The article I read was about how Obama's approval rating is at an all time low, and yet he is still leading all of the possible republican presidential candidates for 2012 by at least 7 points. The same poll also reveals that nearly 75% of Americans like Obama personally, and that he has an approval rating of 74% in family values, 68% in easy going, 51% in exciting and inspirational, and 49% in leadership qualities. The article also states that 65% of Americans think that our current economic issues are inherited from Bush and 21% believe that it is Obama's fault.
If you would like to read more, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40687410/ns/politics-more_politics/
People seriously need to get a grip. 21% of Americans think that Obama is the primary source of our economic issues? Where have they been for the last decade? What are they smoking? How can they possibly think that? It's absolutely ridiculous to blame him for all of our problems. Look people, Obama is trying. Hard. You look at a good majority of the politicians in Washington, they won't compromise. At least our president is smart enough to try and work with the other party. I suggest any republicans discontinue reading at this point. It seems like Republicans expected Obama to fix things immediately, to swoop in on a flying horse, wave a wand, and POOF! Our economy is fixed. Get a clue Reps, pull your head out of your behind, and knock of the BS. If you look at our economy and why it is what it is, it's because of Bush (ahem, Republican), he took our economy, and drove it to the ground. How can you expect for one man to fix such a huge mess, even in eight years? Especially when all the non-democrats are saying things like "it's been six months, why aren't we fixed?" or "no thanks, you can keep your change," and neither side wants to compromise. Obama came into a screwed up economy, and it's going to take more than just him to fix it, I support him fully, but I'm saying that we need to work as a team, otherwise this country is nothing. No matter how hard he works, Obama cannot fix it all, it may take decades to undo what Bush (ahem, Republican), did, and it will take even longer if we can't work together. Lower your expectations of Obama, he's giving it his best, and raise your expectations of the average American to do their part in reviving our great country.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Pearl Harbor marked, but by fewer survivors
The article I read was about Pearl Harbor, and how survivors of the attack are dwindling in numbers. The article also shares some facts and statistics of the attack, along with briefly describing what happened. One of the main focuses of the story was the USS Arizona, that sank with 1,177 of its 1,400 members still aboard. The deaths of the Americans on the USS Arizona were nearly half of the total deaths, which totaled 2,390.
If you would like to read more of this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40552543/ns/us_news-life/
This article really speaks to me because I have always found it vey important to honor our veterans, especially because my grandfather and my great grandfather both fought in a war. This article speaks all about honoring the people who were fighting for our freedom, and to me those people cannot be thanked enough, not now, not ever. In that one day, 2,390 men died, that's as if we took 1 out of every 5 people in our town, Alexandria, and killed them, can you imagine what that would be like? Let's not forget that behing each fallen soldier, is a grief stricken family, whose lives will never be the same. If there's really anything to learn from the article, it's that our veterans deserve more thanks than we are giving them, I know we have monuments, centers and even national holidays, but for the price of freedom, I'd say we can do better.
If you would like to read more of this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40552543/ns/us_news-life/
This article really speaks to me because I have always found it vey important to honor our veterans, especially because my grandfather and my great grandfather both fought in a war. This article speaks all about honoring the people who were fighting for our freedom, and to me those people cannot be thanked enough, not now, not ever. In that one day, 2,390 men died, that's as if we took 1 out of every 5 people in our town, Alexandria, and killed them, can you imagine what that would be like? Let's not forget that behing each fallen soldier, is a grief stricken family, whose lives will never be the same. If there's really anything to learn from the article, it's that our veterans deserve more thanks than we are giving them, I know we have monuments, centers and even national holidays, but for the price of freedom, I'd say we can do better.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Fed takes bold, risky step to bolster economy
The article explains how the Fed is attempting to boost our economy by buying $600 billion worth in government bonds, which will lower interest rates and hopefully convincing people to spend more money. The Fed also hopes that when they start buying the bonds, that it will create more jobs. Many people are concerned that the Fed's actions won't solve our problems but will just temporarily boost our economy, and raise bond prices and lower the bond yields. One of the biggest concerns is that the lower interest rates won't persuade people to buy more and that the Fed will basically waste their money on what would've spent in much more efficient ways.
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39990043/ns/business-personal_finance/
The Fed seems to have a good idea, but I, for one, am not sure how well it will work. What if people ignore the low interest rates, and continue to save? Wouldn't that make the Fed look like fools? In this situation, the risks and possible benefits cancel each other out it seems. Either way, something good is going to happen, or something bad is going to happen, whether we decide to let the people make that decision is what's really holding us back. I say we start putting people in charge of our economy, now matter how dumb that may sound because clearly the people are unhappy with our leaders and want the power. I say we take the gamble, I say we let the people decide, because it's their right and that seems to be what they want.
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39990043/ns/business-personal_finance/
The Fed seems to have a good idea, but I, for one, am not sure how well it will work. What if people ignore the low interest rates, and continue to save? Wouldn't that make the Fed look like fools? In this situation, the risks and possible benefits cancel each other out it seems. Either way, something good is going to happen, or something bad is going to happen, whether we decide to let the people make that decision is what's really holding us back. I say we start putting people in charge of our economy, now matter how dumb that may sound because clearly the people are unhappy with our leaders and want the power. I say we take the gamble, I say we let the people decide, because it's their right and that seems to be what they want.
Haiti urges 1 million to flee camps ahead of Tomas
This article deals with Haiti, and the tropical storm, Tomas, that is expected to hit it. In Haiti, nearly 1 million people have been advised to leave due to the fact that there just aren't enough supplies to keep these people safe, especially because there are large amounts of earthquake survivors living under tarps and in tents because they have nowhere to go. On top of the storm, a recent outbreak of cholera that has killed 330 people and hospitalized 4,700. The article also states that there have been other countries that have had millions and millions of dollars in damages, and the same is likely to happen to Haiti.
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39983207/ns/weather/
I feel absolutely terrible for the people in Haiti, whether it be a native or a volunteer. I don't know what they did to deserve an earthquake and a hurricane. It seems hardly even close to being fair that they have been living in nearly complete destruction since January, and are about to get hit again. The construction has barely even started to rebuild places largely in part due to the fact that the U.S. hasn't provided any of the $1.15 billion it promised, which to me is completely wrong for our great nation to withhold money and resources from those who desperately need it. The people of Haiti need our help, are we going to step up to the plate? Or are we going to continue to send our overworked, overtaxed volunteers down to try and fix and nearly hopeless cause because of the limited resources?
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39983207/ns/weather/
I feel absolutely terrible for the people in Haiti, whether it be a native or a volunteer. I don't know what they did to deserve an earthquake and a hurricane. It seems hardly even close to being fair that they have been living in nearly complete destruction since January, and are about to get hit again. The construction has barely even started to rebuild places largely in part due to the fact that the U.S. hasn't provided any of the $1.15 billion it promised, which to me is completely wrong for our great nation to withhold money and resources from those who desperately need it. The people of Haiti need our help, are we going to step up to the plate? Or are we going to continue to send our overworked, overtaxed volunteers down to try and fix and nearly hopeless cause because of the limited resources?
Elkhart is No. 1, and now it's in a good way
This article shares that Elkhart, Ind. is finally starting to come back a bit from the recession, when it got hit really hard. The article states that the unemployment rate in September was around 13% which is 3.1% lower than September 2009, but is still higher than the national average of 9%. Compared to the recent 13%, 2009 was horrible when the area had an unemployment rate of about 20.1%. Even though the area is still hurting, many believe that it was the first to go into the recession and it will be the first to get out of the recession.
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://lifeinc.todayshow.com/_news/2010/11/03/5403630-elkhart-is-no-1-and-now-its-in-a-good-way
I sincerely hope that people are correct in saying that Elkhart will be the place to lead us out of the recession, because it's about time we start turning things around, and it appears that it's happening little by little. The saying "you need to learn how to walk before you can run," seems to fit nicely in this article because it seems that as a country, in order to pull out of this recession, it's going to be little by little and that's probably the more stable way to approach the situation instead of suddenly spiking up and then having the opportunity to crash and go back to square one. Another thing I like about this article is that it is optimistic, which is crucial to surviving the recession and eventually coming back out of it because if we believe that we aren't going to have a stronger economy then we'll take less risks and save our money which decreases the amount of money in the economy, preventing us from improving. However, if we remain optimistic, then we will go out, spend our money, take those risks and pump money into the economy and stimulate it.
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://lifeinc.todayshow.com/_news/2010/11/03/5403630-elkhart-is-no-1-and-now-its-in-a-good-way
I sincerely hope that people are correct in saying that Elkhart will be the place to lead us out of the recession, because it's about time we start turning things around, and it appears that it's happening little by little. The saying "you need to learn how to walk before you can run," seems to fit nicely in this article because it seems that as a country, in order to pull out of this recession, it's going to be little by little and that's probably the more stable way to approach the situation instead of suddenly spiking up and then having the opportunity to crash and go back to square one. Another thing I like about this article is that it is optimistic, which is crucial to surviving the recession and eventually coming back out of it because if we believe that we aren't going to have a stronger economy then we'll take less risks and save our money which decreases the amount of money in the economy, preventing us from improving. However, if we remain optimistic, then we will go out, spend our money, take those risks and pump money into the economy and stimulate it.
After 'shellacking,' Obama laments disconnect with voters
This article was mainly focused on the complete change in political power in Washington. Now the Republicans have the upper hand and they want to change things because they believe that they know of a better way to run things. As a side story, the article mentions more than once, that Obama has taken the blame for not creating enough jobs, and for failing to deliver the economic security Americans had demanded, among a few other things. President Obama also stated that it is time for everyone in Washington to do a better job, including himself. It appears as if Obama will be dealing with a strong Republican majority in the house, sworn to downsize government, and a diminished Democratic majority in the Senate.
If you would like to read more of this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39987154/ns/politics-decision_2010/
First off, I would like to compliment President Obama for standing up and taking the blame for the mistakes he has made. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican or somewhere in between, you have to give credit where credit is due and recognize that admitting you were wrong isn't always easy to do, especially if you are in charge of one of the most powerful countries in the world. Also agree with Obama saying that everyone needs to do a better job in Washington, especially because people are saying that if the two parties can't figure out how to work together or to at least compromise, then our country is going straight into the ground, and I know that nobody wants that, regardless of political party. I think that we should do away with political parties (even though that would be nearly impossible) and focus on individual beliefs and looking at what the people can do when working with others, and not just looking at the party on the ballot or tv commercial. I don't claim to be a genius, or to be right, but it seems like Americans should do the research on candidates, and looking at facts, instead of party.
If you would like to read more of this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39987154/ns/politics-decision_2010/
First off, I would like to compliment President Obama for standing up and taking the blame for the mistakes he has made. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican or somewhere in between, you have to give credit where credit is due and recognize that admitting you were wrong isn't always easy to do, especially if you are in charge of one of the most powerful countries in the world. Also agree with Obama saying that everyone needs to do a better job in Washington, especially because people are saying that if the two parties can't figure out how to work together or to at least compromise, then our country is going straight into the ground, and I know that nobody wants that, regardless of political party. I think that we should do away with political parties (even though that would be nearly impossible) and focus on individual beliefs and looking at what the people can do when working with others, and not just looking at the party on the ballot or tv commercial. I don't claim to be a genius, or to be right, but it seems like Americans should do the research on candidates, and looking at facts, instead of party.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Hotel replaces room keys with mobile phones
This article spoke of how a hotel in Stockholm is going to be using mobile phone controlled locks/check-ins on it's rooms. The company, Assa Abloy AB, stated that the Clarion Hotel, in Stockholm is just a pilot for an expansion to regular household doors. For the next four months, repeat visitors will have a chip installed into their phone that allows them to check-in and get into their room, without having to use the front desk, increasing efficiency.
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39976610/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/
Wow, look at what we can do with technology, isn't it incredible? I remember hearing stories from my parents, who couldn't believe their eyes the first time they saw a color tv, and they aren't very old. Look at how far we've come, and think of what more we can do. We start with a wheel, and now we're opening hotel rooms with our cellphones, what's next? In my opinion, technology is the key to the economy because of how centered we are around it, for example, right now I'm on a computer, with my cell phone next to me, my tv in front of me, my stereo up on a shelf and my iPod in my pocket. That's only five things I have but I use them everyday, just like one uses a car, or heck even lights, if there's anything people need to focus on, it's technology, and ways to improve it.
If you would like to read more from this article, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39976610/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/
Wow, look at what we can do with technology, isn't it incredible? I remember hearing stories from my parents, who couldn't believe their eyes the first time they saw a color tv, and they aren't very old. Look at how far we've come, and think of what more we can do. We start with a wheel, and now we're opening hotel rooms with our cellphones, what's next? In my opinion, technology is the key to the economy because of how centered we are around it, for example, right now I'm on a computer, with my cell phone next to me, my tv in front of me, my stereo up on a shelf and my iPod in my pocket. That's only five things I have but I use them everyday, just like one uses a car, or heck even lights, if there's anything people need to focus on, it's technology, and ways to improve it.
SF supervisors pass 'Happy Meal' regulations
The article I read dealt with San Fransisco and how it is trying curb childhood obesity by attempting to enact a law that forces McDonald's to either stop selling their Happy Meals with toys or make the meals more nutritious. The McDonald's corporation argued back saying that jobs may be lost, along with revenue if the law is passed.
If you would like to read more, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39975952/ns/business-consumer_news/
Personally, I think that the law would be a fantastic change, even though McDonald's may take a hit. I think that it might be a good thing for McDonald's to take a hit, and maybe it will bring them back to Earth or make them realize that the people of America don't want to be fat, and they don't want to eat a lot of food that will make them fat, sure we still want to eat lots of food but if seems as if people are starting to lean towards salads and other healthier items, which is fantastic, I think. The part of this article that hits a little closer to home with me, is that San Fransisco wants to stop childhood obesity, and I find that to be more than excellent, finally there's a city that will not only talk about helping our youth, but will take action, and take on major corporations because they care. Along with attempting to help the youth, I think San Fran is sort of shouting out to our country and saying hey, we need to change, and it has to happen soon, and it can't work if it's just you or me, but it'll work if it's everyone. I say yes, take the toys out of the Happy Meal, I say yes, make the meals nutritious, because nutrition is the "in thing" and people will continue buying your product because it's healthy and that's what they want, fast food is like gas, people will always buy it, and it makes us "go" but it has to continue to change in quality if it is to sell efficiently.
If you would like to read more, here is the link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39975952/ns/business-consumer_news/
Personally, I think that the law would be a fantastic change, even though McDonald's may take a hit. I think that it might be a good thing for McDonald's to take a hit, and maybe it will bring them back to Earth or make them realize that the people of America don't want to be fat, and they don't want to eat a lot of food that will make them fat, sure we still want to eat lots of food but if seems as if people are starting to lean towards salads and other healthier items, which is fantastic, I think. The part of this article that hits a little closer to home with me, is that San Fransisco wants to stop childhood obesity, and I find that to be more than excellent, finally there's a city that will not only talk about helping our youth, but will take action, and take on major corporations because they care. Along with attempting to help the youth, I think San Fran is sort of shouting out to our country and saying hey, we need to change, and it has to happen soon, and it can't work if it's just you or me, but it'll work if it's everyone. I say yes, take the toys out of the Happy Meal, I say yes, make the meals nutritious, because nutrition is the "in thing" and people will continue buying your product because it's healthy and that's what they want, fast food is like gas, people will always buy it, and it makes us "go" but it has to continue to change in quality if it is to sell efficiently.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Lebron can save his image with hoops, not ads.
The article I read was about Lebron James and it dealt with some of his "off-court drama," his attitude and his ads. The author writes that over the weekend, Lebron told Cleveland fans to "get over" his departure from the Cavaliers, and to forgive both sides, even though the fans appear to be trying. Apparantly a morning radio show called in a witch doctor to get rid of any lingering "Ledemons," even shops have stopped carrying Lebron merchandaise. Despite what seems to be a loss for Lebron in advertising, he has a new 90-second commercial, where he plays several different characters, because Nike wants to celebrate Lebron's courage to forge his own journey, even though others may have disagreed. In one of the final statements made, the author says " I, personally, want you to play basketball, LeBron. Because you’re incredible at it, accumulating stats and records faster than Lindsay Lohan collects court appearances. You should let your game speak for you, not a team of Portland’s finest copywriters."
Here is the link if you would like to read more: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/39855948/ns/sports-nba/
After reading this article, I was reminded of how easy it is for us to get wrapped up in the media, rather than what really matters. I find the Lebron situation to be a very very mild temper tantrum, because it seems like he doesn't give in and expects us, as the "media" or "public," to bend to his will, just like a five year old who wants that toy in the store, or in this case, the basketball player who wants the bigger check or more attention. LeChoke, LeDive, or LeQuit, as people have started calling him, has acted as if he doesn't owe anyone any explanations or apologies. Can someone explain to me what we are paying our professional athletes for? Is it so they play well? Is it so they can draw attention and generate revenue? What is it? Because it's happening more and more often, for example; Brett Favre and his recent scandal, I don't even have to explain what it is because it's all over the news! Look, I understand a quick, sincere or entertaining commercial saying "come to the game" or something like "support the home team" but it seems as if anything else is just distracting. I may be wrong, but it seems like professional sports are just a breeding ground for controversy and scandal, and I think you need to ask yourself, is that really what sports are about?
Here is the link if you would like to read more: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/39855948/ns/sports-nba/
After reading this article, I was reminded of how easy it is for us to get wrapped up in the media, rather than what really matters. I find the Lebron situation to be a very very mild temper tantrum, because it seems like he doesn't give in and expects us, as the "media" or "public," to bend to his will, just like a five year old who wants that toy in the store, or in this case, the basketball player who wants the bigger check or more attention. LeChoke, LeDive, or LeQuit, as people have started calling him, has acted as if he doesn't owe anyone any explanations or apologies. Can someone explain to me what we are paying our professional athletes for? Is it so they play well? Is it so they can draw attention and generate revenue? What is it? Because it's happening more and more often, for example; Brett Favre and his recent scandal, I don't even have to explain what it is because it's all over the news! Look, I understand a quick, sincere or entertaining commercial saying "come to the game" or something like "support the home team" but it seems as if anything else is just distracting. I may be wrong, but it seems like professional sports are just a breeding ground for controversy and scandal, and I think you need to ask yourself, is that really what sports are about?
Monday, October 25, 2010
R.I. Dem: Obama can 'shove it' for not endorsing him.
Here is the link to the article, if you would like to read it for yourself: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39830360/ns/politics-decision_2010/
The article from the link above, was about a Rhode Island, Democratic, governor candidate. In the article it says that the candidate, Frank Caprio, is telling President Obama to 'shove it' because he wouldn't endorse him. Later in the article, Caprio goes on to say that Obama's decision was 'Washington insider politics at its worst' and accused Obama of plotting behind-the-scenes to endorse his opponent, Chafee, of the independent party.
I find this article to be quite interesting, especially because the main topic of interest is a man, who has made a rude comment towards the leader of our nation, and still expects to be the governor of Rhode Island. Now, I understand that not everyone supports Obama, and not everyone respects him, but, for Pete's sake, he is our President. I don't care whether you're Democrat, Republican, or even an Independent, our President (no matter what party) doesn't deserve that form (or any form) of disrespect that was exhibited by Frank Caprio. Just because he decided not to endorse you, it doesn't mean that you can publicly speak out against him. Can a political candidate really get away with that nowadays? And not be punished for it? Who really wants to have a representative that can't keep his own head, in the coolest of situations? Honestly, Mr. Caprio seems like a disrespectful, angry teenager, regardless of his political party.
The article from the link above, was about a Rhode Island, Democratic, governor candidate. In the article it says that the candidate, Frank Caprio, is telling President Obama to 'shove it' because he wouldn't endorse him. Later in the article, Caprio goes on to say that Obama's decision was 'Washington insider politics at its worst' and accused Obama of plotting behind-the-scenes to endorse his opponent, Chafee, of the independent party.
I find this article to be quite interesting, especially because the main topic of interest is a man, who has made a rude comment towards the leader of our nation, and still expects to be the governor of Rhode Island. Now, I understand that not everyone supports Obama, and not everyone respects him, but, for Pete's sake, he is our President. I don't care whether you're Democrat, Republican, or even an Independent, our President (no matter what party) doesn't deserve that form (or any form) of disrespect that was exhibited by Frank Caprio. Just because he decided not to endorse you, it doesn't mean that you can publicly speak out against him. Can a political candidate really get away with that nowadays? And not be punished for it? Who really wants to have a representative that can't keep his own head, in the coolest of situations? Honestly, Mr. Caprio seems like a disrespectful, angry teenager, regardless of his political party.
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