Ferguson Police Officer Shot

"Search Is On For Two Suspects Wanted In Shooting Of Ferguson Police Officer"
By: Jim Salter
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/28/ferguson-officer-shooting_n_5895494.html

Officials have been searching for two men who have been suspected of shooting and injuring a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. At the time the officer was shot, there were two protests occurring that were associated with the shooting of eighteen-year-old Mike Brown. Both of the protests are said to have nothing to do with this shooting. At a news conference the morning after the shooting, County Police Chief Jon Belmar said the two men “fled when the officer approached them at around nine p.m. because the community center they were standing outside of was closed… When the officer gave chase, one of the men turned and shot him in the arm” (Salter, 1). The officer remains unidentified, but he is expected to survive. Belmar said the officer fired back, but there is no indication that either of the two suspects was shot. The tension between police and community members in Ferguson still exists. At around midnight on the Saturday night the officer was shot, there was a group of about 100 protesters with two-dozen officers standing near them. By Sunday afternoon, there was no sign of either police or protesters. A neighboring street had been closed as officers searched for the two suspects. On Saturday, Mike Brown’s parents spoke with The Associated Press, saying “they were unmoved by a videotaped apology released days earlier by Ferguson Chief Police Tom Jackson” (Salter, 1). Jackson attempted to march with protesters, but it ended in chaos with several arrests. Brown’s mother believes Jackson should be fired, and Brown’s father specified he does not want an apology; he wants the officer who shot his son to be arrested. The jury is still unsure whether or not they will charge Wilson in the shooting.

This article is one of many that explain what is occurring in Ferguson today. Though it does not inform or update the reader on Mike Brown’s case, it is also important to be aware of smaller events such as this one. It demonstrates how actions change and how individuals react differently when tension exists. Due to racial profiling leading to the death of eighteen-year-old African American Mike Brown, incidents like this become more sensitive. It is favorable to have more people be aware of issues associated to racial profiling so that they may decide to take action to reach justice.

The Sweet Taste of Home

Ever since the time I first tried the sweet, sugary, mouthwatering taste of Butter Pecan ice cream in what I consider to be my homeland, Chile, I have been unable to resist it here in the United States. From the unique taste of the roasted pecans and the unrecognizable flavor of the butter to the familiar aroma of the cream and the sugar, the blend of the ingredients of butter pecan ice cream is the most flawless creation ever completed. Every bite of butter pecan ice cream is like experiencing a One Direction concert all over again. Every time I step foot into Baskin Robbins, I thank God butter pecan is part of the exclusive selection of the thirty-one flavors offered. Though this flavor is prominently enjoyed in the United States and I have eaten it here every time except for once, I will never forget that the first time I tried it was in my grandmother’s apartment. She had bought it out of curiosity because she found the image to be quite appealing. She opened the carton of ice cream and served some for my cousin, herself, and for me. Within moments of trying it, I knew this was my new favorite flavor. This flavor is the perfect balance of simple and overdone. Almost all other flavors contain a component that makes them too plain, too complex, or simply not as noble as butter pecan. Anyone’s initial reaction to butter pecan ice cream would have to be delightful or charming or life changing. It is the perfect taste of butter pecan ice cream that bonds me to my beautiful country and my grandmother, because if it were not for her, I would have never discovered butter pecan.

ISIS Beheads British Aid Worker

"ISIS Video Claims To Show Beheading Of British Aid Worker David Haines"
By: Charlotte Alfred
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/13/david-haines-beheading_n_5816368.html

The Islamic State, showing a masked radical in a British sounding accent, has released a video on Twitter showing the beheading of British aid worker David Haines. In the video, the militant addresses U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron before seeming to behead Haines. Haines was abducted in Syria while working for ACTED, the French aid agency, last year. He was shown in the video that showed the beheading of American journalist Steven Sotloff. This video is similar to the ones of Steven Sotloff and James Foley because it starts with news recordings of Prime Minister Cameron’s policy towards the group. The video then continues with showing Haines kneeling in the sand in an orange jumpsuit. He then makes an announcement warning that “Britain will be dragged into ‘another bloody and unwinnable war’ for helping to arm the Kurdish Peshmerga force battling the group in Iraq” (1). Alan Henning, another hostage imprisoned while working in Syria, is later threatened in this same video. Prime Minister Cameron termed the killing as “pure evil” (1). Cameron has reportedly called an emergency government meeting after the release of this video. An announcement from the White House said, ‘The United States strongly condemns the barbaric murder of UK citizen David Haines by the terrorist group ISIS” (1). The United Stated government has promised to aid fighters resisting ISIS’s advance.

            This article contains information on the horrible acts occurring because of the extremist group, ISIS. This article is one of many displaying the tensions that ISIS has created. It is important to stay informed on all the new information being presented to the media and the people.

Is Iran A Bigger Problem Than ISIS?

"Henry Kissinger: Iran 'A Bigger Problem Than ISIS'"
By: Alana Horowitz
Source: Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/06/henry-kissinger-iran-isis_n_5777706.html?ir=Politics

In an interview with NPR released on Saturday, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger stated that, “Iran ‘is a bigger problem than ISIS’’ (Horowitz, 1). His reasoning for stating this is that since Iran has a sturdier base in the Middle East, the opportunities to build a domain are more superior. Kissinger explains that he still thinks the conflict with ISIS is important, but he believes it is more easily controllable than an encounter with Iran. He believes Iran has a, “very powerful level from a strategic point of view” (Horowitz, 1) because ISIS has yet to conquer more terrain before it can become a more enduring opponent. Although ISIS may have a harsh and hostile ideology, they are a group of travelers with no set land. One day before the interview with Kissinger was released, Iran’s supreme leader reportedly ordered his military to support the United States in the conflict with ISIS. Many are not astonished with Kissinger’s caution due to his past suspicion about their nuclear program. His skepticism added after Friday, when Iran was unsuccessful to supply vital information on its past nuclear work by a deadline they had previously agreed upon. In response to the controversial video ISIS reportedly released beheading an American journalist, “Kissinger told NPR that he would ‘strongly favor a strong attack on ISIS’ in response” (Horowitz, 1).

This article is one of many released weekly that speak about the tensions with ISIS and the current situation with Iran. It is important that one stays updated with new information and opinions on this matter.

Spoon's "They Want My Soul" Review

"They Want My Soul"
By: Jon Dolan
Source: Rolling Stone
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/spoon-they-want-my-soul-20140805

Critic Jon Dolan begins the review of Spoon’s distinctive yet imaginative eighth album They Want My Soul with writing about their music in the past two decades. Since their debut album in 1993, Spoon have time and time again written and produced songs and albums that have received continuous praise. He applauds frontman Britt Daniel’s dissimilar cleverness and passion, which he says, “has always been Spoon’s not-so-secret weapon” (Dolan, 1). Dolan commends the album by giving it a four star review. This analysis may be read by individuals who have been Spoon fans for a long time, people who are into alternative rock and may be exploring Spoon, or by those who are intrigued by new music and have stumbled across this review. Dolan begins his actual examination of the album by using claim of fact and stating that this is Spoon’s first time working, on a large scale, with alt-rock central figures and producers Joe Chiccarelli and Dave Fridmann. Using logos, he then goes on to talk about the album opener, “Rent I Pay,” its use of snare drums, and how it builds into the succeeding track, “Inside Out,” displaying a falsetto and a trip-hop beat. In the following paragraph, Dolan uses claim of value and pathos by saying that this album contains, “some of Daniel’s most emotional lyrics ever” (Dolan, 1). This may attract readers by making them feel like this album is more personal than others. He uses the songs “Do You” and “Outliers” to justify Daniel’s use of, “more give, clarity and romance” (Dolan, 1). He finishes the review by praising the final song on the album, “New York Kiss.” Though he enjoys this track, he uses claim of policy by declaring this song would have received acclaim, especially on the radio, a few decades ago. Dolan concludes the evaluation of this album by telling the reader that despite the fact that the rock vibe has passed, Spoon has always done well and he predicts nothing but success.