San Diegans kicked off a flight for speaking Russian

Taken From: The Voice of Russia

Date Published: May 25th, 2013

Summary: Six residents of San Diego were taken off an airplane flight in the United States for speaking Russian. The six people, were flying to Las Vegas for an anniversary party last Thursday. Less than 10 minutes in their seats they were asked to leave. One of the passengers said he was very confused. All of them are Russian natives. They claim they were chatting about the party in their regular voices speaking in Russian, when they were approached by an airline worker and were asked to leave. the airline employee calms one of the stewardesses were intimidated by their different speaking language. The passengers were refunded for the costs of their flights, but missed their anniversary party. Attorney Daniel Petrov said it is illegal to discriminate someone based on national origin. He says it's to be kicked off a plane because of speaking language. 

Opinion: I think it is terribly wrong for the six passengers to be booted off the flight purely based on their speaking language. I do think this is going to improve, people are still paranoid about the recent events in Boston. I think they should have let the frightened stewardess off the plane rather than the six passengers. The passengers did nothing wrong, but speak in their native languages. The airline should have acted with more respect and though through what they were doing before kicking the passengers off the plane. 

Huge anti-gay marriage protest march in Paris

Taken From: BBC News UK

Date Published: May 26th, 2013

The sign reads: "I am an ass. I voted for Hollande."

Summary: Tens of thousands of people gathered together in Paris to rally against the new law allowing gay marriage and gay adoption. Police estimate its around 150,000 but organizers say its up to 1 million people there. The rally erupted when activists clashed with riot police. Nearly 100 people were arrested and around 50 were detained for blocking the Champ-Elysees. Despite having 4,500 police deployed, police were forced to use tear gas. Some protesters brought donkeys with signs that mocked the French President for voting for same-sex marriage. Leading activist Virginie Tellan, was there and was greeting protesters, but did not participate. The bill that allowed same-sex marriage and gay adoption, was signed into law by President Francois Hollande last week. It was signed in after months of heated debate. The French people have been bitterly divided over the issue. On Tuesday, a historian shot himself dead in from of the Notre Dame cathedral, leaving messages in which he denounced gay marriage. France is now the ninth country in Europe, 14th globally, to legalise gay marriage. 

Opinion: I think it the right decision to legalize same-sex marriage and gay adoption. I don't think people should be discriminated for being born a certain way. They are born that way and they cannot change it. I'm sure there are people that would change, but they simply can't because they are born that way. It isn't rational to discriminate people on something they can't change. 

Sweden riots spread beyond Stockholm despite extra police

Taken From: BBC News Europe

Date Published: May 25th, 2013

Firefighters putting out a car set on fire.

Summary: It has been the sixth night of rioting in Sweden's capital Stockholm, despite having police and reinforcements present. Many cars were set on fire in poor suburbs inhabited largely by immigrants. The rioting has spread out side of Stockholm, with youths setting fire to more vehicles and buildings in two towns.  The United States and United Kingdom have already warned their citizens that stay out of that area. It is believed the rioting was sparked by the death of an elderly man nearly a week before, when he was shot by police after he allegedly threatened to kill them with a machete. On Friday, Stockholm's police force was reinforced by specially trained officers, from different cities that have experience with riots and that have handled them before. In the town of Orebro, around 25 masked youths set fire to three cars, a school and an empty building. Reports of arson were also reported in Linkoping, south of Orebro. 

Opinion: I think it is okay to protest, as long as it is peaceful. But rioting and destroying property of others is not right. Rioting in such a way is not necessary, especially when what they are fighting for is unsure. It is only a matter of time, when things get out of hand and somebody gets hurt. It then becomes a problem. Police should continue to work to stop the riot for spreading further. It seems as though people are just using this riot as an excuse to destroy things. 

Canadian mine giant Barrick fined a record $16.4M in Chile

Taken From: CBC News

Date Published: May 25th, 2013

El Corral, a village with 200 inhabitants, mostly from the
Diaguita ethnic group.

Summary: The Diaguita Indians live in the foothills of the Andes, just downstream from the world's highest gold mine. And long as anybody can remember the Indians have drunk straight from the glacier-fed river that irrigates their orchards and vineyards with its clear water. Then thousands of mine workers moved in with huge machines, and moved to the mountain tops. River levels dropped, the water turned murky, and now the Indians complain of cancerous growths and aching stomachs. The villagers are convinced it is Barrick Gold Corp. that is causing the health problems. 

"We don't know how much contamination the fruit and vegetables we eat may have," complained Diaguita leader Yovana Paredes Paez. "They're drying up the river, our farms aren't the same. The animals are dying of hunger. Now there's no cheese or meat. It's changed completely."

Chile's empowered environmental regulate confirmed nearly two dozen violations of Barrick's environmental impact agreement. They blocked construction on the $8.5 billion project until the company keeps its promises to prevent water contamination.  The environmental superintendent fined Barrick a record $16.4 million. The highest environmental fine in Chile's history.

Opinion: I think it is not right of the mining company to abuse its rights and violate the environmental agreement they signed with Chile. I believe Chile made the right choice in fining them and halting construction until they have cleaned up the mess. It hope the Diaguita Indians have their problem sorted out and can continue to live how to lived before. I hope the company responds with respect and listens to what Chile has to say, after all they are in Chile.

At what cost? Life-saving drug withheld

Taken From: The Independent

Date published: May 26th, 2013

Dianna Illingworth diagnosed with aHUS.

Summary: A women awaiting a transplant for a rare condition that has left her kidneys gone, has had her operation cancelled because the government refused to pay for the drug that prevents the organ from being rejected. Her name is Dianne Illingworth, she is 41 years old. There are up 70 patients that are in the same position as her. They have to hold and hope the condition does not get worse until they can access the drug needed. The drug is called Eculizumab, it costs more than $300,000 per patient. Illingworth is from Newcastle and suffers from the rare atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS). It is an inherited condition. The surgery date was scheduled for February after her husband, Lee, volunteered to be the donor. The surgery was cancelled when the government did not pay for the drug. The drugs can be life-saving but are hugely expensive, because they effective such a small number of patients. A spokesperson for NHS England says: "Patients who are critically ill and who need Eculizumab urgently will receive it."

Opinion: I think that the government is right in some ways. They are not funding the drug because she does not urgently need it. She can wait, but that also puts her at risk of the condition getting worse, and the transplant not being an option. I think it is great that her husband is volunteering to donate his own organ to save her. I think if, her condition worsens the government should step up and fund for it. Otherwise they should provide it to the people that need to urgently or more than others.

Police rescue woman from flying to Africa to meet online scammer

Taken From: new.com.au

Date Published: May 22nd, 2013

Summary: This is the second time police have stopped an elderly women from boarding a plane to Africa to meet a scammer she met online. The online scammer already scammer her of $75,000. The elderly women's daughter feared she could have been kidnapped and ransomed if she hadn't been stopped from boarding the flight. The scammer claimed he ran a business in Africa and wanted money to set up an orphanage. The scammer called and had online exchanges everyday. The scammer calmed he loved her and wanted marriage. The scammer in reality turned out to be a 26 year old African man. There is almost no hope of recovering the money, she had been scammed of. Police have identified 22 other victims of fraud and scammers. 

Opinion: I think people, especially the elderly should be more careful of what they encounter on the internet. I believe it is terrible that scammers are targeting the elderly. The elderly are especially vulnerable to attacks on the internet. The police did a good job of discovering the scammer and stopped her from boarding the plane. I think authorities should continue to work hard to finding scammers and stopping them.

Fisherman shares bunk bed with croc

Taken From: Brisbane Times

Date Published: May 23rd, 2013

An example of a crocodile.

Summary: A fisherman from north Queenland has experienced something most people don't. The fisherman spend his birthday sharing a bunk bed with a two-meter long crocodile. Ashley Sala was fishing from a bank at a creek in Innisfail on Tuesday with the crocodile latched onto his fishing line. 

"At first I thought it was a massive barramundi and I thought all my birthdays had come at one."

After a lengthy fight, the fisherman had hauled the creature onto the bank realizing it was a crocodile. Fearing the crocodile might die, he put it in the boot of his car and drove it to the local councilor's house seeking advice. The crocodile was caught in his fishing line. He was told to take the crocodile home for the night. He was also told the rangers would deal with it in the morning. Wanting to keep an eye on the crocodile overnight he put it in the bottom bunk of his bed. He slept on the top bunk. The next day the rangers came and took the crocodile to a farm. The fisherman claims there isn't enough being done to deal with dangerous reptiles in the area.

Opinion: I think the fisherman did what was right. He risked his life to save the crocodile. I think the fisherman is right, there should be more done about reptiles like crocodiles. They pose a risk to children that are fishing or just people in general in the area. I believe the rangers could have acted quicker to adress an issue like this. The man was almost forced to watch the crocodile to save it.

Kosovo brown bears Ari and Arina released into sanctuary after a decade held captive in a cage

Taken From: Fox News

Date Published: May 23rd, 2013

Summary: Two brown bears have been recently released in a special sanctuary after being held in captivity for their entire lives. Their entire lives they were held in 20-square-meter cages, for the purpose of amusing visitors at a Kosovo restaurant. The bears names are Ari and Arina. They are both 10 years old, and were taken to their new, much larger home. The international charity group Four Paws, helped sedate and transport them. In Kosovo it is illegal for private ownership of wild animals, but it is a law that is not always enforced. When taking the bears back, police had to hold back the angry restaurant owners. The bears were transported to a place outside the capital, Pristina. The Environment Ministry says the bears are happy with their new home. The ministry also states authorities will expect to rescue another 15 bears held in a illegal captivity. Bears in illegal captivity are held in places from restaurants to private zoos.

Opinion: I think it is good that these people were caught for holding bears illegally. The space the bears were given to live in was too small. It is very dangerous to have bears in a restaurant. Authorities should work harder to crack down on cases of people owning wild animals illegally. I am glad they found new home for these bears to live in.

Teen dies after hiding embarrassing testicle lump

Taken From: 9News World

Date Published: May 17th, 2013

Michael Rushby at the age of 16 upon his death

Summary: Micheal Rushby, a 16 year old boy from the UK died shortly after telling his brother about a mysterious lump on his testicle. He was only 16, from Grangetown in northeast England. His brother after seeing it took him straight to A&E (Accident and emergency). After observing the lump, the doctor stated there was an 80% chance it was cancer. After numerous tests at James Cook University Hospital, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had already spread to his abdomen and chest. Doctors said he had a 75% survival rate, and shortly later underwent a week of chemotherapy. 

Micheal was allowed to return home from the hospital on the 26th of April. Only three days later, moments before his hospital check-up he collapsed on the stairs. He died later that day in the hospital. Micheal's family is now urging for others to speak out about medical issues, no matter how embarrassing. He went by the nickname Mikey.

"I want to say to anyone who ever thinks they might have a problem, go to your mum, go to your dad, go to someone. Mikey could have come to his mum - I wouldn't have been embarrassed."

 Opinion: I think that it is very important for people to open up about medical issues about themselves. Even if it is embarrassing it could save that persons life. It is stated that he is reporting this issue 8 months after he first saw it. Early detection of cancer increases the survival rate by a landslide. When cancer is detected early it is easier for it to be treated. I believe people people should be more open, and parents should build a closer relationship with their children, so they don't feel bad or embarrassed to show something.

Ethiopia to introduce death penalty for gays soon, say religious groups

Taken From: Gay Star News

Date Published: May 1st, 2013

Antonios, chair of ULE state Africa, saying no to
homosexuality. 

Summary: A death penalty for being a homosexual may soon be introduced in Ethiopia, according to anti-gay organizations. The anti-gay organizations ran a recent workshop on the topic of homosexuality and a death penalty. The workshop, talked about and dealt with the social "evils" and "disastrous" effect of homosexuality in Ethiopia. People ranging from Government officials, all the way to health professionals attended the workshop. It was held at the Bethel Teaching Hospital in Addis Ababa, last week. During the workshop police alleged "homosexual family members and neighbors' have sexually abused 117 boys last year. Participants of the workshop agreed that the western term "born this way" was not acceptable in Ethiopia. Participants also agreed homosexuality has nothing to do with nature, but it is actually a "condition". 

"Homosexuality should be discouraged by whatever means and the government should do whatever it takes to stop it" - Sultan Muhe

Muhe claimed he was gang-raped as a child; an experience that turned him "gay". He claims he is now cured of his homosexuality, and now runs campaigns for others to be "healed".

Opinion: I think this is ridiculous. It is hard to believe people think homosexuality is a condition. People are born homosexual and they have no choice, but that stay that way. Putting a death penalty for people that are naturally born that way, is not reasonable. They have no choice and they cannot change their orientation. Homosexuals have no choice to change,  even if they wanted to. The law would be completely unreasonable and irrational.

NKorean soldiers put down arms to help plant crops

Taken From: Chron

Date Published: April 24th, 2013

North Korean soldiers seen using their military trucks
helping the farmers in the Spring planting.

Summary: Soldiers in North Korea are putting down their arms and giving a hand to plant crops. It is the time of year again where North Korea has food shortages. North Korea had already asked other nations for support. And are taking it into their own hands Neighboring nations still remain on guard for a missile launch, but right now the focus in the North is planting crops. The main focus for the North Koreans right now is planting rice, cabbage and soybeans. All along the DMZ, soldiers are helping farmers plant for the spring planting. The soldiers are ready for battle at any time, but right now they are farming. 

Opinion: I am glad the North Korean soldiers are taking the initiative and helping the farmers plant crops. I am happy they are focusing on something important, and putting what is most important first. I really hope the North Koreans have enough food to feed their people. I don't think people should go hungry. I am glad they are getting their priorities straight.

Father "appalled" that Millet mother who drowned young boys could be released Thursday

Taken From: CTV News

Date Published: April 3rd, 2013

Father and mother are shown with their sons Connor
and Jayden.

Summary: The father of two young boys, who were drowned by the hands of their mother is appalled by that the mother could be released from the hospital and set free. The mother's name is Allyson McConnell  She admitted to have drowned her two songs in the bathtub of their home. During her trial she testified she didn't remember any of the events that happened that day. The court was informed: McConnell had a long history of attempted suicide, after being impregnated by her father when she was only 15. She had been charged last summer with second-degree murder for the drowning and sentence to 6 years in prison, but the charges were downgraded. From last summer she faced 15 months in custody and is eligible for parole in 10 months. 

“I am appalled that a person who kills two innocent children and leaves their dead bodies (for her husband to find) next to the wedding ring she hadn't worn in months has only served 10 months,” the statement read.

McConnell is now leaving back to Australia. The province is fighting to ensure McConnell has to stay in Canada, but there is a deportation order in place. The father claims she never once apologized during the whole trial for drowned his two children.

Opinion: I think it is terrible for somebody to do such a thing, to children that are so young and innocent. They have their whole lives ahead of them, only to be cut short. I do believe McConnel should have served a longer sentence than just 10 months in prison. I believe she should have been kept with the original charges of 6 years in prison.

Putin signs law banning smoking in public in Russia

Taken from: BBC News Europe

Date Published: February 25th, 2013

It's an estimated 40% of Russians are smokers

Summary: By the next year smoking in public areas will officially be illegal in Russia. That means smoking in restaurants, on long-distance train rides, and in metro stations. Studies have shown that Russia has one of the highest smoking rates in the world. In every 10 Russians 4 become smokers. The bill was passed in early February, with only one deputy voting against the bill. The law is called the "On protecting the health of citizens from the danger of passive smoking and the consequences of the use of tobacco" will come into play one the first of June. The bill also includes the restriction of advertising tobacco. There has also been a minimum retail price set for the sale of tobacco.

Opinion: I don't smoke myself, but I think it is unfair for the people that do smoke. They should have the freedom to smoke, they should be able to in a smoking only room or something. It will be better for the health of other people, but it is still unfair for the people that already smoke. In the end the factors favor the bill, but I don't think smokers will be happy for this. 

One in five French bottled waters 'contain drugs or pesticides'

Taken From: The Guardian

Date Published: March 25th, 2013

Some of the brands the drugs and pesticides have been
found in

Summary: It is said that the average French water is cleaner, healthier, and purer than others. But a recent investigation found traces of pesticides and prescription drugs. Including a drug that is used to treat breast cancer. The investigation showed every one in five bottled water sold contains pesticides or drugs. The investigation included looking at 47 brands of bottled water sold in France. They discovered that around 10 of the brands contained residue from drugs or pesticides. 

"The biggest surprise was the presence of tamoxifen, a synthetic hormone used in the treatment of breast cancer," the magazine said.

It is a popular and powerful prescription drug used to treat breast cancer. It was found in 4 of the 10 brands. Other traces of prescription drugs including buflomedil and naftidrolfuryl were found in the other 6 brands. They are prescription drugs used to dilate arteries, for those with high blood pressure. The results were later contested by the water companies. The tests were run again a second time, to find the same results.

Opinion: I think it's very important that water bottling companies check for stuff that shouldn't be in their water. They are sending the water out for thousands of people to drink. Even if the amount is minuscule  i still think it is important for the water companies to check. They are putting other people's lives at risk, because they were not careful. I think they should question how they got the drug in the first place. Then they should work on, maybe, implementing better filtering technologies to make sure unwanted particles do not get into the water. 

Scottish government approves windfarm opposed by Donald Trump

Taken From: The Guardian

Date Published: March 26th, 2013

United States businessman Donald Trump and his
golf resort.

Summary: Scottish ministers have just recently given the go-ahead to start building an experimental offshore wind-farm site near Aberdeen. They are building the wind-farm ignoring billionaire Donald Trump's angry threats of legal action against the building of the wind-farms. Mr. Trump says the huge wind generators will block the view from his golf course. Mr. Trump claims it effects the financial viability of his resort. Scotland says the wind-farms will be capable of generating up to 100MW of power, enough for almost half of all the homes in Aberdeen. The wind turbines will all the different as they are still experimental. Some will be taller than other and some will have different designs than others. The main purpose for this is to find a new "break through" technology to provide Scotland with power. Despite Mr. Trump stating he would do anything in his legal power to stop the project, it is still going to happen. 

"Well done to the Scottish government for standing up to Donald Trump's threats and 

bluster"

Opinion: I think that it was good of the Scottish government for standing up. It will help for the future of Scotland. The wind turbines may affect Mr. Trumps resort, but they are being built on land that is not his. So I believe he has no power to do anything. The wind turbines may affect Scotland's tourism industry, which is the biggest. As people enjoy views of the cliffs and coastline, and not big industrial machines. In the end I believe it was good to build the turbines and it is thinking for the future, which is more important.

North Korea 'defeats' US troops in new propaganda video

Taken From: The Telegraph

Date Published: March 24th, 2013

Summary: A four minute video was just recently released by the North Koreans on their official website: "Uriminzokkiri". It is a website that distributes news and propaganda from the state media. The video has a male narrator describing as what North Korea calls "A Short, Three-Day War". The video describes the different stages of the invasion that the North Korean army had been through. Which includes the destruction of forces under the US Pacific Command with "powerful weapons of mass destruction". The narrator also claims the North Korean army is currently in Seoul, South Korea with 150,000 United States prisoners of war.

Opinion: I think this shows how badly the North Korean government wants the keep their citizens from the real world. I video has a really low quality, and I'm sure its not the first, but it may make the North Korean citizens wonder to themselves if that is actually real. It may make them question themselves and their government. The North Koreans know there is a war going on, and the government responded with this.

China Wants Nuclear Reactors, and Lots of Them

Taken from: Business Week

Date Published: February 21, 2013

Construction of a reactor at the Chanjiang Nuclear Power
Plant, in September 2012.

Summary: After the nuclear meltdown that occurred in Japan on March of 2011, Japan has announced they will take down their nuclear power plants and leave them off. Germany has also announced they are decommissioning their nuclear power plants. To follow Switzerland and Italy have rejected proposals to build more reactors. But on the other hand China has not ceased to build their nuclear power plants. Last November the government approved four more projects. This adds up to 29 nuclear power plants. More than any country in the world. China will now own 40% of the world's nuclear power plants. China has already adopted a new type of technology, which increases the power of the reactor, which can now produce 1400 megawatts from 1000 megawatts. This new reactor also has an 8 million pound water tank on top of the plant, in the case of a power outage. This will create a three day window of time, which is the estimated time to prevent a meltdown. The nuclear operator does not have to do anything, the machine will do it automatically. In the case of a power outage the power plant will be cooled by the water which is run by gravity. China is testing all kinds of new technologies to create the most efficient and highest energy producing power plant, while still looking at safety. They have begun testing with the radioactive chemical thorium, which is said to be safer than uranium as nuclear fuel. 

“China is now one of the most important countries, if not the most important country, in the global nuclear industry,” 

Opinion: I think that it is great that China is moving forward to provide more energy for the world and for itself. I think nuclear power plants are a good source of energy, but building too many is bad. It poses a safety risk and it is bad for the environment. I think building 29, is going over the top. As long as they can keep the public safe and create a new technology that has less of an impact on the environment, it is a good step forward. I am glad that China is test new ways and new innovations to create a safe and reliable source of power for themselves and the rest of the world to use.

Guerrilla surveillance camera destruction hits the U.S.

Taken from: Salon

Date Published: February 15th, 2013

The cameras seized by The Barefoot Bandit Brigade.

Summary: It all started in Berlin - Anarchists, running around in black attire, covering their identities. They would roam the street at night in small groups or pairs, dismantling and breaking CCTV surveillance cameras. They call it guerrilla project "camover". This group of people recently announced a competition encouraging other to get involved. All you need to do, is recruit a mob or a group of people and smash camera. You then send pictures or videos of you smashing the cameras. They will then announce a winner. This anti-surveillance movement quickly spread across Europe - Through Germany, Finland, and Greece. This month, the project hit the West Coast of the United States. A group naming themselves: "The Barefoot Bandit Brigade" released a statement claiming to have removed/destroyed 17 surveillance cameras. They also provided substantial picture and video evidence. When asked: "Aren't you just wasting taxpayers' money, since the government will inevitably re-install any CCTV you take out?".  Camover replied with: "Isn't the government just going to waste taxpayers' money when they replace the cameras that we are inevitably going to take down again?".

Opinion: I think it's wrong that the people are doing this. They say they don't want to be watched or controlled. CCTV cameras are really for security. People don't constantly watch cameras to see what the public are doing. The footage from the cameras are usually reviewed a week or so after something happened - like a murder or an accident. Otherwise the footage is just deleted and not looked back upon. The cameras are for the public's safety and I don't think they have any intention to do anything else. Footage from cameras in the past have solved hundreds of murders and incidents by providing solid video evidence. It's for the better of the public to have surveillance cameras. It is against the law to be damaging camera's which are the property of others. I believe they are abusing something that is keeping them safe. 

Video showing the group Camover, destroying CCTV cameras. 

Stanislav Petrov from Russia to be awarded Dresden Peace Prize

Taken From: The Voice of Russia

Date Published: February 14th, 2013

Now retired - Soviet Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov.

Summary: The Dresden Peace Prize ceremony will take place on the 17th of February. This year it will be given too, now retired, Soviet Lieutenant-Colonel Stanislav Petrov. 30 years ago, on the 26th September 1983, Soviet officer, Petrov was on duty. His screens showed data, that 5 missiles with nuclear warheads were headed towards Russia, from the United States. His orders were to retaliate against the United States, by firing missiles back. However the officer decided not to, concluding it was a false alarm. It was proved later that, it was a false alarm. It was a technical failure.

   "We believe that the heroic deed of Stanislav Petrov will go down in history as one of the most significant events of the past few decades that contributed to the preservation of peace. Our prize is given for averting a conflict, not for its settlement, and Mr. Petrov averted a third world war – hence he is worthy of this award."

The story was kept secret for a long time, only being declassified (ceased to be top secret) in 1998. The awarding ceremony will be held on the 17th, in the Dresden Opera Theater. By tradition the giver of the award has to be linked with Dresden (A city in Germany). In this case it will be a 25 year old resident of Dresden. Only two people have been awarded the Dresden Peace Prize, Mikhail Gorbachev, for his contribution to nuclear disarmament and Stanislav Petrov. The second person to be awarded.

Opinion: I think this man is a hero, and very smart for preventing something that could have changed the way we live today. This man prevented an all out nuclear war. If Russia fired nukes at the United States, they would have fired back, creating national chaos and a huge disaster. This man was able to recognize a technical error, preventing - what could have been -  The biggest disaster in history. I think this man truely deserves the peace award.

This Guy's Car Got Stuck at 125mph—for an Hour

Taken From: The Atlantic

Date Published: February 13th, 2013

Frank's route - Starting in Northern France and ending in
Belgium.

Summary: "It all started with my routine drive to the supermarket" said Frank Lecerf. Frank Lecerf, from his home in Pont-de-Metz, near the French city of Amiens, was making his weekly trip to the supermarket. He was going around 60 miles an hour, which is 100 kilometers an hour, when the car's speed dial jammed. He tried to break, but instead of slowing down; the car accelerated every time. The car eventually hit a peak of 125 mph, which is 200 kph. That's around double the speed you would normally travel on the highway. He traveled at the same consistent speed for one whole hour. Frank frantically called the police from his car, and they brought in an escort of police cars to help him navigate and move other cars away. Through good coordination and communication three toll booths raised their barriers as Frank approached. The police ensured the highway as kept clear of the speeding car. The police put Frank and a  Renault engineer who tried, but failed to help Frank slow the speeding car down. After bearing an hour of blazing fast speed, the car had finally started to run out of gas. His car finally ran out of fuel and came to a rest. Frank, had driven from northern France, and ended up crossing the border, and into Belgium. 

Opinion: I think it's terrible the man had to endure so much a life threatening situation and go through it for an hour. I think it's great that people coordinated together to make sure the man was alive. He was very, lucky to be alive, and it was a collective effort from everybody. The man had driven a total of 125 miles, crossing a border into another country. It is still unclear what happened to the car to cause such an accident, but the man has an upcoming lawsuit against Renault. I am happy the man is alive, and I hope this raises awareness, so this doesn't happen again in the future. 

A penniless Canada: Mint begins years-long process of collecting and melting down 82-million kg in coins

Taken From: National Post

Date Published: February 6th, 2013

Jim Flaherty, Canada's Minister of Fiance, stamping the last
penny at the Royal Canadian Mint.

Summary: As of Wednesday, Canada has officially eliminated the penny. 35 Billion pennies, weighing around 82 million kg or 180 million pounds will be collected and melted down. This process will take around a year. All transactions will now be rounded to the nearest $0.05. Pennies will still be accepted as money, but it is up to businesses' discretion whether they will accept the coins. From there the business can hand them over to the bank, and from there the bank will pass it over to the Canadian Mint. It will be a slow process; It is estimated it will take around 3 - 4 years to get the pennies out of circulation. There is still a long way to go before they disappear completely from every day life. Canada is following many other countries' decision to stop producing low-denomination coins. The United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Brazil and many other countries have stopped. The reason is because in Canada, it costs 1.6 cents to produce one penny. The production cost exceeded the monetary value.

Opinion: I think it is a good decision to remove the penny.It's a big step to remove something so big out of our lives and out of Canadian culture. It will be, in a few years, weird to live without the penny. I want to keep the penny in circulation, but it's better for the country and it's economy. It will save the country around $11 Million dollars every year, as that is the price to produce the pennies.

Unruly Sunwing passengers on their way back to Canada

Taken From: CBC News

Date Published: January 13th, 2013

A "No Smoking" sign found commonly on aircraft. 

Summary: A family of Cape Breton, were allegedly caught smoking aboard a Sunwing Airlines jet from Halifax to the Dominican Republic last Friday. The pilot was forced to make an unscheduled, emergency landing which cost the airline an estimated $50,000. The airline had to pay for the unscheduled landing and hotel accommodation for all the other passengers. The family appeared in court in Hamilton, Bermuda on Monday after they were accused of smoking on a flight. The family was charged with disobeying lawful commands under Air Navigation Order. The two eldest in the family were charged with wither a $500 fine, or 10 days in prison. The family has received a permanent ban from flying with Sunwing, in the future. During the flight many passengers and flight crew smelled cigarette smoke. 

Opinion: I think it was very bad for the family to smoke the plane, as it poses an extreme safety issue, and a safety risk for them and everybody else on the plane. There were around 180 passengers on the plane. It is extremely dangerous to smoke on a plane, and I think it was right for the court to charge them. Smoking on a plane not only endangers themselves, but endangers other passengers on the plane. Many plane accidents in the past were caused by people smoking. In 1998, a man died to inhalation of second hand smoke on a plane. This is just an example of how dangerous it is to smoke on a plane. I hope this case raises awareness to others, and urges them not to make the same mistake and put many other peoples' lives at risk. 

Nunavut man who fired a semi-automatic rifle at five home intruders, killing three, has murder convictions overturned

Taken From: National Post

Date Published: January 31st, 2013

Mr. Bishop being led to the Iqaluit courthouse before the
the start of his trial. 

Summary: A Nunavut man who fired a semi-automatic rifle at five home intruders breaking into his house, has his murder convictions overturned. Out of the five the man killed three and wounded two. The court believes it was self-defense as the evidence shows all the bullet wounds were from the back. It all started at 3 a.m when Mr. Bishop heard people kicked his front door, he called the RCMP seeking help. Taking matters into his own hands, he retreated to his bedroom and readied his SKS-D. It was a semi-automatic rifle, that Mr. Bishop owned legally. It was only supposed to hold five bullets, but Mr. Bishop illegally attached a "banana clip", allowed the gun to hold 25 bullets. The first intruder had a samurai sword and the second had a broken golf club. When they finally broke down Mr. Bishop's door, he opened fire. Once, the shooting started, the invaders immediately starting running. Mr. Bishop followed shooting again in the hallway and in the entrance way. Mr. Bishop spotted a wounded invader fall in the snow, struggling to get up. Mr. Bishop raised his gun and fired at him, killing him. He fired off the rest of his clip, shooting at the intruders as they ran, scattering away. All three dead, were found outside, one of them 42 meters from the front door. He was guilty of three counts of second-degree murder and two of attempted murder. He was sentenced to life in prison. He later had his case overturned and was granted another trial.

Opinion: In my opinion, I don't think Mr. Bishop should have had his case overturned. I think Mr. Bishop went to the point, where it was no longer self defense. Yes, they were house intruders, but when Mr. Bishop fired the first shot, all of them started running and screaming. But instead of waiting for police to arrive, he continued to chase the intruders and shoot them. One of the intruders was struggling to get up in the snow and was clearly no longer a threat, but Mr. Bishop shot him, killing him. One of the intruders died 42 meters from his house. This shows that Mr. Bishop still shot at them, when they were blatantly running. After they started running, I firmly believe, Mr. Bishop should have stopped. The force that Mr. Bishop used was no longer for means of protecting himself.

Beijing air pollution hits "hazardous" level

Taken From: The Star

Published on: January 30, 2013

On the left is what China looks like with PM2.5 air pollution.
On the right is what it looks like normally. 

Summary: This is the fourth time in the past month were Beijing is covered in a white haze of industrial smog. Inhabitants were urged to stay indoors and more than 100 flights were canceled. Visibility was reduced around 100 meters. The government suspended 103 heavy-polluting factories, to ease the situation. Most of the pollution is coming from chemical factories surround Beijing and coal being burned for heating. The air pollution reach peak level at PM2.5. Meaning, the air can travel and embed deep into the lungs. This poses a serious health risk. Direct exposure to PM2.5 level pollution can lead to cardiovascular and lung disease; It also increases the risk of cancer. Children are at the most risk, because their lungs are still developing. In 2012, PM2.5 air pollution may have been connected to 8,572 premature deaths. People are wearing face masks to help filter out the polluted air, but they are only limited, because they cannot filter out harmful ozone. China is having trouble with balancing the citizens' demand for cleaner air and the need for economic development. Senior officials urge residents to take buses and subways instead of using private cars. 

Opinion: I think China needs to take more control, and take more care for the environment. As a growing country, I understand they want to have economic growth, but they need to learn when, it has gone too far and they are putting their citizens at risk. I believe the government should put pollution laws or policies into place to prevent this from happening. This is the fourth time in one month the same thing has happened. The poses a serious health risk for children, and even more of a problem for people already with respiratory problems. Babies are even dying prematurely from their mothers inhaling the polluted air. China's government needs to act fast to protect their citizens. China has always been ignoring the fact that their is bad air pollution. Authorities have always tried to cover it up. But they are no longer able to avoid it with the rise of social media. I think China should have acted upon the issue immediately. 

Fire rips through crowded Brazil nightclub killing 233

Taken From: CNN

Date Published: January 28th, 2013

Kiss Nightclub, Santa Maria, Brazil - After the fire.

Summary: On January 27th, there was a fire at a Brazilian night club, in Santa Maria, Brazil. The club is popular and packed that night. There were about 2,000, people in the club when the fire started. The maximum capacity is 1,000, said Guido de Melo, a state fire official. The club's license was also expired and had not been renewed. Brazil claims there are around 233 dead, of the 233, only 185 have been identified. The club that night was packed, many died from smoke inhalation and others were trampled, while trying to make a rush for the exits. Investigators are still unsure on how the fire started, but many believe it was the pyrotechnics show that started the fire. The fire started at around 2 a.m. after the sound-proof insulation caught fire. This cause the roof to quickly set on fire. The fumes caused by the insulation on fire, killed many. Eyewitnesses claim many club-goers ran for the bathrooms mistaking them for the exits. Dozens of victims were found in the bathroom, over 90% of the victims were found in that part of the club. There was only one exit at the club and that was the main entrance. 

Opinion: I think it's terrible how so many died. Many of the people were young, and many were students, at a nearby university. I think the fire could have been easily avoided if they had followed the regulations and policies put into place. The rules are there to prevent something like this from happening but they didn't follow them. They went over the maximum capacity, by almost double and also didn't have their license renewed. There were so many ways this terrible tragedy could have been avoided. The club should also have fire exits. There was only one exit and it was not clearly marked. 90% of the victims were found in the bathroom, showing how confused they were. It is also very dangerous to have a pyrotechnics show in a condensed space of over 2,000 people. I think this is a good lesson learned for Brazil, to be more careful, and to follow the rules. This event will ensure better safety as, Brazil will be hosting the Olympics and the World Cup in 2016. 

French Court says Twitter must identify racist tweeters

Taken From: France 24

Date Published: January 24th, 2013

Summary: French court recently ruled on Thursday that Twitter, the giant online social networking, and microblogging service had to hand over data that would help identify the authors of racist and anti-Semetic tweets (posts). This ruling was because of France's Union of Jewish Students (UEJF) filing a legal complaint about some of the tweets they had been seeing recently online. Many of the tweets online breached French Law, which prohibits the provoking/incitement of racial hatred. 

An example of an anti-Semetic tweet.
Translation: #AGoodJew is a dead jew

Many of the anti-Semetic tweets were posted under the hashtag #unbonjuif. Which translates to #agoodjew. Twitter under the pressure of the union, removed some of the offending tweets. France's Union of Jewish Students took legal action against Twitter forcing them to identify or provide data to identify the authors of the tweets. 

Later, under the request from the government of Berlin, Twitter suspended the account of a neo-Nazi group in Germany. The tweets from the neo-Nazi groups were used under the hashtag #IfIwereANazi. 

Opinion: In my opinion, it was right of the UEJF, to step up and take legal action. When social media sites first became popular, they were used for their initial purpose. Twitter's purpose was to post/blog about what's happening. I think it's purpose is now veering off course. People are now using social media to post offending things like such. People nowadays think they are protected by some shield over the internet. People think they can put whatever they want onto the internet and get away with it. There are many things that people say over the internet, that they wouldn't dare say in real life. People should get over the fact that they are completely anonymous over the internet. I think it's outrageous people are posting racist comments, through the internet. I strongly believe that the people that are posting/tweeting offending or racist comments, through any social media medium, should be punished.