Kirkwood, Missouri is a small town southwest of St. Louis and is usually peaceful and quiet. However, on Thursday, February 7, 2008, a man named Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton ran into City Hall during a council meeting and began shooting. The meeting had just begun at 7 pm with about 30 people in the room. Six people were killed and others were injured before the police shot him as well. First, he killed one man/officer outside of city hall and then went inside and shot another person before he began shooting continuously. The mayor, Mike Swoboda, was critically injured and was rushed to the intensive care unit of St. John's Mercy Hospital. According to Janet McNichols, a reporter covering the meeting at the time of the shooting, the gunman entered the room and began yelling about shooting the mayor while walking around and firing. He shot Officer Tom Ballman in the head during this time.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080208/ap_on_re_us/missouri_shooting;_ylt=AtoTzt9ezgQr7PbtM5ypw7ys0NUE)
Although the motives for the shooting remain unclear, McNichols said that Thornton had disrupted many other meetings prior to this one. Thornton was known for his outrageous comments during other meetings and even mayor Swoboda said that his encounters with Thornton were, "one of the most embarrassing situations that I have experienced in my many years of public service." Even though the council were considering banning Thronton from future meetings, they decided against it. He was also arrested twice before and convicted for disorderly conduct.
(http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/02/07/city.council.shooting/index.html)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Demi-Lee Brennan's Transplant Makes Medical History!
It's amazing what the human body can accomplish!
In Australia, a fifteen year old girl named Demi-Lee Brennan received a liver transplant when she was nine years old. At the time, she was dangerously ill with liver failure. What is truly remarkable about this story is that normally, when a person first receives a transplant the human body rejects anything foreign because it does not recognize the organ. However, in Demi-Lee's case, the doctors have found that only 9 months after the transplant, her body had totally adopted the donor's immune system after stem cells from the new liver migrated to her bone marrow. Not only that, Demi-Lee's blood type also changed to the same as the donor's blood type. This case is the first of it's kind in medical history.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080124/hl_afp/australiahealthchildrentransplant_080124175631;_ylt=AspGhlXL0jtqFupXR4HFg8wPLBIF)
Doctors and scientists are now trying to apply what happened in Demi-Lee's case to other patients who are to receive transplants as well. There is no solid explanation for this miracle but there are theories. One theory is that Demi-Lee's immune system was so weak that the stem cells migrated to the bone marrow and proliferated. Brennan hasn't taken any anti-rejection drugs for about four years now and her liver is functioning normally. There are also no symptoms of the immune cells of the donated liver attacking the host.
(http://www.australiannews.net/story/321233)
In Australia, a fifteen year old girl named Demi-Lee Brennan received a liver transplant when she was nine years old. At the time, she was dangerously ill with liver failure. What is truly remarkable about this story is that normally, when a person first receives a transplant the human body rejects anything foreign because it does not recognize the organ. However, in Demi-Lee's case, the doctors have found that only 9 months after the transplant, her body had totally adopted the donor's immune system after stem cells from the new liver migrated to her bone marrow. Not only that, Demi-Lee's blood type also changed to the same as the donor's blood type. This case is the first of it's kind in medical history.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080124/hl_afp/australiahealthchildrentransplant_080124175631;_ylt=AspGhlXL0jtqFupXR4HFg8wPLBIF)
Doctors and scientists are now trying to apply what happened in Demi-Lee's case to other patients who are to receive transplants as well. There is no solid explanation for this miracle but there are theories. One theory is that Demi-Lee's immune system was so weak that the stem cells migrated to the bone marrow and proliferated. Brennan hasn't taken any anti-rejection drugs for about four years now and her liver is functioning normally. There are also no symptoms of the immune cells of the donated liver attacking the host.
(http://www.australiannews.net/story/321233)
Friday, January 18, 2008
Stem Cell Research
Although it is a breakthrough in finding new treatments and cures for diseases, stem cell research has created a lot of controversy in our world.
On Thursday, January 17, 2008, scientists in California produced embryos that are clones of two men. What was amazing about this was that the embryos were made with ordinary skin cells. The cloning process is done by inserting DNA into a human egg. Then when the egg gets to be about five days old, they extract the stem cells from it. The scientists took skin cells from Dr. Samuel Wood, who is a co-author of the new paper and chief executive of Stemagen Corp. in La Jolla, California, and another volunteer. The scientists produced three embryos with DNA that matched the men’s. It was confirmed that they were human clones by further testing of the DNA.
(http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/01/17/cloned.embryos.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText)
There are many people who oppose this however. They say that we do not have the right to create humans for the sole purpose of destroying them in order to help others. Richard Doerflinger, spokesman for U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that as a scientific advancement, the new study and findings will be “very limited.” Due to these protests and objections, scientists have taken on a new method to achieve stem cells. This new process directly turns skin cells into stem cells but it has a greater possibility of cancer for the person receiving the tissues.
<http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080117/ap_on_sc/cloned_embryos;_ylt=AtO5tJD6Bkwfhx_nG1x1MogPLBIF>
On Thursday, January 17, 2008, scientists in California produced embryos that are clones of two men. What was amazing about this was that the embryos were made with ordinary skin cells. The cloning process is done by inserting DNA into a human egg. Then when the egg gets to be about five days old, they extract the stem cells from it. The scientists took skin cells from Dr. Samuel Wood, who is a co-author of the new paper and chief executive of Stemagen Corp. in La Jolla, California, and another volunteer. The scientists produced three embryos with DNA that matched the men’s. It was confirmed that they were human clones by further testing of the DNA.
(http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/01/17/cloned.embryos.ap/index.html#cnnSTCText)
There are many people who oppose this however. They say that we do not have the right to create humans for the sole purpose of destroying them in order to help others. Richard Doerflinger, spokesman for U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that as a scientific advancement, the new study and findings will be “very limited.” Due to these protests and objections, scientists have taken on a new method to achieve stem cells. This new process directly turns skin cells into stem cells but it has a greater possibility of cancer for the person receiving the tissues.
<http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080117/ap_on_sc/cloned_embryos;_ylt=AtO5tJD6Bkwfhx_nG1x1MogPLBIF>
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Anderson and McEnroe Plead Not Guilty
On December 24, 2007, a couple from Washington, Michele Anderson and her boyfriend, Joseph Thomas McEnroe, walked into the home of Michele Anderson's parents and shot them both. Knowing that Michele's brother, his wife, and their two children would arrive soon, the couple, both of whom are 29, hid the bodies in a shed. When the rest arrived for Christmas Eve celebration, Anderson and McEnroe shot and killed them all. When McEnroe shot the two children, he apologized to them and then shot them both in the head. They stated that the reason for killing the children was to conceal their identities. Both of them were charged with six counts of first-degree murder. After the shooting, Anderson and McEnroe fleed to Canada but returned the next day and were taken into custody.
(http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=5855041)
Then on January 10, 2008, the couple pleaded not guilty to the murdering of the six family members. Although the motive for killing them was not clear, Anderson said that her brother owed her money and she was upset because her parents didn't take her side. Also, her parents were apparently pressuring her and her boyfriend to pay rent for staying on their property. Joseph McEnroe's mother told the Seattle Times that she had lost contact with her son due to money issues but was shocked to hear that he was arrested for doing such a thing because he a "good Christian."
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080110/ap_on_re_us/carnation_killings_2)
(http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=5855041)
Then on January 10, 2008, the couple pleaded not guilty to the murdering of the six family members. Although the motive for killing them was not clear, Anderson said that her brother owed her money and she was upset because her parents didn't take her side. Also, her parents were apparently pressuring her and her boyfriend to pay rent for staying on their property. Joseph McEnroe's mother told the Seattle Times that she had lost contact with her son due to money issues but was shocked to hear that he was arrested for doing such a thing because he a "good Christian."
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080110/ap_on_re_us/carnation_killings_2)
Thursday, December 20, 2007
"Come in, you are safe."
It truly is sad when the people of a government are being intimidated so much that they can't report that their people are being tortured.
"Come in, you are safe," along with "Long Live the Islamic State," is what was scribbled on the walls of a newly found torture chamber in Iraq. Food wrappers, plastic soda cans, electric wires, chains hanging from the ceilings, swords on the floors, etc. were all found in the dirt floor cell. This room was hidden in Muqdadiyah which is about 60 miles north of Baghdad. Many of the swords, beds, and weapons that were used in the torture chamber are still covered in blood. According to U.S. Army Major General Mark P. Hertling, there were nine graves that contained the bodies of 26 people. Judging from the bodies, it was said that they were about 6-8 months old and the troops said that it was hard to identify them because of the advanced decomposition. This chamber is assumed to have been in use for over a year.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071221/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_torture_
chamber;_ylt=AsDySdzbncEdqvqkrdEXc7es0NUE)
The chamber was found somewhere between December 8-11 when troops conducted an operation and the troops who found the chamber killed 24 people who they thought were terrorists and arrested 37 people who were under suspicion. There was enough evidence to prove that people have been intimidated, tortured, and murdered in this room. They found mines, pipe bombs, grenades, and 130 pounds of homemade explosives. What's also shocking is that the people of the village said that they knew about the torture chamber but were to afraid to report it because they were too intimidated by the extremists.
(http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/12/19/iraq.torture.complex/
index.html?eref=rss_world)
"Come in, you are safe," along with "Long Live the Islamic State," is what was scribbled on the walls of a newly found torture chamber in Iraq. Food wrappers, plastic soda cans, electric wires, chains hanging from the ceilings, swords on the floors, etc. were all found in the dirt floor cell. This room was hidden in Muqdadiyah which is about 60 miles north of Baghdad. Many of the swords, beds, and weapons that were used in the torture chamber are still covered in blood. According to U.S. Army Major General Mark P. Hertling, there were nine graves that contained the bodies of 26 people. Judging from the bodies, it was said that they were about 6-8 months old and the troops said that it was hard to identify them because of the advanced decomposition. This chamber is assumed to have been in use for over a year.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071221/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_torture_
chamber;_ylt=AsDySdzbncEdqvqkrdEXc7es0NUE)
The chamber was found somewhere between December 8-11 when troops conducted an operation and the troops who found the chamber killed 24 people who they thought were terrorists and arrested 37 people who were under suspicion. There was enough evidence to prove that people have been intimidated, tortured, and murdered in this room. They found mines, pipe bombs, grenades, and 130 pounds of homemade explosives. What's also shocking is that the people of the village said that they knew about the torture chamber but were to afraid to report it because they were too intimidated by the extremists.
(http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/12/19/iraq.torture.complex/
index.html?eref=rss_world)
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Five men arrested for Malibu fire
Playing with fire is dangerous.
On Thursday, December 11, 2007, five men were arrested because they were thought to have created a fire in Malibu that destroyed fifty homes. The fire caused over $100 million in damages. Surveillance videos, receipts, and food wrappers were used in order to track down the men who the police thought were responsible. The men are: B. Anderson (age 22), W. Coppock (age 23), B. Franks (age 27), E. Ullman (age 18), and Dean Lavorante (age 19). L.A. County Sheriff, Lee Baca, said that there was enough evidence to show that these men were the ones who started a campfire at a popular party spot (which was in a cave) and caused the fire on Thursday. Arson detective Irma Gonzales said that 12 people had been partying in the cave and did nothing to stop or warn other about the fire. Apparently, "they just drove off." Bail ranges from around $240,000- $265,000.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071214/ap_on_re_us/malibu_fire;_ylt=AurzckIy_vqqCwajCY7kGAZvzwcF)
All five men are from the Los Angeles area and are charged with three felonies (including two arson-related charges). Each one counts for 2 to 4 years in prison. The fire engulfed about 5,000 acres and destroyed over 80 buildings. Also, the fire forced approximately 15,000 people to evacuate their homes. The men are scheduled to make their first court date on Monday.
(http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/14/malibu.fire/index.html)
On Thursday, December 11, 2007, five men were arrested because they were thought to have created a fire in Malibu that destroyed fifty homes. The fire caused over $100 million in damages. Surveillance videos, receipts, and food wrappers were used in order to track down the men who the police thought were responsible. The men are: B. Anderson (age 22), W. Coppock (age 23), B. Franks (age 27), E. Ullman (age 18), and Dean Lavorante (age 19). L.A. County Sheriff, Lee Baca, said that there was enough evidence to show that these men were the ones who started a campfire at a popular party spot (which was in a cave) and caused the fire on Thursday. Arson detective Irma Gonzales said that 12 people had been partying in the cave and did nothing to stop or warn other about the fire. Apparently, "they just drove off." Bail ranges from around $240,000- $265,000.
(http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071214/ap_on_re_us/malibu_fire;_ylt=AurzckIy_vqqCwajCY7kGAZvzwcF)
All five men are from the Los Angeles area and are charged with three felonies (including two arson-related charges). Each one counts for 2 to 4 years in prison. The fire engulfed about 5,000 acres and destroyed over 80 buildings. Also, the fire forced approximately 15,000 people to evacuate their homes. The men are scheduled to make their first court date on Monday.
(http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/14/malibu.fire/index.html)
Friday, December 7, 2007
Bush's new mortgage rate freeze plan
The Bush Administration announces their plans of helping those who are in financial dilemmas.
On Thursday, December 06, 2007, the Bush Administration have revealed their plan to freeze interest rates for five years for some homeowner’s who are having trouble paying for their subprime mortgages. It is expected for these rates to heavily increase in the following months. “We should not bail out lenders, real estate speculators or those made the reckless decision to buy a home they knew they could never afford. But there are some responsible homeowners who could avoid foreclosure with some assistance,” says Bush. He says that approximately 1.2 million people may be eligible to receive this aid and it may eventually help 300,000 families. The plan would apply to homeowners who got adjustable-rate subprime mortgages between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 31 of this year and are facing a sharp jump in their rates before July 31, 2010.
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120600246.html?nav=rss_email/components)
Most of the homeowner’s who may be eligible for this type of assistance would be those who have enough money to pay for their mortgages at low rates but do not have enough money to afford to pay for the monthly increase in their payments. However, Republican lawmakers and their aides were skeptical about this plan because it might anger the homeowners who went through the trouble to stay out of payment issues. And now, the government was helping those who made negligent decisions and bought homes that were far beyond their means. I believe that this plan is fair only in some cases. For families who have trouble with their income and payments should go through an application process so that only the most eligible of the eligible can receive this financial help. And only those who obviously have not made any irresponsible decisions should be able to obtain aid from the government.
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120600246.html?nav=rss_email/components)
On Thursday, December 06, 2007, the Bush Administration have revealed their plan to freeze interest rates for five years for some homeowner’s who are having trouble paying for their subprime mortgages. It is expected for these rates to heavily increase in the following months. “We should not bail out lenders, real estate speculators or those made the reckless decision to buy a home they knew they could never afford. But there are some responsible homeowners who could avoid foreclosure with some assistance,” says Bush. He says that approximately 1.2 million people may be eligible to receive this aid and it may eventually help 300,000 families. The plan would apply to homeowners who got adjustable-rate subprime mortgages between Jan. 1, 2005, and July 31 of this year and are facing a sharp jump in their rates before July 31, 2010.
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120600246.html?nav=rss_email/components)
Most of the homeowner’s who may be eligible for this type of assistance would be those who have enough money to pay for their mortgages at low rates but do not have enough money to afford to pay for the monthly increase in their payments. However, Republican lawmakers and their aides were skeptical about this plan because it might anger the homeowners who went through the trouble to stay out of payment issues. And now, the government was helping those who made negligent decisions and bought homes that were far beyond their means. I believe that this plan is fair only in some cases. For families who have trouble with their income and payments should go through an application process so that only the most eligible of the eligible can receive this financial help. And only those who obviously have not made any irresponsible decisions should be able to obtain aid from the government.
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2007/12/06/AR2007120600246.html?nav=rss_email/components)
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