In Bedbugs, Scientists See a Model of Evolution...

(http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/science/in-bedbugs-scientists-see-a-model-of-evolution.html)

http://cdn.orkin.com/images/bed_bugs/bed-bug-on-hand_2592x1944.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life is constantly changing. A few of these changes can include environmental changes, animals adapting and adjusting to live as fit. In fact, one of the most common pest, bed bugs, can be an example of Charles Darwinism's evolution theory. In case you didn't know, bed bugs are small brown bugs that feed on animals or humans. In fact, the bed bug's history is quite interesting.

Back then, bed bugs lived in caves and fed on bats. However, as early humans came to live in caves, bed bugs turned their attentions to their new hosts. As they followed humans around, they slowly changed, adapting by sleeping by day and feeding at night. In fact, scientists noticed a difference between the bed bugs and their diets. Those who fed on bats had stronger legs than ones who fed on human, due to the fact of hanging upside down with the bats. Also, bed bugs with lived with humans had a much shorter life span than the ones who fed on bats. Since these bugs adapted quite quickly, scientists can't help but wonder if these bugs will change once again, having resistance of pesticide and creating another branch of bed bugs.

I honestly find it amazing how something so small can adapt and adjust living longer than humans had. Also, how well Charles Darwinism's theory is, still applying to even today. It makes me wonder if we human will continue to adapt and maybe change our behavior just like the bed bugs did.

Two Dead as Police Raid Terror Suspects in Belgium....

(http://news.yahoo.com/two-dead-police-raid-terror-suspects-belgium-195405277--abc-news-topstories.\

http://news.yahoo.com/two-dead-police-raid-terror-suspects-belgium-195405277--abc-news-topstories.html

 A week right after the tragic terrorist attack in France, Belgium reported an attack targeted on them. Apparently, the police decided to round up people in a series of raids, depending on who they think would be a terrorist, intent on launching terror operations in Belgium.

"During the investigation we found that this group was about to commit terrorist attacks in Belgium," Van der Sypt had said.

And sure enough the suspects opened fire with automatic weapons at Magistrate, one of the places the raid was being held.

Luckily, no civilians or policemen were hurt. However, two of the suspects died and one was injured before being arrested by the police.

My only question I have is how did they pick out the suspects? Did they judge solely on the race? Or did they actually do a backgound check?

I thought this article related to what we discussed in class, racial profiling. Did these policemen use racial profiling? There wasn't a photo of the suspect in the article nor a name so that remains unknown. However, I am still very curious in how they picked these people out among the whole country. Since this is fresh news, there will be updates so hopefully I will get my questions answered.

After 2 Deaths, New York City Adopts New Strategy to Protect Homeless Children...

(article: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/nyregion/after-2-deaths-new-york-city-adopts-new-strategy-to-protect-homeless-children.html?action=click&contentCollection=N.Y.%20%2F%20Region&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article)


Living in a shelter is tough. Imagine all the harsh conditions people have to live through just to get by and see tomorrow. Its something no one should ever have to live through. Its something a child should never experience in their childhood. Childhood is all about bike riding and swinging on swings, care-free. To just think about little kids living through these environments is so hard breaking. Then, to hear that Jeida Torre, a three year old little girl was beaten to death by her step-father because she soiled her pants in the shelter home is just over the top. However this isn't only the only case. A week later after Torre's death, Linayjah Meraldo, 4, was fatally beaten at a Queens shelter. This led to Homeless services officials identifying high-risk families, stopping the problem before it can happen. In a way, if you think about it, its like the broken window theory. In recent weeks, the Department of Homeless Services has had social workers visit over 500 high-risk families at dozens of shelters to help them. In fact, the department spent about $2 million to hire 33 licensed social workers for a team that will be assigned to families in need.

I personally think that this is all worth it to help families with trouble and help them get through the tough times without having to hurt a poor innocent child. With social workers accompanying these broken families and helping them get by, we are able to stop a problem before it happens.

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2015/01/08/nyregion/SHELTER/SHELTER-articleLarge.jpg