The Detection of Gravitational Waves, How Close Are We?
Since the realization that the general theory of relativity predicts gravitational waves, there have been attempts to actually detect these waves. Indirect observations have been made that support their existence but no direct measurement. This paper gives a brief explanation of gravitational waves and discusses the current condition of the experimental search for gravitational waves. It deals with the newest techniques that will enable their detection. The focus of the paper is on three experimental groups: LIGO, VIRGO, and LISA. From our research of these groups we believe that the detection of gravitational waves will occur within the next decade. Gravitational waves: Understanding and Detection
Gravitational waves carry information about catastrophic events in the universe. We give a brief description of gravitational waves with an overview of the current projects underway to detect them.
We begin by discussing the theoretical prediction of gravitational waves from Einstein's General
Theory of Relativity. We listseveral possible sources of these waves and describe how they produce gravitational waves. We also discussthe characteristic signals each source sendsto Earth. We outline advantages and challenges for several detection methods now being implemented. These include resonant mass detectors and laser interferometry. We also discussimprovements being made to each system and how these improvementsfurther our progresstowards detection of the waves. Finally, we conclude with a prediction that laser interferometry will first detect these waves within the next few years. Investigate Report

Thousands of Massachusetts public school students were suspended during the 2009-2010 school year for smoking, skipping class, tardiness and other minor infractions under “zero tolerance” discipline policies that are creating what critics call a “cradle to prison” pipeline.
From Boston to the Berkshires, the numbers reflect a troubling trend that appears to have continued into the following school year.
Massachusetts logged more than 75,000 in-school and out-of school suspensions in the 2010-2011 school year, a study of state education data by the New England Center for Investigative Journalism has found. Details on the particulars of those suspensions is not yet available, but they do account for thousands of days of lost classroom time for students, many of whom are in danger of dropping out of school, critics say.

Investigate Report

A recent New Haven Independent report has taken the concept of the “slum landlord” to a new level. The Independent found that landlords Janet Dawson and Michael Steinbach were letting their low-income properties fall into disrepair and foreclosure for nonpayment while they continued to collect Section 8 federal rent subsidy dollars from the Housing Authority of New Haven (HANH). In October alone, almost $80,000 was paid to the pair’s various corporate entities for 73 of their properties.
The Independent focused on five of the hundreds of properties owned by Dawson and Steinbach. Visits to the properties and a close examination of public records by an Independent reporter revealed that in each case, Dawson and Steinbach had taken out mortgages 10 or more times the property’s worth, never paid on those mortgages to lenders, and continued to collect rent from tenants – most of which was paid by the federal government under the Section 8 program.
Could it happen here? I doubt the economics of Section 8 in Hawaii would turn out as well for the property owners, but I could certainly be wrong.
How likely is it that we’ll see this kind of reporting? You know the answer.
Back to growing. The second stop is the New England Center for Investigative Reporting (NECIR) based at Boston University.
Their mission: “…to ensure the survival of serious, in-depth investigative journalism in New England and to train a new generation of investigative reporters.”

Sa Ngalan ng Luha ni: Kiko Manalo

Luha ang kalsada na dinaraanan,
Ng taong nagluhod sa dinarasalan,
Ito ang hihirang sa kapatawaran,
Upang ang dalangi’y bigyang-katuparan.

Ibig kaawaan, siya’y patawarin,
Sumpa at pangako ay sunud-sunod rin,
Luhod na lalakad at mananalangin,
Na wari’y may hapis ang diwa’t damdamin.

Sinasamantala ng taong baluktot,
Sa pagkakasala’y natila malungkot,
Ngunit katunayan sa puso at loob,
Naghari ang bangis at asal na buktot.

Nagtuos ng buti sa Poong Bathala,
Ang hangad sa kapwa’y kunwaring dakila,
Ngunit sa totoo’y walang pagkalinga,
Ang puso ay ganid, sakim itong diwa!

Luha’y ginagamit sa buti at sama,
Kasamang lumakad ng lungkot at tuwa,
Sa lubhang panganib, makaliligtas ba
Kung mananalangin sa ngalan ng luha?

Ang Aking Pangarap ni: Kiko Manalo

Pangarap kong magbakasyon
Kapiling ang hanging Habagat
At kami’y maglilimayon
Sa mga ilog at dagat.

Ipagmamalaki ko sa kanya
Na hindi galing sa atin ang basura,
Na naglutang sa dalampasigan.
Ng Kamaynilaan.

Sa lungsod ko siya igagala
Doon sa nilalakaran ng rodilyo
At sa gilid ay nagtayo
Ang mga pabrika ng bata.

Ipagmamalaki ko sa kanya,
Na ang mga nakatira
Ay hindi nagtatapon ng basura
Sa mga kanal at kalsada.

Ililigid ko siya nang masigla
Sa mga bundok at gubat,
Na ginawang pugad
Ng mga tumakas sa siyudad.

Ipagmamalaki ko sa kanya
Na ang mga punong matatayog,
Na pinutol at nililok
Ay naging santong bantayog!

Upang siya’y malibang
Makapag-unwind, ma-relax,
At hindi na makapaminsala
Sa bayan kong Pilipinas!