MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SEE BIN LADEN PHOTOS

"Members of Congress See Bin Laden Photos." CNN Wire Staff. May 11, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/11/congress.bin.laden.photos/index.html?npt=NP1


President Obama decided that he would not release the photos of Osama Bin Laden's corpse to the public. Select members of Congress are viewing them this week and the images are "gruesome." However, they will not be able to take any copies of the photos. Some members disagree with Obama's decision because they think it would finally establish that Bin Laden is dead.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER AND WIFE ANNOUNCE SPLIT

"Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver Split." Alan Duke. May 10, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/05/10/schwarzenegger.shriver.separated/index.html?npt=NP1


Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger confirmed their separation soon after their 25th anniversary. The statement did not mention a divorce or when the separation began, but Shriver was not wearing her wedding band in a YouTube video posted two weeks ago. They share four children, at the ages of 14, 18, 20, and 21.

U.S. MUST GET OK TO TALK TO BIN LADEN WIVES

"U.S. Needs Permission to Interview Bin Laden Wives." CNN Wire Staff. May 9, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/09/pakistan.bin.laden/index.html?npt=NP1


Pakistan will allow the U.S. to interview Bin Laden wives only with the permission from countries of origin. The three wives were taken into Pakistani custody after the U.S. raid that killed Bin Laden. Pakistan's army chief requests parliament briefing on security. A Pakistani official states that the CIA station chief's name was not leaked.

CHILD ATTACKED BY LEOPARD AT KANSAS ZOO

"Child Attacked by Leopard at Kansas Zoo." Antoinette Campbell. May 7, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/05/06/kansas.zoo.attack/index.html?npt=NP1


On an elementary school field trip, a boy was attacked by a leopard at a Wichita, Kansas zoo. Witnesses claim he went over the railing and approached the Amur leopard exhibit before he was attacked. The child was rescued by bystanders who rushed in and beat the animal away. He suffered injuries to his head and face, but he is expected to be fine.

AL QAEDA CONFIRMS BIN LADEN'S DEATH

"Al Qaeda Confirms Bin Laden's Death." CNN Wire Staff. May 6, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/06/bin.laden.qaeda.comment/index.html?npt=NP1


Al Qaeda released a statement on jihadist forums Friday confirming the death of their leader. He issued a threat against the United States and urged Pakistanis to "rise up and revolt." The internet has been long used for Bin Laden and other jihadis to post messages to their followers.

MUBARAK FACES POSSIBLE EXECUTION

"Mubarak Faces Possible Execution, Egyptian Official Says." Nima Elbagir. May 4, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/05/04/egypt.mubarak.justice/index.html?npt=NP1


Former Egyptian president could be convicted if he is convicted of killing the protesters. Egypt's justice minister stated that the courts won't hesitate to use the death penalty if he is found guilty. Mubarak resigned from office in the face of popular protests in February after more than thirty years in power.

BIN LADEN UNARMED WHEN KILLED

"Bin Laden was Unarmed When Killed, White House Says." CNN Wire Staff. May 3, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/05/03/bin.laden.dead/index.html?npt=NP1


Carney says that Osama Bin Laden was unarmed when he was shot and killed. He also stated that a women that was believed to be his wife rushed the U.S. forces and was shot in the leg but not killed. Bin Laden put up a good resistance until he was shot. Hard drives, DVDs, and thumb drives were taken from Bin Laden's compound.

BIN LADEN IS DEAD!

"Osama Bin Laden is Dead, Obama Announces." Sam Stein. May 2, 2011.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/01/osama-bin-laden-dead-killed_n_856091.html


Last night, President Obama announced that Osama Bin Laden was killed in a televised address to the nation. His death was the result of a U.S. operation in Pakistan launched Sunday morning against a compound where he was believed to be hiding. A team of American troops killed him and took possession of his body after a fire fight. ABC news reported that authorities plan to bury Bin Laden's body at sea in order to leave no definitive location for his final resting place.

IMMIGRATION CLASS DISCUSSION REFLECTION

I thought this was one of the most heated class discussions we have had this semester. After our discussion on illegal immigration, I have come to a few conclusions. I think that government should stop associating the drug wars taking place in Mexico with illegal immigration. Border violence is a problem that needs to be addressed independently. Instead, I feel that the government should focus on reforming how workers can come here to work legally. I think that they should consider speeding up the citizenship process, so it can be easier to obtain for people who want to make an honest living in America. Simply deporting illegal immigrants in the U.S. without addressing the source of the problem is costly and ineffective.

Furthermore, I think that Arizona’s SB1070 is not an effective bill and, in my opinion, encourages racial profiling. I also don’t understand why some people say that illegal immigrants are stealing U.S. jobs. If anything, statistics have shown us that illegal immigrants help America’s economy. However, I do see both sides of the argument. Employers are more willing to hire illegal immigrants because they are willing to work more for less. Plus, employers would not have to pay for unemployment tax, insurance, etc.

All in all, I am completely torn on where I stand on the issue of illegal immigration. However, I just have to point out that America was a nation founded by immigrants who were seeking better opportunities. No one is a true citizen of the U.S., unless you are Native American. Legal or not, who are we to deprive someone of the opportunity to live out the so-called “American Dream?”

PRINCESS KATE'S WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER REVEALED

"Kate Wears Timeless Sarah Burton Dress to Marry her Prince." Laura Allsop. April 30, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/04/29/royal.wedding.kate.dress/index.html?npt=NP1


Catherine Middleton's wedding dress was designed by Sarah Burton. She wore a V-neck, floor length, ivory and white satin gown. Calgary Avansino, a British Vogue fashion editor, says Kate's choice of dress perfectly reflects her style.

COUPLE PLEADS GUILTY IN DUGARD KIDNAPPING

"Garridos Plead Guilty in Jaycee Dugard Kidnapping." Micheal Martinez. April 28, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/04/28/california.garridos.guilty.pleas/index.html?npt=NP1


Phillip and Nancy Garrido pleaded guilty to kidnapping and sexual assault of Jaycee Dugard. Now 29, they abducted her in 1991 at the age of 11. The prosecutor says the sentence will be life in prison. During her 18 year captivity, Phillip Garrido was accused of fathering two daughters with Jaycee Dugard.

OBAMA BIRTH 'DEBATE'

"Trump: 'I've Done A Great Service to the American People." CNN Wire Staff. April 27, 2011.
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/27/trump-ive-done-a-great-service-to-the-american-people/?npt=NP1


Trump said "I don't make up anything" after being asked about his recent claim Obama's birth certificate was missing. He said he can now recall investigators that he had sent to Hawaii to seek further investigation concerning Obama's birth. He claims to have done a great service to the American people by pushing Obama to release his birth certificate.

FATHER SAYS TODDLER SHOOTS MOM DEAD

"Father Says Toddler Shoots Mom Dead." CNN Wire Staff.April 26, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/04/26/florida.toddler.shooting/index.html?npt=NP1


33 year old Julia Bennett was shot in the back and killed by her 2 year old toddler. The father says that the gun went off as he was trying to take it from his son. Investigators say that they will talk to the toddler about the shooting.

SEARCH FOR ALIENS PUT ON HOLD

"Search for Aliens Put on Hold." Mark Milian. April 25, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/04/25/seti/index.html?npt=NP1


Due to lack of funding, a program to search for extraterrestrial life was put on hold. The Allen Telescope Array's shutdown last week was blamed on state and federal budget issues. In the meantime, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is seeking investors and grassroots donations.

LINDSAY LOHAN JAILED FOR PAROLE VIOLATION

"Lindsay Lohan Jailed for Violating Probation." CNN Wire Staff. April 22, 2011.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/22/judge-reduces-charge-against-lindsay-lohan-to-misdemeanor-in-theft-case/?npt=NP1


On Friday, Lindsay Lohan was ordered to serve 120 days in jail for violating her probation. She was arrested for allegations of stealing a necklace from a store and was taken to custody. The judge set her bond for $75,000. The judge ruled that the felony case against her will go foward to trial, however the felony charge is being reduced to a misdemeanor.

SENATOR ENSIGN WILL RESIGN ON MAY 3

"Senator Ensign Says He Will Resign on May 3." CNN Wire Staff. April 21, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/21/ensign.resignation/index.html?npt=NP1


Republican Senator of Nevada, John Ensign, announced that he will resign on May 3, while under an ethics investigation by the Senate. Previously, he said he would not run for re-election next year. Two Nevada Congress members declared that they would run to succeed him after he announced that he would step down in 2012.

DIVORCE CASE TURNS VIOLENT IN JUDGE'S CHAMBER

"Divorce Case Turns Violent in Judge's Court." Kim Segal. April 19, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/04/19/florida.courthouse.attack/index.html?npt=NP1


In Plantation, Florida, a woman was attacked by her estranged husband in front of a judge and other witnesses hearing their final divorce hearing. The woman is recovering from the injuries. Her estranged husband is currently being held in Broward County jail on a $1 million bond.

THE OBAMAS: A TWO-THIRDS PAY CUT IN 2010

"The Obamas: A Two-Thirds Pay Cut in 2010." Charles Riley. April 18, 2011.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/18/news/economy/obama_tax_return/?npt=NP1


President Obama and the first family earned about two-thirds less in 2010 than in 2009. The family reported a gross income of $1,728,096, down from about $5.5 million the year before. They also donated nearly fourteen percent of their income to charities.

NICOLAS CAGE FACES DOMESTIC ABUSE CHARGE

"Nicolas Cage Faces Domestic Abuse Charge." Alan Duke. April 16, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/04/16/louisiana.nicolas.cage.arrest/index.html?npt=NP1


The Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage left a jail in New Orleans this afternoon for domestic abuse charges. According to police, he allegedly pulled his wife's arm during an argument and began striking vehicles after. Police arrived to find him heavily intoxicated and ordered him out of the cab, which caused the actor to start yelling.

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES CHECKS HERSELF INTO A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY

"Catherine Zeta-Jones Checks Herself into a Mental Health Facility." CNN Wire Staff. April 13, 2011.
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/13/catherine-zeta-jones-checks-into-a-mental-health-facility/?npt=NP1


Catherine Zeta-Jones has checked herself into a mental health facility and is seeking treatment for bipolar II disorder. This is less severe than bipolar I, but causes irritability and mood swings to occur several times a day. She made the decision to check into this facility after dealing with all the stress of the past year when her husband was diagnosed with throat cancer.

FORMER EGYPTIAN PRESIDENT MUBARAK HOSPITALIZED

"Former Egyptian President Mubarak Hospitalized." CNN Wire Staff. April 12, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/12/egypt.mubarak.hospitalized/index.html?npt=NP1


Military reports state that former Egyptian president Mubarak suffered a heart attack during a questioning of possible corruption charges. He was hospitalized at Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital. He has had health problems in the recent past. Since February 11, he and his family are believed to be living on his estate in the Red Sea resort, when he stepped down from power.

KID SERVED ALCOHOL IN APPLEBEE'S

"In Mixup, Kid Served Alcohol in Applebee's." Leigh Remizowski. April 11, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/11/michigan.toddler.alcohol/index.html?npt=NP1


A 15 month old baby was hospitalized after a behind the bar mix-up at an Applebee's restaurant in Michigan that left the baby sipping alcohol instead of apple juice. The mother says he was saying "hi" and "bye" to the walls. The alcohol was in a mislabeled container. Police claimed the incident was an accident.

MAN HITS 31ST DAY OF BEER ONLY LENTEN FAST

"Man Hits 31st Day of Beer Only Lenten Fast." Eric Marrapodi. April 8, 2011.
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/08/for-lent-can-man-live-by-brew-alone-2/?npt=NP1


Iowa newspaper editor and beer blogger J. Wilson is 31 days into his fast, who is only drinking beer and water for lent. The tradition of a beer fast dates back hundreds of years to German monks, where Wilson first got the idea. He has dropped 18 pounds and plans on breaking his beer only fast on Easter Sunday.

11 CHILDREN KILLED IN BRAZIL SCHOOL SHOOTING

"Hero Officer Kept Brazilian School Massacre From Being Even Worse." CNN Wire Staff. April 7, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/04/07/brazil.school.shooting/index.html?npt=NP1


Sargent Marco Alexandre Alves is being called a hero for confronting the heavily armed gunman coming out of a classroom, keeping the suspect from ascending to the third floor, where there were more students. Alves said he shot the gunman n the abdomen. When he fell, he committed suicide suicide by shooting himself in the head. The government says he was a former student of the school.

DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS FAIL TO REACH DEAL

"Shutdown Fears Grow as Budget Decline Nears." Tom Cohen. April 6, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/06/congress.budget/index.html?npt=NP1


On Wednesday, fears of a government shutdown grew as budget negotiators huddled behind closed doors and leaders from both political parties continued to bicker over the size and scope of budget cuts for the remainder of the fiscal year. After little progress was made during the day, President Obama called a late meeting at the White House. Boehner announced that House Republicans will vote Thursday on a one-week extension. If an agreement is not made, the government will shut down after Friday.

iPHONE 5 RELEASE DATE: BIG BUZZ, FEW FACTS

"iPhone 5 Release Date: Big Buzz, Few Facts." Doug Gross. April 5, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/04/05/iphone.5.release.date/index.html?npt=NP1


A South Korean news site reported this week that the phone will be released in late June, but many still question the report. At it's June conference, multiple reports state that the Apple company will focus on software, not phones. Nobody in tevh media really knows when the iPhone 5 will be released, but speculation is on the rise.

AL-OBEIDY: "MY LIFE IS IN DANGER"

"Alleged Rape Victim in Libya: 'My Life is in Danger." CNN Wire Staff. April 4, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/04/libya.rape.case/index.html?npt=NP1


A woman who ran into a Tripoli hotel last month to tell journalists that she was beaten and raped by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi still fears for her life although she is no longer in custody. She says she was interrogated 72 hours after being dragged from a hotel. Men used rifles to sodomize her. She claims to have tried to leave Libya, but the authorities have thwarted her attempts. Her father is begging the international community to help her daughter.

TEEN SHOT AT INDIANA MIDDLE SCHOOL

"1 Shot at Indiana Middle School." CNN Wire Staff. March 25, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/03/25/indiana.school.shooting/index.html?npt=NP1


On early Friday, a former student shot and wounded another teenager at a middle school in Martinsville, Indiana. Police said that the alleged shooter was taken into custody immediately after the incident took place. The victim student was flown to a hospital. A handgun was recovered from the scene, but neither student has been identified.

COURT: WOMAN SENT BABY'S SEX ABUSE VIA WEBCAM

"Woman Sentenced after Streaming Sex Abuse of Daughter Over Daughter." Katie Silver. March 24, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/03/23/maine.sex.crime.sentence/index.html?npt=NP1


A Maine judge handed down a 15-year prison sentence for a woman convicted of abusing her two-year old daughter. The woman, Julie Carr, streamed the videos to another teenager in the United Kingdom. Last week, she received a 20-year sentence on child pornography conviction.

MAKING SURE 'MOTEL KIDS' DON'T GO HUNGRY

"Making Sure 'Motel Kids' Don't Go Hungry." Kathleen Toner. March 23, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/03/23/cnnheroes.serato.motel.kids/index.html?npt=NP1


In Orange County, California, many children are living in cheap motels that are usually associated with drug dealers, prostitutes, and illicit affairs. It is the only option for these families that are struggling financially and can't afford apartments. Chef Bruno Serato serves up free pasta to these deprived children in Orange County. His service was inspired by his mother.

CASTRO SAYS HE ISN'T COMMUNIST PARTY CHIEF

"Castro Says he Resigned as Communist Party Chief Five Years Ago." Shasta Darlington. March 22, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/03/22/cuba.castro.party/index.html?npt=NP1


On Tuesday, former Cuban President Fidel Castro said he resigned as the head of the Communist Party five years ago. Many thought he still held the top spot in Cuba's Communist Party. He stepped down in 2006 due to health problems. Castro's younger brother is expected to become president.

RENEE ZELLWEGER AND BRADLEY COOPER SPLIT

"Renee Zellweger and Bradley Cooper Split." Julie Jordan. March 21, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/03/21/cooper.zellweger.split.ppl/index.html?npt=NP1


After two years, Renee Zellweger and Bradley Cooper split. Although they never confirmed their relationship, they moved in together last fall. Zellweger even skipped the Golden Globes to be with Cooper when his father had died. Their reps have no comment about the split.

EDUCATION DISCUSSION REFLECTION

After our class discussion, I realized that we have made so many attempts over the years to reform America’s education system. The government has spent over billions of dollars, yet we have produced little to no results. I feel that the main issue that stands in the way of achieving results in education reform are teacher unions. We all agreed that unsatisfactory teachers are protected by these unions, since it is nearly impossible to fire a teacher. I can say first hand that having a bad teacher does in fact impact a child’s education or motivation in a class. Throughout my high school experience, I have had several teachers that did nothing but hand out busy work and I’ve learned nothing beneficial. These teachers are then given a good evaluation by the board of administrators because they are given a warning ahead of time of when their evaluation is to be taking place. The warning is apart of the teacher union’s contract. Moreover, some teachers just care about getting paid and this is why I believe teacher tenure should be eliminated. Maybe we can’t eliminate tenure altogether, but maybe we can give it to teachers with promising test scores and evaluations? Maybe we should install cameras into the classrooms so that teachers will fulfill their duties as a teacher all the time, instead of the day of an evaluation? Then maybe, just maybe, we can finally start seeing favorable results when reforming America’s education system.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PALO!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY 32ND BIRTHDAY PALO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to take this chance to say that you are one of the BEST and most unforgettable teachers I've had throughout my high school experience. If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't have cleaned up my act sophomore year and I would've never gotten into UCLA. I just want to thank you for everything... You're awesomee :))

YALE MURDER SUSPECT PLEADS GUILTY

"Yale Killing Suspect Admits Murder, Gets 44 Years", Brian Vitagliano and Jesse Solomon. March 17, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/03/17/connecticut.yale.murder.plea/index.html?npt=NP1


On Thursday, a Yale University lab technician named Raymond Clark III pleaded guilty to murder and attempted sexual assault in the killing of graduate student Annie Le in 2009. His semen and DNA were found at the crime scene. Annie Le's body was found inside of a wall at a Yale lab building, the day she was set to be married.

SANDRA BULLOCK DONATES $1 MILLION TO JAPAN RELIEF

"Sandra Bullock Sends $1 Million for Japan," Alan Duke. March 16, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/celebrity.news.gossip/03/17/bullock.japan.donation/index.html?npt=NP1


On Thursday, the American Red Cross said that Sandra Bullock donated $1 million to help with the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan. She is the largest celebrity donation revealed so far. Celebrities everywhere are urging fans to send cell phone donations to the Red Cross and donations have reached $2.6 million thus far.

COCAINE FOUND AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

"Powder at Kennedy Space Center Tests Positive for Cocaine," Rich Phillips. March 15, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/03/15/nasa.powder.investigation/index.html?npt=NP1

NASA's Inspector General's Office says an investigation is being conducted after a white powdery substance was found that tested positive for cocaine. The substance was discovered on March 7th, but officials could not confirm where. NASA has a zero-tolerance drug policy and all employees may be randomly tested.

ASHLEY HEBERT IS THE NEW BACHELORETTE

"Ashley Hebert is the New Bachelorette," Monica Rizzo. March 14, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/15/ashley.hebert.abc/index.html?npt=NP1

After the season 15 finale of "The Bachelor" aired on Monday night, Ashley Herbert was announced as the next woman to star on "The Bachelorette." She went for Brad Wernick's heart but was sent home from South Africa just shy of the season finale. The announcement was made during "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and the show will premiere May 23rd on ABC.

MOM'S TENACITY SAVES SON'S HEARING

"Don't Let a Doctor Destroy Your Baby's Hearing", March 10, 2011. Elizabeth Cohen.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/10/ep.neuropathy.kids.hearing/index.html?npt=NP1


Haleh Resnick discovered that her son was misdiagnosed with hearing loss. She found out that he actually had auditory neuropathy. People with auditory neuropathy hear sounds, but they're distorted. She also discovered that the hearing aids provided for her child weren't helping him.

VEGAS AIRLINE PROPOSES ROLLING DICE ON FARES

"Vegas Airline Proposes Rolling Dice on Fares", Danielle Paquette. March 10, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/03/10/gamble.on.airfare/index.html?npt=NP1


Allegiant Air wants to adjust ticket prices according to jet fuel costs. People can gamble with new "variable tickets," which can raise or fall in value. Travel experts say that the uncertainty of airfare gambling would likely alarm passengers.

AT LEAST 18 CHARGED IN ALLEGED GANG RAPE OF TEXAS GIRL

"At Least 18 Charged in Alleged Gang Rape of Texas Girl," CNN Wire Staff. March 8, 2011.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/03/08/bennett.obama.defeat/index.html?hpt=C1


Thirteen adults and five juveniles have been arrested on an alleged gang rape of a Teas girl. the suspect could face up to 25 years to life if convicted with the felony charge. The suspects were between the ages of 14 and 27.

CHARLIE SHEEN FIRED FROM 'TWO AND A HALF MEN'

"Charlie Sheen Fired From 'Two and a Half Men,'" Sheila Marikar. March 7, 2011.
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/charlie-sheen-fired-half-men/story?id=13078620

CBS has officially fired Charlie Sheen from the sitcom "Two and a Half Men." Sheen has publicly trashed his bosses and the creator of the show, Chuck Lorre. Last night, Warner Bros. sent out a brutal e-mail statement terminating Sheen's services on the show. Sheen lashed out and said, "This is very good news..."

DAY CARE OWNER ON MOST WANTED LIST

"Owner of Texas Day Care , Site of Fatal Fire, Now Among 'Most Wanted,'" CNN Wire Staff. March 4, 2011.

A Houston day care owner is among the U.S. Marshall's most wanted after authorities claimed that she carelessly started a fire that killed four children and fled nearly a week ago. Investigators tried to talk to her twice before she fled, possibly to Nigeria. The Houston fire chief has said authorities made a mistake in trusting this woman.

MATT DAMON: NOT A FAN OF OBAMA

"Matt Damon: Not a Fan of Obama," Katie McLaughlin. March 3, 2011.

On "Piers Morgan Tonight," Matt Damon claims that President Obama misinterpreted his mandate. He also says that it would help if the mission in Afghanistan was better articulated. He is also pushing for a meaningful reform in Wall Street because he believes the financial crisis is just going to take place again.

CHARLIE SHEEN"S KIDS REMOVED BY POLICE

"Charlie Sheen's Kids Removed By Police," Erin Carlson. March 2, 2011.

"Two and a Half Men" actor Charlie Sheen surrendered his two sons to estranged wife Brooke Mueller after she filed a temporary restraining order. The actor was infuriated when police removed the toddlers. Mueller stated her concern that he might be currently insane.

DIOR TO FIRE GALLIANO AFTER HITLER COMMENTS

"Dior Moves to Fire Galliano After Hitler Comments," CNN Wire Staff. March 1, 2011.

Christian Dior has announced their plan to fire John Galliano after he was filmed making anti-Semitic comments in a Paris bar. The statement was made hours after actress Natalie Portman condemned Galliano's praise of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. Galliano's lawyer, however, said that Galliano formally denies that he is anti-Semitic and refused to comment further.

HOW DID GOOGLE LOSE, AND FIND, ALL THOSE E-MAILS?

"How Did Google Lose, and Find, All Those E-mails," John D. Sutter. March 1, 2011.

Thousands of Google e-mail users got a shock this week when all their e-mails and contacts disappeared. Google said they lost all their e-mails because of a glitch in a software update that was in the process of installing across its computer severs. But how did the company recover all of this data if the glitch traveled so widely so quickly?

THREE ADOPTED CHILDREN SUFFERED HORRIFIC ABUSE

"Sheriff: Three Adopted Children Suffered Horrific Abuse," Divina Mims. February 24, 2011.


Three adopted children were horribly abused by their foster parents and lived in inhumane conditions. According to the sheriff, the foster parents were just out for the $1500 provided each month for child care. The children suffered burns and beatings, deprived of food, and were forced to eat cat and dog food.

Islamic Center Crisis Reflection

Some believe that building the mosque near Ground Zero would be insulting to the families that died after the 9/11 attack. However, I believe that building the mosque would a form of reconciliation between Americans and the Islamic community after 9/11. Yes, this is a touchy subject; however I don’t feel that we have the right to ban anyone from building the mosque because Muslims are actually protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (freedom of religion). It has been over a decade since the 9/11 attack, and I believe that America is indeed “Islam-o-phobic.” It reminds me a lot of how America reacted to Japanese Americans after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Americans were paranoid that all Japanese citizens were out to get them. I feel that we are always talking about moving forward, and this building will finally allow America to move on as this building could serve as a peace offering.

11 KILLED AT STAMPEDE AT NIGERIAN CAMPAIGN EVENT

"11 Killed at Stampede at Nigerian Campaign Event," Christian Purefoy. February 13, 2011.

29 people were injured and 11 killed during a stampede at an election rally for Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathon. It took place at a stadium in an area where the President has a lot of support. He has called for a full-scale investigation into the cause of the stampede. It has been a less than perfect start for his President Jonathon's campaign.

King Tut Statue Missing

"King Tut statue among missing Egypt treasures," CNN Wire Staff. February 13, 2011.

Seventeen artifacts from the Egyptian Museum of Cairo were missing after a break-in on the night of January 28th. One of the missing treasures included a gilded wood statue of King Tutankhamen being carried by a goddess. The criminals vandalized statues and display cases and stolen jewelry from the gift shop, ironically not long after protests against President Mubarak began in Cairo.

State of the Union Project

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Arevik Martirosyan
Mr. Palo
Government
11 February 2011


State of the Union Project


1. Congratulatory - They congratulated the men and women of the 112th Congress as well as their new speaker John Boehner.
2. Tuscan - They were mindful of the empty chair in the chamber, and they prayed for the health of their colleague Gabby Giffords.
3. American family - The Arizona shooting reminded us that no matter who we are or where we come from, each of us is a part of something greater than political preference. We are part of the American family.
4. Union - We are bound together by common hopes and a common creed in America.
5. Cooperation - Obama said that what comes of this moment is determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow.
6. Support - New laws will only be passed with support from both Democrats and Republicans.
7. Progress- Two years after the worst recession most of us have ever known, the stock market has come roaring back and the economy is growing again.
8. Success - We measure success by the progress of our people, by the jobs they can find, and the quality of life those jobs offer.
9. Inspiring - I felt inspired when Obama said that we must try and provide our children with opportunities for a better life.
10. Growth - These steps, taken by Democrats an Republicans, will grow the economy and add to the more than one million private sector jobs created last year.
11. Future - To win the future, we need to take on challenges that have been decades in the making (health care).
12. Painful - The employment world has changed and for many the change has been painful.
13. Change - In a single generation, revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live, work, and do business.
14. Motivate - The competition for jobs is rapidly increasing, but this shouldn’t discourage us. Instead, it should challenge us.
15. Prosperity - America still has the largest, most prosperous economy in the world, even with all the hits we’ve taken these last few years.
16. American Dream - We are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea. We each deserve the chance to shape our own destiny.
17. Achievement - Robert Kennedy said, “The future is not a gift, but an achievement.”
18. Sacrifice - Achieving the American Dream requires each generation to sacrifice and struggle.
19. Innovation - Now it is our turn to meet the demands of a new age. We must out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world.
20. Responsibility - We must take responsibility for our deficit and reform our government in order to prosper and win the future.
21. Reinvent - Over the last two-hundred year, Americans have reinvented themselves and have begun to reinvent our energy policy.
22. Cuts - Obama is asking Congress to eliminate the billions in taxpayer dollars we currently give to oil companies.
23. Leadership - Maintaining our leadership in research is crucial to America’s success.
24. Education - If we want innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas, then we also have to win the race to educate our kids.
25. Reform - Race to the Top is the most meaningful reform of our public schools in a generation.
26. Children - Race to the Top should be the approach we follow this year as we replace No Child Left Behind with a law that is more flexible and focused on what’s best for our children.
27. Respect - Teachers in South Korea are known as “nation builders” and Obama suggested it’s time that America treat the people who educate our children with the same level of respect.
28. Touching - I was touched when Obama said become a teacher if you want to make a difference because your country needs you.
29. Illegal immigration - Obama discussed that we must finally resolve the issue of illegal immigration. He says that we should stop expelling these talented people that could be further enriching this nation.
30. Investments - All of these investments in innovation, education, and infrastructure will make America a better place to do business, and therefore create jobs.
31. Attainable - Obama is asking the Democrats and Republicans to use our savings to lower the corporate tax rate for the first time in 25 years without adding to the deficit. It can be done.
32. Health care - Obama wants to make healthcare affordable and available for all Americans. He doesn’t want insurance companies to deny anyone because of a preexisting condition.
33. Truth - Obama speaks the truth when he says that we should fix the healthcare issue and move forward, instead of re-fighting the battles of the last few years.
34. Deficit - Obama said that now that the worst of the recession is over, we must confront the fact that the government spends more than it takes in.
35. Taxes - Obama says the best thing to do for Americans is simplify the individual tax code.
36. Compromise - Obama emphasizes how now is the time for both parties to forge a principled compromise that gets the job done and reins in our deficits.
37. Competent - Obama talks about giving the American people not only a more affordable government, but one that is competent and more efficient.
38. Faith - Obama is working to rebuild people’s faith in the institution of the American government because we deserve to know how and where our tax dollars are being spent.
39. Iraq - Obama discusses how they will finish the job of bringing our troops home this year and that the Iraq War is finally going to come to an end.
40. Future - Throughout his speech, Obama stresses the idea that “the future is ours to win.”
41. Al Qaeda - Obama addresses the fight against Al Qaeda.
42. Muslims - I really appreciate how Obama mentioned the fact that American Muslims are apart of our American family, even after the 9/11 attacks.
43. Troops - Thanks to our American troops, fewer Afghans are under the control of the insurgency. We will begin to bring our troops home this July.
44. Afghanistan - Obama discusses how this year we will work with fifty nations to begin a transition to an Afghan lead.
45. New START - Since Republicans and Democrats approved the New START treaty, far fewer nuclear weapons and launchers will be deployed.
46. Korean Peninsula - Obama states how we still stand with our ally South Korea, and insist that north Korea keep its commitment to abandon nuclear weapons.
47. Tunisia - Obama said that America stands with the people of Tunisia and supports the democratic aspirations of all people.
48. Time - All of these goals Obama discussed will not be easy, and all of it will take time.
49. Democracy - I got chills when Obama said, “As contentious and frustrating and messy as our democracy can sometimes be, I know there isn’t a person here who would trade places with any other nation o Earth.”
50. Destiny - I agree with Obama when he said, our future is our choice. It is because of our people that our future is hopeful and the state of our union is strong.

HEALTH CARE REFLECTION

After our class discussion, I believe health care is more of a right than a privilege. I think everyone is entitled to healthcare because we are dealing with people's lives here. I feel that no person should be denied the right of being covered because of a  possible preexisting condition or they simply cannot afford it. President Obama's own mother died battling cancer because she couldn't afford health care coverage. Currently 46 million Americans are not covered by health care and the death rate is on the rise. If Americans were all ensured the right to health care, it will actually decrease health care costs by allowing people to receive regular medical care and not wait until they are chronically ill to seek treatment when costs are much higher. Although I don't like the idea of raising taxes to increase access to health care, I feel that we all have to compromise if we want to achieve universal healthcare. 

OBAMA A ONE-TERMER, SAYS CHENEY

"Cheney: Obama will be a one-term president," David Jackson. January 18, 2011.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/01/cheney-obama-will-be-a-one-term-president/1

Former President Dick Cheney expects that President Obama will be voted out of office in 2012. He criticizes Obama's national security policy, although a majority of Americans are supporting his approach. Cheney also goes on to mention how little progress has beenmade over the past year in resolving national security questions.