Wintry storm churns towards Northeast

More SNOW!!! Yet another large snowstorm is moving into the country. This time it will hit in areas such as New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina and surrounding areas. A reporter stressed the importance of road safety as Christmas traveling is a must. He stated that if you plan to fly somewhere you should arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure due to the possibility of delays or transfers. Transit stations around the metropolitan areas are reporting in that buses will still be running because no storm and keep them from doing their job. This storm is expected to pile snow on areas not much used to heavy cold precipitation so traveling should be reduced if at all possible.

I believe it is just outrageous how much snow this country is getting in only a week. Major storms are moving in all over, and they are affecting areas not used to such weather. I live in Minnesota and i'm still waiting for a big snow storm to hit so there is something to build a snowman but no storm seems to want to come this way. I am, however, happy that Christmas is coming up in just a week and it is going to be white and hopefuly snowing!! :) I am sure people
affected by the snow are also very happy to share a white Christmas with a great majority of the country. I just hope that traveling is not too difficult and everyone can be together with their families!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/18/wintry.weather/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

ISSUE #1: All Things Being Unequal

Is the gap between the wealthiest Americans and the greater majority of the middle class Americans a problem? Some believe it is and others support the opposition. Statistics prove that the income of the wealthiest 20 percent of Americans has increased nearly 10 percent while the income for the bottom 20 percent has decreased by nearly 2 percent. Today, this gap continues to grow due to the raised costs for health care, energy, food, childcare and education to name a few. Many believe that it is fair that harder working citizens recieve more income for their hard work and effort but they also have strong arguments against it. These supporters believe that the government should impose restrictions on trade and outsourcing to help maintain local job opportunities and salaries. They also think that government should raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans and reduce those of the middle to lower class citizens. Most who support this view are directly affected by globalization. They wish for wage insurance, job retaining programs and unemployment benefits to reduce poverty. However, there are many who support leaving things the way they are. These citizens argue that job protection and barriers will decrease profits and will reduce the benefits of workers. Raising taxes will not do any good, it will hurt workers and harm the economy even if placed on the wealthiest of people. Entitlement programs and social safety already take up a majority of the federal money, therefore, the U.S. cannot afford to support more people effected by poverty. There are already organizations that help the poor greatly such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). These people believe supply and demand will take care of itself and the income of Americans.

In a way I somewhat agree with both points of view. They both share great ideas and support, but I personally must agree most with the second group. I agree the government should impose restrictions on some things such as trade and outsourcing. It doesn't seem fair that outsiders get to do work that Americans are perfectly capable of. However, when it comes down to it it is the economy and money that make the greatest difference. Sure, Americans could perhaps perform specific jobs better or easier but it has proven to be much cheaper to send that work over to another conuntry such as China or India to be done. I believe the second argument made a great point stating that job protection and restrictions will take away from workers benefits and business incomes. Those living in poverty keep asking for more and more federal money, but how much is too much? They already have Medicare, Medicaid and numerous organizations helping with everyday needs. A point was made that the poor take up nearly half of the federal budget and I don't think that's fair. Sure, they are in need and its great the they are recieving such help, but how much money does the wealthy recieve? I believe that answer is close to none. With that statement, how does it even seem fair that the poor recieve so much while the wealthy recieve none? I do understand, however, what dire need those living in poverty are in so I strongly support such organizations that help it. I only disagree that more and more restrictions be put on the wealthy when they barely recieve federal money as it is.





An article from The Nation shows its view and facts on the issue of Extreme Inequality.





ISSUE #2- Boosting the Minimum- Alexa Goetsch


ISSUE #3- Putting Welfare to Work- Jon

Major winter storm to wallop central U.S.

Finally! The first big snow storm is coming to the United States. It will begin in the California Rockies and move northeast as the week progresses. The storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions that could potentially lead to whiteouts and large power outages. Once the storm hits us in the Midwest temperatures are said to reach 30 to 40 below zero. Arizona is even expecting 2 feet of snow and 50 mph winds. With excessive snowfall will come rainfall in parts of California which has the potential to create mudslides. As the system moves into the Great Lakes region it is going to intensify until it subsides into Canada.

I am so excited that snow is coming! Unfortunately, we are not going to be hit directly in Alexandria. At least we are going to have a white Christmas! In my opinion it cannot be cold outside without snow, so the snow will nicely match the cooler temperatures we are experiencing. I think it is pretty outrageous how Arizona is going to be recieving nearly 2 feet of snow with blizzard conditions! That state is supposed be filled with deserts and hot weather. The downfall of such winter storms is the damage they could bring. Wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour can be quite harmful to trees and powerlines. I am hoping the best for those who are going to be directly impacted by the storm. I can't wait until we get our first big storm and school is cancelled!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/weather/12/07/winter.storm/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

Khloe Kardashian, new husband nesting

Khloe Kardashian and Los Angelas Lakers player Lamar Odom are newlyweds. They got married just a month after they met. They have been living in a downtown condo for two months after their September 27th wedding. They just recently purchased a 7 bedroom 9 bathroom mansion in Tarzana, California for $4 million. Both have been asked about having a baby. Lamar said that they will be having a baby soon and want a baby. Khloe stated that they are not trying to have a baby but are not doing anything to try not to have on just yet.

I believe it is outrageous how soon the two got married. Tying the knot after just one month! That's crazy! Maybe for celebrities its different? Obviously I am happy for the couple, but I just don't know what is going on in their heads. Now they have finally found a home and are thinking about making a family. I think they are just famous people striving for attention and publicity. I am willing to bet this marraige will not last long. I will have to keep up with reading the latest news on the couple.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/23/kardashian.new.house/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

Glove, other Michael Jackson items fetch $2 million

Saturday was a big day at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York's Time Square as Michael Jackson memorbilia was auctioned of making a total profit of $2 million. Pre-sale expectations only reached $120,000. The biggest sale of the night included a rhinestone glove Jackson wore at a 1983 performance. Other items donated include: a black synthetic blend jacket, fedora, handwritten lyrics, his 1985 Mercedes-Benz, signed photos and books, and Jackson's own artwork. Donaters of Jackson's collectables were hoping that through all the items people could see what Michael Jackson was trying to say in his music and that he was not only a singer and dancer, but also an artist.

I believe it is great that there was an auction held in memory of Michael Jackson. He became a legend and a true icon to many. Michael was a very giving person so it seems only right that people share what he gave to the world. I think it is wonderful how donaters are using the money from their memorbilias to give to charity and to help the community. In a way I somewhat expected some of his items to be sold for more than they went for. These items would include the Mercedes, jacket and especially the glove. It would feel right to have more auctions like this to support Michael in the future and perhaps other fallen icons.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/21/michael.jackson.auction/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29

ISSUE #3-Safe to Eat?

How do we know what is safe to eat these days? This is the controversy in the increasing health care reform debate. Health care involves many issues such as Medicare and Medicaid, but few tend to recognize the effects of our everyday food on our health. Recent outbreaks such as the 2006 E. Coli outbreak has caused a stir in health care discussions. Researchers state reasons for such outbreaks that include: increasing age of baby boomers because elderly are at a higher risk for getting ill, centralization of produce especially in California and Arizona, and the large distribution of final produce items causing outbreaks to reach a larger amount of people. With these in mind researchers have come up with new regulations for the processing of fruits and vegetables. Poultry and meat regulators such as the Department of Agriculture do a very fine job at safe processing of its products. However, fruits and vegetables are very self-regulated by industry and farmers. After E. Coli outbreaks many restaurants and fruit and vegetable consumers have developed self made standards for their products. To some, however, this by itself cannot be the safest bet. Others argue that there sould be only one agency for ensuring safe produce. This will enable the agency to create one set of direct regulations and standards for the processing produce. These people are striving for more funding towards the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA currently previews fruits and vegetables for some industries. More funding will enable the FDA to hire more inspectors and ensure a safe food supply for everyone. These observers also want more funding for scientific research to create machines that can identify food that is contaminated. On the other hand some people believe that the farmer and growers should hold responsibility for their own produce. They are responding more quickly then one agency will. They are also competing for business and will want to display their best standards and products. These supporters add that greater federal regulation will increase the cost of produce, hurt agribusiness, and reverse efforts towards healthy lifestyles.

I believe that something needs to be done with our current produce regulations. Even though the E. Coli outbreak only affected about 200 people it should open the eyes of many to what is able to happen in the future with any type of food. Produce is a very sketchy product because of the way it is grown and processed. E. Coli started because of the manure spread on the spinich growing land. This simple malfunction can happen anywhere at anytime, therefore, we need a better system of regulating produce. I do not strongly agree with having just one agency inspect fruits and vegetables but rather have many agencies with the same or similar policies and standards. This way produce and quickly, efficiantly, and safely be dispersed throughout the country. With that said the time it takes to inspect and send out the produce should not be an issue. Having agencies inspect food is also a more reliable source than the farmers or growers themselves in my opinion. I also support the idea of more federal funding for both workers and technology. The best way to keep Americans safe is to have the right equipement to inspect our food and ensure the process is thoroughly done. Some argue that more federal funding will cut away from the already dwindling health care. This could be the case and is a good point, however, improper regulations on food can create health issues for people. Thus, sending them to doctors and buying drugs. In the long run health care will have to reform in order for the economy to survive. In a way it is a double edge sword, but what are we more worried about; spending more money or keeping Americans safe?

President Obama and Congress view's on the need for health care reform. (So Close!)

ISSUE#1-Comprehensive vs. Incremental Health Care Reform

ISSUE#2-Ensuring Quality Care for Medicare Patients

Smell permeated Cleveland neighborhood where 11 bodies found, residents say

Many people living in a Cleveland neighborhood smelled something horrible, but just believed it was Ray's Sausage Co. just down the road. This was not the case at all. Instead, 11 bodies were found in a home of the neighborhood, 6 inside and 5 outside. Anthony Sowell, 50, is a registered sex offender and was arrested for five counts of aggravated murder, rape, felonious assault and kidnapping. Seven victims found were killed from strangulation of ligature, and when the bodies were found still had something around their necks. Another victim died of manual strangulation while the other 2 bodies were too badly decomposed to determine their death. Officers believe all cases involved strangulation. Sowell had been working for a scrapper since losing his job two years ago. Researchers continue to search for remains. Sowell had just gotten out of a 16-year prison stay in 2005 and never left his current residence. Police were said to have checked up on him but found nothing wrong with the situation. The 11 bodies were found after police reported to Sowell's home after neighbors witnessed a naked woman falling from a two story balcony.

I cannot comprehend this situation at all. Someone would have to be completely sick as to do something such as this. I do not understand how 16 years in prison didn't do anything to Sowell. It makes me wonder if we need to tighten up or improve our prison system. It is also ridiculous how he got away with 11 murders. Some of the victims could have been missing for five years! I believe after an accuasation such as this, Sowell deserves life in prison. The neighbors should have called in the horrid stench sooner than they had. Sure they suspected it was just the sausage company, but what if it were something more serious? Well, it was, but hopefully they weren't to late to save another life. This murder situation is completely sick and disturbing and I believe Sowell needs to take the rest of his life to think about the terrible things he has done.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/04/ohio.cleveland.bodies/index.html?eref=rss_topstories