11 Year Old Maid Beat By Cricket Star

11 Year Old Maid Beat By Cricket Star

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/10/asia/bangladesh-maid-abuse-child-labor/index.html

Mahfuza Akhter, 11 year old, was a former live-in maid for a Bangladesh cricket star. She claims that the star, Shahadas Hossian and his wife, physically abused her while working in their home. "They used to beat me with sticks, kitchen utensils, punch me, and scratch me. I would be slapped a lot," she said while pointing to a distinct scar on her face. Hossain and his wife are both in police custody and are charged with child repression and employing a minor. The lawyer claims that Hossian is innocent and that he wasn't home the day this happened. The wife was granted temporary bail on humanitarian grounds because she has a young baby. Mahfuza, also known as Happy, says that she was sent to work in the couple's home by her grandmother. She claimed that her and her family needed the money. She claims that she was locked in their home and forced to sleep in the bathroom. "They wouldn't give me proper food. They'd usually give me leftovers or food that had gone bad," she said. She was looking for a chance to escape, she would rather of lived on the streets than live in the home. She took a chance when the couple's other servant opened the door.

First off, I think that this was very wrong in the first place. An 11 year old child shouldn't be working. There are laws against that kind of thing. She was a little girl, she didn't deserve to be working. She had other family members, they should have gotten a job first. The only job that a child should do is scooping snow or raking leaves for like $10 or so. It's not fair for a child to go to work everyday like adults. Secondly, I think that this couple should go to prison. I also think that they should lose custody of their baby. They obviously don't know how to treat a child, so they shouldn't have one of their own. That's just my opinion. I'm glad that this girl got away and finally got taken care of. I feel sorry for her.

Planned Parenthood Shooting Suspect Pleads Guilty

Robert Dear Has Outbursts At Hearing

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/09/us/colorado-planned-parenthood-shooting/index.html

On Wednesday, Robert Dear made a series of outbursts at a hearing saying, "I am a warrior for the babies." Dear was accused of killing three people last month at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The prosecutors filed 179 felony charges against him. He had made nearly 20 interjections during the proceeding. "You'll never know what I saw in that clinic" he said. Other times, he stated, "I am guilty. There is no trial." A bailiff sitting nearby several times placed a hand on Dear's shoulder in attempt to stop the disruptions. When the lawyers read off a list of the victims in the incident, Dear blurted out, "Could you add the babies that were supposed to be aborted that day? Could you add that to the list?" The District Attorney, Dan May, said that litany of charges against Dear, including eight options of first-degree murder and 131 counts of attempted first degree murder. Nine people were wounded. May said that the decision on whether to seek the death penalty would come within two months after the arraignment. 

I think that this is important because he's not the only person in the world that would attack a place like this. He thought that he had the right reasons, but the way he went about it was wrong. There are a lot of people out there that would do something like this because they are upset. Abortion is a very important topic in our world today. There are people who are very against it, also there are people who are for it. It's a huge controversy and there are a lot of crazy people out there that would act in violence to seek a common ground. By the content of this man's outbursts, it shows that he thought that his actions were okay. What he doesn't understand, is that he was killing innocent people, which is very wrong. 

Beijing, China - Pollution Red Alert

Smog In China Closes Schools and Construction Sites, Cuts Traffic In Beijing

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/07/asia/china-beijing-pollution-red-alert/index.html

Most of the Chinese capital shut down Tuesday after Beijing's city government issued it's first red alert for pollution, closing schools and construction sites and restricting the number of cars on the road. The BMBEP warned that severe pollution would affect the capital for several days. According to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, the air quality index stood at 250, classed at very unhealthy and 10 times higher than the WHO recommended levels. Car usage is being cut in half. Heavy vehicles are banned from the streets. Other polluting industrial activity has been curbed. Also fireworks and outdoor barbecuing is banned. 

I think that this is important because it could happen anywhere. It's because people aren't caring about what will happen if they pollute. They just think that it will affect the earth, they don't realize that it could affect them. This could really harm someone. I'm surprised that it hasn't been addressed until now. I think that we really need to take measures against pollution that way the United States doesn't end up like this either. 

Another Ghost Ship Discovery

Japanese Authorities Make Another Grim Ghost Ship Discovery

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/07/asia/japan-ghost-ship/index.html

Four bodies have been found inside a capsized boat. The boat was discovered floating off the north coast of Japan's main Honshu island. This is the latest ghost ship that has washed up in Japanese waters. The vessel was found on Sunday, 10 kilometers south of the Ushitaki fishing port in Sai Village. They were unable to definitively identify the boat, but they said that it looks similar to the boats that have been found in October in the same region. They believe that these ships came from North Korea. Some of the Japanese media think that the vessels were fishing boats that strayed off course. Others believe that they could be transporting defectors. 

I think that this is interesting. It's not every day that you hear about a ghost ship. There have been a lot lately, all in the same area. I don't think that it's a coincidence. I think that the ships are from North Korea and they are transporting defectors, like some of the media says.

Salvation Army Donation

Anonymous Donors Drop $500,000 Check in Salvation Army Kettle

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/01/us/salvation-army-donation/?iid=ob_homepage_deskrecommended_pool&iref=obnetwork

In Rosemount, Minnesota a couple dropped a $500,000 check into the Salvation Army kettle at a Cub Foods on Saturday. The couple wants to remain anonymous. They told the agency that they hoped their large donation will encourage other donors to be more generous. Twin Cities Salvation Army says that it is the largest single donation that they have ever received. 

I think that this is important because it is something that all people should do. Not that they should donate that much, but that they should donate. Even a small amount can make a big impact. I think that this couple was very, very generous. I like the fact that they want to stay anonymous, because it's not about them. It's about the money they raise for the people who need it. Being from a family that knows what it's like to need something, but can't afford it, I think that this is very sweet. 

Happy Birthday Cake Goes Viral

Happy Birthday Cake Goes Viral

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/02/us/happy-birthday-cake-viral/index.html

Over the weekend, Lisa Aldrich posted a photo on Facebook of a birthday cake she had bought for her sister at a Michigan supermarket. The white frosted cake was decorated with pink icing on the edges and a somewhat legible "Happy Birthday Mandy" written on top. Aldrich explained in the post that she asked a bakery-looking employee to write on the cake for her. She told the worker thank you and then looked at the cake. She decided to buy it anyways because she thought that people would think that it is funny. Cashiers and other employees, even the manager, gave the cake a once-over before they told her why the cake was so special. One cashier had told her that the woman who wrote on the cake had Autism and that she wasn't supposed to write on the cake anyways. Aldrich was thanked for being so polite and well-mannered towards the girl. This post has been shared over 70,000 times. 

I think that this is important because it shows a kind-hearted person being polite to a worker, even though she wasn't absolutely happy with what she got. You don't see this too much any more. It was very sweet of the woman to act the way she did. I think that this gives us hope in humanity. There are a lot of people in this world that would have freaked out on the girl and made a big deal because it wasn't done to perfection. You need to know a person's story before you judge them. This is very important. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Segregation Poll

Race and Reality: The Scourge of Segregation

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/01/us/milwaukee-wisconsin-segregation-poll/index.html

Milwaukee is a city where isolation has a huge impact on the relationships people have with each other. Reginald Jackson lived in Milwaukee for a while and he stated that the people there are afraid of each other. A person of one race is afraid of another race. A freeway was needed in the city and that created on of America's most segregated metropolises. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN teamed together to take a poll. Nationally, 2/3rd of younger whites say that the people they socialize with are mostly white. On every indicator of racial equality, Milwaukee ranks among the worst five cities in the country. 

I think that this is important because our nation is becoming more diverse. We have many different races here and I think that we all have our views on each other. I'm not afraid of black people because of what I've heard. I think that we are basing everything off of stereotypes and what we hear on the news. It's not right to have segregated cities, but if we can't help it, then we can't help it. I know people that will intentionally take the longer way home because they don't want to drive through the black neighborhood because they are afraid. I think that our views on this need to change because it's stopping our nation from growing and becoming more and more diverse. 

Do you fear that terrorists are crossing into America?

Yes, I am terrified that they are coming here. I really don't want the Syrian refuges to come into the United States because I don't want to risk terrorists pretending to be refuges. We are at risk, and I think that we should be taking measures against terrorists, not inviting them in. 

Two Dollar Gas

Lowest Gas Prices Since 2009 Coming Soon

http://money.cnn.com/2015/11/18/news/economy/two-dollar-gas/index.html

The average price of an gallon of gas is $2.13 according to AAA. It went down 75 cents in the past year. This means that consumers will save about $7 billion on gas during the 37 day period between now and Christmas. This averages to about $40 per driver. At 44% gas stations in the nation have gone down below two dollars a gallon. Prices are below $1.59 a gallon in states such as Ohio, Texas and Oklahoma. Oil prices have fallen below $40 a barrel for the first time since August. The slide has been cause by a glut of oil thanks to record US production, and the demand in Asia and Europe due to economic weaknesses. 

This is important because pretty much half the class drives and we don't have a lot of money to be spending on gas. With low gas prices, we will be able to actually fill our cars instead of just putting in a small amount that's worth $20 or so. Almost every American that is of age, drives cars that rely on gas. This will help our economy very well. 

Should we keep or end "Sanctuary Cities?"

I think that it is a good idea and we should keep them around. As long as they are not doing anything wrong, they should be fine. I think that this makes the city better, so they don't have to hide in the shadows. I think that it is really sweet of us. It's basically the definition of amnesty. 

Should Iowa take in Syrian refugees?

I don't think that Iowa should take in Syrian refugees because it wouldn't be safe. First off, terrorists could pretend to be refugees so they can get into other places. I think that it would be somewhat okay if we let them into the United States, but we should keep them away from our food sources. If Iowa loses it's crops, animals would starve, people would starve, and the economy would go up. We can't risk it. 

Do you agree with the "Dream Act"?

I think that the Dream Act is a good idea. It gives immigrants a chance to start a new life. I think that anybody should be given the opportunity to become a citizen of the United States, as long as they meet the requirements. I think that it's a good idea, but I think that some people try to take advantage of it. I think that we should have a plan for illegal immigrants and have them sent back to their old country. I think that this would help the United States into using the Dream Act more effectively. 

Who are veterans? Why should we be thankful for their service.

I would like to give a shout out to both my grandfathers, Floyd Fitchett Jr. (WWII) and Kent Bodholdt. (Vietnam)

Veterans are important to our country. They are the ones who fought for our country, our freedom, and our rights. Without them we wouldn't even be Americans. I am so grateful that there are people out there who will stand up and fight for their country. 

Does the meaning of the Statue of Liberty still apply in 2015?

I don't think that the meaning is the same anymore. I think that it has just become a landmark that people like to visit. It used to be a symbol for the immigrants. It symbolized a new way of live, and new beginnings. I think that immigrants today don't feel as welcome as they used to be. 

Is there a major problem with "Helicopter Parents?"

I think that it is a problem. Because some people have really strict parents and they don't have any privacy. They don't get to hang out with their friends. They don't get to do anything fun. There are some parents out there that will do anything to keep their child safe. Even if it means keeping them away from almost everything. Yeah, I understand that there are some parents who are never there and don't care, but you also don't want a parent who is always hovering around. I think that it would be best if you had a parent in between. Someone who is strict, but not too strict. Someone who is careful, but not always careful. 

Should we pay students for grades?

I think that we should not pay students for grades because I think the whole grading system is already messed up in its own way. If we add payments to students, it will just cause more problems. I think that the grading system is messed up because I don't think that test scores should be worth more points than everyday work and activity. I think that test taking is basically just a way of memorizing answers, it's just testing your memorization skills. Tests don't really make you think much anymore. If we add money to the situation, then it's going to make the students work for the wrong reasons. I also think that this is a bad idea because it's a waste of money. The students are going to spend it on stupid crap that they don't need. They're not going to put it towards college, unless their parents make them. They're going to want to spend it on things they want. I just don't think that it is a good idea. 

Should parents be able to name their children any name they want to?

Yes, because that is their choice. The baby is to young to name themselves so it's up to the parents to name it. Some parents like to name their children some weird names, but that's their preference. If the child doesn't like it, they can change it when they're 18. Any name is okay for a children. It's a right as a parent. 

Google Grants A 97-Year-Old's Wish

http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/25/technology/google-olive-visit/index.html?iid=ob_homepage_tech_pool&iid=obnetwork

Google's Mountain View campus has organized a non-profit organization, Wish of A Lifetime, that grants wishes for senior citizens'. Olive Horrell is a 97 year old woman who's one wish was to see the future. Olive grew up in a time where computers were just coming out and she's too old now to understand most of the technology that we have now. Google introduced her to a lot of different types of technology that we have today, such as a self-driving car. They constructed a virtual-reality headset that resembles and old View-Master toy. Once she put on the headset, she was in awe at what she saw. She felt like she could touch the scene. 

I think that this is important because technology is the future. People my age know how to use laptops, phones, video games. If we don't know how it works, we can figure it out in a matter of seconds. People my parent's age, they know how to work a computer and a phone but still need help every once in a while. People my grandparent's age and older, they don't know how to work technology that well because they didn't grow up with it at all. In twenty or so years, we will have newer types of technology. It really is amazing at how well the technology keeps advancing. 

200 Pound 8 Year Old

Do you think that it was correct that he was taken away from his family or was this an inappropriate move by the government? 

I think that it was an appropriate response because it is physical abuse. The child had a lot of risk factors that could have put his life in danger if he wasn't helped. I think that it was right to put him into foster care. I think that it is nice how they are working with the child and the family to reunite them again.

Does America believe in filial piety? Would it make us a better or worse country?

I don't think that American's should practice filial piety. I know what it's like to be in a family where a parent isn't loyal, so why should I have to be loyal back? I live with my father, and him and I have a weird relationship, but it's fun. If I had to be loyal to him, it wouldn't be fun anymore because there would be less disagreements. My relationship with my father is based on disagreements. That's how we get along. I don't think I would like it if we had to agree with our parents all the time. 

Do you support maximum clip restrictions for guns? Would we be in more or less danger?

I think that there should be a limit on how many you should have because, the more you have, the more dangerous it could be. I like how in the video, they talked about how they made it so the people in the city had only a certain amount of time to turn them into the police or they would get in trouble. 

Do you agree or disagree with, "Guns don't kill people, people kill people."

I believe that people kill people. There are different ways to kill a person, you don't have to use a gun. It's not the gun's fault that it's loaded. It's not it's fault that the trigger was pulled. A gun is just a tool that a person can use to hurt somebody or something else. 

"What is more deadly, a gun or a thought? A gun gives you the opportunity but a thought pulls the trigger."

Should we keep or get rid of a waiting period to buy a hand gun?

I think that we should keep waiting periods on buying a hand gun because I think that it would be safer. A person doesn't need a gun right away. If you need a hand gun, you either need it for protection or to hurt someone. If you're planning on hurting someone, you're probably really mad or upset. If there is a waiting period, it could help that person cool down. If a person has easy access to a gun, it could cause more trouble. 

Indiana ATO Frat Shut Down After Sexually Explicit Video Surfaces

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/08/us/indiana-university-fraternity-suspended/index.html

An Indiana University, Alpha Tau Omega, fraternity has been shut down after a video surfaced showing members of the fraternity cheering on a fellow frat boy involved in a sexually explicit act with a woman. Officials say that the man was an initiated member and the women were exotic dancers. The University's Office of Student Ethics is going to investigate the issue to see if it relates to any code of conduct rules. 

This is important because most of us are going off to college soon and some of us may or may not join fraternities or sororities. We need to make sure that we don't do anything that can end up on the internet because it can get us into trouble, and could ruin our lives forever. It could cause us to get kicked out of college, or not get a certain job. We need to be careful of what we do nowadays, because almost everything ends up on the internet. 

Should public places have full internet access or should filters be utilized?

I think that public places should not have filters, because I don't think it is fair for every bad thing to be blocked, because it will block some of the good. I don't think that having filters is bad, but I don't think that we should ban everything. I don't see what the big deal is, as long as children aren't looking up things that contain adult content. I think that it depends on the age of the person.

Al Roker Apologizes After Outrage Over South Carolina Flood Selfie

http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/06/entertainment/al-roker-selfie-south-carolina-floods-feat/index.html

NBC weatherman, Al Roker, shared a picture of himself and his crew while he was covering the story of the flooding in South Carolina. Roker and his crew were smiling in the picture, but in the background, there was a car in a ditch. He removed it from social media when people starting calling him out for smiling during a horrible disaster. After the outrage, Roker apologized for the picture and stated that the person who was in the vehicle was safe. 

I think that this is important because we have natural disasters all the time, and we all know how devastating they can be. Also we live in a time period, where selfies are popular. Some people don't understand that there's a time and a place to take a selfie, and during a natural disaster, isn't the time or the place. 

Do violent video games actually cause more real life violence?

I don't think that video games cause more real life violence, because I play violent video games and I don't want to hurt people or anything. I don't think that most serial killers even play violent video games. Most serial killers are quiet, and to themselves. They don't spend time on video game systems. Most violent people have a bad past, or they are trying to cover up something else, like pain. I don't think that violent video games cause aggression. I agree with the video. It shows that violence actually does decrease real life violence. 

Should the parents also be charged in a cyber bullying death?

I don't think the parents should because sometimes parents have no idea that their children are bullying other people. Some parents believe in privacy for their children. I think that the parents are trying to cooperate with the children and the law because they had no idea of what was going on. I agree with the idea that the girls should get charged, because it's wrong to push someone so far that the only way out is suicide. They treated her like crap. It's really sad that people think that they can do this. 

Were parents right to fear Elvis Pressley in the 1950's?

I see no problem with him. I think that there are worse things to see. I've seen worse. I don't think that there is anything wrong with his dancing. Of course back then, the parents were scared because they had never seen anybody dance like that in public, and they didn't want their children to see that and start acting like that. In our time, parents are scared that their children might start running around naked if they see the music video for Wrecking Ball. It's kind of the same, but it's also very different. 

Is the "Resident Evil" knife and gun too realistic?

I think that the gun and knife are too realistic. I don't think that the person should have to do the actual actions of killing someone. I think that it should just be pushing the buttons on the remote. I don't think that the way the people can play it is right. The violence is no longer in the controller, but in the person who is doing the controlling. I don't think that the people who are playing it are going to become more violent, I just don't like the fact that the person has to do the actual action. 

Should the Washington Redskins change their name?

I think that the Washington Redskins should keep their name. I don't see what's wrong with it. It's been their mascot for a long time, it's not about disrespect. They think that it is offensive, but I think that it's only offensive if it's used in offensive context. Even 9 out of 10 of the Native Americans were not bothered by the name. 

Are school dress codes unfair to women?

No, I don't think so because the only time we have a problem with the dress code, is when one person wears something that goes against the dress code. Like if a girl wears a spaghetti strap tank top, the teachers or principal will tell her to put something over it or to go home and change her shirt. Sometimes the girls will make a big deal about it, but I don't see why. It's just clothes, we don't come to school to look cute. We come to school to learn. Most of the time, we don't have any problems with the dress code. Other schools might, but we don't.

Should cheerleaders be exempted from a school dress code?

I don't think so, because other people have to follow the dress code, so why should the cheerleaders be exempted? Most cheerleading uniforms fit the dress code anyways. If they can't wear it at school, they shouldn't be able to wear it at the school uniform. I think that the school should have checked out the outfits before they payed for them, this way they wouldn't have to worry about it. 

Should students be arrested for baggy pants?

I don't think that it is right for a student to be arrested for what he or she decides to wear. What if they have to wear clothes that are two sizes too big? What if that's all they can afford? I don't think it's right for someone to get in trouble because of how they choose to express themselves. I think that yeah, if it causes problems, they should do something about it. It's not that much of a problem anymore, I think that, that style has died out a bit. It still may be a problem in some places, but I think that it's not that big of deal anymore. 

Prison jumpsuit for violators of the school dress code?

I think that it is a dumb idea. That is wrong. I don’t think that dress code is that important. Plus if you are given a jumpsuit because of this, you would get made fun of which could cause bullying which can lead to the person not coming to school at all. I think that it is wrong. I think a better alternative would be to send the student home and make them change. Whoever said that they would probably end up going to jail anyways, doesn’t understand that if he says this, it will make the students feel even worse about themselves. 

Hewlett-Packard is cutting more jobs.

http://money.cnn.com/2015/09/15/investing/hp-job-cuts-hewlett-packard/index.html

HP announced on Tuesday that they are planning on cutting another 25,000 to 30,000 jobs. This is a part of HP's breakup into two separate publicly traded companies. This will happen at HP Enterprises, which focuses on hyper-growth businesses like cloud technology and cyber security, while HP inc. will sell slower-growth products such as PCs and printers. 

I think that this is important because people work there and they are losing their jobs. This will make them have to look for a different job which could take that job from someone else. The more jobs that are cut in America will affect all the people because we need the work. Our country is built on jobs and money. What do we do if we can't have either one? 

Should young children continue to be "Scared Straight?"

Beyond Scared Straight: Most Explosive Scenes (S7)
I think that it is wrong in some ways.  I think that in the first video, the person was treating the little boy like he was a criminal. I don't think it's right. Hey may have done something wrong, but he doesn't deserve being scared like that. I think it traumatized the little boy. In the second video, I changed my mind and thought that it might be okay for people who are older.

Should we end or keep solitary confinement?

Solitary Confinement: A Controversial Punishment

I think that we should keep solitary confinement, because it's like a time out for felons. If they do something bad, they need to go sit alone and think about what they did. Just like when a child does something bad. I think that if a person is crazy when alone, they should be kept in a semi-confinement, like if someone is watching them. Some people can't handle being alone, and that could cause mental disabilities which could cause more problems. Sometimes if they put a person into solitary, they might get worse. I think that there should be a set limit for the amount of time a person should be put into solitude, just to make it sure that the person is not going to go crazy. I think we should pay more attention to the physical and mental strength of the people who are convicted felons. 

Is allowing weight training in prison a good idea?

Is allowing weight training in prison a good idea? 

I believe so because it gives them something to do. When a person is in prison, they aren't able to do anything productive. Weightlifting is a type of exercise. Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make you happy and less likely to do something destructive. Also weightlifting might help one's self-confidence go up. It helps release aggression, which will help them learn to take their frustrations out on more constructive things. 

Should convicted criminals get a free college education?

Should convicted criminals get a free college education? 

I don't think that convicted criminals should get a free college education, but maybe a reduced college education. That way they still have to pay, because it seems a little unfair for a convicted criminal to be able to get a college education when the rest of us still have to pay. Some prisons, if not all, offer education to the criminals anyways, I think that they should just make it so if you go to the classes, you get a college credit or half of a credit. That way, they can get a college credit, and still get their required classes done during their imprisonment. After they are released, they should just have reduced college education. 

Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills 14-year-old Star Athlete

Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills 14-year-old Star Athlete

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/31/health/brain-eating-amoeba-deaths/index.html

Michael John Riley Jr. was killed by the fatal brain-eating amoeba. He was fourteen years old when he died, and days away from starting high school. The young boy qualified for the Junior Olympics for track. HE was also swimming with his cross-country team on August 13th. While he was swimming, he encountered Naegleria fowleri amoeba. Within days, he died from brain damage.  

Why should the world care? 

I think that this is important to be notified about this because it can happen to anybody. I know a lot of people that go swimming and they don't ever think about what could happen. If they could catch a deadly disease or anything. It's something that we really need to start talking about. 

Do you agree with James Harrison making his kids return their participation trophy?

Do you agree with James Harrison making his kids return their participation trophy?

I agree with what he wants to do for his kids. I believe that it is wrong for a person, or child in this case, to expect to get an award for everything. If a child does something and doesn't get an award, I think that it will help the children become stronger and work even harder the next time so they can get an award for it. I believe that getting an award, prize, any sort of incentive has to be earned.