Media Convergence Initiative

All the exclusive highlights from the Pope’s visit to the USA and find out what company possibly made all this possible!

Posted on September 26, 2015 by jesusalberto2120

Pope Francis has made many citizens very happy after this amazing week of meeting and greeting around the country. He has been all over starting at Washington D.C. where he met president Obama and the First Lady, then moved to New York, also traveling to Philadelphia. This is the 10th time that a pope comes and visits the U.S, but this is Pope Francis first visit.

He has been very encouraging to immigrants, bringing some light on what up and coming politicians are making headlines on depiction all illegal immigrants. So he is try to make the peopl fight for what they believe they deserve so they can have a better future, the Pope is originally from Argentina, so he definitely know what it is like to be an immigrant but of course he has totally different process than everyone else. But he just wants people to know get so frustrated on swim thing that might not even happen in the future, he wants them to be happy with themselves wherever they are.

Also one the other interesting highlights from his 6-day trip in America is that we can all agree that he has been giving Fiat major advertising from riding the cars wherever he goes, super creative and clever advertising that they did, I mean who has a better judgement and honesty policy the the Pope? No one! So it will definitely give a new image to Fiat, besides being a fun little European car, now they are vey safe and comfortable or at least that the idea it represent from having me the Pope ride their cars. I am sure the paid for he triop so he can use the car, there has to be a catch, but very good product placement that caught people’s attention.

Posted in Business, Crime, Entertainment, General, Odd News, Politics | Tagged fiat, New York, Philadelphia, Pope, Washington | Comments Off

New Research Brings Hope of Treating and Preventing Breast Cancer Recurrence

Posted on September 26, 2015 by christophertart

A new finding in the largest and most comprehensive study regarding breast cancer may be able to predict whether sufferers of the affliction will experience a relapse upon diagnosis. Twenty percent of breast cancer cases recur, and have a different genetic profile upon recurrence that can make them harder to treat than the original case. The new study, however, will be able to predict a relapse very far in advance and gives hope that recurrences will be able to be treated with drugs. Researchers are also hopeful that this discovery will lead to a way for doctors to prevent relapse all together.

“We have found that some of the genetic mutations that drive breast cancers that relapse are relatively uncommon amongst cancers that do not relapse at the point of primary diagnosis,” says Lucy Yates, MD, a clinical research oncologist from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

“We believe that the differences we have seen reflect genetic differences that can predispose a cancer to return, combined with mutations acquired throughout the period from first diagnosis to the subsequent relapse,” she added.

Breast cancer recurrence is quite common, even after the initial case has been treated. It usual occurs within 5 years of the original diagnosis, and can manifest itself in the lymph nodes, bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Up until this study, it has been nearly impossible to predict the possibility and severity of recurrence. With this new research, we are one step closer to treating and possibly preventing breast cancer recurrence.

Posted in Health, Science and Technology | Comments Off

How to Make an Effortless Crowd Pleasing Enchilada Rice Dish

Posted on September 26, 2015 by heather kingsbury

Last week, I shared my favorite culinary secret weapon: the crockpot. This week, I will share with you my family’s favorite dinner recipe that requires zero to no effort, with the illusion that you slaved over a hot stove for hours. This chicken enchilada rice is super easy, and always a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

1 cup of brown rice

1 cup chicken stock

2 raw chicken breasts (cut in one inch cubes)

1/2 cup corn

1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)

1/3 cup chopped tomatoes

1/4 small onion, chopped

1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

Cumin to taste

1 small can mild enchilada sauce

The instructions are simple. Gather all of your ingredients, chop your onions and tomatoes, defrost and cut your chicken breasts, then dump all of it in the crockpot. Set to low for six hours, stirring occasionally. The rice will absorb the the enchilada sauce and chicken stock creating the most flavorful, all in one meal. Top with cheese when served.

This dish can be made without chicken for the vegetarian kitchen, or with ground beef.

I always serve this with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro to taste, but whatever condiments you have in your fridge will work! This is also delicious if served with tortillas, almost like a burrito.

Happy eating, cooks!

Posted in General, Health | Tagged chicken, crockpot, enchilada, Food, good eats, rice | Comments Off

Apple Watch Saves Teen’s Life. Heart Rate Monitor Alerted Him of Trouble.

Posted on September 24, 2015 by khathaway

Seventeen year old Paul Houle Jr. is alive today thanks to his Apple Watch; at 8:00 AM the teenager felt fine, twelve hours later he was in a hospital bed with his liver and kidneys shutting down. Paul, Massachusetts’ all-star high school football player came off the practice field complaining of strange back pain and shortness of breath. He says his heart was beating extremely fast and felt like it was going to come out of his chest; however, instead of attending the issue, he just took a nap and thought he would feel better. When he woke up his Apple Watch gave him a vital clue, his heart rate was elevated running at about 145 beats per second that is 60 to 80 beats higher than normal.

The minor was rushed to the hospital where doctors saved his life. Paul, his family, and his doctors all say he is alive today all thanks to the Heart Rate Monitor Feature on his Apple Watch. He was later officially diagnosed with Rhabdomyolysis, a condition characterized by the release of muscle into the blood stream, which can cause severe kidney damage. Houle said “I was so dehydrated that my muscles started to actually break down and release a protein that is sort of toxic into my blood stream which caused my heart, my liver and my kidneys all to shut down.”

Apple CEO Tim Cook heard about Paul’s story and contacted the teenager. Tim offered him a new IPhone (probably the IPhone 6s, which comes out later this month) and the opportunity to do an internship with apple whenever he wants. After all, the incident worked to Paul’s advantage because now he knows his condition, so he will be more careful in the field, is going to get the latest IPhone for free, and has an internship of a lifetime waiting for him.

Posted in Health, Science and Technology, Sports | Comments Off

Volkswagen CEO Resigns Following Massive Scandal

Posted on September 24, 2015 by jessicamonteagudo

Martin Winterkorn, Volkswagen’s CEO, has resigned following a massive scandal which rocked the automaker. US environmental regulators recently discovered Volkswagen had modified programs and software in their vehicle’s computers to pass computerized emissions tests. Regulators first suspected this program effected around 500,000 vehicles, but since the initial discovery that number has skyrocketed to over 11 million vehicles worldwide. Volkswagen now faces massive penalties not only in the US, but from various different countries.

In regards to his resignation and the scandal Martin Winterkorn has stated, “”I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part.” Winterkorn has also gone on to state he was totally unaware such a massive wrongdoing was taking place at his company and that he feels his resignation will allow the company to achieve a “fresh start”. Winterkorn had been CEO at Volkswagen for eight years prior to the scandal and had a clean corporate record as CEO and and previously as head of Audi.

After news broke of a potential recall of more than 11 million cars, shares of Volkswagen immediately crashed twenty percent. Volkswagen executives announced they have set aside approximately 6.5 billion euros to cover the costs of the recall. Shareholders and lawmakers are convinced the financial pain is not going to end there. It is believed Volkswagen will face another few billion in fines from various countries it does business in. Volkswagen officials are also being told to prepare for a possibly criminal prosecution over the issue.

The EPA believes this is an isolated issue and other car manufacturers were not involved in any way. Volkswagen recently overtook Toyota for most car purchases, an achievement they can now surely expect to lose. Volkswagen faces a long and costly road to redemption and recovery.

Posted in Business | Tagged Audi, Emissions, EPA, Martin Winterkorn, Recall, Scandal, Volkswagen | Comments Off

91-year-old Nazi woman charged with 260,000 counts of accessory to murder

Posted on September 24, 2015 by curry chandler

One 91-year-old woman has been charged with 260,000 counts of accessory to murder in northern Germany. She is accused of being an SS radio operator at Auschwitz during World War II, where thousands of Jews and other undesirables were imprisoned, starved, and exterminated under Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party. The concept behind these allegations is that anyone who in any way aided the machinations of the Nazi Party that directly or indirectly led to the deaths of civilians can be considered an accomplice to the crime. In the case, the crime is steep.

This woman, who remains unnamed, is not the first one to be uncovered this year. 94-year-old former SS officer Oskar Groening was recently sentenced to four years in prison on 300,000 counts of accessory to murder, and in western Germany, Reinhold Hanning was discovered only several weeks ago and is charged with only 170,000 counts of accessory to murder. His lawyers are currently arguing that he is not even in fit condition to face trial. We as a society are reaching a time where there are increasingly fewer survivors of World War II every day, much less Nazi’s stationed at Auschwitz.

There is controversy as to whether the woman should be charged at all. Many argue that, although she aided Auschwitz in its functions as radio operator, she didn’t have any direct ties to the murders. They also claim that, Nazi Germany being Nazi Germany, the woman likely didn’t have any choice in her position and simply kept in line. The opposition points out that it would have been impossible for the woman to not know what was occurring at Auschwitz, and that relocating military posts was an option, even under Hitler’s leadership. Groening, for example, was known as the “bookkeeper of Auschwitz” and collected all the interned peoples’ belongings, and has admitted to also present during the selection process for termination in the gas chambers. It remains to be seen how the woman’s trial will proceed; however, the consistent precedent of conviction does not bode well for her.

Posted in World News | Tagged Auschwitz, crimes against humanity, germany, Nazi, World War II | Comments Off

Parents Forgive Sons who Attacked Them. The Brothers Allegedly Tried To Kill Their Mom and Dad.

Posted on September 23, 2015 by khathaway

Two young Atlanta brothers allegedly tried to kill their parents on early September 2015 and their parents finally speak publicly about the unfortunate even for the first time. Seventeen year old Cameron Ervin and twenty-two year old Christopher Ervin were the individuals who attempted to kill Yvonne Ervin and Zachery Ervin (their parents). The brothers allegedly tried to drug their parents and blowup their Gwinnett County Atlanta home. Parents spoke to the press for the first time after the incident stating they forgive their two sons; they do not know what the motive for this devastating event was, but it does not matter because they love their children unconditionally, have already forgive them, are trying to move on, and they want the community to do the same.

Both parents are dealing with severe physical injuries caused by their two boys. The Ervin brothers are both facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and arson; moreover, they were arrested on September fifth and are both currently behind bars without a bond. The younger brother still just seventeen years old will be charged as an adult. Yvonne Ervin said her husband and her are healing both mentally and physically and are trying their best to fully recover from their nearly death experience. The couple understand the consequences their two sons are facing, but support their attackers no matter what and are praying the world forgives them as well.

The love of a parent is unconditional for their child. No matter what a son or daughter do, mom and dad will always provide their forgiveness and their love.

Posted in Crime, Odd News | Comments Off

UCF Football 0-3 record has fans asking for O’Leary’s resignation.

Posted on September 23, 2015 by jillianlubarsky

For the first time since 2012, the UCF Knights have lost three consecutive games under head coach George O’Leary. The American Athletic Conference football team has had a rough couple of weeks as the team tries to find a winning combination on the field. Of course, the Knights haven’t had the best of luck these past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago in the UCF vs. Stanford game, UCF starting quarterback Justin Holman suffered a sever hand injury that has taken him out of the game for 2-4 weeks. Also during the Stanford game, starting center Joey Grant aggravated a reoccurring shoulder injury, ending his college football career all together.

While coach O’Leary tries to reorganize his offense, the team has seen some unfortunate loses since the beginning of the season, including a 15-14 loss against FIU, a 31-7 loss against Stanford and a crippling 16-15 loss against FCS team Furman this past Saturday at Brighthouse Network Stadium. With the longest losing streak UCF football has seen in over 3 seasons, many UCF fans have created a twitter handle titled “#FireOLeary”. Hundreds of Twitter users expressed their opinions after Saturdays lose. @bettercallsean twitted “UCF just gave Furman their first win vs a FBS team since ’99. Absolutely pathetic. #FireOLeary”. Another user, @BHTeacherAddie posted “Really not sure @UCF_Football will be getting my season tix and donation money next year #fireoleary #recruitbetter”. Whether fans believe it’s the coaching or the recruiting that has negatively affected the Knights, their match-up this upcoming Saturday against the South Carolina Gamecocks of the SEC is sure to be one of the hardest games of the season. Fans will find out on Saturday if the Knights will figure out an alternative offensive strategy during this weeks preparation for the big game.

Posted in Sports | Comments Off

TomorrowWorld Festival is more than a destination… it’s an experience like no other.

Posted on September 22, 2015 by jmcmurray1

Tomorrowworld is coming to Chattahoochee, Georgia this weekend. What’s Tomorrowworld you might ask? Tomorrowworld is an EDM music lover and ravers fantasy destination. There you will experience eight stages with different DJs by the hours filled with different genres. Oh, and this isn’t just a one day event its three days of great music and positive energy. For those staying in Dreamville (the camp site where ravers have the option to stay throughout the weekend) the festivities are four days because they are greeted with a per- party a night before the actually event takes place.

Tomorroworld is the America version of the ever famous Tomorrowland in Belgium. Same concept but Tomoroworld wanted to send a message to the rest of the festivals that they are here to stay. They did this by making the event 21 and over, which allows for a more mature crowed. They cut out a big target market 18-20 but they stuck by what they believed would allow for the best experience for all, and they were right. Many my go to mark it off their bucket list but all will go to enjoy the truly unique experience you get with people from around the world in a positive environment all enjoying the same thing. When is the last time you can say you went to an event where 100,000 plus attended and there were zero incidences reported? Well, at Tomorrowworld that is a reality. A place where once strangest can become your best friend in a matter of hours. Where memories that last a life time are created, and zero regrets or judgments of decisions made while there.

There is a down side to what seems like a fantasy. The amount of walking you do is worse than a day at Disney. One man even reported on year he walk 18 miles at the festival, and that was just the first day. Tomorrowworld is set on an 8,000 acre farm. They do this to create a world of its own. Away from civilization, where you can escape reality. So, if walking it’s an issue for you Tomorroworld just might be your next fantasy.

Posted in Entertainment | Tagged EDM, fantsy, Music, PLUR, tomorrowland, tomorrowworld | Comments Off