Software to help schools check for concussions

"Twenty-one schools in north Jersey could get software to help diagnose whether student athletes have concussions." The program will partly be funded by Mountainside Health Foundation and the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey. Student athletes will receive a computerized brain test before the season starts, and so if a student is injured, doctors would be able to compare results of the brain scan. A student from Montclair High School , and another from Cliffside Park died from head injury due to sports.

I think that this is a good program to have. Not only will brain injury be detected faster, students would also probably feel more secure playing sports knowing that if they get injured, there will be facilities to examine in depth the severity of the injury. Is it possible that the idea for this program is influenced by the recent tragedy of Natasha Richardson?

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20090331_Software_to_help_schools_check_for_concussions.html?cmpid=41144277

Prison employs dangerous dogs

Idaho State Correctional Institution is the only prison in the states to use snarling sentry dogs to patrol its perimeter. The dogs motsly consist of German Shepherds, Rottweiler, Belgian Malinois, with a few Boxers and Pitbulls. Apparently, since the program started in 1986, no inmates have managed to escape the prison ground. And after an incidence in early 1990's when a dog alerted the guard of 2 inmates trying to escape, no other prisoners have even attempted to run away from the institution. The officers believe that the dogs are more effective in guarding the prison ground that having correctional officers around, or even electric fence.

"The average offender has no problem engaging in a fight with a correctional officer - they're used to fighting with humans. But they don't want to mess with a 100-pound rottweiler who has an attitude and who wants to bite the snot out of them for climbing that fence."

"Most facilities have gone to electronic motion detectors or electrical fencing," said Jay Christensen, deputy warden of security at the Idaho prison. "But technology can be circumvented. We had a guy at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution get through a motion detector system a few years back" by moving so slowly that the sensors didn't pick him up. "

What I find really impressive about this program is that these dogs are actually those that were about to be put to sleep by local pounds because they were deemed too dangerous to be pets. By training these dogs as guards, they are given a second chance at life.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090329_Prison_employs_dangerous_dogs.html

At emotional hearing, a cop's death retold

About a month ago I read an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer about a police officer who was shot. He died, leaving a wife who was 5 months pregnant then. This story stood out to me because I could clearly see the victim myth described by Dr. Lule. The Victim myth is one where tragedy strikes unexpectedly, for instance an innocent man is killed in an airplane crash, leaving behind a wife and five children. The story will then seek to find how loved ones are affected by the tragedy, and as the story progresses, the victim is frequently raised to a hero status.

This article brought officer John Pawlowski back to the attention of readers by capturing moments during the hearing. Pawlowski's wife "took her seat in the front row, where she immediately began crying, dabbing a tissue to her eyes." Pawlowski's partner "nervously testified". It's interesting to see how this piece of news is told as a story because according to Dr. Lule, humans grow up immersed in myths. We subconsciously recognize the myths behind certain news and are drawn to them.

My heart goes out to officer Pawlowski's wife. I hope the guy who shot the officer will receive his due punishment.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090327_At_emotional_hearing__a_cop_s_death_retold.html

Teen, 16, arrested in S&M killing of reporter

On Monday, Jess posted an article regarding the murder of George Weber. Police found him in his apartment on Sunday, although they believe the murder took place on Friday. His killer has been placed in custody. What surprised me is that he is only 16 years old. John Katehis bound Weber with a duct tape and stabbed him 50 times. Apparently, the two met through Craiglist after "Weber purportedly posted an item last week seeking rough sex". During the stabbing, Weber fought back and injured the teen. Katehis changed his clothes and left the house after the murder. He was place in police custody after a subway conductor "reported a passenger bleeding profusely from his left hand."

This is definitely a terrifying incident. A gruesome and brutal murder, but at the same time, was it also Weber's fault? Here's a link to the article:

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090326_Teen__16__arrested_in_S_M_killing_of_reporter.html

Jenice Armstrong: A waxing question

Remember my post on the possibility of removing b-wax in NJ? Well, it seems like the women (and a few men) of New Jersey can breathe easy. Although the verdict is not final, it appears that the ban will be lifted. This writer of this article poses the question "Why would anyone endure the indignity of having hot wax smeared across her private parts by a torturer - I mean esthetician - if she didn't have to?" I thought it was quite interesting because she mentioned that the idea of b-wax came from pornography. Apparently it started with gay porn. According to an English professor at Elizabethtown College, after the outbreak of AIDS, several filmmakers thought it was a cleaner look for men. Soon, the trend slipped into heterosexual movies. "TV shows such as 'Sex and the City' also helped popularize the Brazilian wax, which some critics claim is yet another way to infantilize women."

It's unbelieveable how much of our lives are influenced and shaped by the media. We probably don't even notice most of the time. And I suppose I never have thought that b-wax was also derived from media influence. But the more I think about it, the more it makes sense; after all, b-wax and other types of waxing are en effort to beautify ourselves.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090325_Jenice_Armstrong__A_waxing_question.html

Delco couple a slay-suicide

Derrick Maylock, 66, and his wife, Suzy, 63, were found dead in the bedroom of their apartment. Derrick left a letter in the printer of his auto-parts store just underneath his apartment, explaining that times are hard, he didn't want to burden the family and so he thought it best to kill his own wife and himself. The Maylocks had no children, and their next of kin are siblings living out of state. Suzy Maylock's co-workers at Century 21 recalled her as far from reclusive. "She had an awesome personality...There's not one person that you could find that would say anything negative about her."

I find it so scary that someone can just murder the person they love, and also commit suicide. I can't imagine how hard times can push someone to do something so extreme. I don't want to sound ignorant, but I feel like it really is a waste, to kill yourself. It makes me wonder if the Maylocks were going through such difficulties beyond anyone's understanding, or if there was another reason for Derrick to resort to such violence. It's also sad to think that if hard times were really the cause, then what if a friend, a neighbor had noticed and offerred help? Perhaps that might have prevented the murder.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090324_Delco_couple_a_slay-suicide.html

Indoor zoo to open in Bucks County

Joe Fortunato is looking to open his own indoor zoo in Bucks county at the end of this week. His first fascination with animals came when as a fourth grader, Joe was bitten by a snake. Although it was painful, Joe developed a curiosity about the reptile. From the snake, his interest permeated to other animals. Joe began owning pets, the first was a hermit crab. His love and passion towards animals drove him to open this new zoo.

I think this is a great idea. Children from schools nearby can visit this zoo, families are able to go for a weekend outing to learn about the animals there. Since Joe is passionate about animals, he can definitely try to influence visitors about conservation. And especially because the zoo is small, Joe will have the opportunity to interact with visitors and really teach them about the animals.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/41669857.html

Inmate makes daring escape

A 24-year old man who was being transported to a prison in Lincoln County made an attempt to escape by pretending to have chest pains. After his complaints, police officers brought him to a hospital. There, his girlfriend managed to distract a corrections officer in the hallway, leaving the inmate alone in his room. The man ripped his shackles off the post and escaped after hiding in the bathroom. Police have not yet been able to locate him.

The inmate and his girlfriend probably planned out the escape carefully. Sometimes I wonder if the media is responsible for some people's creative planning. For instance, movies like "Italian Job" and "Ocean's Eleven" might encourage audience to think and plan strategically. Although the inmate's attempt was pretty simple, it worked. I wonder if the plan was in any way inspired by movies.

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/weird_news/20090318_ap_inmatecomplainsofpainandmakesdaringescape.html

N.J. salon owners to state: Mind your own "B" wax

Since there has been two blog posts on tanning salons, I chose this amusing article that also features a salon, although of a different nature. I found it quite interesting that Brazilian waxing is illegal in New Jersey. Although it is against the law, most salons in NJ have been offering Brazilian waxing for years. I'm not quite sure how many of these salon owners, or even customers, are aware that genital waxing is illegal there.

"New Jersey statutes allow waxing of the face, neck, arms, legs and abdomen, but officials say that genital waxing has always been illegal, although not spelled out."

The proposal apparently came after two women were hospitalized after waxing, and one of them sued. I can imagine the many protests from women (and some men) living in NJ if Brazilian waxing is banned. Brazilian waxing has grown increasingly more popular over the years, and so not being able to get this service would certainly upset quite a number of people. Moreover, since Brazilian waxing is a bit more costly, salon owners would lose a lot of money if the proposal comes through. The Board of Cosmetology next meets on April 14, and we shall see whether NJ residents must resort to do their own waxing or travel to a different state just to get their "B" wax.

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/41193487.html

Bristol Palin's ex-fiance: I'm not mature enough

Most of us have probably heard about the recent split between Bristol Palin and her ex-fiance, Levi Johnston. The decision was apparently made after a fight between the two. Johnston reveals in an interview that he doesn't think he is mature enough, and that the separation might be for the better, although there is a chance of reuniting in the future. He also said that he visits his baby son regularly and describes how fatherhood has changed him.

I'm not too sure what to make of this. In a way, I feel that it is irresponsible of Johnston to leave his fiance and baby. Even though he sees his son often, it would still be a different experience growing up for the child to not have a complete household. Also, it makes me wonder what the fight was about that they decided to call it quits. To me, this whole things seems a little immature. I suppose it doesn't help that both Palin and Johnston are not even 20 years old yet. But then I might also be wrong. Perhaps spending time apart could do them good and lead to a happy ending.

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation_world/41291532.html

A loving look at Philadelphia's underside

When I think about Philly, I would most likely picture the ghetto part of Philly. My sister lives in Philadelphia, and although spending time with her there is always a wonderful experience, I somehow would still be reminded of the 'dark' side of the city. When we came to America almost three years ago, we got our first taste of Philly while taking the subway. Right before the train was about to depart, a man ran towards the door, and shortly after a few policemen ran after him. Soon, the cops wrestled the man to the ground, shouting at him and pinning him down, before finally leading him away in handcuffs. My sister and I just stared at each other "..so this is Philadelphia."

This article aims to show readers another side to the city of brotherly love. The writer talks about Mark Webber, a Philadelphia actor, who wrote "Explicit Ills" - a story about the lives of a group of Philadelphians as they struggle with poverty, addiction, love, and hope. Webber claims that "Philadelphia is just such a beautiful city on so many levels." I haven't seen the movie, but I am curious to see how Philly is painted through Webber's eyes. It's also interesting just to note how media can change our view on things. For instance, after watching this movie, I might perceive Philly in a new light.

Here's the link to the article:

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20090315_On_Movies__A_loving_look_at_Philadelphia_s_underside.html

Izumi

This is an interesting review by Craig LaBan as he praises the original idea of opening a classy Japanese restaurant in South Philly. What's the big deal? Apparently South of Philadelphia brings to mind Italian cuisine, and so Izumi turns out to be a wonderful surprise, "something novel for the neighborhood." This review really captured me because just yesterday I indulged in a well-done ribeye steak Japanese style at Kome, the new Japanese restaurant in Promenade. Kome was the highlight of my week because I love food and I enjoy the occasional dining out. And dining out itself is more than just eating, it is an experience. Kome's decor sets a relaxed mood, the friendliness of the waiters makes you feel welcomed, the presentation of food simply prepares you for a truly exquisite meal. I am just glad that there is a restaurant like Kome near Bethlehem because I've been rather frustrated with the lack of good eating places here. Those of you who also enjoy a pleasant dining experience should definitely give Kome a try.

http://www.philly.com/philly/restaurants/41201412.html