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July 30, 2005
Richfield project ready takeoff
By october MSP airport will be ready to open a brand new runway. This runway will benefit many members of the local communities by diverting many flights from their current flightpaths. However many other communities will become bombarded by noise when the new runway opens. In leiu of this there is a new proposed development in the works for just such homes. According to the Star Tribune, a swath of land that will run along the new runway will be purchased and in place a pair of mico downtowns will be created. This development will at first contain a super target and home depot with hopes of attracting restraunts and other businesses that will embrace the airport.
Currently the city of richfield is acquiring about 90 properties to create a new distinctive and inviting area. Of course there are problems with current tenants and landowners who do not move. Linda Jensen said "A lot of people around here see it as progress." Many just want to leave it the way that it is without such a large amount of change. However, Bruce Palmborg the city's planning commissioner said that "We have the right ingredients, the key will be blending them together. We're kind of excited."
Is a Large Economic Gap Among Citizens a Good Thing
Here is a spin off of the article Gap between the rich and poor spurs new questions. It is found in the July 24th, 2005 Star Tribune OP EX section.
The article gives a few reasons that are both positive and negative for why different countries have higher or lower income inequalties. In the article it states that the U.S. has the highest income inequality among developed nations. Now I suppose that this is not really a large surprise to anyone, however upon further thought it spurs a large number of questions. I am simply going to focus on a few.
#1. Is a large Economic gap among cititzens a good thing?
I don't always feel that the gap is a good thing, but I also believe that it is a necessary thing. Without some sort of gap what would make a nation want to strive to do more. If everyone is average, then why would you want to work more than average?
#2. Would everyone being average lead to overall better educations and raise a nations productivity?
Well it sounds good in theory, but I am not sure that I can fully support such an example. Would to average students make up for one excellent students abilities? Well I suppose it all depends on how many average students you have vs. how many excellent students you have.
Well just a few simplistic, I repeat simplistic, thoughts on a widening economic gap. I just find it funny that many people want a large economic gap among countries and a small economic gap back home. It is always easier to forget about people when you don't see them face to face.
July 29, 2005
Coleman to propose stem cell bill, breaking with Bush
the Pioneer Press,July 26, 2005
by Frederic J. Frommer
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/state/minnesota/12229187.htm
Since this article on July 26, another republican politician has come forward in support of federal funding for stem cell research.
“Because harvesting embryonic stem cells destroys embryos, Bush and many other conservatives equate the process with abortion and view it as immoral.” (Frommer). Norm Coleman, like many in the Republican Party, opposes legalized abortion. This is why his proposal involves the use of embryos that have already been destroyed. The Bush administration, however, does not intend to lift the ban of federal funding for stem cell research it enacted four years ago.
Personally, I’m for stem cell research, and I have every confidence that our next president, Republican or otherwise, will lift the ban.
Wallets found at barracks provide trip back in time
July 26 Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/site/premium/access-registered.intercept
Have you ever lost a wallet? Maybe you’ll get it back in 60 years. That’s what happened to Willard Groth of Hoyt Lakes. He’s 81 years old now, but he was a young Army private in 1944 when his wallet, and the $20 it contained, disappeared.
His was one of 25 wallets that was found in the heating ducts of an old military barracks in California. Because all of the wallets had one thing in common, a lack of cash, the Army theorizes that the wallets had been stolen and stashed there by the thief. More interesting, however, are the items that were left in the wallets. Driver’s licenses, dog-tags, and even tips for surviving an atomic blast.
Willard Groth may have lost his 20 bucks, but what he got back is priceless.
Impact of smoking bans under scrutiny
A survey results released by an anti-smoking advocacy group show an overwhelming support for a new anti-smoking law that was passed in Hennepin County some time ago. Most businesses are saying that the ban is having economy impact on them. Bar and restaurants owners are saying that, they are losing more customers since the ban when into effect. On the flip side of that, majority of the residents of the county are saying that, they have been going to bars and restaurants as much as often since the bans was passed. However, some cities including: Minneapolis, Golden Valley and Bloomington are saying that if this ban is reverse, it will still be in effect in there areas. The article also talked about how the survey says 87 percent of Hennepin County residents are not making any special trips to patronize those restaurants and bars who allow smoking.
Minnesota law targets foreclosure scams
A recent article posted on MPR’s web site talked about a new Minnesota law that tries to stop mortgage foreclosure scams. The article talked about the story of Teresa Amelsberg Crowe who was a victim of one of these scams before the new law was passed. Teresa was in an accident and had medical bills on top of private schooling bills for her children. With the mounting debt and no where to turn she opted for what she thought would be a good choice. She decided to refinance her house and use that money to pay off her bills. Teresa’s real troubles began when a con artist real estate agent suckered her into selling her house. The real estate-agent was able to convince Teresa that this was her only option because of her bad credit. The real estate agent bought the house and agreed to rent it back to Teresa but now Teresa cannot afford rent and is about to get evicted.
The new Minnesota law requires that the homeowner be able to pay off the transaction and it limits the amount of money that can be made in these deals. Even with the passing of this law there is a bill in the U.S. House that would repeal it. Many lending agencies feel that they can regulate themselves and ‘buyers should beware’.
I think it is unfortunate that people get hurt like Teresa did but you do have to have some common sense when it comes to things like this. I would have contacted a lawyer before signing anything not after I got screwed.
Hospitals strive to be "Safest in America"
I recently was in the hospital as you all know and I think that I received very good medical care but that doesn’t always happen. Imagine if you went into the hospital for surgery on you right knee and instead the doctors operated on your left. This is the kind of thing that hospitals in Minnesota are trying to prevent by sharing information with each other. Hospitals in the past have been reluctant to share embarrassing information about surgical mishaps with their completion but 10 Minnesota hospitals set aside their difference in the hope of making themselves safer. The 10 Minnesota hospitals are calling this program “Safest in America”. The top priority of this program is to prevent wrong side surgeries from taking place by making pre-operative procedures uniform for all of the hospitals. This helps because some nurses work at more than one hospital and to have every thing the same reduces confusion and possible mistakes. Another policy that has come out of this program is “cause for a pause”. Despite its funny name the policy is useful in preventing mistakes from happening before surgeries. The basic premise of the policy is to stop and say out loud what exactly what the surgical procedure was going to be performed and on what body part. Some other policies that have also resulted from this collaboration of information has been the elimination of 9 confusing abbreviations for prescription drugs, giving children prescriptions based on weight not age, and better blood sugar monitoring.
I think that it is good that hospitals are working together to make it safer for us all. I know that I would have one big law suit if the doctors operated on my wrong hand.
Hennepin rethinks smoking ban
This article is from the July 27, 2005 issue of the Startribune.
This article outlines how Hennepin is concidering making changes to the smoking ban. They are currently doing an economic impact study of the ban. They are thinking of making it more like the Ramsey County ban, where bars that get more that 50% of their sales from alcohol would be exempt. The story gives examples from several bars about the reduced sales. In one example, sales at a ber in minneapolis are down 35%.
I choose this article because I was against the ban from the beginning, and am glad to see they are rethinking it. I worked in a bar in the past, and can tell you that most of the people who came in were smokers. If you are a smoker and cannot drink in a bar, you are less likely to go to that bar. I used that argument with people when Hennepin was discussing the ban, and they said that more non-smokers would go to the bars because there wouldn't be so much smoke. I argued that the number of people who start going to the bars would be far less than the number that stop going.
I have seen this where I live. My town is split between Hennepin county and Wright. There is one bar on the Hennepin county side that used to be very busy. Since the ban, that bar is always empty, and there is more business at the other two. I also gave a personal example in class. Me and my friends no longer go to bars in resturants in Hennepin county because of the ban. If we don't go, then I'm sure there are a lot more people who do the same things. I go back to the best argument against the ban; these are privately owned establishments, and smoking is still legal in this country, these it should be up to the owners to decide if they want to allow smoking in their bars.
The government seems to have a love-hate relationship with smokers. They don't want us in bars and resturants, and in some cities they don't want us in parks. However, they love us when they can get more money from us by charging us with a "users fee."
Homeland security chief meets with St. Paul officials
On friday, July 22, 2005 the nation chief of homeland security met with officials of St. Paul. The chief urged the citizens of this great state to be vigilant but there was no imminent threat in the state. He went on to say that the state leaders were doing good jobs in keeping the citizens save. On the part of the Major of St. Paul, Randy Kelly who told the homeland Security chief that the city was asking for more than $3 million in federal grants in order to combat terrorism.
Chief Michael Chertoff told the citizen of Minnesota not to avoid Public transportation out of fear. He went on to say that eventhough there was no known threat in the state, but a potential terrorist attack at the Mall of America was a focus of concerned.
The chief also lamented about how the department was also focusing on border security and how a sophisticated tunnel along the U.S. Canadian border was found and appear to have been built to smuggle drugs.
I think the Canadian authorities need to do more work on their side of the border in order to strengthen it. For the past time terrorists have been using Canada to enter the U.S.
sources: mpr.org
July 28, 2005
Man captured for rape & kidnapping
Man wanted in St.Paul rape/kidnapping captured
July 25, 2005
Star Tribune
Courtney Clark was captured in Washington County this week for raping and kidnapping a women. He also killed her boyfriend. Last week, Clark was charged with "first degree criminal conduct and kidnapping of a woman in her apartment." Clark broke into the woman's apartment, tied up the girl and threw her into the bathroom, where she heard muffle sounds of her boyfriend and then heard nothing. Clark then raped her and tried to suffocate her and then kidnapped her, where she escaped from jumping out of his vehicle. They also believe that Clark is "the prime suspect in an unsolved 1993 Minneapolis murder." Clark will also now be charged for the murder of the boyfriend. The boyfriend's body was found by some railroad tracks.
There is not much to really say about this article. It is a sad article, that never should have happened. I hope they lock this guy up and he stays in prison for a very, very long time. He should not be allowed out again. (in my opinion)
July 26, 2005
'Glass ceiling' remains intact
Star Tribune
The Economist
Published July 26, 2005
This article basically says that not much has changed in the workforce over the past two decades since the term 'glass ceiling' was initiated in terms of women holding top positions in corporations. "Women account for almost half the workforce in Western countries... But at the top of the corporate ladder it is a different story."
The article describes some reasons why women have not increased in numbers holding these top positions, but at the same time explains why they should be. Some of the same companies who have NOT promoted women to these power psitions, are convinced that it makes good business sense to have more women in these leadership roles. Some companies ARE changing and the article states that research conducted in America, Britain and Scandanavia supports the idea that companies believe that it would be good for their profits -- there is a "trong correlation between shareholder returns and the proportion of women in the higher executive
As we have discussed in class during the leadership segments, the article states women are better at team-building and communication. Companies who are promoting women in these positions include IBM, Hewlett-Packard and Alcan.
The article is summarized by making suggestions as to what companies should do if women have to leave the corporate office for a length of time, i.e. to raise their children or care for a family member, in order to bring them up-to-speed and on track again for these positions.
I don't know about you, but I have always believed that women are effective leaders and should be in the top corporate positions. I am glad to see that more corporations are beginning to address this issue, and of course, IT'S ABOUT TIME!
July 25, 2005
Arsenic in land
Arsenic under study in Phillips neighborhood
July 22, 2005
Startribune
Envirnomentalist will be checking soil from about 600 homes and businesses in the next month for arsenic. They believe the arsenic is from an old pesticide manufacturing company that was running in 1938-1968. They had arsenic in their pesticides to kill grasshoppers. They believe yards got contaminated from the spread of dust by the wind. They have found arsenic in several areas. The project manager, Tim Prendiville, stated "Based on previous sampling, we haven't been able to develop a pattern of contamination, so we figured we'd just go out and sample everybody." "Last year the Envrionmental Protection Agency removed contaminated soil from 30 yards and replaced them with clean dirt and grass."
I am glad that the Environmental Protection Agency is taking charge and is going to check all the soil. It is also nice that they are replacing people's yard with clean dirt and grass.
St. Paul neighbors oppose home for single mothers
Star Tribune
June 23, 2005
This was a short article, but I'm glad there was some discussion in class about the topic. I am sure some of you are right that the neighbors are opposing the home for single mothers because of the rich elitist (my words) area they are proposing the home be built. But again, how threatening is a home with mothers and children so the single mothers can attend college?
Even the last paragraph of the article states those that oppose the home will not even meet with anyone from the group 'Jeremiah Project'. In re-reading the article, it appears the residents want the site to be used for senior housing. So they are not opposed to a home being built for a group, but specifically the mothers and their children.
This is more information I found searching the LexisNexis Academic website. The article is dated 4/22/2005 w/ the headline New Place for a new start; The Jeremiah Program in Minneapolis, which helps low-income single moms turn their lives around, is seeking to expand to St. Paul" --
"The Jeremiah Program in St. Paul expects to have room for 40 single mothers and their children when it opens in the fall of 2006. Applications for its Minneapolis site are taken on an ongoing basis. The requirements:
- Low income.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Must be a resident of Minnesota at least 2 years.
- A high school diploma or GED certificate.
- Enrolled in college or training program.
- Children 4 years of age or younger.
- Drug and alcohol use evaluation.
Applications are available by calling the program at 612-259-3006."
I could not locate an article more recent than the June 23 article, but if you find something as follow-up, please respond.
Reciprocity agreement needs to change
The article I choose is from the July 25, 2005 issue of the Startribune.
This article is about Minnesota's reciprocity agreement with Wisconsin. The agreement was made so students could choose to go to schools in neighboring states without paying out of state tuition. Under the current agreement Minnesota students going to school in Wisconsin pay the tuition rate of a comparable school in Minnesota, and vise versa. Because tuition rates are lower in Wisconsin, Minnesota students going to Wisconsin schools pay higher tuition than Wisconsin students. However, Wisconsin students going to Minnesota schools pay lower tuition than Minnisota residents. At the U of MN Morris campus Wisconsin residents pay $2400 per year less than Minnesota residents.
The states do have a way to even things out. At the end of the year they use a formula that takes into account the number of students and cost of tuition and determine which state owes the other money. In the 2003-04 school year Wisconsin payed Minnesota more than $6 million. However, that money does not go to the schools, it goes to the Minnesota general fund. So, schools in Minnesota are getting less in tuition from Wisconsin students, and then the state is getting the extra money. I'd be willing to bet that that money does not go back into education.
There are several problems here. The first is that the agreement needs to be renegotiated, which is in progress. The second is that Minnesota tuition rates are rising faster than in Wisconsin, making the problem worse. The state needs increase spending on schools, which should help keep tuition down. More importantly the schools need to examine their budgets and focus their money on education. Funding needs to be directed in a way that keeps tuition rates down, while improving the quality of education. Universities have a tendancy to spend money where it is not needed. One example is the renovation of buildings. While I agree that there are many buildings on our campus that need renovation, the University tends to go overboard on these projects.
July 24, 2005
"MPCA must revise its water cleanup plan for southeast"
I recently read an article titled, “MPCA must revise its water cleanup plan for southeast,” that talked about the pollution that affect the Root River. The Root River is a famous trout stream in southeast Minnesota but it is being polluted by runoff from farms in the area. The water is used to be clear but now after recent rains it looks like murky. The pollution from the farms presents a real threat to all of the life in the river. The State came up with a plan to clean up the river but the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy felt it was inadequate and filed a lawsuit. The plan that the State came up with did not meet the total maximum daily load (TMDL), which is a measure of the amount of pollution is allowed in a body of water. The lawsuit lead to a court ruling which says that the State has to come up with an acceptable plan by September of the federal EPA will take over.
I chose this story because I am concerned with the environment and I think that this is an important issue. Usually, you hear about big companies polluting but you seldom hear about how much pollution farms put off. I think that farmers should have to pay for some of this cleanup because after all they are the ones that caused it. I have seen some of this pollution myself when I was a music festival in Geneva, Minnesota last September. Near the location of the festival were several farms and a lake. The lake was covered in dense weeds and there was a layer of algae. From biology and environmental classes that I have taken I was pretty sure the cause of all the plant growth was runoff from farms. I think that there should be stricter regulations on farmers who use fertilizers and pesticides. If they pollute they should have to pay just like corporations have to.
Wi-Fi Connection Theft
Recently the theft of home Wi-Fi connections has been becoming more and more prominent. Many of these thefts can be prevented with a few precautions however a majority of users have chosen not to take them. This can lead to problems and stories like the one below.
This story was found in the Star Tribune
Here is the link: Man charged with stealing home Wi-Fi Connections
The story is about a man who was arrested for using another persons wireless internet connection. It is reported that this was the first criminal case involving the fairly common practice. They are prosecuting Benjamin Smith on charges of unauthorized access to a computer network which is a third degree felony. Benjamin Smith was reported by Richard Dinon who noticed him sitting in an SUV outside of his home using a laptop computer.
Many times the illegal use of Wi-Fi connections goes unnoticed. The article states that illegal use is used to traffic child pornography, steal credit card information, and send death threats.
So what should we learn from such a story?
It is essential that you turn on encryption or require the use of passwords for your wireless network.
July 23, 2005
Give a little
Blood Shortage Hits Minnesota. I guess there will be an unintentionally short blog post. The summer months are a time of year that blood banks often run low. Maybe the warm weather brings the vampires out a bit more than the winter? If anyone is interested the American Red Cross is wired with technology. You can make your appointment to donate blood online! I picked this article because it was much less depressing than any of the other articles I happened across. It is my goal for the rest of the semester to pick a "happy" article.
Anyone have a mildly amusing story about donating blood?
Do women make better university presidents?
They might, according to this article in Inside Higher Ed. A study by James L. Fisher, James V. Koch, and Alice R. McAdory found that "female college presidents are more innovative and entrepreneurial than male presidents. Further, females are more inclined to take measured risks in their jobs than are males." They studied over 700 university presidents, 136 of whom were women. Here are a couple of excerpts from the article:
One source of the entrepreneurial acumen of women presidents appears to depend upon how they relate to innovative colleagues. Female presidents were substantially more likely than male presidents to develop friendships with people who were perceived to be different, as well as to encourage creative individuals with whom they might have disagreed.[. . .]
Interestingly, our results do not necessarily encourage the frequently espoused view that female college presidents are more democratic in their styles than males, or that they are more inclined to group decision-making than their male counterparts. What is critically different about female presidents is that they are more entrepreneurial than male presidents and more attuned to taking risks.
In the comment thread under the article, one person points out that, assuming women have to be significantly more talented and intelligent than men in any given career in order to be afforded the same status, the women in the researchers' sample would be especially outstanding. He or she (posting under a gender-neutral handle, so I'm not sure) adds, "If the gender ratio was more equal, female college presidents would probably look more like male college presidents." What do you think?
Changes for Local Deer Season
For everyone who thinks the deer population needs to be thinned out, I have some good news for you. I Recently read an article in East Central Outdoors, which is a Fishing, Hunting and Adventure Insert found in several metro area newspapers.
The article entitled Big changes in Store For Local Deer Hunters This Fall is about the new hunting regulations that are being put into effect for this fall.
The article was all factual so I will simply outline a few of the changes. These changes include and early antlerless season, zone realignments and the creation of a metro deer-hunting zone.
The changes were made to reduce the numbers of deer in high population zones and include the following.
Cited from article
#1. The DNR will hold two-day antlerless only hunts on Oct. 15-16 to lower deer populations in permit areas 225, 227, 236(north metro) and 209, 210, 401, 405, 406, (Northwestern Minnesota).
#2. Permit areas 401 through 409 will become part of Zone 2. This will create one continuous nine-day season instead of the current split seasons of two and four days.
#3. Zones 205, 211, 214, 283, and 284 will be moved to Zone 1 creating a 16 day season
#4. DNR will also create a metro deer zone.
#5. Hunters will now be able to tag deer on both their regular archery and regular firearms licenses (including muzzleloader), but only one buck will be allowed.
So what does all this mean?
Well it means that by the end of the hunting season there will be fewer deer, and that is a good thing because we all know that deer have a tendency to grow like weeds.
July 22, 2005
Deadly games
There is no link to this story in particular, but highlights of the current issue of Reader's Digest are available at http://www.rd.com.
This story highlights one boy's murderous rampage that, like other killing sprees perpetrated by teenagers, some blame on the violent content of video games. I personally believe that some members of our human race are more easily influenced than others, which is a trait that's true of some teenagers as well as some adults. In order for there to be even a potential solution to the problem of weak-minded individuals being influenced by violent video games, two things have to happen: PARENTS NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHICH GAMES THEIR KIDS ARE PLAYING AND WHAT THEIR KIDS ARE DOING IN GENERAL. This is the biggest, most iportant part. If I ever found a copy of GTA Vice City in my house I would burn it at my son's feet. Secondly, there does have to be some responsibility taken on the part of the manufacturers and retailers of video games, I believe in the form of a strictly enforced rating system. A rating system is just about the only way a parent has to judge what's appropriate and what isn't.
Immigrants flee to Minnesota,yet still struggle to escape the trauma.
Startribune
Many Liberians survived the civil war at home but they still carry heavy burdens of personal tales that are painful to tell. In Minnesota there are thousands of Liberians who are living with tales of trauma from the violence that devestated their homeland. The center for Victims of Torture is working with $ 125,000 in grant from the Minneapolis Foundation which is creating a network of: Churches , schools, healthcare agencies and social-services workers to watch for symptoms of war trauma to wheel victims toward treatment. I think, such a program will help lots of Liberians especially children who never had childhood to get reintegrated in a normal society. It is tough for so many Liberians for them to be going through a terrible experience especially parents who lost every things including their children. Women were rape before their children and husband. I know friends who lost thier entire family. I sometime wonder how these people will put the broken pieces together.
Dental School gives care to migrant workers' children
I thought that light-hearted feel-good journalism might be a refreshing change from the doom and gloom of my usual picks. Here's the link: http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2005/07/20/64798.
Twelve volunteers from the University of Minnesota's dental school, including students and staff, will spend four days examining, drilling and filling the teeth of the children of Olivia's migrant workers. They brought with them an X-ray machine, a portable dental chair and a dental light. "It's basically a dental office that can be packed into a van." says one of the volunteer staff.
The program started nine years ago in 1996 with the organizational efforts of one of the school's dentql professors, Les Martens. He was concerned with the lack of dental care these workers and their families accessed, citing that up to twenty percent of the children that participated in past projects had at least one rotten tooth that had to be pulled. It's good to know that there are people who act for a cause instead of just saying "someone should."
“The state budget: Winners and losers”
As you are all aware of there was a temporary shut down of the Minnesota State government for eight days. Now that law makers have passed the new two year budget plan you may be wondering about what happened. This is exactly what an article entitled, “The state budget: Winners and losers,” published on July 14th 2005. Some of the big winners in the new budget are the works that started back to work after the shutdown but they are not the only ones. One winner is K-12 schools and early childhood education over the next two years they will get $12.6 billion. If you smoke you are most likely upset because law makers passed a 75 cent tax (oops I meant user fee) for cigarettes. MinnesotaCare, who take care of the mentally ill, will not see a cut of 27,000 employees as the governor wanted. Another winner is people that work in long-term care facilities because they will see a $1 per hour increase in their wages. Some money was allocated for short-term road care but Minnesota is still short nearly $1 billion needed to address transportation needs. Pawlenty says that a special session will be called to address the Twins and University of Minnesota’s new stadiums.
This article covers just some of what was all passed and failed to pass in the new budget plan. I liked this article because it served as a follow up to some of the earlier articles. If you have any opinions on the decisions made feel free to make a post.
New device lab-on-a-chip sensor to detect milk contamination
Dated: May 15, 2004
As I mentioned, I located this article to assist with our group project. I didn't realize that research had been conducted on the topic of milk contamination and vulnerability until I noticed the date of this article.
If what this article states is true, why isn't everyone using the new 'lab-on-a-chip' to provide safe milk to the public. The research notes the sensors are disposable, inexpensive, needs no power supply and uses no electronic parts. In addition the sensors can be "constructed to test for a particular toxin in as little as an hour with test results available in minutes." The research paper describing the research can be found in the journal Electrophoresis. The website link is http://www.wiley-vch.de/publish/en/journals/alphabeticIndex/2027/
and the journal describes itself as "one of the world's leading journals for new analytical and preparative methods and for innovative applications on all aspects of electrophoresis.
What do you think? Why isn't this device being used today? Wouldn't all suppliers want to use this mechanism? FYI, it can be used for food supplies, but the study mentioned in the article focused on the nation's milk supply in particular.
July 21, 2005
State moving sex offenders to suburbs
The article I choose was from KSTP.com poasted 7/18/2005
The article is about lawmakers giving the Department of Corrections $1 million to help find sex offenders housing in suburbs and smaller towns. Currently 77 of the 108 level-three sex offenders in Minnesota live in the Twin Cities metro area. In south Minneapolis 5 live within walking distance of a school. At this time the state does not want to move the people from where they are currently living, however, they want to help newly released sex offenders find housing in the suburbs.
My argument to this is that many suburbs and especially small towns do not have their own police departments, and therefore may not have the resources need to track these people. Debbie asked what should be done with these people. I do not have an answer to that. Level three offenders are those deemed most likely to reoffend. Minnesota should do as other states are doing and give them longer sentences.
From the article you can link to the state website to see if there is a level three offender living in your area.
Teen girl dies due to methadone
Bloomington teen charged in girlfriend's drug death
Star Tribune
July 20, 2005
This is a very sad article. Sherry Thompson, 15 years old, was at her boyfriend's house with some friends using a variety of drugs. They used marijuana, snorted a prozac tablet, experimented with ecstasy, crack cocaine, methadone and had some wine coolers. The next day Thompson was found dead. She died due to an overdose of methadone. Her boyfriend, Daniel Otto who is 16 years old, is now "being charged with third-degree murder because he did not intend to kill his girlfriend when he gave her the drug (methadone). He was also charged with second-degree manslaughter for negligence and creating a level of risk in causing Thompson." They say that Otto will probably be charged in juvenile court, but could be tried as an adult.
I do not really know what to say about this article. It is very sad. I cannot believe that these teenagers used that many drugs in one night. They have a serious drug problem. I only hope that the parents of these teenagers watch their children more carefully and get them the help that they need to stop using drugs.
Somali without a home is released
Remember the Somali man without a home who was in jail awaiting deportation? Well, he is a free man for now. Keyse Jama is a Somali man who the U.S. wanted to deport but his home country wouldn't allow him because there is no diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
His odyssey began in a Waseca parking lot in June of 1999. Jama acknowledged that he drank heavily at the time and went into a fight with three other Somali men from opposing clans. He stabbed the men, one in the shoulder, the other in the hand and another in the arm. He pleaded guilty to theird degree assault. The Judge sentenced him to a year and a day in jail for his crime. His crime meant deportation according to immigration officials. Immigration tried to deport Jama to an area of Somalia known as Puntland but Somali officials refused him. When immigration returned him to the U.S., a federal Judge ordered him released, but under his release term he has to check in with immigration authorities every Monday until he is deported.
Eventhough he served his time, but I think they should keep him in jail until his home country can accept his deportation. Jame will be a good example for others who will be planning similar activities. After all this country is law abiding.
July 19, 2005
New laws will change your life, if .....
As I said in class, I brought in this article because it referred to some of the articles we had discussed earlier in class, and also when I saw the data that more 5,300 bills were introduced, and only 170 were agreed upon. This was also after we had discussed the partial government shutdown and how unnecessary that really way.
If you read all of the details in this article, you can maybe see why we had to have a partial shut down. Many of the bills are really not, or should not, be necessary for the government to discuss, in my opinion of course. The most ridiculous one I read was that "if you are a kid with an attitude problem, the state wants to set you straight. The new education law urges teachers to promote attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness and patience." So ... you're telling me that these are currently NOT being taught in the classroom (in addition to at home)? Well, that may explain some things going on in society.
And do we really need to know that if you are 'having a romantic interlude in a hot tub on your rental houseboat
As Clancy mentioned, it is fun the way the article itself is written, and of course makes for an easy read.
To read about, how a bill becomes a law in Minnesota, follow this link to the Minnesota State Legislature website: http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/howbill.asp
It shows some examples but also the specific steps needed to go from an idea to the Governor. Also on this website, you can see a list of the proposed bills which includes the body of government, status of the bill, a summary and a long description of each bill.
For your reading enjoyment ....
Animal-Disease Terrorism
I choose this article from the July 17, 2005 issue of the Startribune because it is related to our group project topic.
The article is about a worldwide gathering in Minneapolis on Saturday of 10,000 venetrinarians and animal-healthworkers. At the gathering they learned what they can do if terrorists ifect animals with diseases that can spread to people. One presentatio included a list of livestock diseases that were found in a cave in Afghanistan. They also discussed the shortage of laboratory facilities equiped to handle foreign diseases.
The group argued the need to replace the nation's only fireign animal disease laboratory which is 50 years old. They also urged veterinarians to help foreign countries combat animal diseases because they contribute to poverty provide black market access.
I don't really have an opionion on this article. However, I do believe that the threat of animal-disease terrorism needs more attention. From our research we have found that farmers don't even know about the threat.
July 18, 2005
West Nile
Star Tribune, July 14
This article was about the first west nile case in Minnesota this year. It happened in Wadena County. This is the peak season for west nile, "from mid-July through mid-Septmeber." "Symptoms can include headache, high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma." So far this year there has been 25 cases of the west nile from all over the world and one person did pass away from the west nile. "To prevent infection, use mosquito repellant, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside at dawn and dusk, and elmininating potential mosquito breeding grounds, such as old tires or buckets that collect standing water."
I chose this article because I think that it is important to know the symptoms that could occur (even though headaches and things listed above could mean a variety of illnesses). I also think it is important to know how to eliminate risk from the west nile. I guess one way would be to never step outside for the next few months, but I highly doubt anyone is going to go to that extreme. Remember, empty your buckets and things in your yard that is gathering water.
July 16, 2005
What a waste...
While I did not bring in this article to class when I read an article like this I just think WTF?!?! I have to appologize in advance for the craptacular writing style of the kstp.com news staff, but I have to give them props for reporting on things like this. President Bruiniks is having a little work done on the Eastcliff mansion where he resides and the University pays for. Anyone care to take a stab on the cost of the remodel? $447,095. How do you like them apples? You could build an entire house for the cost of a remodel that is taking place in the backyard! They aren't even working on the house!!!! I'm curious if anyone has ever ventured over and seen Bruinik's pad? I've biked past it many times on the river road towards Saint Paul and I just look away and get angry thinking the University spends money on things like this. All the while since I started school in 2001 tuition has gone up 50.4%. How nice it must be to not have a conscience.
BTW, since the University of Minnesota Foundation is shelling out $100,000 to pay for this I'd like to impose some words of advice. When you graduate from the University the ink will not even be dry on your diploma when you get a call from the U of M Foundation for a request to donate money. When I am in the position to do so I am going to contribute to the University because I think it is an import thing to give back. However, make sure you specify that your donation can only be used for needs-based scholarships or whatever cause you think is appropriate. Don't allow your money to be put into a general fund because it will go to crap like building Bruiniks a garden in his yard. Make sure you let them know too that spending money like this is irresponsible.
Best Places to Live 2005
I stumbled across this article from cnn.com last weekend. It is a ranking of the best places to live in the United States. Of the top ten listed, two were in the Midwest. Two of the top ten were in New Jersey. The one interesting thing I think you can do with this is rank your own personal preferences for nine categories and perform a search on these to find your ideal home location. I’m not exactly sure of how they rank these because I had some unexpected results from the criteria I listed. New York City was my number one result. I’ve been to New York City before and while it is an outstanding place to visit, I do not think I’d ever want to live there. However, my number six result was Saint Paul. It must be doing something right because I’m moving about 3 miles from were I live in Minneapolis to Saint Paul at the end of the month! The reason I wanted to share this article because I thought it gave me reason to rank and consider factors important to when choosing a place to live. Everyone should check it out and give it a try!
July 15, 2005
A Phenomenal Woman
O The Oprah Magazine
August 2005 issue
There is no link available yet for this story, as the magazine’s website doesn’t have the August issue available to view at this time. That said, on with the story.
Sabriye Tenberken has been alive for 34 years and blind for 22 of them. A degenerative retinal disease stole her sight when she was only 12 years old. “Her classmates spurned and taunted her, gave her false directions in order to watch her tumble down a flight of stairs.” Sabriye tried to fit in with the sighted world by denying her blindness, and she was miserable.
When she went to a boarding school for the blind, she learned, among other things, that she was not alone. She read an entire book, in Braille, for the first time in her life. At 26, she went to Tibet, where the blind are considered demonic. Now, she teaches blind Tibetan children about their culture. Their blind culture.
Home alone data debatable
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/living/education/12089240.htm
Pioneer Press Sunday, July 10
What do your kids do after school? Do they play sports, or go to a youth program? Do they belong to scouts or 4H? Or do they sit in front of the television, or hang around at the mall with friends? Do they talk to strangers, or use drugs? Many Minnesota parents can’t honestly answer these questions. According to a report conducted by the Minnesota Commission on Out-of-School Time, half of Minnesota kids aren’t part of any structured after school program.
If you’re like most people, you would be in support of the $12 million public-private fund recommended by the commission to make sure our kids aren’t talking to strangers, using drugs or getting into trouble after school. But it seems the commission’s findings aren’t necessarily accurate, and they can’t support their numbers. This inaccurate reporting may jeopardize the funding necessary for the kids who are without structure and supervision after school.
A true "frog to prince" fairy tale
The Pioneer Press featured an story of an Iowa banker discovering his royal roots on its July 5 edition. Marty Johnson was adopted by his Iowa family after living in a Catholic orphanage at St Paul until 4. Now 41, Johnson started his search for his biological parents in 2001, and soon got in touch with his mother in California, who told him that his father is the chief of a small Nigerian village. Johnson's father, John Ogike came to visit Johnson and his family in April — his first visit to America since he left school in the '60s. In the span of one year, Johnson's sibling count jumped from one to nine, with two new sisters on his mom's side and six siblings on his father's. The mortgage banker from Eagan became the prince of Aboh, a small village in Nigeria, and first in line to become its chief.
I was touched by the humanity side of the story. When I shared this with a friend, who was adopted from Vietnam at 18-month, she laughed, saying "too bad there isn't any village in Vietnam that I might be the Princess of."
Minnesotans for 15 years, they face deportation.
Andrew and Blanka Danecek both are natives of Czech Republic who have lived in the Twin cities for 15 years. The Daneceks came to the United States in 1990 on a humanitarian parole when their son, Chris was diagnosed as having Leukemia.
The Daneceks own a home in Maple Grove and have a 9-year-old daughter born in the Twin cities. Andrew has a good job as a child support officer with the Hennepin county while Blanka happen to be an employee at the TCF Bank. They have built a good life in Minnesota but come Wednesday they both will have to leave the United States. Immigration courts have said that their son Leukemia has been in remission for more than 10-years and therefore, it's time for them to face deportation. One immigration expert said that tougher immigration law passed in 1996, has made it difficult for judges to side with the Daneceks.
Like I said in class, it's a sad story for this family. This immigration law will definitely cause division in the Daneceks' family. What is going to become of their 9-year-old daughter born in the Twin cities? As we all know, the future of every child some how depend on the upbringing on the part of the parent(s). I'm also wondering if immigration will revisit this law some time in the future.
Source: Star Tribune
University's Solar Car Ready to Roll
The July 13 Minnesota Daily article announced the completion of Borealis III, the accomplishment of 46 undergraduate students and their sponsors for over a year's work. Borealis III will be participating in this year's North American Solar Challenge, a 2,500-mile race from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta. This 10-day race begins this Sunday.
Trevre Andrews, the solar car project manager, said that "on a very overcast day, the Borealis III could last for 250 miles at a cruising speed of 50 mph, fueled entirely by its battery. On a very sunny day, the Borealis III is capable of cruising at 60 mph from sunrise to sunset." Andrews also estimates the Borealis III could be capable of reaching up to 90 mph.
The team is confident that they will place high in the race.
This article delineates a perfect example of imagination and technology in fusion. I love scientific inventions. But I also have this guff about studying scientific or technological courses, because I think that we are following others' steps/theories/innovations most of the time. I got frustrated and switched major to arts! This solar car project inspired me, though. Most of the team members are undergraduates, and their passion is going to make a difference in their lives, or may be a huge difference in the world some day.
Internet Pharmacy
Internet Pharmacy
Christopher Smith, a Burnsville resident, started an online pharmaceutical called Xpress Pharmacy Direct. His company has over 100,000 customers. The article states, “Federal authorities began investigating Smith's online drug business for alleged money laundering, mail fraud and wire fraud after complaints from customers and former employees.” He has about dozen internet sites and a call center of 85,000 employees. It also states that “authorities concluded that Smith had been selling medicines to customers without proper prescriptions and selling drugs without a license.” Christopher Smith was also paying a doctor to write out prescriptions to patients he had never seen nor met. He is also known as an international email spammer.
This is a short article, but I just can not understand how people come up with these ideas and honestly believe that the Federal Government will never catch up to them. Also, that Smith is so young. In the article it states that he is only 25 and a high school drop out. This just blows my mind.
capitol gridlock ties up transportation
On July 11, 2005 there was an article posted on MPR entitled, “Capitol Gridlock Ties up Transportation.” The main point of this article is that Minnesota lawmakers have come up with some money to help Twin Cities transit system but the money is not enough to fix all of the problems with Minnesota transportation. In the article the author talks about how many of the roads and bridges in Minnesota that need to be fixed will largely remain the same because of the lack of money. Much of the money that funds Metropolitan Council comes from the tax on the purchase of new cars. Part of the problem is that Minnesotans are not buying as many new cars as they have in the past. This has caused the Metropolitan Council to raise fares and cut service on certain routs. In the up coming elections Minnesotans will have the opportunity to vote on whether there should be an increase in the amount of the tax on new car purchases that goes to transportation.
“Earlier in the session, lawmakers approved a bonding bill that borrows $5 million to fund the planning of the Central Corridor light rail or bus rapid transit line between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis and $37 million for the proposed Northstar commuter rail line between Minneapolis and Big Lake” (Dan Olson, MPR).
Charities see drop in donated cars
On July 8, 2005 there was an article posted on MPR website entitled “Charities See Drop in Donated Cars.” In the past people who decided to donate, their cars to charity were allowed to take the value of the car as a tax write off. The problem with this arrangement is that in the past people were allowed to value there cars as “far market value.” Unfortunately, some people took advantage of this situation and valued their cars for more than they could have sold them. As a result, congress changed the law so that now people only get what the charity sells the car for as a tax write off. This ruling has caused a decline in the amount of cars that have been donated. Some charities like Courage Center which, in the past have made $2 million a year from car donations has seen a 50% drop in earnings.
The unfortunate thing with this story is that one would think that people would be making the donations out of the kindness in their hearts but really the only reason most people do it is for the tax write off. I don’t really see a simple solution to the problem thought. If people are over pricing their cars and ripping off the government that is bad but it is also bad that these charities are not making the money that they used to.
July 13, 2005
Muslims say their employer hasn't made room for prayer.
Celestica inc. is a film in Arden Hills that has been charged by 15 of its employees who happen to be muslims for not allowing them to pray five times a day. They said that the company has terminated them because of their prayer schedules. Muslims are required to pray five times a day at: sun rise, early and late in the afternoon, at sunset and at night. These employees have said that the company is saying that they should pray only during schedule work breaks. But the manager of Celestica inc. said the company has done every thing posible to embrace diversity and has also accomodated religious practics. The manager also said that company has even provided a special prayer room for Arden Hills employees. The manager went on to say that the company has not violated any laws.
Meanwhile, most of the employees who happen to be Somali are asking the company to change its policy to respect religious and also reinstate those that were fire.
What I don't comprehend is that Muslim countries do not make room for christians in a similar situations like this so why should they demand for one.
Source: Star Tribune.
Immigration problem
The article I choose was from the July 11, 2005 issue of the Startribune.
This article is about a family from the Czech Republic that faces deportation. They moved to Minnesota in 1990 so their son could recieve treatment for leukemia. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks they went to the immigration office to reniew their annual work permits. They were told that because their son's leukemia was in remission that they could not renew their permits.
This family has lived and worked in Minnesota for 15 years. They have good jobs and own their own home. They are not criminals, they are hard working people. They have a 9 year old daughter that has lived here her whole life.
They are told they are being deported as the result of a law passed in 1996. The article states that prior to '96 "the law said that in order to stay in the country, an immigrant had to show it would be an extreme hardship on themselves if they had to leave." The new law says that the hardship must be suffered by a U.S. citizen, not the person being deported.
I do believe that immigration laws need to be more strict. I believe immigration should be legal, however, I believe we need to crack down on illegal immigration. Many lawmakers want to grant citizenship to illigal immigrants that are already working in this country. And in many parts of California, police cannot ask someone their immigration status and do not work with the INS. Yet in Minnesota we are deporting people that came here legally and are working and paying taxes.
Home alone data debatable
The article I choose was from the July 10, 2005 issue of the St. Paul Pioneer Press
The article is about a recent study launched by Univerity of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks researching the number of children in Minnesota that are home alone after school. The article says that the study did not use scientific research to back up the statistics they give.
One such example of a statistic that is not backed up by research is that the study says, "Minnesota is home to 950,000 young people and has the highest percentage in the country of children ages 12 and older alone at home every single afternoon." When confronted about the statement, Dale Blyth, the commission's chief of staff says, "We do not know which state has the largest number of teens home alone nor the percentage of Minnesota teens specifically," and calls it an "unfortunate over-interpretation."
I choose this article because it tied into a previous article I choose about unethical research practices. This deffinately an example of an unethical research practice. By releasing this study the commission takes away from the real issue. Children being home alone is deffinately a problem, even if the numbers are not as high as reported in the study. However, it is now going to be harder to address the issue because any future studies may not be believed.
July 12, 2005
Sports facilities might sell alcohol in club rooms
Before I read this rather short article, the title alone shocked me. Maybe it was because I thought that while on University property attending University events, there was a no alchohol ban - no drinking or serving alcohol on U. property.
Then I see from the article alcohol is already served -- free -- in the club room. University officials now want to start charging for the beer and wine since the budget is so tight. They need to make up some of the money shortage, and they see this as one way to make up some of the shortage.
The suggested change would have to require the Board of Regents and State Legislature approval, similar to what they had to do in Northrop in order to see wine during intermission during those events.
I'd say go ahead an start charging! Everywhere else the sports fans would go on campus would require them to pay for their liquor. Maybe it would slow down the heavy drinkers if they had to pay for the beverages.
I know our class also discussed whether or not liquor, or at least beer and wine, should be served in other University locations, such as Coffman Union. One of our classmates suggested that the Union isn't being utilized as fully as it could be and maybe this is one way to bring in more of the student population. Although the non-drinkers and religious conservatives would probably start petitions ...
Crookston campus
U will keep outstate campus
July 8, 2005 Star Tribune
This article talks about the a chance for the Crookston campus to close. President Robert Brunicks has stated that he will keep the campus open. Reasons for keeping this campus open is because of "heavy investment the university has made in the campus, historic duty to serve the entire stated, and because of it's important agricultural research station." He stated that they will have to "strengthen our presence."
Reasons for perhaps closing the campus are: smallest campus in the unviersity system, only 1,200 full time students, in the past 4 years the applications to attend this school have dropped by 30%, they have more part time students, on average only 37% of students get a degree in six years.
I decided on this article because I never realized this campus was so small. I also did not know that were talks about closing this university down. I just thought it was a very interesting article. I do not know how I feel about keeping it open or closing it because I still do not know enough about this topic to make an accurate decision. What are your thoughts??
July 10, 2005
My Baby was almost Killed
Well I suppose I can't say "My baby was almost killed" in a literal sense. However, in some little messed up way I believe that it is true. Recently I was driving home from work when I narrowly missed a deer prancing merrily across the road. I am telling you it almost killed my baby, my car.
So I was filled with jubilation when I saw an article entitled Bambi Must DIE.
The article is focused on how deer overpopulation may be having negative effects on the ecosystem. This point is argued by focusing on a few aspects which include:
Less plant diversity
May be contributing to the spread of lyme disease and other diseases
Threat to ground nesting birds
Less biodivesity
By looking at these aspects the author is able to build a strong case against the white tail deer. It points out that in many areas of the state the deer population is exceeding 30 deer per square mile. This amount the author says is well over the number of deer that there should be and feels that something will need to be done to curve the population. The problem however is that the more development and logging that takes place, the more of a deer haven the state is creating making it hard to lower the population. Furthermore, many people feel deer are a "weedy" population in that they can double there population in as little as two years. The article then looks at ways the deer population can be curved and the upside and downside to a few of them.
July 07, 2005
Budget debate
The article I selected was from the Star Tribune. It appears that the state is nearing a budget solution. The article reported that the Republicans and DFL are closer to figures on education funding but still need to crunch numbers on health and human services funding. It seems like one of the main sticking points in the budget is the proposed revenue from a “racino”. Governor Pawlenty wants the House and Senate to vote one two different proposals. One would gain revenue from a 75-cent-per-pack on tobacco and another would raise money from a racino. Republicans want to force a vote on the racino – a source of funding many Minnesotans view as favorably. The State Attorney General as said that the current racino bill violates the State constitution. DFLers are worried that it isn’t a viable option for revenue because of the numerous legal challenges it faces. The Senate has already proposed closing corporate tax loopholes that would generate $187 million. The Governor opposed this and the Senate responded by cutting it $107 million to $80 million. The reason I selected this was shed light on a very prominent local issue that the state is facing. I do not think that the state should count its eggs before they hatch when considering the racino. It seems irresponsible to count on a source of revenue that the state attorney general has said is not constitutional. It is also unfortunate that the Governor would not agree to close corporate tax loopholes that cost the state millions of dollars. How do other people feel about a racino in the state? Is it something that you support?
July 05, 2005
City Pages - Stubbed Out
Here is the link to the article in full-
I am going to just give a quick overview down below and then vent a little:)
The article Stubbed Out, if you didn't read it, is about the effects that the smoking ban is having on the bars, taverns, nightclubs, restraunts, etc. in Minneapolis. Many people would like to cite that the smoking ban is having only positive effects on the businesses, however many business owners feel that this is not the case.
In the article it tells that many tavern keepers and nightclub managers warned that the full effects of the been hadn't been considered. It states that they argued that sending people outside to smoke would create a number of hazzards, like litter and noise, as well as impenetrable crowds at the entryways of most establishments. Most important however is the financial woes that many establishments are enduring.
This evidence from sworn affidavits are contained in the article:
"Revenues at the U Otter Stop Inn are down 65 percent"
"There have been at least three days in which the bar has taken in less than $20 in gross receipts a day."
Other tidbits from article:
Johnny A's on West Broadway saw an 18% drop in April from last year.
Jax Cafe was seeing food and liquor sales up by $30,000 a month (roughly $380,00 in total monthly revenue) from winter 2004 to this past season. But in April when the ban took effect, sales dropped some $64,000 from same time last year.
My Rant:
Now I am not saying that I am supporting smoking in the least. We all of course know that it is bad for you and can easily kill you. However, I also do not feel that it is necessary to force business owners into a ban than they do not support. This is an issue that to me, does not warrant having the city/county stepping in on. It should be every business owners right to allow or not allow smoking in their establishment. If it was for the best of all the businesses why didn't we see non smoking establishments before the smoking ban. Let the smoking ban supporters support the non smoking establishments and the smokers support the smoking establishments. It should be each establishments right to pick which type they would like to be. You can say you support non smoking establishments all day long, but if you don't patronize non smoking establishments you may soon have no establishments to support at all.
Report says, Benefits of owning a home are declining
A recent article states that "Easy money and low inflation have combined to undermine the value of buying a house with a fixed rate mortgage, a conclusion that may surprise home buyers who rapidly have been bidding up house prices in recent years." This after a new report stated that the financial advantages of buying a home are the lowest since they have been since 1970. There are many economists who are wondering if house prices have climbed too fast and are ready for a fall. The report doesn't specifically target the rising of falling prices of the house itself, but is focused on the financial risks of owning a home on an interest only loan or with a zero down payment. The article points out that homes as a sure-fire investment may be waning.
The article also points out the up and downside to low inflation rates. This in the fact that with high inflation the "real" value of money helps out home buyers because the money they are paying back the lone with is worth less than the money they had originally purchased with.
It may not be the best idea to purchase more house than is neccesarry, the article states, as a way to invest. Roger Harrington stated that "If you want a risk-free investment, put the (extra) money into an FDIC-insured account where you can be assured of the return of your principal."-
A bankrupt Northwest: What could travelers expect?
A recent article on the MPR website entitled, “A bankrupt Northwest: What could travelers expect?” dealt with just what the title says. Northwest has been losing money for the past few years. At the same time mechanics and flight attendants have been against Northwest’s cost cutting plans. In fact many of them have threatened to strike rather than take cuts to there pay or pensions. If the workers go on strike Northwest does have a backup plan but this will most likely push Northwest further into financial trouble.
The article goes on to talk about how the possible bankrupts will affect travels. Many airlines in the US have filed for bankruptcy and still continue to operate. Some examples of this are United Airlines and US Airways. The bankrupt airlines try to say that them being bankrupt benefits travelers because their tickets are often cheaper. Even though the tickets are cheaper the risk is greater. When an airline is in bankruptcy they can stop flying with little notice. If you were a traveler on one of the bankrupt airlines you could get stranded and would have to buy another ticket.
I think that it is unfortunate that Northwest is in financial trouble and may have to file for bankruptcy. Many people will most likely lose there jobs and some of their pensions.
July 02, 2005
Sex offenders fine anonymity in Minnesota state law
Since 1997, the Minnesota's sex offender notification law has been effective. According to this law, it means when sex offenders are release from a Minnesota's prison, the state assign a risk level and the public is immediately notify especially if the sex offender is level 3 which is consider dangerous.
Prior to this law, an estimate of 12,000 sex offenders have been released and with no risk level assigned. Some are consider dangerous to socity, but even as that they must remain anonymous under Minnesota law.
I think the state law should be revisited in order to notify the public about those anonymous sex offenders. It's dangerous to live side by side with these people with out any public notification.
According to the article, some residents are saying it's unfair to notify the public because housing will become a serious issue, nobody will want to live next to them. Besides, who's going to hire them if they are not given the opportunity to succeed.
source: www.mpr.org
July 01, 2005
Minneapolis Mayoral Race
The article I brought in for Wednesday’s class was, was Minneapolis mayoral race heats up summer. With the election on November 8th coming soon, three candidates are running for mayor in Minneapolis. The three candidates are the incumbent, R.T. Rybak (DFL), Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin (DFL), and Farheen Hakeem (Green). The candidates plan on campaigning a lot during the summer before the September 13th primary. The primary will eliminate one of the three candidates. I brought the article in from a citizenship and a public ethics standpoint of our class. Typically many people do not vote in small mayoral and local elections. It is a good idea to stay current on candidate’s campaigns and to make informed choices of whom you should vote for. Although the article does not go into much detail, it reports that McLaughlin’s campaign will focus on public education, stronger neighborhoods, and safety of residents. Hakeem has never held a public office but is active in community organizations. She would like to separate herself from the pack by emphasizing she does not bring a political past but wants to bring an objective look at the political system. Our group has heard a few things about the candidates but would be interested to know more about their stance on issues.