Glen Brammell » Deep Thoughts

Gettysburg

Glen — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:55:35 +0000

The civil war was one of the best and worst of times for our country. After going through the division, our country became stronger than ever before. Though it’s been many years since the war has been over, it seems that some battles will still rage on. One in particular is the fight over a planned casino that will be close to the sacred grounds where so many Americans died.

Supporters of the new casino say that it will bring much needed jobs to the area. It will also provide needed taxes and draw tourists to the area. Despite these benefits, many believe that building a casino so close to the park will cheapen the sacrifice that thousands of Americans made to their country. I guess the people of Pennsylvania will have to decide what they want.

The constitution

Glen — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:38:40 +0000

There has been a lot of debate lately over the constitution of the United States. Some people want to make changes to it and some want it left alone. I am of the opinion that the constitution is a living document. I believe that if the people vote to change it, it should be changed.

Not only should the people be able to add amendments, they should be able to strike down the ones we don’t like. Some worry that this will harm our country, but I believe it will only strengthen it!

Eggs and Us

Glen — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:31:28 +0000

The recent recall of millions of eggs due to salmonella has the nation concerned. There have been over 1300 reported cases across the country. Experts predict that there will be more to come. The eggs have been linked to two Iowa farms. That is where the egg shells developed the bacteria.

Investigators have been checking into the background of these two farms and have found they have violated many rules in the past. They are also linked together as they use the same supplier for feed and chickens. I hope they will be able to find the problem and provide us with food that is safe.

Ice

Glen — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:20:15 +0000

Our world has been around for many years. Throughout those years our world was shaped by giant ice glaciers that carved out valleys through the mountains. Sometimes, the glaciers meet the sea and become large ice flows that ride the waves. These sheets of ice occasionally break off and become huge ice islands.

This happened recently when a large chunk of ice broke off. The massive sheet of ice takes up about 100 square miles and contains enough fresh water to supply America for 120 days. The ice flow broke from Greenland’s biggest glacier and is expected to reach the Atlantic Ocean in about two years.

Deadly Month

Glen — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:13:34 +0000

The American presence in Afghanistan is still ongoing. Soldiers are fighting the Taliban in an effort to win the peoples hearts and minds in an ideological battle. The war has raged on for nearly nine years and shows little sign of being over soon. Americans are getting tired of spending money and lives on a losing battle.

This month, 66 U.S. soldiers were killed in action. This number is even higher than last months 60 killed. Commanders say the higher numbers of dead are a result of increased fighting. I hope this war is going somewhere and we will see some tangible results soon.

Clean up the bay

Glen — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:31:23 +0000

One item that is in the news around our neck of the woods is health and safety of our Chesapeake Bay waters. It seems as though two groups of people have different ideas as to how to keep it clean. One group that includes the environmental protection agency wants to enforce an even stricter ban on pollution by setting a so-called “pollution diet” standard.

Another group wants to keep things how they are. They say the bay is cleaner than ever and that new regulations will cost too many jobs. For now, the two sides are expressing their points and a resolution should soon be found. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

Taranis

Glen — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:13:16 +0000

In London, today was a day to remember. The Ministry of Defense unveiled its newest combat aircraft called Taranis. The aircraft is being touted as the future of unmanned stealth technology and has many people around the world interested. The aircraft uses technology that makes virtually undetectable and no pilot is needed.

The long-range aircraft can be controlled from virtually anywhere in the world and can carry out a number of different missions. Surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance can all be done with the new jet. It can also drop bombs and missiles if needed. This technology has long been in the works and is nearing perfection. Be careful world, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise!

Paris and Bush meat

Glen — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:29:03 +0000

The city of Paris has long been known for its cuisine. This time, the menu is a little bit different than you may expect. Due to the growing African population in the city, bush meat is being imported in surprising levels. Experts say the illegal trade is growing and is a danger to wild populations of animals.

Such animals as rats, monkeys, crocodiles, and anteaters are being brought into the city. They carcasses are usually dried and are sold at markets under the table. Experts worry that the animals present a danger to public health as well. Bacteria and Ebola viruses can be found in these animals and could be a grave health concern. I hope this practice is soon stopped!

Baking soda

Glen — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 00:41:34 +0000

Baking soda has been around ever since I can remember. I always thought it was outdated and relegated to grandma’s secret recipes. It turns out that I am wrong again and I recently found out that it has many uses due to its beneficial properties. It is cheap, contains no toxic chemicals, and versatile.

Baking soda can be used on many areas of the body. It can freshen your breath as well as clean your skin. It can relieve heartburn and treats insect bites. It effectively cleans hundreds of different items can deodorize everything from cat boxes to refrigerators. I think it may be a good idea to get a box the next time I go shopping!

Bottled Water

Glen — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:48:42 +0000

I have never understood why people pay for bottled water. That is of course until I learned that it is a big seller in Mexico. I have always heard that when you go to Mexico, don’t drink the water. It seems that Mexicans are taking their own advice and are buying bottled water in record numbers.

The water infrastructure in Mexico is in serious disrepair. Due to natural factors as well as a 1985 earthquake, the water system is in shambles. Mexicans believe that the water they drink is unsafe. The Mexican government disputes the charges and says that water quality has improved over the years. I guess only time will tell!