Next to Last ... Local

Oklahoma inmates die after fights

Associated Press

Two Oklahoma State Penitentiary inmates in McAlister have died after suffering injuries from separate fights with cell mates.

Jeremy Lyons was found standing over his dead cell mate, Blake Ford, with his foot on Ford's head.  

The second inmate was found dead Monday in an unrelated fight.

According to Warden Terry Crenshaw, the inmate was found in his cell Monday night with sever injuries to his head and multiple wounds.  Names of the inmate and cell mate have not been released.

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-inmates-die-after-fights/article/3386836?custom_click=headlines_widget

When people think of prisoners, normally what comes to mind is a criminal.  Someone who deserves to be punished and is a bad person.  This is not always the case.  Perhaps one of the cell mates that died was there because he was wrongly accused.  Inmates aren't known to be social, gentle audiences.  When I first read over the article, I thought oh, a prisoner died.  Well that just might do our justice system a favor.  They could've been on death row, or they could've been doing time for something minor.  The article does not specifically say, and after thinking about it, it just had me curious.  It brings up the point as to whether or not it would've been okay for this to happen to these people depending on their crime.  Opinions?

Next to Last ... Local

Next to Last ... International

July deadliest month for U.S. in Afghanistan Associated Press Four Americans were killed Monday after a roadside bomb exploded in eastern Afghanistan.  This makes July the deadliest month for U.S. troops in war. The NATO statement did not release the nationalities of the soldiers killed; however, it was confirmed that all four were Americans. These deaths make the total 55 the number of international service members.  It is also the deadliest month for NATO forces.  Along with roadside bombs and explosions, there have been multiple accidents involving aircrafts.  Monday, a British aircraft crashed inside NATO's largest base in Afghanistan making it the second crash in two days. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-07-20-afghanistan_N.htm When trying to pick an international article to write on, I discovered the list under international news included mostly stories on the war, Afghanistan, casualties, etc.  There is no way that this broad topic of war is the only thing going on in the world.  Is it possible that someone "out there" is setting this agenda to make people believe that there is only bad coming from this?  I hate turning on the news because all they have to say is how many people died this day, what the death toll numbers are at, etc..  I wish the news would also throw in the status of the war.  What exactly are we doing?  How are we going about that?  Information other than depressing statistics would be nice for a change.

Next to Last ... National

Georgia Ice's gene pool is making a big splash in AAU
By Paul White, USA TODAY

Georgia Ice is making a big splash as it is becoming national talk in girls basketball.

The gene pool from which the roster is derived from is hardly unnoticeable. Parents of the girls include Antonio Davis, Dee Brown, Delino DeShields and Ken Griffey Jr. These athletes have played for both professional basketball and baseball teams. The athletic ability passed on to their children has spectators sitting on the edges of their seats.

Not only are fans looking forward to see the returning AAU champions play, but coaches are flocking the gym to see new prospects.

Many of these young girls are targets for scouts, but according to NCAA rules, coaches are unable to discuss specific players.

This graduating class of 2013 has a lot to look forward to as they start their freshman year this upcoming fall. Coaches are looking forward to the development of not only their physical game, but maturity as well.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2009-07-21-georgia-ice-aau_N.htm

This article, even though it was merely sports, really captured my attention. After reviewing the roster posted at the bottom of the article, I was really shocked. Not one girl was below 5-2, with many of them extending over the six foot marker. These girls are 13 and 14 years old! It seems almost impossible to beat a team with a roster like that. Also take into consideration the athletic background they come from along with the fact that their parents can teach more to them than the average coach. Luck mixed with skill, hard work and determination can equal success. Take it from these young girls. Boys around this age will start having a run for their money when it comes to grasping the attention of spectators.

Writing for Web News

22-year Travel Ban May Be Lifted

Officials are looking to end a 22-year ban disallowing foreigners who have HIV seeking to visit or immigrate to the U.S.

Public comment is being sought by officials at the Center of Disease Control and Prevention through Aug. 17. This new proposal would remove HIV from the list of diseases that keep people who aren't U.S. citizens from entering the United States.

This newly proposed rule occurred more than a year after Congress repealed the 1987 restrictions implemented by President George W. Bush.

Even though the legal requirement of people who are HIV positive was excluded, the Health and Human Services department decides whether the disease will remain on the "no-entry list."

Week 5 ... International

Looking for love? Australian study has some ideas

If you're looking for happily ever after, Australian researchers have a suggestion: Find a partner who shares your smoking habits

Couples' habits can either make or break a relationship according to an Australian study.

Researches at an Australian National University studied 2,482 married or cohabiting couples and learned what couples that were going strong after seven years had over those that did not last.

Age was a key factor.  If a man is one year younger up to three years older than his partner, the couple had less than half the separation risk than those with the man being nine years older or more than two years younger.

Sharing the same desire to either have or not have kids is a factor as well.

Money talks, even in relationships.  According to the study, couples with a lower average income were more likely to split than those with moderate or high incomes.

A shared habit of smoking also can be a factor.  In couples where one partner smoked and the other didn't, the separation rate shoots to more than 75 percent than couples where neither partner smoked.

Interestingly enough, religion, education and alcohol had no effect on the stability of the relationship status.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009472879_apasaustraliahappilyeverafter.html

This was a neat article to read.  I love reviewing results of studies done outside the U.S..  Australian culture, however different from our own, has similarities.  The results might vary here in America, but I think many would be the same.  I was surprised that the religion, education and alcohol didn't have an affect.  I would think those would be some of the top factors in relationship stability.

Week 5 ... National

Southwest checks planes after hole forces landing

Federal safety officials are investigating how a foot-long hole opened in the top of a Southwest Airlines jet, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Charleston, W. Va.

By DAVID KOENIG

AP Airlines Write

Safety officials are investigating a Southwest Airlines jet after a foot long hole opened in the top of the aircraft, forcing an emergency landing.

The Boeing 737 jet was carrying 126 passengers when the cabin lost pressure.  Luckily there were no injuries.

An inspection in January turned up 8 cracks that required repairs in the 1994 aircraft.

After the incident, Southwest inspected all identical Boeing jets Tuesday night before allowing them to travel again.

Damages to planes that old aren't unusual.  Southwest agreed to pay a fee of $7.5 million to settle charges on operating planes without the required 14-year inspection.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009146976_apusemergencylanding.html

Recent events such as missed inspections, overlooking minor details, and outright negligence have costs many lives.  Luckily this event was not the same case.  But it could've been.  Any type of transportation used the public should be inspected, and people should make sure these inspections happen.  I do not understand why they think it is okay to put it off when they are putting lives at risk whenever they do.  Our government should look into cases such as these.  There should be consequences for inappropriate actions, or no actions done at all.

Week 5 ... Local

Deputies arrest man accused of posing as a firefighter at scene of crash 

By MATT BARNARD World Staff Writer
Published: 7/15/2009  8:29 PM

Officials arrested a man who is accused of posing as a fire fighter and interfering with a deadly crash scene.

Joel Clay Lack, 22, resides in the Tulsa County jail on charges of impersonating a fire fighter, interfering with emergency personnel and two counts of grand larceny.

According to officials, Lack posed as an off duty fire fighter after an accident where an SUV hit a group of cyclists.

He flashed a badge at the scene, claiming to have had medical experience, authorities said.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=298&articleid=20090715_298_0_Sherif891716

On one point, this is shocking that a man actually impersonated a fire fighter for no given reason.  On another, I am surprised I haven't heard about something like this happening before.  People these days are weird and crazy.  He could have made the situation ten times worse by improperly treating someone, and what's worse is that people truly believed he was what he said he was.  Accidents are scary enough as it is, we don't need fake paramedics out there making it even worse.

4th Blog Week ... International

Russia warns US over missile shield

By STEVE GUTTERMAN

Associated Press Writer

The U.S. will jeopardize progress towards a new treaty with Russia if it creates a nuclear defense system.  Russian and U.S. presidents reached a preliminary agreement setting goals for further reductions of the world's largest nuclear arsenals.

The START replacement pact states that the two sides must reduce the number of warheads between 1,500-1,675.

The U.S. however has been debating a decision to create an American missile defense system with global reach that will in turn question the reductions in strategic offensive weapons.  President Obama has issued a review on this proposed plan.

http://www.kansascity.com/451/story/1310489.html

This article was somewhat difficult to understand due to its technicality.  However, it was somewhat interesting to know that two powerful countries have a plan to reduce the size of nuclear production.  Normally, both countries would not likely reduce the numbers at free will.  I think the biggest contributor to the reduction factor is that there is an agreement for both to do this, not just one or the other.  

4th Blog Week ... National

Irish national police probe snub of 3 Plano travelers

By MATTHEW HAAG / The Dallas Morning News
mhaag@dallasnews.com

An investigation is pending for the Ireland national police as to why three Plano men were denied entry into the country Friday.

The three friends landed in Dublin to begin a backpacking trip across western Europe.  They did not expect to get sent directly back to the States. 

They were told they could not enter Ireland because they could not provide an address where they planned to stay or produce a bank statement showing they had enough funds to afford the trip.

Ireland's national police, Garda Siochana, released a statement saying how it was quite rare for U.S. citizens to be denied entry into the country because the majority know the regulations and requirements.

The police press secretary highlighted the point that only a very small number are refused entry at entry ports in Ireland each year.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/070709dnmetirish.191a4a5c.html

This story is a wake-up call for ignorant Americans.  Just because we are Americans doesn't mean we can get away with not having an idea of rules in foreign countries.  Name dropping doesn't always work.  It is sad that these guys got there and had to come back.  That would be very frustrating, but at the same time, if it were the other way around and three Irish men tried to come here under those circumstances, I am sure they would be denied and it wouldn't seem like a big deal.  It's all about perspective.

4th Blog Week ... Local

University of Oklahoma student’s idea takes headache out of medicine
OU STUDENT’S IDEA TAKES HEADACHE OUT OF MEDICINE

Buzz up!

BY DUSTY SOMERS

A University of Oklahoma pharmacy student took medicine to the new level without inventing a new product.  His tactic is to eliminate confusion of the consumer when trying to choose the right cold and flu medication.

Chad Harrison, 30, invented SymptomPak which is more of a marketing strategy that enables users to buy a group of medications, all with separate purposes.  Depending on the symptoms, the consumer can choose either one pill, or all five.  The purpose is to take only medications that are needed and to educate the consumer on what each does.  With a combination pill, the consumer doesn't always know what is or is not working.  

Harrison had a difficult time pitching the idea due to his "student" status.  He finally got a small manufacturer in New York to agree to produce the product.

http://newsok.com/ou-students-idea-takes-headache-out-of-medicine/article/3383389?custom_click=lead_story_title

I think Harrison is on the right track with his idea.  It is true that consumers don't know what they are ingesting every time they take a medication.  The product he is producing not only has one specific purpose, it educates the user as well.  The users will be more informed on what they are putting into their body.  When it comes to one's health, ignorance is not always bliss.  I would love to try this product because there is no need to be taking a medicine for one purpose and get multiple side effects from the other active ingredients that I don't need.

Third Week Blog... International

Study blames alcohol for half of 1990s Russian deaths

By DOUGLAS BIRCH

The Associated Press

An international team of health researchers have been hosting a study showing that over half of Russia's deaths are due to drinking.  The findings were off a survey of 49,000 deaths between 1990 and 2001.  The study included 3 industrial towns with 1990 Russian mortality patterns.  The study is to find what the causes of spike in mortality among Russians.

http://www.kansascity.com/news/world/story/1282973.html

It is crazy to think that these deaths could've been prevented.  But by the decisions of these people, their lives were cut short.  I am also somewhat surprised that Russia's statistics were so high.  I understand their laws are more lax than ours, so in a way it does make sense.  But perhaps if they would've had laws restricting alcohol these statistics would vary.

Third Week Blog... National

Town rallies behind convicted soldier

After he's found guilty in the execution-style murder of 4 Iraqis, friends and family campaign for leniency.

By Joel Hood 
June 30, 2009

A conviction of an Army soldier has family and friends outraged.  Sgt. Michael Leahy Jr. was convicted of premeditated murder in execution-style of four Iraqi men.  He was sentenced to life in prison.

Leahy and his unit were driving toward a village when they were fired upon.  They were not sure where the shots were coming from, but discovered four men and followed them to a nearby house where they found weapons.  They then captured the Iraqi men, blind folded them, and tied their hands behind their backs and were shot execution-style.  It was questioned whether they should take the Iraqi men back to base; however, the soldiers thought there wouldn't be enough evidence to withhold them.  Two weeks prior, two soldiers in their unit were killed by militiamen.  Soldiers testified that an officer said these murders were a retaliation against the two soldiers killed.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-iraq-soldier30-2009jun30,0,2638861.story

In my opinion, this case is crap.  Prosecutors have no idea what it is like to be in a foreign country, risking their lives every day.  They don't know the feeling of adrenaline that pumps through a soldier's veins as he is being shot at.  They do not understand the stress of a soldier as he has to not only protect himself, but everyone around him, and on top of that, abide by strict rules that make his job even harder.  This type of thing happens all the time in war, but yet we can't do anything like it because it is so heinous and vulgar.  How are these troops supposed to do their jobs while being tied on a leash allowing them to only "fight so much?"

Until these men who sit in an air-conditioned building with their expensive suits actually enlist and go out and fight, they have no right to judge a soldier's actions. 

Third Week Blog... Local

Peterson reflects on Sooners career

• Jono Greco/The Daily

Monday, June 29, 2009

OU football legend, Adrian Peterson, coached children this week in the fundamentals of football.  Peterson said it brought back old memories.  The Old Spice Adrian Peterson Football Camp was a three-day camp for children that had Peterson looking back on the days he wore crimson and cream.  He was a player with outstanding statistics even though he never got a Heisman or a National Championship to prove it.

He is currently in the NFL racking up stats as he did in college, even though the competition is one step above.  His goals are to win the NFC North and just be a "complete player." 

http://oudaily.com/news/2009/jun/29/peterson-reflects-sooners-career/

I think it is great that Adrian Peterson comes back to host a camp at the college that jump-started his career.  After reading the his statistics and realizing that he didn't win a Heisman or  a National Championship, it seems as though he was 'robbed'.  He as a great player, and a great team leader whose cards just didn't play out.  It is good that he realizes the past is the past and there is nothing one can do to change that.  He has a great career now that he is focused on which is outstanding.  Peterson seems like an athlete that uses the past to help push him forward and advance himself in anything he does.

And On With Two... International

Motorcycle bomb kills 19 in Baghdad market

USA Today

A motorcycle in Baghdad laced with nails and ball bearings, exploded just after 9 a.m. in a youth-filled market.  The explosion killed 19 and wounded at least 50.  "The attack occurred four days before the deadline for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from the cities."

There has been a large amount of violence this week resulting in over two hundred deaths.  This raised doubts in the Iraqi forces as to whether they can provide stable security as American forces are slowly being weeded out.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2009-06-26-baghdad-bomb_N.htm

I think that these events should raise suspicion as to whether the Iraqi forces can take on the role of security within their own borders.  It is a huge deal for America to step to the side and allow Iraq to fend for itself.  I do think America should help out other countries when they are in need due to the fact that we have the ability to do so.  However, having said that, there is only so much help we can give.  Not every country is meant to have a democracy, no matter how great the idea sounds.  I do not think we should extend our stay in Iraq due to the rush of deaths.  We have expended many resources and American lives trying to help them.  But where do we cross the line?

And On With Two... National

USA Today:

By Donna Leinwand, Andrea Stone andAlan Levin, USA TODAY

DC commuter train crash kills 7

An investigation is still underway as to why a Washington commuter train rear-ended another one that was stopped on the tracks killing seven and injuring 70.

An investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board said that the train was part of an aging fleet that officials were trying to phase out on account of safety concerns.  

The transit system didn't do what was asked, and despite warnings beginning in 2006, kept the trains on the tracks.

The crash occurred after two senators requested Congress to approve funding for a new railroad safety devise that would prevent trains from crashing, "positive train control."

The article on this topic was a little more extensive, having quotes from victims and those who witnessed the crash. It was interesting to read, but this sums it up.  There was a quote in the article as follows:  "'We'll find out what happened," said John Catoe, transit general manager.  "We'll fix what happened.'"  This was an insensitive statement in my opinion.  You can't "fix what happened."  You cant fix lives that were lost.  There is no coming back from that.  The only thing you can do is make sure it doesn't happen again.  Warnings were ignored, and the ignorance cost 7 lives.  If people are failing to maintain railroad  transits, it makes me wonder.  What else is being neglected that could affect me?

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-06-22-metro-collision_N.htm?poe=HFMostPopular

And On With Two.. Local

The Oklahoman:

Oklahoma Panhandle wreck claims Oklahoma girl, woman

Published June 9, 2009

A car crash in Texas County, Tuesday, June 9, 2009, resulted in the deaths of a young girl and a woman.  Lourdes Martinez ran a stop sign while headed south on State Highway 95 and crashed into a box truck killing both her and Analy Nevarez, 11.  The truck driver suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from a Kansas hospital the patrol said.

I understand that this accident occurred at the beginning of the month and in Texas County; however, it hit home for me.  The accident occurred right down the road from where I live.  I drive it to and from my house whenever I go home.  So this is an instant where, "that could have been me."  Also, the little girl that died went to a school not far from me.  Her and a close family friend of mine played sports together growing up.  I didn't know Analy well, but it is hard when friends have to endure the pain of losing someone.  The article was very straightforward with what happened, it is just the "what happened" part that still shocks me.

http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-panhandle-wreck-claims-oklahoma-girl-woman/article/3376411

Current Events 1

LOCAL

An 11-month-old baby was pulled from a swimming pool in southeast Oklahoma City when she had stopped breathing.  Sources said she was pulled out after a 3-year-old tried to take her swimming.  The baby en route to the hospital in a private vehicle when the driver pulled over and called for assistance.  An ambulance was on its way.  The baby will be okay according to a fire spokeswoman.

http://newsok.com/baby-pulled-from-swimming-pool-in-oklahoma-city-is-fine-fire-department-reports/article/3378320?custom_click=pod_headline_oklahoma-city-news

To me, this article was very dry.  It included facts, yes; however, the only 'interesting' part that caught my attention was the fact that a baby was pulled from a swimming pool.  It was a very short piece and would have been better if more detail were added, even only a few more lines.

NATIONAL

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, a former top special operations commander, recently took charge of 90,000 U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.  The top priority is to protect Afghan civilians from violence.

Violence levels along with military deaths have hit record highs with President Hamid Karzai pressuring U.S. forces to prevent civilian deaths.

"The Afghan people are at the center of our mission. ... We must protect them from violence, whatever its nature," McChrystal said.

President Obama has issued 21,000 troops to Afghanistan with a total of 68,000 to be expected there by the end of the year.

http://newsok.com/u.s.-vows-to-protect-afghans/article/3378169?custom_click=headlines_widget

This story struck me as interesting because my brother is a United States Marine currently stationed in Afghanistan.  This article appears to draw the reader towards a certain angle.  It states that violence and death levels are at an all-time high; however, we are sending more and more troops there.  Yes, we are trying to help their people, but what about our own?

INTERNATIONAL

South Korea's president ordered his top security officials to deal with North Korea's new warnings of a nuclear war.  He traveled to Washington to speak with President Obama about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.  The trip was after North Korea threatened to open war on any country that stops its ships on the high seas under new sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council.  Along with this threat, they also stated they would "weaponize" all its plutonium along with acknowledging a uranium enriched program.

http://newsok.com/s.-korea-u.s.-to-discuss-nuke-plan/article/3377929

This article had pieces of good information in it, but it was slightly confusing when I read it.  Frankly, North Korea is threatening war on a possibly anyone.  I was unsure of the sanctions approved the U.N. Security Council and wish the writer would've included that in the article.  I am also curious as to whether N. Korea has conflict with the United States.  Should we be worried about this?