Trace Tracks

I was researching some music online the other day, and came across an intriging article about one of my favorite bands, Metro Station. The article was titled "Metro Station's Trace Cyrus Isn't Standing In the Shadow of half-Sister Miley" and it touched base on the topic of breaking through judgements society may make of you. The article discussed how the lead singer of the band, Trace Cyrus, who is half-brother of the famous Miley Cyrus, has had a hard time while trying to gain recognition for his own music, and at the same time disassociate himself from his musical family. Trace and his music, are utter oposites to "Hannah Montana" and her pop-princess, kid friendly tunes, though he is still known to the world as "Miley's brother". I think this story is significant to the world of today, because it shows how the popular combination of mass media, and quick judgments can lead to one massive case of identity crises. Think about it, how often do you refer to someone as so and so's friend, or the tall guy with long hair?

The Polar Express

I recently read an article about a young girl who experienced the effects of golbal warming on Polar bears firsthand, at an elite camp in the Canadian tundra. Sara Davy had grown up just like any other minneapolis kid. She lived close to the Como Zoo and always had an interest in animals. When she heard about the chance to embark on a once in a lifetime experience, an Arctic camp sponsored by Polar Bear International, she jumped at the chance, and found herself face to face with a mother bear and her cubs. Sara has a new view on global warming and on the actions we, as a society, should take. I believe that if everyone got the same oppurtunity as Sara, to see firsthand what is going on in the world, that we would all feel more obligated to lend a helping hand. Sometimes hearing that the world is going down the toilet ( for the millionth time ) on the radio or TV just isn't enough.

Kanine Heroes

The focus of my "Heroes in a Box" assignment is those heroes who we sometimes overlook. The most loyal and trustworthy friend man can have, Dogs. Some dogs earn the title of hero by working alongside our elite protection forces such as policemen, firefighters, and even the army. Others are heroes for simply rescuing their owners from a crisis, or sniffing out someone we would overlook. These remarkable animals heroism is summarized in the following articles.





The most recognized hero dogs, are those that devote their life to sniffing out crime.This dog is a hero because it works for the police to help exploit criminals, especially drug abusers and dealers.

“If these dogs only knew what a difference they make. Certainly, there’s nothing that can replace the precision of a dog’s nose-and absolutely nothing that can replace a dog’s heart.”
- Bob Sessions, rescue worker, Federal Emergency Management Agency

This is a quote about the heroic dogs from 9/11 and their assistance in rescuing the victims trapped in the twin towers.



Hero Dog Risks Life to Save Kittens From a Fire

SYDNEY (Reuters) – A dog was hailed as a hero on Sunday after it risked its life to save a litter of newborn kittens from a house fire, rescuers said.

In a case which gives the lie to the saying about 'fighting like cats and dogs', the terrier cross named Leo had to be revived with oxygen and heart massage after his ordeal. Fire broke out overnight at the house in Australia's southern city of Melbourne, where he was guarding the kittens.

Fire fighters who revived Leo said he refused to leave the building and was found by them alongside the litter of kittens, despite thick smoke.

"Leo wouldn't leave the kittens and it nearly cost him his life," fire service Commander Ken Brown told reporters.

The four kittens also survived the fire and on Sunday Leo, who fire fighters nicknamed 'Smoky', was again back at the house.

This article is significant to the idea of kanine heroism because it reveals that dogs are not only interested in their owners, or mankinds well being, but in the well being of all creatures.This dogs story is significant because he risked his life in order to save others from a deadly situation.

This dog's story is special because he actually gave his life for his owners. He made noises to warn them of the house fire, but was not rescued himself.




The video above shows us that a dog's heroism may even cause them to put their own lives at risk. This dog is a hero because it went head to head against a raging bull to ensure a mans safety.

Hero Dog.

A fluffy little dog named Lexi is being called a hero for helping to rescue an 85-year-old neighbor who collapsed outside his apartment in Brooklyn NY. Linda Deutsch concedes she thought Lexi--a white bichon frise-was being naughty when she refused to get into the elevator for their walk. Finally, though, Deutsch let Lexi lead her down the hall. That's when she heard a cry for help. The building superintendent was summoned. They found Charles Postler, who had been lying helplessly on the floor for hours. He was treated at a hospital. His son, Charles Postler Jr, said 'people say that dogs are man's best friend and this proves it all over again.' By Truenobleman

This short blog about the dog Lexi illustrates the common dog's ability to recognize an emergency. She is a hero because she used the very little means of communication she had with her owner to warn her of a neighbor in trouble.





























This picture of the famous, Lassie, illustrates a representation of the four legged heroes all around the world. Lassie's story is told through a popular series of movies. She saves her owners from multiple crisises, amidst all odds, even when her life is endangered.



Conclusion:
Dogs, although commonly thought of as being just a household pet, are, in reality, much more than that. They are heroes. I have illustrated in my articles that dogs will risk their life to save their owners, strangers, or even other animals, from an emergency. These animals are selfless, helpful and generous, and should be regarded with respect and love.

Trouble in Deathly Hallows

I have continued to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows over the weekend and some pretty exciting changes have occured in the past three chapters. First of all Harry's accomplice and best friend, Ron Weasly, abandoned Harry and Hermione in their search for Voldemorts Horcruxes ( portions of his soul ). Secondly, Harry ran into an old enemy, Dolores Umpridge, while he infiltrated the Ministry of Magic in hopes of finding a Horcrux. Harry found out, first hand, that the ministry had undergone some major and disturbing changes while he had been on the hunt. Harry witnessed cruel treatment of Muggles ( non magical people ) and the placement of unnatural power into the wrong hands. When Ron abandoned Harry and Hermione I realized that although Ron has always been an extrememly loyal friend, he is also only human, and therefore can only take so much of a bad situation. Ron was having a particularly hard time with the threesomes lack of food and information on the whereabouts of Voldemorts Horcruxes. However bleak the situation may look now, I have a feeling Ron will come through for his friends in the end.

Corruption in the Ministry

Ive just began reading the final installment of the famous Harry Potter Series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows By J.K. Rowling. The book opened with some insight into the evil Lord Voldemorts latest scheme, which is to infiltrate the ministry of magic and overthrow the government. A few chapters later, it is discovered that Voldemort has successfully done so, and now has easy access to anyone, wherever they might be hiding. Including his target, Harry Potter. The phrase "you can run but you can't hide" fits like a piece to a puzzle in this book. I think there are several connections to the wizarding government and that of our world. It can be corrupted by greed and vanity, and can also be placed in the wrong hands. Although few examples of such corruption are displayed in public, they are, however, always present and eating away at society. When the Ministry of Magic began to crumble to the unstoppable will of Lord Voldemort, the Ministry and the newsprint put on a false smile for the magical community and the widespread meltdown of the Ministry was not heard of until Voldemorts followers were literally swarming through the streets unchallenged.Who knows? perhaps our government could be a ticking time bomb waiting for something to set it off.

Presidential Debate: Numero Dos

Gil Kaufman criticizes both presidential candidates in their debating techniques and how they can improve their ratings in his article, What do John McCain and Barack Obama Need to Accomplish in Second Debate? Kaufman writes that McCain has the upper hand in such areas as foreign policy and also displays some quick wit and biting humor on the podium. Obama, on the other hand, needs to work on his conversational tone for the debates and be ready for a verbal attack from McCain. Obama still maintains his lead with voters for the time being, according to Kaufman’s article, because of his confident manner and his ability to hold his ground when stuck in a corner during debates. Obama also won over voters with his winning economic bailout plan, discussed during the last presidential debate. For tonight’s debate, Kaufman advises McCain to hit Obama hard, as he has been relatively civil in the past debate. In my eyes, after reading this article and watching the debates, I believe Obama to be much less experienced and prepared for office as he seems, and quite frankly I would be frightened to live in America if he were to win. I believe McCain to be not exactly the ideal candidate, but definitely trustworthy, genuine, and experienced enough for the job.

The Lion, The Witch, The Wardrobe, and Susan

This week i finally finished reading The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis. This book is the second installment of The Chronicals of Narnia series. In this story four young siblings are sent off to live with their mysterious uncle, and are instead swept up in an epic adventure to fulfill their destiny and rescue the land of Narnia from an evil dictator. The character, Susan , the second eldest of the four children, is much like myself in the way that she immediatly takes charge of the other siblings, and can be a bit bossy. When Susan is thrown into tight situations she dosent ever lose her nerve, and is usually the one to find a way out. I am unlike Susan in this manner, because when I am caught in a tricky situation i usually look to more experienced people to lead, or freak out. Susan, from C.S. Lewis's book, is a charismatic leader and uses this trait to lead The Lion, THe Witch, and the Wardrobe to success.