#10

A woman in Burnsville was just sentenced to almost 25 years in jail for drowning her first daughter. She claims that her boyfriend at the time, Erik Ryan Matlock, threatened to kill her if she didn't get rid of the baby after she had it, but sources claim that the two planned to drown it together. This is actually the first case in Minnesota where the murderer was convicted without the body being found. "It was a complicated case," said Dakota County Attorney General Backstrom, but it was easy to solve, because during her pregnancy Ms. Heiges told friends she planned to kill the baby, and after it was born she confirmed that she had indeed ended its life. The conviction was basically determined when a brave witness came forward part way through the trial with a crucial testimony. I don't understand what would drive this woman to drown her baby and then throw it down a garbage chute. I understand that she was desperate and couldn't handle a baby, but she was aware of the fact that newborn babies can be left at the hospital up to 72 hours after birth. This is really sad, but I'm glad she's behind bars now, and not free to procreate:)

http://www.startribune.com/local/south/37474799.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DU

#9

Nigeria has recently missed its re-extended deadline to stop the natural gas flares from a production plant near the delta of a river and lots of farmland. The flares produce extreme heat, smoke, light 24 hours a day, and noise like a jet plane. Nigerians are getting very angry about the constant disruptions to daily life, as well as the farmland-their income. Social activist Vivian Bellonwu is frustrated with the constant deadline extensions, and the Nigerian government should be as well. "Everyone agrees the flares are wasting billions of dollars in valuable gas," says Bellonwu. She also mentions some of the consequences for humans. Consequences include cancer, children with asthma, and a suggestion that the gasses may be making women infertile. I can't believe that the flares haven't stopped yet, with their gas accounting for 40% of that produced in Nigeria.
The government and the oil industry both agree that the flares need to stop, but everyone is noticing their lack of action. Hopefully some focus can come to this issue and resolve the flares before the human consequences turn more severe.




http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7820384.stm

#8

In Miami, Florida, an investigation is beginning at an old reform school for boys. Four ex-students found each other online and decided to band together and take legal action. They described in graphic detail some of the punishments, such as being beaten with a metal whip, sexual abuse, murder, and even putting some black students in a tumble dryer. These men have been haunted for their entire lives with both physical and emotional scars, and are hoping that evidence can be found and the murderers apprehended. At least one of the alum claims that the punishments were justified, but that the beatings were in fact very harsh--but the four men who call themselves The White House Boys won't back down. The punishments should be considered abuse, maybe even torture. "The investigations should begin soon," says Gov. Charlie Crist, who the men came to for their assistance.
I hope that the florida government makes progress with this case, because they need to solve what did happen, and prevent it from ever happening again.




http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/12/09/reform.school.graves/index.html

#7

Today I read an article on CNN.com about a woman who is advertising her resume on her shirt! Her situation has worsened to the point of desperation, and she needs to get an interview now. Kelly Kinley is her name, and she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons. Every day Kelly stands on street corners and in coffee shops around town, hoping that a business executive will notice her and take advantage of all she has to offer. The worsening economy is obviously driving people to do crazy things-Kinley has applied to approximatly 40 jobs per day, and has slowly been dipping into her and her husband's savings to pay for things like her son's gymnastics training. "Eventually, she says, We will have to sit down with our son and tell him that he can no longer participate in his life dream--because we don't have the money."
Even in Los Angeles its surprising the amount of unemployed people. The jobless rate there is 8.2 percent, and unbelievably, multiple times when applying for a job, Kinley has been told that she is 1 of 500 other applicants.
If this is a woman desperate in LOS ANGELES, imagine how bad it can be other places for other people.




http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/12/10/job.seeker/index.html

#6

In the morning during breakfast, I usually read the "Dear Carolyn" advice column next to the crossword puzzles. A lot of times they are about failing marriages, weddings, or etiquette, but a few weeks ago, I came across a very unique call for help. A woman wrote in about how she had been married and divorced, put her kids through college, and now is in a relationship with another woman. Since she has been previously married, co-workers may have a hard time coming to terms with her sexual orientation, and she is struggling to come out, or if she should say anything at all. Another issue at hand is the upcoming vacation with her workplace. She says she's been on vacations with her partner's company and wants to return the favor, but can't figure out how to tell her co-workers. I can't decide if it would be better to just bring her along and let them figure out what is going on between them, or just to introduce her as "my partner".
The fact that this is a problem for her is kind of frustrating to me, because if she were straight, it would be easy to figure out. This woman is counting on the prejudice of others and it's stressing her out. I think that she needs to feel comfortable with the way she is, and I hope that other employees around her are respectful of that.


http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/family/29944534.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DU2EkP7K_V_GD7EaPc:iLP8iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

#5

Now I am reading the sixth book in the same series, called Man Vs. Beast. In this book, or "mission" the agent's goal is to infiltrate a secret pro-violence animal rights group inside of a peaceful one. The group is called the Animal Freedom Militia, or AFM. Both groups are located in a small town whose leading employer is Malarek Research Facilities. Malarek is one of England's largest animal testing laboratories, and employees are frequently attacked. One woman was blinded and burned on her face and neck after someone broke into the house and threw acid in her face. Workers at the lab qualify for "hazard pay" because of how dangerous the activists can be. James and Lauren are integrated into a local family near Malarek so they can join the crowd of animal activists. Once the agents are familiar faces around the protesters, they start to befriend some of the local teenagers who are involved in more radical things. They uncover a new and improved group called the Animal Freedom Army, and successfully make over 15 arrests and stop the murder of a famous chef. This book wasn't as good as the others I've read so far, but still keeps you guessing until the very end.

#4

I am reading the fifth book in the CHERUB series by Robert Muchamore. My brother actually suggested the series to me, and although I hate most everything that he reads, these books are page turners. The main character is James Adams, a young spy for British Intelligence. He is sent to Australia along with his sister and one other agent named Dana. The three kids' mission is to infiltrate a religious cult called The Survivors and uncover any links with a terrorist group called Help Earth. James struggles at first with the mind control techniques of the cult, their high sugar food, pretty, complimentary girls, and the warm feelings that come after their services. Lucky for James, he befriends the 31st son of the cult's founder, Rat Regan. Together they can stop the masterminds behind the scamming and false advertising, insider trading and terrorist activity. By helping James, Rat also finds a way out of his dreary lifestyle. The CHERUB books are suspenseful and especially interesting because they take place in England. It is interesting to see the culture of adolescents in different parts of the world.

#3

Today in Minneapolis, the girlfriend of a suspected shooter made a public plea for him to turn himself in and come home. Alfredo Gonzalez is 19 years old, and he is suspected of murdering his girlfriend's cousin, Jacob MacKenzie. Gonzales is currently nowhere to be found, but his girlfriend and her family are desperately hoping that he is alive and well. The 15 year old boy lived in the 500 block of Concord Street in West St. Paul, and also died in his home. Police are unsure as to what caused the shooting, but a possible weapon from the scene was found in the woods nearby. A poem from the perspective of Jayna Emerson, the girlfriend and cousin, might go something like this:

you complete me/but you took something away
he never did anything wrong.
only four years younger than you/i don't know what to say
gunshots at midnight
now instead of having both of you/i have neither
was there anything i could have done?
nobody saw this coming/the second teenager to die
this weekend.

http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/34545259.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsr

#2

A 20-year-old man was put in custody today for stabbing another man last night in a bar. Hermantown, Minnesota is the location of the crime, and their police chief Mike Anderson says he died on the way to the hospital in Duluth. I wonder if the bar that this occurred in had a sign saying something like "XY Bar does not permit guns in these premises" because then the guy will get another sentence tacked on to his murder charge. I don't know why some people think shooting is acceptable. I was raised in a house where we had to throw away the Lego guns, and squirt guns weren't allowed. Obviously, my mom didn't want us to think it was okay to point a gun at another person. The rules have changed now that we are grown up, but we still understand how ridiculous it is to have gun violence in Minneapolis almost daily. Thoughts and prayers to both men's families, because they will each have a very difficult time with the outcome of a bar fight.

#1

Today I watched a music video by Keith Urban called "You'll Think Of Me".  It's a song about a  hard divorce between the singer and his wife.  

"Ever since you found yourself in someone else's arms, I've been trying my best to get along..." 

Assuming his wife probably had an affair or fell in love with someone else, throughout the song he is trying to figure out the feelings that come along with betrayal. He talks about the baggage that still exists, his trying to move on.  "Take your records take your freedom, take your memories- I don't need them. take your space and take your reasons, but you'll think of me." This shows how the singer is feeling let down, but still wants to have a place in the woman's life. Breakups are one of the hardest things to go through emotionally, because it can be like losing half of yourself. Putting everything out there, and sharing your secrets with someone only to find out that they are sharing their secrets with another person? I can't even imagine. Breaking up is a hard thing that has to be done, but never feels good, no matter which side you are on. 

#9

I recently read an article in the Sun Current about all the Edina robberies taking place. This is affecting our peaceful community greatly, and lots of effort should be put towards apprehending the criminals. Many families are getting nervous as well. For example, one of my neighbors is a single mom, so she is taking extra precautions to keep her kids safe. She added another lock on each door, and put a bell on the inside. Even if it seems like no harm would ever come to you, it is very sensible to park your cars in the garage and keep it closed, lock your doors at night, and if you have a security system, use it. It's good that the media is reporting these incidents so that citizens of Edina can be aware.

Hero In A Box

Researching people involved in animal rights was an easy way to distinguish common traits of heroes. Protests and lobbying are common, and this particular group of people is very determined to make a difference. These heroes have willpower, courage, drive, and support. I noticed that they aren't afraid to stand out, or what the public will think of them. I think that people who support animal rights can either be activists or spreaders. One type will chain themselves to a road, while others will use demonstrations as their way of conveying beliefs to the public. Each group is usually effective, and shows a lot of leadership qualities. This is what I think it means to be a hero.

"Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, or use for entertainment."

-PETA slogan

Jill Phipps was a hero to Animal Rights. She was protesting outside of Coventry Airport in England, when the very lorry she was trying to stop, ran over her, fatally crushing her spine. The lorry was carrying veal calves to be distributed across Europe, and would not stop, even for the woman who chained herself to the road. Jill sets a great example as a hero, because she never gave up, no matter the consequences. She shouldn't have died, but it was for a cause she loved.

Ingrid Newkirk is an animal rights hero. She is the co-founder of PETA, an animal rights activist group. PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, started in 1980, and have been working towards stopping animal cruelty, and promoting their rights. She shows the makings of a hero in her work. Newkirk has devoted her life to this organization, and it has become internationally popular. There are many branches of PETA; people coming together for a cause they believe in.

#8

Last weekend I saw the movie Max Payne with a friend. We both like thriller/action movies, and the trailer looked pretty good. It was directed by Oliver Stone, who has made pretty good movies in the past, but this one was just okay. We decided that the beginning of the movie was hardly like the end, and very confusing at that. Throughout the film, characters took shots of a blue liquid, which turned out to be a failed military drug, which lead to the main character's wife's death. Very random. Another strange twist were the side effects of the drug... users hallucinated about birds killing them, and they would die in similar ways to the hallucination. Max Payne had a very twisted story line that was hard to distinguish, but lots of great explosions and shootout scenes. I liked how sometimes in the movie the good guy was confused with the bad guy as well.
Overall, it was a movie that made me think, and that is a big part of what counts.

#7

In the morning during breakfast, I usually read the "Dear Carolyn" advice column next to the crossword puzzles. A lot of times they are about failing marriages, weddings, or etiquette, but a few weeks ago, I came across a very unique call for help. A woman wrote in about how she had been married and divorced, put her kids through college, and now is in a relationship with another woman. Since she has been previously married, co-workers may have a hard time coming to terms with her sexual orientation, and she is struggling to come out, or if she should say anything at all. Another issue at hand is the upcoming vacation with her workplace. She says she's been on vacations with her partner's company and wants to return the favor, but can't figure out how to tell her co-workers. I can't decide if it would be better to just bring her along and let them figure out what is going on between them, or just to introduce her as "my partner".
The fact that this is a problem for her is kind of frustrating to me, because if she were straight, it would be easy to figure out. This woman is counting on the prejudice of others and it's stressing her out. I think that she needs to feel comfortable with the way she is, and I hope that other employees around her are respectful of that.


http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/family/29944534.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DU2EkP7K_V_GD7EaPc:iLP8iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

#6

Today I finished the Jodi Picoult book that I blogged about earlier. The plot did end up diverging from that of See Jane Run, and although the two books had similar concepts, I liked Picture Perfect a lot more. Picoult's writing style is a lot more fluid, and her books keep you on the edge of your seat without being frustrating. The end of See Jane Run wasn't as solid or satisfying as Picture Perfect; the woman wasn't the hero as she should have been. Another reason I was happy with this book is because it didn't really fit the mold of most of her other novels. There weren't any court/trial scenes, and little dropped hints throughout that give clues to what really happened. Picoult did stick to her usual Native American importance, and it provides a good insight to the Sioux. I'm glad I didn't put this book down right away, because I really would have missed out on a good Jodi Picoult classic.

#5

Today an article caught my eye about a girl named Lindsey Evans. She was recently arrested at a local eatery in her hometown of Blanchard, Louisiana for eating dinner with three girlfriends and then leaving the restaurant without paying. She would have gotten away with it, except for the fact that 18-year-old Lindsey left her purse behind. When the friends went back to the restaurant the police had already been called, and she was greeted with an even bigger surprise. The authorities arrested the three girls on charges of "dining & dashing", but Lindsey had another surprise coming. Police had discovered marijuana in Evans' purse, so she was also charged with posession. The most ironic part of this story? Lindsey Evans is Miss Teen Louisiana USA. It seems like all of the supposed role models for girls are making very bad choices. Take Hannah Montana for example, posing half naked for Vanity Fair, or Vanessa Ann Hudgens, appearing naked all over the internet. These are the actresses and women that young girls are looking up to, and right now there doesn't seem to be much hope.


http://www.theinsider.com/news/1280252_Miss_Teen_Louisiana_USA_Busted_After_Dine_Dash

#4

I just recently started a new Jodi Picoult novel, and at first I was really excited. She is one of my favorite authors, and I get so into her books that they only take me a few days to finish. Picture Perfect on the other hand, has been really disappointing at first. Not because it doesn't have an interesting story line, not because its poorly written... I'm on page 110, and this book so far has been a copycat of one I read this summer. See Jane Run it was called, and in both stories, a woman goes through a traumatic event in her life... and then proceeds to lose her memory. She is then seen in a newspaper by her husband, who appears to be "too good to be true", and can't recall his serious character flaws. Seriously. Almost identical story lines. As I get farther into Picture Perfect, I will make sure to update on the similarities & differences.

#3

CBSnews.com is the homepage on my parent's computer. As I was logging on today, a story caught my eye about a six-year-old boy who was kidnapped and then returned to his home almost four days later. This scenario seemed very strange at first, but as I continued to read, there are many pieces of the puzzle. Wednesday morning, the kidnappers posed as policemen and tied up his mother and her boyfriend, while taking the victim, Cole Puffinburger, to an unknown location. Cole has described his captors to be of Mexican descent, and they are believed to be part of a methamphetamine ring in Las Vegas. The worst part about the kidnapping is that it may have been the fault of Puffinburger's maternal grandfather, Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer. The kidnapping is believed to be a message to Tinnemeyer, who may have stolen millions from Nevada drug dealers. He will be a primary witness to the kidnapping in court on Monday.
An article like this is extremely disappointing to me, especially because Cole's own grandfather put someone he loves in jeopardy because of a drug habit or stolen money. Of all the selfish things you can do, playing a role in a 6-year-old's kidnapping has got to be at the top of the list.


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/20/national/main4531624.shtml?tag=topHome;topStories

#2

A Minnesota poll conducted Thursday and Friday of this week has shown that Barack Obama continues to have more supporters than John McCain. The biggest reason? A better economy. Results are similar for a National poll conducted Saturday-Obama is ahead by approximatley 6 percentage points. Wisconsin and Iowa are almost identical to Minnesota in the political standings, but the most surprising statistic appeared when participants were asked who would do a better job stabilizing the economy. Obama is favored over McCain, 55% to 35%.

#1

When John Thompson was 18 years old, both of his arms were ripped off by a spinning power takeoff shaft on his father's farm in North Dakota. It is estimated that fewer than 10 people have had successful arm reattachments, so Thompson is very lucky.  He credits this luck to his surgeon, Allen Van Beek. The doctor grew up in North Dakota as well, and can relate to this particular patient because he was run over by a tractor when he was thirteen.  All of Van Beek's hard work on John Thompson and many others has paid off, because this week he was one of the Sioux Award recipients. This award recognizes great accomplishments made by UND alumni, and is very much deserved. 

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/31234184.html