State Department Warns U.S. Travelers About Violence in Mexico

Hugo Martin, Los Angeles Times

Mexico, being a bordering country to America, receives a large number of American tourists every year. People go to Mexico to relax and spend some time away from all their troubles and worries. However, most people do not know that there is a high risk going into some parts of Mexico as a United States citizen. Even though the rate of U.S. citizens getting killed in Mexico decreased in the past year, it is still relatively high compared to other countries. The State Department has warned U.S. citizens not to go to four specific states in Mexico because of safety issues. These states are, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango and Tamaulipas. Last year 113 U.S. citizens were murdered in these four states, but this year the number has dropped down to thirty two. Even with this drastic decrease, these states are still considered unsafe and recommended that people do not go there unless it is necessary. The main cause for these incidents pertaining U.S. citizens is the drug cartels. Since the U.S. citizens do not know the safety boundaries and who these people are, they coincidentally end up in the center of the drug war. The State Department said that tourists in Mexico should be extra cautious late at night and early in the morning, because that is when the cartels are most active and dangerous.

Memories: Bees

     All of us have had at least a few memories that we will never forget for the rest of our lives. Some of these even have an influence on our lives today, whether the influences are positive or negative. Most of these memories occur during our childhood and affect the way we behave in the future. I've had a few memories that are very similar to each other which have had negative effects on me.
     About ten years ago I was at a picnic with my parents and cousins. We were all having a great time together until I had a sip of Sunkist. You might think that there is nothing wrong with having a drink during a hot day, but what you do not know is that there was a bee stuck in the can that I was drinking from. I also did not know about the bee inside the can so I started drinking. The second I felt the bee start flying in my mouth, I spit the Sunkist on the floor. Luckily, the bee did not sting me while it was in my mouth, but it sure did scare me. That is not the only incident I have had with bees. I have been stung by bees five times and for some reason I am still scared of bees today. Even though their size is very small compared to any other animal, I am scared of bees the most.

Fresh Methods Help Scientists Spot Super-Earth in Habitable Zone

Amina Khan, Los Angeles Times

     After years of research, a group of astronomers recently found a planet forty-two light years away that might be habitable for human beings. They think that this planet might be suitable for humans to live in because the average temperature there is optimal to have liquid water. Without water even the simplest organisms can not survive. Other planets that astronomers have found are either too hot during the day, or too cold during the night. Along with this one planet, five other planets were discovered that orbit the same dwarf star. All six planets are habitable for humans because the distance from their star makes days and nights similar to Earth's.
     All these planets have been found because scientists just discovered a new way to look for habitable planets. A new instrument has been made that only highlights the planets that have all the characteristics to be a suitable planet for humans. This means that the hunt for a new home for humans just got a bit easier. It is just a matter of time until new planets are found that humans can live in. Planet Earth is here for now, but in case of a catastrophic emergency, a backup planet would be a good idea to preserve the human race.

Three Virtues

     Just how Benjamin Franklin tried to reach moral perfection by achieving his thirteen virtues, I tried doing the same but on a smaller scale. Instead of choosing thirteen virtues and working on them, I chose three and tried to concentrate on achieving them. The three virtues I chose to work on the past three days were silence, justice, and industry.
     Silence was the one virtue that I had a hard time dealing with. Usually I would have no problem achieving perfection with this virtue. However, I had soccer practice on Thursday and Friday and I kept on yelling  at some of my teammates out of frustration. Saturday was a completely different story. I was at home the whole day so silence came naturally. I did not yell at anyone nor did I say anything that I was not supposed to.
    Justice in my opinion is one of the most basic virtues to have in order to reach moral perfection. It was the one virtue that I completely achieved without breaking any of the rules. I did not commit any crimes, hurt anyone, or steal. I knew that this virtue would be easy to accomplish because I usually avoid doing those wrong deeds in the first place. Other than just avoiding crimes, I am always with friends who try to stay away from doing anything wrong which influences me to do the same.
     Throughout the three days I was somewhat productive in a positive way. Industry means doing something productive throughout the day that will be beneficial for either you or another person. I finally started typing my essay for a college class which was overdue by two weeks. I also finished my biology lab in one day which was productive. However, every night I played FIFA13 until 2:00 A.M. Other than just that, I was on espn.com all three days to see if I was winning my fantasy football and basketball games. I am currently losing in both. Being on the computer for such a long time reduced the time that I could have used to do something productive.