Building On the Moon?

According to ScienceDaily, researchers from North Carolina State University have been looking into solving problems in order to create a foundation on the Moon. But first, they are studying how the soil might effect the idea of building. By using computer modeling, this may not only help with building on the Moon, but also building here on Earth. Analyzing variables such as the gravity will help to figure out the basis for how certain things should be built. In addition, by using such data, it could possibly be applied to the Moon and Mars. The question is, what is the success rate on this project?

A Park Revitalization

After a few weeks of passing by Clark Park, I've realized it was a program that was held by Mayor Nutter to revitalize the park. Although the northern part of the park may be closed, the Farmer's Market continues along side of the fenced off area. On the website for the park, www.clarkpark.info, it is noted that Clark Park won't be opened again until November. It is a good idea for the park to be revitalized, especially because it's supposed to be a place where families can enjoy the area. However, I believe the place needs more security, mainly because many bad incidents have occurred. The park needs more than a physical revitalization, it needs a communal one.

Frustrations and Outcomes As A Journalist

Ever since I had to start gathering ideas for articles and blogs, it has been quite tough. Because of all the other projects and tests that are sitting in the back of my mind, it becomes a great challenge for me to brainstorm and multi-task at the same time. Often times I have to think hard about what to write on or see as "news." However, as time has gone by, writing blogs every week makes things seem a little less stressful. Ideas start to flow somewhat easier and making a connection with my surroundings makes "news" seem less tedious to pick up on. Going through the whole process takes time, but it helps me to get in touch with what is actually going on around me. During these times, I am able to make a connection on what I see as "news" to others who might be affected by it as well.

No availabilty from Verizon? Forced to stay with Comcast

Recently, a concern about availability for Internet in certain areas has developed personally. The two different companies that have come into the scope are Verizon and Comcast. To break it down, I use the Double Play package from Comcast. My reasons being that it is the only service I could get in my area and is the only way to save money in comparison to getting only Internet. However, I feel as though this is a rip off, because Verzion offers better speeds and pricing compared to Comcast. Sadly, there is no availability of Verizon in my area, which forces me to carry the burden of paying expenses for products that are not really worth the usage. I do not believe that it is fair for people like myself to pay for expensive service like Comcast, especially because I am a full time college student who needs to buy school books and take out loans.

Increasing Poverty Rates

While I was watching the news tonight, there was the topic on the rising number of poverty rates in the world's wealthiest country, America. NBC Nightly News reported that in 2009 about 43.6 million people were living below the poverty line, and today it effects 1 out of 7 people. It doesn't matter what ethnicity they are, it is effecting all kinds of people. Elaborating on the crisis, a woman named Lisa Roberts said, "Before they came to us, they went to their church, to their family, to their friends. They tried everything before they had to come to a food pantry and say I don't have enough to feed my family." Food Pantry Director Lisa Roberts is trying her best to reach people around her area to help aid with poverty. Overall, the loss of jobs has caused the situation to become worse. Creating more jobs would be one of the best resolutions for the issue, not simply increasing welfare.

Clark Park

For almost about a week now, there has been some sort of landscaping project going on in Clark Park. When the time came for the construction to happen, I was pretty thrown off because half of the park was gated. The first thing that I saw when going around the park were the big trucks and machines getting rid of a few trees. The reason for that may have been due to a strong thunderstorm that took place 6/24/10. During that time, quite a few trees that had been uprooted from the storm and even split in half. As time went on, I noticed that the benches and also the cement pathes were torn out of the ground.  My initial guess is that even the grass might get done over, because I saw that a good amount was dug up.Clark park was usually a quicker route for USP students to get to their classes. However, since the project has taken place, many are forced to go around the area. It may take months before the landscaping work gets finished, but hopefully it will turn out to be a nicer place.

When Convergence Becomes a Potential Issue

Although convergence is a very convenient way to get news out more quickly, one major concern points towards the usage of Wikipedia. Although people can use this source as a quick and easy way to view information, potential trouble develops from the idea of allowing anyone to edit the information they way they want to. Editing the information can go both ways and can ultimately lead many users of the website away from accurate data. It should be known that especially when people are writing a research paper or any type of paper, Wikipedia should not be listed as a source. It would only be good to use as a quick reference for general information. On a personal note, I have known someone on a professional level who has used the source for teaching a certain class. In addition, there were a few times where the information was not accurate, which lead to conflict and confusion within the class. Therefore it should not be heavily relied on as a source of accurate information. The best way to go about using the source would be to scan the data given, then research other websites to see if they comply with such information.

Honey Festival in West Philadelphia

In West Philadelphia, there is an event taking place called the "Honey Festival." Today I was watching NBC10 on TV, which was showing many bees that were making honey near the Milk and Honey  market down at 45th and Baltimore. Interestingly, the honey is being harvested in an urban area rather than in the country. One of the people helping to harvest the honey had commented by saying something about there being more forage in the area for the bees in the city rather than the countries. So overall, the process of growing honey in the city is better than the country.