iPods in Schools

Over the past few years, schools have started to ban iPods at schools. This is only the next electronic device to be debated over being banned after cell phones and other media devices. I disagree with this rule for several reasons. Like the girl said in the article, if a student is going to cheat, they will find a way regardless of how they are cheating. A teacher can argue that there is evidence that students have saved answers to tests by typing them in the lyrics section of a song, but students can also write answers to a scrap sheet of paper and hide it in their pocket. Are teachers going to want to ban paper next? I think not. I do not think students should be allowed to use iPods during tests however. Because listening to music is a distraction, they should not be used for tests because tests are important grades, and the students should have their full attention on the test. When I am simply working on a project or finished with my assignments, I think I should be allowed to listen to my music. As long as a student is not disrupting others by having the volume too loud or singing along to the lyrics, they are okay, and I believe they can even make a room quieter when students are working because they are listening to music and not talking to other students. Teachers have even stared to use iPods in some elementary classes throughout the nation.An article I found that supports my claim can be found here. http://http://www.schoolcio.com/ShowArticle/1014

Disasters Around the World

After reading these three articles about recent tragedies that have struck our world, I began to stop and think. From the earthquake and tsunami in Chile, to the recent issues regarding Global Warming, to the storms in Europe, it seems as though the world is falling apart. I could not imagine living through any one of these horrible events, and I could not begin to comprehend the fear they must have experienced. I feel really sorry for the people who lost family and friends, and how they are now surviving off very little. The 8.8 level earthquake must have been very scary! This brings another question to mind. Will the world go to the rescue of Chile as they did for Haiti? Or would these countries ever help the United States if we were ever hit with a disaster like this? I find it funny how all of these countries love to hate us, but always look to us for help in a time of need. On the Global Warming article I read about, I am on the side that thinks the whole thing is fake. Yes, we are over polluting the Earth, but I think the whole thing is blown way out of proportion, and I do not think we will not drown. I think our nation's first priority should be to help our European allies because they are currently helping us in our war against terror, and they deserve our help more than other countries that would love to see us fall. Regardless of the governments of these countries, I still hope that everyone gets out alive and okay.

3 Similarities Between These Three Articles:
*They all had to do with natural disasters.
*They were all posted on Yahoo.
*They were all depressing.