Twitter is loved by social networking fans with 340 million Tweets added daily, and set in real time with new Tweets posted instantly. One of the great capabilities of Twitter is the power to follow your favorite celebrities and comedians. It is easy to tell a lot about a person by whom they follow because accounts make relatable and personable tweets. Many new members join daily and don’t know who to follow yet, but Twitaholic.com makes an up-to-date list of acounts with the most followers who make great tweets to get your follow list started.

Right on top is Lady Gaga (@ladygaga). She dominates with well over 23.6 million followers. She addresses her fans as her “little monsters.” Her tweets include updates of her tour information, her current location, and things that inspire her or make her appreciate her life more. She’s always thanking everyone who made her glamorous life possible.

Current President Barak Obama (@barakobama) comes in at number seven with about 1.5 million followers. This account is run by his Obama 2012 campaign staff, but tweets directly from him are signed with -bo. It is easy to stay up to date with where he is located, his current campaign, and thoughts from him. On his page, he has an official countdown to the November election day, which is always interesting to see.

Making the list at number 8 is reality television star Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) from E!’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians with an exceptional 14.5 million followers. There’s two sides to every story, and by following her, you can hear hers. She tweets to her other family members on the show and gives information about upcoming shows too.

At number fourteen you’ll find Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow), talk show host and comedian, with nearly 10.9 million loyal followers. Many would say she is hilarious, and you can expect the same from her tweets.

Scroll down to number twenty-eight to find CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) with almost 7.3 million followers. They deliver local and world news worth hearing about. Stay up to date with global issues and out of the ordinary occurrences instantly.

You can also find other interesting people, like Bill Gates, creator of Microsoft (@BillGates), Daniel Tosh from Tosh.0 (@danieltosh), the official New York Times newspaper  (nytimes), the NBA account (@NBA), and even Google search engine (@google). Twitter has over 175 million users, and more people are discovering this new world every day. With twitter, it is easy to stay updated with your personal interests in 140 characters or less.

    Pistol Shrimp are a bottom dwelling shrimp with an amazing feature: their claws.  With an amazing strength, one of its claws has the snapping force to generate a pressure bubble that travels up to 60 miles per hour away from the claw and that emits a sound of 218 decibels (piratefx.hubpages.com).  This amazing claw that takes up most of the 1-2 inch body of the shrimp is used to stun and kill the shrimp’s prey.     The loud sound emission and force generated by the shrimp’s claws do not only put the shrimp very close to the top of the list for loudest marine animals with the sperm and beluga whales, but also give the shrimp a very effective killing method.  The shrimp waits in its shelter until a fish or fellow shrimp passes by, and then it ventures out, cocks its large claw like a pistol (the origin of the name,) and then blasts its prey with a sonic boom that temporarily stuns the prey (succeedsocially/cool animals.com).  This ultimately killing blow can create temperatures that compare to that of the sun for brief periods of time.

The Pistol Shrimp lives in more tropical climates like the mediterranean and other warm bodies of water, but it has recently migrated to more northerly waters around the U.K (news.nationalgeographic.com).  Although various species exist, they all share common characteristics.  One species interacts with the Goby fish in a symbiotic relationship, while some create a complex social network of a colony.  The fact that a Pistol Shrimp has the ability to convert its smaller claw into the pistol claw if the original pistol claw is damaged also poses another scientifically interesting aspect of the shrimp.

The Pistol Shrimp spies its prey after a long period of wait.  It slowly proceeds out of its hole and cocks its claw.  Then, with a crack, the shrimp stuns its prey and drags it back into its den.  This one brief sighting, spanning only a few seconds, was a quick insight into the life of the deep, dangerous Pistol Shrimp.

In an article on CNN, Jessie Klein describes her experiences writing about and dealing with school shootings as a guidance counselor. Klein claims, “We need to examine problem-schools where kids endure a hostile environment every day.” She states that the atmosphere in schools is too competitive, with kids being taught constantly to step on anyone and anything that gets in the way of success. With this idea in mind, it’s easy to see how rates of social isolation have tripled since the 1980s, and how this is causing a problem; both TJ Lane, the suspected shooter in the recent case in Ohio, and Tyler Clemente, Rutgers suicide victim, were described as loners without many friends or social connections.

We clearly have a problem with bullying and social isolation in our schools, but the problem should not be the question. The real question should be, how can we fix this broken system? Klein states that kids need to be part of so-called compassionate communities, where kids are taught how to create meaningful friendships and avoid bullying and cruel actions. The problem with this solution is that it’s much easier said than done.

We cannot reform the flaws in our school system with a simple change in mindset of a few counselors, administrators, or teachers. We need to attack the system from the top down, creating a less stressful environment for high school students by lessening the pressure from all angles to succeed and get into college. The children that enter our schools do not start out mean, and they are not taught to be mean at home, for the most part. Kids become mean when they are placed into high-pressure situations, which they cannot always handle. If we take away that stressor, we can take away some of the hostility in our schools.

Another aspect in this problem can be fixed by teaching our kids to be brave. At the moment, they are victims of what is known as the Bystander Effect, a psychological phenomenon that keeps kind people from acting out to do the right thing, even when it is obvious and even easy; the person struck by this problem immediately assumes that someone else will act out. This removes individual blame from the person who refuses to act, and confers broader blame on a community when something like a school shooting or suicide results from hundreds of different people deciding in many instances that action should be taken by someone else. With this problem in mind, educators need to focus on making bravery a priority. If we can manage to convince one kid to break this cycle and stand up, others will stand with him.

It is easy to look at a hostile environment in school and blame demographics, home environments, or the weather, or even to overlook it entirely. It’s also easy to look at a school shooting such as the one in Ohio and name the TJ Lane in the situation the only perpetrator. Truly, the blame lies within all of us. Lane was a product of his environment, and his environment was only as kind as the people within it. In order to fix this growing problem in our schools, we need to forget the blame game and come together to create a safe, strong place where our young people can grow up.

Any model with a body mass index of less than 18.5 will not be allowed to work as a model in Israel. Any company who decides to digitally alter their models must place some kind of disclaimer on the picture stating that the person pictured has been digitally altered. This law, however, does not apply to foreign publications sold in Israel.

This law is aimed at the growing percentage of young women who suffer from eating disorders in Israel. Currently, about 2% of the country’s women suffer from severe eating disorders, and this number is closely paralleled throughout the developed world. Proponents of the law say that it is entirely reasonable, and that it is simply meant to demonstrate to the public that the standards of beauty advertised in many magazines is unrealistic and unattainable.

They have a very fair point; a BMI of 18.5 is indicative of borderline malnutrition, and anything under that would be too thin for a safe lifestyle for most women. Additionally, for an average 5’8” model, a BMI of 18.5 translates roughly to 119 pounds, which is not extremely restrictive when looking at the average model. Only about 5% of women have a BMI that naturally falls under 18.5.

Opponents of the bill, however, argue for that five percent. Top Israeli model Adi Neumann says that she won’t be able to work under the new law because her BMI is naturally 18.3. She and other critics suggest that instead of cutting off models that are under the arbitrary line of a BMI of 18.5, they should require women to go to doctors and get regular checkups while modeling, and maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet no matter what their body type.

Other guidelines around the world use the BMI, however; fashion shows in Madrid ban models with a BMI of less than 18, and Milan bans women with a BMI of less than 18.5.

Despite the critics’ beliefs, these regulations are both necessary and timely. Increasing rates of anorexia and bulimia have are not simply a minor issue anymore. Recently, a model from Uruguay died of an anorexia-related heart failure after a runway show. Deaths like this have occurred around the world, and the fashion industry has turned a blind eye to it, preferring to instead rake in millions of dollars at the expense of these women. In the words of Legislator Adato, “On the one hand, maybe we’ll hurt a few models. On the other hand, we’ll save a lot of children.”

The United States needs to take a hint from Israel. After the Dove campaign for Real Beauty turned out to be something of a scam, women and girls need something to look up to that is not a photo-shopped image of an already beautiful woman. Teachers, executives, and even the media preach messages of self-esteem and confidence to young women, but the fashion industry is taking the most beautiful group of women they could find and telling them that they are not good enough. This dichotomy should not be tolerated by women, who should stand up and demand answers from a fashion industry that is self-regulated, badly, and a government that is sitting by and watching that happen.

Sources
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304636404577293520908083852.html
http://theweek.com/article/index/204565/doves-real-beauty-campaign-hypocritical

1. Watching a Forensics Tournament. The Upper St. Clair Forensics team is very good this year, and dressing up in a suit on a Saturday in order to go listen to speeches on current events is a great alternative to sitting in pajamas and watching March Madness. Events include Original Oratory, Public Forum Debate, Prose, Poetry, and Humorous Interpretation of Literature. As if this wasn’t advertisement enough, who doesn’t love going to a high school on a Saturday? Since the answer to that is probably everyone, it’s lucky for our readers that the next tournament USC is attending will be States at Susquehanna University! Driving four hours to this tournament could take up the amount of time covered by two basketball games easily.

2. Going Outside. While this is something of a lost art among high-schoolers, most of whom have large amounts of homework, going outside can help our more basketball-phobic readers avoid the sport. As long as all outdoor parks containing asphalt are avoided, basketball can be easily evaded outside. Outdoor activities include camping (preferably with a tent), watching grass grow, or watching paint dry. Going on walks and bike riding are also alternatives to watching basketball, albeit not as entertaining as the aforementioned outdoor activities.

3. Reading the Dictionary. Reading is something of an undervalued art in high school, unless textbooks or assigned readings count, and most people don’t count those as a pastime. The dictionary is a work of literature to rival its sibling, the thesaurus, and makes for reading that is almost as riveting as the phone book. So if March madness puts our readers to sleep, try the dictionary. That isn’t half as soporific.

4. Watching Baseball. As fascinating a sport as basketball is, more interesting sports include baseball, golf, and horseshoes. If watching sports and lounging on the couch happens to be the only available option on a Saturday, there are a variety of other, more entertaining sports on television.

5. Lifetime movies are also an option for those who dislike organized sports or simply don’t want to take part in the madness that is March.

In conclusion, March Madness does not have to be all-encompassing. Basketball does not have to be the only pastime in this month; there are other activities to participate in during this month. Just make sure that while avoiding March madness, the evasion of that frenzy does not become madness in and of itself.

The first victim was Daniel Parertor, who died just hours after the shooting took place. The shot echoes sent student and teachers running through through hallways, alerting others and trying to find a safe location until the shooting ended. Meanwhile, teachers in classrooms locked their door and had the students hide under desks, as so frequently practiced in drills before.

The very next day, word had gotten out that both Russell King Jr. and Demetrius Hewlin passed away in a Cleveland hospital after suffering critical gunshot wounds.

Lane is currently at juvenile hall awaiting his hearing. Police chief Tim McKenna has yet to inform press just what Lane’s motive for murder may have been.

Although the event is over, individuals across the country feel utter despair over what had taken place that February morning. Even more so are the friends and families of the three victims in the Chardon shooting. Many residents sent their condolences to the victims’ families.

One mourner in particular posted on a memorial Facebook page, “This gets more tragic, the whole area is suffering, our prayers go up to God to give us all strength, healing and closure.”

Last month, CNN’s John King was the moderator for the Republican debate in the South.  He started off the debate by asking former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich about previous allegations concerning his ex-wife and open marriage, something that happened around twenty years ago.

Newt Gingrich fired back saying, “I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to govern this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office. And I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate on a topic like that” (The Huffington Post).

I absolutely loved the way that Gingrich replied to those statements.  Debates are not supposed to get personal.  Some people might want to know his ethical views and moral values, but that is a completely irrelevant topic for a presidential debate, just like Gingrich said.  That scandal, if you want to call it that, is way in the past.  It happened twenty years ago and it makes me wonder how it had anything to do with what was being discussed at the debate.

I believe that the Republican debates should be focusing on more important topics, like the economic disparity that is happening in this country right now.  That is the really problem that is going through American citizens’ heads right now, not Gingrich’s personal life.  If the Republicans continue to debate and talk about topics like that, I would not be surprised at all if people started to side with the Democrats.

These debates are really starting to show the corrupt nature of politics in America today.  What ever happened to the politics of the old days back when candidates would actually debate about stuff that the people cared about, when they would fight for what the people wanted?  Today, candidates are trying to take stabs at each other’s personal lives while neglecting to talk about hot topics in today’s society.

Now, this opinion may be viewed as extreme or as an overreaction, but I am glad that Gingrich’s supporters were not fazed by these allegations (MSNBC).  It would be a shame to see a candidate get defeated because some moderator wanted to start off by getting personal.  Gingrich said that those allegations were not true, so it should be kept at that.  Move on to more important topics.

Thousands of people flocked to Lucas Oil Stadium last Saturday to watch the big game, Super Bowl XLVI which featured the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.  Both teams were coming into this game with great seasons behind them, but most people favored the Pats to win the game.  Although it was a very close game, already regarded by some as one of the most entertaining games in NFL history, the Giants came up big in the 4^th quarter to win the ball game.

The first quarter saw Tom Brady throw an incomplete pass to the deep middle after a long drive by the Giants.  A penalty flag was thrown for intentional grounding, and that put 2 points on the board for the Giants since this play was counted as a safety.  It was not a good start for the Patriots.

The Giants continued their 1^st quarter domination by scoring another touchdown later in the quarter.  Eli Manning threw a 2-yarder down the middle to Giants Wide Receiver Victor Cruz for the first touchdown of Super Bowl XLVI.   The Patriots soon turned the tide.

Early in the 2^nd quarter the Patriots put their first points on the board.  After an early drive, the Patriots put themselves in field goal position and they would make the kick.  It was close to halftime and the Patriots hoped for a score.  Right near the end of the 1^st half is when their wish would come true.  Tom Brady hooked up with Patriots wide receiver Danny Woodhead for a short pass up the left to win them a touchdown.  The Patriots took the lead and the momentum going into halftime.

The Patriots then continued their momentum with another touchdown pass to Aaron Hernandez early in the 3^rd quarter.  This put the Patriots ahead of the Giants by 8 points.  The Giants answered back, but not with touchdowns.  They ended up kicking two good field goals to make the score a nail-biting 16-17 with the Patriots ahead.

The 4^th quarter was regarded as one of the most intense quarters of the game and probably Super Bowl history.  Mario Manningham, wide receiver for the Giants would make one of the best catches in his career.  It was a catch that would put him right on the edge of the sideline, barely making two feet touch in-bounds.  The successful catch led Eli to pass the ball off to Ahmad Bradshaw for a rather interesting touchdown.  The Patriots let him just waltz right in to the end zone.

Bradshaw  tried to stop himself from getting in but he fell in anyway winning him the game winning touchdown for the Giants.  The Patriots tried to make a last minute comeback, but a lot of missed opportunities on the part of the Patriot’s wide receivers caused their attempt to fall flat.  A last hail-Mary pass into the end zone failed, but Patriots wide receiver Rob Gronkowski  came some close to catching it.  Unfortunately for the Patriots, the Giants came out victorious again to beat the Patriots 21-17 (Play By Play by ESPN).

The game would set a record as being the most watched Super Bowl to date.  111.3 million people watched Saturday’s Super Bowl beating the 111 million viewer record of the Green Bay and Pittsburgh Super Bowl game last year (Fox Sports).  Viewers were treated to a great game and a great halftime show, which was performed by Madonna.  Madonna would lip-synch the entire performance, but the show would still be great featuring guest artists Nikki Minaj, M.I.A., LMFAO, and Cee-Lo Green.  Some thought that Madonna would perform a controversial and racy show but she would end up keeping it clean for viewers.  It would be M.I.A. who would strike up controversy after giving NBC cameras the middle finger (MSN).

Super Bowl XLVI is no down in the history books and it wraps up another great season with lots of stories and great games.  Who would have thought that the 9-7 Giants would come to the Super Bowl to defeat the “unstoppable” Patriots?  Just another great Super Bowl.

Two women, one aged 78 and the other 51, were injected with approximately 50,000 of these cells into one of eye (www.nytimes.com). This procedure was performed last July and lasted about 30 minutes. Although reactions of the immune system towards the eye are rare, the women were given low doses of drugs in the case of rejection.

The results of this experiment are phenomenal. Shorty following the operation, both women reported a significant transformation in their vision (CNN Health). The 78 year old woman informed the public of her daily struggles with everyday tasks including cooking, shopping, and pouring a glass of water prior to the operation. Now she is able to carry out these jobs with ease. In the study, the second patient also acknowledged the major improvements in her vision. Both patients had an increase in vision based on the results of standard vision tests.

These trials are being conducted by ophthalmologists at U.C.L.A. Even more trials will continue on a variety of patients to affirm the conclusion that these cells are not harmful to the human body.

The usage of embryonic cells in this study is very controversial (CBSNews). The argument for these cells is that they can be essentially used for any part of the body, since these cells can theoretically evolve into any other cell in the human system. Future research may unlock ways to transform the embryonic cells into various tissues. Also, they may help in combating a myriad of diseases.

Those against this research state that embryonic cells are a form life, thus taking these would be the equivalent of murdering a child before it is born. Even with these ethical questions, the implications of the usage of embryonic stem cells may revolutionize regenerative medicine.