Current Event #9

A police officer in Texas is defending his title and reputation after he was convicted of shooting a 93-year old woman in the act of “self defense”. The woman unfortunately died from the injuries, and the officer was fired from his position on the force. There are suspicions about whether or not the shooting was in correlation with the woman’s age and/or race.

This event relates to what I learned last semester in my Civics and Economics class. We learned about the judicial system, and we learned that the process of conviction/ settling a case can be long and complicated. There is still much controversy on whether or not the police should be arrested, yet if the shooter was just an average citizen, he probably would've already been convicted.

I strongly agree with the police force’s decision to remove the officer from the squad. What he did was immoral and inhumane, and he shot an innocent woman for no probable cause. She was defending herself from the brutality that she was facing, and she had a right to keep the weapon in hand. She didn't fire, nor did she threaten to, so they had no right to harm her.

How does the author use language to advance her point of view? The author brings up various key points in this article regarding the circumstances of this crime. She brings up the point of prejudice in the quote, "...the community who want to make this case about Ms. Golden's age, the fact she is African-American, or the fact she is a woman" (Kuo). This brings up the age old idea that minority women are seen as unequal. The author also highlights the fact that the woman did not fire her weapon in the quote, "Stem fired three times, and Golden was hit at least twice, he said. She was transported to a hospital where she dies" (Kuo). This statement provides key facts about the events that took place, and it also shows that the woman, Pearlie Golden, was wrongly hurt. 

Hawk, Thomas. “Commander”. Photograph. FlickrCC. Yahoo, 7 Dec. 2011. Web. 12 May 2014.

<https://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/9527666262>.

Kuo, Vivian. “Texas Police Officer Defends Shooting a 93-Year-Old Woman”. CNN.

Cable News Network, 12 May 2014. Web. 12 May 2014.

<http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/11/us/texas-fatal-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews>.

Apparently This Matters: The New Ronald McDonald

Now that this classic American icon is back in the spotlight, designers felt that it was necessary to give Ronald McDonald a fresh and modern "2014 Look". His new wardrobe consists of a vest, a red and white ruby shirt, and cargo pants. His vest also features his own signature, whimsical design. The only things that did not change include his big red shoes, makeup, and hair. This is the first time this fast-food star has since the early 2000's.

Ronald's look has nothing to do with what I am doing in my classes right now, but next year I will probably be learning about changes in fashion throughout American history. When McDonald's first started business, this clown looked terrifying, but over time, he got less and less scary. Fashion changes over time, and that standard is even applied to fictional characters. 

Personally, I like his new style. That outdated yellow jumper had to go, and it was replaced by an awesome vest and cargo pants. It doesn't really affect me directly, but I will be seeing more and more of his fashion statement every time I eat at McDonald's or see him on a commercial. 2014 has been all about change, so I like Ronald McDonald's bold new look. 

What is the author’s point of view, and how does it impact the overall effect of the text? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer. The author's point of view isn't negative, but it surely suggests that this event isn't ground-breaking or important enough to recieve attention. The title even showsthe author's lack of interest, and it is, "Apparently This Matters: The New Ronald McDonald" (Bellini). The author's point is also shown through the quote, "So, he's a hamburger salesman. Big deal. A little diabetes never hurt anyone." (Bellini) which shows the author's humor towards the subject. 

Overall, this article was meant to entertain as well as inform, and Bellini seems to be mocking Ronald McDonald and his new look. 

Bellini, Jared. "Apparently This Matters: The New Ronald McDonald". CNN. Cable News Network, 25 Apr. 2014. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/25/tech/social-media/apparently-this-matters-ronald-mcdonald/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews>. 

Khalid. "Ronald McDonald". Photograph. FlickrCC. Yahoo, 25 Mar. 2007. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. 
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/88649611@N00/2695165121>. 

U.N. Court Orders Japan to Halt Whale Hunt

The inhumane, punishable whale hunting that is ensued by millions of Japanese fishermen is finally coming to an end. They claim to be hunting these whales for "scientific research", but this type of mass-murdering was wrongly described as innocent. After years of tolerating this cruelty, the United Nations assembly finally ordered these whaling companies to cease their trade and refrain from owning any hunting permits.

This event affects me and my classmates in a positive way, since the majority of us are against animal cruelty. This issue has been abundant and popular for years now, and it is great to finally see justice being brought to these animals. In Spanish class, we were focusing on helping people from Columbia; this helps animals, so it is basically the same concept.

I love that these whalers are getting their licenses taken away. Animals are not on this Earth to be treated with cruelty and heartlessness. There is actually a whole show centered around this topic, and I'm sure the main characters, men who sail around with the intent of stopping these hunters, are elated upon hearing this news.

What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer. The author defines the central idea of this article to be summed up in one word: justice. These poor whales have been mistreated, slaughtered, and abused for far too long, and the author shows his condescension through the quote, "Japan's fleet carries out an annual whale hunt despite a worldwide moratorium, taking advantage of a loophole in the law that permits the killing of the mammals for scientific research" (Ahmed), and by use of the word "despite", the author's disapproving tone is shown. 

The central idea is also characterized throughout the selection by the use of cold hard facts and evidence against whale hunting. The author states, "Each year, environmental groups such as Sea Shepherd pursue the Japanese hunters in an attempt to disrupt the whaling" (Ahmed) which shows that people are not happy with the practice of whale hunting. 

Ahmed, Saeed. "U.N. Court Orders Japan to Halt Whale Hunt". Cable News Network. CNN, 31 Mar. 2014. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/31/world/asia/japan-whale-hunt/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews>.

Zarria, Pete. "Bluer than Blue". Photograph. FlickrCC. Yahoo, 21 July 2013. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/98019953@N00/10846872546>.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: Get Up to Speed on the Latest Development

This article source explains that Flight 370 disappeared by flying under the radar, using mountainous terrain to cover the aircraft's tracks, and flying over eleven countries, including thousands of miles of uncharted land and oceans. Investigators are trying to determine who was flying the plane, whether that be a terrorist, a spy, or just a regular pilot, and investigators have determined that the pilot deliberately steered the plane off it's course. Right now, investigators believe that the plane has either crashed or landed near Thailand or the south Indian Ocean. Countries are now running background checks on every passenger on the plane, but none of the profiles have led investigators to pinpoint one particular person or group of people.

Although this tragedy has nothing to do with what we're doing in our English 10 class at the moment, it does relate to our unit on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This hijacker, if this incident is an act of terrorism, is infringing on the rights of all passengers on the plane. There are other human rights that this terrorist is ignoring, but the main one is that he or she is putting the lives of others in danger. Although we aren't learning about human rights anymore, this can still be applied and identified in circumstances other than the classroom.

I feel terrible about Flight 370, and I hope that these innocent people are still alive, wherever they are. It doesn't affect me directly, but to many other citizens, I'm sure it is heartbreaking and intimidating. This makes me even more hesitant to ride an airplane, since incidents like this occur all the time in all parts of the world. But just like the plane crash in the Andes mountains, those passengers were later found, and hopefully these people aboard Flight 370 are alive and safe.

How does the author use language to advance her point of view? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer? The author uses language to advance her point of view by explaining the back story, headlines, and theories of Flight 370. She states, "For the families and loved ones of those aboard Flight 370, some find comfort that there's no evidence the plane crashed." (CNN), which highlights the families and friends of the passengers. Also, she explains the effects of the crash by stating, "I hope they are alive... no matter how small the chance is" (CNN). 

Bergeron. "Wintage Plane and Modern Photography". Photograph. FlickrCC. Yahoo, 19 Sept. 2009. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/34823889@N07/3985326811>. 

Shoichet, Catherine. "Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: Get Up to Speed on the Latest Development". CNN. Cable News Network, 17 Mar. 2014. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. 

Mysterious Clusters of Birth Defects Stumps Doctors

When a small town in rural Washington is bombarded with birth defects in newborns, doctors are enduring the race against time to find a preventative cure for these children. What started out as only a few rare cases, Anencephaly (a defect in where parts of the skull and brain are missing) is on the rise in Washington. Within two years, Dr. Sara Barron has examined at least twenty-three cases of this fatal disease. Researchers suspect Anencephaly to be the outcome of a number of variables, such as chemical exposure, diet, location, etc. In regards to their research, many critics claim that scientists have insufficient evidence and are lacking knowledge when it comes to neural tube defects, and many citizens of this town are outraged that doctors aren't doing everything they can to find the cause and the cure.

I feel as though this disease is running it's course by costing the lives of innocent babies. As for the doctors, I think that they should research every case related to neural tube defects, and interview all living patients to determine why there has been such an increase in these birth defects. One citizen of this Washington town claims to be "...outraged that state researchers haven't called to ask questions: What did she eat while she was pregnant? Did she spend time near farms that sprayed pesticides? Did she take any herbs or supplements? How about [the child's] father? Was he exposed to any toxic chemicals?" (Cohen). The doctors need to look further into the issue so that they can save the lives that will otherwise be lost.

This relates to what I am doing in my English 10 Honors class in the way that children everywhere are suffering through no fault of their own. During and after the Holocaust, birth defect rates skyrocketed, and these exposed mothers and children were not able to access doctors to help them live and determine the cause of their child's illness. Now that most children today have the right to a doctor and to health, medical professionals are not performing at their best to aid these dying infants.

  How does the structure of the text refine and support the author’s claim? The structure of the text refines the author's claim by placing the controversial, key quotes as headers to paragraphs, such as, "Very Bad Research" (Cohen), and "I Wish They Would Take Things More Seriously" (Cohen). By placing these phrases at the top of each main point, the author shows the negativity and the outrage that the patients and their families have against the doctors.

Cohen, Elizabeth. "Mysterious cluster of births defects stumps doctors". CNN. Cable News Network, 1 Mar. 2014. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.
<http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/01/health/cohen-birth-defects/index.html?hpt=hp_inthenews>.

Hawk, Thomas. "Holi Baby". Photograph. FlickrCC. Yahoo, 24 Mar. 2013. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/7531769724>.

Children During the Holocaust

Children were especially vulnerable during the Holocaust, and as many as 1.5 million children lost their lives in concentration camps around Europe. These adolescent victims made up the Jewish, Gypsy, Polish, Russian, and many other populations. Nazis tortured children aged 13-18 with forced labor and cruel treatment (medical experiments, countless human rights crimes, etc.).

The children involved in the genocide were sorted into five categories: children killed upon arrival, children killed right after being born, children who only lived because they were hidden by other prisoners, children over the age of twelve who could be used as laborers, and children who lost their lives during anti-partisan operations.

Upon arrival at various camps, such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, the majority of children were immediately sent to killing centers and gas chambers. Children were treated as objects and science experiments, and many were killed from infection, hunger, or injury. The smaller children were seen as just an extra expense, since they could contribute nothing to the survival of the camps.

After World War II, soldiers searched throughout Europe in order to find missing children. Many surviving kids were motherless orphans who still encountered a series of unfortunate events. While learning about the Holocaust in my English class, I hope to learn more about the children during this time, and I would very much enjoy gathering evidence of actual stories from surviving children.

"Children During the Holocaust". United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 10 June 2013. Web. 21 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005142>.

Tensions High in Ukraine After At Least 21 Die in Fiery Crashes

All around the world, there are governmental crises and revolution-related distress in many citizens and officials alike. This article highlights the political peril that Ukraine is facing right now. Last Wednesday, protesters gathered in the main square of Kiev to show their dominance and contempt; as a result, there were twenty-one reported casualties and over one-hundred injuries. Other countries, including the United States and Britain, are speaking out against the violence and asking both sides of the altercation to de-escalate the situation to avoid more destruction to Europe and it's reputation.

This event relates to my everyday life and my schoolwork in two ways: the Holocaust unit that my English class is soon to study, and a novel that I happen to be reading (which deals with political revolution, public protests, etc.). The tragedy in Ukraine relates to the Holocaust in a way that the country is experiencing many fatal problems and other countries are speaking out against the brutality caused by government officials. Although this comparison is very broad, I can still identify the events that relate to my day-to-day high school assignments.

I am concerned for the people of Ukraine, and I'm glad that this country's president is striving to fix this broken country. This protest has the potential to affect me, since the United States is stepping in and advising that both parties stop this dispute immediately. Although I wish that America would stay out of global problems, at least just once, I'm glad that my country is not going to step in and pick sides.

What is the impact of using quotations? Quotations affects the views and outcome of this situation, since critics and government officials will obsess over each and every word that leaves a leader's mouth. For example, vice president Joe Biden states, "... the United States condemns violence by any side, but that the government bears special responsibility to de-escalate the situation" (Butenko) which proves that America is getting involved.

Another reason why the article relies so much on quotations is because they can either help or hurt a country's future. Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych explains that he wants the violence to end at any means, and opposition leader Vitali Klitschko states, "I think the authorities should immediately pull back and stop the blood, because people are dying" (Butenko). This quote defines the worry that is spread between both sides, and hopefully that doubt and confusion will result in an equal agreement.

Butenko, Victoria. "Tensions High in Ukraine After At Least 21 Die in Fiery Crashes". CNN. Cable News Network, 18 Feb. 2014. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/world/europe/ukraine-protests/index.html?hpt=hp_t1>.

Hawk, Thomas. "Police, Oakland Riots-6". Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 8 Jan. 2009. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/3178486033>.