PLN 16

In the article “Shocking numbers” by the Rocky Mountain News what matters is how we are going to survive the crashing economy. The article explained the nation’s unemployment rate has increased to 6.7%, with 533,000 jobs lost in the month of November. That’s the highest jobless rate in 15 years. My brother lost his job a couple months ago as the company he worked for went out of business literally just closed its doors. My uncle was laid off from his job three months ago, and at my dad’s office they laid off one employee last week. The Rocky Mountain News was put up for sale last week but is likely to be shut down. So there are another 500+ employees whose jobs are in jeopardy. I live on a cul-de-sac street. There are approximately 30 homes on the street each with two working people. As I look down the row of houses, I can figure that about 4 people on my street are unemployed. The unemployment rate is up 42% from a year ago, and it seems to me it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better. President elect Obama is quoted in the article as agreeing with that prediction. Yet President Bush and President elect Obama cannot come up with any solutions to this problem. Therefore it is up to us. So what can we do? We all need to have some compassion for each other. Help each other out how ever we can. Now more than ever we should observe one of the greatest commandments and love our neighbors. During the great depression the only way people survived was by relying on those around them and helping when they could. The economy now is nearly as bad as it was then but there are still quite a few people who are struggling. I heard a story of a woman who went to a place where they were auctioning off foreclosed houses a bought one of them in full then simply gave it back to the family that was living there. Not every one has that much money to spare however every little bit helps. And by pulling together and helping each other we will all be able to make it through the bumpy times.

PLN 15

In the article Teacher Sells Ads on Test Papers by 2 cents worth what matters is how this school is problem solving and therefore giving their students more opportunities. In the article it talks about how a teacher has sold advertising space on the bottom of tests. The advertising helps pay for printing and basic supplies, leaving more money for other things. It is good that the school has figured out a way to help pay for what they need. By figuring out how to make extra money they have opened up new possibilities, and with the extra money they can fund new programs. Other schools should followed their example then kids all over would have more opportunities. If more schools problem solved like this one did our education system would be much better off because with extra opportunities kids have a greater chance of being prepared later on in life. This school sold advertising on their tests solving the problem of not enough financing, creating new opportunities and setting an example for other schools.

PLN 14

In the article Man found dead outside Colorado Springs home what matters is why the man is dead. The police haven’t figured out why the man died however they plan to perform an autopsy to try to figure out what killed him. This article worries me because I have a brother that lives in Colorado Springs. It makes me wonder how safe he is down there he was already nearly shot when a gun man showed up at his church about a year ago. Even though my brother wasn’t killed or even injured in this shooting it greatly affected him. Everyone in the church had a hard time because they now knew that it could have been them that were killed. This guy could have died of natural causes, or he could have been killed by someone who is now still on the loose in the city. If somebody did kill him then it would be dangerous for everyone in the city to have someone like that still running around the city. I think that people these days have to much access to many ways of killing others and it has become so common that it is hardly a big deal when someone dies. It is unfortunate that this man died, hopefully it was of natural causes because if it someone did kill him then everyone in Colorado springs could be in danger.

PLN 13

In the article Donations sought, even as gas prices drop by the Denver post what matters is the community helping out those who are suffering from the failing economy. Even with the decreasing gas prices there are many people that nay have a hard time heating their houses this winter. Communities and organizations all over are pulling together to raise money to help out these families. I think that it is important for us to help those in need; after all if I was in need I certainly want someone to help me. One of my favorite memories is one Christmas when me, my family and two other families made a whole bunch of sack lunches then went downtown and handed them out to who ever looked like they needed some food. I loved doing this because watching how grateful they were was one of the most precious things I have ever seen. I think that if we all pitched in a little bit not only would those who are struggling be better off but I think that it would make everyone realize how much they have to be grateful for. One of the biggest problems with our society today is that we are never satisfied with what we are fortunate enough to have. Some people won’t have heat this Christmas, but some will be given heat because of their community pulling together to help through donations, and organizations.

PLN 12

In the article All alone (almost) at the top by the rocky mountain news what matters is how Barack Obama’s coming presidency has and will affect him and his family. The article talks about how his house is already blocked off and he rides in an armored limousine. Soon they will have to take away practically all of his connection to the outside world. He was probably expecting this and therefore he is just fine with it. But I think that it will be an extremely hard change for his wife and daughters to get used to. They will likely have to give up a lot as well. His kids will have to leave their friends, they probably will no longer attend school instead they will have a tutor. It would be extremely hard to grow up in the white house. Although it would be a fascinating experience, they are going to miss out on a lot. They won’t get to go out, or be with friends. However I think that it is wonderful how much they support him and that they are willing to sacrifice all that so that he can live his dream. It will be a big change for all of them but they are willing to do it to support Barack.

PLN 11

In the article Japan: Full-speed ahead for Christmas and New Year’s Eve what matters is what Christmas has become. In the article it describes how Christmas is like a car that is moving at full speed, with stores advertising trying to convince people that they simply have to have a certain product. Sadly for most adults it has become a season of stress and frustration as they try to find the newest toy that their kids simply had to have. For kids it has become a time where they demand and beg until their parents buy them the perfect gift, and lots of gifts. Often they aren’t even truly grateful they play with the toy for a couple hours maybe days, then it either breaks or they toss it aside with all the other toys they got bored with. Christmas should be a wonderful season filled with cheer, giving, love, celebrating the birth of a savior and everything that goes along with the Christmas spirit. When I think of Christmas I think of cookies and lights, getting presents, but even more I think of the immense joy of watching someone who is truly grateful open a present they never expected to get. We have all heard it a thousand times we give gifts because on this day God gave us the most precious gift, his son. But watching a homeless man receive a hot meal or a warm jacket, or a sick girl who has been stuck in the hospital for years receive a doll and a person to play with for an hour or two, makes me a lot more grateful for everything I already have. Christmas was never meant to be a season of rush and spending, like it is in this article, but I think if we focus on giving instead of getting it will brings the joy and gratefulness back into the Christmas season.

PLN 10

In the article Senior Citizen Appreciation Day by the Nata Village blog what matters is recognizing their seniors. This village has decided that those who are sixty five and older deserve to be honored at least one day a year. They hoped that this event will give the village a lasting appreciation for their seniors. Senior citizens do deserve to be honored. They are the ones that have worked their whole life to try and make the world better for those that will come after them, and they often go unnoticed. It is a quality society once possessed, respect and appreciation for those older than you, but somewhere along the way that has gotten lost, and it has become a “me first” world. I see it all the time. People sliding past an old man with a cane so that they can get through the door, and get where they want to be, when they should be taking thirty seconds out of their day to hold the door and show a little respect. I admit that I often do the same thing, and my generation has gotten so bad that we are characterized by disrespect. If we had some respect for those older than us then, they would be more likely to respect us, and therefore I believe a large part of the generation gap could be breached. The Nata village is doing a good thing by teaching kids that seniors deserve to be honored.

PLN 9

In the article Father angry over child’s death by the Denver Post what matters are child abuse and divorce, and how it affects people. In the article two year old Elijah Archuleta died of severe burns, which were believed to be from his mother and her boyfriend. Elijah’s dad James was extremely upset over his son’s death. The mother and her boyfriend are being tried for first-degree murder. James talks about how his son never wanted to go with his mother, and he was going to fight for sole custody of Elijah and his older sister Serenity. It is terrible that this dad had to go through this, having his child killed by his ex-wife. Child abuse is a horrible thing; there are many cases of it every day. I never understood what could possibly go on in someone’s mind to make them think that it is okay to treat their kids that way. It makes it even worse that the parents were in a custody battle. Now it obvious who the kids needed to be with, the unfortunate part is that for one of them it is too late. My parents were in a custody battle for a long time, luckily neither of them was physically abusive. However the whole process of how much time you get to spend with this one or that one it is all very abusive on your emotions. These kids were very young so they really wouldn’t have known what was happening. I was thirteen an age where I wanted to and felt like I should have been able to choose things for myself. Divorce is a horrible thing to have to go through, and unfortunately often there is child abuse involved. Kids should never have to go through things like that. Often it forces them to grow up instantly and they never get the childhood that every kid should get a chance to live. And because they go through all this they eventually have to find a way to deal with all the pain and that often leads them down a horrible path. The father had the right to be angry over his son’s death, I hope he takes that anger and hurt and uses it to begin an organization to keep this from happening to more children.

PLN 7

PLN 7
In the article it’s the Parents’ Fault. Not. What matters is whose responsibility it is to teach kids about the danger of Internet sights like myspace or facebook. In the article the author has a conversation with a principle from a high school. The principle states that he thinks that it is the parents’ responsibility to warn their kids, and therefore it is the parents’ fault that kids get into so much trouble. The author however states that it is the schools job to educate kids and that means on everything, from math to Internet dangers. The author suggests that schools should start teaching kids about the danger in first grade so that they never even get into sights like myspace. But I would ask that if it is the schools job to teach kids everything then why would we even have parents? No schools are responsible for teaching kids academic subjects like math and English, and while there is no problem with schools warning kids of these things. It is the parents job to make sure their kids know about the world and know what is right and what is wrong. Therefore it is the parents fault and their responsibility.

PLN 6

PLN 6
In the article No Child Left Behind from the Nata village blog what matters is education. At the Nata Priamary School they have made classrooms outside to ensure that all the children get a chance to learn. The kids even love to learn and they are very grateful for the chance to learn and they take pride in their work. This makes me wonder what school would be like here if all Americans were so eager to learn and grateful for the chance. If Americans were as eager to learn and took as much pride in our work society would be in a much better place. There would be less poverty, less crime, and fewer problems with the teens of today. Instead of dropping out of high school teens would work until they achieved their goals, they would get good grades, go to good colleges and find good jobs that they love. America is a blessed country; every child gets to go to school, but in the Nata village it is a privilege for them to go to school and that is why they are so grateful. We can certainly learn from them, I think everybody could use a little lesson on being grateful. Because we have always had public schools that anybody can go to for free we take it for granted. If we were grateful for the chance to make something of ourselves then we would develop pride in our work. By taking pride in our work, the standard of business, living, and even the level of self respect would all rise because when people take pride in what they do their best to make it the best it could be and as presentable as possible. If we took pride in our work and in everything we do then we wouldn’t settle for something that was mediocre we would do everything with excellence and a higher standard would be set. Because education has always been available to us it has lost its value, but it would be wise of us to learn a little something from the kids in the Nata village who it truly matters to.

PLN 8

PLN 8
In the article Personhood Amendment Fails by the Denver post what matters is the right to life for every person. In the Colorado constitution it states the every person has the right to life liberty and property. This amendment puts a true definition to what a person is; it said that a person is a person from the time they are conceived. There really isn’t a definition of when a person is considered a person, and therefore it is left up to the courts to interpret what is or isn’t a person. When I think of a person I think something that has a heart, lungs, a brain, fingerprints, eyes and can feel, at just 5 weeks a baby has fingerprints, at just 8 weeks it has a brain and can feel, by ten weeks the baby looks like a human and has a gender. By 13 weeks the baby looks like a human has a brain and feels; it has bones and even fingerprints it is a person, yet it is at this 13 week mark that most abortions are performed. It gets worse many abortions are partial birth abortions where the baby is delivered all except the head then its brains are sucked out, causing its brains to collapse. This kind of abortion is usually performed between 20 and 26 weeks, by this time the baby has a detectable heartbeat can move and even has hair on its head the baby is even most of the way born, that is definitely a person. But that is still not the worst of it, even after birth abortion is still not considered murder. This is where the mother gives birth to the baby prematurely then the fully born living breathing baby is left to die. They are even issued birth and death certificates; if that is not a person then even I couldn’t be considered one. So how do they get away with all this being legal? It is because the courts have been left to define what is and isn’t a person therefore they can change the definition, making something like leaving fully born living breathing babies in a dark room to die legal. Amendment 48 would have given the word “Person” a definition therefore no longer allowing the courts to redefine the word for every case. It would entitle even the smallest person to the the constitutional rights of every person, making abortion against rights and setting the injustice straight.
Colorado Constitution
Live Birth Abortion

PLN 5

PLN 5
In the article Monument teen appeals over Jesus graduation speech what matters is constitutional rights. Erica Corder was denied her diploma after mentioning Jesus in her 30 second valedictorian speech. She was told that if she didn’t apologize she would not graduate. The school claims that because it was a “school sponsored speech” it was not okay for her to reference God. Erica claims that the first amendment gives her the freedom of speech. I think that it was wrong for the school to force her to apologize. America was based on freedom specifically freedom of religion therefore it would be right for people to express what they believe. She wasn’t making anyone else believe what she did, she didn’t even claim that that is what the school believed, she was simply saying what she believed. This incident reminds me of another I heard about happening in the science community of America. There are some very respected scientist that have been fired or considered uncredible after they mentioned the idea of intelligent design or evolution with a creator. They never claimed it to be the truth, what they believed or what they organization believed however they were fired as a result of it. This country calls themselves a free nation but Erica’s incident and ones like it make me wonder just how free America is and if our rights as human beings are really protected.

PLN 4

In the article “Mexican man sentenced in Denver for smuggling sea turtles” by the Denver Post what matters is animal rights. Martin Terrones was killing the endangered sea turtle to making them into leather products such as boots, wallets and belts. The animal rights activists where very upset saying it was cruel and inhumane. I am not a big believer in animal rights. I believe that God gave us animals to use as we need. However with that comes the responsibility to take care of the animals. They should be handled properly and not taken only for selfish pleasure. It is very practical to use cattle for milk, food, and leather. Martin was wrong here because it was simply to make a profit not a necessity also he wasn’t taking care of what God gave us, because he nearly killed them off completely. I will have to agree with the animal rights activists this time because this is an example of animal cruelty. They have a right to be upset in this case. What Martin Terrones did was wrong and both the animal rights activists and I would agree that it is good he and all his companions were found guilty and sentenced. I enjoy eating meat, but it is our responsibility to keep them safe, and therefore we shouldn’t kill animals unless it is for survival. Martin’s motives were wrong and therefore what he did was wrong not just according to the law but to me and the animal rights activists.

PLN 3

PLN 3
In the article Mountain Highways Snarled by bad weather by the Rocky Mountain News, it talks about winter coming!! They talk about the cold weather, slick roads, and snow. It is all so exciting with the season changing. With the snow and cold weather comes skiing and snowboarding, hot chocolate, fires, and snowmen. I remember the 10 foot tall snowmen I used to make with my dad when I was little – the taller the better! I’m going to try snowboarding again this winter. My brother started teaching me last winter but I need a lot more instruction and practice. To me the first snow of the season brings thoughts of how the Thanksgiving turkey smells cooking in the oven, the Christmas lights showing up all over the neighborhood, winter sports and catching snowflakes on my tongue. But the Rocky Mountain News had other things to report. The first winter weather of the season brought slippery roads, and car crashes, especially to the western side of the Continental Divide. West of the Eisenhower Tunnel an eighteen-wheeler truck crashed into the guard rail and blocked the road, tying up traffic for hours. Numerous fender benders caused weekend travelers a little inconvenience. Ski areas, however, were pleased to have some natural snow to help build a base for opening day which is coming soon. The Denver area was didn’t get snow today, but the article talks of a mixture of rain and snow tomorrow in Denver. If we do get snow the situation could very well end up the same on highways around here. Winter is coming and bringing with it all the fun and frusteration.

PLN 2: Did You Know?

Notes: Did you Know? Karl Fisch

• 34 babies born in 8 seconds


• living in exponential times


• if myspace were a country it would be the 8th largest in the world


• shift happens


• we are preparing kids for jobs that don't exist


• being successful in the 21st century means more than being literate

PLN 2: Did You Know?

In the Did you know? presentation by Karl Fisch, what matters is the insane rate that technology is growing at. The number of computers, cell phones and different websites being used each has shot up in the last fifty years. Not only that but the amount that people are using them is huge. Furthermore the abilities of all the different technologies have greatly increased. Karl Fisch tells us things like if MySpace were a country, it would have the eighth largest population in the world. That is a huge website. Because people have learned to use technology so much it has become a huge part of life. Technology is no longer just for pleasure but it connects the world, the web contains all the information anybody could ever need. It has become such a big part of life that even small children know how to use computers. But this brings up another question about what it will look like to be “literate” in the 21^st century. Kids who grow up in the 21^st century will need to know how to use all the technology available to them. Or there is no way that they will be able to succeed in the world later in life. Karl Fisch is showing people that technology is changing how people live, work and connect and everybody needs to jump on board with the change or they will be left behind.

Machines are Using Us

Notes:

• director: Michael Wesch


• professor of anthropology


• is it the machine using us? or are we the machine?


• text links anywhere


• has been made user friendly


• we create the web


• it mashes info together


• we have lost who we really are


• identity


• technology becoming who we are

What matters to Michael Wesch???

In the video the machines are using us what matters to Michael Wesch is showing people how the computer and the web has changed us and used us and figuring out who we as humans are as a result of todays technology . Michael shows how much didital text has advanced since it was first created. It has become easier to use and able to do more. We can now do practically anything with dightal text. We can post on the web and link one thing to another. We can mash info together. He sugests that every time we click on something we teach the machine. We create the web and therefore every aspect of the web reflects us and the web could be considered to be us. Not only is the web our primary source of information but we also use it for communication. We blog and chat on the computer we hardly ever talk in person any more. None of this ever used to be possible. Michale Wesch asks people to rethink who they are. Have we become the web. He wants to make people think about their idenity. You can be anybody you want to be on the computer, but he asks if that is who we have become just a mix of internet identies, links and online friends many of who we haven’t even met in person. Michael wants to show people that technology is the biggest thing that is shaping who we are and make us think if that is who we really want to be.