A fine for being fat?

The title “A fine for being fat?” perfectly captures the spirit of the article. Dr. Sreedhar  Potarazu’s article uses data and logic to explain the financial effects of obesity on different industries and businesses. In the article, Potarazu brings up the fact that the large drugstore company CVS recently sent letters to employees announcing that they must have weigh-ins and physicals or pay extra money each month on insurance. Drugstores are not the only companies being affected by the overweight human. In recent years the cost of flying has dramatically increased due to the escalating price of fuel. The author points out that how much passengers weigh is important to airlines for economic reasons--more weight means more fuel. Recently an economics professor from Norway proposed new ways to curb the airline’s problem. He suggested fares be based on weight or that the obese should be charged extra, while those of less-than-average weight should receive refunds. In my opinion, this brilliant idea might encourage weight and reward those with healthy lifestyle. The article also mentioned the financial problems associated with obesity, not only for overweight people for the entire population. Insurance costs could easily rise. For example, the “annual heath care costs for obese people is close to $150 billion.” Potarazu’s general hostility towards the economic effects of obesity is supported by his scientifically shocking article. The article is well-written. He uses no dramatic techniques to share his message but manages to craft a fine article. 


http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/03/28/fine-for-being-fat/

'Escrick Ring,' Found In England By Amateur Treasure Hunter Michael Greenhorn, May Have Royal Origins

Ryan Grenoble begins his article with a comical reference to The Lord of the Rings. Grenoble compares Michael Greenhorn, the man who discovered the ancient ring, to Frodo Baggins. According to Grenoble, Greenhorn's journey to find this mysterious and ancient ring "set him [Greenhorn] on a bizarre journey that even a Hobbit could respect." Grenoble describes Greenhorn as a "metal detector enthusiast" who came across this rare piece of jewelry in a field near Escrick, south of York, England, in 2009. Originally, researchers thought this ring dated bath to the tenth or eleventh century, however, now expert claim it is even older and could date back to the fifth or sixth century. Interestingly, historians are not positive of its origins. Some believe the ring could have belonged to a king while some believe it should be considered older and manufactured during the Roman period. This unique discovery has fueled historians' hopes in discovering more information about the past and this ring. Nonetheless, Greenhorn sold his discovery for $50,000 to the Yorkshire Museum, where more analysis will be conducted. 

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/escrick-ring-england_n_2979126.html?ir=Business#slide=1721269

Making Robots Mimic the Human Hand

Author John Markoff begins his article by giving a broad overview of what scientists are attempting to accomplish through the use of these robots. Markoff remarks on the progress of the program, including a couple of quotations from people who were directly involved with the construction of the robot. He also includes a short video which demonstrates how the robotic hands can be used. The robot cost $10,000 to make, but is currently severely limited to the amount of tasks that it can perform. Those involved with this product have very high hopes for its future, believing that its success may even lead to inventions in the future such as self-driving cars. Different prototypes of the hands are still in process; an older prototype had the ability to use a pair of chopsticks to eat sushi, but the newer version of the hands was unable to complete the intended task of changing a tire. The dexterity of the hands is still being tweaked in order to make them more human like as well as to expand their abilities. Besides being able to change a tire, the creators of the robotic arm hope that they can include bomb detecting in its list of abilities in the near future. This program is currently being financed for eighteen months. The agency is also hoping to use their technology to create prosthetic arms for soldiers.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/30/science/making-robots-mimic-the-human-hand.html?hp&_r=0

Gay marriage, then group marriage?

In the article, Robert George argues that legalizing gay marriage would completely destroy the institution of marriage. He creates an argument based in logos as he lays out all the reasons gay marriage is a bad idea. George insists that marriage is not only a recognition of mutual love, but a bond that should be "fulfilled by procreation and family life.", which is why the government has the right to intervene. He implies that children raised by gay couples are the in some way harmed by saying, "A strong marriage culture serves children, families and society by encouraging the ideal of giving kids both a mom and a dad." He thinks that children should have both parents in order to have the archetypical family structure. He also argues that legalizing gay marriage would be bad because it would encourage other alternative a styles of marriage, such as polyamorous and open relationships. 

I disagree with everything George says. By his "logic" people who can't or don't want to have children should not be allowed to get married. He also argues that children should always be raised by 2 biological parents, and gay marriage endangers that ideal. The children that are adopted don't have 2 biological parents to take care of them- it is not as if gay people are creeping into houses to steal children. Adopted children were willfully given up and would otherwise not have a home. The whole 2 biological parents thing is also offensive to straight adoptive and single parents by implying they create some kind of unfit family atmosphere.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/20/opinion/george-gay-marriage/index.html?hpt=op_bn5

Cat Found Alive in Wreckage Following Plane Crash

This article written by Paul Ciampanelli describes the exciting discovery of a survivor cat for one young boy.  During a plane crash in a residential area, a family's house was destroyed. Luckily, the mother and son living in the house were able to make it out unharmed, but the house itself was not so lucky.  The family's home was destroyed past the point of repair. Ciampanelli uses pathos in this instance because te audience can just imagine how awful it would be to lose one's home. On top of this, the young boy thought he lost his precious cat. What a heartbreaking story. The cat was no where to be found, or so it seemed. For all the family knew, it could have been smashed I. The wreckage.  Harvey Jackson, a member of the crew assigned to demolish what was left of the house, spotted the cat just in time to save it from the wrecking ball.  Ciampanelli appeals to pathos once again, portraying Jackson as a hero for this youg boy and his cat. He appeals to logo throughout the majority of the article including specific details which help to develop the article as a whole. 

http://m.aol.com/news/default/dlDetails.do?source=portal&link=http://www.pawnation.com/2013/03/25/cat-found-alive-in-wreckage-following-plane-crash/

Amid Fears of Releases, U.S. Cedes Prison to Afghanistan

Rod Nordland and Alissa Rubin of the New York Times delve into the current standing of American interaction with the Afghan government.  The article opens with three paragraphs packed with logos regarding the situation.  The authors use these paragraphs to set up the fact that the American military recently turned over a majority of Taliban prisoners to the Afghan government.  Directly following the details of this situation, they write “If recent history is any guide, the decisions the Afghans make on Taliban releases after taking control are not likely to reassure the American military.”  This quotation demonstrates the authors’ biased opinion that the choice to give the Afghan government control of the prisoners may not of been smart.  This quotation acts a transition from the section based mainly on logos to the following paragraphs, which consider future possibilities and implications on our country.  These paragraphs play more toward pathos in attempt to help the reader emotionally connect to the article and gain a better understanding of its possible implications.  For example Nordland and Rubin directly refer to the potential disaster when they state, “Keenly aware of such cases, American military commanders had stubbornly insisted that they retain some control over decisions about releasing prisoners, which in turn led to a toxic, protracted dispute with the government of President Hamid Karzai.”  A slight sense of sarcasm is evident as they then refer to the upcoming “toxic, protracted dispute.”  Although this section of the article contains pathos, the authors continue to use facts from the past to support their statements.  They explain a specific past scenario when they write, “Among those released in recent years by Afghan officials or Afghan courts were most of the 46 Taliban prisoners who had been returned from the Guantánamo Bay prison camp.”  By referring to this case, Nordland and Rubin demonstrate the past failure of these attempts.  The author’s use the frequent inclusion of these past facts combined with their own voice to form a disapproving tone toward the American decision to transfer control of the troops.  Although the article contains clear aspects of a biased voice, it successfully communicates the details of the situation while also portraying a possible outcome. 

Rio Indigenous Protesters Evicted

A group indigenous Brazilians were evicted from their homes with tear gas, by the Brazilian government. The building they were living in was admitted many years ago as a place to showcase indigenous life. It is next to the football stadium that's will be used in the World Cup next year and officials wanted it to be turned into an Olympic museum. These indigenous people protested as they still had the desire to use the building to showcase their indigenous lifestyle to tourists, as thn they would be able to see a native way of life. Hundreds of years ago the Spain's traveled the Atlantic in order to steal South American land, and indigenous people have been fighting for what is there's ever since. They are the ones who have to prove that they have the right to uplift their native culture while others are constantly reminding them that their time has past. Brazil has been facing difficulties as they attempt to get the country prepard for holding international sportin events in the coming years, the logos of the author is portrayed through his emphasis of this. Much like in this country commercialism, publicity, and popularity are the most important thing a group of people should want.

U.S. and South Korea Sign Plan to Counter North

This article focuses on the relationship between the U.S. and South Korea in terms of threats and attacks issued by North Korea. Author Choe Sang-Hun stays focused and serious when discussing a topic that requires serious and thoughtful input. The piece is not opinionated and filled with logos which is key in his delivery of portions of the agreement signed by the U.S. and South Korea. The author uses quotations in writing the piece in order to present trustworthy and relevant information. Sang-Hun quotes both the U.S. and South Korea in their joint statement, “‘By completing this plan, we improved our combined readiness posture to allow us to immediately and decisively respond to any North Korean provocation.’” Sang-Hun also discusses the signing of the agreement, stating that it followed a number of threats. This places a sense of urgency in the readers mind, reminding them that some order of action must be taken against North Korea.  Sang-Hun does not seem to make a proper conclusion to his article reflecting the unending threat that we presently seem to be facing.  

China Pig Deaths: Toll from Shanghai Rivers near 14,000

In the last weeks China has faced problems with pigs. As the title of the article explains, approximately 14,000 pigs have been pulled out of rivers around Shanghai. In the last week  alone, 6,000 pig carcasses were dragged from the water, and not just any water, but Shanghai’s drinking water. Officials claimed that the water was safe, but the Chinese population doesn’t seem to be as upset about possible contamination of the drinking water as they are about where the dead pigs came from. Officials are embarrassed about the situation and have determined that the pigs all died from porcine circovirus, a disease that harms only pigs. The article described the public as concerned instead of panicked and seemed to indicate that the public were used to public health scandals, accounting for their calm demeanors.The author continued to connect this recent scandal to others in the environmental and health departments, such as old oil scraped from drains used in cooking and baby formula that contains harmful chemicals. In recent years the spotlight has been placed on China’s environmental problems, such as their extremely high smog levels and unclean water in small villages. This pig issue further shows the serious environmental problems that China has. The author of this article had a clear position on China’s pollution, calling it a serious issue. The author indicated that Chinese officials should be more concerned about such a large number of dead diseased animals floating down rivers used to supply water to millions. Unfortunately the author offered no interesting or witty comments to make the article more readable. Although the article did express the information in a clear and direct way, there was nothing unusual or eye-catching about the article other than the curious topic. The author did achieve his goal of conveying information but did so in quite a “cookie cutter” way.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-21861987

Big Data Is Opening Doors, but Maybe Too Many

By STEVE LOHR


This article is referring to the technological advances of the world today. While many believe that new technology will aid everyone in general, there is also worry of the effects of a technologically run world - especially when referring to people's privacy. The article opens talking about how in the 1960's the government was able to tap into every aspect of people's lives due to new technology, everyone was "freaked out". The author craftily transitions from the lack of respect for privacy during the 1960's to todays world where so called Big Data is what is the issue (data including Web pages, browsing habits, sensor signals, smartphone location trails and genomic information). And while this technology enables scientists to move forward in work that is necessary for human survival and can save lives, it can also open up doors that can be inhumane and almost scary in some instances. The author does a great job giving both sides of the argument when he does not only talk about the bad parts of technology, but the good as well in order to make it clear that he is not biased to establish ethos. In the end, he makes it clear that though scary, technology in general is a great part of societal growth but we must be cautious about the consequences. 

Egypt's president says he may move to protect nation

This article discusses the political unrest that is prevalent in Egypt. In a recent violent demonstration, at least 200 people were injured. This tragedy is leading the president to do whatever it takes to protect his country, explains the journalist using logos and pathos. The journalist includes quotations from the country's first freely elected president's twitter page. The journalist then uses logos to explain the president's plans for action in order to protect and repair the nation and hopefully prevent future violent discontent between political groups. These ideas include holding those people accountable who are using the media, such as twitter, television, etc, in order to incite violence, and he also will take "'appropriate measures'" against those politicians who were behind the violence that recently took place. The president does realize that some of these measures may be controversial, especially because of the high status of some of these politicians. The journalist then discusses previous demonstrations that have occurred within recent months, such as one political group called "Brotherhood" painting offensive graffiti, which prompted a violent and demonstrative protest from Brotherhood opposition. Supporters of the Brotherhood also assaulted reporters. Egypt's president, Morsi, is realizing the destruction that these disagreements between political groups is causing for the country. Therefore, he will conduct investigations regarding some of the recent violence and protests, and he "'will not be happy if investigations find some politicians guilty.'" The journalist concludes the article with a combination of logos and pathos when he describes that the most recent political clash in Egypt is the most violent since December. Then the journalist includes information about graphic images of injured men from these demonstrations, giving the impression of "a nation torn by strife." The journalist's last statement describes what he believes to be the nature of much of the conflict: disagreements between Morsi himself, Islamist supporters, moderate Muslims, secular Egyptians, liberal Egyptians, Christians, and women. So many clashing political and social groups within one unsteady nation is leading to what has potential to be the nation's complete destruction.


Link to article: http://news.msn.com/world/egypts-president-says-he-may-move-to-protect-nation

Roy Williams Marshall Henderson And Florida Gulf Coast Take Center Stage On NCAA Tournament Sunday

Jordan Schultz, author of this article,  gives the top ten things NCAA viewers should not miss on Sunday, the last day of the tournament's opening weekend. He begins with number one called, "Rock Chalk, Go Home?" in which he believes is the "dream team" matchup: North Carolina versus Kansas. In this short paragraph, Schultz gives his opinion of the projected winner being the tar heels, but also reverts back to bringing up a past game when these teams met in 2008 NCAA tournament in the final four with Kansas winning. Schultz continues through his top ten with different basketball match-ups and games to watch. In each of these rankings, Schultz utilizes logic and statistics to predict the game winner. He incorporates the team dynamics and key players in each of his decisions. Overall, Schultz uses logos and ethos to portray his opinion of the game winners onto NCAA basketball viewers. 

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/23/ncaa-tournament-day-4-2013_n_2941230.html?utm_hp_ref=sports

Skydive instructor, student killed in Fla. jumps

The unidentified author begins their article by stating general facts about the two bodies that were discovered after failing to return from a skydiving jump. Both the instructor and student went missing after an excursion, which led to a search for them around Florida. After successfully completing their first two jumps, the pair went for their third jump but failed to return to their group. Their bodies were discovered later that evening in woods by spotters in the air. Authorities who were questioned failed to report on whether or not the parachute had in fact opened, claiming that this information was part of their ongoing investigation. The men were said to have jumped separately instead of together. The co-owner of the Skydiving Company told local newspapers that there have been 10 or 12 deaths in the company's 20 year history.


Source: http://entertainment.verizon.com/news/read.php?rip_id=%3CDA57DFN81%40news.ap.org%3E&ps=931

Decieved, Taken Advantage of, and Stolen Innocence

Christina Regusters, a 19 year old daycare worker, was charged with the kidnapping and rape of a 5 year old Muslim girl. Allegedly, Regusters abducted the little girl from her elementary school, claiming to be her mother. Police reported that she covered herself in a black Muslim veil similar to the girl's mother when she signed the girl out of school located in Philadelphia. Reguster originally knows the child from an after school care program the girl attended where Reguster also worked. She has been convicted with kidnapping, rape, conspiracy, aggravated assault and several related offenses. The child was discovered shivering half naked on a playground a mile away from the school the morning after her abduction on January 14. She was hiding under a jungle gym play set around 4 in the morning in 37 degree weather, while also being damp from the rain. The child told the police, "I ran away, I ran away from the people who took me". Also, she told them and an onlooker, "I've been stolen" and then she repeatedly spoke of a talking bird inside the home that would "peck her eyes out" if she didn't stay hiding under the bed. This was a crucial fact in the case according to attorney Tom Kilne who's representing the child and her mother. The girl retraced her steps for the police, which lead them to the home with the "bird". "This brave, innocent, precious, little girl was instrumental in leading police literally to the door of the crime", said Kline in an interview. The police discovered that this little girl was blindfolded, told to remove her clothes and put on a black, adult sized T-shirt, then ordered to hide under the bed. Police have found DNA on that shirt, which acts as evidence. There is suspicion that others were involved in this crime. He also stated, "terrible, horrible injures and that the family was grateful for the arrest, but know it isn't the end of the line". About a week after the principal of the school was removed, four other people were held responsible for the ordeal. Now, district officials enforce the requirement that anyone signing a child out of school must show ID and be on a list  as a verified parent of guardian.

Feminist Views on Obama's Speeches

The author of Feminist Studies, discusses and argues with the language President Obama used in last week’s State of the Union address. In his speech, Obama announced his commitment to equal pay for women in the name of “our wives, mothers, and daughters.” To those keen feminist ears, such as the author, his statement is discordant. She argues that the opening with “our wives” addresses mostly males. She even describes her reaction to this statement with a flinch. While the author is against his statement, many have tweeted about it and there is a petition asking the White House to remove it within his other speeches ( since he also included it in his inaugurial speech.  The author is understanding of its appeal; using diction such as “warm” and “motivational”, but she feels as though it undermines the idea that women can be “political actors detached from their status within households.”

             Throughout Ashwini Tambe’s article, she uses great pathos and ethos. These main topics show through her diction that contains a strong and opinionated voice. She also uses a small amount of logos by giving little facts about Obama’s speech. Her article is convincing in some ways and she makes a good point when she mentions that he addresses mostly males. However, others may disagree with her article and may even argue that it is “too” feminist.

Baby Survives After Parents Die in Car Crash

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/04/nyregion/expectant-couple-killed-on-way-to-hospital.html?hpw&_r=1&

 

This article is a report about a young couple who were expecting, but tragically got in a car accident, killing the parents but preserving the baby. The article starts with pathos describing how young and happy the couple were, then abruptly changing into bleak diction, just as they were abruptly hit with the other car. The baby was premature, but served as a sliver of hope for the family who had just lost two of their precious members. While providing key facts of logos, the authors lays on thick pathos by appealing to both the tragedy and the hope for the baby who seemingly had no chance. By including the depressed voices of their family members, the article becomes more intimate since the reader feels the family's pain. Disbelief of the family helps bring in more pathos to the tragic story. Overall, the article is both moving and informing with a balance of pathos and logos.

Experts Want More Studies of Diet’s Role for the Heart

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/health/experts-want-more-studies-of-mediterranean-diets-role-for-the-heart.html?adxnnl=1&ref=us&pagewanted=2&adxnnlx=1362333682-qEG3wX033i/wsXtWQkKy3w

Experts Want More Studies of Diet’s Role for the Heart

Author Gina Kolata gets right to the point in her article about changes in diets. Researchers have proven that a Mediterranean diet can prevent deaths that are linked to cardio and heart diseases. She cites a specific study, validating her credibility as an author and then employs quotations from professors, doctors, and scientists that are well versed in diet and its relations to heart health.  These doctors, scientists, professors are rooted all over the globe solidifying the research and making it a global issue. As Kolata progresses through her article, she addresses the fact that studies are rarely done because of the expenses and the prolonged duration of the studies. Kolata also focuses on a single person affected by heart issues.  This allows her to go in depth about his specific heart problem and illustrate the affects of his vegan. She concludes the article with a quotation from a doctor, which sums up the issue of the lack of research and the fact that only so much can be done.   

Baby Born After Parents' Death Also Dies

Nachman and Raizy Glauber, both 21-year-old Orthodox Jewish members in Williamsburg, N.Y. were killed on their way to the hospital when a BMW with two unknown drivers hit their livery cab. Raizy was ejected into the street, where she ended up under a tractor trailer, while her husband was pinned inside the car. They were pronounced dead from "blunt-force trauma" at the hospital. Their baby was delivered via cesarean section, and died at 5:30 am, weighing four pounds.

This article lacks an extensive amount of detail and information on the actual incident. It repeats information such as the fleeing of the "driver of a BMW and a passenger", bringing them up twice, and also supplying minimal information on the original owner of the car. The only solid details that are given, and actually pertain to the case is in the middle, describing the accident and how the scene was found. The article is concluded with "fluff", giving background on the couple, statistical facts about Orthodox Jewish in New York, finally ends with details on their funeral. This article requires more information on the accident, however, the author lengthens his article with supplementary details.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2013/03/04/us/ap-us-expectant-parents-killed.html?hp&_r=0

Syrian war is everybody's problem

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/28/opinion/ghitis-syria/index.html?hpt=op_mid

Throughout the article the author, Frida Ghitis, argues that Democratic nations need to drop their reservations and aid the moderate Syrian opposition in order to prevent more death, destruction, and displacement in Syria. Ghitis recognizes the reasons the United States and its allies are unwilling to get involved: "It's not our problem. We're not the world's policeman. We would only make it worse.". She also  refers to the disorganization and questionable beliefs of the Syrian rebel opposition, which is filled with extremists and moderates alike. She uses pathos as she cites the death of 50 innocents " 36 of them children [who] died in a missile attack last week."  and various other attacks on civilians, but her argument is mainly comprised of logos. Ghitis cites the inner turmoil that will occur without Western intervention. She says that at least "90,000" deaths have happened since the start of the war and that if these deaths continue the oppressive, unethical Syrian government will win because of their better resources and weapons, leaving the country even more fragmented and repressive than before. She  writes that the longer the war goes on, the moderate opposition is being overshadowed by the dangerous, anti-western, ultra-devout extremists. She also argues that the United States and it's European allies should intervene because of the negative effect the Syrian war is having on surrounding countries. Jordan" is struggling with a flood of refugees, as many as 10,000 each week since the start of the year", Turkey is burdened with hundreds of thousands of refugees a week as well, Israel is unwilling being brought into the conflict, and Lebanon is dangerously close to the Syrian war spilling into its borders. Ghitis declares that the only good outcome of the war will come if the modernists win, but only vaguely addresses how the United States should differentiate between the modernist opposition and the extremist opposition when they provide "training, funding, careful arming and strong political and diplomatic backing".  Although Ghitis makes a good argument for why the United States and Allies should become involved in the Syrian war, she never fully addresses how they should go about it, instead choosing to stay on idealistic topics like the need for universal human rights, peace, and democracy, etc. With no solution to the problem at hand, her argument just states what is already obvious, leaving us with only talk rather than a needed plan for action.

Blast Kills at Least 45 Pakistanis in Shiite District of Karachi

Declan Walsh of the New York Times explores recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and reveals the facts and effects.  He opens the article with a balance between pathos and logos. Walsh describes the graphic "latest attrocity" as he introduces the topic by depicting the most recent attack.  This explanation acts on pathos as he reveals the devastatinge events.  However, this pathos is backed up with logos as Walsh includes facts to add a credible foundation to his story.  He continues this logos as he develops the surrounding story that caused these events.  Throughout the article Walsh continues to rely on a mix of logos and pathos in order to relay the facts behind the events but the horrific results.  For example he quotes a member of the affected minority when he states, "It’s a sign that things are only going to get worse." He includes this quoation to demonstrate that this attack has larger implications for the terrorist series of events as a whole.  Walsh includes the right amount of background information to make the event comprehendable and also reflects on future implications.  His balance of logos and pathos reveals the factual evidence behind the situation but includes the emotional side to show the effects on the community. 

Harlem Shake Reaches New Heights; FAA Not Amused

According to Mike Ahlers, the Harlem Shake is the “dance sensation that’s sweeping above the nation--at 30,000 feet.” Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has become concerned with a certain Youtube video that depicts passengers dancing to the popular Harlem Shake while in the air on a Frontier Airliners flight to San Diego. This nationwide dance phenomenon is not just happening on the ground in offices, schools and on the streets but in the air as well. The FAA claims it doesn’t want to be the “kill joy,” but this dancing in the air has raised serious security and safety issues. The FAA is currently investigating this particular instance to find out if the fasten seat-belt sign was indeed off, as Frontier Airlines claims. Officials agree that any kind of dancing or disruption in the air is dangerous because most air-related accidents result from turbulence. It is unsafe to have hundreds of people without seat belts jumping around while the plane is flying. Some worry that terrorists could possibly use the distraction for their own benefits. Ahlers’ only interesting line is the first of his article, when he wittily remarks that the Harlem Shake is the “dance sensation that’s sweeping above the nation” instead of merely sweeping the nation. The rest of the article is filled with quotes and important information that helps readers understand the issue. Although the article contains few clever remarks, it is nonetheless fascinating due to the popularity of the subject.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/01/travel/harlem-shake-faa/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

High-Tech Bullying

The author of this article, Elizabeth Landau, interviews Brandon Turley, a senior in high school who was previously bullied in middle school. Turley explained how kids would torment him as he walked down the halls being called a "fag" and a "fatty". He was constantly cyber bullied, however he said that is seemed like people who had never met him were the ones who were saying the most hurtful things. Now, as he moves on to college, he is finally beginning to speak out about the injustices of cyber bullying. His story, along with many others, have started to provoke debates about whether there should be more policy's that restrict kids' ability to say hurtful things online. Statistics show that kids who were cyber bullied "were more likely to say they had considered suicide." Research has revealed that kids who are bullied experience mental issues later in life, including severe anxiety, depression, and antisocial personality disorder. Turley, who had attended three different middle schools in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade, soon found a website called WeStopHate.org. This non-profit organization helps kids to find safe environments and gives advice on how to deal with bullies. He encourages everyone to view the website in order to learn about the dangers of bullying.

Cops Use Abandoned Baby Chloe's Tooth in Search for Parents

This article, composed by Steve Osunsami and Alexis Shaw tells the story of an unwanted baby abandoned in Texas.  The authors use logos, providing specific details such as the weight of the baby: "just four pounds when she was found by a woman walking her dog near the apartment complex" where baby Chloe was left.  The authors use more logos, providing solid facts about the use of the baby's early tooth in the investigation, such as the fact that in "one of 2,000 births" the baby is born with a tooth, "a unique genetic trait that may prove to be a link to her family history."  According to the article, investigators plan to trace the parents of the abandoned baby.   Many of the investigators have fallen in love with baby Chloe's  "ready smile" and desire to catch them and "charge them" for leaving the baby to die when "Texas has an infant safe haven law, which allows mothers to anonymously give up their babies to designated locations where they can receive care until they are placed in a permanent home." The authors appeal to logos, including a warm statement from sketch artist Lori Gibson that "The people would recognize that smile."  Gibson obviously was drawn to the adorable baby just like many of the cops.   The authors did a good job in ensuring that readers can feel the love surrounding this baby while reading the article.  They use pathos again by including pictures of the baby's smile, and another kind statement ensuring the audience that the baby will find a loving home because "There is no shortage of people who want her."  Concluding with this statement was the perfect way to end this heart warming article. 

http://gma.yahoo.com/cops-abandoned-baby-chloes-tooth-search-parents-183407713--abc-news-topstories.html

Virginia's Feast on US Funds Nears an End

This article is referring to the recent spending cuts issued by our government in order to slowly get rid of our enormous deficit. But this article is mainly focusing on Northern Virginia and the effects of one of the largest decreases in national spending of all time. The author does a great job starting the article painting a picture of Virginia after the sequestration: "wait in line here for the 595 bus to Reston, Va., a journey across a suburbia grown fat and happy on a federal spending boom in the past decade" making it clear that these Northern Virginians have been "feasting on US funds" and spending more than they need to be more than comfortable. And while these neighbors of ours are enjoying the fattening of their wallets, the rest of the nation has been full of unemployment and typical recessionary adjectives. Meanwhile unemployment has never moved past 5% in Arlington County, Virginia. But with the spending cuts, Virginia is hit the hardest with the largest portion of the $85 billion dollar decrease. And sadly, as the author points out, Virginian employees will drop by 90,000 and a salary decrease of 20% will be put into effect. Basically, in short, the author is making it clear that not even the wealthy, suburban dwellers will escape the effects of the sequestration, for it is something that will change the nations dynamic for many years to come. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/us/politics/virginias-feast-on-us-funds-nears-an-end.html?hp&_r=0

Author: Trip Gabriel

Bahrain activist Zainab al-Khawaja sentenced to jail

         An activist in Bahrain, named Zanib Al-Khawaja, has been thrown in jail for humiliating a public employee. In the past she has also been put in jail for the destruction of public property, and entering a forbidden area. Al-Khawaja is an advocate for democracy, this is one of the first things the article tells us about her. It immediately appeals to pathos and logos as any member of any democratic nation will automatically feel inclined to sympathize with Al-Khawaja, and dislike her "oppressive" government. It appeals to logos as the author is showing that because she is pro-democratic we should support her, what her non-democratic country is doing to her is wrong. I neither dispute nor agree with whether her country is wrong or right, but this author is another bias figure. They also shows ethos, as he makes fun of her past offences when they explain that in the past she has been put in jail for one and two months, they proceed to put quotes around the word "prohibited area" to show how they doesn't believe the area was actually prohibited and they think its a little ridiculous that she was convicted. They goes on to talk about her being convicted for destroying public property. They then write, "Her lawyer said she had torn up a picture of the king.",   and this is their last sentence of the paragraph, forcing the reader to notice the sentence and contemplate the injustice of the government. The writer goes on to talk about the participation of the UN condemning the country from preventing people to have freedom of speech. The U.S is a signatory of this document. The writer recalls the way past protests have been suppressed in Bahrain, reinforcing the oppressive state.

The Holocaust Just Got More Shocking

This article, written by Eric Lichtblau of the New York Times, reports that the Holocaust Museum recently presented its research of concentration camps in Europe during the Holocaust. The research produced the fact that a grand total of 42,500 concentration camps and ghettos were in active use during the Holocaust in Europe. Lichtblau communicates the logos of the research conducted, and uses pathos in order to bring the lifeless facts to a horrifying reality. By using horrifying diction such as "killing centers" and "dumping the bodies of victims" Lichtblau allows the reader to understand that the horrors of Auschwitz so commonly discussed were present in thousands of other locations throughout the continent.

Dazzling Northern Lights over Iceland

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, bring many visitors to Iceland with their "dazzling colors and otherworldly glow." This collection of eleven photos tells their scientific significance and purpose for the color and height changes. According to scientists, "The shimmer arises when electrons from solar winds interact with the earth’s atmosphere, and the flowing, stream-like movements result because the winds follow the planet’s magnetic force." Each picture shown illustrates the unique patterns of the lights and colors. Interestingly, none of the light-patterns look exactly the same. Although they are only 60 miles above the Earth, they look much closer in photos. These pictures were all taken over different land masses: either water, mountains, grasslands or a city. The enchanting photos shows the light pristine colors and surrounding scenery. A few of the pictures with mountains near the water, allow the Northern lights to reflect in the water, making a more dazzling sight. Overall, Iceland, home of the Northern Lights, is lucky to have such a dazzling environmental feature in their sky. 

Ragnar Sigurdsson, the photographer, does a good job with capturing the uniqueness of the lights in different areas of Iceland. 

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/scandals-loom-over-italians-hoping-to-reclaim-papacy/2013/03/01/9a9647bc-82aa-11e2-b99e-6baf4ebe42df_story.html?hpid=z4

Flacco agrees to Ravens deal

In this short article by Barry Wilner, he recounts when Flacco agreed to the deal with the Ravens on Friday, making him the highest paid player in NFL history. Wilner emphasizes multiple times that the deal is "tentative" and says "If the deal is finalized", meaning it has not been yet. Flacco would receive $120 million over the span of six years. He would also earn more than the $20 million dollar yearly salary that Drew Brees currently earns. Since the Ravens met the deadline, Flacco is assured to play for them next year. Before Flacco finished his rookie contract from last year, he was earning close to $6.76 million before leading the Ravens to the championship. This logos filled passage continues and the author supports the fact-based sport of football by using heavy logos. Since Flacoo is resigned, attention is now being focused on signing the other free agents.


Source: http://entertainment.verizon.com/news/read.php?rip_id=%3CDA4OKHE03%40news.ap.org%3E&ps=1013

Head Start teachers behind on nutrition, study finds

This article, by Kathryn Doyle, attempts to raise awareness of the importance of educating youth kids about healthy choices. Doyle begins the article using logos when she expresses the concern found in a study that many preschool teachers seem to have unhealthy eating habits. The study was conducted primarily observing the Head Start program, which helps fund daily care for young children from low income families. Doyle uses more logos to explain the study: many teachers at Head Start centers were asked five questions about nutrition and health, and 97% of the teachers answered one to three questions incorrectly. Doyle then includes more fun facts about these teachers, such as the fact that the previous day, many had not eaten fruit, and a lot had eaten french fries. She then includes more serious facts, such as the fact that a quarter of preschoolers attending Head Start are obese. However, after criticizing Head Start, Doyle actually gives them some credit. She says that Head Start is a bit ahead of other preschool programs, which, however, is alarming, because of their lack of education in nutrition. If Head Start does not educate children properly about nutrition and they are ahead of other programs, the other programs are really doing a disservice. Doyle then includes a quotation that states that nutrition is not a big program throughout many preschools, but Doyle stresses that it should be. Doyle then includes a powerful quotation that states that poor nutritional education early in life will continue throughout elementary, middle, and high school which is not beneficial at all in leading a healthy lifestyle. Through Doyle's extensive use of logos and her inclusion of quotations from educators and those involved in the study, she conveys the urgency of changing the system in the country of educating about health and nutrition from an early age. If precautions are not taken, bad health habits will continue throughout youth and adulthood, which is the major cause of the many health problems in our nation today.


Link to article: http://news.msn.com/science-technology/head-start-teachers-behind-on-nutrition-study-finds