Missing Web Pages and Missing Children

Deborah Netburn writes in the Los Angeles Times about how 404 error pages can become helpful in finding kidnapped or runaway children in the article, "404 Error Being Used to Find Missing Children" dated September 28, 2012. Everybody has seen the 404 error pages that pop up on their page when they visit a website that does not exist, or is no longer working. It is just a blank, white page that says "404 error - page not found" in big, black letters. Notfound.org has come up with an ingenious idea to make these pages much more useful. Instead of just saying "404 error - page not found" the web page will display pictures of missing children and right above it, will state: "Page not found, and nether is this person". This initiative was introduced by a Belgian advertising agency called Famous and Missing Children Europe, an organization that focuses on missing and sexually exploited children. Any website can sign up to have pictures of the missing children presented on their error pages by visiting the Notfound.org webpage. Hopefully, this project will have a positive outcome and truly help in finding missing children all over the world. Four hundred eighty websites have already accepted the initiative and support the cause.

Police Kill Handicapped Man

An article by Matt Pearce titled, "Houston Police Shoot, Kill Pen-Waiving Amputee in Wheelchair" was posted in the Los Angeles Times on September 23, 2012, describing a series of tragic events that took place Saturday morning in Houston, Texas. Houston police killed a mentally ill, handicapped man, named Brian Claunch, with one arm and one leg in a personal care home, after he supposedly threatened them with a pen. Although the middle-aged man may have lost his sanity, the double amputee could not possibly hurt the policemen from his wheelchair with a pen. Therefore, there was no reason to shoot and kill him. Other, non-violent measures could have been taken in order to detain Claunch. Matthew Marin, the officer who shot and killed Brian Claunch has been placed on administrative leave until the shooting has been thoroughly investigated by the Harris County prosecutor's office and Houston Police Department's internal affairs division. Claunch's murder was both uncalled for and unjustifiable. Hopefully, Marin is punished accordingly.

"Speech in the Virginia Convention" SOAPST Disccussion

The "Speech in the Virginia Convention" is written by Patrick Henry during the American Revolution against the British in the 1770's. Patrick Henry presented this speech during the Virginia Convention to the President, his fellow delegates, and audience members. This speech is similar to the "Declaration of Independence" in that it criticizes the British government, however it is not nearly as detailed. Its purpose is to persuade and to inspire colonists to join the fight against the British and demand their independence from England. Patrick Henry's motive is to influence the crowd and fire them up with enthusiasm to take up arms against the British, although they are not evenly matched. Henry succeeds in his mission to persuade the colonists with his great passion. The subject of the speech is about freedom and American Independence. It is what Henry is fighting for, and he states that whether the Americans come along or not, he will battle for it by himself. The speech starts off with a scholarly and diplomatic tone directed towards the President, however as the speech progresses the tone becomes more enthusiastic and demanding. Enthusiastic to engage in war and demanding in help to fight against the British. The speech is culminated with the famous quote, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" (Patrick Henry), like the icing on a cake.

Murders Overseas

An article named, "Obama Says U.S. Doing Its Utmost to Protect Americans Overseas" in the Los Angeles Times by Kathleen Hennessy, dated September 15, 2012 discusses President Obama's speech during a ceremony at Andrew's Air Force Base. The ceremony was conducted in remembrance of the four Americans, including ambassador Chris Stevens, killed this week in Benghazi, Libya because of violent protests. Since then the United States has sent 50 marines and several destroyer ships in order to keep the rest of the American citizens safe. Obama claims that the United States of America is doing whatever it can to protect all Americans serving in Libya and Egypt. The angry protests began in response to a disrespectful, anti-Muslim video produced right here in southern California. However, there is speculation that the attacks on the American Embassy were pre-meditated by terrorist organizations such as, the Taliban, considering that they took place on 9/11. President Obama concluded his speech by giving his condolences to those who lost loved ones, affirming that, “They died as they lived their lives – defending their fellow Americans, and advancing the values that all of us hold dear.” 

Food and Attidude

An article named, "Taste Buds and 'Tude: The Food and Mood Link", from the Los Angeles Times, written by Emily Sohn on September 6, 2012 discusses recent research on how food affects one's attitude, and how their emotions can have an affect on the taste of food. Psychologists' research suggest that those who like sweet foods more, are often nicer, more agreeable, and generous. Studies have also concluded that visibly eating sweets in front of others make one more impressive and attractive. In addition, researchers have found that one's taste for food and morality are tightly linked to one another. For instance, one may give a morally harsh judgment to a questionable event after eating or drinking food that does not appeal to their taste buds. While, one who eats or drinks food that is more likable, may react more ethically and sensibly. However, morally loaded acts may also change the way food tastes.  "Given a neutral-tasting shot of diluted blue Gatorade, participants in a study in press at the journal PLoS thought the beverage tasted more delicious after reading about someone being morally virtuous and more disgusting after reading about a moral transgression (Sohn)." The research conducted by these psychologists raises questions about whether important decision's made by people can be affected by a recent meal.

The Democratic View

Barack Obama and Joe Biden at 2008 DNC

According to the article, "Democratic Party Platform: Pro-Gay Marriage, Immigration Reform, Shots At Romney, Squishy On Guns" from the Huffington Post written on September 3rd, 2012 by Sam Stein, the democratic party has officially unveiled its 2012 platform. The forty page document touches on subjects such as healthcare, medicare, taxes, unions, immigration reform, arts funding, abortion, gay marriage, and guns. It also makes sure to take a few shots at Mitt Romney, especially on the topic of outsourcing. The Democratic Party is all for developing our companies within the country, for the betterment of America. Therefore, it plans to give benefits to the companies which insource rather than outsource; while the Republican Party believes that outsourcing is the best way to move forward. One can predict that this topic will definitely be brought up in the President's speech at the Democratic National Convention, beginning on Tuesday, September 4 in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, one issue that is for sure, is that each party has drastically different views on nearly everything, which will make for a great last few weeks of campaigning. 

I Scream for Ice Cream

Ice Cream is the most enjoyable dessert anyone can have. First created before the common era in the Persian Empire, this dessert made of cream or milk, and different fruits or ingredients is usually eaten from a cup, or in a waffle cone. The best type of ice cream, and by far my favorite is strawberry cheesecake ice cream. This delectable frozen dessert is the most amazing way to finish off a meal or even have a snack on a hot day. It is sweet, and, smooth, and rich. You truly receive the best of both worlds, with both ice cream and cheesecake in one package. It will appeal to all your taste buds and definitely make you happy on the inside and outside. It is a little taste of heaven in one bite. And the strawberries in the ice cream just top it all off with their great texture. In my book, strawberry cheesecake ice cream is phenomenal, better yet extraordinary!