The summit was probably one of the biggest and most important meetings that ever have taken place, yet sadly there was no progress made. Hopefully important resolutions will be established soon in the future, as climate change affects us all.

Sweden is currently the leader of the European Union, and has been that during the past five months. One of the biggest challenges during those months has been agreeing upon the limit of carbon dioxide emissions until year 2020. Our Swedish leaders have done a good job making the decision to decrease our emissions by 20% until 2020 if no industrialized nations chose to make any effort.

However, the United States is probably is the most important key if we want to save the climate, being one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. The United States hasn’t made any effort to lower the CO2 emissions.

The Copenhagen Summit is a replacement for the Kyoto protocol in 1997. Since the climate issue has to be dealt with right now, it is harder to make limitations.

The United States hasn’t chosen to ratify the protocol during the 12 years that it has been effective, and has been the biggest economy in the world during these years.

Since developing countries like China and India has seen that USA hasn’t been ratifying it, they don’t want to commit to it either. This is a big problem because the USA, at its peek, was responsible for approximately 40% of the total emissions in the world. Currently China is in the largest contributor.

The main argument from the U.S. is that the economy will be harmed. On the other hand, all countries in the EU, and especially Sweden, already have managed to drop our emissions and at them same time had a steady increase in our economy.

All over Europe, there is a big dissatisfaction about the way USA is treating this issue.

I care about the environment, and believe the Unites States can fight climate change if they tried. A developed country like Sweden has the means to fight it, and contribute less to the evident process of global warming.

After spending a month in USA I understand that it is the lifestyle that is the problem. For example, your cars compared to ours. Yours are much, much bigger both in terms of size and motor capacity. Do you really need to drive a big SUV to work? In Europe, cars are much smaller, and emit much less. SUV’s are only used to plow snow.

I hope the rest of the world will take part in postponing climate change, especially the United States, China, and India. It is time to wake up and take responsibility; otherwise it will be too late.

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Did you know that car accidents are the number one killer of teens in the U.S.? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2008, about eleven teens were killed in car crashes everyday. The Department of Transportation claims that a horrifying six thousand deaths were caused by inattentive drivers that same year.

“That’s a horrifying statistic when you consider that accidents caused by drivers using cell phones, texting, or taking their eyes off the road are entirely preventable,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood when announcing Focus Driven, an advocacy group for victims of cell phone related motor vehicle accidents.

We’re all taught from a very young age to wear our seatbelts and not drive while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. But perhaps the most dangerous distraction while driving is something as common as a cell phone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 1.6 million teens drive while reading or typing messages.

Texting has become one of the fastest and easiest forms of communication. Even adults and parents have picked up the habit. As fast and easy as it is to type out a text, it’s just as easy to end a life.

“Using a cell phone while driving is a common thing many people do. They don’t realize how dangerous it really is. It’s one thing to pick up the phone while your driving, but when you text you are physically taking your eyes off the road,” said police officer Johnny Pena of the 76th Precinct.

According to a 2009 survey by the Allstate Foundation, 49 percent of teens consider cell phones to be distracting, and think it is the number one distraction when behind the wheel. Yet, 82 percent of teens still admit to using cell phones while driving.

“I have voice to text recognition on my phone. I can just talk into my wireless headset, and a text will be sent to whomever I say in my phonebook,” said senior Corinne Mueller.

Many people are under the misconception that hands-free cell phones are safer than head-held cell phones. However, according to the University of Utah, hands-free phones are just as dangerous because conversations with others delay reaction times.

According to Allstate, cell phones are the most common distractions for drivers. But multitasking drivers have to pay the consequences for their actions. New York is one of six states that ban all hand-held cell phone use while driving, and also one of 19 states that recently put a ban on texting for all drivers.

“Under the new law, drivers can no longer read or send text or picture messages on their handheld device or laptop while their car is in motion. Lawbreakers face fines up to $150,” said William J. Smith, Communications Director at the District Attorney’s Office of the Richmond County.

Mr. Smith also said that in New York, anti-texting fines can only be imposed as a second offense. That means only if the driver appears to be breaking another law, he/she can receive a summons for texting. These summonses, which are issued by the NYPD, are processed by the DMV.

But the price of the lives that are put in danger when a driver is behind the wheel intexticated shouldn’t be compared to a mere fine.

If we admit to using phones while driving, and we know how dangerous it is, then why do we still put ourselves at risk? It’s not just about drunk driving anymore. There are so many distractions that can endanger not only your life, but the lives around you.

KeeptheDrive.com is a great resource to learn more about texting while driving, and how to be a great driver. It provides real stories and solutions to drive safely. So when you take the wheel, hold on to it. Put your phones down, avoid a crash, and save a life!

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There are five main haunted houses on Staten Island meant to scare everyone this Halloween. Trapped in Purgatory, Slaughter House, Fear in the Forest, St. Andrews Church, and the Salerno House are all places that are sure to make your spine tingle.

Trapped in Purgatory has been open for 15 years. Their theme this year is Sinister Swamp. Dennis Hansen is the master mind behind the 7900 square feet of terrorizing fun that consists of actors, a new corn maze and, of course, the haunted house.

“The numbers improve every year by 10% to 20%, but weather is a big factor. If there is rain, there is no business, and we won’t get people back again with rain,” said Mr. Hansen.

First, you start with the corn maze where monsters of all kinds pop out from the stalks. Then, make your way into the haunted house where you go through different rooms, each with a special sub theme within the theme.

But, make sure you are prepared for the surprise that awaits you at the end of your journey. Some may not be able to handle the fear factor in this room.

“When going in I felt terrified because I didn’t think it was going to be scary. I was surprised and was so scared, I came out shaking. Unexpectedly, I loved everything they had and wouldn’t say I had a favorite attraction. It was well worth the wait,” said sophomore Andrew Casale.

Those that dared to walk through the haunted house rated the place a four out of five on a scary level.

At Trapped in Purgatory, for only $15, you will find entertainment that will have the hairs on the back of your neck sticking up for days, located at 5050 Hylan Boulevard at Greenside Up Nursery, in Annadale. Open Friday and Saturday 7-11pm, and Sundays 6:30-10pm.

The Staten Island Slaughter House took four weeks and over 120 hours to create. Filled with 11 actors, blood, gore, a haunted house and barn, this one will definitely make you scream.

Jereny Dalessandro, who makes props for movies, is the man who gave life to this year’s theme, The Feast.

“Whatever I feel is basically how it’s created. We’re a prop company, so whatever props we make, we get ideas from,” said Mr. Dalessandro.

You wait on line to enter the horrifying haunted house that has walls, ceilings, and floors filled with blood and gore. After, you will go screaming into the barn where the beast awaits. Finally, you will make your way to the end of your adventure, hopefully in one piece.

“I enjoyed this haunted house. I didn’t think I would get scared, but I jumped a few times. If I had the chance I would definitely go again,” said sophomore James Casella.

The brave souls who wandered in and were lucky enough to come out gave this thriller a four and a half on the scary scale.

Staten Island Slaughter House is located at 2449 Veterans Road at Greenside Up Nursery, in West Charleston. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11pm, and Sundays from 6:30-10pm, this thriller is only $15 and will have you screaming for more.

The Salerno House is a residence located on Amboy Road in the Huguenot, Annadale, area. For 25 years Patty and Dennis Salerno have been transforming their lawn into a creepy thrilling adventure for all Staten Islanders to enjoy.

“I do this because I love Halloween. I am obsessed with horror, witchcraft, magic, and I love seeing the kids reactions. I also do this for the people in my neighborhood,” said Mrs. Salerno.

Whether it is an execution or a hanging, or a vampire roaming around, watch you’re back, for you don’t know what is real and what is not.

Pinhead, Jason, Mike Myers, Texas chainsaw, Freddy, The Exorcist, Frankenstein and his bride, Mad Flasher and Dracula are just a few well known names that can be found on the front lawn of the Salerno house. The Salerno’s replicate movie characters from all your favorite horror films and bring them to life. Along with these well known names are characters like the Three Witches of Amboy, a pop up dead guy in a coffin, autopsy guy, a man being electrocuted, another being hung, and the man ready for the guillotine.

Opened every Friday through Halloween this residence has many creatures that are sure to pop out and scare you. It is free of charge but donations for NYU Children’s Cancer Foundation are always accepted.

“The reason I do the donations is because two of our neighbors have Hodgkin’s and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” said Mrs. Salerno.

St. Andrew’s Church puts on a scare for everyone during the Halloween season. Face your Phobia and go through the fifteen different phobia theme rooms.

The fears you will find in this haunted house are Taphephobia, Hierophobia, Hagiophobia, Necrophobia, Arachnophobia, Automatonophobia, Coulrophobia, Ophidiophobia, Hadeaphobia, Prosopeiophobia, Claustraphobia, Dentophobia, Nyfitsaphobia, and Lygophobia.

This church fundraiser has been around for over 10 years and is run by Donna Barr. Ms. Barr explained that each year is a different theme.

“Halloween is fun, and it’s my church and I love to help my church in anyway I can,” said volunteer, Peggie Kiernan.

As you make your way through the cemetery where creatures of all kind pop out, you soon arrive at church doors where your journey begins; the end is a dark basement.  Those who braved the journey emerged shaking in fear.

“That was the best thing I have ever been through. I have no voice from screaming,” said Staten Island resident, Jill.

The blood runs down the bricks of the house a victims enter.

The people who journeyed through the historical yet haunted church all rated this haunted house a five on the scary level.

Located in Richmond Town, for only $8 you can also enjoy more fear. Open 7-10 p.m.. on October 23, 24, and 30.

Taking more than 75 people over three months to prepare, the six acre thirty minute walk at Pouch camp is a fundraiser sure to make you fear the forest.

“One, we had the opportunity to be in the forest, and secondly, it gave us an added dimension. Most places just have a haunted house, but we have inside and outside stuff,” said creator, John DeVaynes.

This half  mile walk through is a way to help the 40 chosen Boy Scouts raise money to go to the National Jamboree.

“The scariest part was walking through the woods at night and not knowing what is going to pop out or chase you,” said sophomore Erin Kohm.

The haunted attraction was given a three out of five on the scary level by those who went into the woods and shockingly found their way out.

Pouch camp is located on Manor Road, is $25, and is open from dusk till midnight on October 23, 24, 25, and 30.

Yet, haunted houses today are a bit of a mockery of actual “haunted houses”.

According to Amy Raiola, from the Staten Island Paranormal Society, there are three types of hauntings: residual, intelligent, and poltergeists.

“A residual haunting is when the haunting does stuff at the same time everyday. An intelligent haunting interacts with you. A poltergeist is when people are being haunted. But the two main ones are intelligent and residual,” said paranormal expert, Amy Raiola.

Silvia Valhos another member of the Staten Island Paranormal Society explained that, they are not quick to jump and say something is paranormal, but they try to find the evidence to verify paranormal activities.

“I feel Spirits are more like cats they come out when they hear people talking. They come out when you least expect them to. When we investigate a home, I respect the spirits because I am coming into their home,” said Case Manager Brooke Haramija.

A paranormal experience or not each haunted house on the Island brings their own original touch, making them a great Halloween treat. Make your Halloween one to remember. Visit these haunted houses and get the full experience for yourself.

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Events like Taipei’s “Love Out Loud” parade October 31, the largest in Asia with a turnout last year of 18,000, are milestones in a continent where homosexuality can still be illegal.

“It is a platform from which to not only pressure legislators to push for LGBT rights, but also a venue to change the public’s consciousness and views about homosexuality,” said Oscar Atadero to Fridae Magazine when asked about his role in organizing the first gay pride march in Asia in 1994.

The social awareness raised by pride parades is a force in stopping the denial, ignorance and brutality against the LGBT community.

“You are what you are,” said sophomore Leorie Beriguete.

In some places progress has been made. Last month Indonesia overturned legislation that would have permitted public whipping, stoning and imprisonment of homosexuals and adulterers in the Banda Aceh province.

Aceh, known for the devastation it endured from the 2005 tsunami, is semi autonomous from the central government located in Jakarta. Aceh’s 69-seat house unanimously passed the legislation on September 14, but the local government then sent it to the Supreme Court for review; on September 22 the legislation was revoked.

This July India’s Delhi high court amended Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a colonial law instated 149 years ago by the British, because its description of same sex relationships as “unnatural offenses against the order of nature” violated fundamental rights to personal liberty (Article 21 of India’s constitution), equality (Article 14) and prohibition of discrimination  (Article 15). Until this, homosexual acts were punishable with a 10 year prison sentence.

Most Asian countries, however, retain such laws.

Despite many references to homosexuality in ancient art and literature, homosexuals in Asia today have been withheld civil rights, abused or killed in a culture that often denies their existence.

China only ceased to consider homosexuality a disease in 2001, a move the US made in 1973, although it has a cultural legacy of homosexuality dating to 1027 BC in the stories of Mizu Xia, Pan Zhang, and Lord Yang, classic tales of love written during China’s Zhou period.

The Hwarang, elected leaders of a military group during Korea’s Silla Dynasty (BC 57- AD 953), celebrated same-sex love in vernacular poetry such as that found in the Sam-Guk-Yu-Sa. Yet, in 2002 when the Lesbian and Gay Alliance against Discrimination, the Lawyers for a Democratic society and Exzone.com sued the Korean government after its Information and Communications Ethic Committee classified homosexuality under “obscenity and perversion” in its “Criteria for Indecent Internet Sites,” the court took cue from 1997’s Youth Protection Act classifying “homosexual love” as “harmful to youth” – and ruled that freedom of speech and expression were not applicable regarding homosexuality.

“That’s ridiculous. They’re exactly the same thing,” said junior Talissa Rosario. “There’s no difference between gay sex and straight sex.”

In 2003 the Korean National Human Rights Protection Committee advised Korea’s Youth Protection Committee to amend the 1997 Youth Protection Act, removing anti-gay language, which had been the basis of the ruling in Exzone vs Korea.

Singapore is not as progressive. Its Media Development Authority fined a cable station $15,000 for showing a gay couple and their adopted child after consulting with the Programme Advisory Committee for English Programs, which agreed in a statement on its website “that a gay relationship should not be presented as an acceptable family unit.”

“We have to realize everyone has the same feelings; We have to care more for one another,” said Youth Development Worker Mrs. Hattie Slaughter, who has worked in every high school in Staten Island.

According to Fridae magazine’s article “Oscar speeches censored in 53 Asian countries?” on April 25, “… the words ‘gay’ and ‘lesbian’ in Milk writer Dustin Lance Black and actor Sean Penn’s Oscar speeches have been muted out during the recorded broadcasts.”

Accepting an invitation from university leader Lee C. Bollinger to speak at Columbia University. Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s official statement on the execution of gays in the Islamic Republic (some 2,000 in 2008) was that “In Iran, we don’t have homosexuals.”

But there are, and LGBT Asians, whose existences are denied, are victims of hate crimes. “There have been killings documented in Iraq and other parts of Asia. The Human Rights Watch is an excellent group on that,” said Mr. Kevin Cassidy, executive manager of communications and external relations for the UN’s International Labor Organization.

The UN proposed a gay-rights declaration in December, but it is still in limbo. Non-signatories were south Asians, and surprisingly, the United States under the Bush Administration – the only Western government that refused. In a quick turnaround, the Obama Administration is reversing this position.

LGBT rights are far from settled. The president of the United Nations, Ali Abdussalam Treki, opened its 64th General Assembly and responded to calls for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality but stated that, “As a Muslim, I am not in favor of it …. It is not accepted by the majority of countries. My opinion is not in favor of this matter at all . . . And there are some countries that allow that, thinking it is a kind of democracy . . . I think it is not.”

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Websites and commercials for these popular energy drinks promote a false overview in their ingredients as well as the effects on the body physically and mentally.

According to the official Red Bull website, Red Bull Energy Drink “increases performance, concentration, reaction speed, vigilance, the emotional status, and stimulates the metabolism.”

Despite these claims, what do energy drinks really do to the body?

“I am unaware of the health impacts of energy drinks. Nor do they concern me because energy drinks give me the energy I need after I pull all-nighters doing homework and other related activities. I used to have one drink a day, but now I drink less. It all depends on my homework and schedule,” said senior Katie McGrann.

Red Bull, known as the king of energy drinks, has been banned in European countries such as France and Denmark, and more recently in Germany, for many good reasons. Energy drinks provide a temporary energy boost or “high” due to their copious amounts of sugar, caffeine, and other natural stimulants that appear to be healthy. Energy drinks also contain synthetic ingredients made to provide an energy boost.

Energy drinks act similarly to coffee or sugar. They cause caffeine crashes and sugar levels to spike, leaving drinkers feeling worse and more fatigued. Labels on most energy drinks do not list the amount of caffeine or stimulants, and consumers are often unfamiliar with ingredients listed such as taurine, ginseng, or inositol.

Energy drinks are often laced with various vitamins and teas, making the drink itself seem promising and even healthy to unaware consumers.

False advertisement

provides further danger to consumers of energy drinks.

High consumption of energy drinks are extremely dangerous due to the harsh effects of excess caffeine on the body.

“Excessive use of caffeine can lead to dehydration, difficulty sleeping, a rapid heart rate, rise in blood pressure, shakes, and anxiety. Since caffeine is a drug, a person can develop a dependence to caffeine in less than a week. As a result, withdrawal symptoms occur, especially headaches,” said Registered Dietitian Mary Myers of New Jersey.

Energy drinks are especially unhealthy for growing and developing teenagers. They have little of the value necessary for teenagers whose bodies are going through many crucial changes.

Despite the many risks of energy drinks, most teenagers are either unaware or don’t take the risks seriously.

“I drink Red Bull whenever I happen to have $3.50 on me because it’s a relatively expensive drink. However, I don’t drink energy drinks often enough that they would affect my health. I mainly drink energy drinks because they taste good,” said junior Katie McSherry.

There are teenagers who share a different perspective on the matter.

“People in school drink them like water. Those drinks are full of unnecessary carbs and sugar that turn into fat in the body. Even for sports, simple water is best,” said senior Teresa Konopka.

Even the occasional energy drink is unnecessary and expensive. Sticking to healthier choices is wiser and will save you money.

Some healthier alternatives available are soy milk, rice milk, seltzer water, mineral water, herbal teas, fruit smoothies, and organic juice.

Next time you take a sip, remember to be aware of the content you are consuming because not only are you spiking your energy, but also your health and wallet.

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Why does someone have a sudden sugar attack? According to nutrition.com, sugar cravings are caused by low serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that brings about feelings of content and happiness. Sugar is said to increase the absorption of an amino acid, called tryptophan, which causes the body to make serotonin.

Even though satisfying your sweet tooth may seem to be the key to happiness, it is not entirely healthy to over indulge. But to give into your taste buds, Staten Island has a couple of places that do the trick.

Remember the days when you came home from school and your mother had a cup of milk and a plate of hot, fresh baked cookies? Most likely, those days are long gone. Fortunately, The Cookie Jar on Forest Avenue is the perfect substitution.

The owner of the Cake Chef Bakery on Jewett Avenue, came up with the idea to create a shop dedicated to everyone’s favorite snack. Thus, The Cookie Jar was born. The Cookie Jar has over 140 varieties of cookies, as well as brownies, red velvet cupcakes, and coffee, milk, and tea.

“Our shop is unique, not only because we specialize in cookies, but because we’re a lot more affordable than other bakeries,’ said employee, Eva Perez. “We charge only ten dollars instead of twenty dollars per pound like other bakeries.”

A big question on everyone’s mind may be: why is it called The Cookie Jar? Once you walk inside you’ll know why. The décor is, you guessed it, cookie jars. There are a myriad of jars all over the shop. The jars range from Disney to animals, to purses, to Sesame Street, and many more.

“They have a big variety of cookies that are homemade,” said Susan Yacca. “They taste delicious!”

“Without a doubt, they are the best cookies on the Island,” said secretary, Brenda Carullo.

The Cookie Jar is open from Monday through Thursday from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. , Friday and Saturday 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. and Sunday from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Satisfying your sweet tooth and beating the heat are both possible at Ralph’s Ices. Found in locations on Staten Island as well as Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens and New Jersey, Ralph’s has been serving the community for eighty-one years.

“I’ve been eating Ralph’s ever since I was a kid, for about fifty years. It’s apart of who we are as Islanders”, said local resident Marie Fanelli.

Aside from the fact that Ralph’s has been apart of the Staten island community for nearly 81 years, what draws people to Ralph’s is the enormous variety of flavors. Many, including this reporter, have found that it is extremely difficult standing in line trying to decide what to enjoy. From the water and cream ices to the twisters, to the shakes, and with about twenty flavors for each of those categories, it makes it nearly impossible to choose right away.

“My favorite is the blue Hawaii,” said freshman, Chris Smart. “Me and my friends go there all the time in the summer.”

To help you cool off this summer, and to satisfy your sweet tooth Ralph’s is open from9 A.M. to 11P.M. on Friday and Saturday and 9 A.M. to 10 P.M. on Sunday through Thursday.

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Teenage years may have many setbacks, yet they can also be a wonderful and challenging experience, for they prepare you for adult life. So with teenage life as complicated as it is, why put up with abuse from a partner? Have confidence in yourself and the people around you to leave an abusive relationship.

A healthy relationship consists of partners being supportive of one another.
Does your partner support what you stand by, your views on sex, does he/she support your dreams and wishes?
Do you receive positive advice and guidance from your partner? Does your partner make you feel good about yourself and accept you for who you are? Does your partner make you feel bad about yourself, by judging you according to your looks and weight?
These negative labels are hazardous to your mental health.
In a healthy relationship, one feels emotionally and physically safe.
A compassionate partner is concerned about your security, health, and overall well-being. This shows they care and always want what is best for you.
According to various Internet sources, there are warning signs of an abusive relationship.
Take a minute to read some typical signs in order to determine whether your relationship is a healthy one or not.
*Your grades in school have changed significantly since you started seeing
this person.
*You are concerned about how your partner will act in response to the things you say or do.
*You consider expressing your own thoughts or feelings because you fear your partner’s reaction.
*You worry you might make him or her mad by making the so-called wrong decision about what you wear or who you hang out with and where.
*Your partner tells you what you can and cannot do?
However, the main sign of abuse is threat. If your partner has ever threatened to hurt you, he/she most likely will. And if your partner already has threatened you, don’t think it won’t happen again, it will.
“Students with low self esteem sometimes end up in abusive relationships,” said guidance counselor Hatti Slaughter. “There are many reasons to leave an abusive relationship. It may be detrimental to a person.”
Don’t be scared to leave an abusive relationship. The longer you allow it to go on, the worse the predicament will be.
To end a dangerous relationship, be proactive, stay determined and get the help you need.
Remember that we all mumbled before we talked, and we all crawled before we learned how to walk.
To seek help contact the: National Teen Dating Abuse Help line 866.331.9474 or speak to a parent, a teacher, a friend and or guidance counselor.
Students don’t like school, but it doesn’t mean that should determine whether or not they should go. Likewise, a partner who holds you back from doing well in school, doesn’t care about you and is being selfish.
The most commonly used excuse among teenagers who are in an abusive relationship is that they have tried to end it. Who isn’t guilty
Sophomore Award Winner
of pledging those words? Well, imagine somebody asking you if you are going to breathe today or if you are going to try to breathe today.
Now take a step back and think about your I tried moments.
If you didn’t get the memo already, there are no shortcuts in life. Nothing good in life comes easy. So stop making excuses for yourself or your partner. Don’t try to leave them. Just leave.
The easiest thing in life is to love somebody. It just comes naturally. Do not lie to yourself or to your partner and say you love them when you don’t. A relationship should not feel like a priority or a job.
When escaping from an abusive relationship, stay positive. Keep a can-do attitude. Don’t let anyone put you down.
Don’t sit around and wait for things
to fall into place. They won’t. Don’t lie to yourself thinking that your partner is going to change. They most likely won’t.
Take initiative, if you want something to happen. Don’t allow fear to trap you in. It’s never too late to leave. Don’t think a threat is normal or okay. Actions speak louder than words. These non-verbal cues may predict whether your partner may be capable of harming you.
Teenage life should be the most enjoyable years of your life. So don’t put up with any abuse. Stay strong and get away from the abuse. Don’t allow it to be a part of the journey. Stay confident and self aware.
The first step to get help is action. In New York City, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-621- HOPE (4673) or the multilingual Youthline at 800-246-4646 or the Rape/Sexual Assault/Incest Hotline at 212-227-3000. For more information, go to www.nyc.gov.

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On September 21, 2009, Iran informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about a second uranium enrichment facility, already in construction, near the city of Qom.

UN Security Council Resolution 1803 required Iran to cease from any and all uranium enrichment. This includes stopping all research and development of uranium enrichment and centrifuges.

However, Iran is part of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which gives Iran the right to nuclear power. Still, Iran is required to tell the IAEA about the construction of any nuclear facilities. According to CIA.org, Iran has been working on the facility in Qom for years.

“Iran’s decision to build yet another nuclear facility without notifying the IAEA represents a direct challenge to the basic compact at the center of the non-proliferation regime. These rules are clear: All nations have the right to peaceful nuclear energy; those nations with nuclear weapons must move towards disarmament; those nations without nuclear weapons must forsake them. That compact has largely held for decades, keeping the world far safer and more secure. And that compact depends on all nations living up to their responsibilities,” said President Barack Obama in a speech regarding Iran at the G-20 conference on September 25, 2009.

However, according to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and IAEA standards, Iran is required to inform the IAEA about nuclear facilities 180 days before nuclear material is brought into it. Iran is currently compliant to these regulations because according to Iran, it will take months before the facility can be active.

According to President Obama, all countries, including Iran, have a right to peaceful nuclear power that meets the energy needs of its people. However, the size and design of the new facility is inconsistent with Iran’s needs. By doing so, Iran is breaking IAEA rules, and endangering nations around the world.

“I’m not surprised that Iran had hidden these details for all this time, and it is a question of whether or not Iran with nuclear weapons would actually pose a threat to nearby nations,” said history teacher Ms. Tonya Brooks.

In the past, IAEA inspections have found no evidence that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons, nor does it have the capacity to build one.  Israel, which is not part of the NPT, is believed to be the only country in the Middle East with nuclear weapons.

“The IAEA Director General Mohammed El Baradei met the Iranian authorities in Tehran on Sunday, October 4 2009, and discussed arrangements for IAEA access to the uranium enrichment facility under construction in Qom. Agency inspectors will visit this facility on 25 October 2009,” said Liviu Horovitz from the IAEA.

Iran is now being more transparent about its nuclear intentions. If it continues to be non-compliant with IAEA and NPT rules, the UN may implement stricter sanctions on the nation like they have in the past.

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