For a while now African immigrants have been stuffing
They will either die, get caught, or (unlikely) make it there and start a better life. They have to stand on this boat for about ten days with no food or fresh water.
Questions to consider:
1. Do you think this is fair to the Africans?
2. How about to Italy? Should Italy let immigrants stay?
3. Do you think that immigrants should be distributed across Europe?
The EU has decided that they would let more refugees into their union. If a boat makes it to Europe than the refugees will get spread around the EU. This is so important to look at because, last year 65,596 refugees were resettled, but the EU only took 4,378 or 6% of them. In this new idea, the EU countries have a choice if you want to take the refugees. The commissioner’s statement was “The EU countries would remain free to decide if they want to resettle at all, if so, how many refugees they wish to resettle".
This idea sounds great, but if you have a choice to take the refugees than this defeats the whole purpose. What I am trying to say, is this plan takes the EU back to the beginning. What I mean by beginning is, it brings the EU back to where they started before they made this new idea.
In my opinion, the plan is a waste and this is why, if you have the choice to choose if you want to take refugees, then only those who take the refuges all ready will do it. The plan really is trying to make the EU look better by saying they are taking in more refugees. Don’t be fooled because the EU is not taking in any more or less. You would think it the number of refugees would drop if they have a choice but those who are taking in the refugees right now, are all ready taking them in on their own free will. For example, these countries on the map take in some refugees.
This picture does not include the countries on the cost of them Mediterranean Sea because that is were the immigration problem is.
Do you think this idea is going to help the EU and refugees? What do you think the effect would be if the government forced resettlement in all countries?
My answer to these questions is that this plan will not help the EU with their problem, because with the choice of resettlement the country has not gained anything, just lost time. The government has lost time because, with this choice of resettlement, many countries who do not take in the refugees today, will also not do it later. The only countries that will help, are the only ones who help any ways. A better idea could be to force resettlement.
For a better idea what about forced resettlement. If the government did force resettlement, then I think some of the countries in the EU will try to withdraw the law or try to rebeel from the EU. If this happens the EU has some hard problems on their hands. What do you think?
Signed
Sam
for more information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8233187.stm
In Rome, Silvio Berlusconi was caught cheating on his wife by having a girlfriend. This is terrible, considering he is married. Italian bloggers have been writing so much about it that Silvio has gotten angry. He has worked with the government to declare the Alfano decree.
(Image retrieved from http://cultsha.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/silvio_berlusconi_10.jpg on
August 31, 2009)
If the decree is passed into law, anyone who writes online, and is accused of hurting someone's feelings, will be fined $17,000 if they do not apologize in the next two days. So, now bloggers are going to be worried about commenting online because anyone can claim something that someone wrote 'hurt their feelings' and the writer will have to pay.
(Image retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/8197639.stm on August 31,2009)
This is a horrible decree; people should be allowed to say their thoughts. In the United States, we have the freedom of speech, which means we can say anything, anywhere without having to face consequences- even if someone doesn't approve. They don't have this in Italy, so Italians are restricted on the internet.
I strongly disagree with this crazy decree because the way that people state their feelings online, where anyone can read it, gives new ideas to everyone around the world. My teacher loves to blog because it gets his thoughts out, and he can argue his point of view with others. It's amazing how someone can think up the most bizarre idea, and because of who that person is, people believe it's good. Thoughts should be shared with others so the residents of any country, city, state, or area all over the would can make good decisions.
Over all, this decree Silvio has made is foolish, and we should hope people see that.
Questions to Contemplate:
1. Do you think Silvio's decree is good or bad? Why?2. What do you think will happen if the decree does become law?
3. What kind of person do you think Silvio is?
Posted by,
Purple Pickled Porcupine
French police uncover a cache of weapons and explosives used by the Basque separatist group, ETA.
ETA, which is considered a terrorist group by the State Department and the European Union, has killed more than 825 people since the late 1960's for an independent Basque homeland. A large stash of weapons was found on Thursday near a village in the Herault region of southern France including pistols, explosives, and detonators belonging to ETA.
French and Spanish police have been working together closely since the ETA bombings in Majorca, Spain and the Spanish mainland. On Friday, with help from Madrid, French police discovered two more arms caches, containing more arms and explosives in the town of Ferrals-les-Montagne and Vieussan in southern France.
French officials said the weapon discoveries had "dealt a very big blow" to ETA's supply network. "This is naturally a very positive sign in the struggle against ETA, and proof of the high quality of cooperation between French and Spanish authorities," said France's Interior Minister Brice Hortefeaux. Since the discovery, ETA hasn't been hiding their weapons as great amounts inside large, crowded cities anymore.
Three suspects of the ETA are arrested in France.
Close to the day of the discovery of the ETA weapons, French police arrest three members of ETA in the Alpine resort of Villarembert-le-Corbier. The names of the three suspects are Alberto Machain Beraza, Aitzol Etxaburu, and Andoni Sarasola. They are suspected in belonging to ETA's military wing, responsible for providing arms and explosives for attacks in Spain. Alberto Machain Beraza, is thought to be included assisting the attack in Majorca. He was among six ETA suspects on a wanted list released by the Spanish government after the July bombings.
“It’s obvious that ETA will try to attack again,” Spanish Interior Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba told in a news conference in Madrid. “The security forces must work so that they don’t succeed, and we must continue until we’ve finished with the terrorists.”
Here are some questions to consider:
Written by,
Banana Perspective
By: Sam
(Samantha)
Culture is burning in the capital of Greece! Athens winds are picking up and the lands are being threatened by wild fires. This isn't the first time it has happened. Many people are fleeing Athens, but as far as they go, you can still see the dark overcast of smoke hovering over Greece. Some of the population decided to stay and help save their house's. Those who stayed are trying hopelessly to put out the fires. As these people work with no equipment other countries in the EU come with firefighters and air planes full of water they spray on the land. These wild fires are starting to be controlled with the help of the EU.
Wild fires in Athens
What is important about the EU helping Greece, is if there was no Union like the EU the other countries might not care if Greece was burning. It was not there problem so they probably would stay out of it. The EU shows how other countries need to help those in need. Even if you are far away from what's going on you still should care, because places around the world show culture and we don't want to lose that. For example, Athens is very important to us because we got democracy and Art from them, this would be considered our culture. Also every place shows their own style. For Athens, it is great structures and thinking. So next time you see a place in trouble, think to your self should I care? Well lets just say, what happened to Greece, I care.
All the countries in the EU
Athens is the capital of Greece. The city dwells constantly as a threatening wildfire, called an environmental disaster, approaches across the Pindus Mountains.
As the deadly fire is first spotted, thousands of the city's residents flee and evacuate their home. The flames spread quickly by the strong, unpredictable winds around the Greek capital. A thick haze of smoke soon fills the atmosphere. Other fires are also burning in other Greek cities such as Grammatiko, Pendeli, and Varnavas.
The fire had been reported at the earliest, late Friday. Thousands of trees have been destroyed by the forest fires causing deforestation. Large areas of land that once held a plants are now cleared and deserted of life. The winds are harsh, throwing more fire across Greece. The air and atmosphere have grown further dangerous because it is more of a risk to breathe air closer to the fire. The oxygen supply is decreasing by the number of trees that disappear, and the burning fire creates ashes and smoke into the air, too.
Residents of Athens seem desperate to protect their homes.
A great loss it would be for them. The place they have lived in would burn, and soon they would need to buy a new house or find at least some kind of other protecting shelter. Lots have been able to evacuate houses before the fire caught up. Though others have died during the fire in homes. People have started to supply themselves with tools like extra hoses and more buckets in case of emergency. They have also been more cautious. One of the residents that had her house burned reported, "It's too much, the destruction is unbelievable," she said. "I could hardly recognize my own home ... I don't know what to say."
Firefighter's efforts have been suspended for days. Fortunately for the people, most of his fierce fire was only burning mainly in the forest land. Though winds were still powerful, so many populated areas are still at risk. Many valued homes burned as a state of emergency was declared.
Several other countries located in the EU, like Italy, Cyprus, and France supported Greece by sending water supply, aircraft, as well as fire crews to better control the flames. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis praised the services for making a "superhuman effort". The EU (European Union) is a group of 27 countries in Europe that work together on economy, environment, and war, so because of this union, Greece is receiving help from other countries.
See the large amount of damage the wildfire has done to Greece? At least the country has help from the EU. Without this regional integration, Greece may have not received support. If there was no EU, do you think other countries of Europe would still help Greece?
Why do you think this country should be protected from the wildfire? Is helping other nations something that is worth spending your money on---especially in tight times? What is there about Greece that's really worth protecting?
Written by,
Banana Perspective
Eta, a separatist group in the Basque region of Spain, has set off 3 bombs in Majorca Spain, a popular tourist area. The bombs did not claim any lives. The most interesting part is the placement of one of the bombs... they put it in a toilet (I hope it wasn't The men's restroom).
Majorca residents have mixed feelings after the bombings; here's why: the islands have much greater security, there are security guards, police officers, and some citizens have their bags checked before going into work. A resident reports that everyone seems to be, "feeling each other out."
She also says that people are becoming more and more suspicious of one another especially those wearing backpacks. Times will continue to be tough for Majorca because you never know...your neighbor, your best friend, anyone can be a bomber.
Here are some questions to consider:
Eta is a group in the Basque region that has been fighting for their independence from Spain for almost 50 years. There attacks have caused about 820 deaths.
On October 22, 2008 President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, sued the company K&B for putting his face on a voodoo doll without his permission. There was a voodoo doll of his opponent in the election as well, but she wasn't mad about it. In fact, she thinks that Sarkozy doesn't have a sense of humor at all.
Is his opponent for president from last year offending him by saying "I have a sense of humor"? What do you think Sarkozy should do? Is he doing something wrong by suing the company? Or is he doing the right thing by defending his own image?
There are always two sides to a story. Even if you you think they're doing the wrong thing. Kind of like an election.
The first side to every story is a good side. I think Sarkozy is doing the right thing by defending himself against humiliation. Also, he is doing the right thing because he should have control over his own image. If you had your image put on a doll without permission how would you feel?
The other side of the story is the wrong side. I think Sarkozy is doing the wrong thing because it is just the company getting more money. Also, he should let it slide and not care. Then he won't end up loosing cases in court. Finally, if you keep fighting back they're just going to keep on coming back stronger.
So what do you think? Is Sarkozy doing the right thing or is he doing the wrong thing by suing this company over a doll. Leave us comments and share your thinking-and join us next time on The Blurb!
The Flying Sock Monkey
Pablo
Picasso was born at midnight on October 25, 1881, in Malaga
a seaside town in the south of Spain.
When he was born the doctor thought that he was born dead. Picasso died at his
home in Notre Dame De Vie in Mougins,
France, on
April 8, 1973. He was 91. In Picasso’s final years his eye sight and hearing
started to fail. He never lost his creative energy, although he refused to see
many of his relatives, even his own children. The last portrait that he painted
of himself was in 1972 and the painting was a painting of an old man with a
twisted face with pain.
Picasso lived in many places. When Picasso was born he lived in Malaga, Spain. Then in 1891 when Picasso was 10 his family moved to La Corona, a province on the north coast of Spain.
Pablo Picasso had a weird childhood. His family was poor but loving. His fathers name was Jose Ruiz Blasco. He was a painter and an art teacher and he often struggled to support his family. His mother’s name was Maria Picasso Lopez. She encouraged Picasso to become an artist. In 1884 Lola, Picasso’s sister was born but when she was 7 years old she died. Picasso’s father also took him to bullfights in Malaga. He always enjoyed watching the battles between the bull and the bullfighter (toreador). The bullfights later inspired many of his paintings.
Picasso’s mother recalled that Picasso could draw before he knew how to speak. His mother also said his first words were (Piz, Piz) which in Spanish means pencil. Also by the time he was 9 his sketches proved that he had far better drawing ability than all the other kids his same age. At school Picasso preferred doodling instead of paying attention in class. He was not good in math and later in his life he claimed he never learned the alphabet correctly. When Picasso behaved badly in school he was sent to the cells. He liked being sent there because he drew while in the cell.
In 1892 Picasso began formal art-training at the institute. In 1895 his family moved to Barcelona, Spain. In Barcelona Picasso got accepted to the school of fine arts in Barcelona despite his young age because his entrance exam to the school was outstanding. Picasso soon became fed up with the strict rules he would often escape the classroom to explore the streets of Barcelona. In October 1897 Picasso enrolled at the prestigious Royal Academy of San Fernande in Madrid. It wasn’t long before he started to skip classes so he could walk the dark allies of Madrid. In the allies he would sketch the scenes that interested him.
Pablo Picasso adulthood was both good and bad. Picasso was sad during part of his adulthood because his friend Casgemas shot himself in a café in Paris. Picasso knew the only way he could make himself feel better was by painting. This painting time became known as the blue period. Picasso moved into a studio near the café where his friend killed himself. Picasso was once again attracted to sketching the loneliness and misery that he saw on the streets. The paintings that he drew during this blue period were sad and haunting because he would only use the shades of blue, gray and green. My favorite painting the Picasso painted during the blue period is” The Old Guitarist.”
Picasso became happy after the blue period because he met a woman who he fell in love with whose name was Ferande Oliver. The period that made Picasso work look happy was called the Rose period. During the rose period Picasso used shades of red and pink instead of grays and greens. Not only did the colors of his paintings change he started to draw a lot of circus people and animals.
Picasso had many styles of painting. One of his styles was the style he had during the Blue period. Another style that he had was during the Rose period. Picasso most famous style was Cubism. The critics at that time did not like his cubism paintings. They did not like cubism because they did not like the idea of having many cubes joined together to form a painting. Cubism looks like the painting was broken into cubes and then put back together wrong. The last style of Picasso’s paintings was a painting of a persons face with his eyes, nose and mouth in different areas of their face.
Picasso most famous painting was a piece called Guernica. During the Spanish and American War the small town of Guernica was bombed and destroyed. Thousand of innocent people were killed or injured. Picasso became angry and used everything he knew to make the painting that would show the world how foolish war was. In the painting all the things in this painting had their mouth opened. This painting consisted of people and animals that were broken or twisted. The painting is fairly large it is 12 feet high and 25 feet long. The setting of the painting is very weird there is a light attached to the ceiling and it looks like all the things are in a cell.
I think
that Picasso is a great painter because he painted many different
paintings. My favorite painting is “The
Old Guitarist.” I also like how Picasso
paints in different styles he would paint things that would look very flat and
he would also sometimes paint things that looked so round you thought you would
be able to pick it up. I also like him
because he is a very creative painter. I
think he is creative because he paints of people with their eyes or ears where
they are not suppose to be. I like his
paintings that have people with bull heads. He would also paint these bull heads on other animals. This is why I like Pablo Picasso
But
what about you? Do you think that Pablo Picasso's paintings are
interesting? Why? Do you like paintings that are a bit bizarre and
don't look like real person, or are you hooked on paintings that look
real.
Leave us a comment to share your thinking and join us again soon on The Blurb!
Signed,
Pee-Wee
Image Retrieved from http://www.artquotes.net/masters/picasso/picasso_selfport1907.jpg on 9/18/08
As a part of our ongoing efforts with Mr. Mayo's class to raise awareness about the genocide occurring in Darfur, the Writing Lunatic put this piece together:
Hatred and war crawls through the seams of history forming tsunamis of terror drowning many years deprived of peace. Slobodan Milosevic drew a period of horror through Eastern Europe when he was voted President of Serbia with a persuasion of words in 1989. He promoted national and ethnic rivalries instead of promoting the peace needed during that time which gained him the popularity he used during the election.
After Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia , a country that was made up of Slovenia , Croatia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Serbia , Montenegro , and Macedonia , the Serb minority desperately turned to Milosevic for support. His response was the beginning of a hate hurricane. Just ten simple words started what could have been completely avoided. His response was, “If we must fight then by God we will fight”.
And that is exactly what they did.
By December of 1991 the Yugoslav People’s Army led by Serbia had taken 1/3 of Croatia ’s territory, claiming it as a native homeland for Serbs living in Croatia . Despair lashed the land. Soldiers were deserting by the thousands. Acts of suicide sprawled across Croatia becoming very common. Up to 20,000 people were killed and 400,000 people were made homeless.
Can you imagine living your life paranoid of air raids, shooting right behind your own home?
Just try to put yourself in a position where everything around you is destroyed and you have to wonder whether you loved ones will survive, whether you will survive. One bombing is all that it takes. For some stopping there is not enough.
When Bosnia followed Croatia and declared independence from Yugoslavia in April 1992 violence broke out in the Republic. Milosevic was back in action. He vowed to defend Serbs living in Bosnia from what he called Croatian genocide. As if Eastern Europe had not had enough fighting three years of brutal, barbaric, and bloody battle followed. The majority murdered during the war were people from ethnic groups. The world believed that Serbian forces were committing genocide.
As time stretches on, another Genocide is occurring. Black Africans in Darfur are victims of a horrible Genocide. Genocide has been occurring for five years in Darfur. This genocide is just like the Eastern Europe genocide in Bosnia and Croatia. The genocide is a conflict in the western region of Sudan called Darfur. Like the genocide in Eastern Europe the ethnic groups are the victims.
The United Nations estimates that the conflict has left as many as 200,000 dead from violence and disease. The Sudanese government has prevented information from escaping by jailing and killing witnesses since 2004 and tampering with evidence. Black Africans have been put in camps and been brutally treated.
But why? Is there an answer? Is it just that people cannot stand to see people different? If someone came to you tomorrow and vowed to kill you and everyone in your race, would you feel frightened? Or would you feel confused that the world swims in evil.
Evil is more dangerous than taxes, car payments, volcanoes, tornadoes. Hate lashes everyone, because there has always been a need for conflict. We are paddling through malicious threats and actions being spit at everyone, because there is always something wrong with everyone one in the world we live in today.
Peace is a word of the future because the world as a whole has never witnessed it.
Peace is a word that could happen.
Peace is a prayer.
Will there ever be a day in this world where everything and everyone is peacful?
Think about that.
~The Writing Lunatic
So what do you think? Is peace just a prayer? Leave a comment to share your thinking and join us again soon on The Blurb.
Image retrieved from http://www.uoregon.edu/~cchristi/Dream/images/world%20peace%20copy.jpg on March 6, 2008
