Tuesday, April 3, 2012

News Article 4/3

News Article Link
In Oakland, California on 4/2/12, a shooter entered a college and killed 7 students. It was reported by witnesses that he told students to "line up, and I am going to kill you". The shooter was apprehended at a supermarket a short time later. It is currently unclear what the motive of the shooter was, but it was reported that he had suffered several personal setbacks and crises. The shooter was a former student at this college, but he had dropped out several months prior to this incident.

In my opinion, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to resort to this kind of action. Although a person may be going through some severe crises and personal problems, it NEVER gives them the right to take innocent lives. I will be interested to see what motive comes out of this and what information can be obtained relating to the shooter.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

News Article 3/29

Storms in Kansas
Storms in Kansas on Wednesday night dropped very large and damaging hail across the area. Cars and buildings were damaged by the hail which in some locations were about softball size and lasted up to 30 minutes. A funnel cloud even appeared although it seems to never have touched the ground, thus not causing any damage. The weather forecast for Thursday is much of the same severe weather across the area in the evening hours. This is definitely the time of year for severe storms. Storms can develop quickly and produce some very dangerous conditions. People in the area should keep an eye and ear out for warnings.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

News Blog 3/27

http://www.technolog.msnbc.msn.com/technology/technolog/demanding-facebook-passwords-may-be-illegal-senators-warn-bosses-557169
In today's society and economy, some employers as they are interviewing candidates for job openings are requesting access to their Facebook pages and getting their passwords as a condition of the interview. Several Senators are asking the Department of Justice to look into the legality associated with this practice as it specifically pertains to EEO laws. If the DOJ makes a statement about the legality of it, the finding could have profound impact as far as privacy practices associated with social media.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

News Article 3/15

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/14/10692052-boy-kidnapped-eight-years-ago-to-be-reunited-with-his-mother
An 8-month-old boy from Houston was kidnapped by his babysitter back in 2004. Investigations and searches continued for 2 years and the case was finally closed in 2006 without being able to find them. Due to a neglect report filed, police were able to find the babysitter and eventually the boy. The boy is being reunited with his mother in Houston pending a DNA check.

It is nice that some of the horrible stories actually wind up with happy endings. So many times, kidnappings result in horrific endings, both for the families and the children. This was just by chance that the babysitter was found. It makes you think what if a neglect report had not been filed. Would the child ever have been found?

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

News Article 3/13

http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/13/10657012-up-against-the-wall-should-district-be-allowed-to-demand-middle-schoolers-facebook-password
This article speaks to the issue of free speech on social media in connection with student rights. Several examples of conflict between student rights of free speech and school intervention, many times with consequences for the student, are exemplified.

ASSIGNMENT FOR MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS: Read the article and write a reflection showing your thoughts about the article and specifically how free speech, social media, and student rights all fit together.

Monday, March 12, 2012

News Article 3/12

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/12/10652099-bus-driver-student-killed-in-school-bus-crash
This is still breaking news as of this blog, but a school bus in Indianapolis crashed into a support beam for a bridge, killing the driver and one student. The bus was transporting up to 50 students to a charter school in the area. Students were aged 5-16. It was reported that one child was caught under the front wheels of the bus, but was removed a live and taken to the hospital.
As a parent, I would be terrified for the safety of my child if they were on the bus. This is the type of accident all parents fear most. I would be quite interested in finding out why the accident occurred. It is my sincerest hope that no further deaths result from this tragedy.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

News Article 3/8

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/07/10603296-ohio-school-district-hires-collection-agency-to-go-after-unpaid-lunch-money
A school district in Ohio is utilizing a collections agency to go after parents and families of students with outstanding lunch balances. For the district there is over $900,000 in unpaid lunches. With the new federal requirements for nutritious lunches going into effect next school year, the cost of lunches for the school is bound to go up. Therefore it is important for the district to recoup as much of the outstanding balance as possible to offset the new costs. Many school districts are resorting to these means. The average family owing lunch fees owes between $150-170.

I feel for the district as that is a lot of money. However, maybe they need to check some of these who have outstanding lunch fees to see if they qualify for free/reduced meals. If they do, then just get them on that program which is reimbursed by the federal government. I think some sort of program or staff needs to be responsible for making sure that the families get all they are entitled to. If they do not qualify, then I am in agreement that they need to be turned over to collections, but ONLY after determining they do not qualify for any other assistance programs.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

News Article 3/6

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/05/10585060-toddler-family-killed-in-twister-are-laid-to-rest

In this article an entire family of 5 was killed in Indiana when an EF4 tornado struck their house. The mother, the father, a 2-month-old baby and a 3 year old boy were killed while a 2-year-old girl was taken to the hospital where she died a couple of days later. The funeral was held on Monday 3/5. This is a very sad happening when lives are lost in these natural disasters. My heart goes out to the community and other family members.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

News Article 3/1

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/29/10543747-school-shooting-victim-never-got-first-paycheck-now-itll-be-buried-with-him

This article talks about the school shooting in Ohio which took place on 2/27/12. Lane is accused of opening fire in a school cafeteria which killed 3 students paralyzed 1 and wounded a fifth. He appeared in juvenile court but is expected to face adult charges. The article speaks specifically to a student who died almost immediately who had just begun working at a bowling alley in order to save up money to buy a car. He was to pick up his first paycheck that Monday. His parents and brother picked up the paycheck Wednesday and will be burying it with him at the funeral. The other two boys who died have had their organs donated to help save other lives. This is a touching article especially considering the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

News Article 2/28/12

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/28/10526993-second-teen-confirmed-dead-in-ohio-school-shooting
A school shooting took place in Ohio by a 17-year-old high school student. In the attack which took place on 2/27/12, five students were injured with now two of them having died. The shooter is in custody and an investigation continues. At this point there is no motive for the shooting. It has been reported that the shooter came from a violent family. However in my opinion, regardless of what kind of family you come from, you are still responsible for your actions.