Horseshoe Crabs

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/opinion/a-bird-whose-life-depends-on-a-crab.html?ref=contributors

 

 

Scientists use the blood of horseshoe crabs for many medical and experimental purposes, so population has gone down.  The small "red knots", a type of bird that lives on the shores, eats the crab's eggs to survive, so environmentalists are concerned for the survival of both species.  They propose the protection of both species, as one is related to the survival of the other, before they are both put on the endangered species list.

 

I found it interesting that horseshoe crab blood can be used for so many medical reasons, and that the use of it has helped us understand and treat certain diseases.  However, the fact that we are hunting them to extinction is wrong.  This article just supports that everything is relevant to everything else, and we need to work harder to preserve species and natural habitats.

 

 

CONTENT: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/opinion/a-bird-whose-life-depends-on-a-crab.html?ref=contributors

Browsing while Driving

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/11/18/distracted-drivers-tellusatoday-your-say/3634601/

 

 

This article states that 25% of all drivers surf the web while operating a vehicle, according to a recent State Farm Survey.  USA Today asked Twitter users to give their thoughts and opinions on this matter.  The example Tweets provided all suggested harsher punishment, even going so far as public shaming,

 

 

I find it interesting that people take such offence to accessing the internet while driving, especially in modern times where our cells phones are becoming an extension of ourselves.  I agree that it is an issue though, the introduction of cell phones to society has lead to a lack in safety on the roads.  Distracted driving, no matter what you are doing, is dangerous to everyone around you. 

 

 

CONTENT: http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/11/18/distracted-drivers-tellusatoday-your-say/3634601/

 

PHOTO: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/2010-07-21-1atexting21_st_n.htm

Same-Sex Marriage and Social Media

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/11/18/same-sex-marriage-gay-rights-your-say/3634637/

 

This article in USA Today talks about the legalization of same-sex marriage across America, and what is abuzz about it in the online world.  They give several quotes from online sources, such as blogs, facebook, and twitter.

 

 

Recently, Illinois became the 16th state to legalize gay marriage, however the job isn't done.  Activists wont stop until it is legal everywhere in America, and many want to change the very definition of "marriage" to accommodate for the changing times.  This article presents examples from both sides of the argument.

 

 

I find it impossible for me to be impartial, because I feel so strongly that same-sex marriage should be legal everywhere.  I believe that customs ARE changing, they always are.  It wasn't so long ago that inter racial marriages were illegal, and now racism is extremely taboo in our culture.  Personally, I cannot wait for the day when homophobia is also on the taboo list for American culture.

 

 

CONTENT: http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/11/18/same-sex-marriage-gay-rights-your-say/3634637/

 

 

PHOTO: http://www.forbes.com/fdc/welcome_mjx.shtml



Video Ban

 

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/12/editorial-a-lesson-from-the-street/

 

 

This article in the Washington Times is about the legality of video taping public events, such as a public arrest.  Journalism student, Taylor Hardy of Boston has been asked to appear in court to explain why he video taped a public arrest, and in the video an officer was threatening and yelling at him.

 

 

The officers don't want the negative publicity that came with the video, so it seems the legal system is fighting back, but at what cost?  Banning the public from videotaping or photographing public events, especially those involved with the government or law, seems completely un-American.  Public officials should not be able to arm themselves with police and prevent videotaping. 

 

 

CONTENT: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/12/editorial-a-lesson-from-the-street/

 

 

PHOTO: http://www.videomaker.com/article/15619-recording-in-public-places-and-your-first-amendment-rights

Made by Hand, or Handled by a Machine?

 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/opinion/etsys-industrial-revolution.html?ref=contributors

 

 

This article by Elizabeth Wayland Barber is about the credibility of some of the venders on the homemade product distribution website, Etsy.  Etsy was founded to sell handmade crafts online, connecting thousands of crafters to clientele.  They recently updated their policy to account for the booming business of some of their venders, allowing some manufacturing or machine made products, but they still have to be original work.

 

Some of the venders  are outraged; Why should the manufacturers have a place on this site? And what will it do for their business? In my opinion, every vender started out small, and if some of them have gotten to the point of contracts, machinery and larger scale manufacturing, why punish them by kicking them off the site?

 

 

CONTENT: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/12/opinion/etsys-industrial-revolution.html?ref=contributors

 

 

PHOTO: http://www.lumosforbusiness.com/blog/835/14-02-2013/Business+Model+Breakdown++ETSY 

Genetically Modified Food

 

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/7/letter-to-the-editor-labeling-scary-food/

 

 

This article is about how Americans are unwilling to put warning labels on genetically altered foods, because, as the article states, "The dangers associated with genetically modified foods exist only in the mind. There’s concrete evidence that genetically modified seeds have been saving lives and helping the environment." 

 

Genetically modified crops helps reduce the amount of pesticides farmers have to use, reduce the risk of allergies, boost food supply, and help increase the quality of life.  This article was very biased toward the modification of crops, it offers little to no downfalls.  Based on what I read, I would say modifying food would be a great thing.

 

CONTENT: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/7/letter-to-the-editor-labeling-scary-food/

PHOTO: http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/kabernd/seminar/2004/gmevents/nh/nh.html


We Hurt Their Feelings

 

 

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/6/editorial-spies-with-hurt-feelings/

 

 

This article says that certain government organizations are making a fuss about the jokes being made at their expense, saying a T-shirt with "The NSA: The Only Government Branch that Actually Listens" is a disgrace to the country.  The author writes "Homeland Security says the parody items violate the law making it a crime to  'mutilate or alter the seal of any department or agency of the United States.'" But on the other end of the stick, it is our right in America to speak out against, or for, our government, and to mock it at times. 

 

The novelty items aren't meant to be taken literally, and these agencies are going overboard in thinking they will do the public harm.  the author of this article brings up a great point, that to be a free nation we need this right to mock our government, as we do for everything else.  Jokes and cartoons can bring up interesting points, point out flaws, endorse good functions, and get a laugh or two out of a well-educated citizen.

 

 



 

CONTENT: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/6/editorial-spies-with-hurt-feelings/

PHOTOS:http://www.prosebeforehos.com/political-ironing/06/28/scarily-accurate-nsa-cartoons/


Whale of a Tale

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/opinion/savior-of-the-whales.html?ref=contributors

 

 

 

This article, in the New York Times, tells the story of Pachico, a poor Mexican fisherman who had the wonderful experience of touching a whale that surfaced right along-side his boat.  Ever since that day, the man claims to have a special bond with the creatures, he says he would trade his own life to save a whale's.

 

When the Mexican government tried to build a sea salt factory in the bay where the whales thrive, he was the voice to stop them.  In order to bring attention to the harm it could do to the whales, he brought the author of this article out to see them, to tell their story.  Pachico was quoted as saying “Let’s go hunt whales, bring your binoculars, bring your camera, so you can take them away and leave them there.”

 

CONTENT:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/opinion/savior-of-the-whales.html?ref=contributors&_r=0

 

PHOTO:http://graysreef.noaa.gov/science/research/gray_whale/welcome.html