A young woman making waves wherever she went, Chelsey Shuman left her mark in a variety of ways from her volunteering efforts to her notion that a good hug was a necessary part of everyone's day.
Nichole Souther, her life long best friend from high school, fondly remembers Chelsey's spirit and passion for life.
"In high school we used to have this joke that we always knew where Chels was because her laugh literally radiated through the halls. It was this loud obnoxious cackle that everyone grew to love."
As a sponsor counselor for eating disorders to fifty-three men and women Chelsey carried that spirit into her work hoping to give everyone she came into contact with a silver lining regardless of where they were coming from.
In her leather bound series of journals found she writes, "You know that feeling when you win a prize? That's exactly how I feel every time I can make someone smile. The best prize in the world!"
Andrea Waldman, cousin and closest friend, tightly grips a picture of the two of them bikini clad and laughing on the beach and fights back alligator sized tears.
"She was that girl that was there for everyone and anyone. Sometimes I think that allowed people to take advantage of her but she never seemed to care."
"'You can only control your own actions, the rest is up to fate'. That's what she used to tell me when I was down" says her younger sister Anna McCloskey, "A huge heart and an even bigger smile".
Chelsey graduated from the University of New Hampshire with her bachelors in English/Journalism and went on to get her Masters in English Teaching from Emerson.
Her passion for writing was evident from the beginning as soon as she could read and write according to her grandmother Rubylee Shuman.
"I remember I found her one day in her room surrounded by a sea of paper and not an inch was uncovered. When I asked her what she was doing she looked up and smiled saying she was writing the most beautiful story for me."
The passion for teaching came later but proved to be a turning point in her life, allowing her to bring the same joys she found in literature to students and only further spread her love of life.
"My daughter had so many gifts and all she ever wanted to do was share them. An amazing writer, teacher and person she will forever be missed and remembered" says her mother Karen McCloskey.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Suicide for Country
Today I was stopped short by the article on the rising suicide rate in India, some may even call it an epidemic.
People are taking their own life , over 200 so far, as protest in hopes of creating India's 29th state, Telangana, which is currently part of Andhra Pradesh (a very large state in the southern point of India).
It got me thinking about the suicide missions of the Islamic extremists and I guess you could call it an ethical debate on whether this form of suicide could be deemed acceptable by others.
My one huge difference that came to mind was the fact that the extremists take others lives along with their own and that is what makes it disgraceful in my book.
Outside of that, suicide really rattles me and while I understand they are doing it for a cause is this really the only way to be heard? The article said over 200 people have done this so far, and yet there is no response or change from the government so I have to think these people are dying for nothing.
What are the politics like in this region of India? Why has this fight been going on for decades? I think I'll have to revisit this after I do some research. I'll get back to you.
People are taking their own life , over 200 so far, as protest in hopes of creating India's 29th state, Telangana, which is currently part of Andhra Pradesh (a very large state in the southern point of India).
It got me thinking about the suicide missions of the Islamic extremists and I guess you could call it an ethical debate on whether this form of suicide could be deemed acceptable by others.
My one huge difference that came to mind was the fact that the extremists take others lives along with their own and that is what makes it disgraceful in my book.
Outside of that, suicide really rattles me and while I understand they are doing it for a cause is this really the only way to be heard? The article said over 200 people have done this so far, and yet there is no response or change from the government so I have to think these people are dying for nothing.
What are the politics like in this region of India? Why has this fight been going on for decades? I think I'll have to revisit this after I do some research. I'll get back to you.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Service Recruitment
Today's business section had an article about the U.S. service recruitment with the Army having "about 8,298 recruiters, the Navy, 5,034, the Marine Corps about 3,000 and the Air Force, 1,308."
The numbers really surprised me as I had no idea the U.S. had such focus on recruitment but I guess those numbers went up due to the current wars going on so that makes sense. The article goes on to talk about how the recruiters get around the country and their methods used and it got me thinking about how many people simply brush of these men and women, not because of a lack of caring but simply because no one is truly educated about what goes in the service.
For example few people know about all the options there are once you enlist concerning specializations and doing something you really love. Most people, in fact, think you enlist, go to boot camp and then are shipped off to fight when in reality you can actually have a lot of control over what you do so you can both serve your country and better yourself and your own goals.
Our book says "The primary purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with the information they need to be free and self-governing" (12). So while this article's purpose may not have been to focus on all aspects of recruitment I think readers could have definitely benefited from further exploration unless the government thinks it should all be glorified and not realized? In which case I say it's our mission as readers, aspiring journalists and journalists alike to dive right in.
The numbers really surprised me as I had no idea the U.S. had such focus on recruitment but I guess those numbers went up due to the current wars going on so that makes sense. The article goes on to talk about how the recruiters get around the country and their methods used and it got me thinking about how many people simply brush of these men and women, not because of a lack of caring but simply because no one is truly educated about what goes in the service.
For example few people know about all the options there are once you enlist concerning specializations and doing something you really love. Most people, in fact, think you enlist, go to boot camp and then are shipped off to fight when in reality you can actually have a lot of control over what you do so you can both serve your country and better yourself and your own goals.
Our book says "The primary purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with the information they need to be free and self-governing" (12). So while this article's purpose may not have been to focus on all aspects of recruitment I think readers could have definitely benefited from further exploration unless the government thinks it should all be glorified and not realized? In which case I say it's our mission as readers, aspiring journalists and journalists alike to dive right in.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Subway Suicide Mission
Today's paper had a piece on the horrible suicide missions of two female bombers in Moscow. They did so in two different subway stations killing 35 people as a part of their Islamic extremist movement.
I've never understood this movement and that may be due to the fact that I've only heard the Western and Israeli perspectives on all of this but still it is very hard to keep an open mind about a group that chooses to go to various countries and blow innocent people up because their "God told them so".
This whole idea of sacrifice feels so archaic and unrealistic because I cannot imagine any God having their followers hurt themselves and others in order to achieve salvation. It just doesn't add up.
I would LOVE to see the texts the extremist groups are basing their actions off of because to date I cannot think of one instance where they present evidence for their preaching tactics and beliefs.
Another question I have is why Moscow? This is the same area that was already hit by extremists- why round two? Is it still the separatist war or is there more to the story?
Feel free to fill me in, I'm all ears.
In our book The Elements of Journalism the authors looked at a story by Loretta Tofani where her work resulted in the exposure and the legal action that put the wrong do-ers behind bars because of multiple rapes they committed in a prison where officials were simply looking the other way. "Public disclosure of the information forced the government to change the system.."(154).
This came to mind as I read this breaking story about Moscow because with the coverage of this story people are looking at not only this attack but the attacks last year and in 2004 which all lead back to Vladimir Putin's actions regarding terrorism and his attempts to quietly and privately handle the problem. There are documents and people speaking up about Putin's mandates which controlled who could be in power and just how much power these individuals could have in an attempt to block any possible rebel groups with connections to the Islamic regime.
Journalists covering this angle of the story are bringing to light, therefore, the possible corruption and manipulative ways of the Russian government which could be at the core of this war in the first place. Therefore, if Putin had perhaps thoroughly acknowledged this terrorist group and done more people would not have died today, last year or even back in 2004 when he was re-elected for a second term as President. Now serving as Prime Minister he has a lot of questions to answer and hopefully he will begin to pay head to the public outcries and even fellow officials warnings.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Let's Cover Our Asses No Matter What it Costs Others
Front page today- covering the abuse cases concerning the some 200 deaf children- my heart is racing I have so much to say about this.
Because I could go on and on I am going to focus on two points today: the church's concern with their appearance and the sick bastard who considers himself a holy man while violating innocent deaf children.
1)Appearances...are you kidding me ? The church (I know this is usually capitalized but I don't think I will ever do so again because they don't deserve any recognition for their part in covering up centuries of sexual abuse) was more concerned in this situation with how it would all look to the public and how it would effect the reputation of the church itself rather than the victims. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't these guys supposed to uphold the highest moral and spiritual conscience, "God's workers"?
They seem to be doing just the opposite. Honestly who cares how it makes you look- what would make you come out looking good from this situation is defrocking the twisted individuals who got off touching little boys. That would be taking responsibility, that would be proving your legitimacy in your positions, that would be the right and morally sound thing to do. By covering up acts, by allowing individuals to stay within the church is despicable and only adds disgrace to an already despicable and unforgivable act (or should I say acts?).
2)I'm going to look at one quote in particular that made me want to strangle this man more so than I already did. The lowlife "Reverend" Lawrence C. Murphy begged for there to be no trial and nothing done about his acts saying "I simply want to live out the time that I have left in the dignity of my priesthood." Are you f***ing kidding me?!
The "dignity" that you speak of went out the window when you pulled down your pants and the pants of 200 (that we know of) young boys and then continued to take no responsibility. I hope you know you will be burning in hell you sick demented little man.
Because I could go on and on I am going to focus on two points today: the church's concern with their appearance and the sick bastard who considers himself a holy man while violating innocent deaf children.
1)Appearances...are you kidding me ? The church (I know this is usually capitalized but I don't think I will ever do so again because they don't deserve any recognition for their part in covering up centuries of sexual abuse) was more concerned in this situation with how it would all look to the public and how it would effect the reputation of the church itself rather than the victims. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't these guys supposed to uphold the highest moral and spiritual conscience, "God's workers"?
They seem to be doing just the opposite. Honestly who cares how it makes you look- what would make you come out looking good from this situation is defrocking the twisted individuals who got off touching little boys. That would be taking responsibility, that would be proving your legitimacy in your positions, that would be the right and morally sound thing to do. By covering up acts, by allowing individuals to stay within the church is despicable and only adds disgrace to an already despicable and unforgivable act (or should I say acts?).
2)I'm going to look at one quote in particular that made me want to strangle this man more so than I already did. The lowlife "Reverend" Lawrence C. Murphy begged for there to be no trial and nothing done about his acts saying "I simply want to live out the time that I have left in the dignity of my priesthood." Are you f***ing kidding me?!
The "dignity" that you speak of went out the window when you pulled down your pants and the pants of 200 (that we know of) young boys and then continued to take no responsibility. I hope you know you will be burning in hell you sick demented little man.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Should the Biddeford City Airport Close for 3 million or Stay Open for $60,000 Annualy?
To close or not to close, the Biddeford City Airport stands at the center of a heated debate between taxpayers, the Airport Authority and the airport staff.
For the taxpayers the airport stands as a burden both financially and property wise while the airport staff stands by their facility saying it brings in around $56,000 per year from gas, taxes and various land leases.
With 47 planes, the airport is small and only worth 1.6 million dollars yet costs around $60,000 to keep it running annually. According to the Airport Authority and the FAA ( http://faa.gov) it will cost a whopping 3 million to close, almost double the airport's total worth.
"While it is a small airport there is a lot of fuel and things of that nature that we have to transport and dispose of which ups the cost considerably" says a spokesperson for the Airport Authority.
The FAA is concerned about the proximity of the airport to the surrounding homes and businesses after hearing an account of a plane grazing trees close to a home and has been cutting down trees to make more room on the runway.
"Safety is our number one priority, not profit. While we understand people may feel more exposed now there have been incidences of children playing on the runway and just an overall breach of security. It's the right thing to do for everyone involved."
The National Association for Small Airports (NASA) agrees, saying that this airport while small is still bringing in a considerable amount of profit for the community and is at a convenient location for many corporations.
" It's a great thing to have for the community like Pease International Airport http://www.peasedev.org/pease/airport.asp . We are willing to listen to all sides in this situation so we can find a solution that works for everyone."
Phyllis Landry is a private pilot who keeps her plane at the Biddeford airport and stands firmly behind the facility and the FAA, saying that it is worth a lot more than people are making it out to be.
"The FAA is just doing its job. People need to understand that.Maybe it's expensive to run the airport. But it's a great resource. I know business people who fly in here all the time."
For the taxpayers, like Roland Pelletier who lives next to the airport, having to pay taxes on a property that is not used by the general public, however, in "times [that] are tough" is unreasonable.
"We can't afford to support operations that don't support themselves. These are tough times, and that's the time we need to be tough."
Paul Archambault is the chairman of an group called Shut Our Little Airport (SOLA) and has lived at the end of the runway for almost a quarter of a century. Of his group he says they are fighting for the taxpayers rights and out to make the community a better place.
"Look, we're not some bomb-throwing radicals; we're just concerned taxpayers looking out for the best interests of this great city and its wonderful citizens."
For the taxpayers the airport stands as a burden both financially and property wise while the airport staff stands by their facility saying it brings in around $56,000 per year from gas, taxes and various land leases.
With 47 planes, the airport is small and only worth 1.6 million dollars yet costs around $60,000 to keep it running annually. According to the Airport Authority and the FAA ( http://faa.gov) it will cost a whopping 3 million to close, almost double the airport's total worth.
"While it is a small airport there is a lot of fuel and things of that nature that we have to transport and dispose of which ups the cost considerably" says a spokesperson for the Airport Authority.
The FAA is concerned about the proximity of the airport to the surrounding homes and businesses after hearing an account of a plane grazing trees close to a home and has been cutting down trees to make more room on the runway.
"Safety is our number one priority, not profit. While we understand people may feel more exposed now there have been incidences of children playing on the runway and just an overall breach of security. It's the right thing to do for everyone involved."
The National Association for Small Airports (NASA) agrees, saying that this airport while small is still bringing in a considerable amount of profit for the community and is at a convenient location for many corporations.
" It's a great thing to have for the community like Pease International Airport http://www.peasedev.org/pease/airport.asp . We are willing to listen to all sides in this situation so we can find a solution that works for everyone."
Phyllis Landry is a private pilot who keeps her plane at the Biddeford airport and stands firmly behind the facility and the FAA, saying that it is worth a lot more than people are making it out to be.
"The FAA is just doing its job. People need to understand that.Maybe it's expensive to run the airport. But it's a great resource. I know business people who fly in here all the time."
For the taxpayers, like Roland Pelletier who lives next to the airport, having to pay taxes on a property that is not used by the general public, however, in "times [that] are tough" is unreasonable.
"We can't afford to support operations that don't support themselves. These are tough times, and that's the time we need to be tough."
Paul Archambault is the chairman of an group called Shut Our Little Airport (SOLA) and has lived at the end of the runway for almost a quarter of a century. Of his group he says they are fighting for the taxpayers rights and out to make the community a better place.
"Look, we're not some bomb-throwing radicals; we're just concerned taxpayers looking out for the best interests of this great city and its wonderful citizens."
California Prisons
WHAT?! They are letting prisoners go because they don't have the money to build new prisons and it is based on how much of a risk they are to others? No thanks.
Listen California, I know you guys are in major debt right now but I really don't think your prisons are where you want to cut back. These guys are in there for a reason and now they aren't serving their full terms and not because of good behavior but simply out of luck that you couldn't manage your spending habits?
Not cool. Not cool at all Schwarzenegger.
I get that prisons having a budget of $8 billion is excessive, especially since that puts them ahead of higher education, but for having that much money they don't seem to be doing much. Is it really not enough? The overcrowding seems out of control and something needs to be done but what? Whatever they do, I don't think this current solution of letting people go is it!
Listen California, I know you guys are in major debt right now but I really don't think your prisons are where you want to cut back. These guys are in there for a reason and now they aren't serving their full terms and not because of good behavior but simply out of luck that you couldn't manage your spending habits?
Not cool. Not cool at all Schwarzenegger.
I get that prisons having a budget of $8 billion is excessive, especially since that puts them ahead of higher education, but for having that much money they don't seem to be doing much. Is it really not enough? The overcrowding seems out of control and something needs to be done but what? Whatever they do, I don't think this current solution of letting people go is it!
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