Supertasking Not For Everyone

By: Arianna Fragiacomo


Let's be honest, we all talk on our cell phones when we drive, even if it's just for a second. We all also probably feel like we're doing a really great job of driving while we're talking too. After reading this article it was interesting to see the facts and figures of how much your driving ability is impaired while you're on the phone. Maybe we aren't as great as we thought? Unless you're one of these "supertaskers" they are saying make up 2.5% of the population

Jesus Jihad

By Steve Gida


The FBI uncovered a plot to make war against the United States government through a Christian militia, referring to itself as the "Hutaree". This group, according to their website, endorses and supports violent religious uprisings against the local, state, and federal levels of government. The FBI have been keeping tabs on this militia, believed to have been in existence for over 2 years now, and have recently indicted 9 of these "Christian warriors" on charges. Being a Christian myself, this is repulsive to see, knowing that usually in media, it is the worst of the worst that define most cultures. With Islam, it's Al Qaeda. With Christianity, it is the Hutaree.Full coverage here.

In Times Square, One Last Homeless Holdout

By: Jane Caragher

For many years, social workers and city officials have been trying to get the homeless to leave their "home" in Time Square and move into housing. Most of the people agreed expect for one man named Heavy. Heavy, which is a nickname, has lived in Times Square for decades and he refuses housing because he wants to stay and watch over Times Square. Neighbors help him out by giving him food, money and warm clothes in the winter. Even though he causes no harm to the public, the officials are still trying to persuade him to move into housing and off of the city streets.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/nyregion/30heavy.html?hp

Problems Arise as to Whether South Africa is ready to Host World Cup

(Anne Siemon)
South Africa will be the first African country to host the World Cup in 2010. However, despite Fifa's trust in the country and its infrastructure, many people are questioning the countries readiness. According to BBC News, there have been reports that the Parliament's Communications Portfolio Committee, "revealed that the country's 30-year old broadcast infrastructure was not ready to cope with the needs of the World Cup." Not only BBC, but CNN, has also reported that there are many worries pertaining to the transportation. They also reported that the city’s mayor has raised a very important as to how they will raise the $160 million needed to finance the construction of the stadium. She believes that the money should be put towards people’s health, shelter, and sanitation. I do agree with the mayor. I think this is an amazing step for South Africa, to be able to host the World Cup. However, I do hope everything works out for the best, and no residents in South Africa are affected negatively by it.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/football/03/16/football.world.cup.south.africa/index.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5141582.stm

Poughkeepsie's Population Growth

By: Samantha Miller

Recently in the “Poughkeepsie Journal” there was an article written by Larry Hertz about the growth in the region. According to the latest estimates from the U.S Census Bureau, the Poughkeepsie metro area was rated amongst the highest increase in population between the years of 2000-2009. Between these years, it is stated that the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh region grew about 9 percent. This increase was the largest increase in the state. The Dutchess County population grew by 4.8 percent over that period to 293,562.

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20103240322

Global Warming Happening Now

By: Arianna Fragiacomo

No matter where you turn you hear the phrase "global warming," but fortunate enough for us we really haven't seen too many effects from it here in the United States. I know personally it's kind of put out of my mind until somebody brings it up. When I read this article it really brought to my attention that people in other places are being affected by global warming right now. There are islands disappearing and people being forced to move out of their homes. It's scary to think what could happen to us here in a few years.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100324/ap_on_sc/as_india_disappearing_island

Colorado Says No to Medical Marijuana For PTSD

By Jared Davis

Though medical marijuana has been legalized in both Colorado and New Mexico for the treatment of certain conditions such as cancer and AIDS, the two states disagree on whether Post Traumatic Stress Disorder should be included as one of those conditions. Recently, the Colorado State House Committee shot down a proposal that would have prompted the Department of Public Health and Environment to consider medical marijuana usage as a possible treatment for PTSD. Meanwhile, more than one quarter of those approved for medical marijuana usage in New Mexico have been diagnosed with PTSD. I feel that more research should be conducted to determine whether marijuana helps deter the symptoms of PTSD. Colorado's legislators should be more willing to at least consider the drug for the treatment of PTSD considering that they have allowed it for various other conditions.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/us/25pot.html?ref=us