On Sunday, a man accused of being the robber dubbed the "Grandpa Bandit" by authorities, was taken into custody. Authorities charged him in connection to seven heists padding his pocketbook to the tune of $36,693. Sadly, for him, the robbery which led to his arrest pocketed him just over $900.
The fact remains, a 60 year old man walked into six banks, BY HIMSELF, with a pistol in his waste-band, and walked away each time the victor. Somehow, in this age of advanced technology, super-fantastical security, and always-ready citizen-videographers, it only takes an old man with large cajones to make $35,000 a year. Just sayin...
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011938727_grandpabandit24m.html
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sports - Sports Nirvana
Early summer provides little entertainment in the sports world. The NBA ends up with the two largest markets in the finals in an attempt to bring back the glory days of Celtics v. Lakers, Bird v. Magic, etc., etc. Though I am slightly surprised that the Cavaliers bowed out to the Celtics, I'm sure the Celtics Lakers match-up won't hurt the league's feelings at all. This reminds me of a recent interview I heard with former NBA referee Tim Donaghy. He made a strong case supporting the idea that game outcomes can still be predicted based on the referees assigned and the star players on each team. But enough with the NBA conspiracy theory, sports are boring right now.
However, sports nirvana arrives in a little over two weeks and continues until July 25th. June 11th marks the start of the worlds largest sporting event in the form of the World Cup. June 12th proves to provide a litmus test of America's merit this year as they face England. The late-night games and madness that encompasses a sporting event happening halfway around the world are something I look forward to for the four years lying between each of these great events. The 2010 World Cup culminates on July 11th.
Adding to the excitement of the World Cup, the annual Tour de France promises excitement as Lance Armstrong returns with a full season of training under his belt in an attempt to recapture the yellow jersey one more time. The Tour provides the single greatest opportunity to watch the strategy, team-work, and sheer athleticism involved in America's most under-appreciated sport. This year's tour runs from July 3rd to July 25th covering 3600 kilometers.
Finally, if you see Floyd Landis punch him for me. He's set about to smear the sport which made him famous simply because he cheated to win. Eat it Floyd!
However, sports nirvana arrives in a little over two weeks and continues until July 25th. June 11th marks the start of the worlds largest sporting event in the form of the World Cup. June 12th proves to provide a litmus test of America's merit this year as they face England. The late-night games and madness that encompasses a sporting event happening halfway around the world are something I look forward to for the four years lying between each of these great events. The 2010 World Cup culminates on July 11th.
Adding to the excitement of the World Cup, the annual Tour de France promises excitement as Lance Armstrong returns with a full season of training under his belt in an attempt to recapture the yellow jersey one more time. The Tour provides the single greatest opportunity to watch the strategy, team-work, and sheer athleticism involved in America's most under-appreciated sport. This year's tour runs from July 3rd to July 25th covering 3600 kilometers.
Finally, if you see Floyd Landis punch him for me. He's set about to smear the sport which made him famous simply because he cheated to win. Eat it Floyd!
Science - The Frankenstein Project
Recently, Doctors Craig Venter and Hamilton Smith reanimated a bacteria's former body with DNA which they sculpted. "The Economist" wonderfully explains the process in their article titled Genesis redux.
Venter and Smith's next step comes in the form of reanimating an algae cell. The big step here comes as bacterial DNA simply float around the cell like a hoola hoop, while Algae DNA exist within the nucleus in a chromosomal form. Chromosomes, rather than being one large loop of information, break the information into smaller sections which are coiled around small proteins which help to compact information that can stretch to two meters for a single cell into the cell's nucleus (a nice description of the process can be found here). That feat should prove much more difficult than the already accomplished reanimation of bacteria.
The more impressive move, however, would be to construct the actual cell from its natural ingredients, then animate it. While Venter and Smith proved Mary Shelley's visions of future scientific endeavors factual, they have still fallen short of creating life. Darwin's evolution theory would find its cornerstone should the actual creation of a cell be replicated. The feat lies on the horizon and may signal the coming of a new age in science and religion.
Side note: I've been wondering if Smith or Venter said anything to the liking of, "Let there be life," while inserting the DNA into the cells. Just something to ponder.
http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/sciences/zoology/animalphysiology/anatomy/animalcellstructure/Nucleus/Nucleus.htm
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=16163006
Venter and Smith's next step comes in the form of reanimating an algae cell. The big step here comes as bacterial DNA simply float around the cell like a hoola hoop, while Algae DNA exist within the nucleus in a chromosomal form. Chromosomes, rather than being one large loop of information, break the information into smaller sections which are coiled around small proteins which help to compact information that can stretch to two meters for a single cell into the cell's nucleus (a nice description of the process can be found here). That feat should prove much more difficult than the already accomplished reanimation of bacteria.
The more impressive move, however, would be to construct the actual cell from its natural ingredients, then animate it. While Venter and Smith proved Mary Shelley's visions of future scientific endeavors factual, they have still fallen short of creating life. Darwin's evolution theory would find its cornerstone should the actual creation of a cell be replicated. The feat lies on the horizon and may signal the coming of a new age in science and religion.
Side note: I've been wondering if Smith or Venter said anything to the liking of, "Let there be life," while inserting the DNA into the cells. Just something to ponder.
http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/sciences/zoology/animalphysiology/anatomy/animalcellstructure/Nucleus/Nucleus.htm
http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=16163006
Friday, May 21, 2010
Food - Shrimp Tapas
While searching for tapas recipes I found the basis for last night's meal. The results were quite tasty.
In my adventure I bought fresh shrimp and discovered it is worth the dollar a pound you pay them to clean them.
I mixed goat cheese with a sprinkle of paprika, some basil, parsley, and cumin. Then, I took said cheese mixture and placed into said shrimp, then wrapped this delicious combination tightly in prosciutto. I put them over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes a side (until the tails turned pink). I drizzled them with black truffle oil, but it would have been just as tasty just as they came out of the pan.
Enjoy!!!
In my adventure I bought fresh shrimp and discovered it is worth the dollar a pound you pay them to clean them.
I mixed goat cheese with a sprinkle of paprika, some basil, parsley, and cumin. Then, I took said cheese mixture and placed into said shrimp, then wrapped this delicious combination tightly in prosciutto. I put them over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes a side (until the tails turned pink). I drizzled them with black truffle oil, but it would have been just as tasty just as they came out of the pan.
Enjoy!!!
Television and Entertainment - Ode to BBC
A recent move left me without BBC. The absence of perhaps my favorite channel has brought forth two revelations. First, Comcast sucks (but I'm trying to be more positive, so I'll leave them alone). Second, BBC may boast the best set of shows available on television today.
For example, who can resist Gordon Ramsey on Kitchen Nightmares? In the show Master Chef Ramsey (a genius restaurateur) goes to struggling restaurants (by invitation) and helps them get out of the muck. He's never gentle, seldom courteous, but always 100% correct in how to turn each business around. Show grade: A.
Another great show on BBC goes by the name of The Dragons' Den. This show sees a panel of five of Britain's smartest investors and business women and men hosting potential business partners. Each guest (sometimes two people) pitches her or his idea to the panel in an attempt to gain an investment for a share of the guest's company. This show's brilliance appears in countless invention and business ideas, its intimidating setting, and the sheer guts required to face the Dragons and request money. Show grade: B+
Not to mention, BBC boasts the longest-running sci-fi television series ever. Doctor Who launched in 1963 and ran for 27 seasons through 1989. After a fifteen year hiatus, Doctor Who picked up where it left off for another four seasons. This science-fiction classic has become a British classic and must be mentioned on the lists of greatest television shows of all time, if not only for its longevity. Show grade: A
While these shows will draw my attention over most programming, perhaps the show most missed is BBC World News America. As an American it can be difficult to remember that there are actually other countries in this world. While America may be the major player in world ________________ (possible entries for blank = economy, politics, etc.) there are other events much more news-worthy occurring world-wide on a daily basis. Thank you BBC World News America for keeping priorities straight and reporting on events in Africa over "Balloon Boy" or other American media debacles. The refreshment provided by BBC World News America drinks like a glass of lemonade on a hot summer evening. Show grade: A+
Other BBC shows merit mentioning:
Top Gear
Gordon Ramsay's F-Word
Coupling
The Graham Norton Show
Last Restaurant Standing
You Are What You Eat
Antiques Roadshow
For example, who can resist Gordon Ramsey on Kitchen Nightmares? In the show Master Chef Ramsey (a genius restaurateur) goes to struggling restaurants (by invitation) and helps them get out of the muck. He's never gentle, seldom courteous, but always 100% correct in how to turn each business around. Show grade: A.
Another great show on BBC goes by the name of The Dragons' Den. This show sees a panel of five of Britain's smartest investors and business women and men hosting potential business partners. Each guest (sometimes two people) pitches her or his idea to the panel in an attempt to gain an investment for a share of the guest's company. This show's brilliance appears in countless invention and business ideas, its intimidating setting, and the sheer guts required to face the Dragons and request money. Show grade: B+
Not to mention, BBC boasts the longest-running sci-fi television series ever. Doctor Who launched in 1963 and ran for 27 seasons through 1989. After a fifteen year hiatus, Doctor Who picked up where it left off for another four seasons. This science-fiction classic has become a British classic and must be mentioned on the lists of greatest television shows of all time, if not only for its longevity. Show grade: A
While these shows will draw my attention over most programming, perhaps the show most missed is BBC World News America. As an American it can be difficult to remember that there are actually other countries in this world. While America may be the major player in world ________________ (possible entries for blank = economy, politics, etc.) there are other events much more news-worthy occurring world-wide on a daily basis. Thank you BBC World News America for keeping priorities straight and reporting on events in Africa over "Balloon Boy" or other American media debacles. The refreshment provided by BBC World News America drinks like a glass of lemonade on a hot summer evening. Show grade: A+
Other BBC shows merit mentioning:
Top Gear
Gordon Ramsay's F-Word
Coupling
The Graham Norton Show
Last Restaurant Standing
You Are What You Eat
Antiques Roadshow
World View - Why Not War?
Recently, a North Korean submarine sunk a South Korean. Even more recently investigators pulled the shell of a North Korean torpedo from the wreckage. "How has the international community responded?" you ask.
China refuses to accept the investigation's results which point the finger at North Korea, but urges restraint.
Japan's leaders scolded North Korea.
America's reaction "strongly condemned" the actions.
South Korea pledges to take "stern action."
North Korea and South Korea have conflicted since their inception. The two nations spawned as aftermath of World War II and these predecessors of the Cold War remain at war still today. While it would be simple to blame the issues of today on current leaders, the roots of the problem must be confronted.
The Cold War ended with the fall of the Soviet Union, for the Soviet Union and United States. The aftershock still lingers in North and South Korea. Wonder why there are so many problems between the neighbors on the Korean Peninsula? Consider the former U.S.S.R. and the good ole U.S.A.
Still, something must be done to fix the communism/democracy struggle which meets face-to-face in North and South Korea, the issue can not be pushed aside much longer.
China refuses to accept the investigation's results which point the finger at North Korea, but urges restraint.
Japan's leaders scolded North Korea.
America's reaction "strongly condemned" the actions.
South Korea pledges to take "stern action."
North Korea and South Korea have conflicted since their inception. The two nations spawned as aftermath of World War II and these predecessors of the Cold War remain at war still today. While it would be simple to blame the issues of today on current leaders, the roots of the problem must be confronted.
The Cold War ended with the fall of the Soviet Union, for the Soviet Union and United States. The aftershock still lingers in North and South Korea. Wonder why there are so many problems between the neighbors on the Korean Peninsula? Consider the former U.S.S.R. and the good ole U.S.A.
Still, something must be done to fix the communism/democracy struggle which meets face-to-face in North and South Korea, the issue can not be pushed aside much longer.
Twos Day Debates - Should the Penal System Rehabilitate
While watching In Session today (yes, i watch that show) the quandary arose of whether the American penal system aims at punishment or rehab. Of course the penal system means to punish, but is that the target upon which our justice system should hold its sights?
Yes (the penal system should be meant to merely punish). Primarily, the sociological tool of prison acts as a deterrent. To a point, this proves effective. However, the question becomes, how much should be done for prisoners for their own benefit and the benefit of society as a whole? The rights of prisoners should remain as minimal as possible in order to keep the punishment's effects high. While prisoners should in no way be abused either mentally or physically, the modern pattern of prisoner's rights has perhaps gone too far (i.e. - those on death row should not be there for years and years, prisoners should not have access to television, etc.). Prison should be nothing like society to remove any sliver of appeal to prisoners or released prisoners.
No (the penal system does not do enough for prisoners and should be geared more toward rehabilitation). Supposing that society's holds net improvement as a major goal, the prison systems must be used to rehabilitate prisoners. What good is 3% of the population sitting in prison? First, they're no longer productive (thanks to changes in the way prisons are run). Secondly, every person in prison creates a net loss monetarily for the state or country. In essence, each individual in prison counts twice against any gains that are made by the United States as a whole (that's only taking into account the prisoners themselves, the number would skyrocket if family members, etc. were included). Why not spend a little more money on rehabilitation and in return reduce the number repeat offenders? Drug dealers are kings of networking, give them a helping hand into the business world. Help drug addicts by providing therapy, getting them to discover why they used and aiding in their recovery in the outside world. The point being, a great number (if not a majority) of inmates would choose to avoid prison had the option presented itself.
Yes (the penal system should be meant to merely punish). Primarily, the sociological tool of prison acts as a deterrent. To a point, this proves effective. However, the question becomes, how much should be done for prisoners for their own benefit and the benefit of society as a whole? The rights of prisoners should remain as minimal as possible in order to keep the punishment's effects high. While prisoners should in no way be abused either mentally or physically, the modern pattern of prisoner's rights has perhaps gone too far (i.e. - those on death row should not be there for years and years, prisoners should not have access to television, etc.). Prison should be nothing like society to remove any sliver of appeal to prisoners or released prisoners.
No (the penal system does not do enough for prisoners and should be geared more toward rehabilitation). Supposing that society's holds net improvement as a major goal, the prison systems must be used to rehabilitate prisoners. What good is 3% of the population sitting in prison? First, they're no longer productive (thanks to changes in the way prisons are run). Secondly, every person in prison creates a net loss monetarily for the state or country. In essence, each individual in prison counts twice against any gains that are made by the United States as a whole (that's only taking into account the prisoners themselves, the number would skyrocket if family members, etc. were included). Why not spend a little more money on rehabilitation and in return reduce the number repeat offenders? Drug dealers are kings of networking, give them a helping hand into the business world. Help drug addicts by providing therapy, getting them to discover why they used and aiding in their recovery in the outside world. The point being, a great number (if not a majority) of inmates would choose to avoid prison had the option presented itself.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Murder/Crime - The Innocence Project
Just twelve days ago Raymond Towler, a wrongfully-convicted Ohio man, departed prison. Imprisoned more than 28 years ago, Towler, finally had his innocence proven with the help of The Innocence Project. The Innocence Project aims at releasing wrongfully-imprisoned inmates through the use of DNA.
Raymond Towler walked away from prison as only one of more than 250 people helped by the The Innocence Project. However, the fight for those falsely imprisoned only starts when he or she walks away from prison. For example, many of the released prisoners never have the charges removed from her or his record. Additionally, a majority don't receive compensation, monetary or otherwise, (with 23 states having no laws to help those that have been in prison for committing no crime) for spending years behind bars while not having been involved in the crime for which they have been convicted.
Just imagine losing thirteen years, often thirteen prime years, of your life (the average time spent behind bars for those exonerated) to the desolation, loneliness, and horror of prison life. Then, imagine you were actually napping, driving somewhere, or playing a card game when the crime you've been convicted of took place. So you've been sitting behind bars for a crime you didn't commit. Finally, imagine that when you get out you have: no house, no job, no family, no savings, no resume, no job history, no friends, no network, no social skills, no computer skills (think where computers were thirteen years ago), then remember that I'm not in this situation and these are likely the least of the recently released citizen's worries. Not to be forgotten, usually those released after being wrongfully-imprisoned maintain the marks on their criminal records.
http://www.innocenceproject.org/
Raymond Towler walked away from prison as only one of more than 250 people helped by the The Innocence Project. However, the fight for those falsely imprisoned only starts when he or she walks away from prison. For example, many of the released prisoners never have the charges removed from her or his record. Additionally, a majority don't receive compensation, monetary or otherwise, (with 23 states having no laws to help those that have been in prison for committing no crime) for spending years behind bars while not having been involved in the crime for which they have been convicted.
Just imagine losing thirteen years, often thirteen prime years, of your life (the average time spent behind bars for those exonerated) to the desolation, loneliness, and horror of prison life. Then, imagine you were actually napping, driving somewhere, or playing a card game when the crime you've been convicted of took place. So you've been sitting behind bars for a crime you didn't commit. Finally, imagine that when you get out you have: no house, no job, no family, no savings, no resume, no job history, no friends, no network, no social skills, no computer skills (think where computers were thirteen years ago), then remember that I'm not in this situation and these are likely the least of the recently released citizen's worries. Not to be forgotten, usually those released after being wrongfully-imprisoned maintain the marks on their criminal records.
http://www.innocenceproject.org/
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sports - In Case You Missed It
Last Sunday (Mother's Day) Dallas Braden of the Oakland A's pitched the 19th perfect game in the history of Major League Baseball. As I drove around Portland last week and heard the replayed play-by-play of the final out of Braden's outing, it came to me that I should start a blog. Somehow, Braden provided the inspiration for the start of my first daily blog based on a variety of news topics.
Now to the topic at hand. Most likely the day provided the inspiration as Braden's mother passed during his high school senior year. Whatever the motivation, the feat is incredible. Props for Braden as he joins an elite list of players to pitch a perfect game.
Finally, Braden has announced his arrival to the majors, but the journey is long, and many pitchers last until they're forty. The challenge now becomes persisting and improving to not only pitch a perfect game, but to prove that this perfect game should not be labeled a farce.
Now to the topic at hand. Most likely the day provided the inspiration as Braden's mother passed during his high school senior year. Whatever the motivation, the feat is incredible. Props for Braden as he joins an elite list of players to pitch a perfect game.
Finally, Braden has announced his arrival to the majors, but the journey is long, and many pitchers last until they're forty. The challenge now becomes persisting and improving to not only pitch a perfect game, but to prove that this perfect game should not be labeled a farce.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Science - Nanobots Constructed of DNA
"Wha?!" you may have exclaimed as you read the title to this post. Or possibly your reaction closer resembled a disinterested, "Meh." Either way, stick with me to consider the implications this type of discovery could possibly hold for science, medicine in particular.
Two separate research groups developed these nanobots (not sure bot is the correct term - which will be discussed later) using pieces of DNA. Yes, DNA, the stuff that is inside the nucleus, which is inside the cell which is much to small to see with the naked eye (usually).
One set of bots was able to start walking along a path, turn along this path, and stop. The other, amazingly, formed a sort of assembly line and placed small particles into eight different configurations.
These bots could find countless uses in medicine as they act as drug-delivery agents, cell-identifiers, chemical signals, or as any number of medical nano-tools. For example, consider a nanobot which carries the newly-designed nanogold particle to a recognized cancer cell, delivering the cargo. Later, a skin-penetrating (harmless) laser aims at the gold particles and warms the tumor to a temperature at which it can not survive. The only limit to this new discovery lies in scientists' imaginations.
Finally, consider the make-up of these new nanobots. They're made of DNA. The same blueprint for life planet-wide has now been incorporated into a "bot." Seems the proper terminology here would be something closer to a nanobug, nanoanimal, or some sort of nano life. The term selection of bot can easily be understood when considering the possible philosophical and sociological ramifications that would accompany the announcement of some new wonderbug created by man (not God, oh my!). Just something to think about.
Also, please note, I hate the picture that accompanies the WSJ online article.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704247904575240380352719428.html
http://technologyreview.com/biomedicine/18999/?a=f
Two separate research groups developed these nanobots (not sure bot is the correct term - which will be discussed later) using pieces of DNA. Yes, DNA, the stuff that is inside the nucleus, which is inside the cell which is much to small to see with the naked eye (usually).
One set of bots was able to start walking along a path, turn along this path, and stop. The other, amazingly, formed a sort of assembly line and placed small particles into eight different configurations.
These bots could find countless uses in medicine as they act as drug-delivery agents, cell-identifiers, chemical signals, or as any number of medical nano-tools. For example, consider a nanobot which carries the newly-designed nanogold particle to a recognized cancer cell, delivering the cargo. Later, a skin-penetrating (harmless) laser aims at the gold particles and warms the tumor to a temperature at which it can not survive. The only limit to this new discovery lies in scientists' imaginations.
Finally, consider the make-up of these new nanobots. They're made of DNA. The same blueprint for life planet-wide has now been incorporated into a "bot." Seems the proper terminology here would be something closer to a nanobug, nanoanimal, or some sort of nano life. The term selection of bot can easily be understood when considering the possible philosophical and sociological ramifications that would accompany the announcement of some new wonderbug created by man (not God, oh my!). Just something to think about.
Also, please note, I hate the picture that accompanies the WSJ online article.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704247904575240380352719428.html
http://technologyreview.com/biomedicine/18999/?a=f
Friday, May 14, 2010
Food - Mussels
Yesterday I ventured to the coast aiming at harvesting some mussels (nothing difficult) and returned with ten large mussels probably weighing in around two or three pounds. I also enjoyed some crabbing and brought home a nice-sized Dungenness (caught in Nehalem Bay) for dinner.
After cleaning (the Mussels), cooking, and cleaning (the crab) we gathered round the table for a culinary delight presented by the sea. Great disappointment overcame the room and hung in the air as my first self-harvested mussel experiment unfolded disastrously.
First, the bissel threads, or "beard," proved impossible to remove before steaming (maybe I just didn't try hard enough). Thus, the first task of removing the threads after cooking made the mussel itself less appealing. Secondly, they're textured nothing at all like a clam. While possessing pleasantly mild flavors, the organ-like texture promptly turned them from delicacy to disgusting. If anyone knows a remedy for this I'd be glad to hear.
P.S. - Crab = delicious as usual.
After cleaning (the Mussels), cooking, and cleaning (the crab) we gathered round the table for a culinary delight presented by the sea. Great disappointment overcame the room and hung in the air as my first self-harvested mussel experiment unfolded disastrously.
First, the bissel threads, or "beard," proved impossible to remove before steaming (maybe I just didn't try hard enough). Thus, the first task of removing the threads after cooking made the mussel itself less appealing. Secondly, they're textured nothing at all like a clam. While possessing pleasantly mild flavors, the organ-like texture promptly turned them from delicacy to disgusting. If anyone knows a remedy for this I'd be glad to hear.
P.S. - Crab = delicious as usual.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Television and Entertainment - American Idol
Casey?? How is Casey in the final three? I don't understand that one. Michael > Casey. Explanation exists in two events from Tuesday's show.
First, Michael let slip that his goal was to make the final three. Baaaaaaaad move, "America" saw this as him settling before he had even reached the goal. If he had said he set the goal of winning people wouldn't have been as harsh.
Second, Casey got severely embarrassed by the judges and this possible romantic interest being teased gained Casey the super sympathy vote.
On a slightly different note check out the belittling, demeaning ways show hosts are now allowed to act. The first one is more severe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy_f1KOUlpA&feature=player_embedded#!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHCrGYEOGtU
First, Michael let slip that his goal was to make the final three. Baaaaaaaad move, "America" saw this as him settling before he had even reached the goal. If he had said he set the goal of winning people wouldn't have been as harsh.
Second, Casey got severely embarrassed by the judges and this possible romantic interest being teased gained Casey the super sympathy vote.
On a slightly different note check out the belittling, demeaning ways show hosts are now allowed to act. The first one is more severe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy_f1KOUlpA&feature=player_embedded#!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHCrGYEOGtU
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
World View - How Quickly We Forget
That little Caribbean country that less that four months ago hosted one of the deadliest natural disasters in man's history. What's the last thing you remember hearing about Haiti? Perhaps a plea to donate some money, as many did (applause to those who gave).
However, recently, protests have begun in the streets as President René Préval threatens to take advantage of the disaster by staying in office an extra ninety days in order to "help" the election process. This comes only days after a group co-chaired by Preval set forth to hold elections in a timely manner, namely February 2011.
The idea that a man's future in politics relies on the ability of a committee he co-chairs to coordinate election seems impractical, corrupt, and ironically comical. Optimism in the good of humanity can not overcome the obvious wrong-doings that occurred or may occur. Those at the top require greater strength simply to resist the temptations presented. Here's to hoping President Preval's heart holds true. (Or maybe better to wish that he set out with good intentions.)
The riot and elections aren't the only things happening in Haiti, here's a few links if you've got an itch to catch up on the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37094192/ns/health-more_health_news/
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34666&Cr=haiti&Cr1=
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8674076.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1202772.stm
However, recently, protests have begun in the streets as President René Préval threatens to take advantage of the disaster by staying in office an extra ninety days in order to "help" the election process. This comes only days after a group co-chaired by Preval set forth to hold elections in a timely manner, namely February 2011.
The idea that a man's future in politics relies on the ability of a committee he co-chairs to coordinate election seems impractical, corrupt, and ironically comical. Optimism in the good of humanity can not overcome the obvious wrong-doings that occurred or may occur. Those at the top require greater strength simply to resist the temptations presented. Here's to hoping President Preval's heart holds true. (Or maybe better to wish that he set out with good intentions.)
The riot and elections aren't the only things happening in Haiti, here's a few links if you've got an itch to catch up on the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37094192/ns/health-more_health_news/
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34666&Cr=haiti&Cr1=
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8674076.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1202772.stm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)