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Thursday, October 26, 2017

Assignment 11: Civics

Dennis Prager, a "nationally syndicated" radio host and  creator of PragerUniversity.com, explains the significance of Superman, a fictional and former American superhero, renounced his citizenship back in 2011. The hero points out that " truth, justice, and the American way---it's not enough anymore." Is this his way of bringing attention to an understated universal coalition? Speculations have driven a line between recognition of ethnicity and recognition of nationality. Many people believe that if we refer only to nationality there would be a smaller amount of differences thus creating less war over diversity. As America becomes more diverse mentally and ideally, the terms "left brain" and "right brain"  have served as a more accurate identification and maybe even a form of self-segregation throughout the public views. The American right, better known as conservatives,  would rather uphold nationalism because they believe it creates unity in the melting pot. The liberals, or the American left, on the other hand find nationalism blinding and greatly insignificant.
"Courtesy of DC Comics Superman tells the president: "Truth, justice and the American way --- it's not enough anymore,"
The liberals won the fight causing Superman to lose his citizenship, but gain more power through an extreme version of freedom even though to most conservatives, "the renunciation is kryptonite."

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Assignment 10: Listening Posts


My listening post would be the lobby of Greene Hall. Greene's lobby is available 24/7, and would have to be the melting pot of the entire building. Since Greene is known as "the art dorm" because a majority of the residents are fine arts majors, many student come just to play the provided video games or to indulge in the creative, family-time vibe. And of course we are all young adults with constant contact to social media, news stories, and each other, so conversations range from gossip to intellectual debate to anime.



My mother's listening post would be both her police scanner and her co-workers. Whenever I am home, I am ultimately disturbed by the continuous static from the police scanner that never seems to exceed 20 feet of my mom. She takes it to work, rides in the car with it, or just chills with it around the house. She uses the scanner as a way to keep herself up-to-date with El Dorado's scandals or to be nosy in laymen's terms. At my mother's job, the best way to pass time is to joke around and gossip. Most of the information she would receive would be personal he-say, she-say, but all-in-all it is informational towards things like violence, robbery, politics, and history.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Assignment 9: Public Records (State, National, International)

Taken place in Newark, New York:

Hayden D. Watson, 21, last known address 457 Henderson Ave., Newark, was sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of one count of gross sexual imposition, a third-degree felony. On March 11, Watson engaged in sexual conduct with a minor under the age of 10, according to court records. Judge David Branstool ordered Watson to pay all court costs and fees and register as a Tier II sexual offender for 25 years.

Russell V. Miller, 30, last known address 220 Hudson Ave. Apt. F, Newark, was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of one count each of felonious assault, a second-degree felony; and domestic violence, a first-degree misdemeanor. On May 14, Miller assaulted a family member, breaking bones in both eye sockets and the nasal cavity, according to court records. Branstool ordered Miller to pay all court costs and fees.

Cory R. Owens, 30, last known address 158 Cliff St., Buckeye Lake, was sentenced to one year of community control after being found guilty of one count of tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony. On March 1, Owens used a device to alter urine samples, according to court records. Branstool ordered Owens to complete 25 hours of community service and pay a $250 fine and all court costs and fees.

Bryan W. Gill, 49, last known address 1858 St. Lawrence Drive, Columbus, was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of one count each of aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony; robbery, a second-degree felony; grand theft, a third-degree felony; and theft of dangerous drugs, a third-degree felony. On Oct. 18, 2016, Gill robbed a bed-ridden person at gunpoint, stole a gun and prescription medication, according to court records. Judge Thomas Marcelain ordered Gill to pay all court costs and fees.

Assignment 8: Public Records (Local)


71 year old ex-judge of Pulaski County, Joseph Boeckmann pleaded guilty Thursday, Oct 5, 2017 to "wire fraud and witness tampering". In exchange for sexual favors and nude photos, he would give lighter sentences.


Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Assignment 7: Campus Hard/Featured News


Southern Arkansas University falls silent to its second death within two weeks.

According to MagnoliaReporter.Com, a male student was found deceased in Columbia Hall Wednesday evening, October 11, 2017. It can be assumed that he had committed suicide, but the details are still being investigated. 

The short duration between suicides could be alarming, and the SAU staff are encouraging students to seek more help when faced with life threatening situations. Sources asked students and staff to wear yellow as a symbol of suicide awareness.

If you or someone you know are dealing with self-deprecation or is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately and encourage your loved ones to seek help as well.

Ask about sources of assistance for positive recovery and thinking. Don't be afraid to ask for help or attention.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides "24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress..."
SUICIDE HOTLINE: 1-870-237-8255

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Assignment 6: Campus Crime


In the limelight of extremist actions, higher education institutes seem to still have time for a little mischief. According to The GW Hatchet, hate crime rates have escalated, and alt-right groups could be the blame.

Criminal conduct had ranged from vandalism to, simple but effective, offensive speech and language. It was reported that "over the past year, 154 hate speech incidents have occurred on more than 120 college campuses" due to political tension. At George Washington University, there were 5 general hate-crimes on file and this the highest it has ever been.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Assignment 5: Hometown Featured News



Teen couple is destined to prepare for trial even after reviewing their shocking pasts and views on the devastating case.



The parents were arrested on counts of first-degree child endangerment and permitting the abuse of a minor. They have both been reported to have poly-substance use disorder which leads to other psychological illnesses that are capable of keeping the mind absent of proceeding activities.



Eldoradonews.com reported that even after various testing and identification of "numerous mental illnesses and dysfunctions that can be used during trial in their favor, apparently there is no reason to believe that either suspect is unfit for trial.