Baltimore Riots

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/27/us/baltimore-unrest/index.html

Baltimore protests turn violent; police officers injured in clashes

On Monday, people protesting the death of Freddie Gray turned violent. It is said that they become aggressive and were attacking police and destroying buildings and cars. Several police officers were injured. This protest now rioting was declared a state of emergency. The mayor of Baltimore, where the rioting is occurring said that all resources are being deployed to help control the issue. The mayor announced a mandatory curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. This is effective daily for the next week. In total 15 officers were injured and two are still in the hospital. Most of the officers were injured by rocks and other items thrown at them. There were also possible threats that gangs were planning to team up to harm the officers.

I first learned of these events through social media. It was a picture of Martin Luther King Jr. walking with thousands protesting along side of a picture of people at Baltimore. The caption of the picture said, “There is a difference between rioting and protesting”. This is an important message. Instead of causing chaos and useless violence people should be protesting peacefully. Also they are rioting for an unknown reason. The man they claim to be rioting for died in police custody, supposedly to spinal injuries but no one in the media or outside the police officially knows what happened. People should at least get the facts straight before protesting or making brash decisions. We should amply this to all aspects of life.

Turn the lights down low

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/16/africa/kenya-northern-white-rhino/index.html

With 1 male left worldwide, northern white rhinos under guard 24 hours

   At the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya there is a very special rhino. This rhino is the last male of the northern white rhinos. They say he looks like your average rhino, stout and agile, with square lips. This rhino's name is Sudan. The northern white rhinos are extremely close to extinction. The fate of the species of the northern white rhino is all dependent on Sudan's ability to conceive with the two female northern white rhinos that are also at Ol Pejeta. the females names are Fatu and Najin. At the conservancy experts are working hard to make sure the rhino does not go extinct. In addition to research the rhinos are being protected 24-hours so they are not killed. Rhinos are killed because it is believed that their horns cure some sicknesses.

   It is sad to see the numbers of this species left. There are a total of five left in the world. I am disappointed in the human race. We have hunted and killed these animals , basically into extinction. The human race is a destructive and violent force. This is evident in the areas of deforestation and endangered animals. We destroy nature and do not think of the consequences. Another example is global warming. Due to our carbon dioxide emissions we have caused earth's temperature to increase. This has caused areas like Greenland and Antarctica to melt. It has been proven that the ice on the planet is melting and water levels will increase. We do not take into consideration the consequences of our actions. I bet when people started hunting rhinos they did not think they would become extinct, but if they would have been smarter and had hunting seasons or control poachers better this species would not be in this position.

London Jewel Heist

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/08/europe/london-hatton-garden-heist/index.html

Huge haul of gems and cash stolen in Hatton Garden heist in London

   Authorities have not released significant information on how this was done, nor have they released information to people who were in business with the Hatton Garden. The thieves supposedly used heavy cutting equipment and rappelling gear to break into the vault of an esteemed 60-year-old safe deposit company. Many people have not or were not alerted because the company did not know how much was stolen. Customers were very frustrated and frightened with this experience. It is estimated that the thieves stole over $300 million dollars worth of gems and jewels. They also estimated that 60-70 safe deposit boxes although the official numbers remain unknown. The police just found out about the robbery this last Tuesday. The police said they would have found out earlier if it had not been Easter weekend. 
   It does not surprise me that the thieves decided to steal from the Hatton Garden. This area is extremely well known for its dealings in diamonds and precious items. It also is the largest and most concentrated cluster of jewelry retailers in the UK according to the area's promotional website. This should make companies focus on security. The thieves may have had the perfect timing for their plan but if companies prepare for these things everyday they can cause these things not to happen. I did some research about vaults and other types of security. Some of the equipment that these stores use is like something out of a James Bond movie. They have motion sensors and heavy duty vaults. Not all of the companies in the area have these new and improved systems and these companies and its customers fall victim to events like this heist. 

Japan unveils Izumo, its largest warship since World War II

http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/26/asia/japan-msdf-new-helicopter-carrier/index.html

Japan unveils Izumo, its largest warship since World War II

This article is about the Japanese building an immensely large warship. This warship is said to be strictly used for "defense purposes". Many neighboring countries have questioned Japan's real motives for the creation of this large ship. This ship is large enough and designed so that if needed it can be turned into an aircraft carrier which is banned in Japan's pacifist constitution. The ship is easily capable of holding many aircrafts but the Japanese claim to not use it in such a way. Japan said it was for peaceful purposes such as peace keeping operations, international disaster relief and aid. 

This situation is shady. Japan builds a huge ship and says it is for peaceful reasons but the ship can easily be converted into a weapon. The ship has spots for seven anti-submarine “patrol” choppers and two rescue and transport choppers. These would be illegally used in the current dispute between China and Japan over the islands in the South China Sea. They would be used to spot sophisticated Chinese submarines. The sheer size of the ship is a representation of the Japanese’s military ambitions. Japan is trying to pull the wool over the rest of the world’s eyes. Their real intentions are to use the ship illegally, breaking their pacifist constitution, to claim the islands and area from China. Throughout these times of aggression China invited some Japanese officials to a celebration of the end of World War II and Japan rudely declined saying it was impossible for them to make it. I believe Japan would have a better chance at good relations with China if they were not so hostile in every situation.

My parents tell me I am special.

Here are some cool fad facts about my life:
I live skating. I hardcore shred the 'sphalt.
I am in a band. We do not have a name yet.
I play soccer and football.
I have lots of friends and know a lot of cool people.
My favorite bands are:
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Strokes
Modest Mouse
Broncho

I go to Creighton prep.
My friends call me "Alex" or "Borto" or "Bortolotti"
People who do not know me refer to me by twitter handle which I shall not mention.
I have a brother and a sister. I have a mom and a dad. I also have a dog.
I once saw a man release
squirrels from a cage at the park.
 I used to live in Minneapolis, Minnesota before I moved to Omaha Nebraska.
I do not floss.
I wash, rinse and repeat, three times.