Cancer and Cell Phones

Today I am blogging about the usage of cell phones and how they are tied to many cancer cases. Researchers have said that constant exposure to cell phones will emit electromagnetic radiation which can cause brain cancer. Andrea Boland, a state representative of Maine said, " Users especially children and preganant women should keep this device away from the head and body." You're probably thinking, "How can cell phone usage be linked to cancer?" According to research from cancer.org, the antenna of a phone contains strong RF waves. As these waves travel out of the antenna and away from the phone, the strength of the waves decreases as they lose energy. When holding the phone up to your head while talking, your're at risk of exposure to RF waves; and your risk of exposure to RF waves increases, the closer the antenna is to your head. Despite all of the research that says about cell phones usage may cause cancer, scientists have still not proven that there is a direct link between the two. Nevertheless, companies such as The American Cancer Institute are saying that further experiments are needed before a conclusion is made on the issue. Until then, if you are having concerns about being exposed to rf waves while using a cell phone, there are things that can be done to lower your risks. You can use a bluetooth or other hands free devices, you can use a phone with a low SAR value, and you can limit your cell phone use.

The 50th Anniversary of Houston's First Sit In

Students at Texas Southern University recently attended a ceremony on Thursday March 4

honoring the members of Houston's first sit in. March 4 marks the historic date in which eight black students from Texas Southern University marched and sat in an all White diner on March 4, 1960 in an attempt to end segregation and Jim Crow laws in Houston. Those eight students marched from the camous of Texas Southern to an all White diners nearby on 4110 Almeda Rd titled Wine Gardens. At that restaurant, those eight students sat quietly for hours sitting at the counters hoping to be served but were ignored the entire time. After this first unsuccessful attempt to end segregation, the studenst led more and more sit ins at other all White places, and this sparked a number of sit ins by African Americans across the city of Houston. Today those students, now alumni are being recognized for the 50th Aniversary of this event.

Those eight members attended the commencement ceremony and sat in front of TSU students as Journalism Professor Serbino Walker gave a speech on the what the honorees did and why they are being recognized. This speech was then followed by Texas Southern University's jazz ensemble who performed the Black National Anthem. After the performance, the students watched a brief documentary on the eight honorees and the history of segregation in Houston and the nation. The eight honorees also gave their testimonies on their experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. After the commencement ceremony was over, the students then led a march down to 4110 Almeda Rd where a post office now sits, singing the spiritual, "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around." At the post office the students stood as Houston Mayor Annise Parker, TSU student Derek Hawkins, and Dean of Students Dr. James Ward, and some of the pioneers gave personal speeches on what the event meant to them. Afterward, the crowd gathered around to see the unveiling of the historic mark, that will be a reminder to anyone who passes, of what event happened on that street half a century ago.

The pioneers incuded the Rev. Earl Allen, John Bland, Deanna Lot Burrell, Holly HogoBrooks, Otis King, Rev. Bill Lawson, Haylcon Sadberry, and Eldreary Stearns.

The Upcoming Anniversary of Houston's First Sit In

I am looking forward to the march tomorrow. It will be a reminder of a historic event that happened in this city less than a century ago. It will be exciting to hear about the stories of what the people involved in the first sit in experienced that day. Hopefully this event will inspire people everywhere to always stand up for what is right despite the obstacles they may face. Tomorrow Professor Walker's online journalism students will be reporting and taking photos at this event and writing news stories on it. We plan to march all the way to the area where the first sit in took place, and watch the unveiling of the historic marker. I will be posting my blog about this story tommorrow.