Group+6

= = =O: Sangita, Sam, Kyle M, Chris Mac, Brennan, Ashley, Chris M, Abbie= =B: Kelsey, JK, Sam M, Keegan, Tony L=

Link 3

I think it's wonderful that this man can be saved by an old friend. The way he is receiving it doesn't matter to me as long as he and his friend will make it through the operation okay. This goes back to the rule that we learned in kindergarden "treat people the way you want to be treated". I'm sure we would all hope that someone would do this for us. I think, especially after a few days of talking about the dangers of facebook it's nice to hear about a story of pure kindness and friendship. I'm just wondering if he was looking for a long time before this woman reached out to him? Abbie 04/06/10

I totally agree with you! this is a truly wonderful story to hear, especially, as you said, after hearing about all the bad parts of Facebook, to hear about a happy story like this. This just proves that social networking does have good purposes and saved this man's life, and possibly others that we haven't heard about. To answer your question, I think he was probably looking for a while, but I don't think that that matters. He got his kidney and that's all that matters. I just wish more people were like this Paul guy because the World would be way better! I just want to know if there are any stories anyone else has heard about of something like this happening before? Sam MT 06/06/10 12:15pm

I haven't heard any stories like //this// before, but I have heard of a story where a man re-connected with his father, in which he hadn't talked to in 15 years, because he didn't know where he was, so he had no way of reaching him. Then, he found him on facebook, and it's been good ever since (or well, so I think anyways). But, anyways. I think it's great that someone is actually willing to do this, as I would be so scared. It's really refreshing to know that there are extremely generous people out there, and it's great to know they would go to such lengths to help save a friend whom they've known for awhile, even if they haven't talked in 10 years. This story has a great moral, and it makes me feel great. Is there any news on how much he's gotten in donation for the funds towards the transplant yet? **Kyle M** 06/06/10

I looked but I couldn't find out about how much money he's recieved. What did intrest me though, was how many stories about this happening that there are! There are groups that you can sign up for if your children are sick, if you need bone marrow, or if you'd like to reach out to people who may have your blood type. I think it's really nice to hear, that there may be a faster way than the donor list to get help with whatever may be wrong. It's also nice to hear of the story of the father and son that you told Kyle. I agree completly with what you said, and I also feel that it's nice to hear that people are still so kind. It makes me happy to know, not only is this an amazing story, but it's not the only one of it's kind. Does anyone know how the transplant went? Was it sucessful? Abbie 06/06/10

It says in the article that the transplant doesn't start until August, that's why he's seeking donations right now. Hopefully it does goes well, as this is a very cool story to be looking forward to. I can't wait to hear about what happens with the whole situation, because it's such a generous giving, that it should go well, because the morals are high. As I said, it's such a great thing for someone to be helping out someone in such great spans like this one. I hope all goes well for Eli, because I would be extremely heartbroken if it didn't go well. **Kyle** 06/06/10

I agree with you kyle, i can't wait to hear how the surgery goes. Its nice to hear of something nice for once. Nowadays there isn't much generosity like that. I think Facebook is great in this way that people can reconnect to others than they have not seen for decades. I think it's especially cool that in this case is happened to be a guy from middle school that helped him. Do you think that people should start using Facebook for possible adds similar to this? Ashley 06/06/10

I think that they should start to use Facebook for stuff like this, Because, I mean that it worked for this guy didn't it so why not. And it is was also the idea that it was one of his friends from middle school that really surprised me. but, I think that this is amazing that this happened and I really hope it goes really well for this guy. Tony 18:47 June the 6 2010

Yeah, i definitely think that things like this should be advertised. You never know, anything could happen. You can connect with anyone, through Facebook. But then again, precautions should be taken. You can only trust very little of what you see on Facebook so it is a good idea to advertise but also to still have a smart mind about things. Ashley 06/06/10

I agree with Ashley, while this is a great story. Something like this could easily have come up and just been a scam or someone just looking for attention. But I don't want to take away from this story and how lucky Eli got. The guy who posted that he could help (Paul) could also have been joking just to be mean. If you were in Eli's position, would you have used Facebook to ask for help like this? Sam MT 06/06/10 10:03pm

If I were in his position I would DEFENITLY use facebook, or any other social networking site to ask for help. I think I would try anything to be saved. I agree that it could have been a scam, but I think he would have been so desperate that he wouldn't have cared, as long as there was a chance that someone, somwhere would reach out to help him. I'm awaiting August now to see what the outcome of his operation is. If you had the chance, would you help an old friend in need like this? Abbie 06/06/10

If I had the chance I would most defenitly help a friend or anyone for that matter, for me i would be willing to help anyone, anywhere. But, for me i think there is a law banning me from donating anything, because the government still has problems with homosexuals donating blood or organs, I dont why this is, but if it wasn't a problem I would most defenitly help anyone in need. Tony LeBlanc 19:12 June the 7th 2010

I think it was remarkable that he actually found someone on facebook that would give up his kidney. It is amazing how an old 8th grade friend found his on his help page. And for him to actually be a positive match, and to want to give him his kidney. I dont think they should have scheduled the transplant an till August, couldn't Eli get really sick, really quick if something happened?ChrisMac 07/06/10 9:05

I dont know what i would do if hypothetically speaking, someone in my life had to get a kidney transplant and i was tested positive as a match. I would hope that i would be able to make the decision to go through with the operation. I know i have tons of respect for the guy thats giving up one of his kidneys. I think it is good that Eli used FaceBook to find someone willing enough. To answer Abbies question, i think that people should use facebook and groups for situations like this and others similar to it. I know i would definitely use facebook to find someone that was willing enough to give me a kidney.ChrisMac 07/06/10 9:23

Agreeing with Sam's idea and Chris' as well. In English class, Ms. Bourgaize was teaching us about how to protect our privacy and getting exposed to the others. I so thought Facebook is a really good source of taking away my privacy information and share with the world without my permission. However, this articles makes me to realize that there is always a bright side of the world. I am glad that finally after a few months, an emotional(?) event took place and surprised that it was online. J.K. 08/06/10 13:46

Link 2 - Watch the video (if you are unable, read the article) and make your comments

This is just wrong, a toddler SMOKING who would of thought. The Indonesian government is not even doing anything harsh about it which is the sad part they are just hoping he stops, to me this is very wrong, and to think it was a grown man who thinks it is ok to taunt this kid with a ciggarette is actually quite a disgrace. Tony may 31 2010 19:28

When i saw that video I was actually shocked, iv seen some pretty young smokers but never one that was even under ten. Being a smoker myself I think its very wrong that his mother would just let him smoke, even around her. I smoke, my moms knows i smoke but she doesn't want me to smoke around her. For a young child to get addicted to smoking is just wrong, being at a younger age the addiction would be worst because he thinks it perfectly normal, just think if he continues to smoke as he gets older, and all the other children that are hooked, they would have bad lungs, alot higher chance for lung disease or cancer, and many other awful things.ChrisMac 05/31/10 8|05/31/10 8]]:55

Chris tha Superman, I've known you for a long time since Albert Street. Today I just want to ask you and all other smokers one thing. What made them to smoke? My prediction would be that first you get to know about how BAD cigarettes affect your health but best out of curiousity people want to try them because instinctively, human being always look for new things. So you try them, oh wow it's not very good at the first time, I would never do this again, your brain commands. However people keep on doing it. Why? I think the reason is people want to fit in to the other groups naturally and unawkwardly (don't know if that word exists) and cigarettes are the best way. This is a totally different case however. Really shocking because when I was two years old, I don't even think that I could walk or talk and still excuse everywhere. I'm just surprised the fact that two years' body and brain can take cigarettes. Anyways, I think his parents better figure out the way he can quit before he grows up when he can make decisions of his own. JK 31/05/10 22|31/05/10 22]]:15

I think that this is disgusting! A child, especially that young, is awful! He should be removed from the custody of his parents. And the fact that the government is just letting this happen is almost just as awful! Something serious needs to be done to reform this government and make some major changes! If something like this were to happen here, it would be dealt with very quickly and not just left up to the parents to deal with. Then to add to it, there was reports of this happening before and still happening. The whole situation is just terrible and something MUST be done in order to help kids like him and others like him! What do you think should be done to help? Sam MT 01/06/10 6|01/06/10 6]]:30pm

Sam MT there is only one way Aldie will be able to quit. He has to quit because because he wants to, his paretns may take away the cigrettes but the craving is still there. Like the video said he is very violent when he doesnt get his cigrettes so for him to quite he is going to have to either reralize that he shoulldn't be doing it or something drastic happens because of the smoking so that his body can no longer can handle the smoke. This is very sad as if a child becomes addicted at a young age there is no telling where his addictive personality will go. Though the parents can do more then hwat they are doing, i wouldn't say rehab but the person who you talk to about your problems. As then it shows your tring and that you care for your child and that he is going to get better it may just take longer then rehab but you wont be controling your childs opinions. You will be giving him the tools he needs to make the right decision. Sam L 2/6/10

I dont think that the government should be just letting the parents of these kids let them smoke. they should do something to help them quit smoking, i know it would be hard if they were older but seeing that they are so young its going to be so much harder because they are more addicted, and they live some were there is access for them and it is normal. I think they should put these kids in some form of a rehab that would allow them a normal life but one were they are smoke free. Another way they could help is actually cutting them back and do interactive thing that allow him to get his mind off smoking and more on doing things two year olds do. ChrisMac 02/06/10 7|02/06/10 7]]:46

This is crazy! I think that if Aldi's parents were smart enough to stop smoking, then they should be smart enough to stop him from smoking as well. He's only a little boy, and although he throws tantrums, his parents should be able to stop him. The gouvernment should be implementing some sort of law against underage smoking, something like there is here. I think that the advertisements don't have as much to do with the high smoking population as much as the acessibilty of the cigarettes. What I was wondering though was, is there any sort of rehab or institution he can go to, or will it all be up to his parents' indulgence? Abbie 02/06/10

Aldi's parents need to take action. Its just not right. You don't let your child smoke 40 cigarretes a day- aware of the concequences or not. There is obviously a problem within the home that needs to be helped in some way. I think that no matter where you are in the world, everyone should be educated on the longterm/short term affects of smoking. Even when you are at age where you are still developing into just a child. Ashley 2/06/10

I watched this video a few days ago, and I actually found it very interesting, but then again, appalling. I would say that obviously the problem of a child smoking over //40// cigarettes a day, especially at his age, is very outrageous for the people we are in Canada. Conservative, yet open minded. I personally can make to sides to this story. In Canada, it's obviously a very controversial issue because we don't wanna see kids throw away their health like that, because we're here promoting the long term and short term effects of smoking. But, over there, you can never know, according to this video, it's not necessarily a big issue. If the child is raised smoking, then it is their decision and it is also the parent's decision to take the health risks away from the child, even if they do fuss over it. I think that it may be controversial, but it might not be a big deal for them, you have to look at the whole story from two sides. The effects of this event? Well, obviously the reasons of lung cancer, breathing problems, and the other effects that smoking may cause, and it could have **more** of an effect on this child because he is so young and is not even close to being fully developed. I think that people should respond with respect. Sure, it is a very disagreeing issue on our part, but it might not be on theirs. But, I can't speak for other people, do what you may please. **Kyle 2/6/10

I completely agree with you kyle, i realize that there has to be respect for both points of view here. In third world countries, people rely on the little money they make in a day to feed them and keep them sheltered. They are not worrying about what there kid is doing. But then there is also the point that when a kid smoked 40 cigarettes a day, there is obviously a problem here. I do not know their living conditions but as far as i see it something need to be done. Ashley 2/06/10 **

Abbie there most defiently rehabs he can go to. But the problem comes to the price of the rehab. The parents complain about paying 4$ a day for his smokes. He comes from a poor family so they might not be able to afford this type of special treatment, and if i remember right the goverment was ging to give them a car or something if they got their son to quit. So there might not be a rehab in the country he is from as the goverment might force/ask the parents to send their chld their for a bit fre of charge. So without this opportunity for them the closest rehab may be in another country and those rehab owners dont give a shit about other countries and all they care about is money so with no hep Aldi wont be able to get help in rehab and wont live a long healthy life. Sam L 02/06/10

Sam is right, there may not even be a Rehab center. And just asking the kid to quite is a next to impossible feat in itself, they would have to do more than just bribe the kid into quitting an addiction like that. With the poor kid smoking next to 40 smokes a day the kid needs more than just Rehab. Tony LB 06/03/10

Kyle is right, fourty cigarettes a day is just devastating. I bet my dad can't even do that. It makes me really mad the fact the child's parents are not taking any action to this probelm. I wonder what Indonesian government is up for but in the other hand, when they replied as "We are still discussing about this case", I think this is B*llsh*t. They would love it because most of cigarette price is made up with tax money. JK 06/06/10 13:40

=Link 1=

This is very sad that the North Koreans blew up the ship and killed 46 innocent sailors. I believe that there should be some consequences for North Korea for doing this and believing nothing is wrong. I find it weird that China hasn't came to a solution yet as the evidence is right there, makes you wonder if North Korea has ties with China. I hope that the UN makes the right decision on what to do and North Korea gets what they deserve. But I am wondering why North Korea believes it is all right to threatened South Korea? Sam 27/5/2010 9:30

I think that North Korea is a very serious threat to the world at this point. They have already shown that they will attack a peaceful ship and they've tested nuclear weapons in the Sea of Japan. The UN will have to act quickly to stop this from escalating into a bigger problem and, potentially, war. To answer your question Sam, I think they did it just to prove that they have a mighty army and are willing to attack at any time. This scares me because they have a massive army and are a communist country and have huge support from, in my opinion, the most powerful country in the world, China. I think things need to be taken nice and easy in order to avoid any unwanted tension and more attacks. What do you think the UN and the rest of the world should do next to avoid these from happening? Sam MT 05/30/10 12|05/30/10 12]]:10pm

I agree with you Sam when you mentioned about North Korea having secretive ties with China. We all know the media/government does not tell us the whole story about some situations, to protect secrets and so on. If we did know everything, the world would be more in chaos then it already is. China, and Korea are very powerful in many ways. I think the UN should first of all, get to the bottom of this tragedy that happened recently (46 sailors dead), make them pay the consequence's and show them they cannot just mess around and that they must follow and respect other countries- enemies or not. Do you think that there will be a war in the near future due to tension between US/Korea/China or possibly other countries? Ashley 05/30/2010 4:00 pm

I, unfortunately, think that war or some other type of combat will happen in the near future. It might not necessarily be an all out war, but I still think there will be a conflict. I also agree with Ashley about what the UN should do. They can't let North Korea get away with torpedoing an unarmed boat without any consequences. Another that I think needs to be taken into consideration is that this is not the first time that North Korea has done something like this, therefore, I think a lot more attention needs to be put on this border in order to protect and ensure safety for the people of not only South Korea, but the World. What do you think about this idea! Do you think adding border guards would be helpful in this situation? Sam MT 05/30/10 4|05/30/10 4]]:50pm

I think Hilary Clinton just made that statement to get more People on her side for political views. I think she is trying to make it look like she wants to defend us and look out for us more but I think shes making false statements. She just said “the community has a responsibility and a duty to respond." I think she Is just saying that because she doesn’t have the power to do so. But North Korea does have to pay for the innocent lives of the 46 sailors. Keegan 05/30/2010 9:31

God, I just want the media to be straight up. First thing I want to ask to the United States media on behalf as a Republic of Korea(South Korea) is that why do they always exaggerate an event related to North Korea in so negative way? I understand that communism is almost like an "Enemy of the State" to the United States also they are stressed out because of the atomic bomb problems regarding to North Korean government including Kim Jung Il(the leader). However, they have to realize that under that socialism government there is estimated thirty million innocent people hoping and praying everyday for survival of them and their family's life. UN and Mr. President of United States does not want this far to a war. My father says if Mrs. Hilary Clinton became the president of United States, there would already bullets flying around the Korean borders right now. Despite the fact there would not be a war over in Korea, at least I think it is reasonable to warn them or make them pay in whatever way and sure get an apology. Therefore, I do agree with Sam. [Rest in Peace to the Marines of Republic of Korea] JK 05/30/10 18|05/30/10 18]]:37

Sam, I agree with you in some ways but to your question on more border control- yes! Unfortunately, The world has gone insane in the past few years with control of the border and our lives will soon be overtaken by rules and regulations. I do not want this, but if it is at the cost of our safety than sure! We'll have to suck it up. Now, JK you have many points that i do agree with. North Korea has been stereotyped and i do believe that there is many innocent people out there, many! I just think that the leaders/government has something wrong there. Not sure what because i have not done my research and you probably have, but if there has been so many tragedies and disasters than it has to lead to that. Ashley 05/30/2010. 7:00 pm

Ashley and JK, are both right North Korea is stereotyped allot. On the other hand thou they did attack they did attack an unarmed cargo ship. they have also been known for doing nuclear projects and they are also a communist country. That being said it leaves the world to wonder what happens behind the walls surrounding the country and leaves the mind to imagine the worst. Also them being communist allows them to be blamed on allot more because they are so to them selves in the world.Keegan 05/30/10 9|05/30/10 9]]:48

I think the UN should politaly tell North Korea that their actions are inappropriate and that if they dont change their ways that they will have to go across their borders an blow them up. Maybe in a nicer way but you should get the point. Just try to get the fight resolved without more innocent people dieing. If they must use their armies to make sure that no more of this random attack will happen, then they are going to have to use their armies to either overthrow the goverment or make him backdown and not change the country but leave South Korea alone. Sam 05/30/10 10|05/30/10 10]]:33 PM

I think that JK is right about the United States always react harshly when ever something about the North Koreans enters the media, but i also think that they should take responsibility for the 46 innocent sailors that died because of something that could have been just a big misunderstandment. I also agree with Keegan about Hilary Clinton just getting involved with all this for good political views. I don't think that she has all the info she needs to put the sole blame on North Korea.ChrisMac 05/31/10 8|05/31/10 8]]:42