Cut beer cans placed around seagulls' necks

Seagulls in the San Francisco Bay Area have been spotting sporting "beer can collars." People have been cutting their beer cans, and placing them around the birds' necks. A wildlife group is fighting this, calling it torture. It's a serious matter and could result in huge fines, imprisonment, or both. People need to take it seriously. That's why they're offering a $2,000 reward for anyone who can turn in the villains doing this. They're hoping that this can end on its own, but the reward will encourage everyone to think twice about this.

I think it's terrible that people would find it cool or funny to do something like this to innocent seagulls. I know they're annoying sometimes, but that doesn't give people the right to torture them like this. I'm sure it's hard enough for the seagulls to have t0 share their home with tons of people on a public beach. Hopefully they'll catch this people and give them the punishment that they deserve. I don't think they would like to be forced to wear an uncomfortable collar around their neck.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39994814/ns/us_news-environment/

Border cops find massive Mexico drug tunnel

A tunnel nearly 6 football fields in length (1,800 ft) was discovered by border police on Wednesday. This tunnel was used to illegally transport drugs between Tijuana, Mexico and Otay Mesa, California. This was a pretty nice tunnel, including lighting, ventilation, and a rail system. In 2006 there was also a tunnel found connecting these 2 cities. There were 100tons of marijuana recovered by officials at that time, valued at about $340 million.

It seems odd that it would take so long to discover a tunnel that is 6 football fields long. Maybe they do a really good job at hiding it, but it just doesn't seem possible to just miss that. I'm glad the tunnel was found and the drugs were collected. Not only do we need to be strict at our borders when dealing with illegal immigrants, but we also need to be safe when it comes to illegal drugs. I don't mean this in a weird way, but I wonder what they do with all that marijuana. Like do they just destroy or do they store it? I don't quite understand that.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39995332/ns/us_news-security/

Fed takes bold, risky step to bolster economy

Since the economy is only growing at a 2 percent pace and unemployment is around 9.6%, the Fed has decided they need to do something. They have committed to buying $600 worth in government bonds. They are hoping that this will positively impact our economy. One worry is that when the economy begins to strengthen again, inflation will drastically increase. Some people are worried about this while others think we should buy more bonds. It's a controversial and risky move, but in the end hopefully everything will come together.

I think it's not a bad idea to take some initiative to improve the economy. Obviously we need the help. Whether or not this bond move will work, I don't know, but I sure hope so. I think it could do a great deal to increase spending, and therefore eventually increase employment. When businesses start making more money, they'll begin to hire more workers. This could be just what our economy needs. Only time will tell if it pays off. http://http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39990043/ns/business-personal_finance/

Pregnancy discrimination is on the rise

Pregnancy discrimination in America is becoming more and more of a problem. Women aren't being treated like they should when they are pregnant. For example, some employers are firing, lowering the pay, and refusing to hire pregnant women. In 1964 with the Civil Rights Act, there was a Pregnancy Discrimination Act written. That may becoming forgotten since the complaints of pregnancy discrimination is much higher. It's definitely a concern for workers and employers.

As I picture myself becoming pregnant when I'm older, I would certainly hope to be treated fairly. I feel bad for the mothers who aren't given the proper maternity leave time, or whose jobs disappear just because they are starting a family. That's not fair and it shouldn't be tolerated. I understand the concern of the employers too. They're running a business and want to make logical decisions for that business, but that doesn't give them the right to illegally deny someone a job. I'm glad that this is being brought to attention because it is a huge issue for women. They can't control the fact that women have babies and men don't. If men had this problem they would want to be treated fairly too.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18742634/