There are no hospitals in space. The closest E.R. is back on Earth, and astronauts can’t exactly jump in a cab to get there. So what happens if the sun burps out a massive blast of radiation while an astronaut is space-amblin’ by?

The NASA Biocapsule—made of carbon nanotubes—will be able to “diagnose” and instantly treat an astronaut without him or her even knowing there’s something amiss. It would be like having your own personal Dr. McCoy—implanted under your skin. It represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of medicine, and yes, it’ll work on Earth, too.

Keep reading here. 

Barb Shelly, a member of the editorial board for the Kansas City Star, lent her voice to supporting debate. In her reaction to the debate at Midwest Voices she wrote,  “Regardless of who ends up running the Kansas City School District it should renew its commitment to Debate-KC, the urban debate league which sponsored Tuesday night’s debate.”

She went on to disucss opening remarks by DKC’s Director and noted, “Gabe Cook, director of Debate-KC, scored a point of his own when, in his opening remarks, he referred to a previous school district superintendent who “cut and ran” and left the district with, among other problems, ‘a gutted debate program’.” Part of DKC’s goal for the public debate was to highlight the need for increased support of debate in light of recent budget cuts, and hopefully the event was step in that direction.

TV stations were on hand to cover the debate as well. NBC Action news did a live report from UMKC, the location of the debate. A list of links to DKC’s recent media coverage is below. Please visit http://savedebatekansascity.com/ to donate or find out ways in which you can volunteer.

Media Links

NBC Action News

KC Star: No Debate About the Need for Debate

KC Star: No Debating KC Schools Need Help

DKC Twitter Feed

No matter what is system is ultimately chosen, DKC hopes we can all agree that debate should be supported!

Red Tails chronicles the true story of African American pilots in the Tuskegee training program who faced segregation during World War II.

Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver delivered opening remarks to a packed movie house. He spoke eloquently about the heroism of the Tuskegee airmen featured in the film. The Congressman noted that the Tuskegee airmen “Never lost a ship,” in their role as protectors of large bomber planes that faced attack from German fighters.

Cleaver also spoke highly of George Lucas, hoping we would become the “Branch Rickey of film.” It took the Hollywood tycoon an astonishing 23 years to get Red Tails made because Hollywood has been reluctant fund movies featuring all black casts.

The Congressman was hopeful that Red Tails would be well attended across the country, “Because if this movie succeeds people will put green over black,” a line which inspired cheers from the audience.

If the reaction from the night is any indication, the film will prove successful. West Middle School debate coach Christine Young said, “I’ll pay to see this move again.” Students expressed similar excitement after the film.

“It was an awesome movie!” said Jordan Henderson of Arrowhead Middle.

“One of the best movies I’ve seen. I mean, it was a 20 year production that brings a whole new spirit to African Americans in film,” said Derrick Parker of Lincoln Prep.

“The action sequences were amazing the story was also very inspiring!” elated Swan Sonna of Arrowhead.

The energy after the film filled the theater lounge as guests mingled to share their upbeat reviews. DKC students and coaches were grateful for the night out and the chance to see a movie that could pave the way for African American actors to play larger role in Hollywood films.

The purpose of Competing Futures: a debate over KC schools is twofold according to DKC’s Director, Gabe Cook.

“We want to provide a service to the community by holding a true academic debate over the choices facing our schools. But we also want to remind everyone that no matter what entity is in power, we need greater support for debate. Students access to debate has sharply decreased over the past two years and we must reverse the trend,” said Mr. Cook.

The public event will feature three DKC alumni that provide a testament to the power of debate. Two of the debaters, Ryan Wash and LaToya Williams-Green, are currently seniors at Emporia University where they form one of the best policy debate teams in the country. This year they placed ninth at the prestigious Harvard tournament and received an invitation to the Pittsburg round robin tournament, which is reserved for the top 20 teams in the country. Mr. Wash attended high school at Central while Ms. Williams-Green competed at Lincoln Prep.

The third performer will be Marcus Leach, an alumnus of Central High School who helped bring acclaim to his debate team by placing 10^th at the National Forensics League tournament with partner Brandon Dial. Central’s story of success inspired the bestselling book Cross-Ex by Joe Miller. Mr. Leach followed his debate career with degrees from UMKC and Howard Law School and recently became the first program alumni to join the DEBATE-Kansas City Board of Directors.

The debate will feature a unique format to allow three different ideas to be in contest; most debates are over a single proposition. Each potential system for control – the current community board, mayoral control or a state takeover – will be given equal time and face equal push-back. Debaters will not be representing their personal views but instead will focus on objectively presenting and testing options through academic debate.

The debate will be held at UMKC’s Royall in room 111 at 7:30 p.m. on January 31^st and will last just over an hour. The event is open to the public with seating capacity for well over 200 attendees.

Wikipedia (we do not advise formally citing Wikipedia) lists the following as transportation infrastructure;

Transportation infrastructure

• Road and highway networks, including structures (bridges, tunnels, culverts, retaining walls), signage and markings, electrical systems (street lighting and traffic lights), edge treatments (curbs, sidewalks, landscaping), and specialized facilities such as road maintenance depots and rest areas
• Mass transit systems (Commuter rail systems, subways, tramways, trolleys and bus transportation)
• Railways, including structures, terminal facilities (rail yards, train stations), level crossings, signalling and communications systems
• Canals and navigable waterways requiring continuous maintenance (dredging, etc)
• Seaports and lighthouses
• Airports, including air navigational systems
• Bicycle paths and pedestrian walkways, including pedestrian bridges, pedestrian underpasses and other specialized structures for cyclists and pedestrians
• Ferries

For canals, railroads, highways, airways and pipelines see Grübler (1990),^[13] which provides a detailed discussion of the history and importance of these major infrastructures.

Other information:

Topic paper

The congressional committee and transportation and infrastructure has information 

History channel video on transportation infrastructure

Building America’s Future Report 

This is the second year DKC has broken the Championship into two parts. The first wave is held exclusively for high school policy debate, while all middle school debate and high school congress will be held in February.

The Lincoln Prep Tigers dominated the field by advancing three teams to the semi- finals. Corey Fisher debating maverick beat the team of Taylor Brunson and Emily Anderson from Patton junior High in semi-finals , to effectively close out the tournament.  Corey Fisher was undefeated and took home first place, while the also undefeated partner sets of Jared Freemon and Riley Kelly and Frankie George and Rose Keneally shared the second and third place spots.

“Mr. Fisher debated a great tournament and should be proud, but I have to hand it to the young ladies from Patton because advancing to semi-finals as freshman is a huge accomplishment,” said Isaac Allen, DKC’s Program Coordinator. “

Also of note were the Patton team of Nicole Tennant and Ethan Richardson and the Derrick Thomas team of Neshiera Taylor and Keith Porter who earned novice breakout awards.

The tournament began at 8:00 in the morning and ran late in to the evening. It was a long day, but thanks to the help of DKC coaches and volunteers the day was a success. One reason the DKC City Championship is so special is its incredible judging pool.

“The judges at the City Championship were primarily debaters from area college debate teams, and DKC alumni. This not only provided fair outcomes, it also gave each student at the tournament an opportunity to learn from experienced judges.” said Gabe Cook, Director of DKC.

A full list of Awards is below:

Policy Debate Teams

1. Lincoln Prep, Corey Fisher
2. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George & Rose Keneally
3. Lincoln Prep, Jared Freemon & Riley Kelly
4. Patton, Taylor Brunson & Emily Anderson

Novice Break Out Awards

1. Derrick Thomas, Keith Porter & Neshiera Taylor
2. Patton, Nicole Tennant & Ethan Richardson

Speaker Awards

1. Lincoln Prep, Corey Fisher
2. Hickman, Sahreen Kahn
3. Patton, Emily Anderson
4. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George
5. Patton, Taylor Brunson
6. Derrick Thomas, Erick Adams
7. Lincoln Prep, Riley Kelly
8. Patton, Nicole Tennant
9. Lincoln Prep, Rose Keneally
10. Patton, Jason Green

Congratulations to all students who made the list!

HS Policy Teams

1. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George & Hanna Rose Keneally
2. Patton, Emily Anderson & Taylor Brunson
3. Lincoln Prep, Corey Fisher & Katherine Ahrens
4. Lincoln Prep, Jared Freemon & Riley Kelly
5. Patton, Nicole Tennant & Ethan Richardson

HS Policy Speakers

1. Lincoln Prep, Corey Fisher
2. Hickman, Sahreen Khan
3. Patton, Emily Anderson
4. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George
5. Patton, Taylor Brunson

MS Policy Teams

1. Foreign Language Academy, Jack Eddy & Adam Maiale
2. Barstow Eli Pearce & Spencer Walz
3. Lee A. Tolbert, Myesha Gray & Makayla Oliver
4. Foreign Language Academy, Nicholas Hickam & Ellen Baker
5. Barstow Olivia Dugan & Chloe Ketchmark

MS Policy Speakers

1. Foreign Language Academy, Adam Maiale
2. Barstow, Spencer Walz
3. Foreign Language Academy, Jack Eddy
4. Barstow, Eli Pearce
5. Arrowhead, Louie Andrews

MS Student Congress

1. Foreign Language Academy, Monica Propst
2. Lee A. Tolbert, Ericka Hall
3. Lee A. Tolbert, Aereana Boyd
4. Lee A. Tolbert, Jared Hoskins
5. Foreign Language Academy, Hassan Nureini
6. Center, Caleb Soliday
7. Turner, Hill Connor
8. Lee A. Tolbert, Zion Piper
9. Center             Catlin Camble
10. Lee A. Tolbert, Josiah Hoskins
11. Sumner, Beighly Weiss
12. Lee A. Tolbert, Isaiah Jones
13. Foreign Language Academy, Lucy Hansen
14. Lee A. Tolbert, Kiersten Jackson
15. Lee A. Tolbert, Tyra Drone
16. Rosedale, Ruth Seanez
17. Foreign Language Academy, Adrian Ruiz Gonzalez
18. Rosedale, Gilberto perez
19. Lee A. Tolbert, Ariel Brown
20. Foreign Language Academy, Xavier Freeman-Edwards

The Foreign Language Academy (FLA) debate squad earned an impressive array of awards in both policy debate and student congress that propelled them to first place in the sweepstakes award category.  The FLA squad had been on the verge of winning sweepstakes at the first tournament of the season, only to be narrowly edged out by Lee A. Tolbert. At the Arrowhead tournament those fortunes reversed with Lee A. Tolbert winning second place overall.

“This is going to be a great rivalry this season. I can’t wait to see these two impressive squads duke it out this year,” said Gabe Cook, Director of DKC. “I am also looking to see what other teams emerge as new sweepstakes challengers throughout the year,” he finished.

In policy debate the squad from Barstow Middle School won 6 of the possible 10 awards, establishing themselves as the squad to beat in policy debate. Barstow’s success was led by the team of Spencer Walz and Eli Pearce who took top honors as a team and first and second speakers respectively.

The hosts at Arrowhead were well-organized and created a very hospitable environment. Arrowhead’s head coach William Brame even provided the students a little entertainment prior to awards ceremony by playing a game of Simon Says.

“Arrowhead did a great job and they have a great coach. Mr. Brame made the tournament fun for the kids and the coaches,” said Isaac Allen, DKC’s Program Coordinator.

A full list of awards is below.

Sweepstake Awards

1. Foreign Language Academy,
2. Lee A. Tolbert
3. Center Middle

Policy Debate Teams

1. Barstow Eli Pearce & Spencer Walz
2. Foreign Language Academy, Nicholas Hickam & Ellen Baker
3. Barstow, Olivia Dugan & Chole Ketchmark
4. Foreign Language Academy, Adam Maiale  & Jack Eddy
5. Barstow, Kennedy Dochorn & Grace McGowan

Policy Debate Speakers

1. Barstow, Spencer Walz
2. Barstow, Eli Pearce
3. Barstow, Grace McGowan
4. Lee A. Tolbert, Carly Shockey
5. Foreign Language Academy, Nicholas Hickam

House A

1. Lee A. Tolbert, Jared Hoskins
2. Lee A. Tolbert, Isaiah Jones
3. Center Middle, Caitlin Campbell
4. Foreign Language Academy, Xavier Freeman-Edwards
5. Lee A. Tolbert, Kiersten Jackson

House B

1. Foreign Language Academy, Monica Probst
2. Foreign Language Academy, Hassan Nurini
3. Lee A. Tolbert, Zion Piper
4. Turner Middle, Hill Connor
5. Sumner Academy, Beighly Weiss

1. Center Middle, Caleb Soliday
2. Lee A. Tolbert, Aereona Boyd
3. Lee A. Tolbert, Ericka Hall
4. Lee A. Tolbert, Josiah Hoskins
5. Foreign Language Academy, Lucy Hansen

Novice House D

1. Arrowhead Middle, Colin Barnes
2. Foreign Language Academy, Monteen Simmons
3. Central Middle KCK, Isaa Herr
4. Smith-Hale Middle, Milad Askari
5. Frontier School Innovation, Blakely Mathis

Novice House E

1. Foreign Language Academy, Marybeth Eddy
2. Foreign Language Academy, Lucy Mulholland
3. Arrowhead Middle, Rhoderic Montgomery
4. Foreign Language Academy, Anna Crawford
5. Eisenhower Middle, Javier Brown

Novice House F

1. Eisenhower Middle, Celina Williams
2. Smith-Hale Middle, Dremy McQuarters
3. Rosedale Middle, Gabby Gallindo
4. Lee A. Tolbert, Donnisha Kelly
5. Central Middle KCK, Alex Pena

Novice House G

1. Foreign Language Academy, Irving Meza-Aguirre
2. Foreign Language Academy, Angel Redmond-Payne
3. Frontier School of Innovation, Katelyn Heckeroth
4. Arrowhead Middle, Brielle Christian
5. Smith-Hale Middle, Shelby Woodroof

Students from across the league met and debated two rounds about the merits of pursuing greater support for United States space exploration.

For the second straight tournament the team of Taylor Brunson and Emily Anderson (Patton) took home top honors in policy debate. Their accomplishments are heightened when you consider that these were their first two debate tournaments ever!

Sahreen Kahn of Hickman Mills was the top overall policy debate speaker and has been sharpening her debate skills since middle school.

“Ms. Kahn was a very successful student congress competitor during her time in middle school. Now she has moved up to policy debate where she is looking like a force to be reckoned with,” said Isaac Allen, Program Coordinator of DKC.

The Patton community did an outstanding job as host. “It is the generosity of schools like Patton who host DKC tournaments that make having an Urban Debate League possible,” said Gabe Cook, Director of DKC.  “From the parents who ran concessions and hospitality to the administrators who directed students and secured space, every element of the school community seemed engaged.”  It’s clear the Patton community supports its debate team,” Mr. Cook continued.

In congress Lincoln Prep continued to dominate by winning four out of five awards, which propelled them to a first place sweep stakes award.

A full list of awards is below.

Top 3 Sweepstakes

1. Lincoln College Preparatory Academy
2. Patton Junior High
3. Hickman Mills Junior High

Top 5 Policy Debate Speakers

1. Hickman Mills, Sahreen Kahn
2. Patton, John Dabeck
3. Patton, Taylor Brunson
4. Patton, Jillian Anderson
5. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George

Top 5 Policy Debate Teams

1. Patton, Taylor Brunson & Emily Anderson
2. Lincoln Prep, Frankie George & Hannah Rose
3. Hickman \ Patton Sahreen Kahn & John Klug
4. Patton, Cole Murphy & Jason Green
5. Lincoln Prep, Corey Fisher & Katherine Ahrens

Top 5 Student Congress

1. Lincoln Prep, Breanna Garlington
2. Lincoln Prep, Shakira Johnson
3. Hickman Mills, Shonda Jackson
4. Lincoln Prep, Derrick Parker
5. Lincoln Prep, Stephen Fisher