Week 17 Current Event

Georgia woman claims half of $648 million Mega Millions jackpot

By Jason Hanna and Steve Almasy, CNN

December 18, 2013 -- Updated 2255 GMT (0655 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/18/us/mega-millions/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: A 56 year old woman has won half of the second largest Mega Millions jackpot in U.S history. This affected to the citizens to try more Mega Millions jackpot in U.S.. Winner, 56, will get $119,935,622,32 after taxes. Ira Curry of Stone Mountain is the Georgia winner of half the $648 million jackpot. Two jackpot-winning tickets were sold, one in Georgian and one in California. And 20 people will win $1 million after matching the five non-Mega ball numbers. This is astonishing all the citizens who enjoys doing Mega Million Jackpot, and this is affecting to the jackpot economy.

My opinion: Doing this kind of thing is a good thing for our economy. The government needs to develop about selling small amount of price, but too many people. This will affect the government a lot. 

Week 16 Current Event

Wife of U.S. pastor held in Iran pleads for his freedom

By Ashley Fantz, CNN

December 12, 2013 -- Updated 2136 GMT (0536 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/12/world/meast/iran-u-s-pastor/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: The wife of an American pastor imprisoned in Iran pleaded with a House subcommittee on foreign affairs Thursday to do something to free her husband. Naghmeh Abedini says she felt she had to fight Iran, and also her own government. Her husband's case was not brought up during recent nuclear deal talks with Iran. She aid her husband has been tortured in prison and has been imprisoned for his faith. This is being a really hot issue and most of the citizens are in anger.

My opinion: I think this might cause a big problem between America and Iran. If this becomes a really big issue, I guess that America will do something more effective. I really hope him to get out of the Iran soon.

Week 15 Current Event

Nelson Mandela, anti-apartheid icon and father of modern South Africa, dies

By Faith Karimi, CNN

December 6, 2013 -- Updated 0339 GMT (1139 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/05/world/africa/nelson-mandela/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Summary: The one who fight for the freedom, statesman, moral compass and South Africa's symbol of the struggle against racial oppression died. In a nation healing from the scars of apartheid, Nelson Mandela became the moral compass, with bouts of illness, the anti-apartheid icon faded from the limelight in recent years. Mandela spent 27 years in prison; 18 of them were on Robben island. This Mandela's death is astonishing and surprising the people.

My opinion: When I heard this news this morning, I was really shocked. I will miss him a lot and I will remember his accomplishment forever. We need to miss him all...

Week 14 Current Event

$1 coins: Unwanted, unloved and out of currency

By Mike M. Ahlers, CNN

November 30, 2013 -- Updated 1437 GMT (2237 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/28/us/one-dollar-coins/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: Most Americans will remember the 1 dollar coin. We used pretty a lot few years ago, but far more than half of all 1 dollar coins ever minted are stored in government vaults. U.S. Mint stopped making 1 dollar presidential coins in 2011 due to a lack of public demand. Government Accountability Office would like to see 1 dollar paper notes phased out. One of Senates bill aims to improve the circulation of 1 dollar coins, bu passage seems doubtful. People are missing their 1 dollar coin a lot and want to see them.

My opinion: Actually, this is not really U.S. government, but I think Economy is a part of U.S. government. When I was in America in 2011, I got that 1 dollar coin from my friend for birthday gift. I thought it was a toy and just kept it. However, it was real money! From that I kept it preciously. I really feel sorry to those who miss our 1 dollar coin!

Week 13 Current Event

Boy who witnessed JFK assassination recalls the day

By CNN Staff

November 21, 2013 -- Updated 1438 GMT (2238 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/20/us/jfk-assassination-eyewitness/index.html?hpt=us_t4

Summary: Jeff Franzen was just 6 when he saw John F. Kennedy shot by an assassin. Nearly 50 years later, he recalled that fateful day. He thought the popping sound was firecrackers. Franzen speaks two days before the 50th anniversary of Kennedy's assassination.  Because he was so young at that period, he said that it was too hard to comprehend that a person is killed by others.

My opinion: I really hope the witness is a real witness that can tell what really happened clearly.

Week 12 Current Event

Police shoot, wound man at Wisconsin children's hospital

By CNN Staff

November 14, 2013 -- Updated 2055 GMT (0455 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/11/14/us/wisconsin-hospital-lockdown/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: Police shot and wounded an armed man at a Milwaukee-area children's hospitals neonatal intensive care floor late Thursday morning, authorities said. The man had tried to escape police who tried to arrest him in the neonatal ICU. However, the important thing is that he had a baby. He put the baby down and he acted as if he was going to go along peacefully. However, Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said that the man continued to struggle with officers even after being shot in the arm. No one else was injured.

My opinion: I think the Police shoot because he thought it was a right thing. The Policeman needs to shoot when it is necessary.

Week 10 Current Event

Booty from Blackbeard's sunken ship: Five huge cannons

By Steve Almasy, CNN

October 30, 2013 -- Updated 0114 GMT (0914 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/29/us/blackbeard-cannons-north-carolina-shipwreck/index.html?hpt=us_t3

Summary: Many people will know what the Queen Anne's Revenge was. Last night, A total of 20 cannons have been recovered from the Queen Anne's Revenge. One of the cannons discovered is likely from Sweden. The mass of the canons were about 2000 and 3000 pounds. Blackbeard terrorized mariners in the waters of the Atlantic, Caribbean. He intentionally grounded his ship to rid himself of many of his large crew.

My opinion: I think this is really good thing to help our history. These kind of excavation will help a lot to our children.

Week 9 Current event

A day after a class on bullying, a suicide

By Chuck Johnston and Tom Watkins, CNN

October 19, 2013 -- Updated 1527 GMT (2327 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/18/us/illinois-suicide-sophomore/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: Jordan Lewis who was 15 years old was dead. He killed himself with a shotgun blast to the chest. Many citizens who heard this news were shocked. He saw a school presentation about bullying the day before he dies. One of the doctors said that the bullying is a potential stress-or. His family was shocked by this issue and they were just crying. However, the bigger thing is that the students who bullied Jordan Lewis do not recognize their crimes and sins. Citizens are in rage.

My opinion: I think the school bullying is getting bigger and bigger issue. This should be removed by the power of teachers and school. Some school do not care about their students. This should be done. It is enough.

Week 8 Current event

Gym mat death shocker: Body stuffed with newspaper

By Victor Blackwell and Devon Sayers, CNN

October 10, 2013 -- Updated 0118 GMT (0918 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/10/09/us/georgia-gym-mat-death/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: Kendrick Johnson was 17 years old. He was dead in age of 17. It was a shocking discovery inside his body. Before he died his body and skull had been stuffed with newspaper. According to the search, his organs removed, cavity filled with newspaper. Father kept saying, "We thought we were burying Kendrick, not half of Kendrick," This sentence touched citizens mind. Kendrick Johnson was found dead in a rolled-up gum mat in January. However, his death was ruled accidental; a private autopsy challenged that finding.

My opinion: The human traffic problem is really serious in Korea too. Because of money, they sell people's organs. This doesn't make sense. The world is getting worse and worse.

Week 6 Current Event

Little boy shot in the face in Chicago now even more afraid of the dark

By Ben Brumfield and Amanda Watts, CNN

September 26, 2013 -- Updated 1326 GMT (2126 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/26/justice/chicago-shooting/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Summary: A little boy got shot by 4 gang members on his face. When he was walking on the street at night, the 4 gang members shot the gun on his face, and it thrust the little kids face. The bullet is inside of his ear, and he will take 15-20 years to make his face regularly. His nose and mouth is sloped to the left side. His mother said, "It is okay if he comes back to home". By saying this, people were touched. Because this was happened in Chicago, people are thinking the Chicago as a dangerous place. The homicide rate in the United States increased about 0.7% compared with the precious year, according to the FBI figures.
My opinion: I think the gun is really not a useful thing to the citizens. Even if they are using it as a protection, people are using it for revenging and killing more. It should be changed.

Week 4 Current Event

Voyager 1 becomes first human-made object to leave solar system

By Elizabeth Landau, CNN September 13, 2013 -- Updated 0220 GMT (1020 HKT) | Filed under: Innovations

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/12/tech/innovation/voyager-solar-system/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Summary: Scientists now have strong evidence that NASA's Voyager 1 probe has crossed this important issue, making the history as the first human-made object to leave the heliosphere, the magnetic boundary separating the solar system's sun, planets and solar wind from the rest of the galaxy. The Voyager 1 left heliosphere around August 25, 2012. Voyager 1 and 2 were launched in in 1977, 16 days apart. Also voyager 1 is now the first mission to explore interstellar space.

My opinion: When I read these kinds of articles, I feel that our world has been developed a lot! I really want to learn engineering stuff.

Week 2 Current Event

How G20 keeps world away from economic brink

By Thomas Wright, Special to CNN

September 6, 2013 -- Updated 1151 GMT (1951 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/05/opinion/wright-g20-summit/index.html?hpt=ibu_c2

Summary: At the G20 in St. Petersburg, Russia, will be on Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama met. In G20 Thomas Wright said that Syria likely to overshadow G20's purpose, managing global economy. He says that G20 was created in 2008 to respond to economic crisis and it could avert disaster. Wright said that G20 remains the key to staving off global economic crises. Also he criticized Obama and Putin saying that meeting will not solve the Syria conflict. 

In my opinion: I think Thomas Wright is saying right thing. They should decide the solution about the problem in Syria, but not just having meeting every time.

Week 1 Current Event

Obama to take his case on Syria to American people on Tuesday

By Ashley Killough and Tom Cohen, CNN

September 6, 2013 -- Updated 2038 GMT (0438 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/06/politics/us-syria/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Summary: President Barack Obama will take his case for a military attack on Syria directly to the American people next week. Obama wrapped up his trip to the G20 summit in Russia by telling people that he is going to address the nation on Tuesday. And the House GOP leader Cantor tells members to expect a vote in the next two weeks. Barack Obama told people that the America has responsibility to help as a global leader. However, Obama refuses to directly answer about attacking Syria without congressional support.

My opinion: I think U.S is a real leader of the world. They should act as a global leader and I think they did a good job. I will expect Barack Obama's choice soon!

Week 3 Current Event

Undocumented immigrant's bid for California law license heads to court

By Cindy Y. Rodriguez and Jaqueline Hurtado, CNN

September 4, 2013 -- Updated 2356 GMT (0756 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/04/us/undocumented-lawyer-law-license/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: Sergio Garcia, who knows the law very well, has a law degree and passed the California bar exam. Last Wednesday was a landmark day his first case before the California Supreme Court. However, he is not able to behave as a lawyer in front of the justices, because the law is not on his side. Here is the brief summary that is chronologically ordered. Undocumented Immigrant Sergio Garcia fights for his California law license. And started to ask to government, is it legal for an undocumented immigrant to practice law? Sergio said, "I'm fighting for my American dream." However, DOJ said, "How can someone withour legal status become licensed as a lawyer?" This is being problem in California.

My opinion: I think Sergio is doing right thing. The law is being trash right now! Not only America but especially Korea. Many criminals are using the trash laws.

Week Last Current Event

Relief on way for Alaska after record-breaking temps

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/us/alaska-record-temperatures/index.html?hpt=us_c2

By CNN Staff

June 19, 2013 -- Updated 1719 GMT (0119 HKT)

Summary: Big problem in Alaska. The new temperature records set in Anchorage, which was 81˚F, on Tuesday. Also 70 in Seward, situated on the Gulf of Alaska  Meteorologists say cooling trend will continue on Wednesday after record highs. The city of Homer saw a record-tying 74 degrees Tuesday. Actually, the normal temperature for Anchorage this time of year is about 63 degrees. The greenhouse is affecting most of the temperatures in Alaska.

My Opinion: I really hope people to propel to stop making greenhouse gas. There are several ways to stop it. I hope people to follow, but me first!

Week 15 Current Event

Melissa Colyer, a middle school teacher in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, poses with a gun after a concealed-carry course.

June 12th, 2013

11:50 AM ET

In response to Newtown shootings, some states move to put guns in classrooms

By Lauren Russell, CNN
http://schoolsofthought.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/12/in-response-to-newtown-shootings-some-states-move-to-put-guns-in-classrooms/

 Most of the nation's students are enjoying their summer vacation, however, teachers are having trouble with the guns. In Ohio, Buckeye Firearms Association, a gun rights PAC, has launched a program to educate teachers on how to take down a gunman. In 2012, December 14, ages 6 and 7 - and six adults were killed in Newtown, Connecticut. By this, many teachers want to put guns in classrooms in their classroom. However, many people are disagreeing with this idea because it can cause other problems.

I think putting guns in classrooms will make many problems later. Many students can have conflict anytime. When they cannot control their mind, then they might use the gun that is in classroom. This must not be accepted.

Week 14 Current Event

Newest, biggest, baddest roller coasters for summer

By Pam Grout, for CNN

May 29, 2013 -- Updated 0517 GMT (1317 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/27/travel/roller-coasters-2013/index.html?hpt=us_t5

Summary: The economists now found a new way to earn money. Not only economists but especially the entertainment park owners. According to the survey about the super-scary thrill rides, it was almost extreme. Some people hate to ride super-scary thrill rides, but some loves to ride those things. The fear factors are so high on the world's newest coasters that new verbs are being invented. Rides include world's first coaster with water bombs for each seat. Many new roller coasters are invented now.

Opinion: I really love or hate riding roller coasters. I sometimes ride them, but I feel to scary on it before I ride them. I'm not sure that inventing new roller coasters can make entertainment park owners to earn much more money than before.

Week 13 Current Event

1 child dead, 1 missing after gravel slide at Minnesota park

From Tina Burnside, CNN

May 23, 2013 -- Updated 1051 GMT (1851 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/23/us/minnesota-gravel-slide/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Summary: While a field trip at Minnesota park, 1 child was dead and 1 is missing now. The rain last day made the ground soft, fourth-graders in Minnesota was killed by the gravel slide. The crews began digging it with their hands and shovels, however, they could not find yet. The firefighters and crews are going to resume their work tomorrow because it is still dangerous. Rescue workers will resume their search Thursday.
Relevant to studies: We learned around the Minnesota area in U.S history class.
My opinion: I really hope that people can find the children and we still do not know the result. I just hope them to be alive now.

Week 12 Current Event

Search for survivors winds down as Oklahoma begins daunting recovery

By Holly Yan. Chelsea J. Carter and Sara Weisfeldt, CNN

May 22, 2013 -- Updated 1043 GMT (1843 HKT)

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/22/us/oklahoma-tornado/index.html?hpt=us_c1

Summary: Moore, Oklahoma, where the tornado had happened, is almost empty now. The government marked the second anniversary of the tornado that killed 158 in Joplin. The mayor of Moore said that he did not expect the death toll to rise beyond 24. Many family members are still finding and seeking their loved ones. Firefighters and Police from Joplin, Missouri, are helping with efforts in Moore.
Relevant to studies: We actually did not learn about the Oklahoma but we learned states around it.
My opinion: I first really feel sorry to those people who had sacrificed and the victims. If I lived around Oklahoma, I really want to help them and cure those who are sick and wounded. I wish that those natural disasters do not happen again.

Week 11 Current Event

Why more Americans are dying of suicide

By Robert Gebbia, May 9, 2013 

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/08/opinion/gebbia-suicide-rate/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Summary: America is having serious problem by increase of suicide rate among middle-aged. The most big factors were joblessness and depression. According to the survey, age from 35 to 64 adults are having hard time because of joblessness. This will cause depression and stress. People have no way to stop it but they are having hard time. And  according to a experiment, people who die by suicide often have undiagnosed mental illness. 

Relevance to studies: During the American Civil war in 1860s people had hard time, so they also committed suicide.

My opinion: Actually, not only America, but also Korea has big problem with suicide. To solve this, government must extend the variety jobs. And I think we must continue to pay for scientific research exploring the causes of suicide. I hope everybody to be happy and do not commit suicide.