PLN 31

The article “Google Earth helps discover rare hominid ancestor in South Africa” by Michael Jones matters because Google Earth is getting more and more advanced. A couple years ago Google Earth came out and the public was flabbergasted by the capabilities. Back then you could only see peoples homes from the top. Now you can see homes from the front, have 3D buildings, and much more. This article matters to the community, me, and the world because many people use Google Earth including myself and can only imagine what it will be like in 20 years. This article relates to our class because we used Google Earth for a project.

PLN 30

The article “Transparent Algebra: In-Class Part 2 of TBD (When are we ever going to use this Wednesdays)” by Carl Fisch matters because even I ask this question. In geometry almost every time we learn something new at least one kid asks “When are we ever going to use this in life?” and the teacher always responds “In more advanced math you will need to know this.” Even though math is stressful and confusing at times it is an essential skill that you use every day whether you realize it or not. This article matters to me because I ask the question sometimes when I am either confused or frustrated. This article matters to the world and community because there are jobs all over the place that use the math that we are learning now. This article matters to education because education is the reason kids are asking this question. In conclusion I know that we need to learn math and that it is not a pointless skill.

PLN 29

The article “2txt? Or Nt2txt?” by Garrison Keillor matters because in my opinion it is not true that guys are anti-social because they text because girls text more. I think it matters the age group that was tested because in my age group, 15 year olds, are friendly and chill. This article matters to the community and world because there are guys everywhere and almost all of them text and if it is effecting us then, we should cut back. This article relates to our class because almost everyone in our class texts and everyone in our class are guys, therefore our class suffers “from a desperate lack of social skills” which is bazaar if you could see our class everyday. In conclusion I think that the article “2txt? Or Nt2txt?” by Garrison Keillor is preposterous because guys texting does not impact their social skills.

PLN 28

The article “Our boys are falling behind in education” by Dottie Lamm matters because I am a boy. According to the article 60% of students at a co-Ed college are women. Sadly, I can believe this statement. I think guys are falling behind because they are to lazy. In co-Ed classes I Think boys give up. They think competitively and they figure if girls are going to beat them in assignments then why try? This article impacts me positively because since there are less boys at a university it will be easier to get in if your a guy, but this doesn’t mean that I can think that because I am a guy s college will accept me, I still have to try my hardest. This article matters to the world and community because there are boys everywhere and are the reason why they are dropping out. This article matters to our class because every student in our class is a guy and that means that they made the right choice to be in this class because boys do better in single gender classes.

PLN 27

The article “Sometimes This Stuff Still Amazes Me” by Mr. Fisch matters because he is not lying, it is so easy to connect to people 10 minutes away, or on the other-side of the world. Today there are also many ways to stay in ouch with friends of family with either Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Email, and more, but my personal favorite is iChat. iChat lets you talk to the person “face to face” instead of talking back and forth through social networking sights. iChat also lets you “share the screen” which means you can show what the person your talking to something on your computer screen whether it is a picture or a website. This article matters to me, the world, our class, and my community because almost everyone uses a way to keep in touch by the computer whether it is Email, Facebook, Twitter, Etc.

PLN 26

The article “Giving a voice to more languages on Google Translate” by Fergus Henderson matters because many people, such as myself, use Google Translate. Google recently added many languages to Google Translate and now Google has the ability to turn the text to speech. This article matters to me because I use Google Translate all the time for Spanish class and is very helpful when you don’t know a word. This article matters to my community and the world because people speak different languages and use Google Translate to help say a word. This matters to education because since it is so easy and simple to use Google Translate some students I know don’t take notes in Spanish class and upload the homework assignment into Google Translate and lean Spanish by doing that. I guess what I am trying to say is that technology is starting to replace teachers and in some places already has. For Example you can now go to college online and earn a degree. In conclusion, the real question is, when will it be when we don’t need teachers any more and just learn from technology?

PLN 25

The article “Mapping the Gulf oil spill in Google Earth” by Christiaan Adams matters because the oil spill can be tracked by using Google Earth Satellites. Two weeks ago an oil rig, Deepwater Horizon, leaked 210,000 gallons of oil into the gulf of Mexico. Since then Google has been taking pictures from Google Earth Satellites that show the progression of the oil spill into the ocean. This article matters to the world because the oil will kill millions of fish and organisms which will mean people will not be able to catch as many fish. Therefore, it will influence our community because there is a small supply the prices will have to rise which mean companies will go out of business that sell fish. This article matters to education because it is up to education to find a way to prevent this from happening again, and clean up the spilled oil.

PLN 24

The article “The Google design, turned up a notch” by Jon Wiley matters because many people use Google. This past week Google changed its Logo. You may not have noticed, but Google made their logo brighter and simpler. Google also changed the left-panel to be more user friendly and better looking. This article matters to the world and our community because people around the world can see the new logo and use the new side bar. This article matters to our class because almost everyone in our class uses Google every day and is affected by the change because now they can search easier with the new left-hand side bar.

PLN 23

The article “Flamingo Primary and High School visits Makongwa School in Nata” by The Nata Village blog matters because people were helped. On July 2, 2009 Flamingo Primary and High school from Sua township visited Makongwa Primary School in Nata. Makongwa Primary School has 36 needy Orphans. Thankfully Flamingo Primary and High school brought clothes for each orphan. The Orphans received clothing, shoes, Jersey and track suits. This article matters to my community because people in my community donate time and money in order for orphans to get clothes. For example last summer I did my eagle scout project that gave 150 orphans in Africa education supplies and about 50 people helped me achieve that. This article matters to the world because there are underprivileged individuals all around the world that need help. This article matters to education because in America we have the privilege to be able to get a first class education, but unfortunately these cannot get as good as education. In conclusion this article matters because people were helped.

PLN 22

The article “Man who drove into food vendor pleads guilty to careless driving” by Howard Pankratz matters because many kids in our class have their permit and they need to realize that driving is a serious responsibility that some people cannot handle. Mead Myers, 31, was driving home, fell asleep, and hit, 27-year-old Pedro Hernandez, a street vendor. Hernandez has multiple severe injuries because of it. This article matters to the world because people all over the world drive who could do the same thing. This article matters to our community because it happened on Sheridan which is a couple miles past my house. This article matters to our class because since we are teenagers it is a great lesson to learn; if you’re feeling sleepy at all have someone else drive you home because it is not worth it.

PLN 21

The article “El Paso County mom to be charged in son’s death” by The Denver Post matters because it is a terrible way for somebody to die. A recent autopsy on Tristan Ddosdall revealed that he died from blunt force trauma. Blunt force trauma is where someone is dies because physical trauma to a body part. Whether Michelle Dosdall, Tristan’s mom, beat her child or got in an accident is not know because the article does not specify. This article matters to our world because many kids die from blunt force trauma including one of my friends in middle school. This article matters to our class because it could happen to anyone in our class because many play sports, drive in a car, and do some crazy stuff. In conclusion, this is a terrible way for someone to die, but hopefully the mom did not mean to kill her son.

PLN 20

The article “Man guilty in Aspen-linked bomb plot” by The Denver Post matters because it shows that people will do almost anything to get revenge. Today, jurors in Tuscon Arizona found Ronald Young guilty. Young had killed Gary Triano because Triano’s ex-wife, Pamela Phillips, paid him $400,000 to do so. Young had placed a pipe bomb in Triano’s town car, and on the way to a party Triano’s town car exploded killing him. this article matters because it is hard to imaging somebody hating another person so much they pay someone $400,000 to kill him.

PLN 19

The article “A different kind of company name” by Google is shocking. Today, April 1st, google changed its name to Topeka because Topeka Kansas supposedly changed their name to Google. The first time I read this my jaw was hang in shock, but then I realized today was April Fools day and laughed it off. Not only is this amusing, but also a great marketing strategy because of new software that could be named Topeka. This article matters because millions of people use Google a day and would be disappointed if they changed their name.

PLN 18

Are laptops worth it? Are they worth the money? The effort in troubleshooting? Or having to continually maintain them? The answer to all these questions above is YES. Having laptops available in class is extremely helpful. Having laptops in class prepares us for the future because instead of learning on paper and pencil we are learning through technology which will rely on more in the future. With laptops I can understand what the teacher says when she uses unfamiliar vocabulary which extends my vocabulary detrimentally. If I could not have laptops next year I could not get the grades I have. Ever since I started using laptops learning became easy and my grades showed it. Pleases LPS continue funding laptops!
DanMass

PLN 17

The video “Pattie Maes and Pranav Mistry demo SixthSense” matters because it is a glimpse of the future. The SixthSense device is simply amazing. This device can take pictures, get products ratings, information about people places or things. The SixthSense is also like the Google Googles because they both use cameras to search. This matters to me because in my future I will most likely be using a device like this. This matters to the world because people from all over the world are working on the SixthSense. This video relates to our class because in the future instead of using laptops they can just use the SixthSense. In conclusion, the SixthSense matters because it is a glimpse of the future.

PLN 16

The video “Google Googles” by google matters because it is revolutionary. Google Googles is an app on phones that allows users to search the web by taking pictures of what they want to search for. This matters to me because soon this app will be on all phones. This video matters to the world because nobody in the world has this application on their phone. This video relates to our class because some kids already have phones that have google googles or if not will be getting one in the future. In conclusion, Google Googles will revolutionize the way people use their phones.

PLN 15

The article “Adams sherif in neighborhood where deputy was shot” by The Denver Post matters because an officer who is serving for the good of the people was shot. Saturday night near Rotella Park around 11:00 p.m an Adams County Sheriff was shot. Adams County says the officer was “ investigating a disturbance at an apartment complex.” This article matters to me because a good family friend works as a police officer and could also be shot. This article matters to the world because there are Police Officers around the world who are sadly being shot as well. This article relates to our class because Police officers are getting shot, because they are protecting us. In conclusion, more people need to realize how dangerous being a cop can be and that they are doing their job in order to protect us.

PLN 14

The article “Texas teen brain-dead after Beaver Creek ski accident” by Edward Stoner matters because thousands people die each year because of ski related accidents. Sunday afternoon, 13 year old Taylor Storch was enjoying the 47 degree weather when she suddenly veered off an intermediate run and collided with a tree. Even though she was wearing a helmet she was brain dead. This matters to me because I ski at Beaver Creek oodles of times and have gone down the same run that she crashed on. This matters to the world because people ski all over the world and need to be more careful when skiing. This article relates to our class because over half the class most likely goes skiing regularly and need to realize that skiing is very dangerous. In conclusion, this article matters because thousands of people suffer from skiing injuries each year.

PLN 13

The article “Lakewood man killed by light-rail in LoDO” by The Denver Post matters because thousands of people use the light-rail and could be killed. Tuesday night Paul Michael Mettam, 36, was killed near the Pepsi Center. Around 11:00 p.m. Mettam was hit by the light-rail and killed instantly.This story matters to me because I take the light-rail home after a game at the Pepsi Center and every time I ride the light-rial I will know somebody died on it. This matters to education because education will need to find a way to prevent this from happening again. This matters to the world because there are trains everywhere and an accident like this could happen again. Hopefully this accident will not happen again and people will be more careful when getting on the light-rail.

PLN 12

The article “2 students shot, 1 man arrested Deer Creek Middle School” by Howard Pankratz, Kevin Vaughan, and Joey Bunch matters because two students were shot. This afternoon two kids were shot at Deer Creek Middle school and rushed to the emergency room. As the kids were boarding the bus to leave for home a middle aged guys fired one shot in the air then, a second shot at a child. He shot an Eighth grader and a seventh grader, but thankfully brave faculty members tailed him and unarmed him before he was able shoot more people. This matters to me because I go to school and this could happen at Arapahoe. This matters to the world because there are schools all over the world that could be future targets. This matters to education because education needs to take more precautions so this does not happen again. In conclusion, schools need to be taking more precautions so this does not happen again.

PLN 11

The article “Prof. charged in 3 fatal shootings on Ala. campus” by Kristin M. Hall matters because it seems because it was a tremendous waste. Friday Amy Bishop who was a biology professor, instructor, and researcher at the University of Alabama open fired at a facility meeting and killed three professors and three other faculty members. Amy Bishop was 42 years old, a neurobiologist who studied at Harvard, and won $25,000 for inventing a portable cell incubator. Police say that she did it because she was frustrated she was denied tenure at UHA, because of this she wasted so much talent.This matters to me because soon I will be off to college and would not want anything like this to happen while I am there. This matters to the world because there are universities all over the world that an incident such as this one could happen. This matters to education because shooting like columbine and Virginia tech all happened and killed students. In conclusion Amy Bishop wasted her life because she had so much talent.

PLN 10

The article “Georgia: Tragedy strikes as Winter Olympic games open” by Anna Keshelasvili matters because it is a tragedy. While practicing on the extremely fast, dangerous luge course Nodar Kumaritashvili crashed and flew off the course and into a steel pole. This article matters to me because one of my friends who lives in California and almost qualified to go to the Olympics and could also be hurt. This article maters to the world because people and competitors from all over the world are mourning his death. This story relates to our class because almost everyone in our class probably watched the Olympics and heard about the accident. This was a very sad accident and thankfully the Olympics committee has covered the poles and slowed the track down to prevent another accident like this from happening.

PLN 9

The article and videos in “Digital Ethnography” by Professor Wesch matters because it shows students helping other students financially. The K-State proud team are very helpful with helping other students pay for expensive things such as text books, tuition, and other things such as helping students park and cross the street. The K-State proud team matters to me because hopefully when I go to college they will still have an organization such as K-State proud team at my college. This matters to my community and the world because students everywhere have trouble paying for bills and the K-State proud team is a great role model for every college.

PLN 8

The article “Longmont teen killed in fatal crash in Boulder” by Erica Meltzer matters because an 18 year old teenager was killed. Thursday night Joseph C. Neal was killed when he ran a stop sign and hit by an oncoming car. This matters to me because I am driving and it makes me realize how dangerous driving can be. This matters to the world because there are teenagers driving all over the world and need to be more careful so they do not end up like Neal. This matters to education because education should emphasize safe driving habits in school. In conclusion this story matters because if proves they if you do not drive safely and follow the laws your life can quickly disappear.

PLN 7

The article “Recycling fire in Englewood under investigation” by Kieran Nicholson matters because it could happen again. Monday late Monday night firefighters received the call that the recycling plant was burning down. When the firefighters finally made it there the fire was “fully involved”-Hehn. This matters to me because it happened near family friends and could have burned down their home. This matters to the world because there are recycling plants all around the world, therefore, they could also burn. This matters to education because it is up to education to find out how the fire started and prevent other recycling plants from burning. Thank fully the fire was put out and nobody was hurt.

PLN 6

The article “Federal Food Programs” by SNAP matters because it is helping to reduce the poverty level in the U.S. The food stamp was born in the late 1930s and is still in affect today. This program provides food for the less fortunate. This matters to me because I feel depressed for people who have to wonder how they are going to survive the next day and this program helps them survive by feeding them. This matters to the world because this program is setting an example for other countries to help the less fortunate. This maters to education because it pushes students to get an education to be able to have a well paying job and being self dependent. In conclusion the food stamp makes a difference in our community today.

PLN 5

The article “United flight diverted to DIA” by Jordan Steffen matters because People could have been severely injured. United Airlines flight 223 traveling from Washington, Dulles Airport, to Las Vegas, but diverted to Denver because a passenger tried to open an exterior door. Later they found that the man who tried to open the door had been intoxicated with alcohol. This matters to the world because “on any given day, more than 87,000 flights are in the skies in the United States.”(NATCA) Many more of these situations could happen, but be successful. This matters to me because my Father is a business man and is gone for at least two days a week. This means that he is in danger because somebody could open an exterior door. This matters to education because it is up to education to solve this problem.

PLN 4

The article “Dr. Warschauer visits East and Hopkins” by Dan Maas matters because Dr. Warschauer thinks “computers are a waste of money, and that students should be learning important skills like writing and reading rather than wasting time on computers” which is totally barbaric. Dr. Warschauer is stuck in the past when computers were not as advanced and convenient and books were the only thing they really had. Computers are not a waste of time because they prepare us for the future because they give us an advantage over other schools that do not have the privileges of using computers in school. In conclusion computers are a big part of my academic success and are not a waste of time and money.

PLN 3

The article “Police: Teen says he killed parents over chores” by the associated press matters because a teen killed his parents over chores. In Monte Vista, Colorado a 14 year old boy killed his mother and step father because he did not want to do chores. After killing his parents he spent the night watching movies and plying on the computer. The next day he went to school in the morning, then fled in the family pick up truck. This matters to me because I cannot imagine killing my parents over simple house hold chores. This matters to education because the boy probably had stress academically, and by adding more stress at home made it so he killed his parents.. This maters to the world because people need to realize that teenagers are under tremendous amount of stress.

PLN 2

The article "Hunger and World" by www.poverty.com Poverty matters because it is a big problem today. According to this article about 25,000 people die every day because of poverty. This means that one person dies every three and a half seconds. This matters to me because I can help by cutting back on spending and donating to organizations such as food for education which gives food to kids if they attend school and food for work which puts adults to work building schools, digging wells, make roads, and so on. This matters to the world because it is a problem everywhere. Poverty and hunger matters to education because kids can’t receive an education because of poverty. In conclusion poverty matters because it affects me, the world, and education.

PLN 1

In Mr. Fisch’s tweet on The Edge the in internet is changing the way I think because I use it everyday. The internet is becoming more and more popular; more people have an E mail, Facebook, Twitter, Wiki, blogger account, and many more. People are also using the internet for education because there are many great sites such as Diggo, Wikipedia, Moodle, and more. The internet changes the way I think because by using social networking sites such as twitter I can see the different views of the topic. The internet also changes the way I think because it is more convenient than going to the library and checking out a book. In conclusion the internet doesn’t just change the way I think, but the way the world thinks.

PLN 29

The article “CU green dorm may get shower timers” matters because it shows that CU wants to help the environment by reducing water usage. This article is about how CU wants to put timers on the showers that will shut off the shower after a certain amount of time. This matters to me because by the time I go to college many colleges will have these devices and I will use it. This matters to the world because universities around the world will most likely be using these devices as well. This matters to education because it teaches kids green habits. In conclusion I think the shower timers are revolutionary, green, and smart.

PLN 28

The article “Woman killed by drunk driver identified” by matters because drunk driving is a huge problem in our world today. For example, by the time I finish my homework tonight three people will die because of a drunk driver. Nicole King, 28, was hit by Michael Bartczak, 37, last night just before midnight. Michael Bartczak has a long list of driving tickets, and now he has an even longer one. This article especially matters to me because one of my best friends was killed by a drunk driver last year. This article matters to the world because it is a huge problem around the globe. For example as of 4:34 p.m on December 8, 2009 11,021 people have died this year in the U.S alone. This article matters to our class because everyone in our class is a teenager and half of all teenage fatalities were alcohol related. This also relates to our class because 81% of drunk drivers are male. In conclusion, don’t drink and drive.

*All the facts above are from http://cognac.com

PLN 27

The article “Southwest plane lands at DIA after in-flight birth” by Ann Schrader matters because it doesn’t happen every day. Friday morning southwest flight 441 was headed from Chicago to Salt lake city, but encountered a major problem. A woman went into labor. Around 10:45 a.m a baby boy was born. This matters to me because I found it very interesting. This matters to education because if the doctor did not go to medical school and get an education the baby would not have been as successful as it was. This matters to the world because it doesn’t happen often, and when it does the whole world knows about it. In conclusion the article “Southwest plane lands at DIA after in-flight birth” by Ann Schrader matters because it is a very rare occasion.

PLN 26

The article “ Teens suspected in busy Lakewood car thefts” by Kieran Nicholson matters because it gives teens an ever worse reputation. Early Sunday morning police dispatchers got a call saying that their Dodge pick up truck is being stolen. Later that day police found the truck, four other stolen cars, and the thieves. One of the teen juveniles asked the cop if they “set a record for the most stolen cars in a day.” This matters to me and the world because this is why teens have a bad reputation. This article matters to education because education prevents much crime from happening by having kids learn and realize that crime is bad, giving kids activities after school, keeps them from doing crime during the school day, and has counseling. In conclusion these teens were stupid and indifferent.

PLN 25

The article “Springs girl, 14, dies in Breckenridge ski accident” by Kieran Nicholson matters because over 469 people died because of skiing from 1991 to 2003 in the U.S (www.ski-injury.com). Haley Rose Gans a 14 year old girl died today, November 22, 2009, at 11:45 a.m skiing down a blue run at Breckenridge. Even though Haley was wearing a helmet when she hit the tree she still died. This article matters to me because I LOVE to ski and it makes me realize how dangerous it can be and even though I wear a helmet I could still die. This matters to the world because many people ski, and they also need to realize that they need to be more careful because not only could they harm themselves, but they could harm other people. This matters to our class because since we live in Colorado and most of the class go skiing. In conclusion everyone needs to be more careful when skiing.

PLN24

Howard Pankratz’s article “Armed Bicyclist robs Lakewood bank” matters because it happened in our community. Today, November 17, 2009, at 9:45 a.m Dion K. Morgan a 41 year old man held up Liberty Savings Bank, demanded money, then jumped on his get away BIKE. No, not the kind of bike that has a motor, but the kind you have to pedal. This matters to me because this happened in my community and someone I know could have been harmed. This matters to the community because people could have been harmed by this incident because he had a gun. This matters to education because it shows how important it is to get an education because this guy obviously did not get an education.

PLN 23

The article “Passengers on plane that hit birds expected in Denver today” by The Denver Post matters because 120 people could have died. Saturday night around 6 p.m., a plane full of passengers hit a flock of birds and damaged an engine. The Airbus 319 then had to turn around immediately and return to Kansas City’s airport. It landed safely, and nobody was injured.This matters to the world because there are birds everywhere in the world and could happen to other planes around the world. This matters to education because we need to find a way to prevent this from happening again. This matters to me because my dad fly’s all the time for business and maybe one of these times his plane could hit a flock of birds.

PLN 22

In the article "Put Forth our Best Writing Selves" By Douglas Hesse the main point is that we are writing more than ever because of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

PLN 21

“350 arrested for DUI over Halloween” by The Associated Press matters because one of my close friends was killed last year on Halloween because of a drunk driver. This matters to me greatly because last year my close friend, Dallas Burton, was hit by a drunk driver and killed. This matters to education because it shows that you can’t get away with driving under the influence. This matters to the world because it is a big problem around the world. In conclusion this article made me happy to see that police are cracking down on drunk driving.