The nuclear crisis in Fukushima holds potential for disaster that will not be felt only in Japan but globally. Fukushima also holds potential for triumph.
The workers are faceless and nameless to most of the world but they are sons and fathers who like most Japanese in the region have lost homes and loved ones yet rise up to the call of duty to prevent nuclear disaster.
Eating crackers and juice for their meals and bathing with towelettes , they work around the clock to stabilize the reactors and prevent any further leaking. The risk of radiation and long term health defects surround them in the darkness of the plant but current tests show most workers show only 100 millisiervets of radiation when the real danger zone for an increased chance of cancer in the future is 250 millisiervets.
These men working day and night are not just working to protect their country but much of the world. They are working diligently to prevent disaster that would effect the world.
Here’s a link showing some more details on the workers’ radiation levels: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/03/30/japan.workers.health/index.html?iref=allsearch
Friday, April 1, 2011
March 29 Cyndi Lauper Sings in Buenos Aires… Airport
Dozens of flights have been canceled in the Buenos Aires International Airport. While many distraught passengers killed time walking around the airport or calling family, a familiar voice came over the airport intercom system. “Come home, in the morning light…”
The voice was that of 80s pop singer, Cyndi Lauper who was also victim of a canceled flight, singing her most famous hit Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. She sang to raise spirits of the travelers who could not get to where they needed to be.
The scene suddenly changed from irritated boredom of passengers wishing they weren’t stranded to passengers raising to their feet cheering, clapping, and singing along with smiles. Lauper was able to drastically change the mood with just one song but she did not stop there, she sang another and made the day for many stranded travelers who otherwise would never have had the experience of singing along with Cyndi Lauper.
Here’s a video of Lauper singing to the aiport: http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/07/cyndi-lauper-sings-for-stranded-airport-passengers/?iref=allsearch
The voice was that of 80s pop singer, Cyndi Lauper who was also victim of a canceled flight, singing her most famous hit Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. She sang to raise spirits of the travelers who could not get to where they needed to be.
The scene suddenly changed from irritated boredom of passengers wishing they weren’t stranded to passengers raising to their feet cheering, clapping, and singing along with smiles. Lauper was able to drastically change the mood with just one song but she did not stop there, she sang another and made the day for many stranded travelers who otherwise would never have had the experience of singing along with Cyndi Lauper.
Here’s a video of Lauper singing to the aiport: http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/07/cyndi-lauper-sings-for-stranded-airport-passengers/?iref=allsearch
March 26 Weapon of Advertisement
The iPad 2 was recently released and competitors are already finding marketable ways to convince buyers to throw it to the wayside.
In 2007 when Apple released the first iPhone, they were way ahead of their time and no cell phone manufacturers were able to compete, but once they caught on to the technology smart phones started springing up and now every cell phone manufacturer still in business offers a number of different smart phones.
Due to the lead Apple had in 2007 they took the cake in smart phone sales and are still making improvements one step ahead of competitors. Only one step ahead in comparison to 5 steps ahead in 2007.
Now with the iPad2 everyone assumed it would be out of this world and unique but it turns out the same cell phone manufacturers who are competitors with Apple foresaw the release of the iPad2 and made their own daring leaps Apple did not take.
These competitors are now throwing this lack of initiative and throwing it in the face of Apple in front of consumers. They are using Apple’s once ambition, now caution against them.
Article on the iPad2 vs Other tablets: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/03/25/new.tablets/index.html?iref=allsearch
In 2007 when Apple released the first iPhone, they were way ahead of their time and no cell phone manufacturers were able to compete, but once they caught on to the technology smart phones started springing up and now every cell phone manufacturer still in business offers a number of different smart phones.
Due to the lead Apple had in 2007 they took the cake in smart phone sales and are still making improvements one step ahead of competitors. Only one step ahead in comparison to 5 steps ahead in 2007.
Now with the iPad2 everyone assumed it would be out of this world and unique but it turns out the same cell phone manufacturers who are competitors with Apple foresaw the release of the iPad2 and made their own daring leaps Apple did not take.
These competitors are now throwing this lack of initiative and throwing it in the face of Apple in front of consumers. They are using Apple’s once ambition, now caution against them.
Article on the iPad2 vs Other tablets: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/03/25/new.tablets/index.html?iref=allsearch
March 24 Yosemite National Park
Yosemite national park has been home to many different cultures over many different centuries. Several different Native American Indian tribes called it home and when the west was being settled it served as a quaint location to host writers and artists into the untamed land.
Yosemite draws millions of people every year to see the rich landscape and awe at the natural wonders. The history in this place is vibrant not made only by the beautiful scenery but by the people who have called this place home.
Unlike most national parks, Yosemite is studied by scientists not so much for its natural wonders but for civilizations that lived here before. Archaeologists have found valuable clues letting them know how those who lived in Yosemite before us lived their everyday lives.
The history of Yosemite is so rich that in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln made it a national park forever conserving its beauty and history.
Here’s the link to the Yosemite home page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
Yosemite draws millions of people every year to see the rich landscape and awe at the natural wonders. The history in this place is vibrant not made only by the beautiful scenery but by the people who have called this place home.
Unlike most national parks, Yosemite is studied by scientists not so much for its natural wonders but for civilizations that lived here before. Archaeologists have found valuable clues letting them know how those who lived in Yosemite before us lived their everyday lives.
The history of Yosemite is so rich that in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln made it a national park forever conserving its beauty and history.
Here’s the link to the Yosemite home page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
March 21 Future Predicted Through Broadcast Television
Globalization and technology are changing are world and not only changing the way we view issues but even the types of issues we see. The world has shrunk and we communicate more with our brothers and sisters all around the world now more than ever. There is much speculation as to what the world in which we live will be like in 50 years.
The Independent Television service is now airing a show called Futurestates that shows an interpretation of what some people think our country will be like in the future.
50 years ago did we see this in television? Most sci-fi dealt with pioneering uncharted planets or welcoming aliens to earth. Concern was given to the triumphs of man and what could be done with technology to expand man’s empire.
Now, we are more environmentally conscious and more aware and familiar with the rest of the world that our curiosity is not so much sparked in the heavens anymore but in the people and places around us and how they will change.
More info on Futurestates: http://www.futurestates.tv/
The Independent Television service is now airing a show called Futurestates that shows an interpretation of what some people think our country will be like in the future.
50 years ago did we see this in television? Most sci-fi dealt with pioneering uncharted planets or welcoming aliens to earth. Concern was given to the triumphs of man and what could be done with technology to expand man’s empire.
Now, we are more environmentally conscious and more aware and familiar with the rest of the world that our curiosity is not so much sparked in the heavens anymore but in the people and places around us and how they will change.
More info on Futurestates: http://www.futurestates.tv/
March18 Let the Robots Do the Fighting
Illegal drugs enter the U.S. on a daily basis. We could send men to fight the powerful drug cartels but with corruption filling the country of Mexico sending human lives in is getting very dangerous.
Thanks to technology we do not have to send in men to gather information. The Pentagon recently started unmanned, unarmed drones to gather surveillance on larger drug traffickers.
The new approach to fight drugs is a Joint effort between Presidents Obama and Calderon. Since both Mexico and the United States share the same threat.
A few years ago this technology was not so readily available and instead of sending in a remote controlled drone you would have to send in scores of men and worry about casualties and threats of corruption. Not so now.
There is some quarreling between the two nations. Some American leaders feels as though Mexico can not be trusted due to the high rate of corruption and many Mexican officials feel that the United States is only interested because the drug war claimed the life of an American, Jaime Zapata, earlier this year.
Here’s the story: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C03E5DE113EF935A25750C0A9679D8B63&scp=2&sq=mexico&st=nyt
Thanks to technology we do not have to send in men to gather information. The Pentagon recently started unmanned, unarmed drones to gather surveillance on larger drug traffickers.
The new approach to fight drugs is a Joint effort between Presidents Obama and Calderon. Since both Mexico and the United States share the same threat.
A few years ago this technology was not so readily available and instead of sending in a remote controlled drone you would have to send in scores of men and worry about casualties and threats of corruption. Not so now.
There is some quarreling between the two nations. Some American leaders feels as though Mexico can not be trusted due to the high rate of corruption and many Mexican officials feel that the United States is only interested because the drug war claimed the life of an American, Jaime Zapata, earlier this year.
Here’s the story: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C03E5DE113EF935A25750C0A9679D8B63&scp=2&sq=mexico&st=nyt
March 15 Police in Mexico
Corruption runs rampant throughout Mexico and because of the power of drug lords and organized crime leaders, many local police officers choose to fight another day rather than confront the enemy. Leaving the drug cartels doing what they want, knowing they will not be stopped.
Many local police units are disbanding giving way to state and federal police to ensure better training and better equipment. But many of the officers in state and federal police units have already been recruited in the corruption of the cartel’s pay roll. It is federal law that only federal police can combat drug trafficking.
One small town named Jalapa is taking matters into their own hands to bring reform. Not necessarily to combat the drug lords but keeping order in the collection of small villages. Providing their own weapons and rationing gas between a few vehicles, they are doing what they can to ensure the safety of their community. Instead of having the drug lords run Mexico, Mexico can be run by the Mexicans
Full article: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9404E1D6153EF930A25750C0A9679D8B63&scp=3&sq=mexico&st=nyt
Many local police units are disbanding giving way to state and federal police to ensure better training and better equipment. But many of the officers in state and federal police units have already been recruited in the corruption of the cartel’s pay roll. It is federal law that only federal police can combat drug trafficking.
One small town named Jalapa is taking matters into their own hands to bring reform. Not necessarily to combat the drug lords but keeping order in the collection of small villages. Providing their own weapons and rationing gas between a few vehicles, they are doing what they can to ensure the safety of their community. Instead of having the drug lords run Mexico, Mexico can be run by the Mexicans
Full article: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9404E1D6153EF930A25750C0A9679D8B63&scp=3&sq=mexico&st=nyt
March 11 Earthquake Hits Japan
Tonight an 8.9 earthquake occurred off the eastern coast of Japan. The epicenter of the quake was about 130 km off the coast of the city of Sendai at a depth of 24 km. Some of the quake was even felt as far away as Beijing, China.
The island of Japan is devastated. No death toll has been reported yet. Tsunamis have already started hitting the island, submerging parts of Tokyo with waves as high as 10 meters. Aftershocks are still occurring throughout the region. Some of the after shocks are as strong as 5.4 and are occurring frequently. Tsunami-like waves are expected to hit Hawaii and the west coast of the United States within hours.
Many Americans in coastal cities mainly in the Pacific Northwest are evacuating their homes until further notice.
The island of Japan is devastated. No death toll has been reported yet. Tsunamis have already started hitting the island, submerging parts of Tokyo with waves as high as 10 meters. Aftershocks are still occurring throughout the region. Some of the after shocks are as strong as 5.4 and are occurring frequently. Tsunami-like waves are expected to hit Hawaii and the west coast of the United States within hours.
Many Americans in coastal cities mainly in the Pacific Northwest are evacuating their homes until further notice.
March 7 Women Active in Construction of New Egypt
Egyptian Shereen Diaa, mother of two left her two young sons, ages 6 and 8 home alone for two hours, amid protests and unrest in Cairo. She is a mother who wants to provide the best for her sons and only something as important as going to hear the new Prime Minister speak in person could get her to leave her sons alone.
Diaa, like many women in Egypt is verbally harassed and often groped in the streets- a level of sexual harassment which most countries would have no tolerance for- has been ctirical to the protests in Egypt because they have more time to protests than their husbands who work.
Although women in Egypt are allowed more freedoms than women in most Arab countries there is still inequality, which all women participating in the protests are hoping to change. Mozn Hass director of Nazra For Feminine Studies says, “Revolution is not about 18 days in Tahrir Square and then turning it into a carnival and loving the army,” she said. “We have simply won the first phase.”
Here’s a link to the Nazra for Feminine Studies: http://www.en.nazra.org/index.php
Diaa, like many women in Egypt is verbally harassed and often groped in the streets- a level of sexual harassment which most countries would have no tolerance for- has been ctirical to the protests in Egypt because they have more time to protests than their husbands who work.
Although women in Egypt are allowed more freedoms than women in most Arab countries there is still inequality, which all women participating in the protests are hoping to change. Mozn Hass director of Nazra For Feminine Studies says, “Revolution is not about 18 days in Tahrir Square and then turning it into a carnival and loving the army,” she said. “We have simply won the first phase.”
Here’s a link to the Nazra for Feminine Studies: http://www.en.nazra.org/index.php
March 5 Rexburg City Council March 2
The Rexburg City Council met on March 2 to discuss in part, changes to the Legacy Flight Museum. The main topic of discussion was the runway lights which are illuminated every night from dusk to dawn even if there is only one operation per night. The current annual power bill for the operation of the lights is $3000.
The airport board suggested buying pilot operated/ microphone controlled runway lights a pilot could turn on from the plane when approaching the runway which would cost the city $2,746 and an additional $2000 for installation of the new system. The lights would be used only when needed instead of burning all night.
The city has been carrying a negative balance of the budgeted expenses for the airport and the Airport Board suggested the new system as part of the solution.
Council Member Stout moved to approve the purchase and all council members voted unanimously aye.
Here is a copy of the Minutes from the City Council meeting on March 2: http://www.rexburg.org/archives/37/Council%20Minutes%20-%20March%2002,%202011.pdf
The airport board suggested buying pilot operated/ microphone controlled runway lights a pilot could turn on from the plane when approaching the runway which would cost the city $2,746 and an additional $2000 for installation of the new system. The lights would be used only when needed instead of burning all night.
The city has been carrying a negative balance of the budgeted expenses for the airport and the Airport Board suggested the new system as part of the solution.
Council Member Stout moved to approve the purchase and all council members voted unanimously aye.
Here is a copy of the Minutes from the City Council meeting on March 2: http://www.rexburg.org/archives/37/Council%20Minutes%20-%20March%2002,%202011.pdf
March 3 Baby Stealing in Argentina
Over the past 40 years, Argentina has been victim to political unrest and economic calamities. The late 70s were host to what would be referred to in Argentine history as The Night of the Pencils or The Dirty War. When many intellectuals and high profile citizens suddenly disappeared by hand of a political coup led in part by Jorge Rafeal Videla.
Videla, a one-time dictator over the country, and seven other high profile defendants are on trial for the torture of many Argentines and for the kidnapping of babies who belonged to the intellectuals and high profile citizens. These babies were taken away from their parents and given new identies. In all the defendants are being tried for the kidnapping of 34 babies.
Over 350 witnesses have come forward to testify against these eight men. Carlos Pisani, who works with clients who were among the babies who were stolen said, "We have fought for many years so that today we can have a country where we have justice".
The trial could take up to 8 months to complete. Videla is currently serving a life sentence for human rights abuses during his reign as dictator.
Here’s a more in depth article on the story: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/03/03/argentina.baby.theft.trial/index.html?iref=allsearch
Videla, a one-time dictator over the country, and seven other high profile defendants are on trial for the torture of many Argentines and for the kidnapping of babies who belonged to the intellectuals and high profile citizens. These babies were taken away from their parents and given new identies. In all the defendants are being tried for the kidnapping of 34 babies.
Over 350 witnesses have come forward to testify against these eight men. Carlos Pisani, who works with clients who were among the babies who were stolen said, "We have fought for many years so that today we can have a country where we have justice".
The trial could take up to 8 months to complete. Videla is currently serving a life sentence for human rights abuses during his reign as dictator.
Here’s a more in depth article on the story: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/americas/03/03/argentina.baby.theft.trial/index.html?iref=allsearch
Feb 27 Selling Apples
The selling of a product is dependant on the quality of the product as well as the advertising. Apple Inc. cuts no corners when it comes to advertising.
Steve Jobs holds an annual unveiling that builds anticipation. Stirring up active Apple enthusiasts crazy for the newest item and leaving them waiting for next year’s announcements.
The television commercials are designed to be clever and upbeat. The image of the company for a long time was white which implies cleanliness and professionalism but has since changed to a more hip silver and black adding dynamics and texture.
A visit to Apple’s website (http://www.apple.com/) offers a simple yet clear message- the message they want you to know. Visitors to the website are presented with a picture of Apple’s newest product and short, smart tagline that seems to sum up the product.
Apple’s method of advertising is very simple and it’s surprising how much money is spent in research and development to keep things simple.
Steve Jobs holds an annual unveiling that builds anticipation. Stirring up active Apple enthusiasts crazy for the newest item and leaving them waiting for next year’s announcements.
The television commercials are designed to be clever and upbeat. The image of the company for a long time was white which implies cleanliness and professionalism but has since changed to a more hip silver and black adding dynamics and texture.
A visit to Apple’s website (http://www.apple.com/) offers a simple yet clear message- the message they want you to know. Visitors to the website are presented with a picture of Apple’s newest product and short, smart tagline that seems to sum up the product.
Apple’s method of advertising is very simple and it’s surprising how much money is spent in research and development to keep things simple.
Feb 23 Yellowstone Park
Yellowstone Park invites millions of visitors every year. The geysers and wildlife are welcome changes to most who come to see the natural wonders the park has to offer.
Lewis and Clark were the first whites to discover the region. Jon Colter, a hunter, was among them and relayed tales of the beauties to Americans back East.
Many did not believe Colter, but Osburn Russell a fellow trapper and hunter visited Yellowstone and put into words that Americans in the East could read.
Soon after, many parties full of explorers, adventurers, artists and entrepreneurs trickled into the area that is now Yellowstone Park. Some of these expeditions provided proof to more people of how beautiful the region was while other failed and ended in disaster.
Yellowstone became the first national park when President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law preserving the area as a conservatory so that its natural beauty could be preserved.
Yellowstone’s Official site: http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/index.html
Lewis and Clark were the first whites to discover the region. Jon Colter, a hunter, was among them and relayed tales of the beauties to Americans back East.
Many did not believe Colter, but Osburn Russell a fellow trapper and hunter visited Yellowstone and put into words that Americans in the East could read.
Soon after, many parties full of explorers, adventurers, artists and entrepreneurs trickled into the area that is now Yellowstone Park. Some of these expeditions provided proof to more people of how beautiful the region was while other failed and ended in disaster.
Yellowstone became the first national park when President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill into law preserving the area as a conservatory so that its natural beauty could be preserved.
Yellowstone’s Official site: http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/index.html
Feb 22 Cartel Shoot ‘Em Up Game
Drug cartels in Mexico are no imaginary problem. A new video game entitled Call of Juarez: The Cartel has upset local authorities who deal with the real cartel on a daily basis.
The very violent game takes place in Ciudad Juarez on the border of El Paso, Texas. It’s a seek and destroy, shoot ‘em up game where the player is armed with a number of weapons.
Mexico is an already violent place that is riddled with drug related crimes and deaths, 6,000 between 2009-2010.
Ricardo Boone Salmon, a congressman said, “It is true there is a serious crime situation, which we are not trying to hide, but we also should not expose children to this kind of scenario so that they are going to grow up with this kind of image and lack of values”
The state legislature of Chihuahua, where Ciudad Juarez is located voted unanimously agreed to petition a request to the nation’s Interior Department to ban the game.
Full article from the NY times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/world/americas/21mexico.html?scp=8&sq=mexico&st=nyt
The very violent game takes place in Ciudad Juarez on the border of El Paso, Texas. It’s a seek and destroy, shoot ‘em up game where the player is armed with a number of weapons.
Mexico is an already violent place that is riddled with drug related crimes and deaths, 6,000 between 2009-2010.
Ricardo Boone Salmon, a congressman said, “It is true there is a serious crime situation, which we are not trying to hide, but we also should not expose children to this kind of scenario so that they are going to grow up with this kind of image and lack of values”
The state legislature of Chihuahua, where Ciudad Juarez is located voted unanimously agreed to petition a request to the nation’s Interior Department to ban the game.
Full article from the NY times: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/world/americas/21mexico.html?scp=8&sq=mexico&st=nyt
Feb19 Japanese Whaling Fleet May be Recalled
The Japanese whale hunting industry is considering recalling its whaling fleet due to protesters from an environmental group, which is obstructing the fleet from hunting. The purpose of the hunts is for scientific research, says the Agricultural Ministry.
The environmental group is called the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and so far has prevented the whaling fleet from meeting its quota of 850 whales a year. In fact, the fleet has not caught a single whale since Feb. 9.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society blocks the whalers in any way it finds. Including, tangling the fleet’s propellers with ropes, throwing flares on board the whalers’ ships, and even shining lasers into the eyes of whalers blinding the crew temporarily.
Fearful of the crews’ safety the Agricultural Ministry considered cancelling this year’s hunt but did not want to appear to give in to the environmentalists’ efforts. Despite negative attention from abroad whale hunting is an effort to hang on to culture and tradition. And the Agricultural ministry feels it is important to maintain the fleet.
Here’s the full article: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0CE7DA103DF93BA25751C0A9679D8B63&scp=3&sq=japan&st=nyt
The environmental group is called the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and so far has prevented the whaling fleet from meeting its quota of 850 whales a year. In fact, the fleet has not caught a single whale since Feb. 9.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society blocks the whalers in any way it finds. Including, tangling the fleet’s propellers with ropes, throwing flares on board the whalers’ ships, and even shining lasers into the eyes of whalers blinding the crew temporarily.
Fearful of the crews’ safety the Agricultural Ministry considered cancelling this year’s hunt but did not want to appear to give in to the environmentalists’ efforts. Despite negative attention from abroad whale hunting is an effort to hang on to culture and tradition. And the Agricultural ministry feels it is important to maintain the fleet.
Here’s the full article: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0CE7DA103DF93BA25751C0A9679D8B63&scp=3&sq=japan&st=nyt
Feb 16 Drug Cartels in Monterrey
Mexican drugs enter the U.S. and the best way to combat this is to work in conjunction with the Mexican government preventing the shipment and transactions of these harmful drugs into our country.
How much responsibility should the U.S. have in this matter? Jaime J. Zapata, an immigration officer was killed last week while traveling from Mexico City to Monterrey. Zapata served in Laredo, Texas before being attached to the American Embassy. Another agent whose name has not been released was shot and wounded.
Attacks on American officials are rare and this was the first fatal attack on an American officer on duty. Was Zapata in the wrong place at the wrong time or have drug traffickers grown more desperate and willing to kill?
The drug cartel of northern Mexico are growing more violent, setting up false check points to ambush officials. Anyone who gets in the way of the cartel is eliminated, included two American missionaries last month.
For more details on Jaime Zapata’s death and the situation in of drug cartels in the Monterrey area: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/16/world/americas/16mexico.html?scp=2&sq=mexico&st=nyt
How much responsibility should the U.S. have in this matter? Jaime J. Zapata, an immigration officer was killed last week while traveling from Mexico City to Monterrey. Zapata served in Laredo, Texas before being attached to the American Embassy. Another agent whose name has not been released was shot and wounded.
Attacks on American officials are rare and this was the first fatal attack on an American officer on duty. Was Zapata in the wrong place at the wrong time or have drug traffickers grown more desperate and willing to kill?
The drug cartel of northern Mexico are growing more violent, setting up false check points to ambush officials. Anyone who gets in the way of the cartel is eliminated, included two American missionaries last month.
For more details on Jaime Zapata’s death and the situation in of drug cartels in the Monterrey area: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/16/world/americas/16mexico.html?scp=2&sq=mexico&st=nyt
Feb 10 Rexburg City Council Meeting February 2
The Rexburg City Council met last Wednesday with an aim to discuss zoning and growth of the city in the future.
One of the items discussed was an alternate route to 2nd East, arguably Rexburg’s most congested street. Council President Mann stated, “some of the alternate routes for 2nd East are way out of town”. The Planning and Zoning Committee responded that, “If the City Council would like some recommendations, they [The Planning and Zoning Committee] would be happy to bring some recommendations forward to the City Council”.
Other topics discussed included improving the appearance of the corridors leading into Rexburg, namely highway 20. Planting of trees was suggested and the issue of getting water to that area arose.
Conversations then arose on open space and The Planned Unit Development Unit. Suggestions of increasing density around the University arose.
All Council members present agreed the new water park coming late this spring will a great source of revenue for the city and a service to all citizens.
For City Council minutes of Feb 2, 20ll, click here: http://www.rexburg.org/archives/37/Council%20Minutes%20-%20February%2002,%202011.pdf
One of the items discussed was an alternate route to 2nd East, arguably Rexburg’s most congested street. Council President Mann stated, “some of the alternate routes for 2nd East are way out of town”. The Planning and Zoning Committee responded that, “If the City Council would like some recommendations, they [The Planning and Zoning Committee] would be happy to bring some recommendations forward to the City Council”.
Other topics discussed included improving the appearance of the corridors leading into Rexburg, namely highway 20. Planting of trees was suggested and the issue of getting water to that area arose.
Conversations then arose on open space and The Planned Unit Development Unit. Suggestions of increasing density around the University arose.
All Council members present agreed the new water park coming late this spring will a great source of revenue for the city and a service to all citizens.
For City Council minutes of Feb 2, 20ll, click here: http://www.rexburg.org/archives/37/Council%20Minutes%20-%20February%2002,%202011.pdf
Feb 4 Korean Summit
The tension between North and South Korea has been on the minds of politically aware citizens for years. South Korea suffered a number of smaller attacks by North Korea and in response South Korea held live-fire artillery exercises.
Recently, North Korea provoked the South and then immediately asked for military talks while requesting fertilizer and other concessions from the South. South Korea would like to see a cut in the military budget of the North. North and South Korea have both agreed to hold a summit to evaluate the situation and plan to make steps to a progressive future for Koreans.
The summit to be held will be low profile and more of a preliminary talk than a full-fledged peace summit between the two nations. China an ally of North Korea is pressing the military talks.
A six-nation talk in 2009 with North Korea, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Russia and China intended to take away nuclear weapons from the North failed after North Korea would no longer submit to United Nations inspections of their nuclear facility.
More details on the North and South Korea military talks: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/world/asia/02korea.html?scp=1&sq=korea&st=nyt
Recently, North Korea provoked the South and then immediately asked for military talks while requesting fertilizer and other concessions from the South. South Korea would like to see a cut in the military budget of the North. North and South Korea have both agreed to hold a summit to evaluate the situation and plan to make steps to a progressive future for Koreans.
The summit to be held will be low profile and more of a preliminary talk than a full-fledged peace summit between the two nations. China an ally of North Korea is pressing the military talks.
A six-nation talk in 2009 with North Korea, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Russia and China intended to take away nuclear weapons from the North failed after North Korea would no longer submit to United Nations inspections of their nuclear facility.
More details on the North and South Korea military talks: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/world/asia/02korea.html?scp=1&sq=korea&st=nyt
Jan 31 Choose Your Own Advertisements
Sitting at my desk last night watching an ad on HULU about detergent made me say to myself, “I’m a 25 year-old guy. This ad doesn’t appeal to me”. What if we lived in a world where could choose what commercials we watched? Would we less annoyed, would sales go up and the economy fix itself?
Turns out, we are knocking on the door of that world. Facebook has given us the ability to personalize our pages by “liking” other pages. If you have a favorite band or hobby you can search for it on Facebook and click the “Like” button. Facebook then takes note of what you like and filters advertisements customized to your taste. You can block out any unwanted ads.
Google and Mozilla have caught on and are developing ways to record traffic of your favorite sites using cookies and then filtering advertisements just for you. We are entering that world where instead of trying to ignore almost every ad, we start paying attention to them again.
Our manner of thinking and behaving is based more on the individual than ev er before. The days of personalization are here to stay.
For further reading and information you can visit this site: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/01/28/personal.advertising/index.html?iref=allsearch
Turns out, we are knocking on the door of that world. Facebook has given us the ability to personalize our pages by “liking” other pages. If you have a favorite band or hobby you can search for it on Facebook and click the “Like” button. Facebook then takes note of what you like and filters advertisements customized to your taste. You can block out any unwanted ads.
Google and Mozilla have caught on and are developing ways to record traffic of your favorite sites using cookies and then filtering advertisements just for you. We are entering that world where instead of trying to ignore almost every ad, we start paying attention to them again.
Our manner of thinking and behaving is based more on the individual than ev er before. The days of personalization are here to stay.
For further reading and information you can visit this site: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/01/28/personal.advertising/index.html?iref=allsearch
Jan 28 Mexico
Mexico is a country with a rich history and diverse landscape that is worth seeing but also it is a very dangerous place to visit. Or even just to pass through. Last month a group of 250 migrant workers, traveling to the U.S on board a Mexican federally owned train, were detained by Mexican police and some were taken into custody.
The journey continued with about 150 passengers then the train operator insisted the passengers pay him more money. After which gunmen boarded the train beat and robbed some of the migrants and then abducted 40 of them.
The Mexican government denied that armed men boarded the train until witnesses were found who were willing to testify. Searches continue to find the 40 abducted.
Why this crime? Many, including the Mexican government are confused but some believe the Zetas, a violent Mexican crime gang had something to do with it. The Rev Alejandro Solalinde a Catholic priest publicly accused the Zetas for the crime and then received a death threat.
Many occurrences like these occur in Mexico. 72 migrant workers in a similar manner were abducted and killed while traveling in Mexico last fall.
Here’s the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/world/americas/22mexico.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=Mexico+&st=nyt
The journey continued with about 150 passengers then the train operator insisted the passengers pay him more money. After which gunmen boarded the train beat and robbed some of the migrants and then abducted 40 of them.
The Mexican government denied that armed men boarded the train until witnesses were found who were willing to testify. Searches continue to find the 40 abducted.
Why this crime? Many, including the Mexican government are confused but some believe the Zetas, a violent Mexican crime gang had something to do with it. The Rev Alejandro Solalinde a Catholic priest publicly accused the Zetas for the crime and then received a death threat.
Many occurrences like these occur in Mexico. 72 migrant workers in a similar manner were abducted and killed while traveling in Mexico last fall.
Here’s the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/22/world/americas/22mexico.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=Mexico+&st=nyt
Jan 26 The World is Shrinking
Globalization is shrinking the world in which we live. 15 years ago India was a far off country that few Americans were familiar with. Today more and more global citizens are traveling to and visiting other countries, learning different cultures and bridging gaps, coming back to their respective homes with new influences while inspiring their points of visit.
It is not just physical travelers who leave a footprint. Digital media and social networks influence nations all around the world, creating one global culture rather than numberless amounts of cultures.
Connect.in.com (http://connect.in.com/ ) has made good use of technology and offers a place where one do anything from reading the news to picking out a restaurant to visit. Embedded throughout out this site are influences from all over the world.
India like many other countries is now subject to not only internal traditions but also external pressures from any country transmitting. Globalization changed the way we live and the way other nations view us.
It is not just physical travelers who leave a footprint. Digital media and social networks influence nations all around the world, creating one global culture rather than numberless amounts of cultures.
Connect.in.com (http://connect.in.com/ ) has made good use of technology and offers a place where one do anything from reading the news to picking out a restaurant to visit. Embedded throughout out this site are influences from all over the world.
India like many other countries is now subject to not only internal traditions but also external pressures from any country transmitting. Globalization changed the way we live and the way other nations view us.
Jan 20- The Great Game in Afghanistan
News updates on the war in Afghanistan bombard us on a nearly daily basis. We know we’ve been there for years but how many of us know why we are there?
The Tricycle Theatre in London is putting on a play that dissects what is life in Afghanistan. It is an eyepiece into the lives and culture of afghans to better help us around the world understand exactly what is going on in this war.
The play is called The Great Game and presents itself in three different segments. The first segment is a history of Afghanistan, showing it’s first influences from the British.
The second segment is a more recent history including Soviet persuasion, the advent of U.S troops, and the Taliban.
Segment three is a more emotional look at personal lives of troops and Afghans which unravels the delicate issues of the country for us to comprehend.
The Great Game debuted for Londoners and special showings given to British and U.S troops serving in Afghanistan. The next stop for the show is Pentagon officials.
The Tricycle Theatre in London is putting on a play that dissects what is life in Afghanistan. It is an eyepiece into the lives and culture of afghans to better help us around the world understand exactly what is going on in this war.
The play is called The Great Game and presents itself in three different segments. The first segment is a history of Afghanistan, showing it’s first influences from the British.
The second segment is a more recent history including Soviet persuasion, the advent of U.S troops, and the Taliban.
Segment three is a more emotional look at personal lives of troops and Afghans which unravels the delicate issues of the country for us to comprehend.
The Great Game debuted for Londoners and special showings given to British and U.S troops serving in Afghanistan. The next stop for the show is Pentagon officials.
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