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Sunday, October 31, 2010

Sunday October 31

In Sunday's paper, there seemed to be a very scary theme, but not the Halloween kind of scary.  Most of the articles in Sunday's paper were about the recent developments in a terror threat and the ways that terrorists have been plotting and coming closer to succeeding.  Terrorists have been putting an explosive known as Pentaerythritol tetranitrate, or PETN, into printer cartridges and shipping them on planes.  Luckily, the government has caught onto it on two America-bound flights.It is very scary to see that something so simple as a printer cartridge and how no one would think to look there. Another attack is imminent, the problem is stopping it before it happens.  There have also been incidents of hiding PETN inside bombers underwear and cadavers.

Thursday October 28th

In Thursday's paper, the article that caught my attention was the one about how financial aid is going up as the price of college is increasing.  I still don't understand where they're getting this information from.  I've noticed that over the past 3 years, that the financial aid has been decreasing.  Yes, the amount of money of Pell Grants is increasing, but there is also an increase of the number of people attending college.  So really, students aren't receiving more aid and some are even losing some to the increase of students.  I like how the article failed to mention that. As an out-of-state student, who is paying a large sum of money to attend college, I feel as though financial aid should be increasing for individual students and it is frustrating to see positive press for this issue. They have also failed to acknowledge the fact that student debt is also increasing due to owed loans.

On the front page, there was an article about Obama supporters leaning Republican.  This title was not surprising as many people are skeptical with the way the President has been handling situations.  The thing in the article that was surprising was the percentages the poll gave.  It said that 60% of the people are optimistic about the next two years and another 70% said that they thought the economic slump was temporary.  I have not heard one person agree with this.  I would really like to know who they're polling.

Wednesday October 27th

In Wednesday's paper, a great deal of the focus was on the new controversial drink, Four Loko.  Across the country, especially on college campuses, the drink is quickly becoming a party favorite among the younger crowd.  The problem with the drink is that it is an energy drink worth a pot of coffee and the alcohol of about 6-8 beers all in one can.  With this combination, it is more difficult for people to feel the tiring effects of the drink which makes them drink more of it.  Before long, a great deal of people develop alcohol poisoning.  The problem with making this drink such a big deal is that more people want to try this drink now.  Before this drink being all over the news, not many people had heard of it.  Now with all of the press, more people are curious about it. I also heard that the drink is banned in New Hampshire but that doesn't stop people from drinking it.

In the sports section, I greatly enjoyed the article about the Celtics beating the Miami Heat.  People were making such a big deal out of the "big three".  That doesn't matter when they're playing the Celtics though.  I really enjoyed the quotes from Heat players who are trying to make every excuse in the book.“When you have so many options, it’s something I’m not accustomed to, having that many threats on the court at the same time,” Lebron James said. 

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sunday October 24

In Sunday's paper, in the International section, there was an article about Chinese rock fans at a four day music festival put on by the Communist party.  In the opening paragraph, it made it sound exactly like rock fans in the US.  They said that the people spoke out against the country's leaders, were tattooed college students, and sold cannabis themed merchandise.  How is this different from any other country? Also, the festival is run by the Communist Party, which I find to be strange.

Saturday October 23

In Saturday's paper, the first article that I found interesting was the one about the new highway in Colorado that overlooks the Hoover Dam.  In the picture, the view looks incredible even though I'm afraid of heights.  It is said to be in the top seven of the highest bridges in the world.  I just think that this type of engineering is incredible.

There was also an article about how an inmate's death in Arizona might be put off because his lawyers are uncertain as to where the drugs used to execute came from.  They do not believe that they coincide with Food and Drug Administration and if they're safe.  What I don't understand is, these drugs are used to execute him, does it matter if they're unsafe? I mean, either way he is going to be executed. Is there a difference?

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Monday October 18th

There were a great deal of interesting sports stories in Monday's paper.  One headline read "A Finish Line With a Real Height: 8,000 Feet."  Right away this title grabbed my attention. While reading this story, I thought to myself how crazy these people must be to put themselves through a steep marathon up a mountain.  Not only are these people running up 8,000 feet, but they are losing oxygen with each new height.  That just sounds extremely dangerous to me.

The second headline that caught my attention was the one about the Rutger's football player becoming paralyzed after collision on field.  Players know the danger going into the sport, but it is still sad to see players who play with their hearts on the field have their dreams crushed. 

Finally, of course the article about Brady and Branch caught my attention.  My favorite part of this article was a quote from Belichick:“He got open and caught some balls. Let’s not make it too complicated.” I just love his dry, straight-to-the-point way of handling questions.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Saturday October 16

On the front page of Saturday's paper, there was article about Marijuana and California.  The US government thinks that even if Prop 19 wins the vote in the election, they will be able to overturn it.  The US government should learn from California. If the drug is legalized, there will be millions of more dollars brought into the economy and the debt of the country might begin to decrease.

Also on the front page was an article about the rum industry. The problems stem from the location of the rum and where the money is going; and in the end, it could interfere with American consumption of the product. The result might be raising the taxes on rum, which won't be favorable.

Friday October 15

In the Business Section, there was an article about Jon Stewart's upcoming rally. It is not known yet what the rally is for but the event is getting a lot of media attention.  It is going to be held in Washington DC so that might hint that it might be toward the political spectrum. 

In the Sports Section, there was an article about the NBA cracking down on the foul calls. In a recent Celtics' game, 4 technicals were called in the span of 16 seconds. The whole idea is absolutely ridiculous; just let the players play. The game is already interrupted enough by the whistles of the officials; now they want to increase it even more.  As the season beings, the NBA and fans will see just how much these new rules will take a toll on the game.

Thursday October 14

The big story in Thursday's paper was the rescue of 33 Chilean miners. It was nice to see a joyous and happy front of the Times.  Most of the time, these stories don't end up with a happy ending, but for Chile, families and friends were able to celebrate the return of their loved ones. After two months in the mine, the miners were finally freed after prediction that they would not survive.  It was very touching to read about some of the miners and their lives prior to the collapse.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thursday October 7

In today's paper, the first headline that jumped out at me was, "Bear Hunt Training, Minus the Bear".   As I read the story, I became disgusted that something like this is allowed. Hunters are putting bears in cages and letting dogs go after them.  Sometimes, the bears are declawed and fangless. This is definitely cruelty to animals and would like to see something done about it. 


In the Sports Section, there was great discussion about Halladay's no-hitter in the playoffs and Randy Moss's departure from New England. First, Halladay pitched an extremely rare no-hitter in the playoffs against the Reds.  This was a perfect way for the Phillies to start off their World Series hunt as they are fired up about their tremendous start in Game 1. Now it's time to focus on Game 2.  Finally, Randy Moss was released from the place that he has grown to hate.  Yesterday, the Patriots sent the wide receiver back to Minnesota.  Unhappy with his contract and role on the Patriot offense, Moss wanted out before the season even started. Now he has the chance to play with Brett Favre and try to help the Vikings get to a Superbowl. It's bittersweet for New England.  Moss was a loved player, but unhappy players never last in New England. Let's just hope Welker can stay healthy for the rest of the season.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Monday October 4

On the front page of the paper, there was an article, "Taking Loaded Gun Into Bar? In 4 States, It's Already Legal".  Of course in the south there would be laws allowing people to bring guns into bars.  I find this whole idea to be completely insane.  Alcohol and guns would be the worst combination ever.  People already get into enough fights at bars and now they want to allow people to have guns when these fights break out. People can't even smoke in bars in Rhode Island, nevermind bring a loaded gun in. 

In the International Section, there was an article about Two Israeli Soldiers using a nine year old Palestinian boy as a shield.  To use such a young child to go through bags that they think might have explosives in it, is completely atrocious. The article said the soldiers received prison sentences but do not say how long.

Local Boy a Hero After Saving Man From Train Tracks

Early yesterday morning, Old Orchard Beach local, James Laboke saved a man from the train tracks after the man passed out inside his car stuck on the tracks.

Police arrived to the scene just after 6 a.m. and found 80-year-old Francois Truffant, from Quebec City, Canada, unconscious in his car.  First officer on the scene, Captain Janet Paradiso, rammed Truffant's car off the tracks 30 seconds before the train approached.

Laboke, 17 years old, had been taking his usual 5 a.m. 4 mile walk to Eezy Breezy, where he works as a waiter, when he noticed the car on the tracks. After banging on the man's windows to try to wake him up, Laboke ran to the local police station, 100 yards away, to get help.

"I never though about it" Laboke said, "I just knew I couldn't let that man get crushed by a train".

After the station put out the call on the police radio, Paradiso immediately responded.  As she arrived to the scene, she heard the train's whistle and the only thing she could do was ram Truffant's car out of the way.

"I knew there was no time," Paradiso said, "I had to do something".

Truffant, who had been coming to Old Orchard Beach, Maine since he was a child, was taken to the Southern Maine Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition.  "I don't remember a thing" Truffant said in the hospital.  Insulin shock was said to have been the cause of Truffant's unconsciousness, as the man has diabetes.

Laboke continued his day as he normally would and arrived to work on time.  Owner and boss, Charles Champaigne, learned of the incident later in the day when a reporter called.

"It doesn't surprise me at all," Champaigne said, "that young man is one of my most responsible employees. He's just a great kid".
  

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Thursday September 30

Thursday's paper had a couple articles about suicides.  It seems that this has been a large issue recently across the country.  In the part week, six boys committed suicide because of being bullied because they were gay.  One of the articles was about one of these boys, Tyler Clementi. After being videotaped engaging in some questionable behavior, Clementi, a Rutgers student, jumped off the George Washington Bridge. I don't understand how the issue of suicide has broken out so greatly across the country recently. In the second story, four suicides occurred at Fort Hood in Texas.  I had actually read about this story in the Providence Journal because the couple that was talked about was from Rhode Island. Fort Hood experiences a great deal of mental breakdowns and suicides.  I feel as though more should be done to help these soldiers and ensure that this number of suicides decline.

Wednesday September 29

In this edition, there were two stories about the recession and about how it is affecting the way people live and the industries that are seeing declines.  In the first article, it talks about how many people are postponing getting married because they cannot afford a wedding. I found the article very sad and many people either have lost their jobs or have a fear of losing them.

In the Sports section, there's an article about baseball attendance that also discusses the recession.  Even teams in the hunt for the postseason are still seeing a number of empty seats in the stands. It doesn't help that ticket prices and prices of food is through the roof and it is not easy to take a family out to the ball game anymore.  Many people would rather watch in the comfort of their own homes for free instead of seeing it live.

Monday September 27

I found the article about liquor consumption on trains to be very informative.  It makes sense that beer is the top seller among train passengers. It was surprising to see how much hard liquor was consumed though.  Naturally vodka was the top seller in that category but it was interesting to see the vast differences in percentages.  It was also intriguing to see that 1 in 3 drinks sold was a hard liquor beverage.

In the Business Section, there was an article about how Netflix is facing new competitors.  It's interesting because Netflix was part of the cause of the elimination of video stores.  In my town, all of the video stores closed in recent years because of this new video-renting system.  Now for Netflix, business is decreasing after many other companies are starting to use the internet to distribute movies.