Regan S 4 American Hostages Killed by Pirates, US says
On Friday, a yacht belonging to four Americans (the Quest) was captured by a group of roughly 19 pirates. These pirates were holding the two couples hostage until early this morning, when all four were shot. Sources close to the pirates say that they did not and do not take hostages for any sort of terrorist reason, but are actually just looking for a payday. The two couples had been sailing around the world since 2004. They were very familiar with the water and had never had any issues with pirates before this fatal encounter. Sources believe that something sparked this attack; and that something was the sentencing of a fellow pirate just two days before the abduction of the Quest. A US court sentenced a pirate to 33 years in prison due to his hijacking of a US cargo vessel in 2009. One pirate was quoted saying that pirates were more likely to attack Americans because of the verdict, and that if we do not want these attacks to continue, then we must let all pirates out of our prisons. They say that releasing these men is the only was to give American citizens safety at sea. The US military had been monitoring the Quest for a little over three days. The pirates said that if any sort of military action was taken on the yacht, then the hostages would be immediately killed. If no military action was taken, and the ransom paid, then they would be let go. The problem with this: You can never trust a pirate. No military action was taken until early this morning when gun shots were fired. This makes you wonder what happened inside that yacht. The pirates still hadn’t gotten the ransom they were looking for, so why kill the hostages? This is the first time Americans have been killed in that stretch of ocean that has been dealing with piracy problems for years and years.
Justin Bieber, J-Murder, B-Boy Beebs, Bieber McFever, the J.B.-dizzle has official changed his hair cut and thus his entire identity. Justin Bieber can sing … somewhat and perform alright (is comparable to that of a goat skating on ice) but his iconic lesbian cut was what he was most well known for! Perhaps his change in masculinity drove the Beeb Dweeb to opt for a more macho man-esk look and ditch the trade mark bucket hair, but could this have potentially been career suicide? Looking at other performs similar to him we can tell that changing up what works and what the artist is known for is a slippery slope. Take Hannah Montana (AKA Miley Cyrus) for example, once a humble Disney star, she decided to strike out on her own and now she is grinding up on stripper poles at the nickelodeon awards, getting lip injection, smoking weed on TMZ and has STILL neglected to fix her horrible speech impediment. Justin Bieber should have known from the start that this change in hair is only leading to more dangerous career hick-ups for the young perform, and for what purpose? Well according to the man himself, J-nasty claims "I just got sick of it," Bieber told TMZ Monday about his hair. "It was like in my eyes, and I just wanted it kind of out of my face. So, I just kinda wanted to change up." If you believe that story than I feel sorry for you. My boy Bieber sings with conviction and operates under passion (He eats cereal like he’s praying to the Pope Benedict)! Hearing him say the words “Like I dunno” and “Kinda” sounds more like the TMZ reporter had a gun pointed to the star and forced him to cut those lovely locks! I don’t buy it and Bieber will return to his normal flowing locks of love!
Shea McClellin Tue/Thur Police: Meridian woman charged with felony DUI after crashing car into truck stopped at light Patrick Orr - Idaho Statesman In this article Patrick Orr of the Idaho Statesman explain how a women in being held in the Ada County Jail on felony DUI charge. Jody Rose Pepperdine smashed her car into the back end of a truck stopped at a red light. According to police this accident occurred late Monday night. Police also stated that Pepperdine blew a .224 blood alcohol content level after the accident. That is three times the limit in the state of Idaho. Police also said that Pepperdine has a DUI conviction in Nevada in 2009. After the accident, the police were talking to Pepperdine and they suspected and smelt a strong odor of alcohol on her. Police then made Pepperdine take a field sobriety test and she failed. Police then arrested her and took her to the Ada county jail. Pepperdine could spent up to 10 years in prison. When I hear stories like this it just makes me sick. I just don’t understand why people drink and drive. Why do they believe it’s a good thing to drive after having alcohol? To many times people are killed by drunk drivers. The state of Idaho needs to make a harder punishment to keep these people of the streets and out of a car. There have been some people in my family that have had DUI’s and I told myself I would never end up like them.
Preacher on the Quad wants students to listen, respect opinions- Arbiter Online
Many students who walk through the Quad may have had the chance to hear Shawn “The Baptist” Holes speaking about his beliefs. Even though his speaking is equivalent to ranting and raving, his speeches touch on “belief, sin, repentance and giving your soul to Jesus Christ.”
Holes believes that all Christians should be sharing the gospel. He goes on to say that since he believes the Bible is true, why wouldn’t he want to share the good news and its love? He doesn’t do this to get big crowds, he does it to share the gospel.
Many students feel differently about Holes being on campus. He has suffered a lot of opposition while he has been traveling and preaching. “Past arrests, physical and verbal assaults, and harassment” are a few of the things that Holes has had to deal with.
Two students who were interviewed about their opinion on Holes agree that his technique to gain listeners/attention isn’t effective. They do not believe it is a good method to use when sharing beliefs.
Holes sold everything he owned to go around and be a part of “open-air-preaching.” He left his former home of New York, and traveled to Texas with a pop-up trailer, a van, and about $400.
Holes has been able to travel 48,000 miles this year alone. He says this is because he is nearly free of debt. He has been in Boise for ten weeks now and he says, “The nice thing about living here is that there’s lot of opportunity to share the gospel and plenty of people that want to talk about Jesus.”
Shantel Darrah 2.20.11- Idaho Statesman “Monkeys live lives of couch potatoes”
This article is about research being conducted in Oregon with monkeys living like couch potatoes. The monkeys over eat and hardly get any physical activity, much like the life of an obese human. The research is to find out more about obesity, diabetes, and different medications for both. The monkeys are being used because they are very similar to humans and can tell the researchers much more than a rat would in the same scenario. Also, with the monkeys living in cages and being monitored 24/7, the scientists are able to a pin point track on the monkeys caloric intake as opposed to a human that might lie about what they eat. With as much information available, the article is well written. It informative about what is going on with the research without overloading it with political views. Which of course is inevitable with a topic like this. The article addresses the controversial issues and opposing views about whether making the monkeys live like this is inhumane, because as the articles states “it is almost as easy to do human studies.” But at the same time, the article sticks with the facts and an unbiased view to allow the reader to form their own opinions. However, I would have liked to know when more follow up information would be available, or where I could find more information about the research, instead of the article cutting itself off with a quote.
Dignitaries and Idaho Meth project officials gathered with students at Riverstone International School in Boise Tuesday to kick off the new Meth Project media campaign. The campaign features new television, radio, and billboard ads with the tagline, “This isn’t normal behavior. But it is on meth.”
Governor Butch Otter and first lady Lori Otter, along with three other high schools from across the state, gathered in Boise for the assembly. A poster made by students at Riverstone International School was available for teens to sign to promise not to try meth even one time. Governor Otter also signed the poster.
The students looked on with stricken faces as the new television and radio ads were shown. They depicted boys on meth who break into a house and beat up a woman to her and other girls who sell their bodies to get money.
First lady Lori Otter said the ads are aimed at teens and the campaign will reach more than 80 percent of Idaho teens three to five times each week. “Where you are is where the Idaho Meth Project wants to be,” she told students.
I think this is a great article. Meth is a very addictive drug and has serious consequences for those who use it. I am glad the Idaho Meth Project is launching a new campaign aimed at high school teens. I think the new slogans tell it like it is. The more you push this kind of stuff in the faces of teens, the more likely they are to understand the consequences of using meth. It is fantastic that Idaho has such a program to teach about the dangers of using drugs.
Kristine D-TuTH Feb 24th News Review Reporting and News Writing Original report from MSN.com (who site’s Rolling Stone Magazine as its main source) In this day and age psychological warfare has become a mainstay in the art of making war. It’s recently been reported that that in 2009 the U.S. Army deployed a specialized “psychological operations” team to target American Legislators to boost funding and troops for the war in Afghanistan. Lt. Gen. William Caldwell ordered the operation. An officer in charge of the unit was severely reprimanded when he refused to pressure visiting senators, saying “my job is to play with people’s heads to get them to behave the way we want them to” the officer told Rolling Stone. Lt. Colonel Michael Holmes added, “I’m prohibited from doing that to our own people”. He furthers states that it’s “crossing a line when you ask me to use these skills on senators and congressmen”. Among the targets were John McCain, Al Franken, Joe Lieberman, Jack Reed and Carl Levin. Levin stated today, “I’ve long been in favor of building up forces in Afghanistan. I’ve never needed convincing.” Senator Reed said he found the accusations disturbing and called for an investigation by the pentagon into the allegations. Gen. David Petraeus has also called for an investigation into the charges. U.S. law bars military from using these techniques on Americans and every defense bill strictly prohibits manipulation techniques. Is our military so puffed up by their own might that they think they can justify this kind of abuse against its own?
Rodarte: States of Matter BY: NADINE RUSSELL Tutus from the Academy Award nominee Black Swan will live forever in an exhibit by Rodarte in MOCA, unlike Natalie Portman’s character Nina who gracefully drifts away at the end of the movie. While Portman may be celebrating her nominations for her role in Black Swan, her costume tutus will be endlessly spinning just down the street. Six tutus she wore from the film will be on display by Rodarte in the Museam of Contemporary Art. The exhibit Rodarte: States of Matter features clothing as statues, the creators of the collection, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, say apparel is “vessels without bodies.” The three white and three black tutus will be alongside other white and black textured garments in the showcase for the sister duo behind the Rodarte name tailoring to couture dress for the rich and famous. The dresses and tutus hang on suspended resin manequins in the Pacific Design Center. Within each is a small motor to turn the tutus one revolution per minute. The Mulleavy sisters said that making the tutus was difficult, but it helped them see clothing as sculpture which is an aparent theme of the white and black display in MOCA. The sisters from California, now living in Pasadena talked of their excitement to work with movies that have always been in their backyard growing up. "It's exciting to be part of a legacy that's not changing every six months, because our (industry) is about a constant renewal of ideas," Laura Mulleavy said. "With a film, the costume, it's not renewing that idea of the costume within that film... It lasts."
Jacy S. Tu/Th Retrieved from CNN-U.S.com on February 22, 2011 In Texas, lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow professors and students to carry a concealed weapon on college campuses. Jeff Wentworth, the San Antonio Republican Senator, says it’s about self-defense, protecting the lives of the students who are totally vulnerable and defenseless. Many who support the bill look back on the April 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech when a student show and killed 32 people, then turned the gun on himself. The shooter purchased the hand guns legally, and the students were helpless in defense to the deranged shooter. The people that would be able to carry the guns on campus, if the bill passes, would have to be licensed. To get the license in Texas, you have to be 21, go through a 10-hour course and pass an exam, and go out on a shooting range with a handgun and pass a test. They would have to undergo a criminal background check and pay a fee. Wentworth says that the people would be fully trained and responsible. The ones who are opposed to the bill are worried that more guns would mean more violence. One of the students who survived the Virginia Tech shooting says that he couldn’t imagine what it would have been like with multiple students and multiple guns. Back in 1966 there was a student and former U.S. Marine, Charles Whitman that opened fire at the University of Texas at Austin, killing 16 people and wounding 31. I would bet that Whitman was very trained, and many probably saw him as being responsible. I don’t think that Sen. Wentworth’s argument that only responsible people would be able to get a concealed weapon license.
MSNBC.com: "Jailed sect leader retakes legal control of church" By JENNIFER DOBNER Associated Press.
This is an eye opening and sickening story. The jailed leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Warren Jeffs, who has been either charged with or convicted of bigamy and sextual assult. Jeffs accusations come from his "multiple marriages" to women and girls, many of them being what would be considered to be underaged. Some of these girls were maybe 13 years old when they were brought by their parents to Jeffs with whom they married. It is sickening to think that there are people who bring their 13 or 14 year old daughter to another state or another country to be married to a man at least twice her age and that same man would have sex with these girls without another thought! Isn't there a law against such acts against children? Will this guy get off just because his Utah conviction was overturned by the Utah Supreme Court? No one knows...yet.
Raw Milk Debate Heats Up Across U.S. On The Huffington Post
Clifford Hatch owns and lives on his family’s farm in Northern Massachusetts. This article is centered around his sales of raw, unpasteurized milk products and the controversy surrounding it.
Hatch sells between 40 and 50 gallons a day with the 20 cows on his family farm. He started this years ago as an alternative to the industrialized producers that use growth hormones in their cow feed. Tighter federal regulations on production and sales make independent producers such as Hatch, unsettled. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn against ingesting raw milk because of potential health risks such as E. coli bacteria.
Advocated for these alternative, raw milk producing farms suggest that raw milk is just as safe as super heated milks because the small, alternative farms are dedicated to maintaining hygienic facilities. People for the raw milk also say that heating the milk to the 160 degrees Fahrenheit, destroys the vitamins, minerals, healthy bacteria and digestive enzymes.
For Hatch, the unsettling feeling may continue as the debate continues on. Massachusetts does not allow raw milk sales in grocery stores, but it is considering a bill to let farmers deliver to customers and sell at stands away from their farms. As for his farm, Hatch’s family farm is able to sell his raw milk products for the time being because it is sold on the same land that his cattle are milked.
Katie Flores Tu/Th Preacher on the Quad wants students to listen, respect opinions The arbiter Shawn the Baptist holes is known by Boise state students as the man who stands on the quad and rants and raves about religion, beliefs and sin. Holes say he doesn’t preach to get big crowds or get in the paper he does it because he believes that the gospel needs to be shared. Many students are divided by Hole presence on campus citing discomfort and unease with the surge of religious activity in the Quad. He holds signs bearing controversial imagery and words such as “evolution” and has been known to cause disruption in the areas that Holes as solidified his position. Most students feel that he could go about his preaching in another way. Most feel that his method is ineffective and that it offends some student’s belief. Holes himself is a college dropout and is the first to admit that he has behaved in wicked ways. Siting competitive sports as leading him astray. His path with the lord didn’t’ come into effect until late in his life when a youth pastor half his aged shared the gospel with him. Hole was originally leaving in New York and then sold all his possessions to go south and preach in Texas. All he had was a van a pop up trailer and four hundred dollars to his name. His wife and children followed him here and have been here since 2010. Though camped for now, there is still much adventure in the future as Holes plans to continue traveling and preaching around the world.
Aaron Nelson Week 6 post NBA All-Star Weekend Espn.com
This past weekend February 18th-20th was NBA all-star weekend in Los Angeles, California at staples center home of the L.A Lakers. It was a great weekend for the NBA. The weekend started off with the BBVA celebrity game, which featured movie stars, NBA legends, and popular musicians. On Saturday night it was time for the up and coming young players to show their stuff. The rookie challenge which features the best rookies and sophomores in the league play each other. It was a very high scoring game with the final score 148-140 with the rookies winning and John Wall getting the MVP with 12 point and 22 assist. After the great game it was time for the skills challenge which has the best young point guards in the league. This was won by Stephen Curry first year participant. Next was the three point contest with Ray Allen the all time 3 point leader and James Jones who beat Allen in the final round 20 to 14. The highlight of Saturday night was the dunk contest which had Blake Griffin and Javale Mcgee. It was a great dunk contest with some new dunks no one has seen before. The dunk of the night was by the winner Griffin when he threw the ball off the backboard, and grabs it in mid air and stuck his are in the rim. It was unreal. Finally on Sunday was the big show the all-star game which was a good overall game won by the west 148-143 with Kobe Bryant getting the MVP for the 4th time in his carrier, which ties an NBA record.
Make or Break Time For a few Phillies Prospects Philly.com
A new season, a new slate, a new opportunity for Phillies prospects to make it to the "bigs." Much speculation has gone on about who will replace Jayson Worth at right field. There are two prospects who have been in the discussion to take that spot, Dominic Brown and John Mayberry Jr. Mayberry was brought up two seasons ago for a few games where he had immediate production but dramatically went down after the first couple of games. Dominic Brown was brought up towards the end of last season and was on the playoff roster. Dominic's first major league at bat was a standup triple. Spring training is a perfect time to display why the prospects deserve to be at the major league level. It is also a great opportunity to learn from the veterans on what skills they need to work on in order to get the call to the bigs.
Nichole Stallings “Persistent preacher spreads ‘the word’ to passing students” By: Trevor Villagrana/ the arbiter The article about Shawn “The Baptist” Holes was very necessary. Students see him frequently and often avoid his path when passing through the quad because of his demeaning preaching of the gospel. However, every person has a story, and I’m glad his was told. He was a college dropout himself, and admits to “wicked” acts. After someone shared the gospel with him in college, he completely changed his ways and devoted himself to God. He sold everything he owns and has traveled the world preaching. It was interesting to learn that he also has a wife and two children. It is hard to think that a man of his… presence could maintain a relationship with anyone but God. But luckily, he has found someone to share his faith to his particular extent. Holes is only trying to help students, to share with them his beliefs so that they too can be saved. He preaches for students to “repent, and turn away from sin.” According to the gospel, he is only doing what is right. However, for those students who do not share his beliefs, or are even religious people themselves, Holes turns people away from the Bible with his consistent reminder of “the Devil” and how “sinful” students are. Not everyone is “bad” so to speak. And I think some people may find Holes extremely offensive with his constant accusations. He stands on his pedestal, literally, and shouts at students walking by. People do not enjoy being put on the spot, especially in an environment where people are constantly judging. I personally think that he would have more success if he changed his tactics. Personally, I am agnostic. I am open-minded to any religious and love learning about what each religion has to offer. However I have never once desired to speak to a man who may publically humiliate me because he wishes to prove that what he says is true. He turns people off to wanting to learn about the gospel because he is so ostentatious. Because of how intimidating Holes is, I was glad to see that an article was written about him. I was happy to see that he does have a family and that when he leaves his long day of preaching, that he has a normal family to enjoy. I think that people should know that beneath the scary preacher, there is a real man.
John Lloyd Idaho Statesman: Newton, Gabbert Among top QB’s at NFL Combine INDIANAPOLIS- The 33rd annual NFL scouting combine has started today on Friday February 25, 2011. This is where all the best players of college football show off all their intangible skills such as speed, strength, athleticism, and intelligence of the game. Cam Newton, Heisman Trophy recipient for the 2011 Heisman Trophy, will throw and run for scouts at the combine. However, his nemesis, Blaine Gabbert, will not throw at the combine, he will throw for his pro day at the University of Missouri. The combine features 5 Boise State football players this year: Defensive End Ryan Winterswyk, Wide Receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis, Corner Brandyn Thompson, and Safety Jerron Johnson. The combine only allows the top 300 players in the country and have to be eligible for the 2011 NFL draft on April 28, 2011. The combine can either hurt your draft stock, or make it rise like a beautiful loaf of bread. The reason that some people don’t participate in some parts of the combine is because they don’t want scouts to think of them differently with a slower forty yard dash time, low bench press numbers, and a low vertical jump. Also, some players are coming off surgery and are nursing injuries, which makes for a tough time for the hurt players. The reason that Cam Newton is such a high commodity for this year’s draft and combine is the fact that he won the Heisman, had a very controversial season, and was the best player in the country, but does that make him the best available player in the draft? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see at the combine, draft, and interviews that every NFL team goes through.
Salt Tears Coffeehouse & Noshery owners bring impressive pedigree to neighborhood hangout
This article, written by Gregory Hahn, is a food review of the newest restaurant located in Northwest Boise which has a noticeably unique name. I thought the article was well written and it makes me want to go experience what this place has to offer.
The owners, which formerly owned the MilkyWay, sound like an interesting couple and they have quite a bit of experience in this business, which makes this for a reputable place to go. Although Hanh described some of the meals in great, delicious depth, I wish he would have included the names of the entrees he described. They sounded very good but how would I know what to order if I went to this place?
I really liked the lead and the bridge in this piece because it really grabbed my attention and made me want to read more about this oddly named café.
I was wondering when he was going to talk about the name “Salt Tears” which he introduced in the ending sentence, but I feel he could have elaborated on this subject more. It would have been nice to hear what the owners’ exact thoughts were when naming their restaurant this instead of a simple statement like “folks either love it or hate it”.
Another aspect I liked about this was how he stated “It’s not the fastest lunch in town, but when the food arrives, it’s obvious how fresh it is”. He’s being honest and not sugar coating anything. After reading this I really would love to experience Salt Tears and see if it lives up to its expectations.
Unwelcome Invaders: Wild Pigs Pose a Serious New Threat to Idaho
Pigs are viewed by some as either cute or ugly fat farm animals that are harmless. Well, some pigs aren’t always harmless or cute. Wild pigs are a dangerous, unwanted exotic species that threatens agriculture, the environment, and wildlife. Wild pigs are a new threat in Idaho. Wild pigs have been spotted in Bruneau. In the hardest hit places in the country, tens of millions of dollars are spent each year just trying to keep the problem from getting any bigger. Since wild pigs have been spotted in Bruneau, officials are trying to stop the issue before a big population has time to sprout. You might be asking yourself, what is the problem with wild pigs? Well, there are many problems. “Wild pigs can annihilate crops, destroy riparian areas, decimate wild bird populations, be a threat to both livestock and wildlife, and have the potential to carry a variety of diseases that pose a risk to both domestic and wild animals, and in some cases, humans.” (Boise Weekly). To give perspective on the high amount of wild pigs around the country, let this soak in. In Texas the population of wild pigs is between 2-3 million. Match that with 4 million white-tailed deer and you see that you have in infestation of an unwanted, harmful species. To manage this problem in Idaho, wild pigs are allowed to be hunted. No one really knows how many pigs wild hunters bring in due to the fact that Idaho doesn’t regulate wild pig hunting. You only have to have a valid hunting license. So hunters out there, go grab your rifles and save your state some money. http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/unwelcome-invaders-wild-pigs-pose-a-serious-new-threat-to-idaho/Content?oid=2090820&storyPage=1
After anti-government protestors reached the capitol of Libya, dozens of people were reported killed overnight. Tripoli is just one among other cities in the east that suffered at the hands of the protestors.
According to one of Muammar Gaddafi’s sons, the veteran leader would fight the growing revolt against his 40-year rule until “the last man standing.” During the protest, tribal leaders spoke out against Gaddafi, while anti-government protestors rallied in the streets of Tripoli.
The revolt’s power is defecting army units and protestors said they have taken control of two cities that cost the lives of more than 200 people. The majority of the country’s oil fields are located in the east, south of Benghazi, one of the cities protestors claimed to have taken over. One output at one of the country’s oil fields ceased to operate due to a worker’s strike and European oil companies pulled out their expatriate workers and also ceased operations.
Anti-government protests have also hit the central town Ras Lanuf, it is not only located in Sirte, Muammar Gaddafi's home region but it is also the site of an oil refinery and petrochemical complex. A coalition of Libyan Muslim leaders told all Muslims to rebel against the Libyan leadership because of their "bloody crimes against humanity."(Shanghaidaily.com)
In similar effects to the toppling autocratic governments by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, Gaddafi’s power was being severely tested much like Egypt former President. The Libyan justice minister resigned in protest at the "excessive use of violence" against protesters.
By resigning he hopes to stop the violence and prevent any further deaths caused by the protest. European nations watched developments in Libya with a growing sense of alarm after the government in Tripoli said it would suspend cooperation on stemming the flow of illegal immigrants across the Mediterranean. (Shanghaidaily. com)
Philly teen a legitimate phenom ... but is he the next LeBron? By Cameron Smith
Horence Spencer is a 8th grader who stands at 6ft 8 inches tall and is the newest phenom in basketball today. He has the highlights to prove it. He is above every other kid as his age group, and even out performs most high school basketball players and he is only in 8h grade. He has the size strength and speed to be crowned the latest talented preteen phenom. He is from KIlinger, (PA) and is still a middle school student who is focusing on being just that, and getting along with his teammates his also a concern of his. He plays for an AAU program call the South Jersey Gymrats. The thing that stands out most when people meet Horence is that “He's an incredibly likable kid, one who's particularly comfortable sharing the spotlight that increasingly finds him on and off the court.” Horence is still a kid at heart and is starting to cope with all the attention he has been receiving lately. "I kind of like the [on-court] attention," Spencer told the Inquirer. "The annoying part is when people ask me the same questions over and over when I answered it already." He also isn’t done growing and has a size 17 shoe! He truly is a Phenom who isn’t even in high school yet, his highlights are all over YouTube and they are quite impressive!! So if you get time make sure to check them out, and you will be hearing big things from Horence Spencer in the next several years.
Protestors hit by hail of gunfire in Libya March -Idaho Statesman
This week I chose a more international story from the Statesman because I think that it is a very significant issue. With all of the turmoil that has been going on in the Middle East for the past few months there just does not seem to be an end in sight. On Friday, protestors began marching in opposition to Moammar Gadhafi. Apparently, these protesters came under fire from several militia groups in support of the government. I have a hard time wrapping my brain around trying to figure out what good is coming from any of this violence. It seems insane to me that a leader would stay in power knowing that the county he stands to represent despises you this much. Opening fire on those protestors during this monumental time in that nations history seems foolish and a bit heartless.
The article went on to talk about protestors that have now taken over military bases, and Gadhafi still plans to fight on. The article was rather lengthy, and gave a very good overview of the main issues at hand. In addition, the article even covered the aftermath and build up to these events. There was more covered than simply the civilians that came under fire. I hope that the number of casualties will not continue to rise in the coming months. This issue will not go away quickly, but with luck a light will appear at the end of the tunnel sooner rather than later.
From USA TODAY : "Police: No more sleeping bags, coolers in the Wis[consin]"
This article from USA TODAY touches on the near-permanent presence that Wisconsin state employees have staged in the capitol building in Madison. Police have informed the protestors that they will begin to collect the protestors sleeping bags and coolers in order to get regular business operation in the building again. "We are closing the Capitol for a short time for public health reasons, as well as for general building maintenance," said Chief Charles Tubbs of the Wisconsin Capitol Police in a press release.
Lindsey Hileman Boise man hopes supporters' letter campaign will catch eye of Oprah - Idaho Statesman
Commit 65 is a non-profit organization started by Matt Pipkin, a child abuse survivor in Boise. Pipkin hopes to break the world record for longest flight, currently at 64 days. He hopes to get the funds to buy a plane to accomplish this goal and he is reaching out to talk show host Oprah Winfrey for help. This article goes into great detail about the standing flight endurance record and how exactly Pipkin hopes to break it. He hopes to gain support and attention from Oprah to help fund his project and he is doing this by collecting letters to send to the talk show host famous for making dreams come true. From the information in the article I found out that I can show my support by writing a letter and taking down to Dawson Taylor on Saturday from 10am to noon or by submitting to the web page. However, I really thought this article could have done more of a service to Pipkin and his non-profit by giving more information on what the non-profit actual does besides hit Oprah up for a plane. I know that it’s a non-profit that tries to get people to “break their silence” about child abuse but I have no idea how. I don’t know if they offer counseling services, education, or what. Those who might want to do more than write a letter for this cause are not really given enough information to know how to do so or why they would really want to.
Idaho Statesman: Freshman walk-on gives Boise State Broncos a basketball boost
Not only did the Boise State Broncos bring in new Head Coach Leon Rice, but also a few new stars as well. Not only scholarship players but walk ons’ as well. As a walk on at a program like Boise State there is a very good chance you will be used as a practice player, and never get time on the court. This same thing happened to the new Boise State walk on Jeff Elorriaga. Jeff was had only played a total of 23 minutes in all the WAC games so far this year. The broncos started out great in conference with being in 2nd place after the first half of conference play. When the second half rolled around they were on a 4 game losing streak. Coach Rice had decided to mix things up when he told Jeff he would be starting against Fresno State. The broncos ended up taking that game as well as winning the next two in conference play. Jeff only scored and average of 4 points in those 3 games as well at 2 rebounds. Coach Rice says that his stats don’t reflect the way he played. His crafty plays and the way he has so much energy on the court is the reason he is playing. Teammates of Jeff said that he is the hardest working guy on the team, and he deserves every minute he plays in games. He will be the player at Boise State that goes down as the day in and day out hardest worker. Something everyone should strive for.
Five former Boise State Broncos will be at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine and try hopefully turn the heads of NFL scouts in attendance. The forty yard dash, considered by many to be the bench mark and sole purpose of the combine, will like hold the fate of the five Broncos draft stock come April. Titus young, the highest rated of the bunch, looks to turn heads by running somewhere in the 4.2s, which would be an extremely explosive time. The other Broncos, such as safety Jeron Johnson, wide receiver Austin Pettis, cornerback Brandyn Thompson, and defensive end Ryan Winterswyk, just hope to improve on their times when they tested last spring at Boise State. Winterswyk, a 6 foot 4 defensive end from out of California, was a former walk on to the Boise State football team who earned a scholarship and hasn’t looked back ever since. Winterswyk said he will keep the same chip he used to fuel him as he earned a scholarship, to make his way in the NFL. Jeron Johnson said the nerves of performing his best make the NFL combine such as a game, in which he gets butterflies. All five of the Broncos have been training for months for the short four day testing that will take place in Indianapolis, and know they have a chance to make a statement. Boise State offensive coordinator Brent Pease spoke of Pettis in a recent interview, saying that the wide receiver may not be as fast as the other receivers at the combine, but will show he has the range to succeed in the NFL. The testing will take place from February 26th until April 2nd.
Christchurch, New Zealand -- A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand on Tuesday afternoon. The natural disaster killed at least 75 people (though only 55 were identified) and caused the Catholic Cathedral to partially collapse. Though some survivors were safely rescued, others had to be amputated to make it out alive. Along with the cathedral tumbling down, two large office buildings crashed down smashing cars and buses. Police’s main focus was to search the most damaged and populated buildings for survivors. With fear that buildings would continue to collapse, those already dead were no longer a priority. Among those still missing on Wednesday could possibly be 24 exchange students from Japan. With a predicted higher number of deaths than those already declared, Prime Minister John Key fears this natural disaster may be one of New Zealand’s worst. Temporary shelters are crowded with scared survivors. Emergency clinics have been set up throughout the city, and some victims had to be flown out to hospitals outside the damaged area.
It’s crazy the things that inevitably happen in this world. Christchurch citizens were surprised by this earthquake, and there’s nothing they can do about it but hope for the best. Many of them have lost everything, their homes are probably no more, and they could own nothing after the earthquake. Yet, it’s nice to see that the concern of the people isn’t material things. The victims are worried about each other. I guess when you lose everything in such a tragic event, you learn what really matters in life.
Read more at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/world/asia/23zealand.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Earthquake&st=cse
Man arrested for persuading mother to sexually abuse their children.
41 year old man posed as a psychologist to get mothers across the states, including Idaho, to sexually abuse their children. Steven Demink, 41, of Redford Township, Mich. told the mothers the sexual attacks were a form of therapy, and had the mothers send him images through email and live web stream. Authorities arrested Demink in October, and so far they have rescued 7 children and have arrested 3 mothers. Demink is set to spend 15 years in prison, starting in June this year. Demink persuaded mothers to indulge in his fraudulent therapy by pretending to be Dalton St. Clair, a single father of a 14-year-old girl. He posted male model pictures passing them off as his own and promised a date with the single moms in exchange for adhering to his instructions. According to the court document, the assaulted children ranged in age from 3 to 15. The known occurrences were in New Hampshire, Idaho, and Florida, among other states, and took place from April 2009 until September 2010. The court document also stated, "Demink intimated to these women that the result of the therapy would be healthier children. U.S. District Judge Gerald Roden asked Demink on Monday how he was feeling; Demink’s answer was, “Nervous, your honor.” According to Demink’s attorney Timothy Dinan, his client, “has expressed a lot of remorse. It’s a shame he couldn’t ask for help.” Demink pleaded guilty and gave up his right to a trial. Demink’s parents did not agree to an interview, but are praying for the victims and their son.
Technology fee increase means better services, less frustration The Arbiter - Tyler Kirkham - Opinion
By Lauren Hooker
I was initially shocked to find out that Boise State is in the bottom 20% of student technology fees; out of hundreds of colleges across America, that's not a very good percentage to be in. However, it looks like fees are going to increase next year, bringing our technology to new levels. I've been a BSU student for three semesters now, and when on the campus internet, there have been countless number of times when the internet connection has dropped me in the middle of a quiz or discussion post, thus losing my data and even resulting in a couple of zeros. Hopefully when they add more access points (this allows the internet to handle more users) the connection will get much better. They also plan to work on BroncoWeb, which is run on an application called PeopleSoft. It's not always reliable, and has a history of failure. This would also be fixed next year, causing less frustration, especially during registration. As a student, I'm ecstatic about the new change. I'm very technology orientated, and I look forward to future changes in BSU's technology. I think technology is plays a pivotal role in our future, and as new products develop, will continue to play a role. Boise State is already progressing as far as social media networking goes; many organizations have Twitters and Facebook pages, but I'm ready for the next step.
Police usher protesting students out of Idaho Capitol
Today, students from around the state left their schools in organized walkouts protesting school superintendent Tom Luna's plan for education reform. Students in Nampa gathered at city hall. Other students, many from Boise High School, gathered at the capitol building to show their support for their teachers and voice their opposition. Many students are concerned that this 'education reform' will permanently damage education in Idaho. Luna's plan, titled "Students come first", involves the cutting of more than 770 teaching positions, implementation of online classes, a decrease in the collective bargaining rights of teachers, increase of standard class size, and the use of laptops. Despite the largely negative reaction to the bill, the Idaho State senate passed two bills relating to the reform last week. These bills are expected to "sail through" the House. Approximately 150 students gathered at the rotunda. When they began to chant loudly inside the building, Idaho State police were dispatched to escort them outside the building. The students all cooperated with police and moved onto the statehouse steps to continue their chanting. Several Democratic state senators left their offices to meet the protesters. They expressed their appreciation to the students for standing up for what they believe is right, but they did ask that the students be respectful of the building and the people who work there. All students expressed their hope that their demonstration would show the members of the legislature that the reform is wrong for both teachers and students. Most said they would return to school tomorrow.
It’s been reported that 21 former clients of Boise stockbroker Vince Covino have filed a formal complaint against him, saying that with his guidance, they put money into unsuitable investments and suffered unnecessary risk and losses. They are asking for damages and the money back that they invested. Covino is counterclaiming that he is the victim of a smear campaign, which is defined as the ruining of an individual’s reputation by a group of people coming together and slandering the individual. He is suing for $2 million.
This story is extremely convoluted and there is a wealth of information not being released on the subject. It sounds as though on one hand, Covino is saying that these people are out to ruin his reputation in the community, and that there was a large amount of illegal activity going on behind the scenes against him—such as the claims that former colleagues of his stole his client list to gain new clients, and then called them to file a report about Covino.
On the other hand, the investors are upset because they believe that Covino put their money into investments that were not secure, not what they were looking or, or more expensive than they hoped, and were then scammed with extra broker fees coupled with lost investments.
This story looks crazy and like it might blow up so I am definitely going to keep an eye out with this one.
Regan S
ReplyDelete4 American Hostages Killed by Pirates, US says
On Friday, a yacht belonging to four Americans (the Quest) was captured by a group of roughly 19 pirates. These pirates were holding the two couples hostage until early this morning, when all four were shot. Sources close to the pirates say that they did not and do not take hostages for any sort of terrorist reason, but are actually just looking for a payday.
The two couples had been sailing around the world since 2004. They were very familiar with the water and had never had any issues with pirates before this fatal encounter. Sources believe that something sparked this attack; and that something was the sentencing of a fellow pirate just two days before the abduction of the Quest. A US court sentenced a pirate to 33 years in prison due to his hijacking of a US cargo vessel in 2009. One pirate was quoted saying that pirates were more likely to attack Americans because of the verdict, and that if we do not want these attacks to continue, then we must let all pirates out of our prisons. They say that releasing these men is the only was to give American citizens safety at sea.
The US military had been monitoring the Quest for a little over three days. The pirates said that if any sort of military action was taken on the yacht, then the hostages would be immediately killed. If no military action was taken, and the ransom paid, then they would be let go. The problem with this: You can never trust a pirate. No military action was taken until early this morning when gun shots were fired. This makes you wonder what happened inside that yacht. The pirates still hadn’t gotten the ransom they were looking for, so why kill the hostages? This is the first time Americans have been killed in that stretch of ocean that has been dealing with piracy problems for years and years.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/22/1537209/us-says-pirates-killed-4-american.html
Kyle Shirley
ReplyDeleteThe new Justin Bieber haircut -- whaddya think?
Justin Bieber, J-Murder, B-Boy Beebs, Bieber McFever, the J.B.-dizzle has official changed his hair cut and thus his entire identity. Justin Bieber can sing … somewhat and perform alright (is comparable to that of a goat skating on ice) but his iconic lesbian cut was what he was most well known for! Perhaps his change in masculinity drove the Beeb Dweeb to opt for a more macho man-esk look and ditch the trade mark bucket hair, but could this have potentially been career suicide? Looking at other performs similar to him we can tell that changing up what works and what the artist is known for is a slippery slope. Take Hannah Montana (AKA Miley Cyrus) for example, once a humble Disney star, she decided to strike out on her own and now she is grinding up on stripper poles at the nickelodeon awards, getting lip injection, smoking weed on TMZ and has STILL neglected to fix her horrible speech impediment. Justin Bieber should have known from the start that this change in hair is only leading to more dangerous career hick-ups for the young perform, and for what purpose? Well according to the man himself, J-nasty claims "I just got sick of it," Bieber told TMZ Monday about his hair. "It was like in my eyes, and I just wanted it kind of out of my face. So, I just kinda wanted to change up." If you believe that story than I feel sorry for you. My boy Bieber sings with conviction and operates under passion (He eats cereal like he’s praying to the Pope Benedict)! Hearing him say the words “Like I dunno” and “Kinda” sounds more like the TMZ reporter had a gun pointed to the star and forced him to cut those lovely locks! I don’t buy it and Bieber will return to his normal flowing locks of love!
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2011/02/justin-bieber-haircut-never-say-never.html
Shea McClellin
ReplyDeleteTue/Thur
Police: Meridian woman charged with felony DUI after crashing car into truck stopped at light
Patrick Orr - Idaho Statesman
In this article Patrick Orr of the Idaho Statesman explain how a women in being held in the Ada County Jail on felony DUI charge. Jody Rose Pepperdine smashed her car into the back end of a truck stopped at a red light. According to police this accident occurred late Monday night. Police also stated that Pepperdine blew a .224 blood alcohol content level after the accident. That is three times the limit in the state of Idaho. Police also said that Pepperdine has a DUI conviction in Nevada in 2009.
After the accident, the police were talking to Pepperdine and they suspected and smelt a strong odor of alcohol on her. Police then made Pepperdine take a field sobriety test and she failed. Police then arrested her and took her to the Ada county jail. Pepperdine could spent up to 10 years in prison.
When I hear stories like this it just makes me sick. I just don’t understand why people drink and drive. Why do they believe it’s a good thing to drive after having alcohol? To many times people are killed by drunk drivers. The state of Idaho needs to make a harder punishment to keep these people of the streets and out of a car. There have been some people in my family that have had DUI’s and I told myself I would never end up like them.
Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/22/1537261/police-meridian-woman-charged.html#ixzz1EjBcpvwJ
Sydney Gill
ReplyDeletePreacher on the Quad wants students to listen, respect opinions- Arbiter Online
Many students who walk through the Quad may have had the chance to hear Shawn “The Baptist” Holes speaking about his beliefs. Even though his speaking is equivalent to ranting and raving, his speeches touch on “belief, sin, repentance and giving your soul to Jesus Christ.”
Holes believes that all Christians should be sharing the gospel. He goes on to say that since he believes the Bible is true, why wouldn’t he want to share the good news and its love? He doesn’t do this to get big crowds, he does it to share the gospel.
Many students feel differently about Holes being on campus. He has suffered a lot of opposition while he has been traveling and preaching. “Past arrests, physical and verbal assaults, and harassment” are a few of the things that Holes has had to deal with.
Two students who were interviewed about their opinion on Holes agree that his technique to gain listeners/attention isn’t effective. They do not believe it is a good method to use when sharing beliefs.
Holes sold everything he owned to go around and be a part of “open-air-preaching.” He left his former home of New York, and traveled to Texas with a pop-up trailer, a van, and about $400.
Holes has been able to travel 48,000 miles this year alone. He says this is because he is nearly free of debt. He has been in Boise for ten weeks now and he says, “The nice thing about living here is that there’s lot of opportunity to share the gospel and plenty of people that want to talk about Jesus.”
Shantel Darrah
ReplyDelete2.20.11- Idaho Statesman
“Monkeys live lives of couch potatoes”
This article is about research being conducted in Oregon with monkeys living like couch potatoes. The monkeys over eat and hardly get any physical activity, much like the life of an obese human. The research is to find out more about obesity, diabetes, and different medications for both.
The monkeys are being used because they are very similar to humans and can tell the researchers much more than a rat would in the same scenario. Also, with the monkeys living in cages and being monitored 24/7, the scientists are able to a pin point track on the monkeys caloric intake as opposed to a human that might lie about what they eat.
With as much information available, the article is well written. It informative about what is going on with the research without overloading it with political views. Which of course is inevitable with a topic like this. The article addresses the controversial issues and opposing views about whether making the monkeys live like this is inhumane, because as the articles states “it is almost as easy to do human studies.” But at the same time, the article sticks with the facts and an unbiased view to allow the reader to form their own opinions.
However, I would have liked to know when more follow up information would be available, or where I could find more information about the research, instead of the article cutting itself off with a quote.
Idaho Meth Project Launches New Effort
ReplyDeleteIdaho Press-Tribune
Jarrod Driskell
T/TH
Dignitaries and Idaho Meth project officials gathered with students at Riverstone International School in Boise Tuesday to kick off the new Meth Project media campaign. The campaign features new television, radio, and billboard ads with the tagline, “This isn’t normal behavior. But it is on meth.”
Governor Butch Otter and first lady Lori Otter, along with three other high schools from across the state, gathered in Boise for the assembly. A poster made by students at Riverstone International School was available for teens to sign to promise not to try meth even one time. Governor Otter also signed the poster.
The students looked on with stricken faces as the new television and radio ads were shown. They depicted boys on meth who break into a house and beat up a woman to her and other girls who sell their bodies to get money.
First lady Lori Otter said the ads are aimed at teens and the campaign will reach more than 80 percent of Idaho teens three to five times each week. “Where you are is where the Idaho Meth Project wants to be,” she told students.
I think this is a great article. Meth is a very addictive drug and has serious consequences for those who use it. I am glad the Idaho Meth Project is launching a new campaign aimed at high school teens. I think the new slogans tell it like it is. The more you push this kind of stuff in the faces of teens, the more likely they are to understand the consequences of using meth. It is fantastic that Idaho has such a program to teach about the dangers of using drugs.
Kristine D-TuTH
ReplyDeleteFeb 24th News Review
Reporting and News Writing
Original report from MSN.com (who site’s Rolling Stone Magazine as its main source)
In this day and age psychological warfare has become a mainstay in the art of making war.
It’s recently been reported that that in 2009 the U.S. Army deployed a specialized “psychological operations” team to target American Legislators to boost funding and troops for the war in Afghanistan.
Lt. Gen. William Caldwell ordered the operation. An officer in charge of the unit was severely reprimanded when he refused to pressure visiting senators, saying “my job is to play with people’s heads to get them to behave the way we want them to” the officer told Rolling Stone.
Lt. Colonel Michael Holmes added, “I’m prohibited from doing that to our own people”. He furthers states that it’s “crossing a line when you ask me to use these skills on senators and congressmen”.
Among the targets were John McCain, Al Franken, Joe Lieberman, Jack Reed and Carl Levin. Levin stated today, “I’ve long been in favor of building up forces in Afghanistan. I’ve never needed convincing.”
Senator Reed said he found the accusations disturbing and called for an investigation by the pentagon into the allegations. Gen. David Petraeus has also called for an investigation into the charges.
U.S. law bars military from using these techniques on Americans and every defense bill strictly prohibits manipulation techniques.
Is our military so puffed up by their own might that they think they can justify this kind of abuse against its own?
Rodarte: States of Matter
ReplyDeleteBY: NADINE RUSSELL
Tutus from the Academy Award nominee Black Swan will live forever in an exhibit by Rodarte in MOCA, unlike Natalie Portman’s character Nina who gracefully drifts away at the end of the movie.
While Portman may be celebrating her nominations for her role in Black Swan, her costume tutus will be endlessly spinning just down the street.
Six tutus she wore from the film will be on display by Rodarte in the Museam of Contemporary Art. The exhibit Rodarte: States of Matter features clothing as statues, the creators of the collection, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, say apparel is “vessels without bodies.”
The three white and three black tutus will be alongside other white and black textured garments in the showcase for the sister duo behind the Rodarte name tailoring to couture dress for the rich and famous.
The dresses and tutus hang on suspended resin manequins in the Pacific Design Center. Within each is a small motor to turn the tutus one revolution per minute.
The Mulleavy sisters said that making the tutus was difficult, but it helped them see clothing as sculpture which is an aparent theme of the white and black display in MOCA.
The sisters from California, now living in Pasadena talked of their excitement to work with movies that have always been in their backyard growing up.
"It's exciting to be part of a legacy that's not changing every six months, because our (industry) is about a constant renewal of ideas," Laura Mulleavy said. "With a film, the costume, it's not renewing that idea of the costume within that film... It lasts."
Jacy S.
ReplyDeleteTu/Th
Retrieved from CNN-U.S.com on February 22, 2011
In Texas, lawmakers are weighing a bill that would allow professors and students to carry a concealed weapon on college campuses. Jeff Wentworth, the San Antonio Republican Senator, says it’s about self-defense, protecting the lives of the students who are totally vulnerable and defenseless.
Many who support the bill look back on the April 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech when a student show and killed 32 people, then turned the gun on himself. The shooter purchased the hand guns legally, and the students were helpless in defense to the deranged shooter.
The people that would be able to carry the guns on campus, if the bill passes, would have to be licensed. To get the license in Texas, you have to be 21, go through a 10-hour course and pass an exam, and go out on a shooting range with a handgun and pass a test. They would have to undergo a criminal background check and pay a fee. Wentworth says that the people would be fully trained and responsible.
The ones who are opposed to the bill are worried that more guns would mean more violence. One of the students who survived the Virginia Tech shooting says that he couldn’t imagine what it would have been like with multiple students and multiple guns.
Back in 1966 there was a student and former U.S. Marine, Charles Whitman that opened fire at the University of Texas at Austin, killing 16 people and wounding 31. I would bet that Whitman was very trained, and many probably saw him as being responsible. I don’t think that Sen. Wentworth’s argument that only responsible people would be able to get a concealed weapon license.
Marijane Weitensteiner T/Th 1:40 Class
ReplyDeleteMSNBC.com: "Jailed sect leader retakes legal control of church" By JENNIFER DOBNER Associated Press.
This is an eye opening and sickening story. The jailed leader of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Warren Jeffs, who has been either charged with or convicted of bigamy and sextual assult. Jeffs accusations come from his "multiple marriages" to women and girls, many of them being what would be considered to be underaged. Some of these girls were maybe 13 years old when they were brought by their parents to Jeffs with whom they married. It is sickening to think that there are people who bring their 13 or 14 year old daughter to another state or another country to be married to a man at least twice her age and that same man would have sex with these girls without another thought! Isn't there a law against such acts against children? Will this guy get off just because his Utah conviction was overturned by the Utah Supreme Court? No one knows...yet.
Michele Sneed
ReplyDeleteRaw Milk Debate Heats Up Across U.S.
On The Huffington Post
Clifford Hatch owns and lives on his family’s farm in Northern Massachusetts. This article is centered around his sales of raw, unpasteurized milk products and the controversy surrounding it.
Hatch sells between 40 and 50 gallons a day with the 20 cows on his family farm. He started this years ago as an alternative to the industrialized producers that use growth hormones in their cow feed. Tighter federal regulations on production and sales make independent producers such as Hatch, unsettled. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn against ingesting raw milk because of potential health risks such as E. coli bacteria.
Advocated for these alternative, raw milk producing farms suggest that raw milk is just as safe as super heated milks because the small, alternative farms are dedicated to maintaining hygienic facilities. People for the raw milk also say that heating the milk to the 160 degrees Fahrenheit, destroys the vitamins, minerals, healthy bacteria and digestive enzymes.
For Hatch, the unsettling feeling may continue as the debate continues on. Massachusetts does not allow raw milk sales in grocery stores, but it is considering a bill to let farmers deliver to customers and sell at stands away from their farms. As for his farm, Hatch’s family farm is able to sell his raw milk products for the time being because it is sold on the same land that his cattle are milked.
Katie Flores
ReplyDeleteTu/Th
Preacher on the Quad wants students to listen, respect opinions
The arbiter
Shawn the Baptist holes is known by Boise state students as the man who stands on the quad and rants and raves about religion, beliefs and sin. Holes say he doesn’t preach to get big crowds or get in the paper he does it because he believes that the gospel needs to be shared. Many students are divided by Hole presence on campus citing discomfort and unease with the surge of religious activity in the Quad. He holds signs bearing controversial imagery and words such as “evolution” and has been known to cause disruption in the areas that Holes as solidified his position. Most students feel that he could go about his preaching in another way. Most feel that his method is ineffective and that it offends some student’s belief. Holes himself is a college dropout and is the first to admit that he has behaved in wicked ways. Siting competitive sports as leading him astray. His path with the lord didn’t’ come into effect until late in his life when a youth pastor half his aged shared the gospel with him. Hole was originally leaving in New York and then sold all his possessions to go south and preach in Texas. All he had was a van a pop up trailer and four hundred dollars to his name. His wife and children followed him here and have been here since 2010. Though camped for now, there is still much adventure in the future as Holes plans to continue traveling and preaching around the world.
Aaron Nelson
ReplyDeleteWeek 6 post
NBA All-Star Weekend
Espn.com
This past weekend February 18th-20th was NBA all-star weekend in Los Angeles, California at staples center home of the L.A Lakers. It was a great weekend for the NBA. The weekend started off with the BBVA celebrity game, which featured movie stars, NBA legends, and popular musicians. On Saturday night it was time for the up and coming young players to show their stuff. The rookie challenge which features the best rookies and sophomores in the league play each other. It was a very high scoring game with the final score 148-140 with the rookies winning and John Wall getting the MVP with 12 point and 22 assist. After the great game it was time for the skills challenge which has the best young point guards in the league. This was won by Stephen Curry first year participant. Next was the three point contest with Ray Allen the all time 3 point leader and James Jones who beat Allen in the final round 20 to 14. The highlight of Saturday night was the dunk contest which had Blake Griffin and Javale Mcgee. It was a great dunk contest with some new dunks no one has seen before. The dunk of the night was by the winner Griffin when he threw the ball off the backboard, and grabs it in mid air and stuck his are in the rim. It was unreal. Finally on Sunday was the big show the all-star game which was a good overall game won by the west 148-143 with Kobe Bryant getting the MVP for the 4th time in his carrier, which ties an NBA record.
Joe Ross Tu/Th
ReplyDeleteMake or Break Time For a few Phillies Prospects
Philly.com
A new season, a new slate, a new opportunity for Phillies prospects to make it to the "bigs." Much speculation has gone on about who will replace Jayson Worth at right field. There are two prospects who have been in the discussion to take that spot, Dominic Brown and John Mayberry Jr. Mayberry was brought up two seasons ago for a few games where he had immediate production but dramatically went down after the first couple of games. Dominic Brown was brought up towards the end of last season and was on the playoff roster. Dominic's first major league at bat was a standup triple. Spring training is a perfect time to display why the prospects deserve to be at the major league level. It is also a great opportunity to learn from the veterans on what skills they need to work on in order to get the call to the bigs.
Nichole Stallings
ReplyDelete“Persistent preacher spreads ‘the word’ to passing students”
By: Trevor Villagrana/ the arbiter
The article about Shawn “The Baptist” Holes was very necessary. Students see him frequently and often avoid his path when passing through the quad because of his demeaning preaching of the gospel. However, every person has a story, and I’m glad his was told. He was a college dropout himself, and admits to “wicked” acts. After someone shared the gospel with him in college, he completely changed his ways and devoted himself to God. He sold everything he owns and has traveled the world preaching. It was interesting to learn that he also has a wife and two children. It is hard to think that a man of his… presence could maintain a relationship with anyone but God. But luckily, he has found someone to share his faith to his particular extent.
Holes is only trying to help students, to share with them his beliefs so that they too can be saved. He preaches for students to “repent, and turn away from sin.” According to the gospel, he is only doing what is right. However, for those students who do not share his beliefs, or are even religious people themselves, Holes turns people away from the Bible with his consistent reminder of “the Devil” and how “sinful” students are. Not everyone is “bad” so to speak. And I think some people may find Holes extremely offensive with his constant accusations. He stands on his pedestal, literally, and shouts at students walking by. People do not enjoy being put on the spot, especially in an environment where people are constantly judging. I personally think that he would have more success if he changed his tactics. Personally, I am agnostic. I am open-minded to any religious and love learning about what each religion has to offer. However I have never once desired to speak to a man who may publically humiliate me because he wishes to prove that what he says is true. He turns people off to wanting to learn about the gospel because he is so ostentatious.
Because of how intimidating Holes is, I was glad to see that an article was written about him. I was happy to see that he does have a family and that when he leaves his long day of preaching, that he has a normal family to enjoy. I think that people should know that beneath the scary preacher, there is a real man.
John Lloyd
ReplyDeleteIdaho Statesman: Newton, Gabbert Among top QB’s at NFL Combine
INDIANAPOLIS- The 33rd annual NFL scouting combine has started today on Friday February 25, 2011. This is where all the best players of college football show off all their intangible skills such as speed, strength, athleticism, and intelligence of the game. Cam Newton, Heisman Trophy recipient for the 2011 Heisman Trophy, will throw and run for scouts at the combine. However, his nemesis, Blaine Gabbert, will not throw at the combine, he will throw for his pro day at the University of Missouri. The combine features 5 Boise State football players this year: Defensive End Ryan Winterswyk, Wide Receivers Titus Young and Austin Pettis, Corner Brandyn Thompson, and Safety Jerron Johnson. The combine only allows the top 300 players in the country and have to be eligible for the 2011 NFL draft on April 28, 2011. The combine can either hurt your draft stock, or make it rise like a beautiful loaf of bread. The reason that some people don’t participate in some parts of the combine is because they don’t want scouts to think of them differently with a slower forty yard dash time, low bench press numbers, and a low vertical jump. Also, some players are coming off surgery and are nursing injuries, which makes for a tough time for the hurt players.
The reason that Cam Newton is such a high commodity for this year’s draft and combine is the fact that he won the Heisman, had a very controversial season, and was the best player in the country, but does that make him the best available player in the draft? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see at the combine, draft, and interviews that every NFL team goes through.
Sara Cray
ReplyDeleteSalt Tears Coffeehouse & Noshery owners bring impressive pedigree to neighborhood hangout
This article, written by Gregory Hahn, is a food review of the newest restaurant located in Northwest Boise which has a noticeably unique name. I thought the article was well written and it makes me want to go experience what this
place has to offer.
The owners, which formerly owned the MilkyWay, sound like an interesting couple and they have quite a bit of experience in this business, which makes this for a reputable place to go.
Although Hanh described some of the meals in great, delicious depth, I wish he would have included the names of the entrees he described. They sounded very good but how would I know what to order if I went to this place?
I really liked the lead and the bridge in this piece because it really grabbed my attention and made me want to read more about this oddly named café.
I was wondering when he was going to talk about the name “Salt Tears” which he introduced in the ending sentence, but I feel he could have elaborated on this subject more. It would have been nice to hear what the owners’ exact thoughts were when naming their restaurant this instead of a simple statement like “folks either love it or hate it”.
Another aspect I liked about this was how he stated “It’s not the fastest lunch in town, but when the food arrives, it’s obvious how fresh it is”. He’s being honest and not sugar coating anything. After reading this I really would love to experience Salt Tears and see if it lives up to its expectations.
Kyle Blackhurst
ReplyDeleteUnwelcome Invaders: Wild Pigs Pose a Serious New Threat to Idaho
Pigs are viewed by some as either cute or ugly fat farm animals that are harmless. Well, some pigs aren’t always harmless or cute. Wild pigs are a dangerous, unwanted exotic species that threatens agriculture, the environment, and wildlife. Wild pigs are a new threat in Idaho.
Wild pigs have been spotted in Bruneau. In the hardest hit places in the country, tens of millions of dollars are spent each year just trying to keep the problem from getting any bigger. Since wild pigs have been spotted in Bruneau, officials are trying to stop the issue before a big population has time to sprout.
You might be asking yourself, what is the problem with wild pigs? Well, there are many problems. “Wild pigs can annihilate crops, destroy riparian areas, decimate wild bird populations, be a threat to both livestock and wildlife, and have the potential to carry a variety of diseases that pose a risk to both domestic and wild animals, and in some cases, humans.” (Boise Weekly).
To give perspective on the high amount of wild pigs around the country, let this soak in. In Texas the population of wild pigs is between 2-3 million. Match that with 4 million white-tailed deer and you see that you have in infestation of an unwanted, harmful species.
To manage this problem in Idaho, wild pigs are allowed to be hunted. No one really knows how many pigs wild hunters bring in due to the fact that Idaho doesn’t regulate wild pig hunting. You only have to have a valid hunting license. So hunters out there, go grab your rifles and save your state some money.
http://www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase/unwelcome-invaders-wild-pigs-pose-a-serious-new-threat-to-idaho/Content?oid=2090820&storyPage=1
Amy Sperline
ReplyDeleteDozens Killed as protests hit Tripoli
After anti-government protestors reached the capitol of Libya, dozens of people were reported killed overnight. Tripoli is just one among other cities in the east that suffered at the hands of the protestors.
According to one of Muammar Gaddafi’s sons, the veteran leader would fight the growing revolt against his 40-year rule until “the last man standing.” During the protest, tribal leaders spoke out against Gaddafi, while anti-government protestors rallied in the streets of Tripoli.
The revolt’s power is defecting army units and protestors said they have taken control of two cities that cost the lives of more than 200 people. The majority of the country’s oil fields are located in the east, south of Benghazi, one of the cities protestors claimed to have taken over. One output at one of the country’s oil fields ceased to operate due to a worker’s strike and European oil companies pulled out their expatriate workers and also ceased operations.
Anti-government protests have also hit the central town Ras Lanuf, it is not only located in Sirte, Muammar Gaddafi's home region but it is also the site of an oil refinery and petrochemical complex. A coalition of Libyan Muslim leaders told all Muslims to rebel against the Libyan leadership because of their "bloody crimes against humanity."(Shanghaidaily.com)
In similar effects to the toppling autocratic governments by popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, Gaddafi’s power was being severely tested much like Egypt former President. The Libyan justice minister resigned in protest at the "excessive use of violence" against protesters.
By resigning he hopes to stop the violence and prevent any further deaths caused by the protest. European nations watched developments in Libya with a growing sense of alarm after the government in Tripoli said it would suspend cooperation on stemming the flow of illegal immigrants across the Mediterranean. (Shanghaidaily. com)
Shanghaidaily.com
Hunter White
ReplyDeletePhilly teen a legitimate phenom ... but is he the next LeBron?
By Cameron Smith
Horence Spencer is a 8th grader who stands at 6ft 8 inches tall and is the newest phenom in basketball today. He has the highlights to prove it. He is above every other kid as his age group, and even out performs most high school basketball players and he is only in 8h grade. He has the size strength and speed to be crowned the latest talented preteen phenom.
He is from KIlinger, (PA) and is still a middle school student who is focusing on being just that, and getting along with his teammates his also a concern of his. He plays for an AAU program call the South Jersey Gymrats.
The thing that stands out most when people meet Horence is that “He's an incredibly likable kid, one who's particularly comfortable sharing the spotlight that increasingly finds him on and off the court.”
Horence is still a kid at heart and is starting to cope with all the attention he has been receiving lately. "I kind of like the [on-court] attention," Spencer told the Inquirer. "The annoying part is when people ask me the same questions over and over when I answered it already."
He also isn’t done growing and has a size 17 shoe! He truly is a Phenom who isn’t even in high school yet, his highlights are all over YouTube and they are quite impressive!! So if you get time make sure to check them out, and you will be hearing big things from Horence Spencer in the next several years.
James Snyder
ReplyDeleteProtestors hit by hail of gunfire in Libya March
-Idaho Statesman
This week I chose a more international story from the Statesman because I think that it is a very significant issue. With all of the turmoil that has been going on in the Middle East for the past few months there just does not seem to be an end in sight. On Friday, protestors began marching in opposition to Moammar Gadhafi. Apparently, these protesters came under fire from several militia groups in support of the government. I have a hard time wrapping my brain around trying to figure out what good is coming from any of this violence. It seems insane to me that a leader would stay in power knowing that the county he stands to represent despises you this much. Opening fire on those protestors during this monumental time in that nations history seems foolish and a bit heartless.
The article went on to talk about protestors that have now taken over military bases, and Gadhafi still plans to fight on. The article was rather lengthy, and gave a very good overview of the main issues at hand. In addition, the article even covered the aftermath and build up to these events. There was more covered than simply the civilians that came under fire. I hope that the number of casualties will not continue to rise in the coming months. This issue will not go away quickly, but with luck a light will appear at the end of the tunnel sooner rather than later.
From USA TODAY : "Police: No more sleeping bags, coolers in the Wis[consin]"
ReplyDeleteThis article from USA TODAY touches on the near-permanent presence that Wisconsin state employees have staged in the capitol building in Madison. Police have informed the protestors that they will begin to collect the protestors sleeping bags and coolers in order to get regular business operation in the building again.
"We are closing the Capitol for a short time for public health reasons, as well as for general building maintenance," said Chief Charles Tubbs of the Wisconsin Capitol Police in a press release.
Above one from USA TODAY is from David Lowenthal
ReplyDeleteLindsey Hileman
ReplyDeleteBoise man hopes supporters' letter campaign will catch eye of Oprah
- Idaho Statesman
Commit 65 is a non-profit organization started by Matt Pipkin, a child abuse survivor in Boise. Pipkin hopes to break the world record for longest flight, currently at 64 days. He hopes to get the funds to buy a plane to accomplish this goal and he is reaching out to talk show host Oprah Winfrey for help.
This article goes into great detail about the standing flight endurance record and how exactly Pipkin hopes to break it. He hopes to gain support and attention from Oprah to help fund his project and he is doing this by collecting letters to send to the talk show host famous for making dreams come true.
From the information in the article I found out that I can show my support by writing a letter and taking down to Dawson Taylor on Saturday from 10am to noon or by submitting to the web page. However, I really thought this article could have done more of a service to Pipkin and his non-profit by giving more information on what the non-profit actual does besides hit Oprah up for a plane. I know that it’s a non-profit that tries to get people to “break their silence” about child abuse but I have no idea how. I don’t know if they offer counseling services, education, or what. Those who might want to do more than write a letter for this cause are not really given enough information to know how to do so or why they would really want to.
Kelly Sweeney
ReplyDeleteIdaho Statesman: Freshman walk-on gives Boise State Broncos a basketball boost
Not only did the Boise State Broncos bring in new Head Coach Leon Rice, but also a few new stars as well. Not only scholarship players but walk ons’ as well. As a walk on at a program like Boise State there is a very good chance you will be used as a practice player, and never get time on the court. This same thing happened to the new Boise State walk on Jeff Elorriaga. Jeff was had only played a total of 23 minutes in all the WAC games so far this year. The broncos started out great in conference with being in 2nd place after the first half of conference play. When the second half rolled around they were on a 4 game losing streak. Coach Rice had decided to mix things up when he told Jeff he would be starting against Fresno State. The broncos ended up taking that game as well as winning the next two in conference play. Jeff only scored and average of 4 points in those 3 games as well at 2 rebounds. Coach Rice says that his stats don’t reflect the way he played. His crafty plays and the way he has so much energy on the court is the reason he is playing. Teammates of Jeff said that he is the hardest working guy on the team, and he deserves every minute he plays in games. He will be the player at Boise State that goes down as the day in and day out hardest worker. Something everyone should strive for.
Ebenezer Makinde
ReplyDeleteIdaho Statesman:
News > Sports > Boise State FootballBoise State Broncos hope to impress at NFL combine
Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/23/1538135/perfect-timing.html#ixzz1FE6AUZQY
Five former Boise State Broncos will be at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine and try hopefully turn the heads of NFL scouts in attendance. The forty yard dash, considered by many to be the bench mark and sole purpose of the combine, will like hold the fate of the five Broncos draft stock come April. Titus young, the highest rated of the bunch, looks to turn heads by running somewhere in the 4.2s, which would be an extremely explosive time. The other Broncos, such as safety Jeron Johnson, wide receiver Austin Pettis, cornerback Brandyn Thompson, and defensive end Ryan Winterswyk, just hope to improve on their times when they tested last spring at Boise State. Winterswyk, a 6 foot 4 defensive end from out of California, was a former walk on to the Boise State football team who earned a scholarship and hasn’t looked back ever since. Winterswyk said he will keep the same chip he used to fuel him as he earned a scholarship, to make his way in the NFL. Jeron Johnson said the nerves of performing his best make the NFL combine such as a game, in which he gets butterflies. All five of the Broncos have been training for months for the short four day testing that will take place in Indianapolis, and know they have a chance to make a statement. Boise State offensive coordinator Brent Pease spoke of Pettis in a recent interview, saying that the wide receiver may not be as fast as the other receivers at the combine, but will show he has the range to succeed in the NFL. The testing will take place from February 26th until April 2nd.
Stephanie Casanova
ReplyDeleteDevastating earthquake strikes New Zealand
Rescue workers spend the night helping survivors
Christchurch, New Zealand -- A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand on Tuesday afternoon. The natural disaster killed at least 75 people (though only 55 were identified) and caused the Catholic Cathedral to partially collapse.
Though some survivors were safely rescued, others had to be amputated to make it out alive. Along with the cathedral tumbling down, two large office buildings crashed down smashing cars and buses. Police’s main focus was to search the most damaged and populated buildings for survivors. With fear that buildings would continue to collapse, those already dead were no longer a priority. Among those still missing on Wednesday could possibly be 24 exchange students from Japan.
With a predicted higher number of deaths than those already declared, Prime Minister John Key fears this natural disaster may be one of New Zealand’s worst. Temporary shelters are crowded with scared survivors. Emergency clinics have been set up throughout the city, and some victims had to be flown out to hospitals outside the damaged area.
It’s crazy the things that inevitably happen in this world. Christchurch citizens were surprised by this earthquake, and there’s nothing they can do about it but hope for the best. Many of them have lost everything, their homes are probably no more, and they could own nothing after the earthquake. Yet, it’s nice to see that the concern of the people isn’t material things. The victims are worried about each other. I guess when you lose everything in such a tragic event, you learn what really matters in life.
Read more at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/world/asia/23zealand.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Earthquake&st=cse
Tawnya G.
ReplyDeleteMan arrested for persuading mother to sexually abuse their children.
41 year old man posed as a psychologist to get mothers across the states, including Idaho, to sexually abuse their children. Steven Demink, 41, of Redford Township, Mich. told the mothers the sexual attacks were a form of therapy, and had the mothers send him images through email and live web stream.
Authorities arrested Demink in October, and so far they have rescued 7 children and have arrested 3 mothers. Demink is set to spend 15 years in prison, starting in June this year.
Demink persuaded mothers to indulge in his fraudulent therapy by pretending to be Dalton St. Clair, a single father of a 14-year-old girl. He posted male model pictures passing them off as his own and promised a date with the single moms in exchange for adhering to his instructions.
According to the court document, the assaulted children ranged in age from 3 to 15. The known occurrences were in New Hampshire, Idaho, and Florida, among other states, and took place from April 2009 until September 2010. The court document also stated, "Demink intimated to these women that the result of the therapy would be healthier children.
U.S. District Judge Gerald Roden asked Demink on Monday how he was feeling; Demink’s answer was, “Nervous, your honor.” According to Demink’s attorney Timothy Dinan, his client, “has expressed a lot of remorse. It’s a shame he couldn’t ask for help.” Demink pleaded guilty and gave up his right to a trial. Demink’s parents did not agree to an interview, but are praying for the victims and their son.
Read more: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/28/1545855/authorities-man-persuaded-moms.html#ixzz1FIbF6whJ
Technology fee increase means better services, less frustration
ReplyDeleteThe Arbiter - Tyler Kirkham - Opinion
By Lauren Hooker
I was initially shocked to find out that Boise State is in the bottom 20% of student technology fees; out of hundreds of colleges across America, that's not a very good percentage to be in. However, it looks like fees are going to increase next year, bringing our technology to new levels. I've been a BSU student for three semesters now, and when on the campus internet, there have been countless number of times when the internet connection has dropped me in the middle of a quiz or discussion post, thus losing my data and even resulting in a couple of zeros. Hopefully when they add more access points (this allows the internet to handle more users) the connection will get much better.
They also plan to work on BroncoWeb, which is run on an application called PeopleSoft. It's not always reliable, and has a history of failure. This would also be fixed next year, causing less frustration, especially during registration.
As a student, I'm ecstatic about the new change. I'm very technology orientated, and I look forward to future changes in BSU's technology. I think technology is plays a pivotal role in our future, and as new products develop, will continue to play a role. Boise State is already progressing as far as social media networking goes; many organizations have Twitters and Facebook pages, but I'm ready for the next step.
Jessica Adamson
ReplyDeletePolice usher protesting students out of Idaho Capitol
Today, students from around the state left their schools in organized walkouts protesting school superintendent Tom Luna's plan for education reform. Students in Nampa gathered at city hall. Other students, many from Boise High School, gathered at the capitol building to show their support for their teachers and voice their opposition. Many students are concerned that this 'education reform' will permanently damage education in Idaho. Luna's plan, titled "Students come first", involves the cutting of more than 770 teaching positions, implementation of online classes, a decrease in the collective bargaining rights of teachers, increase of standard class size, and the use of laptops. Despite the largely negative reaction to the bill, the Idaho State senate passed two bills relating to the reform last week. These bills are expected to "sail through" the House. Approximately 150 students gathered at the rotunda. When they began to chant loudly inside the building, Idaho State police were dispatched to escort them outside the building. The students all cooperated with police and moved onto the statehouse steps to continue their chanting. Several Democratic state senators left their offices to meet the protesters. They expressed their appreciation to the students for standing up for what they believe is right, but they did ask that the students be respectful of the building and the people who work there. All students expressed their hope that their demonstration would show the members of the legislature that the reform is wrong for both teachers and students. Most said they would return to school tomorrow.
Sam Alderman
ReplyDeleteSource: idahostatesman.com
It’s been reported that 21 former clients of Boise stockbroker Vince Covino have filed a formal complaint against him, saying that with his guidance, they put money into unsuitable investments and suffered unnecessary risk and losses. They are asking for damages and the money back that they invested. Covino is counterclaiming that he is the victim of a smear campaign, which is defined as the ruining of an individual’s reputation by a group of people coming together and slandering the individual. He is suing for $2 million.
This story is extremely convoluted and there is a wealth of information not being released on the subject. It sounds as though on one hand, Covino is saying that these people are out to ruin his reputation in the community, and that there was a large amount of illegal activity going on behind the scenes against him—such as the claims that former colleagues of his stole his client list to gain new clients, and then called them to file a report about Covino.
On the other hand, the investors are upset because they believe that Covino put their money into investments that were not secure, not what they were looking or, or more expensive than they hoped, and were then scammed with extra broker fees coupled with lost investments.
This story looks crazy and like it might blow up so I am definitely going to keep an eye out with this one.