Current Event #24: Facebook's New Initiative: Organ Donors

Current Event #24: Facebook's New Initiative: Organ Donors

Due: Friday, May 4, 2012

            Billionaire Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg announced that the social networking site wants to "help solve the crisis" by allowing users to volunteer as potential organ donors in the United States. Currently, more than 114,000 people in the U.S. are currently awaiting organ donations, according to the government. Facebook is allowing users to ID themselves as potential organ donors. Zuckerberg thinks that a lot of people who might just be on the fence about whether or not they want to do this, could be convinced to do. He described widespread acceptance of organ donation as "a shift in society that will probably take a while to fully take hold" until more Facebook users start sharing their experiences. Zuckerberg goes on to say that he thinks that if people choose to share these stories with their friends, that can make a big difference over time.

What You Will Do:

***After reading the article and viewing the video link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/01/health/facebook-organ-donors/index.html?hpt=hp_c1 , you should answer the following questions below to share your thoughts and opinions regarding Facebook's new initiative to seek organ donors.  Please note that your responses should be in complete detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.

1. Do you agree with Mark Zuckerberg that this move in organ donations may "make a big difference over time"? Why or Why not? Expain.

2. Would you consider signing up as an organ donor to participate in this cause to save human lives? Expain.

3. What might be additional efforts that our society can take toward campaigning other initiatives or advancements devoted to saving lives? Expain and provide specific details of possible examples.  

             

 

Current Event #23: Videogames Gone Wild

Current Event #23:

Video Games Gone Wild

Due: Friday, April 27th, 2012

Based on a recent news article found in http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2133863/Angry-Saudi-boy-4-shoots-father-dead-refused-buy-PLAYSTATION.html a four year old was reported killing his father over being denied the purchase of a game system. In today's times, just how far has video games gone in promoting violence and behavioral problems in children?

What You Will Do:

***After reading the article, you should then answer the questions below to share your thoughts and opinions regarding the negative ramifications video game. Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.  

1. In your own words, discuss the amount of time you spend daily playing video games via game systems, cell phones, computers, etc..

2. What is your current view on the effects of violence in video games and mainstream media regarding children and teens?

3. Do you think there should be stronger emphasis placed on parents restricting their children from violence, sexuality, etc. based on age requirements.

4. What measures can you suggest to take proactive steps in eliminating domestic violence such as this isolated incident?

Current Event #22: Secret Service Under Investigation

Current Event #22: Secret Service Under Investigation

Due: Friday, April 20th, 2012

U.S. Secret Service Scandal:

The Secret Service has yanked the security clearances of 11 members accused of bringing prostitutes to a hotel in Colombia ahead of last week's pan-American summit. The investigation also involves at least five and possibly 10 U.S. military personnel who were working with the Secret Service ahead of President Barack Obama's trip to the Summit of the Americas. They are accused of bringing prostitutes to their Cartagena hotel Wednesday night, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said his personnel "let the boss down" with their conduct.

What You Will Do:

You will read the CNN article located at the following link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/04/16/us/secret-service-colombia/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 . Here you will find a short video clip detailing the accusations and actions being taken to deal with this recent incident. After reading the article, you should then answer the questions below to share your thoughts and opinions regarding this blemish on America's top security. 

What are your thoughts and opinions regarding the recent situation involving our U.S. Secret Service?


***Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.   

1.    What repercussions will this scandal have on our nation in countries abroad?

2.    How can this incident be handled to ensure non-occurrence in the future?

3.    Do you think the necessary actions taken thus far, are sufficient in penalizing those at fault? If not, what actions would you suggest be done?

4.    Discuss the potential danger that this particular incident, placed our President in while traveling abroad.

Current Event #21: Your Topic of Choice

Current Event # 21:

Due: Friday, March 30, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is your choice. The topic must revolve around a  topic in history which focuses on something currently happening the world of politics, education, government, etc. Please refrain from using sports or entertainment articles. Make sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant) 

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event

Current Event #20: U.S. Soldier Places America In Harm's Way

Current Event #20: U.S. Soldier Places America In Harm's Way

Due: Friday, March 16th, 2012

Recent reports have indicated that a United States soldier stationed in Afghanistan went on a house to house shooting rampage in two villages, killing 16 people. According to a report issued by CNN: the Afghan Taliban said that its fighters would exact revenge for 16 people left dead. The Taliban has described the U.S. forces as "sick minded American savages," and said in a statement on its website that it would mete out punishment for the "barbaric actions." The Taliban, an Islamic fundamentalist movement, has battled the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan for a decade. U.S. officials have expressed shock and sadness over the attack, while Afghan leaders have angrily condemned it. President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan called it an "unforgivable" crime, noting that nine of the dead were children.The killings have fueled fears of intensified ire directed at international forces in the country following deadly riots over the burning of Qurans by U.S. troops late last month.The soldier, an army staff sergeant, acted alone and turned himself in after opening fire on civilians, according to officials from NATO's International Security Assistance Force, or ISAF. He is now in U.S. custody as investigators try to establish what motivated him".

What You Will Do

***Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.   

1. Read the CNN article and view the video posted on the page to help you respond to the following questions:http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/12/world/asia/afghanistan-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

2. Should the U.S. take precautionary measure to prepare to go to war with Afghanistan over recent actions of U.S. soldiers (shooting spree and burning of qurans)?

3. What do you think the penalties/punishments should be for this soldier and others who continue to put the U.S. in danger because of their actions?

4.  With the cost of lives lost and money spent, should the U.S. pull troops out of  Afghanistan immediately or continue to occupy the country after reported incidents?

4.

Current Event #19: Crisis at the Pump

Current Event #19: Crisis at the Pump

Due: Friday, March 9th, 2012

Recent surges at the gas pump has caused American consumers to question the politics of the President and several other campaigning presidential candidates. Gas prices have been escalating rapidly across the country at record pace and has been slated to reach $5 per gallon by the time summer hits. CNN recently posted an article on its website regarding this economic hardship on most American citizens.

What You Will Do:

***Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.   

1. Read the CNN article and view the video posted on the page to help you respond to the following questions: http://money.cnn.com/2012/03/06/markets/gas-prices-aaa/index.htm?hpt=hp_t3

2. How has your family dealt with the rise of gas prices at the pump? Explain. (Examples: Carpooling/"Slugging", less travel, biking, walking, public transportation, etc.) Will the price of gas change the way you and your family travel and/or commute to work and school, etc.?

3. What advice can you offer surrounding the burden of gas prices to the President, as well as the presidential candidates campaigning for American's vote in the upcoming elections? 

4. Discuss your thoughts on Americans developing and finding new energy sources, to help accommodate the constant demands of fuel for automobiles in the near future.

Current Event #18: North Korea’s New Leader: Ready for Battle

Current Event #18: North Korea’s New Leader: 

Ready for Battle

Due: Friday, March 2, 2012

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, states that his country is ready to fight a war with the United States and its ally South Korea if need be. Recent dialogue ended last Friday, with little visible signs of any progress having been made between the two countries. Friday’s talks were the first high-level talks since the death of North Korea's longtime leader, Kim Jong Il, in December and the transition of power to his youngest son, Kim Jong Un. The former leader’s death placed an uncertainty around the U.S. plans for renewed diplomacy with North Korea. The negotiations of North Korea’s nuclear program and the resumption of the U.S. food assistance have now been placed on hold or influx until Kim Jong Un speaks.

What You Will Do:

After reading the following article: http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/27/world/asia/north-korea-tensions/index.html?hpt=wo_c1 , you will need to answer the following questions in complete sentences to form detailed paragraphs to discuss your points of view. Please be direct and specific as you proceed in answering each question surround the current international dilemma.

1.      Should the U.S. take precautionary measure to prepare to go to war with North Korea?

2.      Do you think these actions taken by Kim Jong Un, should be taken lightly or if they are his way of seeking attention as a new leader?

3.      What are your thoughts on the United States and South Korea holding regular military drills?