Blog 12: Article

"30 Large Dolphins Beach Themselves in Brazil"
                            - Time Magazine

In Time’s article, “30 Large Dolphins Beach Themselves in Brazil”, published on September 23, 2013, the associated press writes about an interesting incident that occurred on the shores of Rio de Janeiro. About thirty dolphins had arrived at the beach in northeastern Brazil during the weekend. However, it was announced by news reporters on Monday that at least seven of them had not made it because they had died. These dolphins, also called false killer whales, were found by passers-by on Sunday morning. The environmental police distributed pictures of these vacationers and “beach-goers”, as the press classified, trying to help and aid these stranded creatures, while they lay in as little as only a few inches of water. The O Globo newspaper, of Brazil, also published articles about this occurrence. The paper wrote that the seven creatures that had died were most likely attacked by sharks. However, the people did not need to worry about the presence of those deadly sharks, considering the fact that these attacks were done in deep waters, far away from the shores. The paper had also written that they were not sure what the cause of this unusual incident could have been. Some say the leader of their pod may have been ill, leading them to shore. Others concluded that they must have been following a school of fish, and got trapped in shallow waters. A few days after, Biologist continued to examine the bodies of these hurt and ill creatures.

                It is interesting to read about subjects concerning science and marine life not only in the United States, but all around the world. It is a wonderful getaway from the tense topics and events that have been currently stressing out people everywhere, whether it be local/national issues, or international ones, like the Syria situation.

Blog 11: Declaration of Independence

A lot has changed, for the better, after the Deceleration of Independence was written, in 1776. Thomas Jefferson, with the help of a few other men and the protests of the colonists, were able to put together a formal document summarizing all the things that they had had enough of. In the first complaint, the colonists stated, “He has refused his Assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good”. This explains that King George had refused to agree to pass laws that were necessary and beneficial for the public, such as the colonists of the Americas. He would not consider the colonists and their rights in any way, but would only make decisions based on his people, living across the ocean. This has changed modern day America, drastically. Today, the president makes smart choices, only ones that will help the citizens. Also, there are local and state governments that have the power to make laws to benefit their own state, depending on their conditions, locations, and people. In addition, if for any reason the central government chooses to pass a law that any one representative or member of the senate does not agree with, they have the ability to reject it. The fourth complaint, states that “He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.” This statement says, that if king George ever did consider the colonists’ opinion, he would make the meetings, discussing the issues, in unusual and far places from them, so that they would be too tired to fight for their rights when they got there, being forced to obey King George once again. However, today, meetings are held in individual states, if the issue is concerning them. Or, if any of the meetings are far, comfortable and convenient transportation is provided for the representatives’ of the people; so that they will be able to perform their best in choosing what is right for their people. Thanks to the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, and all those who contributed, America has extremely improved.

Blog 10: Article

  “6 Tons of Seized Ivory to Be Crushed in Denver”

                          -Times magazine

The Associated Press of the Times Magazine published an interesting article on September 10, 2013 regarding the wildlife of America. The brief and informative article, “6 Tons of Seized Ivory to Be Crushed in Denver” discussed the plans of federal wildlife officials of Denver, Colorado to stop the trafficking of wildlife. After United States’ push to illegalize this issue, federal wildlife officials wasted no time. They decided to crush the tons of ivory being stored in the warehouses of Denver. This ivory was seized from all over the country, “…in an effort to block imports…”, as the press wrote. These officials made efforts in order to stop the slaughter of multiple innocent elephants. Some of these snatched pieces included precisely sculpted balls, scenes of day-to-day life, even full sized tusks. U.S. Fish and Wildlife services publicly announced, that the crushing of the tons of ivory, and the stopping of smuggled tusk pieces is in determination to stop an illegal system and business that has reached to be worth up to ten billion dollars.

                Illegal trafficking today is not only concerning humans, but animals as well. Just has humans have rights, animals are entitled to those rights also. Countries worldwide should push to start movements as this one, just like America, in order to finally and officially illegalize this brutal act.

Blog 9: Article

" Massive Molasses Spill Kills Thousands of Fish in Hawaii "
                                            - Time magazine


          On September 12, 2013, Times Magazine published a brief article, “Massive Molasses Spill Kills Thousands of Fish in Hawaii,” discussing a tragic event. Dan Kedmey writes about a spill of approximately 1,400 tons of a sugary liquid that oozed out of a pipe. This pipe was one used to connect storage tanks to ships, however due to a hole on the side of the pipe; harmful toxins were released into the Honolulu harbor of Hawaii. This “plume of sticky brown substance,” as Kedmey wrote, contaminated the seabed of the harbor, harming over thousands of sea creatures. Fish, eels and crabs were all subject to this “sugary” death. Marine life was not the only thing harmed from this tragic event. Hawaiians were also affected. Warnings were sent out to all the Hawaiians living near the harbor, alerting them to not swim. Carcasses of fish may have attracted deadly creatures, such as sharks, endangering the waters. It has also been expected for the waters to be left stained for a few weeks because of the leak.

                The importance of this article is due to the fact that it informs the locals of Hawaii, warning them to stay away from dangerous waters that may cause injuries or even disastrous deaths. It is also important to those who might be visiting Hawaii, simply as tourists and vacationers. Finally, it is important to spread news such as this one, in order to prevent future tragic events that may harm our marine life.

Blog 8: Claims

Grown Ups 2 Review

                    Recently, Grown Ups Two was released in theaters. After the successful acceptance and positive response for Grown Ups One, by many audiences everywhere, one would imagine that Grown Ups Two would receive a similar, if not better, response. However, Washington Post discusses the contrary in this article. They review the plot of the film in a pessimistic approach, stating that it was a “waste of a talented cast.”  The Washington Post makes a claim of value, when stating their opinion on the movie. They argued their view, by writing negative feedback, such as how viewing the film could quite possibly drop the IQ level of the audience. However, this article does not provide any claims of facts, seeing as it does not discuss ticket sales, audience turn-outs, and the amount of money made throughout the production and release of the film. Also, it does not discuss the comparison of the success rate of Grown Ups One versus Grown Ups Two. This article also lacks a claim of policy, because there is no mention of a possibility in improving the situation. Nevertheless, there is not much that can be done in the case of film releases, because the film has already been produced and released. (Unlike an unpopular TV show, a film cannot be discontinued, taken off air, or altered and improved as the seasons progress).


http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/07/12/grown-ups-2-review/

Blog 7: Article

"A Lot Less Sea Turtles Arriving in Nicaragua "
                         - Times Magazine

The Associated press of Times Magazine published a post on September 5, 2013, discussing a report given by environmentalists of Managua, Nicaragua – the largest country in Central America, bordering Costa Rica and Honduras. Environmentalists stated that the number of sea turtles arriving on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast has drastically dropped this year. They confirmed that a possible reason may be the extreme change in climate. Authorities said that only 2,000 sea turtles arrived on shore this year. However, last year the numbers reached almost 22,000.  Mario Rodriguez, an environment delegate, told the press, that they were expecting 5,000 turtles to arrive on shore by Thursday, nevertheless, only 92 reached the beach.  He also stated that “It is the sharpest drop in sea turtles recorded by authorities in [ten] years.” The experts told that the ocean’s unusual temperature and tides, due to changes in climate, have been affecting not only the species of sea turtles, but that of many others as well.

This article informs and educates its readers, on a topic that is rarely discussed. Considering the fact that sea turtles are classified as an endangered species, it is important for one to be aware about the sea turtles of the world (and other animals of non-popular species) in order to help prevent their extinction.