Bellringer 8/29/14

1. Honestly, I think this little girl's parents are to blame. I just don't understand why they would put a gun in a nine year old girl's hands to begin with.
2. Nine year old children should not even be on a shooting ranges property. Little kids that age are hard to keep a hold of, so anything could happen.
3. No weapons of any sort should be in the hands of a child. The only time they should have a potential weapon is when they are hunting and being supervised by a responsible adult. At an age where the children are responsible, then they could be in possession of a weapon; that being said, they should have a weapon as long as they are careful and use it for the right reasons.

Bellringer 8/28/14

The Articles of Confederation is a document on what the people of what would become America thought. They were basically telling England they were not going to be governed by the British.

Bellringer 8/27/14

Undergraduates at a college have created a new nail polish that changes colors when you stir a drink with a date rape drug in it. They are now raising money to fix the prototype. The students call it "Undercover Colors." I think there are no drawbacks to this creation. It would be very helpful for someone who does not want to be put in a situation like that.

Bellringer 8/26/14

I think it is not a smart idea to begin surveillance in Syria. If they were not planning to attack us and discover we were watching them, there is a possibility they would end up attacking the U.S. I believe we should just take extra precautions when it comes to this issue.

Bellringer 8/25/14

1. This article is about the 6.0 earthquake that occured this weekend in Napa, California. The eartquake struck around 3:20 a.m. Sunday morning. It was the worst tremor in the area in 72 years. 172 people were admitted into the hospital; and 3 people were in critical condition. Today, the city is attempting to resume life and business. Although, some places are unable to reopen, and 90 to 100 homes were said to be unhabitable. Schools were also forced to be shut down. Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency.

2. Although it will take some time to discover the cause for the earthquake yesterday, some believe it was caused by Franklin's Fault; which was believed to be dormant for 1.6 million years. It could have also been caused by the Pacific Ocean's crust moving sideways, which is what made northern California famous for earthquakes. Napa, California has only ever reached a magnitude of 6.0 when it comes to earthquakes; so in my opinion, the reason for this earthquake would be the same as others.

U.S. Issues 8/22/14

      I think the three biggest problems in America is our national debt, unemployment, and lack of education. I also believe that all of these things are connected. Our national debt is caused in part by unemployment; and unemployment is caused in part by a lack of education. America needs to work to fix these problems. Otherwise, we will be crushed by the debt.
     Our national debt raises every second of every day; so this is probably the biggest problem. Many things contribute to over $61,000,000,000,000 we owe at this moment. Instead of working to pay off our debt, people are focused on lesser things. Therefore, the debt is getting no closer to being paid. I believe fixing this debt should be our number one priority in America.
     Unemployment is one of those things that cause the rise in debt. With 3 unemployed people, there is 1 working person paying for the unemployed as well as for themselves. This is something that needs to be fixed. Although, yes there are some legitimate reasons as to why some people are unemployed. Those of us who are able to get a job, should get one; and maybe it would fix some of the problems in America.
     A lack of education is also a cause for unemployment. People who are uneducated have a problem finding and keeping jobs. I think people who don't have a good excuse to leave/drop out of school, should not be able to. You should only be able to drop out of school if you have a medical reason or you are physically/emotionally unable to attend. But even then, there are ways you can achieve an education at home.
     While there are many problems America faces daily, I feel these are the biggest ones. It may take a lot of work to fix these problems, but people need to work hard on it. America needs to stop being lazy, and learn that to get an enjoyable life, you have to overcome obstacles and work hard.

Bellringers 8/20/14

1. This article was about how the U.S. taxes are raised higher than that of other countries. This was done in order to make U.S. businesses more "competitive." Many businesses are changing where their headquarters is so they can avoid paying the high taxes. People are actually saying they may cry over these high taxes. Many companies who chose to stay in America have found ways to get around these taxes.

2. The purpose of taxes is to pay off America's debt.

3. I think those who are rich and are celebrities should pay the most.

Bellringer 8/19/14

1. The police had used tear gas on multiple crowds for multiple reasons. City Alderman Antonio French was released from jail after being arrested with no formal charges and posting bond.

2. I think excessive force means that someone or something does something too extreme that the situation did not call for. I think it was used because Michael Brown was shot 6 times when he did not have a weapon on him.

3. I think I would suspend the officer who shot him until an investigation was complete.

Letter to Myself 8/18/14

Future Self:
     The goals I wish to be accomplished this year is to complete all assignments on time, maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher, and to graduate. In the next 5 years, I wish to have been accepted into Marshall University's College of Science, and have received a Bachelor's Degree in both Digital Forensic Science and Criminal Justice. In the next 10 years, I want to work as a forensic scientist in some branch of government or law enforcement, and to be on the path to a successful life.
                                                                                      -Past Self