving behind the white mustang in his pick-up truck when the car suddenly sped up around the curve. The next time he saw the car it was on its roof.
“I thought the worst,” Carroll said. “They were flying. It’s hard to see kids your age in something like this. You realize when you see it what could happen, especially on this road.”
Carroll also told police that when he looked underneath the car he saw three empty Budweiser beer cans.
Josie M. Crandall lives across from the fairgrounds at 27 Mile Hill Rd. She told police that she looked out a window from her home at 9 p.m. and saw the white mustang headed north on the road. She informed police as soon as the accident happened.
“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road,” Crandall said. “It’s a dirt road, and it’s really easy to lose control.” Mile Hill Road does not have any streetlights as well.
Rescuers arrived at the scene and used the Jaws of Life to pull the two passengers, both female, from the crushed vehicle. The victims were taken to Memorial Hospital in Belmont, where one was listed in stable condition. The other was airlifted to Mass. General Hospital in Boston.
There was a similar accident on this road on Dec. 24, 1998, involving speed and intoxication as well. The crash claimed the lives of two people in the car.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New York Times - Oct. 1, 2009
There comes a point when everything can be taken just a bit to far, pushing its extreme limits and overdoing the boundaries for which anything is set. My feelings on "vooks," or virtual books, is that they too are going to an extreme limit. No, I don't think books should be published strictly online in order to save paper waste and keep a "greener" economy. That, to me, is too green. A story on the front page of the Times explains that a lot of publishing companies are trying to incorporate their new products online, so books can be viewed and read on a computer, blackberry, or iPhone or iTouch. Yes, it eliminates the use of paper, but who honestly wants to stare at a computer screen for hours on end reading and getting distracted by other computer applications, like Facebook or AOL Instant Messaging? I personally think the publishing companies just made reading even lazier. Have we lost the true significance of what it means to sit down and read a book in this technology craze? I think that online books may be taking it too far, and we may even see a decrease in reading interest altogether.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
New York Times - Sept. 30, 2009
Remember when I wrote a blog about the suspected terrorist Najibullah Zazi, who was arrested for possessing incriminating documents about bombs on his laptop? Well, he made the news again! This time it's a little more serious than suspicion though. Federal prosecutors say they currently possess evidence that Zazi was planning on carrying out an attack somewhere in the United States, as it was found out that he has training in explosives, bomb-making materials, and was planning a trip to New York. Zazi gained training in explosives when he was in Pakistan, and reportedly bought bomb-making materials in Colorado. But get this: the materials found in Zazi's possession were not found in a lengthy investigation! That means he could have a slew of terrorist materials and all we have to do to confirm this is thoroughly search his residence. Basically, the extent has not yet reached its end in this Zazi terrorism case, and there is no set time table for the Federal Court to settle the dispute. But one thing is for certain: we have reason to suspect Mr. Zazi, as the evidence against him strongly points towards another attampt at causing terror in the heart of American culture.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
New York Times - Sept. 29, 2009
It appears that Iran is at it again. Pictures and a convincing article show that Iran may be constructing nuclear weapons from within the grounds of a remote desert. Allies Britain and France said they agreed with the notion, and that other countries in the world should feel uneasy about what may be going on in the heart of Iran. Could they be building warheads in preparation for a major world conflict? Or just designing products for their own personal gain as a country that may produce some hazardous nuclear waste? Although neither one of those scenario's is in any way ideal, we should hope for the latter.
In other front page news, Europe's socialistic economy is slowly starting for fall down due to "greed and the weakness of regulatory systems." If Europe's economy can't handle a socialist government, how can the United States' (slowly incorporating some socialistic views and ideas) survive, especially since our economy is down the tubes? Experts argue that there's a difference, as Europe's socialist economy leans more to the right, while President Obama's stimulus and health care plans favor the left side of the political spectrum.
In other front page news, Europe's socialistic economy is slowly starting for fall down due to "greed and the weakness of regulatory systems." If Europe's economy can't handle a socialist government, how can the United States' (slowly incorporating some socialistic views and ideas) survive, especially since our economy is down the tubes? Experts argue that there's a difference, as Europe's socialist economy leans more to the right, while President Obama's stimulus and health care plans favor the left side of the political spectrum.
Monday, September 28, 2009
New York Times - Sept. 28, 2009
Well, we all know that swine flu (or the thought of it anyway) has most of the American public in a chokehold, causing us to fear for our lives over something strikingly similar to the normal case of the flu. The story on the front page of the Times talks about the swine flu vaccination, and compares it to the first time the regular flu shot was introduced. I thought that the first paragraph of the story was a little too radical, and will probably cause many people to stop reading the story at that point; maybe even hold out on getting the vaccination. It just seemed to me that the writer tried a little too hard to get people to dig into the story than to actually gain information from it.
One story that I was impressed with was the Liz Cheney story. It really drew me in and held me until the end. I thought it was an excellent example of a delayed lead, feature-type article, and really laid out the powerfulness of her presence. Well done, Mark Leibovich.
One story that I was impressed with was the Liz Cheney story. It really drew me in and held me until the end. I thought it was an excellent example of a delayed lead, feature-type article, and really laid out the powerfulness of her presence. Well done, Mark Leibovich.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New York Times - Sept. 24, 2009
On the front page of the New York Times today, I learned something I did not know about sports: specifically basketball. One of the lead stories below the fold was the annoucement about Mikhail D. Prokhorov possibly purchasing the New Jersey Nets, a franchise in the National Basketball Association. I learned that the league needs a three-fourths vote (23 out of 30 owners) to pass the purchase and allow Prokhorov to own a large portionof the team. The deal he is proposing would cost him $200 million to purchase the franchise, but in his plan he also wants to move the team to Brooklyn and build a $4.6 billion arena, called the Atlantic Yards. Personally, I think it's catchy and a very interesting story. I saw the plans for the arena in the paper and online, and it looks like a very nice establishment. The deal, if it were to go through, would make Prokhorov the first man from overseas to completely own a professional franchise. Other foreigners own stakes in the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but no one has sole ownership of a team as Prokhorov would. This is a story that I find very intriguing, and I am thoroughly excited to see where it goes from here.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New York Times - Sept. 22, 2009
What really jumped out at me in today's issue was that at least three of the top stories had to do with the White House and governmental affairs. Usually that doesn't interest me too much, as I'm not that big on politics. So taht's why it was a relief when I read the story on the far left above the fold. It was a story about coal mining plants and power plants in West Virginia that are trying out a sequestration plan in order to get rid of excess carbon dioxide. Sequestration is a process that injects the carbon dioxide, in which we usually release into the air, into the earth through designated wells. Experts believe that the ground can hold the carbon dioxide for millemiums, but skeptics say that it could damage our water supply that comes from the earth, and quite possibly cause earthquakes. I thought it was interesting because my dad used to work at coal mines all around New England, so I know a little about the chemical makeup that these plants need to consider. It seems like an interesting process to me, so I'll be interested to read about how the experimental phases go. I hope the Times does a follow-up story in the near future.
Monday, September 21, 2009
New York Times - Sept. 21, 2009
Two stories on the front page of the Times really caught my attention today. The first one I read thoroughly was the story investigating a terrorist plot, in which a United States citizen (of Pakistani descent) had plans for building and handling a bomb. Police arrested the suspect and his father after searching their apartment and finding files on his computer that contained information on constructing bombs and different fusing systems. The other story I read was about the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. The Canadians are restricting foreign athletes from using their facilities because: 1) They have felt left out of training facilities in other countries come the time of other Olympic Games. And 2) They want to win gold medals. The story states that Canada is the only country in the world to host two past Olympic Games and not receive a gold medal in either of them. "This is not a statistic we're proud of," said Priestner Allinger, the executive vice president for sports of the Vancouver Organizing Committee. Frankly, I don't blame them for wanting to win a gold so badly, but at least try and do it fair and square, not by restricting everyone else from getting acclimated to the future site of the Olympic Games.
News Lead:
Early today, a young man saved the life of an elderly tourist by informing police that his car was stalled on the railroad tracks with the driver unconscious at the wheel of the vehicle.
Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Brian Paul and policewoman Janet Paradiso pushed the 1987 Cadillac off the tracks with their cruiser while the driver, 80-year-old tourist Francois Truffaut, from Quebec City, Canada, remained incapacitated.
The Amtrak Downeaster rolled through the scene just 30 seconds after the car was removed from the train tracks. Police reported that Truffaut, a diabetic, may have gone into insulin shock just as he reached the railroad crossing.
“It was that close,” Paul said. Both Paul and Paradiso reported to scene at 6:05 this morning.
A hospital official from the Southern Maine Medical Center later said that Truffaut was listed in stable condition.
“I don’t remember a thing,” Truffaut said from his hospital room.
Police responded to the scene after 17-year-old James Laboke, a waiter at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant and Old Orchard Beach citizen, ran into the station and told officials that he saw a man passed out at the wheel and stalled on the train tracks.
Laboke tried to rescue the driver, only to discover that all doors and windows were locked. He pounded on the windows in an attempt to wake Truffaut, again to no avail. He then sprinted to the police station in search of help.
“I never thought about it,” Laboke said. “I just knew I couldn’t let that man get crushed by a train.”
Laboke’s boss at the Eezy Breezy restaurant, Charles Champaigne, said that his behavior doesn’t surprise him at all.
“That young man is one of my most responsible employees. He’s just a great kid," he said.
Delayed Lead:
For 80-year-old Francois Truffaut, a yearly tourist from Quebec City, Canada, his latest trip to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, could have been his last. However, with the help of 17-year-old James Laboke, a citizen of Old Orchard Beach, Truffaut may still travel here once again.
Police reported to the Amtrak crossing when Laboke informed Police Chief Brian Paul that a car was stalled on the tracks.
Laboke was on his way to work, where he waits tables at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant, when he noticed that a car was stalled on the tracks at 6 in the morning. He went up to the car and noticed a man, Truffaut, unconscious at the wheel, while all doors were locked and windows were rolled up. The train scheduled to make its way through Old Orchard Beach at 6:10.
Policewoman Janet Paradiso rammed her cruiser into the rear of the 1987 Cadillac, driven by Truffaut, and pushed the car from the tracks less than a minute before the Downeaster came thundering through Old Orchard Beach.
“I don’t remember a thing,” Truffaut later said from his hospital bed. He is a diabetic, but is now listed in stable condition.
Early today, a young man saved the life of an elderly tourist by informing police that his car was stalled on the railroad tracks with the driver unconscious at the wheel of the vehicle.
Old Orchard Beach Police Chief Brian Paul and policewoman Janet Paradiso pushed the 1987 Cadillac off the tracks with their cruiser while the driver, 80-year-old tourist Francois Truffaut, from Quebec City, Canada, remained incapacitated.
The Amtrak Downeaster rolled through the scene just 30 seconds after the car was removed from the train tracks. Police reported that Truffaut, a diabetic, may have gone into insulin shock just as he reached the railroad crossing.
“It was that close,” Paul said. Both Paul and Paradiso reported to scene at 6:05 this morning.
A hospital official from the Southern Maine Medical Center later said that Truffaut was listed in stable condition.
“I don’t remember a thing,” Truffaut said from his hospital room.
Police responded to the scene after 17-year-old James Laboke, a waiter at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant and Old Orchard Beach citizen, ran into the station and told officials that he saw a man passed out at the wheel and stalled on the train tracks.
Laboke tried to rescue the driver, only to discover that all doors and windows were locked. He pounded on the windows in an attempt to wake Truffaut, again to no avail. He then sprinted to the police station in search of help.
“I never thought about it,” Laboke said. “I just knew I couldn’t let that man get crushed by a train.”
Laboke’s boss at the Eezy Breezy restaurant, Charles Champaigne, said that his behavior doesn’t surprise him at all.
“That young man is one of my most responsible employees. He’s just a great kid," he said.
Delayed Lead:
For 80-year-old Francois Truffaut, a yearly tourist from Quebec City, Canada, his latest trip to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, could have been his last. However, with the help of 17-year-old James Laboke, a citizen of Old Orchard Beach, Truffaut may still travel here once again.
Police reported to the Amtrak crossing when Laboke informed Police Chief Brian Paul that a car was stalled on the tracks.
Laboke was on his way to work, where he waits tables at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant, when he noticed that a car was stalled on the tracks at 6 in the morning. He went up to the car and noticed a man, Truffaut, unconscious at the wheel, while all doors were locked and windows were rolled up. The train scheduled to make its way through Old Orchard Beach at 6:10.
Policewoman Janet Paradiso rammed her cruiser into the rear of the 1987 Cadillac, driven by Truffaut, and pushed the car from the tracks less than a minute before the Downeaster came thundering through Old Orchard Beach.
“I don’t remember a thing,” Truffaut later said from his hospital bed. He is a diabetic, but is now listed in stable condition.
Monday, August 31, 2009
My Start To Journalism
I knew I wanted to be a journalist when I opened the first issue of my high school newspaper during my junior year and saw my name in the by-lines, just above the story I had completed the week before. It's a great feeling seeing something that you've created, something that you wrote, displayed in a public newspaper for all to see. It really gives you a sense of accomplishment, knowing that something you wrote is good enough to relay information to others.
Ever since then, I have worked hard to get the necessary experience to realize my dream. I now write for TNH, the Universities only student-produced newspaper, as the sports editor. I love going into the office twice or three times a week to either write, edit, learn a new program, or just talk to the other staff members. We've become a family at TNH, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
Ever since then, I have worked hard to get the necessary experience to realize my dream. I now write for TNH, the Universities only student-produced newspaper, as the sports editor. I love going into the office twice or three times a week to either write, edit, learn a new program, or just talk to the other staff members. We've become a family at TNH, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
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