Peer Editing

To tell our story we have a bunch of different view points, that all stay consistent with the paragraph in the about page. We arranged the blog by putting the public address first. We thought that this would catch the readers attention because the statement is interesting, it explains what happened very well, and it has a big picture at the top. We were inspired because we wanted to do something with food and food critics, so this is the story we came up with. Our least favorite part of this was trying to figure out blogger and how it worked. Our favorite part was being able to freely create a story.We did not go with the traditional Introduction to the blog because we wanted to have a creative spin on the blog not just boring information. We also didn't use an introduction because the first article tells the story, and almost make it seem like the reader is also investigating the issue along with us.

Questions:

Is our blog easy to follow?

Is the layout appropriate?

Are the documents effective in telling the story?

Should we add or subtract any documents?

Public Address

Photo compliments to: Olivia Wildes

September 05, 2011. 10:03 AM

Good Morning,

It is with great regret that I announce that one of our students, Arthur McHiggins, had inhaled a chemical known as chloroform in the quad, from the cafeteria, here at Virginia Tech University. We have been looking deeply into this issue as this is something we are not proud of and our student’s safety is one of our foremost priorities. The student was going to eat a cupcake and smelled it, and someone had planted chloroform on the cupcake causing the student to pass out. We are currently interviewing potential suspects as we have a lead that it is most likely someone on the kitchen staff. The person responsible for this will face heavy charges.

We are taking many more steps to prevent this from happening ever again. The person responsible will be terminated from their position immediately and legal action will also be taken. There is a $10,000 fine for this crime. Until further notice, all cafeterias on campus will be shut down. In addition to this, we are clearing out all of the cafeterias and sterilizing all equipment and restocking all food supplies.

Once again, this is a travesty that we wish upon no one, and we are doing everything we can to keep the students here at Virginia Tech safe. Situations like this simply should not happen, and we are taking responsibility for this. New safety measures will now be taken and strictly enforced. It is our duty, night and day, to make sure the safety of the student, whether in the dining centers or on campus, is a priority. We will release any further information if we receive any.

Thank you,

Dr. William Howe

President of Virginia Tech University

September 05, 2011. 6:43 PM

Good Evening,

We just received word that one of our very own chef’s, whose name we will not release at this time, had planted the chloroform on one single cupcake. The reason behind this is still unknown and we are taking the proper steps to figuring this out. Further information will be released once we have obtained a greater knowledge of to who is responsible for this.

Thank you,

Dr. William Howe

President of Virginia Tech University

Older Post

Expert Statement #2

Expert Statement

Expert: Cho Meng

Expertise: Hazardous Chemicals

http://www.dreamstime.com/chloroform-bottle-2-image33928

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=chloroform+structure&um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=soiuz8NTMifsMM:&imgrefurl=http://toxipedia.o
rg/display/toxipedia/Chloroform&docid=s0jTITY3o1j0BM&w=284&h=295&
ei=LGVvTuykFsePsQLy18nzCQ&zoom=1&biw=1366&bih=673&iact=rc&dur=206&page=1&
tbnh=138&tbnw=130&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0&tx=49&ty=76

My name is Cho Meng , I study hazardous chemicals and my job is to explain what these chemicals are. I was informed that on September 4^th a boy passed out due to food tampering with chloroform. I hope that my expertise can give you insight to what chloroform is really about and answer questions you may have regarding chloroform itself. Chloroform has been known to be very dangerous in the medical field and in cases like this. The compound chloroform, was discovered by Samuel Guthrie, who was from the United States. During the 1800’s and into the early 1900’s chloroform was used mainly in the medical field. The first death that was due to chloroform was in 1848.  They then did a study on animals proving that chloroform can cause cardiac fibrillation.  During the Civil War chloroform was a key component in amputations, it reduce pain for the wounded soldiers. Later in the 1900’s scientists figured out that chloroform was unsafe, so it was then replaced with oxygen-gas mixtures that were safer for the patient. Though chloroform has decreased in the medical field, it has recently been used as a “date rape drug”. Once chloroform is inhaled it can make the victim suddenly pass out. Thus making it easy for someone to capture their victim. Though we do not know the intentions that someone had by putting chloroform on the cupcake, we do know that it successfully worked. Gladly though McHiggins was safe and ok. Chloroform is not something that should be messed with and all people should stay clear from this chemical as much as possible.

I hope this clarifies what chloroform is all about! If you have any questions call my hot line 1-800-CHO-MENG or come into my office that is located right on campus.

Best regards to the McHiggins boy,

Cho Meng

Expert on Hazardous Chemicals

Previous Draft (Rough Draft)

Newspaper Article

We received a report that a local boy, Arthur McHiggins, who attends Virginia Tech was found laying on the quad unconscious on September 4,2011 at approximately 1:05 in the afternoon. Passersby realized that he was not breathing and immediately called the authorities. Once the authorities arrived on the scene they found a cupcake that has been tested for any food tampering and it has officially been declared that it was tainted with chloroform. The school has said that when they find out who is responsible for this, that person will immediately be fired and legal action will be taken. Virginia Tech University is taking all the precautions necessary to ensure that this incident will not happen again. They issued a statement saying that they will close down all campus cafeterias and do a complete sterilization of everything that is in the cafeteria building. The school is hoping that this wipe down will lead to some more evidence or clues to the attacker. If you suspect that your food has been tampered with, return it and ask for a new meal. You can also report any kind of food tampering to the US Food and Drug Administration as well as a local official. If you have any details as to who may have put the chloroform into Arthur McHiggins' food please contact the school immediately.

Previous Post

Police Report

*NEWS MEDIA RELEASE*

NATURE OF CASE: Unconscious Student Due To Food Tampering

VICTIM(S): McHiggins, Arthur

SUSPECT(S): Virginia Tech Cafeteria Staff

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELEASE: On September 4^th, 2011 at approximately 1:05 PM personnel from the Virgen City Police and Fire Department responded to a report of an unconscious student on the West side of the quad at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Thus far, the investigation has revealed that McHiggins had the chemical chloroform embed in a cupcake he had taken to go. It has been suspected that a member of the Virginia Tech cafeteria staff is responsible for the incident.

Prior to the incident, witnesses report that McHiggins had recently been at the cafeteria eating a meal with friends. When he was done he decided to walk back to his dormitory. He smelled the cupcake taken from the cafeteria, was going to eat it but suddenly fell.

He was found lying on the quad unconscious moments later.

Results of a food test show that chloroform, a chemical substance that if inhaled causes faintness, was put into the cupcake McHiggins had taken.

Due to this incident it has been ordered that all Virginia Tech cafeterias remain closed until further notice. Virginia State Law has also ordered that all food be discarded and all kitchens are fully sanitized. The Virginia Health Department will allow the cafeteria only to be reopened once the correct suspect has been found and the situation has been fully taken care of.

The cafeteria staff is in the process of being questioned and their work materials are being tested for evidence. The person responsible for this incident will be immediately fired. They will be charged with a felony of food poisoning, a three to eighteen year sentence, and be given a fine of $10,000. If more than one person was involved in this act each individual will be equally charged.

Officials say that the situation needs to be taken seriously which is why the person responsible will be held to the highest degree of punishment.

The evidence and reports regarding the investigation of this incident will be presented to District Attorney Robert Mallon, when complete. Until the District Attorney receives the case, there will be no further release of information.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASE #: 22345-32847 PREPARED BY: ANTHONY DEFANZO

RANK OR TITLE: CHIEF OF POLICE, VA

PREVIOUS POST!

Expert Statement

Expert Statement

Expert: Cho Meng

Expertise:  Hazardous Chemicals

My name is Cho Meng , I study hazardous chemicals and my job is to explain what these chemicals are.  I was informed that on September 4^th a boy passed out due to food tampering with chloroform.  I hope that my expertise can give you insight to what chloroform is really about and answer questions you may have regarding chloroform itself.   Chloroform has been known to be very dangerous in the medical field and in cases like this. The compound chloroform, was discovered by Samuel Guthrie, who was from the United States.  During the 1800’s and into the early 1900’s chloroform was used mainly in the medical field.  The first death that was due to chloroform was in 1848.  Due to this they did a study on animals proving that chloroform can cause cardiac fibrillation.  In the Civil War chloroform was a key component in amputations to reduce pain for the wounded soldiers.  Later in the 1900’s scientists figured out that chloroform was unsafe, so it was then replaced with oxygen-gas mixtures that were safer for the patient.  Though chloroform has decreased in the medical field, it has recently been used as a “date rape drug”.  Mainly because once chloroform is inhaled it can make the victim suddenly pass out.  Thus making it easy for someone to capture their victim.  Though we do not know the intentions that someone had by putting chloroform on a cupcake, we do know that it successfully worked.  Gladly though McHiggins was safe and ok.  Chloroform is not something that should be messed with and all people should stay clear from this chemical as much as possible.

Best regards to the McHiggins boy,

Cho Meng

Expert on Hazardous Chemicals  

Newpaper Article

We received a report that a local boy, Arthur McHiggins, who attends Virginia Tech was found laying on the quad unconscious on September 4,2011 at approximately 1:05 in the afternoon. Passersby realized that he was not breathing and immediately called the authorities. Once the authorities arrived on the scene they found a cupcake that has been tested for any food tampering and it has officially been declared that it was tainted with cholorform. The school has said that when they find out who is responsible for this, that person will immediately be fired and legal action will be taken. Virginia Tech University is taking all the precautions necessary to ensure that this incident will not happen again. They issued a statement saying that they will close down all campus cafeterias and do a complete sterilizationof everything that is in the cafeteria building. The school is hoping that this wipe down will lead to some more evidence or clues to the attacker. If you suspect that your food has been tampered with, return it and ask for a new meal. You can also report any kind of food tampering to the US Food and Drug Administration as well as a local official. If you have any details as to who may have put the choloform into Arthur McHiggins' food please contact the school immediately.

Police Report

*NEWS MEDIA RELEASE*

NATURE OF CASE: Unconscious Student Due To Food Tampering

VICTIM(S): McHiggins, Arthur

SUSPECT(S): Virginia Tech Cafeteria Staff

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RELEASE: On September 4^th, 2011 at approximately 1:05 PM personnel from the Virgen City Police and Fire Department responded to a report of an unconscious student on the West side of the quad at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Thus far, the investigation has revealed that McHiggins had the chemical chloroform embed in a cupcake he had taken to go. It has been suspected that a member of the Virginia Tech cafeteria staff is responsible for the incident.

Prior to the incident, witnesses report that McHiggins was walking on the quad, smelled the cupcake he was going to eat, and then laid across the quad unconscious moments later.

Results of a food test show that chloroform, a chemical substance that if inhaled causes faintness, was put into the cupcake McHiggins had taken.

Due to this incident it has been ordered that all Virginia Tech cafeterias remain closed until further notice. Virginia State Law has also ordered that all food be discarded and all kitchens are fully sanitized. The Virginia Health Department will allow the cafeteria only to be reopened once the correct suspect has been found and the situation has been fully taken care of.

The cafeteria staff is in the process of being questioned and their work materials are being tested for evidence. The person responsible for this incident will be immediately fired. They will be charged with a felony of food poisoning, a three to eighteen year sentence, and be given a fine of $10,000. If more than one person was involved in this act each individual will be equally charged.

The evidence and reports regarding the investigation of this incident will be presented to District Attorney Robert Mallon, when complete. Until the District Attorney receives the case, there will be no further release of information.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASE #: 22345-32847 PREPARED BY: ANTHONY DEFANZO

RANK OR TITLE: CHIEF OF POLICE, VA

Public Address

September 05, 2011. 10:03 AM

Good Morning,

It is with great regret that I announce that one of our students, Arthur McHiggins, had inhaled a chemical known as chloroform in one of our cafeterias here at Virginia Tech University. We have been looking deeply into this issue as this is something we are not proud of and our student’s safety is one of our foremost priorities. The student was going to eat a cupcake and smelled it, and someone had planted chloroform on the cupcake causing the student to pass out. We are currently interviewing potential suspects as we have a lead that it is most likely someone on the kitchen staff.

We are taking many more steps to prevent this from happening ever again. The person responsible will be terminated from their position immediately and legal action will also be taken. Until further notice, all cafeterias on campus will be shut down. In addition to this, we are clearing out all of the cafeterias and sterilizing all equipment and restocking all food supplies.

Once again, this is a travesty that we wish upon no one, and we are doing everything we can to keep the students here at Virginia Tech safe. Situations like this simply should not happen, and we are taking responsibility for this. New safety measures will now be taken and strictly enforced. It is our duty, night and day, to make sure the safety of the student, whether in the dining centers or on campus, is a priority. We will release any further information if we receive any.

Thank you,

Dr. William Howe

President of Virginia Tech University

September 05, 2011. 6:43 PM

Good Evening,

We just received word that one of our very own chef’s, whose name we will not release at this time, had planted the chloroform on one single cupcake. We have not found out why he did what he did yet but if we hear anything else we will contact you as soon as we can.

Thank you,

Dr. William Howe

President of Virginia Tech University

History of Chloroform

Chloroform was a popular anesthetic during the mid 1800's to around 1900.  Later on in the 1900's chloroform was replaced with oxygen-gas mixtures for anesthia because it was safer. Choloroform used to be widely used in syrups, sedatives, andpain relievers.  Since 1976 chloroform has been banned from drug, cosmetic, and food products.  This compound was discovered by Samuel Guthrie from the United States (1782-1848). It was also discovered by two other scientists. Sir James Young Simpson introduced chloroform into the medical for its use in anesthetics. Dr. John Snow invented an inhaler that regulated the amount of chloroform that would be inhaled at a time.  

Sites:

1) http://www.discoveriesinmedicine.com/Bar-Cod/Chloroform.html
This website describes what chloroform is and how it is used in the anesthetic world. It also talks a lot about Simpson was who discovered that chloroform could be used for anesthetics in in 1847 in Scotland.  It also talks about another anesthetic that they used called ether.  They said that chloroform was much more powerful and pleasant to take unlike ether. 
2)http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-chloroform.htm
This website gives information about chloroform and not about how it came to be.  It also talks about what happens when chloroform is exposed to oxygen and sunlight.  It explains how when
it is released into the outdoors it will virtually become not harmful, but if it is kept in an enclosed room and is released then it can become dangerous. This website also talks about the harmful effects that chloroform has on the body. 

3)http://www.general-anaesthesia.com/chloroform.html
This website describes the first fatal death from chloroform.  She was a 15 year old girl named Hannah Greener and she died January 28, 1848. Also it talks about a study that was done on animals that concluded that
chloroform causes cardiac fibrillation. 
4)http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Chloroform
This information is from the New World Encyclopedia. This website seems like it can provide a lot of information about chloroform that could be useful for our project.  It talks about the many different uses of chloroform such as in the pharmaceutical industry, and for producing dyes and pesticides
. Also it is used to make freon refrigerant R-22 and many more uses. Also it talks about the safety precautions that should be taken while dealing with something as strong as chloroform. It talks about the production of chloroform. 
5)http://www.history.com/topics/ether-and-chloroform
This information is on the History Channel website. It describes how during the Civil war chloroform became a vital tool for doctors. Also it gives background information on Chloroform and ether, which both were used during the time of the war. Chloroform was very important when it came to surgery. It helped reduce pain, especially during amputation surgeries that were very common during the war.  

Food Tampering.

http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/indoors/food_safety/food_tampering.htm
This article is about food tampering. The article says how to recognize if your food has been tampered with, what to do if your food has been tampered with, how to prevent it, and the fact that tampering with someone's food is a crime.

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm079137.htm
This article tells us about food tampering everywhere, even in your own home. It has the number for who to contact if your food has been tampered with. It also has a list of steps to take in case your food is tampered with.

http://www.ehow.com/how_8182867_test-food-tampering.html
this website gives instructions on how to test for food tampering at home and also how to test for food tampering in the grocery store. It says that consumers should keep the food they believe to have been tampered to give to authorities who can do further testing to see if your food has indeed been tampered.

http://www.scdhec.gov/health/envhlth/food-safety/defense.htm
This website has links to a bunch of other websites on food security training. It also has a bunch of different ways on how to prevent food tampering.

Faced With Charges

In the article that I researched a sheriff found pubic hair in a sandwich that he bought at Wendy's. This is important because we should know what would happen to the person responsible of tampering with the food. If caught food tampering one may be charged with misdemeanor a one year sentence, or felony food poisoning a three to eighteen year sentence. Also, it is important to know that the food department would investigate. According to the article that I researched every food handler must complete a class in order to receive a food handlers card. It also stated that the two employees that tampered the food at Wendy's did not have cards. This brings up a good point that those working in any restaurant should probably be required to get this food handler's card.
http://wtrf.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=54643

This article contains information regarding a grocery store where multiple cases of food tampering occurred. Metal objects were found in packages of ground beef. It tells that they will give a $10,000 reward to someone that finds out who is involved in the tampering cases because it has occurred in seven local food stores in the same area. It also explains that a woman was charged $5,000 for her involvement in the tampering cases.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2010/04/01/calgary-food-tampering-metal-grocery-police-buy-safeway.html

The article is important because it explains that if caught food tampering at a restaurant the permit could be suspended. Also this article talks about a restaurant that had surveillance of chefs spitting on food and putting food up their noses. It tells how the employees were charged fines, fired, and the legal charges that they face because of their acts.
http://www.wmctv.com/story/10279765/andys-restaurant-scorecard-food-tampering-laws-plus-scores-as-of-42309

This article is important because it tells the story of a Domino's employee caught food tampering. It explains that he was convicted of the charge and sentenced to 24 months of supervised probation. He was also given a fine of $1,000 and told to stay away from Domino's. The interesting part of this article is that he was caught because it was on film. The girl that filmed the video is also being charged for her involvement in the case.
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/22785146/detail.html

The story here is that an old couple bought jello, would take it home to replace the contents with a mixture of sand and salt, reseal the jello and return it back to the store. The thing I found interesting here was that they claimed that the couple was suffering "age related mental issues." They were arrested and face charges, but the fact that they are old may get the charges lowered. I thought this was crazy because they still knew they were doing something wrong. A police officer was reported saying "the couple did not mean any harm, they just wanted jello without having to pay for it." However the couple has been noted as being in a well financial situation. It just goes to show that anyone can do a crime such as food tampering and you can't just not charge someone because they are old.
http://law.rightpundits.com/?p=1387

The Facts of Chloroform

Chloroform is a clear liquid with an ether-like odor and a slightly sweet taste. It is a chemical that is used to make coolants, as a fumigant for grain, and as a dry cleaning spot remover. However, chloroform can have many negative effects on people. Chloroform can be ingested by breathing it in, eating it, or touching it. Causing people to immediately feel dizzy, tired, and have a headache, chloroform has many negative effects on the human body. In fact, chloroform (in large amounts) has been suspected of causing cancer and damage liver and kidney functions. On top of that, it has been found in the bloodstream of developing babies of pregnant women exposed to it. This is important to know because chloroform is something one should know about so they do not use it in the wrong way. It can be extremely harmful to the body and a general knowledge can help someone take the right steps to preventing chloroform from harming them.

1. http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/chemfs/fs/chloroform.htm
2. http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/chloroform.aspx
3. http://chemistry.forumotion.com/t514-chloroforma-few-more-facts
4. http://www.patientsville.com/toxic/chloroform.htm
5. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/113697/chloroform-CHCl3