Unnecessary Baggage

         The necessities in life revolve around common items that include food, clothes and shelter. A big sum of the world’s population is fortunate enough to acquire these necessities and additional luxuries as well. We are reminded of those who do not have the capability to have such opulence, and it comes to a point where we must ask ourselves, “Do I really need this?” Decluttering needless items from one’s life can alter a person’s existence entirely. I have a few belongings that should be gotten rid of from my life. Throughout my academic career, I have kept an abundance of books that I have read once and will never read again. This would be the first example of inventory I can lessen. Objects like neglected CD’s and video games, extra pairs of shoes that I haven’t worn in years, and shirts that I refuse to give away hoping that one day I will wear them are all excess substances in my life that I can dispose of easily. On the other hand, I will never get rid of or discard my computer, cell phone, or TV. Unfortunately, I have become a helpless victim that has been submerged in a world filled with technological advancements and could not envision a life without it.

                  VS.

After Sandy, Feds Consider Building Fake Islands Off The Coast

"After Sandy, Feds Consider Building Fake Islands Off The Coast"
By: WAYNE PARRY
Source: The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/29/sandy-artificial-islands_n_5054956.html?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=Green

             Natural disasters cause a toll on the environment and the people located near the tragic event. It is dire for inhabitants of areas prone to specific environmental disasters, to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature may bring forth. During the 2012 Atlantic Ocean hurricane season, Hurricane Sandy, also known as “Superstorm Sandy,” struck the coast “from Maryland to New Hampshire.” It financially affected New York and New Jersey terribly; over $79 billion of damage occurred. The storm took the innocent lives of one hundred and fifty nine people. In order to prevent any further damage from future possible storms, corporations like “the Stevens Institute, WXY architectural firm and West 8 Urban Design and Landscape Architecture” have constructed a plan. They have proposed to create a string of artificial islands. These man made islands will stretch across the coast from New York to New Jersey, acting a life size barrier and barricading any disruptions the storm surges may cause. They refer to the proposal as the “Blue Dunes” proposal which will help protect lives during time of recovery from the previous horrendous attack. They are asking for funding of $10 billion to $12 billion.
          After all, it is essential for all locations to have a central back up plan that can be used to protect their residents with peace of mind. Safety first is the ultimate rule when dealing with the innocent lives and safety of civilians.

The Colbert Report

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8b3wuuzL8w

           

      Stephen Colbert is known as a sarcastic and hysterical television show host. The Colbert Report’s opinionative existence depends solely on the ignorance of the recent news that occurs worldwide. Many of his segments are biased since it is his opinion, yet it allows viewers to question their mindset on controversial topics and events. In this particular segment, Colbert discusses the Boston Marathon bombing that occurred last year in April. He takes a serious topic and begins to humor it with the history of Boston. He shows bewilderment towards the terrorists that had the audacity to even plan out a disgraceful attack on such a historically resilient and powerful location. He turns people’s exasperation and fury into comical laughter and amusement when expressing the toughness of the British through their past pilgrim hat buckles. He also reiterates the fact that they have meddled with a place that “cradled the American Revolution and withstood an 86 year losing streak (when referring to the ongoing loss of the Boston Red Sox)” He is flabbergasted that such “cowards” could perform this task when the marathon’s courageous participants ran two extra miles to donate blood to those injured. The entire segment is filled with hyperboles and anecdotes that exemplify the nerve of the attack bombers. Stephen Colbert has done a remarkable job praising Boston’s perseverance through means of laughter and entertainment.

Satirical News

"Mcdonalds Now Offering Bereavement Prices"
 Source: The Onion
 http://www.theonion.com/articles/mcdonalds-now-offering-bereavement-prices,35494/?ref=auto

          The Onion epitomizes wacky, sarcastic, entertaining, satirical news. It plays an enormous role focusing on the infinitesimal problems that are recorded on the news, while the more important articles are completely disregarded. Recently, they have written an article humorizing the business of fast food industries. McDonalds has stooped low enough to offer “bereavement prices” and coupons to those grieving the loss of a loved one. As if the first idea on one’s mind, after the death of family member, is to rush to McDonalds and eat reduced priced, unhealthy fast food. Since the “offer is valid only within the first seven days of death”consumers must sprint and dash off to the nearest McDonalds restaurant, along with an extensive amount of information concerning the recently deceased. The cashier must be supplied with all information including the hospice and funeral home numbers in order to contact, in order to authorize the inferior discount. An event as ridiculous as this derides the despicable actions of McDonald’s fast food restaurants in Oak Brook, Illinois, since they will use anything as an excuse to bring in customers and newfound revenue. While reading through this article, it is impossible not to utter a chuckle, due to its hilarious ignorance that brings insight for others viewing the severity of nonsense in similar situations. 

Economy

            Economy is the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought in a country or region, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. The financial situation of every person solely depends on the status of one’s economy. A life with a decreasing economy will cause one to suffer, while a life with an increasing and booming economy will cause one to thrive and prosper. The human race survives on purchasing materialistic and unimportant items that may be viewed “necessary” to them. Personally, it plays a ginormous role in my life, both financially (obviously) and mentally. The economy plays a big role in our lives since my father owns a business in the automobile industry that allows him to provide for us. If the economy’s status is not well, it decreases the amount of customers and consumers of his products. Without that clientele, our family would not be able to for pay bills, tuition, or for other excess luxuries. I would no longer be able to attend my last year and graduate in Rose and Alex Pilibos, nor would I be able to partake in any means of shopping, which is viewed as a stress reliever and utterly necessary in my life. Most importantly, the economy affects whether I have the ability to use electronics, like iPhones or television. A simple thought about living a life without my favorite TV shows irks me. Thankfully, I find myself and my family fortunate enough to not be drastically affected by an awful economic status.

Staples Is Closing Up To 225 Stores As Sales Fall

"Staples Is Closing Up To 225 Stores As Sales Fall"
By: REUTERS
Source: The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/06/staples-closing-stores-sales-fall_n_4910411.html?utm_hp_ref=business

             Customers run the entirety of every single business. A business with absolutely no mean of financial income is bound to shut down. Large businesses and thrive on the familiarity and prestige of their company’s name. Staples is a name most office supply consumers are highly aware of. In the United States and Canada, approximately 1,850 Staples stores exist. Recently, this top ranking incorporation is dealing with major financial difficulty. It is no longer reaching enough revenue, thus causing the franchise to weaken and slowly deteriorate. A multitude of stores are deemed as useless due to insufficient funds. The retailer has become defeated and can no longer endure major rivals: Amazon and Office Depot. Its usual consumers are changing route and taking their business elsewhere to the more efficient and economically inexpensive retailer. Over 12 % of stores will be shut down. In all actuality, Staples has predicted that over 225 stores will be run out of business. Half of the problem’s source is due to online retailing, making the commute to stores pointless. Without the need of property, Staples Inc. has found that keeping certain stores alive and running is a futile waste. “Analysts said the store closures, which would take place by 2015, were unlikely to boost the company's results in the near term.”

A quick swipe takes child's temperature

"A quick swipe takes child's temperature"
By: MARY MACVEAN
Source: LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-gadget-thermometer-20140222,0,4525485.story#axzz2uDh3EYIK

         Technology is definitely advancing as rapidly as possible. This benefits everyone, but the largest impact definitely affects the medical industry and all of its departments. Simple appliances and medical machinery can influence an ailing life immensely. It is dire for doctors to have the best machinery accessible, since the lives of their patients depend on them. Many hospitals have advanced technology but it is also important for the public to have the same easy access. The Exergen Crop. has put responsibility into their own hands to make the lives of parents simple and stress free. Parents are now able to effortlessly measure their child’s fever and temperature. Their new invention is known by the name: “the Smart Glow.” This thermometer presents the child’s temperature on a bright glowing screen. Therefore, it is no longer difficult to view the number in the dark. The child does not even have to be awake or aware of the thermometer, at all. In order for it to properly operate, a person must swipe the “TemporalScanner Thermometer across the forehead and the temperature appears in a small, lighted space on the handle.” The thermometer is swiped across the forehead because the temporal artery is located on it. It is the best and most accurate place for a child’s body temperature to be measured. This thermometer took a minor step in revolutionizing medical machinery by making it easily available for parents everywhere.