Animal Testing Agencies

It’s the talk of the town, does it help? Animal testing is a big discussion topic all over. There are many reasons for testing, cosmetics, medicine, or science. We all have our reasons, but what actually happens to the animals? Animal testing is also considered animal experimentation. It involves animals that are purpose bred, while others are caught or bought from dealers. It is estimated that 50 to 100 million smaller animals are used. This includes many species of worms or flies. While the larger animals are used, they are not shown in the statistics. The research is performed inside universities, medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, farms, defense establishments, and commercial facilities that provide animal-testing services to industry. One way to experiment on animals is to test a burn injury. The animal is burned alive and then the scientists remove chunks of the animal’s flesh to provide more study. To measure the amounts of head trauma, the animal is strapped down to a table and multiple blows to the head causing brain damage. And that’s just the beginning.
Many drugs are used on smaller animals, many people who took the anesthetic Methoxyflurane, proved to have kidney failures when in the testing showed none. The arthritis medication Flosint, was fatal when it passed tests on monkeys, rats, and dogs. A cough medicine that was tested on monkeys, and other animals, passed but proved fatal on humans. The cough medicine was called Opren. The Antidepressant, Zelmid caused severe neurological problems when it actually passed tests on rats and dogs with flying colors. Practolol caused blindness in 78 people and killed 23. The animal tested drugs that passed the tests, end up killing or severely harming humans, 61% of the time.
Humans and animals are completely different from one another in many ways; physiologically, metabolically, antomically, genetically, and psychologically. For example, we deposit plaque which is fatty acids in our blood vessels, rodents deposit in their liver. We also have a gall bladder when rats do not. Cats do not have an enzyme that disables them to break down the pain reliever, ibuprofen The list just goes on and on.
Animal tests can not be used to test for different animals. Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University tested similarities between rats and mice, and found that only 30% of the time, a drug that cures a disease in rats cures the same disease in mice. Animal testing is only good for that animal that is being tested on. The only true scientific model for a rat is another rat. Likewise, the only true scientific model for a human is another human. There are between 25 and 50 billion animals killed in laboratories each year. That doesn’t even include those that have not died. The animals that are still being tested on, the one’s that have an impairment due to the tests. If the tests don’t work on humans the way the do on animals, then why do we still pay for it to be performed?

Dangerous Message-The Dangers of Texting and Driving

Texting while driving is very difficult to pull off, and when a mistake is made, it can be deadly. In fact, experts say that when using a cell phone while driving, you are four times more likely to get into an accident.

A YouTube video, made in UK, shows four teenage girls getting into a head on crash because of a cell phone. The image cuts to the other car that was hit head on, and shows a child wondering why her parents are not waking up. Back to the teens, the passenger and driver exchanged a dazed glance, covered in blood, just before a third car smashes into the passenger side. The driver is the only one left alive, as the video captures her being airlifted to the nearest hospital. The accident scene is extremely graphic, and many people have wondered if the images are too much.

Although the scene is very detailed, showing the girls’ heads snapping back and forth and blood splattering the car, there is a purpose. The Gwent Police Department in Wales produced this video to warn teens of the dangers of texting while driving. The video is stunning and hard to watch at points, but it definitely puts the real risk of texting while driving into perspective.

Click here to watch the video

After watching the dangers of texting and driving, what is your opinion? Would you still text and drive? What are your reasons?

A Sit Down with the First Lady of the World

An interview with Eleanor Roosevelt by: Hannah Fernandez

Hannah- Good afternoon, she was known as “The First Lady of the World”, and I have the pleasure to sit down with her. Ms. Roosevelt, thank you for taking the time to sit down with me.

E. Roosevelt- It’s my pleasure.

Hannah- How has being married to Franklin D. Roosevelt helped you to become more involved in politics?

E. Roosevelt- Since he was struck with poliomyelitis, I have become his eyes and ears, and his tireless reporter. It allowed me to become part of the women’s division of the State Democratic Committee, and to go on “tours” around the country.

Hannah- You mentioned the “tours”, what were you doing exactly on these “tours”?

E. Roosevelt- Well, I was giving my opinion. Since I am the first lady, I wanted to be involved, and not just the stay at home wife. I was giving press conferences, lectures, doing radio broadcast, and I let my opinions know to the rest of America thro “My Day”, a daily newspaper column.

Hannah- Wow that is an amazing way to spend your life. When you were first married to FDR how was your life compared to now?

E. Roosevelt- It was a fairly quite life; I of course had my kids. Six of them to be exact. “I suppose I was fitting pretty well into the pattern of a fairly conventional, quiet, young society matron.”

Hannah- As many of us know, you have become very dedicated to the struggle of Human Rights. What made you decide to work so actively with that cause?

E. Roosevelt- I have chosen this to be my dedication because, it’s what we need to be worried about. If we can’t take care of our own nation, how do you expect us to be able to take care of other nations’ issues?

Hannah- When and why did you decide to talk about this to the public?

E. Roosevelt- I have chosen to discuss it in the early days of the General Assembly in Paris, France, because the issue of human liberty is decisive for the settlement of outstanding political differences and for the future of the United Nations.

Hannah- How did you feel about not being a scholar or an expert on international law help you push forward with the work you were doing for the UN?

E. Roosevelt- I didn’t let it stop me, I simply stayed enthusiastic, and I let my faith lead me, so, I could stay rooted in my humanitarian work. I often sad that “I was out of place among so many academics and jurists.”

Hannah – Many people see the things that you do for people all over the world, what do you think you biggest accomplishment is?

E. Roosevelt- "As for accomplishments, I just did what I had to do as things came along."

Hannah- It has been my pleasure, and I’m sure that I will be seeing you soon.

E. Roosevelt- The pleasure is all mine, and I know I’ll be seeing you too.

In His Cleats; An Interview with Mo Odour

Mo Odour is a semi-proffesional soccer player, currently a starter, co-captain, and most valuable player for the Harrisburg City Islanders. He is from Africa, and has started for the Kenyan National team.

Q: What was it like moving from Kenya, Africa, to the U.S? How old were you when you came over?

A: It was very exciting for me. I always wanted and dreamt of coming to the U.S and when I got offered a scholarship to play soccer at University of Charleston you can imagine how pumped I was. I was 20 years old and I knew it was going to be difficult adjusting to life on my own in a foreign country, but I was ready for the challenges that came along with moving away from my family.

Q: What is the culture in Kenya like?

A: Since there are more than 40 different communities or "tribes", Kenyan culture is very diverse and rather fascinating with each group exhibiting its own unique culture. The culture is based more on old tradition but is becoming increasingly influenced by Western cultures.
The most popular culture that attracts a huge interest from tourists is exhibited by the "Maasai" people who have stuck to their old traditions and beliefs with very little influence if any from the western cultures.

Q: What position did you play in college? What was it like to win an All-American title as a sophomore? What did you major in at college?

A: I majored in Business Administration.
I was a central defender in college and I never thought I would play anywhere else but that changed when I joined the Islanders where I play midfield. To be selected All American as a sophomore was a big deal since it meant I was one of the top college players at that time. It also attracted interest from several top division one colleges like Wake Forest, UCLA, James Madison, VCU and URI. In the end I decided to join Furman University a top 10 division one school at that time where I played with current U.S national team players Clint Dempsey and Ricardo Clark.

Q: Do you keep in touch with relatives and friends still in Kenya?

A: I definitely still keep in touch with my family and since I have been here for a long time, I have lost contacts with most of my friends in Kenya.

Q: Before you came to the U.S, you played for the under 20 Kenyan national team. What was it like playing for them? How is that different from playing here?

A: It felt great knowing I was representing my country in something that I loved doing. You can imagine how much attention we attracted all over the country with soccer being the number one sport there. Roads would be blocked for us and would be given police escort with their sirens on when we were going to games, so it felt pretty special and it’s an experience I will never forget.


Q: Your number is 19, is there a reason why?

A: I just randomly got number 19 when I joined the Islanders.



Q: How did you begin playing soccer, what started your career?

A: My dad used to play and coach soccer, so I had to get into it because he loved playing with me and my brother when he was home. He also took me to watch soccer games with him and I just fell in love with the sport.

Q: In your career, have you ever had to overcome any injuries? If so, was it hard to work through it?

A: I have been very fortunate because I haven’t had any major injuries (knock on wood) that have kept me out for a long time.

Q: Who are your favorite musicians? (American or African)

A: Since I like different kinds of music, I have quite a few but my top ones are Bob Marley, Ijahman Levi, Gregory Isaacs all reggae musicians.

Q: How do you like to relax?

A: I relax by watching soccer on TV and reading about soccer stuff online.

Q: Do you have any hobbies besides soccer?

A: Playing poker, surfing the net, swimming, oh wait a minute I can’t swim, so knock that off my hobbies.


Q: What do you plan to do after you are retired?

A: After I retire from playing, I plan on getting involved in college soccer as a coach

Q: Are you and Brian Ombiji good friends? How did you know each other?

A: We are very good friends and so were our families. We grew up in the same neighborhood, and actually his dad coached me when I was in high school.

Q: Did you have a lot of spare time left to studying/playing soccer for fun in college?

A: I had enough time especially after the soccer season.

Q: What advice do you have for any players hoping to work their way up like you?

A: Work hard and have self belief and confidence in whatever you do

Q: Is the City Islanders like family to you?

A: City Islanders have been like family to me ever since I moved to Harrisburg. I have met a lot of people who have become very close because of the bonds built while working together as a team in trying to accomplish common goals

Q: Who was your idol when you were younger? Why?
A: My idol was Diego Maradona who is arguably the best ever soccer player to have graced the game.

Q: What is your favorite sports brand? (Adidas, Nike, puma, etc.)

A: Nike

Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?

A: No pets, but I used to have a dog when I was growing up in Kenya

Q: You were a co-captain of the city islanders. What was that like?

A: It was an honor to be regarded as one of the leaders and a model especially for rookies who looked up to me

Q: Are you currently coaching any soccer teams?

A: I am the Technical trainer for Gettysburg Youth Soccer club, so I do a lot of coaching for all GYSC travel teams

Allie Mack

Clara Bow parabalab interview

-Clara Bow: The Interview

Shintelle: Good morning everyone and welcome back! Today we have a special treat for you! The infamous Clara Bow, thanks to the back breaking work of scientists who’s names are confidential, has been brought back to the world of the living, and brought to this studio for an interview! Good morning Clara!

Clara: Well thank you Shintelle, it’s a pleasure to be here.

Shintelle: Yes, and for any of you who might not know Clara Bow was one of the most prominent silent film stars of the 1920’s.

Clara: That’s right.

Shintelle: Now Clara, many of our viewers are interested to know, how did you a poor girl from Brooklyn New York like yourself, find her way to the red carpet of Hollywood?

Clara: *clears throat* Well it’s no secret that I didn’t have a perfect childhood and you know no one does. My father wasn’t the type to be interested in a wife or children, he was a wastrel, and my mother was constantly entertaining the visiting firemen and uncles, she had an illness you know, and I could never bring anyone over…

Shintelle: That must have been hard for a young girl growing up.

Clara: I got by fine, and it’s what really got me interested in the movie pictures. I would just sit in front of the mirror and imitate all my favorite actors. I was like any other little girl dreaming about being a movie star.

Shintelle: Well then, what set you apart from the other pretty girls your age? I mean the competition had to be brutal.

Clara: Well I suppose there was competition but I was very lucky.

Shintelle: Of course you were I mean how was it that you got your name out there? A contest?

Clara: Oh yes, I entered many beauty competitions, but the one that finally called me the winner was the Fame and Fortune contest in Motion Picture magazine. I borrowed 50¢ off my father to enter.

Shintelle: Ah I thought that was the title. In fact I have a quote from the magazine right here. “She is very young, only 16. But she is full of confidence, determination and ambition. She is endowed with a mentality far beyond her years. She has a genuine spark of the divine fire. The five different screen tests she had, showed this very plainly, her emotional range of expression provoking a fine enthusiasm from every contest judge who saw the tests. She screens perfectly. Her personal appearance is almost enough to carry her to success without the aid of the brains she indubitably possesses.”

Clara: Yes the people at the magazine were very supportive of me, and as part of the prize I was promised my very first part in a motion picture.

Shintelle: Hm that’s right and, what was it called Beyond the Rainbow I didn’t remember seeing you in that one.

Clara: That would be because they cut my sequence out; I didn’t show up on film until Down to the Sea in Ships. $35 dollars a week, and back then that was worth working for, but to tell you the truth I would have worked for a nickel a day for the chance to act.

Shintelle: Well, I think most people would, I mean to do what they love.

Clara: Yes, and for my next two pictures I featured in I was unbilled for.

Shintelle: Really? Do you mean The Enemies of Women, and The Daring Years?

Clara: Yes, those were the two, during the filming of The Enemies of Women was when my mother died she never got to see it.

Shintelle: That’s tragic, I’m sorry to hear that.

Clara: So was I, But my career really took off after that, and it wasn’t until sound came into the movies that my place in Hollywood vanished.

Shintelle: Well why was that?

Clara: Well as you can obviously tell, I have a very thick Brooklyn accent. This proved as a handy cap in the newer movies.

Shintelle: Well Clara I don’t see a problem with your accent and I’m afraid that that’s all the time we have here. Thank you for allowing us to speak with you, and let’s say goodbye to the audience.
Clara: It was a pleasure to be here.

Shintelle: See you all next time!

Kelly Mc Master’s Interview with Heath Ledger:

Kell: Good Morning everyone! Kell McMaster with you today to introduce a new guest; with the recent studies now a day, scientists have worked all they could to bring Mr. Heath Ledger back from the dead and for an interview today!

Audience: Whoo!

Kell: Well, hello Mr. Ledger, it’s good to see you.

Heath: Please Miss McMaster, call me Heath.

Kell: Okay Heath, please, you may call me Kell.

Heath: Such a beautiful name Kell.

Kell: Why thank you Heath. Back to the interview; When were you born?

Heath: I was born April fourth nineteen-seventy-nine in a little town called Perth, in Western Australia.

Kell: Did you have children?

Heath: Yes I did Kell, I had a beautiful little girl named Matilda.

Kell: Aw, how adorable.

Heath: Thank you.

Kell: Now before you died, what movie where you currently doing?

Heath: I was doing “Batman; the Dark Knight”.

Kell: What part where you?

Heath: I was the joker.

Kell: Very interesting, what did the doctor’s say you died from?

Heath: They found me in my apartment in January, the doctor’s examined me, and decided that it was an accidental overdose.

Kell: I’m sorry Heath, well if it’s any consolation, we all miss you.
Heath: Thank you Kell, I miss everyone too!

Kell: That’s all the time we have for now. Thank you Heath Ledger for coming and talking with us!

Heath: And thank you Kell! Good night, and Good Bye!

Mock interview

Kari Herren
Block 1

Charlie Chaplin


Kari: Hello. Thank you for coming out here on this glorious evening to do an interview with us.

Charlie: It is my pleasure.

Kari: To begin, what is your favorite quote that you find yourself saying all the time?

Charlie: I think that would have to be, “A man is what a woman makes him and a woman makes herself.”

Kari: Haha, that is true. What do you believe to be you favorite movie and why?

Charlie: That would have to be The Kid. Because I had a great time with Jackie Coogan and that film was also inspired be a tragedy in my life.

Kari: May I ask what that tragedy was?

Charlie: Yes you may. It was when I was with Mildred Harris, she gave birth to a malformed boy and he died three days later.

Kari: I’m sorry to hear that. What was the worst part of your childhood?

Charlie: I remember it very clearly. The day I had to put my mother into an “institute”. She yelled at me, “Don’t let them take me away from you!” I remember that day as if it happened only yesterday.

Kari: How did the making and producing of the films effect you?

Charlie: Well, most days I am working all night and I get caught up into it. I have to get it done.

Kari: You’re very determined. Okay, you were in theatre. How did you get started in the business?

Charlie: Mother usually brought me to the theatre at night in preference to leaving me alone in rented rooms.

Kari: Was that often of her to take you along?

Charlie: Yes. I loved going to the theatre with her as often as I could.

Kari: How much money did you make in a year?

Charlie: By 1916, just two years after appearing in my first motion picture, I had become the most famous entertainer in the world. Buoyed by my enormously successful comedies for Keystone and Essanay, I was offered the largest salary ever extended to a motion picture star—$670,000 for a single year’s work.

Kari: That is a lot of money! Well, thank you for the interview Charlie. Hope to talk to you soon.

Charlie: You’re very welcome. Good bye.