#9 News Log: Boy Genius

     Cutting out some TV time sure makes a difference for 14-year-old genius, Moshe Kai Cavalin.  He enrolled in college in 2009 at age 11, graduating with two Associates of Art degrees and a perfect GPA.  His book, "We Can Do," explains how other young people could succeed like he did with some hard work.  Cavalin, who dislikes being called a genius, tells interviewers, "People need to know you don't really need to be a genius. You just have to work hard and you can accomplish anything."  When he was younger he was more involved in extra-curricular activities, however his studies in UCLA and writing his book have taken up his life.  Just barely a teenager, after earning his bachelor's degree, the math major plans to enroll in graduate school with hopes of eventually earning a degree.  Originally inspired to write by his professor, Richard Avila, he hopes to motivate others with his methods for success. 
       It's not every day that you find an 11-year-old enrolling in college.  Although Moshe does not like being called a genius, I geniunely believe he is one.  It's not to say that he is naturally born that way and doesn't work to achieve his success, but I think it would be somewhat degrading not to call him a genius.  I always find myself envious of younger, or older people for that matter, that are incredibly smarter than me.  Cavalin does state that hard work has gotten him where he is today, but I don't think that that's all there is to it.

Source:  Boy Genius's Book Reveals Life in College

#8 Happy Valentine's Day

The last real crush I can remember back to was in 3rd grade, when we had a new student in my Armenian middle school.  We only had a few boys in my class, one of which was my cousin.  They all felt like brothers to me for the most part, but this new kid was really funny and outgoing.  Although all of the girls in my class denied that they liked him at some point in time, I still think until this day that almost every girl in the class liked him.  There wasn't anything particularly interesting about him, but I think it was because he brought new and outgoing personality to our class.

#7 News Log: Exercise

     Studies have shown that many runners have different patterns when they run, often being the cause of their injuries.  Members from the Harvard University were interested in finding out where their pains emerge from.  From their studies, they have concluded that people's running forms have a huge impact on their distressing bone and muscle injuries.  When runners take strides from heel to toe, they are more likely to have soreness in their legs.  If runners decide to change their strides, they must slowly do so.  Sudden changes can cause tears in different areas of the foot.  Running barefoot is especially harmful and can cause major injuries.
     I am not really a runner, but I did run track last year.  I noticed about a few weeks into the season that my shins and feet began to hurt.  I believe this had to do with either my sneakers or my form when I was running.  I ended up keeping the sneakers I already had because there wasn't much of the season left.  However, I still notice pain in my feet sometimes when I am walking, and often in my shins when I am running.  I guess something that I thought was so minor has made a great impact in my life.

Source: Does Foot Form Explain Running Injuries?

#6 Superbowl

This year's Superbowl was definitely a big deal in the East Coast.  Although I'm not a huge fan of football, it was exciting to hear that the New York Giants were going to be playing.  It seems crazy that the love of one thing could bring so many people together at home and in the stadium.  However, it may differ a little at home.  I just recently heard on the radio that 50% of viewers watch the Superbowl just for the commercials!  I never knew they were such a popular thing until last year, when I got to school and everybody was talking about them.  This year I made sure to watch most of them; they are quite funny.

#5 News Log: Immigration

          The issues on illegal immigration have recently been increasing in the US.  Like many other illegal immigrants, Amelia Reyes Jimenez was deported for immigration violations.  Giving birth to 4 children in America, she was heartbroken when she found out that her children would be taken away from her and sent to foster care.  Each year thousands of children are separated from their undocumented immigrant parents.  The kids wind up in foster care and eventually may even be adopted by US citizens, while their parents are either deported or held in federal detention centers.  Due to her unlawful actions, Jimenez has lost parental rights by an Arizona judge.

          Illegal immigration is a very touchy topic for many people.  I feel that most immigrants don't realize the consequences of their actions when they come to America illegally.  I understand that they want the best for themselves and their unborn children, however America is not always the answer.  There are so many immigrants found in America today that do not have the opportunities that they believe they would have once they reach the country.  I think they would live better lives if they continued to live in their homelands rather than here.

Source: Stolen Babies? Immigrant Mother Loses Four Kids

#4 I would choose to be...

I would choose to be richer, because it would allow me to do things which could potentially make me a happier person.  With my money I could attain more knowledge from around the world, see different things, and meet different people with just a plane ticket.  It's always been my dream to travel the world and experience different cultures--especially try different foods! I would also be very charitable with my money.  I'd like to donate and help others in need.

#3 What does "grace under pressure" mean?

To "grace under pressure" means to be calm and cool during a time of stress.  When you are stressed during a difficult time of your life, it is most important to keep your composure and having a positive outlook on things.  In order to be successful you must not get upset and must stay level-headed when under pressure.  An example of having grace under pressure is the way women stood for their rights and stayed strong while being suppressed by society.