France's former currency is devalued to zilch

By Devorah Lauter, LA Times, Feb. 27, 2012

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-france-franc-20120218,0,3905796.story

For the longest time France used its own form of currency called francs. In recent years now, France, like many other countries throughout Europe have switched to euros. It is now official that francs are now worthless. They are now considered to be a relic. One man went to the bank to exchange his francs for euros, he went in with 70 francs and came out with 10.67 euros. While that might not seem like a lot at all, people appreciate being able to get some money for their useless coins. Many people miss francs because they felt rich having 100 francs, even though in reality it wasn't very much compared to euros. Also natives are expressing sadness that now when they look at the money they won't see popular French figures anymore.

This is newsworthy because it this shows how far Europe has come as a whole that almost every country now is using euros. The only country that can come to my mind that isn't is the UK (they still use pounds) which makes me think how much longer it will take for them to change over. Using euros has a sense of unity to it, what if all countries all around used the same form of currency? That just isn't very realistic though because of the varying economies and inflation/deflation.

Franc is no more- come on euros

Should all of North America use the same form of currency?

Loud Oscar Roar for "The Artist": 5 Wins

By Michael Cieply and Brooks Barnes, Feb. 27, 2012, The NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/27/movies/awardsseason/the-artist-wins-best-picture-at-the-academy-awards.html?_r=1&ref=arts

Last night was the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, where "The Artist" won best picture, best actor in a leading role, and best director (as well as best costume design). So why was "The Artist" so popular? Well maybe because it was a huge tribute to the film industry, or maybe because it was the second silent film to win. The first silent film that won the award was also the first movie to be awarded, "Wings". This wasn't the only movie that held a dear place in the film institutes heart. "Hugo" which won many awards last night, was about Georges Melies who was an outstanding silent filmmaker.

This is newsworthy because the Academy Awards is a very prestigious award to win for anyone in the film industry. "The Artist" was an excellent movie and paid a wonderful tribute to the evolution of film. It definitely deserved all the awards it won. Maybe more silent movies will come out because of the success of this movie.

"The Artist" Brings It Home

What does it take to be nominated for Best Picture?

Winter Weather Brings Deaths and Disrupts Travel in Europe

By Matt Flegenheimer, Feb. 11, 2012, The NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/world/europe/winter-weather-brings-deaths-and-disrupts-travel-in-europe.html?_r=1&ref=europe

A deadly avalanche occurred in Kosovo and covered Rome in snow for the second time this week. The avalanche killed a married couple, and their son. There are nine people reported missing. This isn't the only report of snow. Two feet of snow covered Podgorica in Montenegro which was the most snow this city has since the year 1949. The snow has been so bad that airports have had to close. Just last weekend around 131 people died in the Ukraine when the temperatures dropped below freezing. Even the Pope said, "The snow is beautiful but let's hope that spring comes soon."

This is newsworthy because the weather is effecting many people all across Europe. Deaths have polled in Poland, France, Italy and Hungary. This effects people living in these countries and people traveling for business or pleasure.

Freezing Cold in Europe

Is this the coldest winter in Europe?

Belgian Court Refuses to Ban "Tintin in the Congo"

By Dave Itzkoff, Feb. 13, 2012, The NY Times

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/belgian-court-refuses-to-ban-tintin-in-the-congo/?ref=arts

"The Adventures of Tintin" series went to the Belgian courts in order to be banned. However, the court's decision was to not ban the series because any allegations about racism in the series were completely false. The book originally came out in 1931 and was reissued in 1946. "Tintin in the Congo" was the most problematic of all the stories to be published. The Congolese in the book were depicted with dark skin and large lips. Many Congolese were offended by the illustrations. In the end the books are saved and will not be banned from any libraries or book stores.

This is newsworthy because this book has been around for so long and just now people are trying to get the book banned. Banning books always seems pointless in the end because books are supposed to expose people to other worlds and views. Banning a book for being racist or sexist is wrong, in the end it is your own choice whether or not to read it.

Banning Another Children's Book

How many books go through this process a year?

It Really Grinds My Gears...

1. When people oppose same-sex marriages.
2. When people obsess over reality 'stars'.
3. When rappers use racial slurs.

Hesitant Sentences Corrected

I think schools should stop making kids come so early in the morning.

Teenagers need more sleep compared to adults. Having these young adults come to school so early in the morning isn't beneficial for their learning. In fact, students should start classes later in the morning to ensure a goodnights sleep.

I think it would be cool if the Olympics were held in NJ.

If the Olympics were held in NJ it would help boost the economy. There would be more jobs available for the events and many more opportunities in advertising.

It’s my feeling that people should be nicer to each other.

If people were nicer to each other the world would be more productive and respectful. This way there would be no arguments at work that could slow down production time. Also, road rage related accidents could be cut in half.

I believe everyone should have first-aid training.

First-aid training should be provided in high schools throughout the country. Knowing simple skills such as CPR could save a life.

I feel like companies should stop testing cosmetics on animals.

Companies need to stop testing any type of cosmetics out on animals. Animals are innocent creatures who do not have a say in what is getting placed on them. They are forced against their own will and could be considered abuse and mistreatment.

Collaboration Brings Google to French Business School

By The International Herald Tribune, Feb. 5, 2012, The NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/world/europe/collaboration-brings-google-to-french-business-school.html?ref=europe

Just recently, Google has teamed up with a French Business school. This is the first time that Google has ever teamed up with any type of school before. What is Google doing? The company is going to" help train students to become great entrepreneurs in digital business" says Bernard Ramanantsoa, who is the director general of HEC (the French Business School). The project consists of a series of lectures and seminars.

This is newsworthy because if any company were to train young adults into becoming entrepreneurs, the best company to do it would be Google. This is also surprising that Google hasn't decided to do this before. The internet is booming and there are more companies being made daily. It makes sense that Google would get in to properly instruct people on being successful.

Google Trains Students

Is Yahoo or any other big internet company going to start doing this?

McCartney Answers His Own Question

By Stephen Holden, Feb. 6, 2012, The NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/07/arts/music/a-new-album-from-paul-mccartney.html?_r=1&ref=arts

Paul McCartney's new album came out entitled, "Kisses on the Bottom". The album is filled with silly love songs and at one point addresses the fact that love songs are okay to write about. McCartney is famous for making love songs such as "Maybe I'm Amazed" with Linda McCartney. Some critics are tired for hearing songs about love and songs about being in love with love. With Valentine's Day coming up, writing love songs isn't necessarily bad. Plus, if McCartney is so good at it, he might as well continue writing. Overall the reviews on the album are all positive. Personally, I love hearing more music coming from the former Beatle.

This is newsworthy because new music coming out is always good. It is cultural and keeps the entertainment industry alive. Also it is always exciting for such a historical musical icon to come out with new material in his later years. This just proves how successful McCartney is.

McCartney and His Silly Little Love Songs

Does McCartney plan on going on tour?

Persuasive Techniques Assignment

Bandwagon: Every other school has dances for the students, therefore our school should start having them again.

Testimonial: Jeremy tested out many different video games and has come to a conclusion that the first CAll of Duty is the best available.

Expert Opinion: John Bender, a highly respected children's psychologist, says that "uniforms do not properly promote individuality and are not good for young adults and children."

Statistics: According to Fandango, "Man on a Ledge" has increased 90% in the box office last weekend.

Call to Action: Teenagers need to listen to the curfew policies in town so the crime rate will go down.

Emotional Appeal: Receiving a certain amount of detentions eventually goes on a student's permanent record so colleges and future employment can see it.

Rhetorical Questions: Do you enjoy endless nights of doing ridiculous amounts of homework that teachers don't go over?

Repetition: Parents. They annoy you to do your homework. Parents. They are always on top of your school work. Parents. Are they too intrusive?

Prediction: If you stop doing your homework and studying for tests, then your grades will suffer.

Cause and Effect: Due to the fact that athletes need locker space in the gym, the other students cannot use the lockers for gym class.