Earthquake hits Guatemala City

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/25/62-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-near-guatemala-city/

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Guatemala today. "The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake's epicenter was located 4 miles (6 kilometers) northwest of San Jose Pinula and had a depth of 200 kilometers (124 miles)." There have been no reports of any deaths or damages, according to authorities. The earthquake was barely felt due to it's depth. We should all be thankful that it didn't cause any deaths.

I have always wondered why natural disasters always happen. There are many scientific reasons, but I'm looking for a solid, faith based reason. I don't believe God causes disasters as a punishment, but as a growing experience. In this case it's clearly not that bad, but I've always wondered why they happen, especially to good people. What are your thoughts and comments on this whole situation and the topic at hand?

Fugitive Cop Still on the Run

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/02/search-for-fugitive-ex-cop-to-resume-saturday-in-big-bear.html

The search continues for the fugitive ex-cop, Christopher Dorner. He is accused of killing the daughter of the former police chief and her fiancé along with another police officer. Dorner has been on the run for a few days now. Police found his car engulfed in flames near the mountains leading into them. They are offering a $1 million reward for anyone who leads to his capture. His motive seems to stem from his questionable discharge from the LAPD.

I personally believe this is a terrible response to such a menial situation. From what I can tell, he didn't try to diplomatically solve this mishap. Another case of bad people killing others for unknown reasons. This gets to me though because he speaks as though the LAPD tried to cover something up and had to fire him. I just really hope they catch him soon so all of the violence can stop. This is very scary seeing a former COP doing this because he got fired.

How do you feel about his reasoning for all of this? And do you think they will find him soon? Is the LAPD to blame for his violent actions or not? Thanks for reading.

Tragedy Strikes Again, Are GUNS Really the Problem?

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/02/16823292-funeral-arrangements-set-for-hadiya-pendleton-teen-shot-in-chicago?lite

Hadiya Pendleton, a 15 year old student at King College Prep High in Chicago; was fatally shot on Tuesday morning when her and a group of friends took shelter during a storm. Police are calling this a senseless act of violence, and have offered a $40,000 reward to anyone who leads to the arrest of Hadiya's killer. Many have posted online tributes to allow no one to forget the bright, young girl lost to such a tragic, random act of violence.

The question arises, are guns really the problem in our world? Or is it the sick people who feed on violence and destruction. I feel that these people are the real cause of all this pain and suffering. These people who aren't mentally ill, yet act as if they cant tell what is good and evil in this world. They are truly evil on the inside, and no matter what anyone argues, they are evil at heart and should not be wandering freely in the world.

What are your feelings about all of the current violence in the news and media lately? Is it truly guns that cause the problem or the people who shouldn't have them that cause this? As they say, "guns don't kill people, people kill people."

Tragic Fire in Nightclub

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/90-dead-nightclub-fire-brazil-18327334

A deadly fire in Brazil killed more than 230 people. The fire started in a nightclub while a band was playing. The band used pyrotechnics to enhance the spectacle, but ended up catching the building on fire. Fire and rescue was called but weren't able to save everyone. 230 people died due to their only being one exit from the club, which was blocked after awhile. Families came to see if their children had made it out, some didn't receive the answer they were looking for.

I believe that there should be more exits in buildings to prevent tragedies from happening. If there were more fire exits, many people might have been saved. I believe laws, although generally ignored in gang controlled and corrupt countries, should be put in place requiring a minimum of 3 exits in each public building in Brazil. There should also be a way to safely operate the pyrotechnics that are used for entertainment purposes.

Do you think bands should use pyrotechnics? If they didn't use them, the risk of fire wouldn't be there, saving us from another horrible tragedy such as this one. And if mores exits were in place, do you believe it would have helped at all?

Let's get it right this time.

The Presidential Inauguration 2013 (Take One)

http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/Presidential-Inauguration-2013-Washington-Dc.htm

      This week our nation had the honor (or dishonor for some) of inaugurating President Barack Obama for his second term as President of the United States. The 20th Amendment states that the president must be sworn in on January 20th, which fell on a Sunday this year. President Obama followed in the shoes of his predecessors and chose to have a private swearing in on Sunday and a public one the following day for the public. The private ceremony was attended by his family and a few journalists. The public ceremony was held on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. The theme for this year's Inauguration was "Faith in America's Future", which commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the placement of the Statue of Freedom on top of the U.S. Capitol building.
     President Obama was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts, Jr. This is the same set-up as the 2009 presidential inauguration, which included an awkward moment involving the mess-up of the Oath of Office by both the President and the Chief Justice. This was significant enough that it required a private swearing in later that day. So it's a good thing both men didn't mess-up on the Oath this time. An Inaugural Parade and Ball followed the ceremony later that day, as is the custom for Inauguration Day. 

A Little about Me.

              My full name is Trevor Thomas (Benedict) Washburn. I was born on October 23, 1996 in Norfolk, NE. I attended Edison Elementary School (OPS) from 1-3 grades. I then transferred to St. Pius X School through 8^th grade. This brings me to Creighton Prep. I enjoy reading fiction novels and religious literature, such as “The Spiritual Exercises”. I also participate in the Prep-Marian Theatre program, which recently performed “Children of Eden”. My dream is to move to Italy someday. Before that I plan on becoming a Theology teacher at Prep when I graduate.