Human Rights in Cuba

   With the announcement that America will seek to fabricate ties with Cuba again, Human Rights activists rejoice. Cuba has had a history of constant human rights abuse and with the new (tentative) ties America wishes to make, Cuba hopes for a new future. It is suggested that prior to this new state, when America and Cuba were embargoed from one another- Cuba was suffering greatly. Cuban officials were able to use this American ban as an excuse to abuse human rights policies. With this huge new step Cubans hope to achieve equality and lose the social abuse Cuban officials had cast upon them before.



Obama speaks out about racial bias

   It seems that racism even affects someone as high up as President Barack Obama. In a recent interview with People magazine, Barack and Michelle Obama released new information on racial bias they have been subject to in the workplace and in their lives prior to becoming the President and the first lady. Obama states that there are no African American professionals (including himself) that have not been not given their keys when waiting for their car outside a restaurant. President Obama agrees with slight happiness that the racial stereotypes and injustices have definitely went down with time but he still believes that they are present and out there. He looks back at his life prior to becoming president and in retrospect, he remembers clearly falling victim to racial slurs. Michelle recounted about the time her husband (in a suit and full dress attire) was asked at a black tie dinner to "get someone a cup of coffee." They have much hope for the future but still can conduce that racism is still out there (even at the presidential level) and it must be stopped. It is 2014- it's hard to believe that in a nation that has changed and improved so much there is still racism. But it is real and people encounter it at school, in their place of work and even on public transport. We need to recognize that everyone is equal and come together to stop racist ideas once and for all.



Heartbreak in Peshawar

Absolute Heartache struck Peshawar Pakistan yesterday when the Taliban invaded and opened fire on an army-run school and killed one hundred and forty one people. This is absolutely disgusting- one hundred and forty one people! Of this mass murder; one hundred and thirty two of the victims were children. This probably won't be publicized as much as a mass murder or shooting in America would be but it is equally as tragic. Shahrukh Khan (a teenage student) tells of the horrific actions from his hospital bed; "Someone screamed at us to get down and hide below the desks, Then one of them shouted: 'There are so many children beneath the benches, go and get them." He says that the armed Taliban shouted "Allahu Akbar" (meaning "God is greatest") before starting to fire. It is obviously terribly ludicrous to say such words of God before killing innocent people and people around the globe are condemning the Taliban's actions stating that that is not the word of Islam. Most students killed were under sixteen and all were innocent. Some teachers died in the fury and their families, friends and people all around the world are mourning. In this absolutely heart wrenching and sinister incident I send my thoughts and prayers to the victims and survivors. I hope that the friends, families and parents of the children that were lost will find solace in their happy memories of their children at their time of grief. People from all around the world are uniting together and standing for you Pakistan, including many of the friends of victims in Sydney Australia. People need to realize that their is no religion out their that condones the killing of innocent people. I hope that the fallen are happy with God or Allah (whichever name they choose to call him by) because every religion is valid but the Taliban need to realize what they are doing are not religious in any way.

Stop Rape Culture once and for all

   Sadly, Chances are you've experienced rape culture or maybe even took part in it inadvertently but it needs to stop. Questioning of media accounts of dubious rape culture are being brought up due to an old Rolling Stones magazine that reported saying the girl that was raped in a horrendous gang rape was at fault. Clearly, this is absolutely ludicrous. How can anyone even try to state that the rape victim was the one at fault? And I'm sure you've all heard the words (usually from a jealous onlooker) "She was asking for it," or "well she was dressed like that to attract attention." This is wrong. Girls are more than a sexual accessory for men and quite frankly it's quite vain for a man to even think a certain girl dressed that way just for him. In this incident at the University of Virginia, Rolling Stone wrote an original article (later taken down) that labeled the victim as the problem. She was obviously not the one at fault. The sinister and absolutely disgusting men that raped her were at fault. These boys' actions ruined the victim's life. She will never be the same because of the emotional turmoil and depression she has faced after this incident. And Rolling Stone had the audacity to label her as the problem? Consent is absolutely necessary in anything pertaining to sex. Stop labeling girls as "attention seekers" and making them seem like the problem.  We need to stop blaming the girls or boys who were victims of rape for something they would have never wanted. It's terrible right? So make it a personal goal today and tomorrow (and everyday after that) to stop joking about rape or making crude and unnecessary comments about people that have experienced it.

Changes in Protection Protocal?

     Tragedy struck a large university in Virginia in 2012 when a girl named Jackie was sinisterly raped by a group of college men at a fraternity house party. Phi Kappa Psi was the fraternity house in which this travesty occurred. The girl was reported to have been raped for over three hours by seven men and terribly beaten, bloody and emotionally destroyed. The question at hand now is, should college campuses such as The University of Virginia take higher measures to account for and report rape cases to the police? This would entail the university to overthrow its traditional idea that victims should be able to do what they want and only report if they decide to. I was a little bit borderline on these two ideas when first reading this article. First and foremost, I am a strong and unmovable believer in "power to the people" and individual human rights for all. However; I have come to the conclusion that in cases like this, it probably would be in the best interest to report to the police immediately. What caused me to feel this way at its crux is that the potential rapist(s) could attack other women and men if the police is not notified quickly and efficiently. The police need to be notified to also make sure that the same person doesn't fall target to this rapist's crude and absolutely disgusting acts again. It is with no doubt that the victims of rape are terribly shaken and absolutely crushed after what happened to them and I am sure it's hard to even think about what happened, let alone be able to decide full heartedly if they would want to report it and when. I think it should be university protocol to alert the police so others may not fall victim to the rapists brutal acts. However; I believe that privacy is probably a main priority for the victims in their time of turmoil and I believe that the police and only the police should be notified. The victim's information should still not be up for publication but the police should be notified so they can stop the onset of more rapes before they occur.

Do Flu shots really lead to getting the flu?

You have probably heard before from someone or other that flu shots can give you the flu. This is a myth. New research shows that you can not obtain the flu directly from the flu vaccine. Actually, the most probable way of catching the influenza is by inhaling small and intricate germs (obviously, unseen by the human eye,) off something like your hand. This inadvertent action brings the virus into one's body and is conducive to one becoming very ill. So the truth is out- next time you hear someone saying they do not get the flu vaccine because of their scare of the aftershocks of the virus, let them know that this is in fact not possible. Researchers and doctors continue to say, getting the flu vaccine is the best way to go. By getting this vaccine you are eliminating the risk of not only infecting yourself but also your families and friends. Doctors and nurses are urging citizens to be considerate and sign up to receive the flu vaccine.

       

"paying," for pregnancy?

   Lauri Wolfe was just an ordinary woman with an ordinary job, living what many may consider a relatively normal life. She was six months pregnant when she was told she was being fired from her job at a local Speedway gas station. She held the position of manager and had worked very hard to get to that point. She was outraged and crestfallen not to mention absolutely livid with how her company was treating her. Her paroxysms are not without reason or validation however; The 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act is supposed to stop incidents like this before they even happen. Through this act, pregnant women are supposed to be protected during their time of stress. Women are said to be allowed to take the time required off of work during their pregnancy and earn paid leave. Her lawyer argues that no woman should have to chose between pregnancy and a job and that is indeed what her employers are making her adhere to. Wolfe is outraged and hoping to appeal in the court for her constitutional rights and what is supposed to be given to her through the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. In the meantime, the Wolfe's have been given no other choice but to move in with close friends due to her husband's also very sudden- and unexpected loss of work. Wolfe has said recently, "no one deserves this," and continues to hope for the best in her upcoming court case.

Heartbreak in Ferguson

     I am writing and posting this today with the knowledge that I may stand alone. However; I would rather stand alone for what I believe is right than stand with many if it means clandestinely covering up my thoughts. I believe what happened to Michael Brown in Ferguson was intolerable and sinisterly grotesque. I understand that the firsthand sightings and some of the evidence can be viewed in a contradictory light but I still believe Darren Wilson should have been held responsible for what he did. He took away a life of an unarmed teenager. I find it disgusting frankly, that some are using his alleged stealing of an item (which cost around 99 cents,) as a reason to validate and give meaning to killing someone. Where do we draw the line? Criminals kill people every day and do not even get half of the punishment Michael Brown sadly received. I can acknowledge that if Brown did actually charge the officer, the officer should have been allowed to exhibit self defense. However; I believe he could have embodied his defense in a more realistic and less crude and damaging matter. There are many ways to practice self defense that do not include shooting someone (and shooting someone that many times.) I think that police should now be required to wear the on body cameras the Brown family is suggesting. After all, if we had those cameras on Darren Wilson to begin with, we would know the unedited truth that no one really knows completely with the exception of Wilson. I also recognize even with my beliefs on the matter, I will never be able to truly understand the severity of what the people in Ferguson and Brown's family are facing. I hope someday we as a nation reach a true and unbreakable equality. The riots in Ferguson may be seen as terrible and without reason through the silver screen but we must realize we are not able to fully and completely judge the situation when we aren't and were not there and in their shoes. I stand with the heartbroken in Ferguson for justice but hope that they may be able to reach a prosperous and beneficial synergy in a somewhat peaceful matter as the Brown family has said. Whatever viewpoint you hold, I think we can all agree that a life was lost and that life cannot be brought back. Brown's life was and is irreplaceable and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Brown family at this time full of tragedy, travesty and mourning. So today, let's remember Michael Brown as his family stated he was- a kind, shy and caring individual.

Nolan Burch has died but will be remembered..

Nolan Burch, A college Freshman of a West Virginia University and Williamsville native died on November 14th.  Burch was reported to have attended a campus Fraternity and found unconscious after consuming a heavy amount of alcohol. He was said to be pledging for Kappa Sigma; a frat no longer recognized by the university for reasons unrelated to this incident. The message I would like my friends and people of similar age to take away from this is that life is sacred and although it may seem that way- no one is indestructible. It's so easy to say "it wont happen to me," but as we can tell from this unfortunate and sinister tragedy it can indeed happen. I'm sure Nolan didn't go to that party or to pledge with the desire to die that night. He probably didn't even have an inkling of what could and would happen. Drinking is a coveted desire among many teenagers and young twenty somethings because it's not legal to ingest alcohol at these ages. I would like my classmates to remember that when something like this happens, your parents can't "save," you like in most cases no matter how much they undoubtedly would want to. Nolan's life is and was irreplaceable. I would advise my peers to drink in moderation if at all and always practice self control. I would tell them to not become a victim of peer pressure and to remember this grotesque incident when picking up what might be their third beer. I send my thoughts and prayers to the Burch family at this time, who is with out a doubt shattered. I also would like to make sure we don't forget Nolan at this time, although he left his parents in what seems to be a cloud of grief and heartbreak, we must remember he didn't want this either- it just was an unfortunate decision under the vice of alcohol. Nolan must be remembered for all the good he did for his school and community and first and foremost as a person and not just a victim of a "crazy frat pledge." In our time of remembrance towards Nolan, we must keep this instance in the back of our mind when entering college and other places as a young adult where our self restraint will be tested.

Potential Chocolate shortage?!?!?!?!

As many news sites such as MSNBC have reported, The world may experience a dire shortage in chocolate in the future. The cause to this shortage is farmers -producing less and less cocoa (a key ingredient in those chocolate treats many consume freely and daily,) and more people than ever before buying chocolate products. It is common to think that chocolate sales would go up around holidays such as Easter or equally as celebrated days but it seems as if this whole year there has been a constant demand for the sugary sweets. In fact in 2013 alone, people consumed around 70,000 metric TONS more cocoa than produced (The Washington Post.) As the world desires more and more chocolate, the need for cocoa becomes bigger and some countries such as China which didn't consume much of the candy before are eating more than ever. As the popularity of dark chocolate inflates, more buy the darker sweet and this innocent looking little candy bar takes even more cocoa to fabricate. Scientists are now trying to create a new strain of trees that will produce this cocoa but with these new trees the delicious taste will be somewhat lost. What a good excuse to go out and buy a myriad of chocolate today!

Tackling Gender roles

Everything that one does in life, from the time they are an infant to their death include the effects of gender roles. From the time you are born, you are categorized based on your gender. For example even with the simplest things; boy's rooms are usually blue or an equally dark color while little girl's rooms are commonly tainted a pale or garish pink shade. It doesn't stop here, it is common for boys to play sports and for girls to be encouraged to do more "feminine" things such as dance. If a boy or girl strays too far from their designated "gender role" it is often frowned upon. There is hope in the future for a change, however. Gender roles are being challenged daily as seen in the Flocabulary video. More boys are taking on jobs such as camp councilors or baby sitters which were once considered jobs only fit for a female. In an online article that's title reads "Corps to tackle gender bias as combat jobs open to women," good information about the topic at hand is provided. It states that many more women are being freely accepted into higher positions in the Marines. In fact, they expect so many women to fall into higher ranks and positions that they had all Marines take a series of classes on how to tackle unconscious and maybe even subliminal gender biases. Yes, it is sad that a precaution like this must even be taken in a world where everyone should be seen as equal but at least, they are making an effort to challenge these "norms." At the heart of all these classes despite the centralization on Gender Neutrality, is true leadership skills. The online article does support the headline, the journalist continues on as previously stated, and tells of the Marines tackling a past of unrelenting gender roles. The article tries to remain neutral with their opinions to provide an accurate account of the actions being fabricated. Both Flocab and this article make me hopeful for the future. I personally, don't feel a need for these meticulous and discriminating Gender roles whether they are oppressing a male or female. If everyone is truly equal, we shouldn't have an imminent need for gender roles. I would encourage women to strive for whatever goals they have even if they were once seen in a "masculine" light and vice versa for males. I think both the article and the Flocab deliver the message trying to be presented well and articulately. My only question following these pieces would be how Americans and people all over will continue to tackle and end gender roles. The article could improve his article by providing a background of how the Marines acted differently towards women before. I hope people continue to tackle these gender roles. A movement is becoming more prominent and I wish it all the best. These ideas are coming up more in more in social media, on the web and in real life. These ideas are represented in things such as the music video recently made by "Benny," entitled "Little Game." And that video can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNr3x1kVVEc

Pat Roberts for the win!

Pat Roberts won the Kansas Senate race and defeated Greg Orman (the independent candidate.) Senate has been taken over by the republicans this year. Kansas has not elected anyone other than a republican candidate since the 1930's- so this does not really come off as a surprise to anyone. It is likely that Pat Roberts won largely on the basis of the state being majorly Republican. These hard nosed republicans would never vote for any other party when a republican was in the running. Orman even with tons of money in marketing and publicity could still not overcome a strict republican state. This being said, we now can tell just how hard Orman had to work even to get half of the amount of votes he did. Orman may have lost to Roberts but he did better than many could have originally hoped.

Flocabulary - Dalls nurse released free from Ebola!

Good News! The nurse who was infected with Ebola in Dallas, Texas has been released Ebola free. She was treated for a positive case of Ebola after becoming infected while treating a Liberian patient in the hospital. The Lady, Vinson, is very happy to be well again and is thanking God. She wants to raise awareness of the children and families in Africa that are struggling from this sinister disease as well.



Orman in the lead!

To many peoples' surprise Independent Greg Orman has taken the lead. After trailing Republican Pat Roberts for many weeks, Orman has now taken the lead. Orman is in the lead by two points putting Orman at 44 and Roberts at 42. Kansas is being threatened with statements such as "Kansas, you're a republican state, for goodness sake." Orman is doing good for the community by recently visiting  retirement homes and volunteering at a phone bank.



Greg Orman- behind but not for long...?

Greg Orman is behind by quite a bit in the Kansas Senate race. Being Independent, Greg Orman is trying to appeal more to Democrats because many republicans are definitely voting for republican Pat Roberts. In the last few weeks, if I was Orman, I would try to get as many Democrats on board as possible- telling them about what democratic ideas I would incorporate for them if I was put into office. That's what he needs to strive for. Orman's only hope now is to keep recruiting democrats through consistent advertising and TV commercials. He needs to show the Democrats that having an independent leader is more in their favor than having a republican leader.



Roberts back in the Race!

In the last few weeks something almost unbelievable happened. Pat Roberts is now back in the running. Roberts now tentatively stands at a 0.5 edge. Its still not necessarily in his favor but with two weeks left in the running, he is a lot closer to victory than he once was. I think its good that some competition is being added, maybe it will amp up the race and how hard they will have to work.

The chance of democrats winning the Senate over all are going down daily. However; there is still hope. With Kansas, the hopes remain in the form of an independent winner that will demonstrate some democratic qualities. Democrats will work with the independent representative Greg Orman.

http://www.ormanforsenate.com/splash?splash=1 here is a link they are providing to join the campaign.


Most Democrats view Greg Orman as their last chance. If there was still a strictly democratic representative, devote democrats would probably vote for him but in this situation, they are hoping Orman will win so there will be one less republican in the Senate.