Education

              “To what extent do our schools serve the goals of a true education?” 

               Education is the foundation of modern lifestyle, but are schools in actuality teaching us necessary factors that will benefit us in the future? As a sixteen year old student attending an Armenian private school, I have experienced all sorts of education. Basic subjects, like english and math, have been taught since the dawn of time, but is that alone really a sufficient amount of knowledge? Education taught in schools is more likely known as “common knowledge”, also known as information that everyone is recommended to know. Schools do not step outside of the box in order to teach us of strategies needed for basic survival, in the prevailing world. Students learn unnecessary formulas and equations, like y=mx+b, when in reality they should be learning how to balance a check book, correctly manage taxes, or the accurate way to buy a house. There should be a wider variety of classes that are optional, and directed towards the career a student is specifically interested in. Classes everywhere, whether in a public or private school, are limited to a certain amount of education. I have realized that all schools in general only meet up to a certain standard and never excel passed it. The future of education in schools should develop into being much more resourceful and beneficial to all students.

"Man Checking Guns Is Arrested at J.F.K., Authorities Say"

"Man Checking Guns Is Arrested at J.F.K., Authorities Say"
By: MICHAEL SCHWIRTZ
Source: The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/27/nyregion/man-is-arrested-with-4-guns-at-jfk-police-say.html?src=me&_r=0

         Guns make humongous impacts on the lives of many. This Saturday, on October 28, a man was arrested for an illegal possession of guns. The incident occurred at Kennedy International Airport, in New York. A twenty three year old identified as Keenan A. Draughon assumed it would be a splendid idea to check in guns into a national airport. He specifically informed the attendant of the firearms stored within his locked suitcase; there was no intention of any sort of secrecy. Draughon, of Clarksville, Tennessee, was an army recruit and also a keen hunter. He spent a standard amount of time near fire arms and other closely associated weapons. A statement was brought up by the Queens County district attorney’s office. “The cases contained two 9-millimeter pistols, two magazines capable of holding 15 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition, and two .22-caliber rifles, the statement said.” Officers found four guns altogether: two rifles and 2 pistols, all painted in silver and purple. Due to New York’s weapon laws, “Draughon was charged with six counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of violating a New York City administrative ordinance that requires rifles and shotguns to be carried in a proper case, the authorities said.” Draughon may be convicted up to seven years in prison, due to ignorance of laws in the New York jurisdiction.
        Is Keenan A. Draughon’s conviction unfair? In the eyes of many, it may be considered a severe injustice. A man fully unaware of the laws in a certain state, arrested for a minor problem. Although, airports must stay up to game when regarding fire arms. Which standpoint is really correct?

"The Octopus That Almost Ate Seattle"

"The Octopus That Almost Ate Seattle"
By: MARNIE HANEL
Source: New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/20/magazine/the-octopus-that-almost-ate-seattle.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&hpw

          Dylan Mayer, a 19-year-old Seattle occupant has caused a major uproar within his community regarding the capture of a ginormous octopus. Recently, Mayer has been testing his strength and extensively working out with his friends, in his parent’s swimming pool, in order to be fully prepared of his next big challenge. One may ask “Who is Mayer’s ultimate challenger?” The bizarre and abnormal answer to that question is a giant pacific octopus. When Mayer realized he was ready to capture his opponent he acquired a certified permit from Wal-Mart, that would allow him to hunt down any type of sea life and cook it for consumption. It would no longer be considered inhumane or any sort of abuse, due to the certification of the permit. The 19-year old traveled 40 minutes to reach his destination, Alki Beach. It is a very popular diving destination. Under the water he discovered many cues and pointers that all led to evidence of marine life. Thus, finally encountering his opponent: a nine foot pacific octopus. The creature’s size was severely mistaken by Mayer to be a little over 6 feet, due to the octopus’s ability to camouflage. Mayer, still stricken with awe, battled the octopus and withstood the painful lacerations of it’s suction cups. Thanks to his previous preparations, Mayer killed his challenger. Multiple bystanders found his actions unlawful and continued to take pictures. Mayer ignored all said “witnesses” and carried on home, awaiting to cook his long waited victory meal.
       Dylan Mayer hunted for pleasure, like most people, but still is causing pandemonium within Seattle’s residents. Why should Mayer be punished simply because he hunted an uncommon animal? Occurrences similar to this, cause people to think outside of the box and challenge themselves to do something extraordinary and unexpected. More people should follow in Mayer’s footsteps and try something new instead of harshly judging another human being, with no logical reasoning.

"Adrian Peterson's Son Dies After Allegedly Being Assaulted: REPORTS"

"Adrian Peterson's Son Dies After Allegedly Being Assaulted: REPORTS"
Source: Huffington Post

           On Friday evening, in South Dakota, Adrian Peterson’s two year old son passed away due to severe injuries. Adrian Peterson is a running back for the Minnesota Vikings football team. His son had been crudely beaten and abused. The toddler was admitted into the ICU, Intensive Care Unit, immediately due to the severity of the assault by his unruly assailant. The youth’s aggressor is proven to be 27 year old, Joseph Patterson. Joseph Patterson in confirmed to be the victim’s mother’s boyfriend. “Patterson was arrested and charged with aggravated felony assault and battery of an infant, according to TMZ.” Patterson had beaten the young boy senselessly, to the point where emergency medical attention was necessary. Court dates have been set along with a $750,000 cash bond. The Sioux Falls Police Department made sure to keep all details under wraps until further investigation. They had noted the injuries were consistent and pointed towards persistent abuse. The police department announced the death of the child, shortly after. Nelson Peterson, Adrian’s father, confirmed the evidence supported by TMZ. He asked for the public’s prayers and respect of privacy, due to the conclusive tragedy at hand.
            Abuse is completely unacceptable concerning any human being, but it is intensified when regarding such a young child. Peterson must now mourn the death of his child, due to violent acts of abuse. Peterson falls back on football further helping him grieve. As an advancing society, what can one do in order to prevent such tragic occurrences pertaining to abuse?

"Walking 'Cuts Breast Cancer Risks' "

"Walking 'Cuts Breast Cancer Risks'"
By: BBC(Source)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24381469

           Cancer is a treacherous disease that has affected far too many lives nowadays, but what if there was a commodity that could prevent it? Since October is acknowledged as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, countless amounts of people convene in fundraisers in order to raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer. A recent study suggests breast cancer can be fully exterminated out of the lives of women who regularly participate in beneficial cardio exercises. Some of the activities include simply walking an hour a day. Dr. Alpa Patel concluded that walking, single-handedly sustains strength and diminishes chances of breast cancer, customarily in post-menopausal women. Throughout 17 years, a series of questionnaires have been completed and over 73,000 are involved in the experiment. Studies conclude: “Those who walked for at least seven hours per week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer compared to those who walked three or fewer hours per week.”
          Unfortunately, cancer still haunts the lives of many, but it may be possibly contained. The world is in the midst of a revolutionary change that can benefit numerous ill-ridden cancer patients. This can be classified as the incipient of an improved, healthier world that will no longer have to seize innocent patients’ lives to surrender at the result of cancer. 

Presentation Reviews

“The Children’s Era”, was thoroughly analyzed by Nicole and Ellen, in efforts to depict the importance of birth control. The speech written and spoken by Margaret Sanger, revolves around a pro-choice mentality, which states that women have the right to consume birth control in order to prevent unwanted, redundant pregnancies. Sanger contends all people, particularly women, should have the right to legal methods of birth control. The overall analyzation by the pair was orderly and precise. The advantages of the project include an accurate representation of evidence when regarding the ethos, pathos and logos. Their information was spot on and made one truly understand Sanger’s point of view within her argument. Ellen and Nicole efficiently made the project comprehensible by creating their own version of a Toulmin model. The project’s only downfall was the lack of fluidity during the actual presentation; an extra splash of confidence was necessary. Louder vocals would have made the presentation much more appealing, drawing the fascination of a larger amount of viewers. This specific speech draws the attention of various people who believe in alternate methods of preventing pregnancy, rather then the inhumane acts of abortion. Overall, the presentation was resplendent and included an intriguing subject to gain knowledge of.