HW #25

http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/rain-water-barrels-in-short-supply-1.2840836

Who would have guessed that New York City was in desperate need for rain water barrels? The fact that they are free and eco-friendly is a great offer to residents who collect rain water off of their lawns in them to reuse. The demand for them is so high at this point that there is a waiting list! That makes me very happy to hear because it shows that there really are a lot of people who care about the environment and its conditions. The first give away for these barrels was in 2008 and ever since their popularity has increased. Along with benefitting the environment and saving money they are also good for gardening. Catching rain water in barrels also gets rid of some of the pressure put on the sewer system and protects the watershed. They are placed on top of roofs and only $80 is spent on each barrel.

HW #24

http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/pba-funeral-changed-after-overreaction-1.2790743

This article is on an NYPD officer who had been a first responder on 9/11 and just passed away. Similar to what we have been talking about in class it is believed that the cause of his death may have been from Ground Zero toxins in the air on that particular day. His name was George M.C. Wong and he was only 40 years old living in Las Vegas. He had been diagnosed with cancer previously by his doctor to be the cause but this idea just as quickly was turned down again. This entire story is extremely sad and depressing. No one likes to hear about stories like this about heroes who were just being brave and doing their part. Everyone should look up to people like Wong and admire their hard work and care for others.

Hw #23

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/20/libya.sunday.talk.endgame/index.html?iref=allsearch

The U.S. military is still over Libya shooting now because we want to create a no-fly zone above this land in order to protect civilians from attacks by forces loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi. Violence just keeps growing as protests are being administered one after another by civilians calling for democracy and demanding an end to Gadhafi's long rule. The goal of the United States is not exactly the same however as we are just looking more to save lives, specifically targeted on a humanitarian basis. Members of our country are split between whether or not we should work to reorganize the rule of Libya and totally get rid of Gadhafi. Another way in which he has been a threat is by vowing that he will go to each house to "cleanse" the city of those opposed to his organization. In response to things such as this the U.S. has also come to support the Arab League.

HW#22

It is weird to think that an OTB right near my home is out of money when I even personally know a number of people who go to it. It is good to know that they are planning on reopening it though after only making a few adjustments to help. Many people are going to be laid off in the process however. To make up for the loss, other places are adding more betting machines to their collections. It is planned that within the next 18 months creditors will be fully paid back. This could definitely be happening due to the problems in our economy.

HW #21

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/forge-river-land-acquisition-approved-1.2744924m

It is great to hear that Suffolk County is taking steps to better the nearby environment by reserving these watershed acres even though it is extremely costly. By doing this it will prevent a total of 28 homes from being built instead and therefore protect it from septic waste. Many are fighting this however and are working exceptionally hard to prevent this plan from being put into place. A majority vote needs to be achieved to go through with it. Sponsor Edaward Romaine of Center Moriches states that "Not one extra cent is being spent" making this plan seem even more favorable.

HW #20

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/cops-inwood-man-poured-powder-in-gas-tank-1.2718742

For a man to be face burglary and criminal mischief charges for doing something as rediculous as stealing a woman's car keys and pouring a powder into her car's gas tank is just sad. He was only 20 years old too. Before doing this he had first damaged the electrical circuit box in this 39-year-old's apartment. He had entered without permission which is sketchy to begin with. No one is sure of the relationship between these two but the damage will cost about $1,200 which is kind of a lot if you ask me. He was arrested so will hopefully never get the opportunity to do something like this ever again.

HW #19

http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/clue-to-cancer-seen-in-short-ecuadoreans-1.2692175

The fight to cure cancer is one of the largest investigated issues known in our society today. I find it extremely interesting myself. It is great to hear that we are discovering even more hints towards this huge topic as time goes by. I would have never guessed that it would be only a certain distinct group of people who seem to be providing us with clues to the solution for diabetes and cancer. Who would have thought that those diagnosed with dwarfism would be prone to both of them?! We now know this thanks to a group of individuals whose growth has been stunt that live in remote villages of Ecuador.

HW #18

http://www.newsday.com/business/strikes-in-egypt-add-to-pressure-from-protests-1.2673426

Currently in Egypt a lot of political issues are taking place that the United States became involved in. Just recently thousands of more workers attacked their president and his family's wealth in this country. These working class citizens came from all different jobs all with the same purpose however. This is to get their point across to President Hosni Mubarak and get their way. Their methods are starting to turn violent and unsafe however as they're setting fires and pelting stones at cars of their authorities. The whole idea of this scares me. There are definitely better ways to handle this situation. The Egyptians really seem to be strongly focused on the amount of money their president has at the time. It annoys them once they hear the billions that he is receiving while 40% of their country lives in poverty. It is sad to hear that these Egyptian protestors are still going working hard even after being given a warning by the Vice President. That was a first! They say they will not negotiate until Mubarak steps down. This is going to be going on for quite some time if that is the case! 300 have been killed already, lets hope this number does not increase anymore.

HW #17

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/watch-for-slick-roads-falling-ice-1.2655431

Weather conditions have been extremely severe this winter on Long Island and don't seem to be getting better any time soon with the low temperatures. The frozen water all over the roads and walkways is causing numerous incidents for pedestrians just trying to commute to places like work. These hazardous conditions are scary and altered the schedules of pretty much every single person. It is terrifying to hear that a gas station collapsed due to this intense snow and ice. After this past season it is clearly evident that the weather around us is changing significantly and something needs to be done to change it because it is becoming a serious issue.

HW #16

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/audit-health-benefits-given-to-the-dead-1.2622028

I find it very surprising that $144,00 has been spent on health benefits for deceased former employees and spouses. Its rediculous that people today don't take the time to realize that they are providing tons of money to someone who is no longer here for so many years straight. This is a big waste of time and that huge amount of cash could be used for something more meaningful to towns all around easily. Up to ten school districts have been noted to be doing this too which is a lot. Smithtown was one of the ones listed! These are the types of things that should be monitored more carefully and precisely to keep records up to date.

what I ate 2

Monday:
Lunch-
-Roll with turkey, cheese, and lettuce
-cheddar pretzels
-lemonade
-half of a Flake chocolate

Snack-
-granola bar
-water bottle

Dinner-
-California roll
-sweet and sour chicken
-fried rice
-broccoli
-glass of water
-fortune cookie

Tuesday:
Breakfast-
-maple brown sugar oatmeal with blue berries

Lunch-
-turkey, ham, american cheese, provolone, and lettuce on a roll
-cheddar pretzels
-lemonade

Snack-
-cupcake
-water bottle

Dinner-
-bacon cheeseburger
-small fries
-small oreo mcflurry

Wednesday:
Breakfast-
-two chocolate chip pancakes
-glass of orange juice

Snack-
-Brownie
-iced tea
-glass of water

Dinner-
-Pork chop
-broccolli
-pasta alfredo
-glass of water

Snack-
-diet coke
-fried rice

What I Ate

Tueday:
-water bottle= throughout the day
-whole wheat flatbreak with American cheese, turkey, and lettuce=9:45
-pizza goldfish=9:45
-pizza=2:15
-London Broil, green beans, and potatos=7
-coke=7
-flavored water= throughout the day
-10 chocolate covered almonds=7:30
-half of a cookie=7:30

Wednesday:
-Pancake=6:15
-Milk=6:15
-Roll with turkey, cheese, lettuce, olives, and ranch=9:45
-water bottle=throughout the day
-Chocolate milk=9:45
-3 cookies=3
-Piece of pizza with meatballs on it=6
-garlic knot=6
-coke=6