Blog 6 - Dear Dads: Save Your Sons

I read an article by Christopher Bacorn called, "Dear Dads: Save Your Sons". This article starts off about a mother who takes her son into therapy, in hopes that something will get through to her son. Her son was heading towards alcohol, gang memberships, failing grades and violence. His mother had no other options and realized that he may be because his father left, and was not there for his son. She felt that with no male role model in the boys life that it had taken effect on him. It had come to the mothers attention that men are not really there for there kids. There else where, while only very few are spotted with there children.
One other main issue that was covered in this article was poverty prevention. It was said that if more fathers were around, it may help save families from living in poverty. In that case, there may be fewer teenage pregnancies as well as less interest in street gangs. At the end of the article, the counselor tried to get the woman's son into sports, but the boy was not interested. The counselor felt that if the boy could have a male figure in his life it could give him hope. Unfortunately the boy was not interested.
In my opinion, I think that this article makes a lot of sense and has valid points. I can see and understand why people feel that having a father in a child's life can make the biggest difference. As well as a father not being in a child's life. I think that dads have such an effect on a child's life that at that point in a child's life they do not understand the importance of a father figure.
I agree that dads should be there to talk to their daughters about pregnancy. As well as keep there children busy with school, sports, and family time. Having a father figure is very important and it's unfortunate that a lot of children today do not have a father figure in there life.

Blog 4

Emily Beltz 

02/12/2013

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U Of M Tests Year-Round Classes This Fall http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/02/11/u-of-m-tests-year-round-classes-this-fall/

       I read an article by Reg Chapman called "U Of M Tests Year-Round Classes This Fall". This article states that the University of Minnesota will test out a program that will continue all year, without a summer break. The U of M will test it out with only two programs, and go from there. According to student surveys about 50 percent say they would be in favor of the year-round classes in order to graduate sooner. It is being said that it is a win-win on both sides. It will make use of space, as well as keep staffing, and work with students who want to work at a faster pace. In the end, it will save students students money. Students say that having year round classes could help having to regain information that was once retained during school breaks. 

       In my opinion, I think that having year round classes is a great idea. I think that if both the school and the student can pull it off and benefit from it then year-round classes should be offered. I can understand  and agree that having a break in between semesters can be tough to get "resettled" and "reorganized" and can have an effect of ones grades. Even though having a break from school is needed at times, having the option to get it done would also be beneficial. 

Blog 3

Emily Beltz 
02/06/2013
Introduction to Academic Writing 0099 99

Postal Service to Cut Saturday Mail to Trim Costshttp://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2013/02/06/postal-service-to-cut-saturday-mail-to-trim-costs/


       I read the article "Postal Service To Cut Saturday Mail to Trim Costs" by Esme Murphy from WCCO News. The article states that the U.S. Postal Service, will stop delivering mail to homes and businesses on Saturdays. While post office boxes will continue to get mail Monday through Saturday and package deliveries will continue on Monday through Saturday. This goes for United States Postal Service throughout the nation. This article states that it will go into effect starting in August. United States Postal Service is giving notice 6 months in advance to give residential and businesses time in advance to make adjustments to satisfy their needs. The reason for this "switch" is in hopes at saving more then 2 billion dollars annually. 
       In my opinion, I think that this is a good idea. It helps tax payers as well as the Post Office save money, and will help out employees for their retirement fund. As stated in the article, mail has decreased from online services like e-mail. I would be for the idea of mail stopping on Saturday. It states in the article that 7 out of 10 people are for the idea of mail stopping on Saturdays. In that case, most people don't mind not having mail delivered to them on Saturday. This is one good way for the government to help save money.