Fresh Air

X-Ray Vision:
Tehran is a major city in Iran containing up to 12 million people and many more cars. Downside, the city contains so much pollution that they can barely see the mountains that surround them during the day. Before the Air Quality Control Co. was established there was a lack of pollution control, but more importantly there were many health issue and Iranians dying from the carbon monoxide poisoning. Everyday, pedestrians and even people in cars had to wear mask to protect their lungs from the rising levels of carbon monoxide. Tehran exceeded the World Organization’s standards by 40 percent to 340 percent. In other words, there were many days when schools were closed and those incapable of enduring the carbon monoxide with a mask on were urged to stay inside. At one point, all citizens were asked to stay inside their houses because the carbon monoxide concentrations were at emergency levels. In present day Tehran, there have been many significant changes that are making the lives of those who live in Tehran healthier. For example, they have outlawed cars that do not have the required natural gasoline engine or pollution-reducing catalytic converters. Many citizens are thankful because they do not have to wear masks anymore, and so is the rest of the world.

A Little Acceptance

X-Ray Vision:
There is a religious divide in the US concerning the acceptance of homosexuals. The article focuses more on the conflict between the Episcopalians and Anglicans. The Episcopalians are taking the heat for being one of the first religious groups to accept homosexuals as members of the church. They are allowed to become priests and bishops, and participate as members of the church. On the other hand, Anglicans are completely against the idea of inducting homosexuals into their religion. It all started when the Episcopalian church ordained a gay priest, V. Gene Robinson as the bishop of New Hampshire. A group of the communion’s top leaders, the primates, had given the Episcopalian Church an ultimatum: to declare the end the consecration of gay priests and yield official blessings for same-sex couples. The Episcopalian Church formulated a crafty speech to please the primates, while holding true to their belief of including same-sex couples and ordained homosexuals. In the end, they agreed to the terms set forth by the primates: to refrain from using official blessings on same-sex couples and think twice before ordaining a gay priest. The conflict expands throughout all denominations in America, which include conservative and liberal church members. The common consensus among the denominations that are slowly including homosexuals into their community is the practice of restraint. But the movement of accepting homosexuals is beginning and at least there is starting point: the Episcopalian Church.

Drought

X-Ray Vision:
The Southwest regions and Southeat regions of the United States are experiencing major drought issues. For example, Southern California is experiencing extreme to exceptional drought. First, I think extreme outweighs the level of description exceptional does. If there were a tornado coming your way, I don't think you would be describing the tornado as exceptional. Seriously, the Southeast is taking more heat as it experiences what the National Drought Mitigation Center would classify as the highest level of drought, D4. Right now, the people of the Southeat regions of the US are experiencing water rations, banning of outdoor water use, etc. Many businesses that incorporate water as a major component in the success of their business are going to experience a decrease in revenue. Many people still have not adapted to the issued water rationing. Some people believe that we have consumed our way into drought. I believe that our lack of water can be attributed more to the drought, yet still towards our daily mass consumations of water. Also, the drought could have been caused by the overwhelming dilemma: global warming. I am not saying it is a true factor, but it could be. According to Carol Couch, we should address the matter with reservoirs and strict enforcement on water use. Possibly, we can find alternative water sources, enforce a tight water ration, build more reservoirs, but more importantly grow more trees. Sounds redundant to say that growing more trees during a drought, but it is true. Trees contribute to more precipitation because of the moisture given off . In the end, this drought sucks!

Stupid!

X-Ray Vision:
There was a comment made on the ABC show "Desperate Housewives" that sparked controversey amongst Filipinos all over the US. Terry Hatcher made a comment regarding credentials, which ended with her contradicting the eligibilty of a person receiving their diploma from a medical school in the Philippnes. I don't know how that line was even aired on national television. I don't understand how someone could write that and allow it to be aired without thinking about the consequences and the negative feedback ABC would be getting. First, IT WAS JUST PLAIN OUT WRONG! The producer or writer's intention could be racial or bashing a third world country; I don't know. All I know is that, a great percentage of filipinos fill the nursing positions and other various medical professions. I would say there doing a pretty good job seeing as America is in high demand of their services. As a filipino myself, I found it very offensive because whatever his slander meant it was just not a credible assumption. It hurt. Check your resources, but more importanly "check your motives and thoughts" (Lauryn Hill).