“Do we need more fake holidays?”
This article was published on January 21, by an editorial cartoonist and writer, J.J. McCullough, in the social commentary section. This article regards the numerous “holidays” that have come to exist more, over the years. In just the month of January, there is National Granola Bar Day shared with National Hug Day, soon after, National Pie Day and National Puzzle Day. Some of these Holidays make sense and market well through social media, such as “National Coffee Day” on September 29, in which companies like Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme sell free coffee to their customers. Suggested in the article is the author’s own ideas for these faux holidays: Two Day, Trump Day, Apple Day, Tesla Day, Robot Overload Appreciation Day, Green Day, and Grandparents Day. From celebrating your own favorite dates, upcoming presidents, famous scientists, and discounted Apple products, “holidays” could be made by anyone with any desire.
I think faux holidays call for lots of laughs. Many holidays could be made, and I could make some of my own. The sheer fact that people think of these to celebrate is funny, not harmful. I find joy in other people’s happiness and if one decides they want a holiday, they can have as many as they want.
This doesn’t affect the world in a negative or even harmful way. Most people don’t pay attention to it, to some it’s just another day, that’s where it’s not hurting anybody. More fake holidays for everyone!

editorial article: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/21/opinions/mccullough-why-so-many-holidays/index.html

The topic and summary of the article,”Zika Virus: How it spreads” is the Zika Virus that is spreading throughout mosquitoes in the Americas, Aedes aegypti. Due to the warming climate,mosquitos have changed human history before by causing millions of deaths by the spread of yellow fever and Dengue, which are two viruses that are closely related to Zika Virus. About 3,893 cases of microcephaly in infants and miscarriages in just Brazil seem to be linked to the Zika virus. There is not yet proof that the virus caused the severe cerebral and skull deformities that the affected newborns suffered with, the evidence that doctors have now mandates decisive action. Doctors have found the Zika virus in the fluid of the fetuses and in the placentas and brains of miscarried fetuses with microcephaly.
This affects the world, through many ways. Mothers lose babies. People often get bit by mosquitoes.
Viruses happen. this virus affects the nervous system and the brain, like West Nile. This Brazil outbreak is showing to be the first time that this Zika virus is being correlated to these causes to children. A Zika vaccine is possible.

“Oil Price Plunge: Risks and rewards,” is currently on CNN News regarding the recent drop in oil prices.
For the first time since May 2009, U.S. pump prices are now under $2.00. The average household saved about $700 last year in costs of fuel. Consumers enjoy the welcome relief of cheap gasoline and heating bills. The oil price drop is feeding geopolitical, economic and environmental covers that may have repercussions in the future.
This topic effects me and people of my kind. Being a teenager in the U.S. and getting your license and your own car, means your own responsibilities. Not all parents would pay for their child’s gas and expect them to uphold the money and a job to make the pay for their cars gas. While the oil prices might not stay low, most should take advantage of the opportunity, because it won’t be like this for long. Good things never last. While it may seem good for us, it might not be good for our country or its wellbeing.
Globally, cheap oil may give an opportunity for governments to stage out energy allowance. “Keeping fuel prices low strains countries’ finances, encourages more energy use and emissions, and undermines alternative fuels.” Research shows that more than two dozen governments undertook some form of gas allowance reform in the beginning of 2014. Attempts in the past disentangle subsidy programs have sparked well-known action and riots in countries, Indonesia and Nigeria, but with fuel prices now cheaper, the political risks these occurrences of action are abbreviated.

“North Korea doesn’t have an H-Bomb” article is found on CNN, posted on January 6th,due to North Korea’s announcement of having successfully tested an H-Bomb.
North Korea has claimed to have tested weapons like this before, but has never actually proved it to be true. The global sensor network will bring in more data as the days pass, but as of now, it’s just the words of North Korea against the fighting minds of Americans. With these allegations in mind, many fear that Obama’s fantasy of ignoring North Korea, in order to make it “go away” will not turn out successfully, as North Korea could some day have the proper materials to make the most destructive weapons ever known to man.
This impacts me because it makes me feel fearful for the outcome of America. I always have believed America was strong, but with the decision to just ignore North Korea, although they could make the most destructive weapons, makes me question the well being of our country. I trust all people who fight for our country because it’s their choice to stand up for what we all love;America, but the outcome of effort isn’t always a win, it’s just a mere try.
North Korea may or may not have successfully tested this bomb, but whether it’s fact or fiction, it affects the world. China is North Korea’s best alliance, yet even they are filled with fury. This bravado has triggered a global reaction to the allegations that they do have an H-Bomb. We shouldn’t ignore North Korea, because if we close our eyes in fear, we could awaken to a world wide disaster.

link:http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/06/opinions/cirincione-north-korea-nuclear-test/index.html

“Pregnant Scientist booted from conference lineup,” is an article on CNN, published on Dec. 1, due to recent discriminating personal experiences of Dr. Samantha Decombel.

On topicality of gender discrimination, Dr. Samantha Decombel was invited to speak at a conference about science and entrepreneurship. With full knowledge of Decombel’s pregnancy at the time if invitation, The Voice of Researchers Initiative and the European Commission Euraxess soon declined her invitation because she was a pregnant women. Decombel didn’t take this lightly and felt it too important to just let go.

“This type of discrimination is not only illegal, it discourages women from pursuing careers in science or business,” Decombel said. I must agree. This impacts me because, even at my age, I have been treated liked less if a person and not as important as a man, because I am a woman. I am against discrimination in any and ever way, shape and form. This should be stopped and unexceptionable.

This effects the world, because discrimination in the civil rights era, effected every and even after this era in time, gender discrimination was present. Everyone has feelings, and women world wide do not enjoy to be treated as less because of their gender. Not everyone belittles women, but in my opinion, the people that do should reconsider. Women throughout history have altered history in the world and that should be recognized always.

“9 year old mauled to death by pit bull on Long Island,” is an article set on People News.

On topicality of death by dog, a 9 year old, unidentified girl, was attacked while playing with 2 friends. In the backyard of an Elmont, New York home, a dog attacked the girl, biting at her neck and violently shaking her. With a neighbor calling 911, police showed to the scene as the canine began to attempt an attack on police, but was shot and killed in the process. In critical condition, the child was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.

I feel an upset sense of safety while examining this event. I’ve always had a slight fear of animals becoming violent and attacking me. Reading this brings my fear to life again from a deep source within me. I think that dog owners should keep their dogs close and their dogs obedience on an even shorter leash. I feel like the girls parents should file charges against the owner, because the owner is responsible for the dog, and their dog is responsible for the death.

This affects the world because their are dogs everywhere. This is not the only occurrence of dogs attacking other people resulting in fatal and dangerous injuries. I feel like this is wrong, anywhere in the world. People, everywhere should take responsibility. Death by dog , is wrong in my mind.

The plague. Most people believe that the plague is a disease of the past, that it only existed in the “days of the Viking.” The article, “Oregon girl, 16, diagnosed with bubonic plague,” can prove people wrong about the idea of the plague being nonexistent.

The Time News article was published October 30, concerning the 16 year old girl who has bubonic plague.

The bubonic plague consists of flu-like vomiting, increased lymph node pain, among other severe symptoms. The Oregon teen most likely contracted the illness from a flea bite. Since treatment, the girl has been removed from the ICU and has refrained from passing the illness to anyone else in her path. Though she still remains under hospital care.

I find myself more aware of my surroundings and trying to be more sanitary. I am sure I may not be the only one who doesn’t necessarily WANT the plague. I feel sad for this girl, me being unable to imagine what she experienced and how she feels.

This impacts the world, because the plague still exists. It exists everywhere. This disease is very much still a disease of the present-day. I would hope that many people will take precautions to keep themselves free from the plague, therefore there will be no uprising of the plague as there once was in the past.

Oregon Girl Diagnosed With Bubonic Plague – TIME
https://apple.news/A4ojlbGkySxmWGXepncslSw

“Facebook will now let you know if a government has hacked into your account” is a BuzzFeed News story, on October 21sr. It is on the topic of social media, and the chief security allowing users to become aware of what they think may be government-sponsored attacks.

Facebook, the popular social media site, will now alert users to attempts made by the government to compromise their personal accounts. The networks chief security officer made this announcement on their website. At this time, Intelligence Agencies are equity to access metadata, legally. Some Civil Liberty Groups believe that this is an infringement of privacy. “It is unclear whether Facebooks would be able to notify users if it detected that an individual’s account was compromised in this way,” BuzzFeed News said.

This impacts me personally but just in the feeling of safety. I’d rather say this makes me feel unsafe rather than safe. I do not have a Facebook account, but just the fact that the governmental surveillance is so high, that social media can realize it strikes fear. I feel that this is domestic surveillance and it should be curtailed. There could be an argument on whether it keeps us safe or not. I would say that the government should seize surveillance as it can reap havoc and instill fear.

This affects the world , due to governmental surveillance everywhere. As well as social media being world wide. I have a belief that this causes fear to all. Some may look at this as a way to have safety, but Facebook is going the right actions, while governmental surveillance is wrong, unless the patron is involved in terrorism or has allegations of illegal or fatal activities.