In science class we are doing projects on the Electromagnetic spectrum. My topic is on X-rays. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen found x-rays. The funny thing is that he found x-rays by accident when he was experimenting with vacuum tubes. The reason they are called X-rays is because it is unknown radiation. We use x-rays to get a clear look at the human body and look for any problems. If you have too much exposure to x-rays it may cause cancer because of the radiation. That's why Doctors and Dentists cover you with a lead sheet when they take x-rays of you. The sheet absorbs the x-rays and stops them from reaching other parts of your body. Thank you, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, because without x-rays it would be much harder to examine the human body.

http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/xrays.html

Toxic Coal Ash Spill

A giant toxic coal ash spill that happened a month ago is still threatening the lives of wildlife. On December 22, 2008 a billion gallons of sludge mostly made up of coal ash broke through an earthen dike at the Kingston Fossil Plant. Experts say that wildlife may be threatened by the amount of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, thallium, and other toxins in the sludge. Not only is wildlife threatened but there are also human health threats. local animals that could be affected are river otters, mink, muskrat, ospreys, and black-crowned night herons. This (as we have learned in science class) can have a great effect on the food web of that area. The animals that they have rescued so far were either buried by mud or stranded when the water surge pushed them into forests and fields. Luckily, there are no endangered animals inhabiting the spill region.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/01/090123-coal-ash.html

social studies blog

On January 20th 2009, before a crowd of more then one million, Barack Hussein Obama claimed his place in history as the 44th president of the united states. This is extraordinary because Barack is officially the first African American president. People from all over the world watched as Barack Obama and Joe Biden stepped into the white house to change the world. Obama has made a series of promises such as to end the war in Iraq, stabilize Afghanistan, create jobs, boost the use of alternative energy and address climate change. Some are sceptical but I truly believe he can pull it off.
Obama has very high expectations and has people watching his every move. With his landslide win in November and millions if not billions watching his inauguration one false move can disappoint many people.Because of this it amazes me that he is not the least bit worried. My favorite part was when he said that "The effort will require all citizens, no matter party, age, skin color, or status, to get to work!" Hopefully this inspired Americans to take action in the many problems of America.
The United States of America was eager for Obama to take over our struggling country. Out of the hands of George Bush our economy will hopefully grow stronger. Barack has a lot of problems in his hands at the moment but he will not back down and he will face those problems head on. I believe that in Obama's hands America will not be looked down upon but will embrace the title "the center of the world."
America is saying goodbye to the man who was behind two unfinished wars and saying hello to a man who promises to change this country for the better. No one can blame President Bush for all of the problems America is facing. Bush didn't plan on having the Twin Towers destroyed or having the economy worsen. In Barack's speech he thanks Bush for his service to our nation as well as his generosity throughout his transition. His speech brought tears to both men and women and brought hope and comfort to all that watched president Barack Obama get sworn in as the 44th president of The United States of America.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_rdp