Shooting leaves 2 high-schoolers dead at house party near Houston - Aliyah Christian period 1

In Harris County, Houston, Texas, there was a shooting at a house party. The shooting killed 2 highschool students and injured 19 others. The shooting occurred late Saturday night in the Cypress area. The house party was actually a birthday party that was being held in a two-story home. There were more than 100 people gathered there for the party.
The Harris County Sheriff, Adrian Garcia, described it as "a birthday party gone wild." Apparently, it all started after one partygoer fired a gun into the air "in an apparent celebration of music."  However, a second person "recklessly reacted to the gunfire and started shooting into the crowd".  Most of the people who were injured, suffered gunshot wounds. One person broke their leg, trying to get away from the gunfire and comotion.
Garcia said that "Any time you promote a birthday party on social media, you have no control over who to expect at your door," Garcia said. "Any time that you have to factor in the possibility of a bouncer and being searched at the door, you've already taken a turn for the worst."  Police have not found the shooters yet, they are searching for two shooters.

This kind of a story is so unnecessary. I can't help but think about all the poor people who attended the party. They were probably super excited to be going out, probably took time to get dressed up and thought they were going to have a fabulous time. Who would have thought that something like this would happen. This makes me re-think my decisions about parties and attending parties that I am not completely familiar with or that have the potential of becoming too big or out of control. 19 people were injured and 2 were actually killed. I sure hope they find out the whole story and who caused this.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/10/justice/texas-shooting/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Pilot, passengers jump to safety as skydiving planes collide - Aliyah Christian, period 1

Over northern Wisconsin, two small planes were carrying 11 people. 2 piliots and 9 skydivers that were planing to jump in formation. The 2 planes were following one another, when the leading plane caught fire and broke up in midair. The pilot of the leading plane says that he heard a loud bang and then his windshield shattered. Luckily, both of the skydivers and pilot jumped out of the plane before it broke up and crashed. The pilot got out safely by using his emergency parachute. The second plane, which was following the first, was able to land safely, but the 5 skydivers jumped out of the plane before it landed. Fortunately, all of the people aboard both planes were skilled skydivers and had parachuts. "It's definitely a reminder of the danger of the sport that we all love," Skydive Superior instructor Mike Robinson said. The pilot of the plane that crashed "was visibly bloodied about his face and shirt and had one hand wrapped in a garment, but was otherwise lucid, alert and oriented," Johnson said. The pilot of the trailing plane landed safely and picked up the pilot of the crashed aircraft along the runway as he taxied in, Johnson said. Skydive Superior posted a message on its Facebook page thanking supporters "during this very difficult time for us. "The jumpers and pilots have been through a very surreal experience, and they are lucky and thankful to be alive," it said.

This article is why I will most likely never sky dive. You just never know when a malfunction may occur. Thank goodness that these planes were planning skydiving that day and that all of the passangers were equipped with parachutes. I can only imagine the fear they must have experienced going through that. I wonder if they will continue skydiving or take this as a sign to take a break.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/03/us/wisconsin-skydivers-crash/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

5 people, 2 dogs dead at Phoenix condo complex - Aliyah Christian 1st period

   In Phoenix, Arizona, Police found a horrific scene Saturday morning at a condominium complex, where five people and two dogs were dead of gunshot wounds, a police spokesman said. The dead included the apparent shooter. A resident called 911 and reported that someone was shooting a gun at his home. When Police arrived, they found two different apartments that were involved. In the first apartment, they found two people dead on the patio and two more people dead inside. There were also two dogs that were dead inside the first apartment as well. Next, the Police went to the apartment next door and found the suspect of the shooting, also dead. The suspect had also shot himself and died.
   The Police have not released any names and are still trying to seek out a motive for the deadly assault and suicide. Another resident, Libni DeLeon told CNN that he received a knock on his door in the morning. Before he could get to the door, the man started shooting through his front door. DeLeon said that one of the bullets went through his bathroom and into his kitchen. DeLeon ran upstairs and started screaming and yelling. He was able to catch a glance at him and then he saw him go upstairs and started shooting more rounds upstairs.

   This story sounds absolutely ridiculous. It sounds to me that one of the neighbors went crazy and just wanted to kill people and animals before killing himself. It doesn't sound like there was any type of motive at all for him doing this. The poor people who were simply in their own home, minding their own business, with their own pets, and then out of no where they are all murdered. This makes me sick to my stomache.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/26/justice/phoenix-multiple-homicide/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Arlington police still seeking tips in June 4 carjacking, slaying of 83-year-old Leona Swafford - Aliyah Christian period 1

  On June 4, an 83 year old woman named Leona Swafford left her house around 8am to go to the doughnut shop for breakfast. She got back home around 830am, this is when a man approached her and foced her back into her car. One of Ms. Swafford's neighbors saw what was happening and ran over to try and help her. The neighbor could not stop the man and he drove off with Swafford in the car. Approximately 90 minutes late, offers found Swafford's body dumped at a shopping center. She had been shot, strangled and beaten says the Tarrant county medical examiner's office.

  Arlington police found Swafford's car abandoned at an Apartment complex and went door to door trying to find the suspect. They also released a computerized sketch of the man, but have still had no luck finding him. Police say that they are still recieving tips every week and are pursuing every one of them. Swafford's family are still hoping for a break and say it would be nice to have some sort of closure on this.

  I think this is such a sad story. It makes no sense to me. The man who murdered Ms. Swafford seems to have done it for no reason at all. He killed her and then abandoned her car as well. So basically, this man left with nothing. I can't help but think how this poor woman's family must be feeling and how scared her neighbors must be. I hope this man is caught and brought to justice very soon.

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/headlines/20131017-arlington-police-still-seeking-tips-in-june-4-carjacking-slaying-of-83-year-old-leona-swafford.ece

Missing teen's fascination with trains shifts search underground - Aliyah Christian period 1

Avonte Oquendo, 14, was seen on a surveillance video, running out of his school on October 4. Avonte has autism and is unable to communicate verbally. He is very fascinated by trains, says his family, so officals have started searching for the boy underground where the city's transit system is. Officials have been searching for the boy in the train stations, tracks and tunnels all last week as well, but has turned up nothing. Avonte's mother says the situation is "heartbreaking". She says "I just need to find my son because he needs his family; he cannot fend for himself out there". A $70,000 reward has been offered for Avonte's safe return. The family's attorney says that he is taking steps to investigate how Avonte was able to escape from his school unsupervised. According to the surveillance video, no supervisor or monitor stopped the boy when he ran out. Avonte's mother says he is suppose to have one-to-one supervison at all times and has the mental capacity of a 7 year old. The New York City Department of Education issued a statement saying it is working closely with the police on the investigation. The school is not commenting.

I think that accidents happen, however, when there is a handicapped child and there is a committment to be responsible for the child, then this sort of thing should not happen. I just keep thinking about this poor little kid scared and lonely lost somewhere crying. I pray that they find him soon. I have a family member who is mentally handicapped. My heart would be broken if this type of situation happened to him and my family. I sure hope Avonte is found soon.

Aliyah Christian The Real Voice of Siri

Since I have ordered my new iPhone 5S and I am patiently waiting it's arrival, I found it interesting that the real voice behind Siri chose now to step forward. Susan Bennett, whom lives in Atlanta was paid an undeclosed amount of money to read hours and hours of text for the company ScanSoft.

In 2005, GM Voices was approached for a voice to become the sound of a new product that was yet to be invented. While reading the article I was pleased to hear that some of the sass of Susan's personality is still available in the final product of Siri. Susan stated that during the long taping sessions in her home studio she would get bored so she took lots of breaks.

Susan was slow to review her identity because she wasn't sure that she wanted to be known by the masses. Susan stated she was not sure what the legal ramifications would be by her reviling her identity. With no proof that she is the voice of Siri you will have to listen to her voice and play with Siri to find out for yourself.

Now that iOS 7 has been released and downloaded by millions Susan's rein as Siri is quickly coming to an end. I'm happy and a little sad to put a face with the voice. It's cool to know that the attitude of Siri comes from the dynamic fullness of a real voice. It's a little sad to know that the voice of Siri is also the voice of Tili the first ATM, the lady that talks to me at the airport in the Delta terminal, and also reads directions on another GPS system.

I wanted Siri to be a mystical original talent that was found by Apple. I am elated that she is not looking to gain anything from this announcement other than to set the record straight.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/04/tech/mobile/bennett-siri-iphone-voice/index.html

Two teenagers arrested in robbery of San Francisco TV reporter - Aliyah Christian

    A San Francisco television reporter, Jeff Bush, was robbed while working on a story on Friday in the Bayview district, a high-crime area. While there, two men with guns demanded Bush's equipment. Bush immediately handed over his equipment and ran to take cover. Luckily, Bush had a security guard with him. The security guard was also armed and was able to shoot one of the robbers as they ran away.
   Later, Officers arrested two 19 year old men from San Francisco and charged them with robbery, weapons and conspiracy offenses. One of the men in the shooting was treated at a local hospital. Because of these types of robberies happening to journalists, their jobs send security guards with the reporters on assignments in high-crime areas. Bush was doing a follow-up story on a fatal car crash when the robbery happened.
   I am very glad to hear the men that attacked this innocent television report were caught. It is very scary to think that some people are willing to do such acts of violence to people for their equipment or to try and make money. Luckily these men where not seriously hurt. I used to want to be a news reporter, this kind of stuff makes me rethink that.


http://news.yahoo.com/two-teenagers-arrested-robbery-san-francisco-tv-reporter-025414314.html

Woman Arrested in Missouri for Allegedly Kidnapping Infant Nearly 13 Years Ago - Aliyah Christian

Nearly 13 years ago, a father came home from work to find that his baby was gone. He aparently knew the woman who took his child, but was never able to locate or find them. The 60 year old woman was found in Missouri and has been arrested in connection with an alleged child abduction case that took place in Florida. The woman, Sandy Hatte is related to the child's family and is accused of kidnapping the infant back in 2000.

Authorities were alerted, when a County school official became suspicious of Hatte when she tried to enroll the teenager in school. Police investigated teh case and found that the child had been missinf for more than a decade. Officials took custody of the child on Wednesday and reunited the child and the father. According to the sheriff's office, it was a good reunion. It appeared that the father and child hit it off pretty well.

Hatte is now being held on a $25,000 bond at the Davvies-Dekalb Regional Jail in Pattonsburg, Mo. She has been arrested for child abduction.

I believe this would have to be one of the worst things to have to go through as a parent. I am glad they have been reunited, but they are basically strangers now because this woman robbed them of their true relationship. I hope that the child will be able to bond with the father and they will be able to build a strong relationship, despite this terrible thing that happened.

http://gma.yahoo.com/woman-arrested-missouri-allegedly-kidnapping-infant-nearly-13-164508975--abc-news-topstories.html

Aliyah Christian - Period 1 - Rescuers issue stern warning to Colorado evacuees

Boulder Colorado and other towns in Colorado have been flooded. National Guard helicopters and truck convoys are trying to rescue and evacuate as many residents from the flooded areas as they can. Thousands of stranded people are happy to escape the Rocky Mountain areas. However, some people don’t want to leave their homes and possessions behind. The rescuers have issued a stern warning on Saturday, “Leave now or be prepared to endure weeks without electricity, running water and basic supplies.”

Authorities made it clear to the residents that they might not get another chance to leave for quite some time, but are not forcing anyone to leave if they don’t want to. More rain is in the forecast and authorities are trying to get to as many stranded people and their pets as they possibly can. They are currently using High Schools as make shift shelters for people to stay for now. Many homes have been completely swept away by the flash floods and others are covered in mud and water.

Four people have been confirmed dead since the floods began on Wednesday. Hundreds of others have not been heard from and may be stranded or injured. The flood zone has grown to nearly the size of Connecticut. Police expect to find more bodies as the full scope of damage becomes more clear. By midday Saturday, nearly 800 people and their pets had been evacuated.

 

I think this is a terribly sad situation. We can not help the weather sometimes, but to loose your entire home and belongs and love ones because of it is very troubling and sad. Your home is the one place you should be able to feel safe, and some of these victims no longer have a home to go back to. For those that do, they are covered in mud and water and most likely ruined as well. I wish there was more I could do to help these poor people. I am grateful to the Red cross and other organizations that are able to assist when things such as this happens.

 

 

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/ap/ap/top-news/rescues-accelerate-as-floodwater-inundates-colo/nZw94/

Aliyah Christian Period 1- Rescuers Issue Stern Warning to Colorado Evacuees

Rescuers issue stern warning to Colorado evacuees

By Ben Neary

 

Boulder Colorado and other towns in Colorado have been flooded. National Guard helicopters and truck convoys are trying to rescue and evacuate as many residents from the flooded areas as they can. Thousands of stranded people are happy to escape the Rocky Mountain areas. However, some people don’t want to leave their homes and possessions behind. The rescuers have issued a stern warning on Saturday, “Leave now or be prepared to endure weeks without electricity, running water and basic supplies.”

Authorities made it clear to the residents that they might not get another chance to leave for quite some time, but are not forcing anyone to leave if they don’t want to. More rain is in the forecast and authorities are trying to get to as many stranded people and their pets as they possibly can. They are currently using High Schools as make shift shelters for people to stay for now. Many homes have been completely swept away by the flash floods and others are covered in mud and water.

Four people have been confirmed dead since the floods began on Wednesday. Hundreds of others have not been heard from and may be stranded or injured. The flood zone has grown to nearly the size of Connecticut. Police expect to find more bodies as the full scope of damage becomes more clear. By midday Saturday, nearly 800 people and their pets had been evacuated.

 

I think this is a terribly sad situation. We can not help the weather sometimes, but to loose your entire home and belongs and love ones because of it is very troubling and sad. Your home is the one place you should be able to feel safe, and some of these victims no longer have a home to go back to. For those that do, they are covered in mud and water and most likely ruined as well. I wish there was more I could do to help these poor people. I am grateful to the Red cross and other organizations that are able to assist when things such as this happens.

 

 

 

http://www.daytondailynews.com/ap/ap/top-news/rescues-accelerate-as-floodwater-inundates-colo/nZw94/