Where in the world is Osama Bin Laden????

     It is 2:00 AM on a early Monday morning and I am laying in my bed waiting for a call from a friend in trouble back in New Orleans. My text message ring goes off at at 2:18 AM and I expect it to be my friend. I read the preview and it is a text message alert from CNN that I receive for my journalism class. The text reads: "CNN Breaking news- NATO official: Osama bin Laden is hiding in northwest Pakistan."
     "Great!",  I thought. "Now why doesn't it read: 'Osama bin Laden captured by U.S. military in northwest Pakistan.'"
     I wrote a status about the alert on my Facebook and questions started to pop in my head. Why was he not captured? How do they know this information? Who from NATO discovered this information? Why Pakistan? The questions went on and on in my head. I decided that the topic was great enough to do my own research. CNN posted a video on the web of the incident, which was my first account of this information: http://cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2010/10/18/am.starr.bin.laden.hunt.cnn
     According to CNN, a disclosed NATO official claims bin Laden and his second in command, Ayman al-Zawahiri, are living close to each other in houses in northwest Pakistan. What we believe, and obviously so do the military, is that they live in caves moving from Afghanistan and Pakistan. They bomb these caves day in and day out to destroy the groups of al Qaeda only killing the men of those groups. If this information is true, they are strategically placing themselves amongst citizens in order to make the U.S. look bad if they were to murder innocent people. I hate to sound like an ignorant person when I say this, but citizens are killed during war time. It is just the reality of war. In my opinion, you might as well just bomb the area. But I leave that to open discussion. There is more to this story though.
    My next question was, " Why do they not just go and attack?" They know where his location is and he is public enemy number one and has been for a decade. Any leads for someone like that should be taken seriously. According to cnn.com, there had been many reports of where bin Laden is and they all have ultimately been wrong. He moves everywhere around Afghanistan and Pakistan monthly. Tracking him down to one spot would be difficult. I still believe though that the U.S. has the military intelligence and tools to find him. If a three year old kid can find Waldo amongst millions of characters, you should be able to find where one man is. The question is why not?
     According to Peter Bergen (http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/10/19/bergen.finding.bin.laden/index.html?hpt=Mid), he believes that the U.S. are not positioned to infiltrate militant groups because they have too many pure Americans. He believes the U.S. needs to train people closer to the ancestry of the Middle East and send them as trainees for al Qaeda. If they do not prove they have infiltrated al Qaeda, President Obama must make budget cuts. He also believes al Qaeda is not capable of putting someone in our intelligence group. I believe this is a little far fetched. I can see why he thinks that, but maybe al Qaeda is capable of placing a rat in the agency. We underestimated them to pull off a full scale attack even after intelligence had all ready infiltrated messages from al Qaeda to Taliban saying they declared war on us and planned an attack. How much easier can it be? In my opinion, I think they are very capable of doing this even though they have diminished some since 9/11. If they can pull off an attack on our soil, they can sure send somebody to work for the CIA. If they can send men to convince flight instructors that all they need to learn is to fly, not take off or land, they can sure convince the CIA that they are good people. A big difference I know, but imagine how many spies are in the agency right now from European powers. If they fly from Pakistan, we automatically think they're good, right? Better than Afghanistan, which is where I am led to believe most of al Qaeda is located. Well not exactly.
     Pakistan is directly east of Afghanistan and west of China. They have allied the U.S. in the fight against terrorism in the middle east and for the most part seem to be successful. However, as they fight off terrorism, they want to be the super power of the Middle East. This has been a battle since Biblical times on who controls it. This fight will never end until the end of the world probably. They keep remaining there innocence in not holding al Qaeda related groups in Pakistan, but they could think of bin Laden and the Taliban as bargaining chips for control of the region. They see India as a threat because they are Taliban and Taliban has controlled Afghanistan in the past. Pakistan wants them be more like their government. If they give him to us, they obviously want something in return. We are the number one country in the world, right? But maybe he is not in Pakistan.


     So where is Osama? Well it still seems unclear to us. I feel like he could be hiding in Pakistan and if reports are correct, let's go after the son of a bitch! He needs to be brought to justice and soon before he dies of old age. I would love to see in my lifetime that he is brought to justice and get the treatment he deserves. In a story that has continued over the decade, we must remember why we are trying to catch him. Remember the victims of 9/11 always and forever.

Buldogs surprise fans!

    Congratulations to Louisiana Tech's football team. They played one hell of a game Saturday. Working for the team really gets you to the emotions of a football team. It is hard responding to critics of the team. They have a new coach, new quarterback every week, and they had lost four games in a row two of which were at home. I was quite disappointed with how many fans showed up, but they came ready to play and destroyed Utah St. Practice was great all week before the game and the players seemed confident going into this game. The sideline was exciting and when we received the ball, you could tell we were ready to play.
     I must give our quarterback, Ross Jenkins, a lot of credit this week. He really showed up to play after people gave up on him because of his performance last season. I have not personally talked to Ross yet about the game, but I could tell by his facial expressions in the training room that he is ready to play this weekend. The team is going to prove to the fans that this was not a fluke and they will win for homecoming.
     My player to watch this week is Lennon Creer. He had a great week of practice and I think that his momentum last week will continue on after rushing for a career high 120 Yds.
     My keys to victory are: 1) Must contain Idaho's passing game. 2) Offense must finish and score touchdowns 3) A wide receiver must step up this week since star WR Tim Molton is out for the season.
Outcome: Louisiana Tech 17 - Idaho 10

ikharo taulib

ikharo taulib

Angola #2

     What do you expect from a prison? Old cages? Big guards? Scary killers? That is what I expected when I was driving to Angola prison with my fellow journalist. I joined the group, which I am happy to say I developed a relationship with now, expecting some kind of prison film like Shawshank Redemption. What I experienced was unlike anything I had before. When I tell you my opinion of a prison went 360 for the better, I'm not lying. I vow to help these men later in life when I think my opinion matters. But for now, I can only tell their story and I'm honored to tell it.
     It is 5:30 in the morning and I am almost finished getting ready. I creep around trying not to wake up my room, which I think I was unsuccessful in trying. I judged what I should wear, but I could not remember how dressy I had to be. " Oh well", I thought. Better be safe than sorry. I drove to a parking lot behind Keeny Hall and walked the rest of the way. I saw what others were wearing and I got a little embarrassed. I really did OVER dress. I stuck out like a soar thumb. At the time it mattered because I did not really talk with these people before, but it did not after. Landon bought us awesome donuts, which made me happy, and I we jetted off.
     The morning was young and I was tired. I fell asleep until we stopped at a gas station an hour later. I woke up and bought food then it dawned to me. I'm four hours away from entering prison. As the others talked, I pondered what it would be like. I was starting to get anxious and had to get my mind off of it. I started talking to Landon, Amie, Jessica, Justin, and Dr. Beth and did something I hadn't done yet with this group: I started having a conversation. Time flew by and we entered the prison. The two other cars were late and Dr. Beth got angry. To waste time, we entered the museum and were able to enter a replica of a jail cell. Wow! I realized that I could never make it in jail. The bed was uncomfortable, the space was small, and I had to use the bathroom with someone watching me. The other groups made it and we entered the prison.
     We drove about half a mile to the camp and entered a gate that closed behind us. In order to enter, the one gate must be closed in order to open the other. I saw a few prisoners and must admit that I got a little shaky. I was amongst life sentence prisoners, who killed someone to get here. We entered a room that reminded me of that class in high school you hated because the room needed colors and life. In the room was six men, one that really to me looked like a prisoner. They handed us food, which looked like prison food, and began talking. They introduced themselves, what they were in for, and how long they had been in prison. They all were 21 and over with the exception of one, the one who really looked like a prisoner to me. 21 and over!!! I'm 18 and think I lived a whole life all ready. These guys entered jail before I was even thought of. To add to the depression, they did not even look like criminals. They were so professional that they gave the free world a bad reputation as we all know they're some morons here. They started speak of Louisiana's 5th circuit court. I knew this court because I pass it up every time I go to a Saints game. They deny these prisoners their appeals even though they have been in jail for so long and pay $50 a day to keep them there. Now you can have you opinion on this and I understand that. But when you are in jail for so long and our tax dollars are going to someone who probably have realized what they did, do the math. A tough economy today deserves all it can get. I have now come to the conclusion that life without parole is right there with cruel and unusual punishment. These men deserve a second chance in my opinion and they were put here under strict rules of Louisiana courts. But not only were they defending themselves, they were teaching us what we are learning, journalism.
     They gave us a run through of what each section of the paper deals with on a daily basis. They have an amazing paper with the limited papers they have. It describes prison life. What caught my attention early on was the obituary. They have a section for the prisoners who have passed on at Angola. I could not believe they went through the time to write about each one. It was just amazing.
     You realize these men are murders, but I truly believe you can tell a man's story by his eyes. I look in these gentlemens' eyes and see regret. Regret for what they did and just want a second chance. I feel for these men and when I get a voice in this "free world" society, I will do everything in my power to help. If it means putting other men in prison, so be it. I still believe in the death penalty, but I do not believe in life without parole. To me, it's just not fair. I applaud anyone who try to reach out to these wonderful men and dedicated time and money to their paper. We're are all equal and make mistakes. These men just so happen to make the really wrong ones.

Angola

     As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a sports reporter. But my sophomore year of high school, I developed a new interest. I started to like watching films. Some of my favorite films involve criminals. Whether it be gangsters, robbers, or serial killers, I always enjoy a good criminal film that can make my mind wonder. Some of my favorite movies are The Departed, Goodfellas, Casino, Donnie Brasco, American Gangster, and especially Shawshank Redemption. All incredible films and very well deserving of their reviews and awards.
     I came to Tech and the first day I got there my teacher, Dr. Christian, told us of a trip to Angola Prison and I got so excited. One of my favorite movies is Shawshank Redemption and now I was actually going to a prison. I have never been to a prison before and I finally can experience what it is like. If journalism does not work out, I can at least know what a prison feels like in order to make some kind of prison film. I understand it is not going to be like Shawshank, but it is going to be a neat experience that not many people can have. I am hoping to come into this experience thinking that it is like the film, but walking out feeling nothing but remorse for these prisoners. Some really do probably want a second chance and not receive one. I am just starting to get real excited about this trip and hopefully it will be one for the memory books.

Kenny McKinley

     Death is such a traumatic experience. I can remember when my grandmother died, I was so heart broken. So when I hear about other's experiences, I tend to think about her. That was the same when I read an ESPN alert about a Denver Broncos receiver named Kenny McKinley, who was found dead in his apartment.
     I did not know who he was or even heard of him, but it really made me think when I got this text message. It was very vague and did not give a lot of info, but I needed to know more. It is always a curious thing, death that is, and you want to know more about the person. I read further on the subject and he had committed suicide in his apartment after smoking marijuana. As a rookie, he showed a promising season, but injured himself during training camp and had surgery that would keep him out of the 2010 season and cause him be placed on injured reserved. He apparently was a very happy guy who loved to hang out with his friends, family, and teammates, which still asks why he did it. As I read on the story, the story said he had made suicidal notes after the surgery. He was apparently depresses over the fact that he would not play for the rest of the season. This is related to most athletes because they are so pushed to be successful. They also feel incredible animosity towards the fact that they are not getting playing time. Sports are for showing how tough you are and when you can't play, you lose that reputation. But what really blew my mind was what he had done a few days earlier. He flew to his hometown in South Carolina to pick up his son. The guy had a family, played in professional sports, and seemed like he had a happy life. What could be better? Of course I'm sure there is more than the media knows, but imagine that son when he grows up how he will feel knowing his father committed suicide. How will that affect him for the rest of his life? It'll be hard for him to grow up not having a dad. Makes you wonder, what really was going through his mind that made him want to kill himself on a personal level. Why would someone ever want to kill themselves, I will never know. But the fact of the matter is: he was an incredibly like able guy and family man and I'm sure the Broncos realize they are losing a great leader. Death is a crazy thing and all I can say is R.I.P. Kenny McKinley and R.I.P. Mama. I will always love you.

College!

I started the introduction of my future Thursday and I must say," What a roller coaster ride this will be!"
My classes seem real interesting and I cannot complain about my teachers..... yet! I was extremely anxious and worried about entering this world. What was I going to expect? What was I going to do? How hard will classes be? How big classes would be? All of this ran through my mind going into my first class.
There I was entering my first class not knowing anything except this eight page syllabus that seemed like it was going to be a difficult class. I pictured the teacher being old, mean, and too smart to handle himself. The door opened and a man in his early thirties walks in, one thing down on my list. Then he starts.... joking with us. Saying that the syllabus is not what we're going to do and that this class will be so much easier than expected. My point of this story is you never know what life brings you. You worry so much about something and then you realize you worried for nothing. I truly think I'll love college.