Social Suicide (Poem)

Stare at the ground, 

Never look up, 

Never make a sound. 

Eye contact cannot kill, 

I don't care how you feel. 

My lips are paralyzed, 

I've committed social suicide, 

I cannot say a word, 

That's always been my curse.

I can't help that I'm an antisocial freak, 

I just always feel so weak, 

But I know that I'm strong, 

Even though I don't belong.

Every day is judgement day, 

But don't listen to what you think they say. 

In this life you can't survive, 

No one ever gets out alive.

Book Review

"'That's what I wanted to tell you, Anne. How will you feel, Anne? When I'm dead, and it all starts again, how will you?' Suddenly he laughed, a mirthless cackle that reverberated through the cell block, coming back to batter at her eardrums again and again." This is a quote from Black Lightning, a book by bestselling author John Saul. This book hypnotized me with its creepy plot and interesting character development.

A theme of this book is that death is not the end, but a new beginning. An example from the book to prove this is, "'Glen was dead for almost two minutes,' Anne said, her voice as flat as the detective's had been a moment earlier. 'The morning he had his heart attack, they lost him in the ambulance on the way to Group Health. They had to stop so both of the medics could work on him. It's all in the records, Mark. They used CPR, drugs, and the defibrillator. And it happened at almost exactly nine A.M., Pacific Time.'" At noon Eastern Time, which would be nine Pacific Time, Richard Kraven, a serial killer, was executed. Anne's husband, Glen, acting strangely since returning from the hospital after his heart attack, had gruesome dreams that turned out to be memories. Richard Kraven's soul had been residing alongside Glen's soul in Glen's body, possessing the body and using it to kill more people. This proves that death is a new beginning because when Richard Kraven supposedly died, his soul lived on and went into another body. On page 420, the book says, "Blakemoor remembered the words Anne had uttered only a few moments before, quoting what Richard Kraven had said in one of the interviews she'd reread only a little while earlier: 'Nijinsky stopped dancing because he thought another spirit was entering his body while he was out of it.'" This proves that death is a new beginning because it is another instance of a foreign soul entering someone else's body after the soul's original body had been destroyed. Another example proving this theme is, "He was no longer in his body. Somehow, during that last terrible flash of blinding pain, he'd managed to escape, slipping away from the agony before it could break his mind. Now, gazing back down at his body, he could see that the pain was still there, for his face was contorted into an anguished grimace." Glen Jeffers' body was dead for two minutes. The fact that his spirit was floating outside of his body shows that death is not the end. Instead of being gone for good, he was still self-aware as a spirit and had the choice of going back or passing on.

One character in the book is Anne Jeffers, a Seattle Herald journalist. John Saul made me believe in this character as a person because she was not just some perfect fictional being. She made mistakes, and had basic human nature, just like everyone else; she was real. I like the character of Anne Jeffers, and  liking her made me really get into the book and hope that she unraveled the mysteries surrounded the Richard Kraven murders. Anne is a brave woman. An example that proves this bravery is, "Not Heather! It couldn't happen to Heather--she wouldn't let it happen to Heather!" Heather, Anne's daughter, had been kidnapped by serial killer Richard Kraven, and Anne, refusing to allow what had happened to Kraven's other victims happen to her only daughter, assured herself that she would save Heather. Anne is a woman who perseveres. On page 13, the book says, "Evidence that Anne Jeffers had recounted over and over again during the years she had covered this case." Not wanting to sentence an innocent man to death, Anne, who had been working on the Kraven case for a few years, constantly pored over the evidence to make sure that she was right in trying to convict him and give him the death penalty.  Anne was also a romantic. The book says, "Then she thought of Glen, and was instantly consumed by a desire to be held by him, to feel his arms around her, his lips on hers, his strength pulling her close to him."  After witnessing Kraven's execution, Anne was upset, as anyone who witnessed an execution would be. But the thought of Glen, her husband of about twenty years, made her feel better.

The book Black Lightning connects to the world because people are still receiving the death penalty as punishment for certain crimes. The death penalty, the punishment of execution administered to someone legally convicted of a capital crime, is a very controversial subject, and always has been. Capital punishment will always be a controversial topic. One view is that being killed as punishment for killing someone is hypocritical, while another view is that the criminal has no chance of being rehabilitated and does not deserve to live. According to Statisticbrain.com, 1,348 people have been executed since 1976. Just last year, 39 people were executed in the U.S.

I would recommend Black Lightning to anyone who likes reading books in the horror and supernatural genres, but this book is not for the faint of heart. Black Lightning is a book for fans of gore, violence, and mystery.


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CC 3.2

In a recent article by David Goldman titled "Google To make Smart Contact Lenses," Goldman informs readers about Google wanting to develop contact lenses that use diabetics' tears to measure glucose levels.

According to Goldman, "Google X labs is also working on driverless cars and balloons that transmit Wi-Fi signals to remote areas." Some of the technology that is being created and worked on is amazing, but how will we know when to stop? Because of all the technology that is so readily available to us, many people would rather spend their time indoors than outdoors.

Goldman states, "The prototype contacts are outfitted with tiny wireless chips and glucose sensors, sandwiched between two lenses. They are able to measure blood sugar levels once per second, and Google is working on putting LED lights inside the lenses that would flash when those levels are too low or high." Although this may be a less painful way for diabetics to check glucose levels, the light flashing seems like it would be an annoying alternative. Then again, putting the contacts in, a nuisance perhaps as bad as pricking fingers, would not necessarily be a desirable alternative.

The author claims, "The electronics in the lens are so small that they appear to be specks of glitter, Google said. The wireless antenna is thinner than a human hair." Such technology is truly revolutionary. Creating so many new and advanced products, humans, a species that is evolving everyday, are capable of almost anything.

This article connects to the world because the human race, quickly advancing, is exploring new and exciting endeavors.

Google is attempting to create smart contact lenses, which could potentially eliminate the need for diabetic people to prick their fingers in order to monitor their glucose levels.

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CC 3.1

In a recent article by Heather Kelly titled "3-D Printing Tries To Find A Home," Kelly informs readers that companies that make 3-D printers are trying to make mass production of 3-D printers practical and possible.

Kelly states, "Designing a model and creating a workable file takes skill, and the machines themselves can require technical know-how and adjustments like leveling to get a decent final product." Unwilling to commit to such complicated technology, the average consumer more than likely will not yet be interested in the item. Would a 3-D printer really be worth all that effort?

According to Kelly, "The 3-D printing industry is taking aim at entry-level customers with cheaper, easier-to-use hardware and online marketplaces filled with predesigned files. At the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the 3-D printing section was larger and busier than in previous years and had an increased focus on consumer-friendly products." 3-D printers, printers that actually print 3-D objects, although a good idea, seem like more trouble than they are worth. These printers can cost up to $5,000; I do not see them getting into the mainstream any time soon.

The author claims, "The newest hardware is trying to make 3-D printing simple. MakerBot announced a new one-button 3-D printer called the MakerBot Mini. Files can be sent directly to the compact printer from a mobile phone or tablet over WiFi. One push of a button and the Mini will start creating the object in PLA plastic." How simple can they possibly such a complicated device? I am sure the MakerBot Mini costs just as much as the printer itself.

This article connects to the world because 3-D printers could, in several years, be used by many people throughout the world.

The makers of 3-D printers, complicated devices, are trying, perhaps unsuccessfully, to get 3-D printers into the mainstream.

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Current Connection 2.1

In a recent article titled "Que. Boy, 12, Pleads Guilty To Hacking Government Websites" posted at Toronto Sun, Michael Nguyen informs readers that a 12-year-old boy hacked government websites.

According to Nguyen, "A 12-year-old Quebec boy is responsible for hacking several government and police websites during the student uprising in spring 2012, creating computer havoc and causing $60,000 damage..." I just wonder how a 12-year-old managed to hack such websites. Although I know nothing about hacking, using a computer to gain unauthorized access to data in a system, a morally wrong decision, I am sure that the task is difficult, especially when dealing with government websites.

Nguyen stated, "He pleaded guilty to three charges related to the hacking of the websites, including those of Montreal police, the Quebec Institute of Public Health, Chilean government and some non-public sites." Those are series charges, but at least the boy confessed to what he did instead of denying his actions. He will face the consequences of his actions; he made the decision to hack those websites, and he made the decision to plead guilty. 

The author claims, "The Grade 5 student from the Montreal suburb of Notre-Dame-de-Grace, whose actions were not politically motivated, traded pirated information to Anonymous for video games, court was told." Anonymous is a snake, sly and deceptive. The mischievous group bribed the boy with video games, and the boy accepted the bribe. The boy, desiring video games, did something he should not have done.

This article connects to the world because with the right amount of skill, almost anyone can become a hacker, and anyone can join Anonymous. Hacking government websites is wrong, and I just do not understand why anyone hacks them.

A 12-year-old Canadian boy pleaded guilty to hacking several government websites.

                                               
Work Cited

Nguyen, Michael. "Que. Boy, 12, Pleads Guilty To Hacking Government Websites." Toronto Sun.                   25 Oct. 2013. Web. 7 Nov. 2013.
                                                



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Current Connection: 1.2

In a recent article by Kathy Kristof titled "Fake Student Loan Site Steals Identities," Kristof informs readers about fake Sallie Mae accounts that attempt to steal student identities.

Kristof states, "However, students who attempt to be among the first 150,000 to take the bogus sites up on the offer are asked to provide personal information, such as birth dates and Social Security Numbers, allowing the sites to steal their identities, according to Scambook." This is one reason that everyone should be very careful about giving out their information. Scambook, a website that detects bogus sites and warns consumers about using them, is a way for consumers to make sure they are not giving their information to identity thieves.

The author claims, "The fake Sallie sites have a timely and attractive pitch: Due to the government shutdown, indebted graduates can apply for a loan 'forgiveness' program that would wipe away their debt." Their pitch seems plausible, but everyone should be careful about who they give their information to. People should be skeptical about what they read on the internet; therefore, if they see something on the internet that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

According to Kristof, "Another option is for people to start monitoring their credit report at annualcreditreport.com. This site provides one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus each year. That gives you access to three reports each year (one from each bureau)." Monitoring your credit report is a good idea. Doing so will help ensure that there are no mistakes or purchases the consumer did not make.

This article connects to the world because identity theft is a global issue. One in ten Americans have their identities stolen each year. Identity theft, a bother that can ruin a person's credit, needs to be stopped.

Fake Sallie Mae sites have been stealing students' identities by claiming to wipe away student loan debts and asking for personal information.

Current Connection 1.1

In a recent article by Lateef Mungin, titled "LA School Officials Accused In Plot To Steal Thousands Of Textbooks," Mungin informs readers about how some Los Angeles County employees stole textbooks so they could sell them.

The author states, "The employees were paid from $600 up to $47,000 to steal textbooks in literature, language arts, economics, physics, anatomy, and physiology, prosecutors said." I guess some people will do anything for money. Stealing textbooks from schools is depriving lots of children the opportunity to learn, a necessity for avoiding ignorance, and that is wrong.

The author claims, "Twelve Los Angeles County employees stole thousands of textbooks from school districts to supply them to a buyer, who paid them in bribes, court records show." This is the same as stealing from children, only this could be worse than stealing material possessions... this is stealing their education. Every child deserves a good education.

According to Mungin, "Twelve of the 13 suspects have pleaded not guilty, authorities said." I hope that the court makes the right decision and finds the suspects guilty. They deserve to be put in jail.

This article connects to the book Till Death Us Do Part because one of the characters in the book, Alan, was charged with embezzlement. But, unfortunately, the character in the book got away with his crime. Hopefully that will not happen in this case.

Thirteen L.A. school officials stole at least 7,000 textbooks and were paid $200,000 in bribes.