Watergate Scandal

The book, “All The President’s Men” starts out as a story that is covered by two men, and it ends as a historic event covered by a team of two men. Those two men are Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

A single event on June 17, 1972 is what starts it all, and a pardon delivered on September 8, 1974 brings it to an end. Five men caught breaking into the Democratic headquarters is the event that slowly leads to the discovery of shady business conducted within the White House during President Richard Nixon’s presidency. Espionage led to the arrest of the five men. Other men in the Committee to Reelect the President or CRP, resigned. Many of those that were resigned were indicted.

Eventually Nixon is subpoenaed for all the tapes of private presidential conversations that had been recorded. Impeachment of the President is brought up by the House Judiciary Committee, since they believed Nixon participated in the cover up. Nixon resigns before an impeachment can take place, and Vice President Gerald Ford is sworn in. President Ford’s pardon for Nixon and Nixon’s acceptance of the pardon concluded the Watergate scandal.

As made obvious by the book and movie, Woodward and Bernstein’s way of investigating back then is somewhat different from how things are done in the present day. They had to depend on public records and people for information, and they constantly visited the scene (the sources’ homes). All of their techniques were very basic. However their basic techniques still brought the truth to the light.

Researching could be considered to be the most vital technique they used. Public records, phone books and people were all used in their research to help them connect the dots. One part of the book mentions them spending the afternoon in the Library of Congress looking through slips. They had to literally go through actual slips of paper, instead of searching an online library database.

In an interview at Hofstra University, Woodward claimed they got their best information at night. He insisted that journalists should go to people’s houses at night. Since many of the people they interviewed worked for the government, their only real free time was at night. Frequently throughout the book, Bernstein and Woodard are mentioned stopping by sources’ houses. An interview with Hugh Sloan, treasurer of the CRP, is proof of their use of this technique. A bonus to interviewing people at night, according to Woodward, is that people appear to tell the truth more.

While they researched public records and went to the scene, both reporters employed their real secret weapon–people. Whether they called, visited, checked in phone books or used other people’s connections, Bernstein and Woodard were always seeking data on other people to give them a break. Woodard’s relationship with Deep Throat is proof of this. His relationship with Deep Throat led to many clues and breakthroughs.

Today, the strategies that both reporters exercised, would still be extremely valuable. Technology is great, and it certainly does make a difference in research. Even with technology though, I think it’s still necessary to remember that people are who really hold the information. You can only find so much on the web. Reporters today would do well to keep this in mind. Especially since anyone can put anything online.

They’re habit of visiting leads’ homes at night sounded weird to me. When I thought about it my view changed. At night people are getting ready for the next day, and they’re probably tired after the day’s events. That possibly helps loosen their tongues up a bit.

With technology they would have saved hours on research. As much as technology has its drawbacks, I do think they could’ve benefitted from it.

Our country has come a long way since the Watergate scandal. More laws and precautions have been taken. People have become way more incredulous. Yet I could see something like this scandal happening today. If someone wants to get away with something they’ll do what they must to keep their dirt hidden. Technology can help us, and as I mentioned before, it can also hurt us. People are great tools, but people can be liabilities. However with the right computer and skills anything is possible. A scandal of this nature is still possible.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/watergate-burglars-arrested
http://millercenter.org/president/nixon/essays/biography/6
http://longislandreport.org/multimedia/woodward-and-bernstein-stress-the-constants-of-journalism/13637

Click to access specialreport.pdf

President Ford Pardons Richard Nixon

Pill Popping

Disorders are becoming a more common thing for college students. More than 25% of college students are affected by some sort of disorder.

Among college students, the most common disorders are anxiety, depression and suicide, in extreme cases.

Anxiety is defined as an overly large amount of worrying to the point of panic. Anxiety is the most common disorder that affects college students.

Depression is when a student feels an overly large amount of anxiety to where it causes several negative effects. They often feel tired and like they are worth nothing. They feel hopeless.

Suicide happens in extreme cases, but it does happen when college students become too overwhelmed.

These disorders can affect students in different ways. One disorder usually leads to something else, and eventually the students become too overwhelmed with their life. Nate Nasworthy, a sophomore music major has suffered from anxiety for his whole life, but has struggled more with it while in college. “It becomes overwhelming at times and I don’t always know how to deal with it.” said Nasworthy.

The best way, according the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), to deal with mental disorders is to first detect when you may have a disorder. It is then best to go see the on-campus counselor. It is then possible to figure out options of how to get over the disorder or control it at a manageable level.

Students are often always anxious to begin, but being in college leads to more anxiety. The NAMI says that students are piled on with work and a difference of social setting when they start college. It is almost a culture shock for students. Being anxious can either make the student want to work harder or break down all together.

Anxiety leads to the other disorders many times. When students get one a mental illness, it will cause a chain reaction. Students will start to fail at what they are trying to accomplish. Things like students not earning the grades they want may happen. A lack of social interaction can happen. Students may feel the need to lock themselves in their room and study all of the time. They may feel like they don’t belong in college, and that no one can help them.

The ULM counseling center is the first way for students to combat any mental disorder when they are at ULM. The counseling center said that students are affected by many mental illnesses, but the most common is anxiety. The counseling center said that they are the first line of defense for students who need help when they feel like they have a disorder.

Courtney Walker, senior music major has used the counseling center on several occasions when she feels anxious. “They help me deal with my anxiety by giving me ways to calm myself down and focus on my goal.” said Walker.

A survey report done among college students by NAMI, found depression and anxiety to be two of the most common mental illnesses in students. Some might find this disturbing. What others might find even more disturbing are the numbers of students taking nonprescribed medication. It is considered good for people with mental illnesses to take their prescribed medication. However, it is not good when the prescribed medication is being taken for other uses.

But what other uses could college students have for nonprescribed drugs? The answer may be surprising, but then again it probably isn’t.

It seems the two reasons include recreational purposes and better study habits. About 94% of students cited their need to focus for school as their reason for using drugs, according to a Journal of Physician Assistant Education. The number of students who participate in this dangerous act are relatively low. 25% is the estimate of college students that use prescription drugs non-medically. Of that percent, the majority of the students using are full-time students.

How are students getting these prescription drugs? Apparently it’s not that difficult. Students either sell their drugs or steal them from family or friends. A document on “Educate before You Medicate” website states that by the time students are sophomores, approximately half of their classmates will have had an opportunity to exploit prescription drugs.

Jadyn Southam, a sophomore Elementary Education major at the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM), is just one student that has been presented with the opportunity to purchase drugs. In Southam’s experience, a simple yes would’ve given her what others often seek. “I’ve been approached multiple times by people who thought it would be fun to see me high.”

If one turns on the T.V. long enough, eventually a commercial will come on advertising a pharmaceutical drug. At the end of the commercial, an announcer will unavoidably be heard listing a bunch of possible side effects. All of those side effects could easily make someone think the drug is too dangerous and not worth the risks. However most students don’t see the dangers at all.

A study back in 2008 showed 81% of students thought the use of medications either weren’t that dangerous or were only somewhat dangerous. Professor Kilian Garvey teaches abnormal psychology at ULM. In his opinion, “Back then we thought we were invincible, so people tried different things.” Back in his college days, Garvey said he saw plenty of drug use. Regardless of his observations, he does believe the number of college students taking nonprescribed drugs will go down. “Back then people didn’t realize how bad cigarettes were, but now they do and many people have quit smoking. I think the same will happen with students who take illicit prescriptions.”

Students who are taking others’ prescriptions need to realize the risks involved. It’s important to note that doing so is illegal, and there are threatening side effects. Drugs used as depressants can cause seizures and memory loss when misused. Other drugs cause an increase in blood pressure or shallow breathing. Above all else college students should know that addiction and death are possible outcomes, and neither can be controlled. One thing the student can control is the choice they make.

http://web.a.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=19419430&AN=71161303&h=dHG6O6OGS3gjD6Ci7G9CYgIy6kNN5JCp%2bm3RPSwnA9BYkYgJjQMrvvSXJMAA43MV0Yy91rUHJ9LT1WbaMurX3Q%3d%3d&crl=c

http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/17/health/adderall-college-students/
http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Find_Support/NAMI_on_Campus1/Learn_About_The_Issue/Learn_About_The_Issue.htm
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-and-college-students/index.shtml

Click to access GetTheFacts.pdf

We Want It NOW

Patience is a virtue that most of us don’t have. We tell people to take their time, but do we really mean it?

Sometimes we probably do mean it. The majority of the time I’m sure we don’t. There’s a chant that goes, “What do we want…When do we want it?” The response to that chant sums up our mindset presently.

Now. That’s when we want it. People don’t want something tomorrow, next week or even 30 minutes from now. They want it now, and social media helps to fuel this need. Twitter and Facebook seem to be the main players in social media. Both keep people informed on topics, so which one is better?

I’m biased towards Facebook because I still see Twitter as pointless. If journalists want to give up-to-date news to their viewers, they can do that on Facebook. There is not a restriction on the amount of characters, so they can say what they discovered without worrying about running out. This can be a problem, since journalism is about getting straight to the point. However, a journalist should have no problem resisting the temptation to write an elaborate post that makes readers click “continue reading.”

Many journalists connect with viewers and form their own community with them through Facebook and Twitter. Twitter is good at allowing tweeters to directly communicate with one person, and Facebook is too. Facebook permits journalists and other public figures to connect on a more personal level. Twitter, on the other hand, does not. Facebook gives you a detailed profile that displays your likes and interests along with other information about you. You can tell more about someone from looking at their Facebook profile versus their Twitter profile. A profile is vital because it helps you decide whether or not you want to follow somebody.

If you’d like to add extra media content like videos or pictures, neither site will give you problems.  Once again I’m in Facebook’s corner though.  With one, simple click you can view the video content on most videos without being taken to another website.  I can’t say the same for Twitter.  To view videos and pics you have to depend on a link to take you somewhere else to view them.  It’s only some seconds, but remember, we want it now.

Before the hash tag made its way onto Facebook, it was already booming on Twitter. And why not? The idea behind the hash tag is very useful. The purpose of it is to give you access to facts and opinions on a certain topic. You can also put your own knowledge about an argument out there and get feedback and possibly gain followers from it. Somewhere along the way people started using hash tags on Facebook. It did seem out of place at first, and I would see friends pointing out to others that hash tags are for Twitter, not Facebook. Now those people are wrong. There is now an area on Facebook that shows what is trending, and hash tags are for Facebook as well.

Advertising is a big plus with social networking.  You don’t have to travel a long distance to present yourself to a possible employer.  If you’re a make-up artist, author, singer, video editor or anything else, Twitter and Facebook can announce to millions how skilled (or unskilled) you are.  By now, you know that I’m going to tell you why Facebook is better.  Well here it is.  Whatever your talent is, Facebook lets you present yourself in a detailed way.  Whereas Twitter would have to give you a link to Facebook or Instagram to see the visual side of advertising.

One of the big questions is who will last longer between Twitter and Facebook. Will one of them last longer? My opinion is neither will last in the end. However, I do believe Facebook will last longer. It hung in there while Twitter gained its popularity, and I think Facebook will continue to adjust to make users happy.

New and now are two very big things to keep in mind for consumers nowadays. In my opinion, Twitter doesn’t really have anything new going on for it.  I know I said they’ll both get the boot, but that doesn’t mean the end for social media.  I’m thinking YouTube and Instagram hold the future.

We’re really into visuals now, and there are constantly new tricks to use for those visuals. YouTube and Instagram cater to that area. Both allow users to communicate, advertise, share pics, talents and videos. Cameras are imperative to us now, but I foresee camcorders being the focus in the future. People no longer want to just read what’s going on. They want to see and hear with their eyes and not just use their imagination. Hopefully the future won’t include us not being able to create because we can’t imagine without seeing with our eyes. Regardless of your fear or apprehension the majority of people want what’s new, and they’re getting it now.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9247925/Why_the_social_networks_are_falling_apart?taxonomyId=236&pageNumber=2

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9247880/Facebook_launches_FB_Newswire_for_social_newsies

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9247273/Why_Twitter_Facebook_Google_and_Amazon_want_to_be_each_other

STOP, Let Me Take a Selfie

#Selfie. It’s not only the name of an annoying song that barely has lyrics. It’s pretty much a movement.

The only way you could not know what a selfie is, is if you’re a grandparent or Amish. No offense to any Amish people who may read this. Personally I think your way of living is smart, and you rock. Just in case we’re not all sure what it is, let’s look at the definition. According to dictionary.com, a selfie is a photograph that one takes of oneself with a digital camera or a front-facing smartphone, tablet, or webcam, especially for posting on a social-networking or photo-sharing website.

We’re all guilty of taking a selfie now and then. Maybe you are the person that has to share your oufit of the day with all of your followers. If so, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. All of us are guilty of having mini photo shoots to get the perfect selfie. Yep, that includes me ladies and gents.

Before my phone took a tumble from the Ring of Fire rollercoaster, I had a phone full of selfies. There were a few thousand pictures in my phone. I know that’s a lot, but don’t you judge me. This is a no judging zone. I won’t judge you for your endless amount of food pics, so don’t give me that look.

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact reason everyone takes a selfie. For some it’s to show you’re having a good time or look exceptionally good that day. My reasoning for my selfies includes the latter. It’s not because I think I’m oh so hot. Thanks to a wise older lady, I realized I won’t look young forever, so I better get in those pictures while I am. And for all of you still stuck on the amount of pictures I took don’t worry, not even a quarter of those pics have made it onto my social media. I comment more than I post.

While I’m all for the selfie movement, I do believe in safety.  I get that sometimes you want to be daring and get a unique or artsy pic, but there is a such thing as danger.

As kids we were all taught not to stick things in the socket and to look both ways before crossing the street.  Who knew that our parents should have warned us not to take a selfie near an oncoming train.

Unsurprisingly people have turned something fun into something not so fun.

A young girl in Russia fell to her death from a railway bridge from trying to take a selfie.  Apparently, it is a trend in Russia to climb onto a tall structure and snap a pic of yourself at the top.  The part that isn’t a part of that trend is getting electrocuted from falling from the tall structure.  Even though the young girl didn’t plan her death, some may argue she may as well have.  I was quick to think this too, but then I thought about it.  If you were to climb Mount Everest wouldn’t you take a pic?  Some could argue that, that’s just as dangerous.  After all the mountain doesn’t scream, “Climb me! I’m safe!”

Another questionable youth decided to take a selfie inches away from an oncoming train.  Thankfully, the driver of the train wasn’t eager to fulfill the young man’s death wish, so he kicked him out of the way.  The pictures captured show the incident in slow motion, and they’re funny to look at.  However, this guy’s life could have ended just like the young lady’s in Russia.

As serious as both of the above incidents are, I don’t expect anyone to stop the selfie craze.  Keep taking your selfies.  They capture a moment in time and help you share those special moments with special people.  Play with different filters and angles.  Change it up and throw your friends and family in there.  And go ahead, put the hashtag.  Just don’t make #selfie your excuse for #death.

 

The Magic Touch

Humans have been said to need the human touch from the moment they arrive in this world.  Of course, babies require parents to hold them as they are burped and moved around.  However a parent does not necessarily have to hold the baby while they are feeding or bathing him or her.  One is encouraged to do so because studies have shown that touch is important for a child’s development.  They simply need it for the comfort that contact with another person provides.

As we become adults we are taught to become independent.  One does not think to ask a parent or guardian to cuddle them.  It would probably make their parent wonder if something was wrong with them.  Instead if a person needs comfort they might turn to food, a warm bath or a hobby.  A person definitely would not turn to a stranger for that much needed cuddle.

People eventually learn that is not true.  Escorts and prostitutes are not paid to just stand next to the person using their services.  Now there are new businesses that provide others with comfort in a different way.  One business is called “The Snuggery,” and the other is called “Cuddle Up to Me.”  Both give customers contentment by strictly cuddling with them.

Cuddle Up to Me is managed by Samantha Hess.  The cost for a cuddle with Hess starts at $35.  Customers are allowed to cuddle with her for at least 30 minutes, and if they find they want more comfort, overnight cuddle sessions are offered.

Although Hess has received criticism for her profession, it seems she was quite serious about it.  She has a website that is set up for her business, and it is registered with the state.  Hess even took an extra precaution of having a waiver made by a lawyer. In the waiver a variety of things are brought to a potential client’s attention.  One of the first things the client must understand is that session is not meant to be sexual at all.

According to Hess her purpose is,”…to make you feel comfortable, loved, and appreciated.”

Hess has went on to say that her sessions are meant to make people feel their best by giving, “…the sort of love a mother gives to her child.” She believes we need the warmth of another person to feel whole.

It would seem she is not the only person who thinks this. Over in New York, Jacqueline Samuel has also made it her mission to give snuggles with her business The Snuggery.  Like Hess, for a certain price clients are allowed to receive mother-like touches to help them feel better.

While some accuse her of being a prostitute, she defends herself by saying, “Snuggling is healthy, spiritual, and fun.”

Although both women seem to have the same goal, Samuel’s website has more scientific reasoning for cuddling.  Her website discusses how the brain and body reacts to touch by producing different chemicals.  Samuel’s website states that our physical and mental health is positively affected by physical contact.

Studies have been done to prove that this is true.  Does this mean that all people really need to improve their mental well-being is a little more touching?  Licensed counselor, Loria Hudson has her own thoughts on this topic.

She says, “Touch is important for everyone no matter the age.”

With that in mind, Hudson still would not agree that touch therapy alone can heal all problems.

“A touch can hold power, but with one word you can change someone’s life,” she states.

Samuel and Hess do permit talking during their sessions.  Both have made it clear on their website that whatever makes you feel better is okay.  Could this form of comfort possibly take over people who seek counseling?  Hudson does not think so.  She also would not recommend that anyone rely fully on their sessions, since neither woman is a licensed counselor.

It seems as if the feedback for Samuel is good.  Currently on her website there are three comments that attest to this.  All comments are from males, but maybe they require more touch for comfort.

How much magic the hands hold is debatable.  How much magic words hold is debatable as well.  When a magician performs a trick and says the magic words what is more vital to the trick? A magician’s touch or words?  Think about it.

If you’re curious about snuggling check out Samuel and Hess’ websites below.

http://www.cuddleuptome.com

http://thesnuggery.org

http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/481/Touching-the-Littlest-Clients

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/hands_on_research

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/wired-success/201209/why-have-we-lost-the-need-physical-touch

Good Mom, Bad Decision

You’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.

Sometime in each of our lives we have been told some variation of this.  Maybe you heard it from a teacher, parent or even yourself.  It seems that is what Shanesha Taylor did on a hot day in March this year.

Taylor is a 35-year-old single, Arizona mom, who was charged with child abuse.  Although it is clear that she did leave her 2-year-old and 6-month-old in the car, Taylor  has pled not guilty.

Normally people everywhere reach a consensus that a mother like this is unfit.  This time it appears to be different.  There are some who do believe she is unfit, but some people are seeing the good in Taylor’s actions.  I know you are possibly wondering how there could be any good in this situation, but if you hold on you’ll see what those people are talking about.

Amanda Bishop, a 24-year-old living in New Jersey, saw a mom trying to do right by her kids.  She is among the people who were touched by the mug shot of  Taylor with tears in her eyes.  Bishop was so touched by the picture that she started a website to raise $9,000 for Taylor.  Presently the page has raised a little over $100,000.

For those of you who are currently thinking why she’s being awarded for being so thoughtless, let me give you a few more details.  Three important variables resulted in Taylor’s choice.  Homelessness, umemployment and food stamps.  While juggling all of this, a lighthouse popped up in the midst of her storm.  She had a job interview to attend.

With no one to watch her children, Taylor put them in the backseat of her Dodge Durango and took them with her.  The problem is she went inside while her kids stayed outside in the car with the keys left in it, and an AC wasn’t running.  Even with the windows down, the temperature in the car was too high for any young child to deal with.

Why would someone empathize with Taylor?  According to Bishop, she was like one of those kids left in the backseat.  She grew up with a mother who struggled to raise her and her siblings, and sometimes the decisions made weren’t the greatest.  Bishop simply sees Taylor as a mom trying to do right by her kids.  However, like other single moms, she just needed some help.

As I stated before, Taylor pled not guilty.  Therefore I’d imagine she felt she did what she had to.  What do you think?  Was there something else she should’ve tried?

In all honesty I’m torn in my decision.  What if the children had died?  I also have to wonder what other things the children might have to endure as Taylor struggles to support them.

The truth is I’m sure Taylor isn’t the only parent that has made a bad decision for their child.  She did what she thought was right.

 

Mother Who Leaves Children in Hot Car Receives Support and Disdain [Video]

http://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/shanesha-taylor-fundraiser/153519

http://www.kpho.com/story/25039302/az-mom-leaves-her-2-young-kids-in-hot-car-during-job-interview

 

Blurred Lines

 

It probably happens everyday.  A person takes a blow to the face or to their reputation. Maybe it happens once, or maybe it’s something that the person experiences daily.  When can you say it has become bullying?

As much as people argue over what is and isn’t cyberbullying, it wasn’t hard for people in  a town in South Carolina to define it.

Charles Fowler, an assistant principal at Walhalla High School, took a picture of a kindergartner in Wal-Mart and compared the little girl to Honey Boo Boo on his Facebook.  In case you don’t know, Honey Boo Boo is a reality star who participates in pageants.  Her weight is one characteristic that sets her apart from the other pageant girls, since she isn’t petite.

It’s pretty easy to label Fowler’s actions as bullying.  After all he is a grown man who publicly humiliated a kid.  Another big thing that stuck out was his profession.  As an employee of a school district, your job is to oversee students’ well-being not cause harm to it.  How do you determine whether or not other cases that occur online are cyberbullying?

I would classify a case as cyberbullying if it met two or more of the following:

•  Victim is caused long-term emotional stress
• Identifies victim to allow the public to humiliate/criticize them
• A person constantly harasses victim on one or more social media sites
• A person draws in multiple people to constantly harass victim on one or more social media sites
• Victim is called derogatory words
• Victim’s life is threatened
• A person posts explicit/embarrassing photo or video for malicious reasons

In the case with the kindergartner, she was caused emotional distress, and her picture identified her to all of his friends on Facebook.  Therefore it was easy to see the wrong done.  Sometimes the lines get blurred, which makes it hard to see a situation in black and white.  As hard as it may be we do need to put a clearer definition to cyberbullying.  By defining it, people will know what line is not okay to cross.

The website, stopbullying.gov, defines cyberbullying as bullying that involves the use of technology.  How do you define cyberbullying?

To read the full article about the cyberbullying mentioned in this article  view the link below.

http://living.msn.com/family-parenting/raising-kids/school-principal-resigns-after-allegedly-cyberbullying-kindergartner

http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it/

http://stopcyberbullying.org/what_is_cyberbullying_exactly.html

 

 

Where’s Waldo?

It’s like a constant game of hide-and-seek or where’s Waldo.  Except it’s an intense adult version of it.  People and helicopters are out looking everywhere for the 239 people on board the  Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.  As of yet, no one has come out to say, “Here I am!”

The entire situation is hard to grasp.  Everyday viewers at home hear a new theory about the missing.  In between those assumptions, audiences get to hear the cold facts about the story repeatedly.  There are a few facts that everyone can agree on before it becomes a murky mix.

• The flight departed from Kuala,  Lumpur.
• Its destination was Beijing, China.
• 227 passengers and 12 crew members were present.
• Most of the passengers were Chinese.
• Two passengers are basically babies.
• 20 passengers worked for Freescale Semiconductor, an electronic warfare and military firm.
• Two passengers used stolen passports.

Everyone on the flight is supposedly being investigated on the flight.  However,  as an investigator who would you start with first?  The babies?

Officials have been looking into the background of the pilots extensively.  The two passengers with stolen passports were checked out.  Those 20 workers for Freescale Semiconductor were checked out for obvious reasons.  Although with each investigation more questions are brought up.

Why did the pilots use three “tactical  evasion maneuvers?”  Is there a hijacker on the plane?  Could this have something to do with the military firm?  Why did the Malaysian government hold some information back?

One important thing investigators have found is that the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System, known as Acars, was deliberately disabled.  Even more important, it was disabled before the pilot informed Acars the flight was fine.

Evidence has also surfaced that someone programmed the plane’s computer.  This information stressed the fact that the plane was purposefully taken off course.  A person doesn’t just wake up with knowledge about computers.  That thought has led some people to wonder about the engineers for Freescale Semiconductor.

The engineers have a background of working with technology like embedded processors.  Embedded processors use computing functions in systems like planes.  Isn’t that just too convenient?  Or maybe it’s just a coincidence.

With all of the information being presented, one can’t be sure where to look.  There are obvious people you tend to point your finger at.  Theories are made that sound irrational, but makes you wonder.  Are the possible suspects a little too accessible?

Experts say the Boeing 777 plane could have landed without us knowing.  Another thing to note is that debris hasn’t been found yet.

Out of all the evidence and facts being thrown around, one thing remains true.  What goes up must come down.

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/465557/Malaysian-plane-20-on-board-worked-for-ELECTRONIC-WARFARE-and-radar-defence-company

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/missing-jet/only-handful-subs-could-reach-indian-oceans-bottom-n57476

http://abcnews.go.com/International/malaysian-government-repeatedly-declines-interpol-search-missing-plane/t/story?id=22922961

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/world/asia/malaysia-airlines-plane/

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/malaysia-airlines-plane-mh370-latest-conspiracy-theory-were-freescale-semiconductor-top-employees-1440097

http://www.codewit.com/north-america/17308-flight-370-passengers-may-still-be-alive-pirated-boeing-777-may-return-to-skies-as-stealth-nuclear-weapon

What makes a Millennial a Millennial

My name is Mya, and I’m a millennial.  And you may be one, too.

Dictionary.com defines the millennial generation as people born from 1980 and up, who use technology and mass media.  We’re considered the kids of the Baby Boomers.  Maybe you have heard us called Generation Y.

A recent article on Cosmopolitan’s website listed 10 signs that prove one is a millennial.  Initially, I just read the article for fun because I thought it would be interesting.  It was a story to entertain me, instead of inform me on the perils facing our country.

Then I discovered that the article received its data from a website that concentrates on facts and numbers.  It seemed like the information presented could be legit.

Out of the 10 signs that indicate a person is a millennial I could relate to eight.  How many signs will describe you as one?  Let’s find out.

Sign 1:  Says most millennials are marrying later

Sign 2:  Talks about our typical social media behavior;  We believe in selfies and don’t find it rude to use our cell phones at meals.

Sign 3:  Trusting strangers  doesn’t come easy to us; However, millennials are optimistic about the future.

Sign 4:  Despite our generation being poorer (thanks college loans),  we still think we’ll be just fine.

Sign 5:  Politically, most identify themselves as independent.  Although when it’s time to vote, we typically choose a Democrat.

Sign 6:  Being gay or smoking marijuana is okay

Sign 7:  Most have faith there’s a God but aren’t deep into religion

Sign 8:  We are not huge supporters of our country.

Sign 9:  Many millennials aren’t going green to help the environment.

Sign 10:  Accepting diversity, when it comes to the mixing of races and same sex marriages, is something that we do easily.

If I had to look at areas where our generation’s views are different from others, then I would look at many of the ones listed above.  Some of the signs (like Sign 1) just make sense.

Of course millennials are marrying later.  Education is being strongly stressed, and women now are all for having a career.  In this year, it is strange to think that you can’t have a degree, career and family.  The only thing is you may have to wait on the marriage and baby part, but according to Sign 1, we don’t see a problem with it.

I would say that the millennial generation consider the saying about having your cake and eating to be true.  Even if it takes eating one slice at a time, I think we deem it to be worth our time.

Now tell me what do you think.  Do these signs really outline our generation?  Did they miss something?  Comment below and view the link for an in-depth look at the signs that signal you’re a millennial.

http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/millennial-pew-report-2014?src=rss

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/11/opinion/frum-millennials-survey/

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/notebook-millennials/

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/author-annabelle-gurwitch-on-the-rise-of-the-millennials/

Small Town Homelessness

2.9 million. That’s the average number of people who experience homelessness in America.

When one looks at the number of homeless people in their city, it can seem less staggering.  Therefore, it makes it easier to ignore the problem.  The saying out of sight, out of mind becomes true.

Problems like homelessness can’t be ignored so easily though.  It’s hard to ignore it when you’re driving somewhere and see a person with a sign.  The sign isn’t advertising a car wash or fundraiser.  The sign is advertising that the person next to your driver window is without a home.

Various scenarios could have placed them where they are.  Mental illness, unemployment and debt are just a few possibilities.  Where does one tell those people to go for help in a small city like Monroe , Louisiana?

According to Lori, an operator at Louisiana 211, there aren’t really that many shelters in this area.  Due to that inconvenience, it can make it difficult for her to help people when they call.  In her opinion, the way to solve the limited assistance in the Monroe area is through grants.

However, since grants aren’t passed out as easily as bills, the homeless have to get help where they can find it.  The Salvation Army located on Hart Street is one  of those places.

A drive around the area shows the need for repairs.  Deserted buildings with broken windows and buildings that look as if they should be deserted greet you as you drive to The Salvation Army.  A glance at the building itself doesn’t exactly cause warm tingly feelings.  Thankfully, unlike the other buildings, it does look like it has a pulse.  There on the sidewalk is Becky.

She is 39 and has recently been put out of her mother’s house.  It’s her first time being homeless, and she says it makes her feel depressed.  When asked how was her first experience at The Salvation Army she stated,

“It was a pretty good experience.  The people were nice and helpful.”

Although Becky’s stay at the shelter was not horrid, she knows her stay there is limited.  Guests at The Salvation Army can only stay up to 14 consecutive days.  Another requirement includes checking in at the appropriate time.  Check-in starts at 4:30 p.m., and guests are required to leave by 8 a.m.

Where are they expected to go after eight?  Becky says looking for jobs is one recommendation.  It makes one wonder how are people like her suppose to get anywhere without money.  An answer to that thought is by using their own two feet.

One man did that exact thing.  He came into a hotel to pick up an application.  I listened as he told a front desk clerk about his current living conditions.  A tent in the woods made up his humble abode.  Why was this man choosing a tent over a shelter?

Perhaps there wasn’t anymore room for him that night.  According to Terry Lowe, a worker at The Salvation Army,

“There are 20 beds for men and four beds for women.”

It seems as if not having enough room for the homeless is just one more problem faced in the area.  Lori mentioned another drawback with the assistance in the area in a statement below.

“Where do the hitchhikers go who miss the check-in time?”

One of her biggest concerns appeared to be about the women and children.  When it comes to finding help for them, she has found it to be harder.  In fact, she says,

“We’ve dropped the ball with them in my opinion.”

Just because a person is homeless they’re not guaranteed a spot in the minimum shelters offered in Monroe.  Gender, age and the number of kids a person has are all determining factors.  Those factors can either make your chances of finding a shelter better or worse.  Regardless of those factors, it is still clear that more room is needed.  As Lowe stated,

“We need more beds.”

For facts and information on homelessness view the links below.

Click to access AHAR-2013-Part1.pdf

http://www.studentsagainsthunger.org/page/hhp/overview-homelessness-america
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/526/homeless-facts.html
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/louisiana/homeless

Click to access CoC_PopSub_CoC_LA-505-2012_LA_2013.pdf

http://monroe_la.suntopia.org/homeless_shelters.php