New York Times Reading Log

Monday: The story that interested me on Monday was the one about states and cities fighting for the stimulus cash. I thought it was interesting how badly people and communities need the money. It really shows how poor the economy is. I also wondered what Durham is doing to acquire stimulus cash, and if UNH is involved in any way.

Tuesday: I was intrigued by the story about the man who returned home to Swat Valley to visit family only to be taken by the Taliban and interrogated as an American spy. It is eye opening to me to hear that someone who lived there before who was simply visiting was treated in such a way. It is a solemn reminder to the volatile state of that area.

Wednesday: The automaker story was the story I focused on for Wednesday. I have always viewed the C.E.Os of the auto making industry slimy, and asking for $14 billion more to bail them out just seems like an awful lot. I am no expert and in truth they may need all of that money, but I've been weary of their intentions ever since they showed up in their private jets to lobby for money.

Thursday: Ending out the week was the story on the bank that was willing to release names of Americans who are expected to be evading taxes. I had never thought of that idea before and it is a bit frightening to think of people doing that. It will be interesting to see how the names are released, and the punishment/fines those people will have to pay to compensate, especially if it has gone on for quite some time.

New York Times Reading Log

Monday: The story that first got my attention this week was the peanut story on the front page. I've been overlooking this issue for awhile now, but to hear of the unsanitary conditions plaguing the factory such as rodents, outside contaminants and a roaster that failed to kill specific types of germs not only brings immediate light to the subject, but makes me somewhat phobic the next time I reach for that jar of Peanut Butter.

Tuesday: Arguably the best baseball player around shocked the world when a information was leaked about his use of performance enhancing drugs. This story meant a lot to me because I follow baseball as closely as I can and Alex Rodriguez admitting to abusing these drugs is not only bad news for him, but bad news for the club he plays for and has played for.

Wednesday: Blow the fold there was a story of a woman who had a prosthetic arm that could listen to what her brain was telling it, and respond accordingly. This story is eye opening, especially when the Times cites what she is able to do: the ability to change diapers and give bear hugs. This health/tech story blew me away and is a look into the future.

Thursday: Ending on a sad note this week, the last story that spoke to me was the story of the Taliban storming Kabul. Any war story that speaks of death is exceptionally poignant, but thinking about how five men caused so much damage in only about an hours time is frightening. Certainly acts like this will not let us forget the atrocities that are happening overseas.

Elderly Man Saved just in Time

A life has been saved thanks to a young man who acted heroically at 6 a.m. Monday morning by running to the police station and inform them that a car had stalled on the railroad tracks 100 yards away.

"I never thought about. I just knew I couldn't let that man get crushed by a train." said James Laboke, 17, who walks the same path every morning to work at the Eezy Breezy Restaurant.

Laboke found the car on the tracks with an unconscious man at the wheel. He tried pounding on the window by the man was unresponsive. Laboke then ran 100 yards to the Old Orchard Beach police station that sent out a call for help.

Janet Paradiso, the captain of the force was only a mile away when the call went out. Police say that as she arrived on the scene, she could hear a whistle in the distance. Acting on impulses she then rammed the vehicle with her cruiser, pushing it off the tracks. Thirty seconds later, the train rushed past.

“I knew there was no time. I had to do something.” Said Paradiso afterwards.

Brian Paul, chief of police announced these events in the police report.

“It was that close,” Paul said.

The man was later identified as 80-year-old Francois Truffaut from Quebec City, Canada. He was listed in stable condition, and also listed acknowledged he was a diabetic.

“I don’t remember a thing.” Truffaut said while recovering at Southern Maine Medical Center. He may have gone into insulin shock while crossing the tracks.

After reporting the stalled car Laboke reported to work on time without reporting anything to his boss, Charles Champaigne.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Champaigne said. “That young man is one of my most responsible employees. He’s just a great kid.”

New York Times Reading Log

Monday: The story that really interested me in today's paper was the story regarding the tanker explosion in Kenya. The image of the children with such traumatic wounds were really moving and while it's not a story that will go down in the history books, it certainly has immediate relevance for the victims involved in the explosion.

Tuesday: Right on the front page was the story of President Obama and the democrats reaching an agreement with the republicans on the stimulus plan. Not only is this important to the United States to help recharge the economy, it also is important to me for I am soon to be going out into the field looking for work.

Wednesday: The big news today in my book was the withdraw of Daschle's bid from the cabinet. The even bigger news was that President Obama stepped out and said that he made a mistake or "screwed up" as he put it, but wanted to move on. I found it interesting that our President was taking the blame for something and openly admitting it was his fault. I think it was a mature step to take and a beneficial one in order for citizens to trust their government.

Thursday: Ending out the week was the story about the Digital Pirates winning against Hollywood by illegally putting movies up on the internet. This was really big back when I was in High School and it seems to still be going strong today. I personally feel that movies are heading in this direction anyway, but until it's made legal, it's a hot topic in the entertainment department.

Teens involved in car accident

Three teenagers speeding on Mile Hill Rd. in Belmont, Massachusetts lost control of their vehicle resulting in a violent accident in which the car flipped onto its roof Monday evening.

Jamie Peterson, 17, lost control of his vehicle around 9 o’clock and flipped. Two other unnamed females were also in the car at the time of the accident. Both female victims are young says Lieutenant Judith Barkus of the Belmont Police Dept.

Peterson escaped by crawling from the wreck while the other two victims were trapped inside. Police used the Jaws of Life and rescued them after 45 minutes. One is now in stable condition while the other was airlifted to Mass. General Hospital, her status is unknown.

Josie M. Crandall who lives on Mile Hill Road witnessed the accident and informed the police.

“I’ve never seen a car going so fast on this road. It’s a dirt road, and it’s really easy to lose control.” Said Crandall, who watched the white Mustang speed down to road before flipping onto its roof.

Tom Carroll, Jr., 17, a student driving down the same road was first on the scene.

“I thought the worst. They were flying. It’s hard to see kids your age in something like this. You realize when you see it what could happen, especially on this road.” Said Carroll who informed police he discovered beer cans beside the wreckage. It was also noted that Mile Hill Rd. has no streetlights, increasing the potential of an accident.

In fact, two were killed at the same spot on Christmas Eve in 1998.