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.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
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.
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