The Hartford Circus Fire of 1944

                

              The Hartford Circus Fire of 1944 was a horrific incident.  A number of precautionary measures could have been taken to avoid this fire.  The tent and everything around it was very vulnerable to a fire.  First of all, the tent being used was a canvas tent, which is highly flammable.  Also, the organizers of the circus decided to try a new method of fire repellent.  This new method of fire repellent was a mixture of four parts Texaco White Gasoline and one part Standard Oil Company Paraffin Wax.  This method was applied to the new roof of the circus and not the highly flammable canvas sidewalls.  Therefore, whenever the sidewalls caught fire there was no stopping the fire and the gasoline in the mixture helped it spread quicker.  Due to the high flammable canvas structure and the poor use of a fire repellent, the area was very vulnerable to the huge fire that took place.  There was basically no preparedness for this event and no help was close.

                The disaster that took place at Hartford in 1944 was a huge tent fire.  The steel seating was the only thing that remained, but much of those collapsed.  The canvas tent was completely burnt to the ground as the fire spread quickly and panic ensued.  Many people reported people getting trampled as hundreds of people quickly rushed to be free of the flames.  It is reported that at least 168 people died and about 484 others were injured.  This awful incident had many young children’s lives lost and reports of children screaming for their parents as they were engulfed by flames ensued.  At first, the cause of the fire was deemed to be somebody dropping a lighter or cigar on the side of the canvas.  2 years after the fire, a man named Robert Segree, who was an admitted arsonist, stated he started the fire.  He then told people in his late life that he lied about it and it actually was not him that started the fire.  The actual beginning is still not certain. 

                The post disaster efforts of this was the grieving and helping of the families who were lost or lost people in this fire.  Also, other circuses across the country were required to check their tents and better non-flammable items were beginning to get discovered.  Also, new techniques to ensure this does not happen again were put into place, like making sure there are proper exits and not just a bum-rush to get out.  The technology at this time just was not there to keep everything from not catching on fire.  This fire cost a large circus its entire facility and killed about 168 people.  The worst part is the amount of children that were killed.  The people just thought they were going to an enjoyable circus and then, they were no more.  This awful disaster could have been avoided if it were for some basic safety precautions.

Sources:

http://www.circusfire1944.com/cause-and-origin-study.html

http://www.hartfordhistory.net/circusfire.html

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-hartford-circus-fire

Financial Crimes

The spread of financial crimes committed over the years.

           Financial crimes are a huge problem in corporate America.  The problem is that people of power, or even people that want to gain power, take advantage of citizens and the money they possess.  There are many famous cases, like the Bernie Madoff case, in which people have gotten extremely wealthy off corruption and large financial crimes.  There are also some smaller cases, like the Wendy Beauchat case, in which people got wealthy in our area of Adams County.  Some of the main financial crimes include different kinds of fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, tax evasion, bribery, inside trading, money laundering, and many other types of financial crimes.  Examples of fraud are insurance fraud, corporate fraud, securities fraud, mortgage fraud, credit fraud, and many more.  Fraud is the wrongful deception intended to result in personal gain.

The prosecutions of financial crimes have begun to drop during the Obama administration.

 

The most common type of fraud in the United States is money laundering.  Money laundering is the process of taking money that was gained illegally and make it seem as if the accusation of this money was legal.  Often times, this money comes from illegal transfers from other countries or legitimate businesses.  The criminal will then take this illegal money and put it into their bank accounts, businesses or assets in order to help it look like a legal means of profit.  The criminal hides these transactions from government and policing agencies. 

Fraud/Theft was the third most common crime in America in 2009.

One of the most incredible financial crimes ever was the case of Bernard “Bernie” Madoff.  Famous pictures of Madoff in handcuffs have been the epitome of crime on Wall Street that have caused problems leading up to the 2008 Depression.   Bernie Madoff is infamous for his Ponzi scheme that was worth about 64 billion dollars.  A Ponzi scheme is a form of fraud in which the investors believe the business is successful because of quick returns on investments that is actually money from later investors.  Bernie Madoff was found guilty for his crimes in 2009 and sentenced to 150 years of prison and a restitution of about 170 billion dollars.  The incredible part about this Ponzi scheme is how long it lasted without anybody finding out about it.  First of all, there is no way that one man could run such a large operation by himself.  Bernie Madoff obviously had help, but nobody knew who exactly was helping him.  Through further investigation, it was discovered that Bernie Madoff was working directly with one of the largest banks in the world:  JP Morgan.  JP Morgan was using their broad spectrum of power to help Bernie Madoff conceal his illegal Ponzi scheme and stay working on this awful, but genius, form of fraud. 

Bernie Madoff getting arrested in 2008.

Another form of fraud that has been used in the past is embezzlement.  Embezzlement is the “fraudulent taking of personal property by someone to whom it was entrusted,” according to the Legal Information Institute in the Cornell Law School.  This awful form of stealing and fraud has even happened close to home in Adams County.  There is a big case that was resolved in the last year, in which Wendy Beauchat, a mother and lawyer in Gettysburg, PA, embezzled over 6 million dollars from her investors.   She embezzled the money from a group of elderly people.  Financial crimes are often overlooked by governments and are a problem in society.  These crimes give evil businessmen and other people profit by stealing and other fraudulent ways in getting somebody else’s money or assets.  Two of these awful crimes are money laundering and embezzlement.  We have no room for financial crimes in America.    

Sources:

https://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud

http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/fraud-financial-crimes.html

http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Financial-crime/Financial-crime

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/embezzlement

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_crimes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-m-kelleher/jp-morgan-chase-bernie-ma_b_6350296.html

Wave Energy

A Terminator Device

               

          There is a new technology that has the power to completely reform the current energy market and possibly get rid of our dependence on fossil fuels.  This technology is called wave energy.  The way this technology works is through a Wave Energy Converter or WEC.  This WEC takes the power that a wave possesses and turns it into electricity.  One of the most interesting and sustainable innovations of this technology is an object called a point absorber.  A point absorber is an offshore operation in which the device floats in the ocean and is anchored to the ocean floor.  A connected floating device is present in the middle and moves up and down relative to every wave that comes through.  The movement of this device through the point absorber causes the creation of energy.  The only problem with this technology is that it is very expensive and the device needs pretty constant maintenance to make sure it is as efficient as possible.  Another very good wave energy method is called a terminator device.  This method also produces no waste and can be used onshore efficiently.  The terminator device must be along the shore in order for the waves to travel into the device.  The machine uses a piston system in which the water moves pistons and forces air out through an airway.  This air that is forced out is then used to turn turbines located in the structure.  The movement from the turbine can be directly turned into electricity without any waste.  The main problem that is causing wave energy to not prosper is the lack of funding.  Wave energy has the capability to be a huge power source, but it needs to see the proper funding from government.  The only way to get this much money for studies and improvements on current technology would be through taxes and everybody knows that new taxes are not easy to pass.  Another problem with this technology is where the waves are the most powerful, are the places that there is bad weather conditions.  Scientists have to be able to develop technology that can account for these dangerous conditions.

Point Absorber

                The energy produced by Wave Energy Converters would be transported from the machine into an electrical generator and sent out among large rails, just as large electric plants work.  The energy comes from the waves, into a machine, through an electric generator, and then out to the consumers.  The amount of energy produced by the waves is not too much to be able to provide an entire country yet, but the developments are getting a lot more efficient and powerful.  The obstacles often deal with the efficiency of the machines, because energy is being lost when turning the wave power into electricity.  Finally, depending on the area the wave energy can be centralized or decentralized.  If it becomes a bigger power source, then it will have to be centralized to provide for the land-locked areas.  Many places do not have direct access to natural waves and therefore, coastal areas will have to produce for the others.  As of now, the plants are mostly decentralized because they can use less money in shipping whenever it is close.

                The consumption of this energy, along with all energy, can be reduced greatly by people being smarter with their use.  First of all, our society is careless with how we use our energy.  Everybody can save an amazing amount of energy by merely unplugging large appliances that are not being used.  Businesses will be able to find incentives to curb demand for this new wave technology by advertising the limited impact it leaves on the environment.  The technology has no lasting impact on environment and can be a cleaner energy.  As people begin to become more educated on the dangers of global warming and fossil fuels, we will strive to use more acceptable and clean energy.  Also, as these machines become more and more efficient, they will be able to overtake our large use of fossil fuels.  People will demand the use of natural energy production like wave power instead of burning fossil fuels.  Finally, we will discover that there is an endless supply of waves and tidal forces that can produce energy.  Fossil fuels will run out, but the power in waves will always be striking the coasts; day and night.       

Sources:

http://www.boem.gov/Renewable-Energy-Program/Renewable-Energy-Guide/Ocean-Wave-Energy.aspx

https://ilsr.org/challenge-reconciling-centralized-v-decentralized-electricity-system/

http://www.marinerenewables.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Energy-from-Waves-and-Tidal-Currents.pdf

The Reintroduction of Species

The Dodo bird, which is one of the extinct animals.

     Species reintroduction is a huge topic that takes place very frequently in today’s society.  The idea of reintroduction is a great way to help our ecosystems and make sure that certain animal species do not go extinct.  Species Reintroduction is whenever someone will take an animal or group of animals out of their natural habitat to give them a better habitat where they can flourish.  By making sure the numbers of the animals continue to grow while in captivity, the species will continue to get stronger until it is ready to be completely reintroduced to its natural habitat.  These efforts by environmentalists are a large part of the huge conservation movement sweeping the world.  We are starting to understand that humans are the deadliest things on the planet and we need to work against the damage that we have caused and are still causing.  Many of these efforts can be seen in helping ecosystems by returning them their original state through reintroduction. 

     The problem is that humans have been killing ever since we stepped on the planet and we are probably the most egocentric species on the planet.  Animals have started to go instinct and the only way to get them and our ecosystems back to their original form is through humans helping to fix it.  The social problems of the extinct animal is that many organizations like PETA are fighting to keep people more knowledgeable about the tragedy humans are causing.  Our killing has caused many species to suffer greatly and we need to realize the damage that is being done.  The political issues that impact many of these efforts to help out the animals are mostly related to money.  In order to have such a huge project be successful, the project must get funding to follow through in their plans.  And the best way to get funding quickly is through government.  Government’s budgets are often times getting fought over and everybody wants their share of government money.  This is no different for organizations that are trying to get money to help ecosystem’s animal populations.  Also, some laws and rules put into place in certain areas will constrict people’s abilities to reintroduce animals into the wild.

Map of bison reintroduction across the US

     A huge example of the benefits of reintroduction can be seen in northern Colorado.  In Colorado, there used to a very large number of bison that would roam the area.  Since hunting bison has become a fun game for many people, they have started to become endangered, especially on the prairies.  The bison were then taken out of the ecosystem and bred in captivity to ensure that they survived.  In a study, a group of scientists had the pleasure of studying the area’s ecosystems and the bison before and after the reintroduction process.  Before, the area was starting to grow barren and affect the lives of many humans along with all the organisms that relied on it.  After the bison were reintroduced, everything in the area was beginning to grow for the better.  The humans had better water and land to harvest, while the land become healthier.  The bison numbers have been growing ever since this study was held and this is a perfect example of how species reintroduction can help an entire area.  

Sources:

http://source.colostate.edu/one-health-project-examines-ecosystem-health-before-and-after-bison-reintroduction/

http://www.goldeneagletrust.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=660&Itemid=195

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~dallan/nre220/outline23.htm

The Globalization of Basketball

          The globalization of basketball is a huge change that will better the sport greatly.  As of right now, soccer is the most famous sport in the entire world.  The amount of viewers that tune into the World Cup and the crowds that come out to see soccer games is incredible.  Basketball is looking to gain this much acclaim and power in the world.  The developments that are helping this cause are the outreach and power of the NBA.  The NBA is reaching out to countries like Canada, many countries in Africa, and Mexico.  The National Basketball League is the premier basketball league in the entire world and every basketball player across the country would like to play in this league.  Many times players will become the best and most respectable players in their own home country’s leagues before moving to the NBA to get the best pay possible.  Players like Dirk Nowitzki, Serge Ibaka, and Yao Ming, have been huge in helping to bring the NBA to their respectable countries and spread it across the world.  Every kid from across the world have people they look up to and if these people are playing in the NBA, then these kids will want to watch the NBA and their favorite player play.  The expansion of basketball in the world is evident whenever somebody famous like Kobe Bryant goes to visit another country and gets huge groups of people wanting to see him.  Kobe Bryant’s influence in China is huge still to this day.

         One of the reasons why basketball has begun to grow so quickly across the world is because of how cheap it is and where you can play it.  It is easy to build a basketball hoop in an area, whether it’s on concrete, dirt, or a wood floor.  The court does not take up that much space and even then, a full court is not needed to enjoy basketball games.  Whenever a sport can be played in a poor environment, that sport will be able to touch many people across the country, rich or poor. 
          A large place where basketball has skyrocketed is in China.  There are over a billion people in China and these people are being influenced largely by Chinese players having successful careers in the NBA, like Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin.  Whenever young kids see players like this being successful, they look up to them and want to play basketball.  Another large place of basketball globalization is in Africa.  Players like Serge Ibaka and Hakeem Olajuwon have helped largely to influence the spread of affordable basketball hoops and balls in these areas.  The NBA also played their first game ever in Africa over the summer, in which it was Team Africa vs.  Team World.  Another large place that basketball growth has been shown is in areas of Canada, especially Toronto.  Ever since the NBA decided to move up north and give Canada a chance to have large growth of the sport.  Players like Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, and Steve Nash show the power of basketball in Canada.  Also, there has been a large influx of players from other countries to come to America prep basketball schools in order to better their skills.  Players from all over the country will move to America with the power of their basketball skills and have a shot at a very good education and a chance at making the NBA.    

Sources:

http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/basketball-and-globalization

http://www.complex.com/sports/2014/09/the-value-and-future-of-international-basketball

http://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2013/06/17/the-globalization-of-the-nba/

Private Schools vs. Public Schools in Athletics

Bishop McDevitt football dominates District 3 football.

           There is a current struggle in high school sports that need to be addressed.  The public vs. private school sports battle is a real issue that must be taken care of.  Private schools are given the right to recruit, kids may go to their school that live out of the district, and they are typically better funded than public schools.  This issue has been noticed and addressed by states nationwide.

First of all, there are many states that have not had a true issue with this so they have not made any laws or rules to plan against it.  In other states, the private schools and public schools compete in separate bodies of athletics and have different state championships.  This works well in tearing down the boundaries that separate the two teams so that they will not have to compete against each other.  Other states use a multiplier which makes the school multiply their population size by a certain amount because they are private.  This multiplier makes the state championships more competitive because the private schools must move up in classifications and compete against bigger schools with a lot more students. 

                The pros of keeping the schools together in the state championships is that then the state will have a true state champion and everyone competes in the state.  The schools will be able to create rivalries and maintain a strong competition throughout playoffs.  And if private schools are allowed to play public schools, than travel for private schools would be less because there are more public schools in a small density. 

                

              The cons of keeping the schools together in the state championships is the domination of private schools throughout playoffs.  The private schools are allowed to recruit players and provide financial aid to students that would like to come to their school for athletics.  Many private schools are run like colleges in how they draw players to come to their school with the lure of a competitive team, nice facilities/gear, and a high-class education.  The private schools that I have seen in our area recruit players from out of their jurisdiction just to have the most competitive athletes possible.  For example, Bishop McDevitt has won the 3A District championship 6 years in a row, while having players from Harrisburg, Central Dauphin, Central Dauphin East, Susquehanna Township, Bermudian Springs, Cedar Cliff, Mechanicsburg, and other schools in the area.  Another dominant private school in the area is York Catholic in girls’ basketball because they have won the 2A District championship 11 years in a row.  These schools recruit people from around their area in order to give themselves the best teams possible, while public schools are at a disadvantage because they are not allowed to recruit players.

                My stand on this issue is that the private schools and public schools should be split up and not compete against each other.  The private schools are too dominant in state championships and they are a huge disadvantage to public schools who do not get to have the same rights as private schools.  At worst, there should be a multiplier to force schools to move up classifications and make the competitions more competitive for everyone.  Private schools have too many advantages over public schools to be in competition with them.  

Sources:

http://www.athleticbusiness.com/demand-to-close-gap-between-public-non-public-schools-increases.html

http://www.rrstar.com/article/20120614/Blogs/306149895

http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/-4000324031846785879/ohsaas-competitive-balance-referendum-the-latest-round-in-a-national-fight-between-public-and-private-schools/

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/113694-high-school-sports-private-vs-public