"Rocket, not Santa, blamed for Norway spiral"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/10/norway.ufo.light/index.html
When a mysterious blue light spiraled throughout the Norwegian sky last Wednesday, many thought the blaze to be a UFO. As it turns out, the light was actually the failing of Russian missile test, and with weather conditions perfect for a clear viewing of the sky, many Norwegians were clearly able to see and mistakenly identify the light. Silly Norwegians. Good thing the members of Norway's space center in Oslo correctly guessed and identified what the object was, cause if they had thought it was Santa or an alien of some sort like many others, well that would just be sad.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Funny, I do not know why, but funny
"Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi struck in face at rally"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/13/berlusconi.milan/index.html
Well, while a shoe was thrown at President Bush, it seems very appropriate that a replica of a Milan Cathedral would be thrown at Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi. Am I a bad person for laughing at this headline when I first read it? It's not that I have anything against the prime minister, really I do not know much about his contributions to the Italian government, but I don't know I think maybe the slapstick sense of it all just really entertained me. The article did make me wonder what Berlusconi was doing over in Italia to deserve such an act, but it's hard to say whether he doesn't or not. Though he is in the midst of tax fraud charges and a messy divorce, his approval rating are well about 50%, having just been reelected in 2008, and as it turns out, the suspect who threw/hit him is allegedly mentally unstable. Even so, it's still funny. I think I'm going to hell...
"Aussie, Chinese officials urge pandas to reproduce"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091213/ap_on_re_as/as_australia_giant_pandas
Okay this one is funny too, but not because someone is being injured. No, it's because government officials are speaking publicly to pandas, urging them to reproduce. That's right. Talking directly, to the pandas. As if the pandas understand what they are saying. Now I understand the need for these pandas to reproduce, but I think there are more productice (no pun intended) ways to make the situation happen, or if they cannot reproduce right now, can't these officials be doing something else a bit more useful than talking to animals? Still, very funny. I wish the pandas luck.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/13/berlusconi.milan/index.html
Well, while a shoe was thrown at President Bush, it seems very appropriate that a replica of a Milan Cathedral would be thrown at Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi. Am I a bad person for laughing at this headline when I first read it? It's not that I have anything against the prime minister, really I do not know much about his contributions to the Italian government, but I don't know I think maybe the slapstick sense of it all just really entertained me. The article did make me wonder what Berlusconi was doing over in Italia to deserve such an act, but it's hard to say whether he doesn't or not. Though he is in the midst of tax fraud charges and a messy divorce, his approval rating are well about 50%, having just been reelected in 2008, and as it turns out, the suspect who threw/hit him is allegedly mentally unstable. Even so, it's still funny. I think I'm going to hell...
"Aussie, Chinese officials urge pandas to reproduce"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091213/ap_on_re_as/as_australia_giant_pandas
Okay this one is funny too, but not because someone is being injured. No, it's because government officials are speaking publicly to pandas, urging them to reproduce. That's right. Talking directly, to the pandas. As if the pandas understand what they are saying. Now I understand the need for these pandas to reproduce, but I think there are more productice (no pun intended) ways to make the situation happen, or if they cannot reproduce right now, can't these officials be doing something else a bit more useful than talking to animals? Still, very funny. I wish the pandas luck.
Friday, December 11, 2009
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/11/vatican.ireland.child.abuse/index.ht
"Pope 'deeply disturbed' over abuse by Irish clergy"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/11/vatican.ireland.child.abuse/index.html
After decades of child abuse were discovered to have taken place in the clergy of the Irish Catholic Church, Pope Benedict is expressing his regret and deep disturbance over the issue. All i have to say is, I sure hope he would be disturbed! What else would he say, good for them? Can I join in next? Snarky response to this article I know, but I'd rather here about what he and the rest of the church will do to prevent future occurrences of child abuse. Sometimes news reports seem a bit ridiculous to me. Yes, it's important to get the word out that the Pope is acknowledging the event's horrible nature, but really I'm looking for some action, which isn't addressed until the very end of the article.We have to stop treating the pope and our other officials like celebrities and start covering at a more in-depth level the parts of these stories that really matter.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/11/vatican.ireland.child.abuse/index.html
After decades of child abuse were discovered to have taken place in the clergy of the Irish Catholic Church, Pope Benedict is expressing his regret and deep disturbance over the issue. All i have to say is, I sure hope he would be disturbed! What else would he say, good for them? Can I join in next? Snarky response to this article I know, but I'd rather here about what he and the rest of the church will do to prevent future occurrences of child abuse. Sometimes news reports seem a bit ridiculous to me. Yes, it's important to get the word out that the Pope is acknowledging the event's horrible nature, but really I'm looking for some action, which isn't addressed until the very end of the article.We have to stop treating the pope and our other officials like celebrities and start covering at a more in-depth level the parts of these stories that really matter.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Drugs
"Anti-drug chief killed in Honduras"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/12/08/honduras.drug.chief.slain/index.html
This article is actually a little terrifying. Now, usually the top anti-drug chief in Honduras travels with bodyguards because, well, naturally he's going to have a lot of enemies. This time though, he went to drop his daughter off at school, just a brief trip, by himself. On his way back, at the first traffic light that he stopped at, men with guns pulled up next to his car and shot directly through is car door, killing him in an unabashed display of slaughter and hate. Just a short trip alone and this incredible lack of violence happens. Not only is this a terrible tragedy, but sadly, it is also a sign of the impending growth of organized crime and drug gangs happening in Honduras.
"Testosterone, the hormone that makes you kind and genial"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1234323/Testosterone-hormone-makes-kind-genial.html
Though testosterone is normally associated with aggression and violence, new research suggests quite the opposite. In fact, according to this study done at the Unversity of Zurich, more testosterone may actually decrease levels of aggression in men, attributing to higher levels of fair play, kindness, and friendliness. Now granted this is only one study, but I find it fascinating how a long held belief, such as this, can quite suddenly be so wrong. It makes me wonder what else that we believe to be so indisputably true is actually ridiculously wrong. Life is funny that way.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/12/08/honduras.drug.chief.slain/index.html
This article is actually a little terrifying. Now, usually the top anti-drug chief in Honduras travels with bodyguards because, well, naturally he's going to have a lot of enemies. This time though, he went to drop his daughter off at school, just a brief trip, by himself. On his way back, at the first traffic light that he stopped at, men with guns pulled up next to his car and shot directly through is car door, killing him in an unabashed display of slaughter and hate. Just a short trip alone and this incredible lack of violence happens. Not only is this a terrible tragedy, but sadly, it is also a sign of the impending growth of organized crime and drug gangs happening in Honduras.
"Testosterone, the hormone that makes you kind and genial"
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1234323/Testosterone-hormone-makes-kind-genial.html
Though testosterone is normally associated with aggression and violence, new research suggests quite the opposite. In fact, according to this study done at the Unversity of Zurich, more testosterone may actually decrease levels of aggression in men, attributing to higher levels of fair play, kindness, and friendliness. Now granted this is only one study, but I find it fascinating how a long held belief, such as this, can quite suddenly be so wrong. It makes me wonder what else that we believe to be so indisputably true is actually ridiculously wrong. Life is funny that way.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Renewed Hope
"War zone could be new Serengeti"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/12/06/sudan.national.parks/index.html
The devastation that war causes for humans alone is unforgivable, realizing that that same devastation reaches wildlife too elevates the tragedy to an entirely new and more tragic height. However, seems like nature has its own ways to fight. Animals in the southern Sudan region, which has been consumed in war for the past 25 years, seem to be thriving against all odds. Despite concerns that much of the distinctive wildlife had been hunted to extinction, convservationists have found large numbers of elephants and antelopes, both of which were thought to have disappeared from the region completely. Though yes, not all animals, such as the zebra, are thriving quite as well, this discovery provides enormous hope for the future of the area.
Sadly enough there will still be threats to the wildlife in peaceful times. Problems of human settlement expansion and poachers with modern automatic weapons continue to creep, but various organizations are working with the Sudanese government to preserve the wildlife, which in turn will help preserve these poor people. As is stated in this article, "The poorest people in the world are those who live in environmentally degraded places." Thus protecting this animals is key to protecting our fellow beings as well as this planet as a whole.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/12/06/sudan.national.parks/index.html
The devastation that war causes for humans alone is unforgivable, realizing that that same devastation reaches wildlife too elevates the tragedy to an entirely new and more tragic height. However, seems like nature has its own ways to fight. Animals in the southern Sudan region, which has been consumed in war for the past 25 years, seem to be thriving against all odds. Despite concerns that much of the distinctive wildlife had been hunted to extinction, convservationists have found large numbers of elephants and antelopes, both of which were thought to have disappeared from the region completely. Though yes, not all animals, such as the zebra, are thriving quite as well, this discovery provides enormous hope for the future of the area.
Sadly enough there will still be threats to the wildlife in peaceful times. Problems of human settlement expansion and poachers with modern automatic weapons continue to creep, but various organizations are working with the Sudanese government to preserve the wildlife, which in turn will help preserve these poor people. As is stated in this article, "The poorest people in the world are those who live in environmentally degraded places." Thus protecting this animals is key to protecting our fellow beings as well as this planet as a whole.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Rat Food
"ITV apologizes over rat eating row"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091207/wl_uk_afp/australiabritainmediajusticeanimalitv
This news story is just so bizarre that I have to comment on it. Apparently there's this big controversy in Australia after some television stars killed, cooked, and ate a rat for some TV stunt, supposedly a "jungle endurance test". I keep picturing in my head something like Survivor or Fear Factor, but no matter what type of show it was for, killing a rat is illegal in Australia, qualifying as animal cruelty. While I do think killing animals is very cruel, especially to make money off some publicity stunt, I do wonder why killing other animals for food is not considered the same. Seems a bit hypocritical to me, but that's just me.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091207/wl_uk_afp/australiabritainmediajusticeanimalitv
This news story is just so bizarre that I have to comment on it. Apparently there's this big controversy in Australia after some television stars killed, cooked, and ate a rat for some TV stunt, supposedly a "jungle endurance test". I keep picturing in my head something like Survivor or Fear Factor, but no matter what type of show it was for, killing a rat is illegal in Australia, qualifying as animal cruelty. While I do think killing animals is very cruel, especially to make money off some publicity stunt, I do wonder why killing other animals for food is not considered the same. Seems a bit hypocritical to me, but that's just me.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Raging Fire
"Five detained as investigators probe deadly Russian nightclub fire"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/05/russia.nightclub.fire/index.html
This article really just terrifies me. Just imagine, being in some sort of club or overly crowded room when suddenly a fire breaks out, above your head. The juggler working with some sort of pyrotechniques (illegally, mind you) has allowed the item he is juggling to come into contact with the ceiling. Before you know it, the sky above you is engulfed in flames, there's people running, rushing, screaming from the roaring inferno. You cannot breathe, you cannot see, people begin to trample one another as the roof comes crashing down, bit by blazing bit...
Nobody should have to arrive at a club to see that a loved one, along with over 100 others, has been either trampled, suffocated or burned to death.
Currently, the co-ownvers of the club and a few other people, particularly the individual who provided the illegal fireworks, have been brought into custody. As they well should be. Even if only one life had been taken, there is no excuse for such a blatant disregard for safety and human life.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/12/05/russia.nightclub.fire/index.html
This article really just terrifies me. Just imagine, being in some sort of club or overly crowded room when suddenly a fire breaks out, above your head. The juggler working with some sort of pyrotechniques (illegally, mind you) has allowed the item he is juggling to come into contact with the ceiling. Before you know it, the sky above you is engulfed in flames, there's people running, rushing, screaming from the roaring inferno. You cannot breathe, you cannot see, people begin to trample one another as the roof comes crashing down, bit by blazing bit...
Nobody should have to arrive at a club to see that a loved one, along with over 100 others, has been either trampled, suffocated or burned to death.
Currently, the co-ownvers of the club and a few other people, particularly the individual who provided the illegal fireworks, have been brought into custody. As they well should be. Even if only one life had been taken, there is no excuse for such a blatant disregard for safety and human life.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Murder and Music
"Knox convicted, sentenced to 26 years in prison"
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_italy_student_slain
Now I've read a few articles on this case over the past few months, and while I would never call myself an expert on the topic I would have to say that I know enough to form an opinion. My opinion is that this case has been swarmed with unjust media attention that, like many cases previously, very possibly affected the verdict. I do not know whether Knox is guilty or innocent, I do think she at least was involved or witnessed something in someway, but I cannot say whether she committed the crime. What I do know is that the so-called "justice" systems of the world need to pay attention to the cameras covering their trials and start focusing on ridding the trials of media bias and influence.
"Ottawa boy ordered to shut down his radio station"
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/12/03/ottawa-pirate-radio-station.html
I have to say I like this boy's initiative, and I am very saddened at the country's attempt to shut him down. 6 - 10 months for a license? Really? What's the hold up? Instead of aiding an independent, ambitious boy in his attempts to make other people happy, to improve the radio business as a matter of fact, they immediately step a foot down and smash his operations. If anything I think this boy should be commended for taking the time and care to give people what they want. A few more people in this world like him could change the world. Sure, it's not a cure for cancer, but I think a smile and some joyful music can cure just about anything.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/eu_italy_student_slain
Now I've read a few articles on this case over the past few months, and while I would never call myself an expert on the topic I would have to say that I know enough to form an opinion. My opinion is that this case has been swarmed with unjust media attention that, like many cases previously, very possibly affected the verdict. I do not know whether Knox is guilty or innocent, I do think she at least was involved or witnessed something in someway, but I cannot say whether she committed the crime. What I do know is that the so-called "justice" systems of the world need to pay attention to the cameras covering their trials and start focusing on ridding the trials of media bias and influence.
"Ottawa boy ordered to shut down his radio station"
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2009/12/03/ottawa-pirate-radio-station.html
I have to say I like this boy's initiative, and I am very saddened at the country's attempt to shut him down. 6 - 10 months for a license? Really? What's the hold up? Instead of aiding an independent, ambitious boy in his attempts to make other people happy, to improve the radio business as a matter of fact, they immediately step a foot down and smash his operations. If anything I think this boy should be commended for taking the time and care to give people what they want. A few more people in this world like him could change the world. Sure, it's not a cure for cancer, but I think a smile and some joyful music can cure just about anything.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Messed Up
"Spate of suicides by foreign maids in Lebanon sheds light on abuse"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/11/24/lebanon.suicides/index.html
My opinion on this article? Well, does it really even need saying? Anyone with any remnant of a soul would find the conditions described in this article absolutely appalling. No human being should feel forced to enter such conditions to support their family and then feel so hopeless and downtrodden as to commit suicide. The pattern of these suicides certainly speaks for itself; no one can deny that conditions are bad when multiple women cannot even stand to live anymore as a result. Certainly the trend isn't going noticed, so what I want to know is what will be done about it? And how are conditions this bad in so many households? Does anyone in Lebanon see the horrific consequences of these conditions? Or are foreign women so undervalued that it just doesn't matter? Each new question just makes me angrier, sadder, and more confused, which sadly enough will most likely make me stop asking questions like the many other apathetic inhabitants of this planet.
"Weapons testing turns deadly in S. Korea"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/12/03/skorea.explosion/index.html
Well, just one more reason there shouldn't be weapon testing to begin with. I understand the need for protection yada yada yada but really, who ever decided it'd be good idea to shoot things at each other to solve a problem? Oh hey, we disagree about this, let's grab a bunch of guys, give them some deadly objects, and make them fight to the death. PERFECT! Problem solved! Lord sometimes this world is messed up.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/11/24/lebanon.suicides/index.html
My opinion on this article? Well, does it really even need saying? Anyone with any remnant of a soul would find the conditions described in this article absolutely appalling. No human being should feel forced to enter such conditions to support their family and then feel so hopeless and downtrodden as to commit suicide. The pattern of these suicides certainly speaks for itself; no one can deny that conditions are bad when multiple women cannot even stand to live anymore as a result. Certainly the trend isn't going noticed, so what I want to know is what will be done about it? And how are conditions this bad in so many households? Does anyone in Lebanon see the horrific consequences of these conditions? Or are foreign women so undervalued that it just doesn't matter? Each new question just makes me angrier, sadder, and more confused, which sadly enough will most likely make me stop asking questions like the many other apathetic inhabitants of this planet.
"Weapons testing turns deadly in S. Korea"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/12/03/skorea.explosion/index.html
Well, just one more reason there shouldn't be weapon testing to begin with. I understand the need for protection yada yada yada but really, who ever decided it'd be good idea to shoot things at each other to solve a problem? Oh hey, we disagree about this, let's grab a bunch of guys, give them some deadly objects, and make them fight to the death. PERFECT! Problem solved! Lord sometimes this world is messed up.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Under the Knife
"Former Miss Argentina dies after plastic surgery"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/12/01/argentina.model.death/index.html
Now this might be harsh, but I find Miss Argentina's decision to go under the knife not only unnecessary but irresponsible, particularly as she was a mother of seven-year old twins. I am not saying her death wasn't tragic by any means. I am also not just applying this to her either, but to any man or woman who decides to get unnecessary surgery when in the midst of raising young children. Even sadder is the fact that plastic surgery and the hunt for perfection are so prevalent in our society that even a model felt the need to alter her already stunning body. Indeed, the article mentions that medical tourism is a quickly growing $100 billion dollar industry. I read that fact and thought to myself, medical tourism? Since when is plastic surgery abroad a widespread industry, so much so that they even have a technical term for it now? How absurd! As a society, are we that concerned with our looks? Maybe I can't blame Miss Argentina, because if even a super model can't feel secure with herself in this world, we have some societal reassessment to do.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/12/01/argentina.model.death/index.html
Now this might be harsh, but I find Miss Argentina's decision to go under the knife not only unnecessary but irresponsible, particularly as she was a mother of seven-year old twins. I am not saying her death wasn't tragic by any means. I am also not just applying this to her either, but to any man or woman who decides to get unnecessary surgery when in the midst of raising young children. Even sadder is the fact that plastic surgery and the hunt for perfection are so prevalent in our society that even a model felt the need to alter her already stunning body. Indeed, the article mentions that medical tourism is a quickly growing $100 billion dollar industry. I read that fact and thought to myself, medical tourism? Since when is plastic surgery abroad a widespread industry, so much so that they even have a technical term for it now? How absurd! As a society, are we that concerned with our looks? Maybe I can't blame Miss Argentina, because if even a super model can't feel secure with herself in this world, we have some societal reassessment to do.
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