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I found this at abc news. Zachary Christie, a 6 year old boy was suspended for 45 days and is wanted to go to reform school. He brought a camping tool to school, which had a knife on it, and the school administration deemed him to be in violation of their zero tolerance weapon policy. His parents feel that the action was too harsh. They stated that he was just excited about a new tool his parents bought him for his camping trips with the Cub Scouts, and he wanted to bring it to school to show it off. They think that the rules need to be adjusted for certain ages. Zachary's parents are fighting the board on this ruling.
As much as I feel for these parents, I have to agree with the school on most of the ruling. If a school has a policy, they have to follow through with the actions if a student breaks that policy, or there will always be someone saying that it is not fair that their child got this punishment because he didn't. I do think that the age and the child has to be taken into consideration though. Zachary loved school, and was a great student. It even states in the article that it seemed like the principle did not want to call his mother because he knew that the student meant no harm. I think that the ruling of Zachary having to go to reform school is overboard. I feel that suspension is enough for him to understand what he did was against the rules.
I have a 5 almost 6 year old in kindergarten right now, and I know that if this was me I would be upset at the fact they wanted my child to go to reform school. I could understand their policy for zero tolerance, and that it would be up to the parents partially for not telling the child not to bring stuff like this to school. I always check to see what my daughter is bringing to school is appropriate. I could also see the school adjusting their policy for certain ages of children now that this has happened. There is a big difference in a 6 year old and a 12 year old.
I do feel sorry that this had to happen to a good student and family, but they have to realize that a school has to follow through with their policies. Again, I disagree with the reform school, since this was nothing but a young child bringing what he thought was a cool toy to school. I do agree with having to suspend him for his actions, but look into another way of doing things in the future for certain ages of children. Hopefully this incident gets resolved in a good, clean fashion. Best wishes to everyone involved.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Blind 7 -Year-Old Boy Sees With His Ears
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I found this story at abc news. Lucas Murray was born without sight. His parents thought that he would never be able to be mobile on his own. They thought he would need a dog or someone with him at all times, but not now. He uses a technique called echolocation. By clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth, he can listen to the way it echoes off his surroundings and can tell where he is. Sounds crazy, I know, but it is working for him and others that use this technique. Daniel Kish has used this since childhood, and is now teaching it to others like Lucas. Lucas' parents say that he loves to go places now, like the supermarket. He likes to explore on his own.
I found this story completely amazing. I can't imagine what it might be like to not be able to see the world around me. To be able to open up and master this technique is incredible. Lucas will have so many more opportunities in his life because of what he has learned.
Like I explained before, echolocation is the process of clicking your tongue on the roof of your mouth, and listening to the echoes bounce back from the objects surrounding you. But how does it really work? Daniel explains that you have to teach the brain to image using non-visual information. The brains of blind people have the visual cortex just like a person who is not blind, and it can image data from other senses, such as hearing. He explains that some people who have mastered the echolocation technique can listen to their echoes , and sketch an entire scene. I found this amazing. Even though you would think that people would see this as a wonderful thing, some think that it causes a negative distinction. People don't see blindness as normal, so when someone who is blind is clicking their tongue all the time, they think that it would call negative attention to themselves. I would have to disagree. I think that we have come a long way with how we look at people who may have a disability. Sure there is always room for improvement, but it is better. I think that this technique opens many new and improved ways to live for a person with blindness.
I think that this little boy has an incredible story. He was able to overcome his fear of being left alone with no one to help him, and is now going places his family never thought possible. There will be many more opportunities in his future. Good luck and best wishes!
I found this story at abc news. Lucas Murray was born without sight. His parents thought that he would never be able to be mobile on his own. They thought he would need a dog or someone with him at all times, but not now. He uses a technique called echolocation. By clicking his tongue on the roof of his mouth, he can listen to the way it echoes off his surroundings and can tell where he is. Sounds crazy, I know, but it is working for him and others that use this technique. Daniel Kish has used this since childhood, and is now teaching it to others like Lucas. Lucas' parents say that he loves to go places now, like the supermarket. He likes to explore on his own.
I found this story completely amazing. I can't imagine what it might be like to not be able to see the world around me. To be able to open up and master this technique is incredible. Lucas will have so many more opportunities in his life because of what he has learned.
Like I explained before, echolocation is the process of clicking your tongue on the roof of your mouth, and listening to the echoes bounce back from the objects surrounding you. But how does it really work? Daniel explains that you have to teach the brain to image using non-visual information. The brains of blind people have the visual cortex just like a person who is not blind, and it can image data from other senses, such as hearing. He explains that some people who have mastered the echolocation technique can listen to their echoes , and sketch an entire scene. I found this amazing. Even though you would think that people would see this as a wonderful thing, some think that it causes a negative distinction. People don't see blindness as normal, so when someone who is blind is clicking their tongue all the time, they think that it would call negative attention to themselves. I would have to disagree. I think that we have come a long way with how we look at people who may have a disability. Sure there is always room for improvement, but it is better. I think that this technique opens many new and improved ways to live for a person with blindness.
I think that this little boy has an incredible story. He was able to overcome his fear of being left alone with no one to help him, and is now going places his family never thought possible. There will be many more opportunities in his future. Good luck and best wishes!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tragic Medication Errors Result in Accidental Abortions and Premature Birth
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I found this at abc news. Have you ever worried that the medicine that is given to you in the hospital is the wrong thing that could actually hurt you? That is exactly what happened in a hospital in Florida. Two pregnant women were given the wrong prescriptions. It caused the first to lose her unborn twins, and the second to deliver prematurely, which caused severe brain damage to the baby. The accident was described by the hospital as "an unfortunate error that occurred despite the safeguards we have in place." - St. Mary's Medical Center
There are always chances of mistake when it comes to prescriptions. It is in our human nature to make mistakes, but I also believe that it is the duty of the hospital staff to make sure what they are giving the patient is correct. I am a little torn between this argument.
Like I stated earlier, we are always going to make mistakes. It is inevitable. I think that there are a lot of ways that these kind of mistakes can be prevented though. The article stated that most doctor's handwriting is unreadable, which I believe is very true. A lot of medicines sound and are even spelled almost the same. I think that a prescription should be very well written so that it is not mistaken for another. I also believe that a nurse needs to know what the medicine she is giving to her patient is supposed to do. If they don't know, ask. There are never any dumb questions, especially when someones life is in your hands. The medicine given to these two women in the story was specifically used for inducing labor when a miscarriage has occurred. The women were on bed rest so that they could stop labor, not induce it. I think that this was a very unfortunate mistake, and I feel for the families that were involved. I still think that everyone makes mistakes, but when you are in this line of work you have to be extra careful of the mistakes that will come your way. This is just an example of the many cases that happen like this every year. Hopefully there will be more precautions taken to help stop the little mistakes that make a huge impact.
I found this at abc news. Have you ever worried that the medicine that is given to you in the hospital is the wrong thing that could actually hurt you? That is exactly what happened in a hospital in Florida. Two pregnant women were given the wrong prescriptions. It caused the first to lose her unborn twins, and the second to deliver prematurely, which caused severe brain damage to the baby. The accident was described by the hospital as "an unfortunate error that occurred despite the safeguards we have in place." - St. Mary's Medical Center
There are always chances of mistake when it comes to prescriptions. It is in our human nature to make mistakes, but I also believe that it is the duty of the hospital staff to make sure what they are giving the patient is correct. I am a little torn between this argument.
Like I stated earlier, we are always going to make mistakes. It is inevitable. I think that there are a lot of ways that these kind of mistakes can be prevented though. The article stated that most doctor's handwriting is unreadable, which I believe is very true. A lot of medicines sound and are even spelled almost the same. I think that a prescription should be very well written so that it is not mistaken for another. I also believe that a nurse needs to know what the medicine she is giving to her patient is supposed to do. If they don't know, ask. There are never any dumb questions, especially when someones life is in your hands. The medicine given to these two women in the story was specifically used for inducing labor when a miscarriage has occurred. The women were on bed rest so that they could stop labor, not induce it. I think that this was a very unfortunate mistake, and I feel for the families that were involved. I still think that everyone makes mistakes, but when you are in this line of work you have to be extra careful of the mistakes that will come your way. This is just an example of the many cases that happen like this every year. Hopefully there will be more precautions taken to help stop the little mistakes that make a huge impact.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Should We Let The Pandas Die?
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I found this article at abc news. As the article states, pandas are cute and cuddly. One Britain nature host is wondering if we should work so hard at keeping them alive though. He states that their environment is shrinking and that we should spend the millions of dollars that we spend on them some other way.
When I first read this article I couldn't believe what I was reading. Someone actually wants to just let the most rare species of bear die off. His argument about eventually having to make some hard decisions due to our growing society does make some since, but I don't think that I agree with letting this species just die off yet.
As stated in the article, senior curator, Brandie Smith says that the reason their habitat is being taken over is because of us. Now it is up to us to help them. I would have to agree with her. They state that it is expensive to keep pandas going, but they also say that the pandas pay for themselves when it comes to tourists. If this is so, I find it hard to say that we should let them just die off. Again, they are the most rare species of bear. Doesn't that account for something? I think that as of right now it is perfectly fine to keep doing what we are doing. Sure we might have to make some hard decisions later on, but lets do that when the time gets here. Who knows, by then this might not even be an issue. I know I would feel bad if an animal was let go extinct that didn't have to be. Save the Pandas.
I found this article at abc news. As the article states, pandas are cute and cuddly. One Britain nature host is wondering if we should work so hard at keeping them alive though. He states that their environment is shrinking and that we should spend the millions of dollars that we spend on them some other way.
When I first read this article I couldn't believe what I was reading. Someone actually wants to just let the most rare species of bear die off. His argument about eventually having to make some hard decisions due to our growing society does make some since, but I don't think that I agree with letting this species just die off yet.
As stated in the article, senior curator, Brandie Smith says that the reason their habitat is being taken over is because of us. Now it is up to us to help them. I would have to agree with her. They state that it is expensive to keep pandas going, but they also say that the pandas pay for themselves when it comes to tourists. If this is so, I find it hard to say that we should let them just die off. Again, they are the most rare species of bear. Doesn't that account for something? I think that as of right now it is perfectly fine to keep doing what we are doing. Sure we might have to make some hard decisions later on, but lets do that when the time gets here. Who knows, by then this might not even be an issue. I know I would feel bad if an animal was let go extinct that didn't have to be. Save the Pandas.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Kids and Shots
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I found this at abc news. If you are a parent, do you dread taking your child to get shots? This article is about a group of kids that were interviewed about going to the doctor for checkups and shots. Dr. Besser wanted to know their view on going to the doctor. Some of the kids' answers were very interesting. Some new a lot about it and others just thought they went to get hurt. The article goes on and explains the dos and donts for parents to do for their children to help out with this process.
Being a parent myself I was very interested in what they had to say. We kind of take for granted that we know why our children need shots, but do they understand. I agree with letting our children talk about what they think of going to the doctor. This could help us make them more comfortable. Lets face it, shots hurt.
Some of the children stated that shots were to make them feel better and so they won't get sick. Others even told about the white blood cells. I think that it is very important that they know why they are getting poked. Later on in the article it tells of some dos that a parent should do for their children before they go to the doctor. Dr. Besser explained that you should tell your child before they go to the doctor. You are preparing them. If you have a toddler don't do it too early. In the waiting room is good enough. That way they don't have too much time to worry about it. He also says that children like to have some control. Let the child choose which arm they want their shot in or pick where they want to sit. It is also nice to give them a hand to squeeze. This could help relieve some pain. It is also good to stay in the room with your child. Even though you might not want to see your child in pain, they are going to be more comfortable with you in there with them. A few of the don'ts that they suggest are do not threaten them. Also don't lie to them. Don't tell them it won't hurt. Dr. Besser says that this will only lose their trust with you. It also states not to equate shots with punishment. This will just make them more afraid.
I think that this article was very helpful for parents. Our children do need to know why they are going to the doctor and that it is not for the doctor to just hurt them. We also need to know how to make them the most comfortable.
I found this at abc news. If you are a parent, do you dread taking your child to get shots? This article is about a group of kids that were interviewed about going to the doctor for checkups and shots. Dr. Besser wanted to know their view on going to the doctor. Some of the kids' answers were very interesting. Some new a lot about it and others just thought they went to get hurt. The article goes on and explains the dos and donts for parents to do for their children to help out with this process.
Being a parent myself I was very interested in what they had to say. We kind of take for granted that we know why our children need shots, but do they understand. I agree with letting our children talk about what they think of going to the doctor. This could help us make them more comfortable. Lets face it, shots hurt.
Some of the children stated that shots were to make them feel better and so they won't get sick. Others even told about the white blood cells. I think that it is very important that they know why they are getting poked. Later on in the article it tells of some dos that a parent should do for their children before they go to the doctor. Dr. Besser explained that you should tell your child before they go to the doctor. You are preparing them. If you have a toddler don't do it too early. In the waiting room is good enough. That way they don't have too much time to worry about it. He also says that children like to have some control. Let the child choose which arm they want their shot in or pick where they want to sit. It is also nice to give them a hand to squeeze. This could help relieve some pain. It is also good to stay in the room with your child. Even though you might not want to see your child in pain, they are going to be more comfortable with you in there with them. A few of the don'ts that they suggest are do not threaten them. Also don't lie to them. Don't tell them it won't hurt. Dr. Besser says that this will only lose their trust with you. It also states not to equate shots with punishment. This will just make them more afraid.
I think that this article was very helpful for parents. Our children do need to know why they are going to the doctor and that it is not for the doctor to just hurt them. We also need to know how to make them the most comfortable.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Why The Rush To The Alter?
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I found this story at CNN. How about another Hollywood wedding that has happened within a month. That is just what this is about. Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom are going to be married this Sunday after they met only one month ago at a party they both attended. Some say that the wedding is just being planned so that it can be aired on the reality TV show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." This will boost the shows ratings. Another source said that Khloe just knows what she wants and these two started talking about marriage early into their relationship. Anyway, the wedding will be held this Sunday in L.A. and the camera crew will be there.
Another celebrity wedding. My thoughts about this is how long will this one last. I mean come on, there is a certain line you have to draw. Maybe I am wrong and these two are in love. I highly doubt it though.
I don't like it when celebrities get picked on because they live their lives just like we do, but it seems like this wedding is just for publicity. Why are they taping it for the show and why did it have to happen so soon? I would have to agree with one of the sources in the article in saying that it seems like they just want to boost the ratings for their reality show. I wish that people these days would see marriage as it is supposed to be. To love each other till death do us part. Divorce just seems to be too easy of an out now. If these two are indeed in love like they say they are, then I wish them the best. If not, it makes me sick to see that they are abusing marriage this way. I guess we will just have to find out in the future what this couple is all about.
I stand firm in believing that marriage is supposed to be forever. There are always going to be tough times, but that is what the vows say when you repeat them at your wedding. Again, I hope the best for this couple and maybe they can prove me wrong.
I found this story at CNN. How about another Hollywood wedding that has happened within a month. That is just what this is about. Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom are going to be married this Sunday after they met only one month ago at a party they both attended. Some say that the wedding is just being planned so that it can be aired on the reality TV show "Keeping Up With the Kardashians." This will boost the shows ratings. Another source said that Khloe just knows what she wants and these two started talking about marriage early into their relationship. Anyway, the wedding will be held this Sunday in L.A. and the camera crew will be there.
Another celebrity wedding. My thoughts about this is how long will this one last. I mean come on, there is a certain line you have to draw. Maybe I am wrong and these two are in love. I highly doubt it though.
I don't like it when celebrities get picked on because they live their lives just like we do, but it seems like this wedding is just for publicity. Why are they taping it for the show and why did it have to happen so soon? I would have to agree with one of the sources in the article in saying that it seems like they just want to boost the ratings for their reality show. I wish that people these days would see marriage as it is supposed to be. To love each other till death do us part. Divorce just seems to be too easy of an out now. If these two are indeed in love like they say they are, then I wish them the best. If not, it makes me sick to see that they are abusing marriage this way. I guess we will just have to find out in the future what this couple is all about.
I stand firm in believing that marriage is supposed to be forever. There are always going to be tough times, but that is what the vows say when you repeat them at your wedding. Again, I hope the best for this couple and maybe they can prove me wrong.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Parents Sue Walmart
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I found this at abc news. This story is about parents that lost custody of their children for a month because a walmart employee called some of their photos they were developing child pornography. After many plees that their pictures were just bath time fun, child protective services still removed the three girls from their home. According to the video a medical examiner found no signs of abuse and a judge found that the photos were harmless. Still after all that, the girls were gone for a month and the family says that the damages were done. The mother was suspended from work for a year and the both of them were put on a list of sex offenders. The parents are now putting up a lawsuit against walmart and the town in which it happened.
I cannot believe that this could happen to a family. Like they said in the video, probably 90% of the population have photos like these. I think that they are doing the right thing by putting up the lawsuit. They as well as their children have been through a lot.
I stand by my opinion in saying that these were perfectly innocent pictures. These parents had no intention of exploiting their children in any way. You can see some of the pictures yourself if you look at the video, but they are just children in their towels having fun after a bath. The mother tried giving advice to other parents warning them to just be aware of certain policies if you want to develop your pictures. What is not harmful to you might be to someone else. I still feel that walmart went too far with these. I know that there are some pictures that might need to be questioned, but there is nothing in these that should have raised a sign. I deeply feel for this family and I hope that the children can recover as well. I can't imagine how hard it was for them to stay in a strangers house for a month. I will keep a follow up on this story and I wish the best for this family.
I found this at abc news. This story is about parents that lost custody of their children for a month because a walmart employee called some of their photos they were developing child pornography. After many plees that their pictures were just bath time fun, child protective services still removed the three girls from their home. According to the video a medical examiner found no signs of abuse and a judge found that the photos were harmless. Still after all that, the girls were gone for a month and the family says that the damages were done. The mother was suspended from work for a year and the both of them were put on a list of sex offenders. The parents are now putting up a lawsuit against walmart and the town in which it happened.
I cannot believe that this could happen to a family. Like they said in the video, probably 90% of the population have photos like these. I think that they are doing the right thing by putting up the lawsuit. They as well as their children have been through a lot.
I stand by my opinion in saying that these were perfectly innocent pictures. These parents had no intention of exploiting their children in any way. You can see some of the pictures yourself if you look at the video, but they are just children in their towels having fun after a bath. The mother tried giving advice to other parents warning them to just be aware of certain policies if you want to develop your pictures. What is not harmful to you might be to someone else. I still feel that walmart went too far with these. I know that there are some pictures that might need to be questioned, but there is nothing in these that should have raised a sign. I deeply feel for this family and I hope that the children can recover as well. I can't imagine how hard it was for them to stay in a strangers house for a month. I will keep a follow up on this story and I wish the best for this family.
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