Current Event Activity 2.2

1.  The fire in Bastrop has two two theories surrounding its origin. While confirmed to have started in Luecke Farm, the true cause is unknown. County judge, Paul Pape has pointed out the possibility it was caused by a overheating shredder, or an intentionally set burn pile. On Tuesday at 10:30 am, the residents who survived were allowed to return to their properties. After two massive fires in the region, people are questioning whether to rebuild. This fire alone hasn't had a damage report released yet, but it's estimated to be a loss of hundreds of millions of dollars. ---- The reporter really did interview the residents, but the most interesting thing was how one of the house survived the first Bastrop fire. To The reporter did a good job making an emotional response in the reader, even if it lost interest toward the end due to a sustained period of only victim interviews.

2. A transition to from paper to digital textbooks is gaining momentum in Austin school districts and with parents. Schools are abandoning the textbooks' paper counterpart in favor of a cheaper option, and one that will help students get ready for the upcoming computer-dependent world. One of the parents decided digital homework wasn't user-friendly, and and so bought a 75$ textbook instead. Melissa Prepster, an eighth grade teacher, said to the paper that the shift greatly boosted her usage and abilities in the classroom. The Eanes district has, and Leander plans to equip every secondary student with a tablet. Millions of dollars have been poured into this change, while many other districts are only gradually shifting. ---- I think courses could be greatly complimented with the insert of online accessibility, but to give TABLETS!?!? I have to agree with Robertson here, because those things are super annoying to use. I love bringing my laptop to school, but only with a stroke of good-relations with people and a very good ability to handle my laptop in crowded areas, do I avoid immediately breaking it. One of the hinges is breaking now, so what could the possibilities be for poor students, or average-income students who happen to break theirs; it would severely debase their income. 

3. On Tuesday, big news of Trudeau's election will influence more than the whole country, which has now returned to its liberal identity from the previous prime minister. Trudeau is supporting the building of the Keystone pipeline, and has agreed to let in 25000 Syrian refugees by the end of the year. Canada has also announced its friendly relationship with Barack Obama, but they have decided to take their jets from the lead bombing campaign. As well, Canada has returned to helping the United Nations.

4. Alan Guckian is among the 25 semi-finalists for a national Grammy-related award. Recognized for his amazing performance SaulPaul nominated him, and among 4,500 names, he reached the semifinals with just over 200 names. The award is a free trip to the Grammy Awards, a 10k honorarium, and and a 10k grant to the winner's school, and Guckian said he would throw a pizza party for his kids if he won. --- Not Gatti's either.  (Wow this is a ridiculous story... They must be drawing at straws here...)

5. The new UT coach, Shaka Smart, is trying to change the mindset of players, to rid underachieving, and to strengthen their resolve and teach a through run-and-gun style. Smart has decided not to put those not mentally tough in game, and one player attests that he instills a positive vibe upon them and self-confidence.