Friday, November 30, 2007
New Law Allows Police To Snap Your Picture - Print This Story News Story - WXII Winston-Salem
New Law Allows Police To Snap Your Picture - Print This Story News Story - WXII Winston-Salem: "WXII12.com Related To Story [5PM WENGER DRIVERS LICENSE PHOTOS] * Video: New Law Aims To Cut Down On Identity Theft New Law Allows Police To Snap Your Picture Lawmakers Say Law Will Cut Down On Identity Theft POSTED: 2:54 pm EST November 29, 2007 UPDATED: 5:37 pm EST November 29, 2007 Recommend (0) WINSTON-SALEM -- Smile. A new North Carolina law that goes into effect Saturday makes it harder for people to steal a person’s identity, by allowing police officers to take a picture of any driver who doesn’t have a valid license. “What we simply want people to do is tell the truth about who they are when the law enforcement officer asks them the question,” said the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Dale Folwell. Lawmakers say they hope the new law will keep a person pulled over by an enforcement officer who doesn’t have a valid license from giving the officer a false name."
Energy-hungry India eyes role as "wind superpower
India has been viewed in the past as contributing significantly to global warming because of the amount of pollution in the economy. With India’s population over one billion people it is creating many toxic emissions that are harmful for the environment. Yet, recently India has been overlooked at the enormous strides the country has taken in using renewable energy. Wind power is now being used heavily in India as an energy source. This energy is creating very good prospects for India, and is causing a buss for other countries to consider wind power as a potential option. India is surrounded by coastlines which make wind power a reasonable and easy accessible source of energy. India was able to use wind power because of tax breaks that helped cut the high cost of this energy. With the cost of oil reaching almost one hundred dollars a barrel India’s energy companies are relying heavily on wind power. Climate change is making countries around the world consider alternative options for energy sources. Wind power is growing in popularity and could be the future energy power for many countries.
India creates a lot of harmful pollution, but the country is obviously trying to cut back on the use of oil and coal and turn to wind power. This change is needed for the future of India and for countries all over the world. With the population being so crowded in India, wind power is going to be a positive change for the environment. Alternative energy sources should be considered and researched extensively. It can only help the world to investigate such important and vital issues.
Jennifer Collins
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSDEL26637420071130?sp=true
India creates a lot of harmful pollution, but the country is obviously trying to cut back on the use of oil and coal and turn to wind power. This change is needed for the future of India and for countries all over the world. With the population being so crowded in India, wind power is going to be a positive change for the environment. Alternative energy sources should be considered and researched extensively. It can only help the world to investigate such important and vital issues.
Jennifer Collins
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSDEL26637420071130?sp=true
The Crisis in Indonesia
The receding economic tide in Indonesia has left many people stranded without healthcare of any kind. The combination of the economic crisis and two years of drought has left the Indonesian people without any social safety net. Much of what impacts the ability of the government to provide adequate healthcare for its people are things that are not strictly healthcare related. Specifically, domestic budgets have fallen precipitously while costs have soared across the board. Meanwhile, the healthcare system hemorrhages.The drought in Indonesia has caused the widely publicized brush fires. The relentless effects of the fires have caused a severe healthcare crisis of it’s own in the poorer provinces where healthcare standards are significantly below those of Java’s. Many people living in the cities have lost their jobs. . Nearly half of the nation’s population is now below the poverty line.For instance, in and around Jakarta, those who previously could not pay and expected free service from the public health system has grown from 10%to 40% and continues to rise. This of course is playing havoc with the government health budget.The Rising Cost of Healthcare: In Jakarta and throughout Java, medicine and medical supplies are still generally available for the health system facilities and for the public. What used to cost $2.00 is now costs $6.00 or more. Yet the number of people that can afford to pay for them is declining rapidly.The reason for the sharp increase in price to the consumer is that the medical system is highly dependent on imported products. Nearly 89% of the cost of health care is imported. This includes the costs of medicine, of which a considerable amount is manufactured in Indonesia but nearly all the ingredients are imported. Nearly all medical disposable items, such as syringes, reagents, and x-ray film, etc. are imported. The domestic pharmaceutical industry can no longer import raw materials, as they have been unable to obtain letters of credit.
Mariam Ahmad
Mariam Ahmad
34 Taliban Dead
This is the deadliest year in Afghanistan since 2001, with six thousand one hundred people being killed. Out of the people killed over eight hundred of them were civilians. On Thursday in Kandahar, Afghanistan thirty militants died in an airstrike against the Taliban fighters. There are always numerous clashes going on at one time. In a separate clash in the east four more militants were killed. On Wednesday in the Zhari district, Afghan and foreign troops attacked two compounds. During this attack twelve militants were detained. The group detained included group commanders and in the end five of the detained were left wounded. Schools and teachers are often targeted for having an un-Islamic curricula and educating girls. In the province of Khost, gunmen on motorbikes shot to death a school principal. Shooting is not the only way civilians are being killed. Bombing is the first apparent blunder by foreign troops in months. On Monday night bombs hit two tents of Afghan engineers and laborers that the United States Military had contracted to build a road. The NATO has played a role along with the Unites States in the amount of civilian casualties. NATO mistakenly killed fourteen road construction workers that they thought were Taliban fighters. The NATO’s International Security Assistance Force warplanes dropped two bombs targeted toward Taliban fighters on Monday night. They have a “strong indication” that a Taliban leader was killed in this operation. Paktia and Paktika, two neighbored countries are also having problems with attacks. Patkia militants attacked trucks carrying supplies to foreign troops, killing the driver. Paktika had a roadside bomb hit afghan troops killing one soldier and wounding others.
Civilian tolls have gone through the roof. It is unfair for the civilians to be put in harms way, when they do not like the Taliban leaders either. How many more casualties need to happen before enough is enough? I do think that the Taliban fighters deserve justice; after all they are terrorist to our country. Yet there should be another way of going about this. I do not think some US citizens would feel the same about the number of casualties if this war with Taliban fighters were happening in the United States. I am sure it would be a whole different ball game and we would be as scared as they are, everyday they walk out there door. After all, how often do we walk out of our door and worry about a bomb dropping on us each day?
Civilian tolls have gone through the roof. It is unfair for the civilians to be put in harms way, when they do not like the Taliban leaders either. How many more casualties need to happen before enough is enough? I do think that the Taliban fighters deserve justice; after all they are terrorist to our country. Yet there should be another way of going about this. I do not think some US citizens would feel the same about the number of casualties if this war with Taliban fighters were happening in the United States. I am sure it would be a whole different ball game and we would be as scared as they are, everyday they walk out there door. After all, how often do we walk out of our door and worry about a bomb dropping on us each day?
Sudan protesters: Execute teacher
Hundreds of angry protesters gathered Friday in Khartoum, Sudan, outside the presidential palace to denounce a teacher. The reason for their protest was because the class named a teddy bear Mohammed. According to witnesses, there were about 1,000 people involved in the protest. Many of the people waved ceremonial flags, carried loud speakers, and even screamed for her execution. Late Thursday, the teacher, fifty-four year old Gillian Gibbons, was given fifteen days in jail after being convicted of insulting religion. Her lawyer, Ali Ajeb, said she was cleared of charges of inciting hatred and showing contempt for religious beliefs. According to Ajeb, they plan to appeal the sentence before her fifteen days are up. Senior British lawmakers were determined to secure Gibbons’ early release. The two members of the House of Lords were set to arrive in Khartoum on Saturday. They will meet with government ministers and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. It is expected for a deal to be reached and Gibbons will be released. The march began Friday when worshippers began spilling out of mosques in the capital after their Friday prayers. They marched to the palace as well as Unity High School, which were both on the same street. Gibbons taught grade school there and it was her seven year-old class that named the bear. The British Embassy staff said they were giving the teacher, who was from Liverpool, full consular assistance. According to the Foreign Office, she could have received a sentence of 40 lashes, a fine, or jail term of up to a year. At the trial, it was revealed by the defense counsel the complaint against Gibbons came from a secretary at the school named Sarah Khawad.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/11/30/sudan.bears/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/11/30/sudan.bears/index.html
UN report: worlds poor most 'vulnerable' to effects of global warming
The UN stated that rich countries had to have a certain amount of money to help the poorer countries adapt to the warmer weather caused by global warming. Without this aid some countries would be unable to adapt to the warmer weather along with having a drought, therefore altering their life style as well as possibly their reproduction. these countries undergoing this change in weather will effect their lifestyle from recreation to necessities. The warmer weather is going to make the water levels rise therefore taking over their land and making farming harder. A 400 page Human Development Report also said that the UN found that by 2015 the Co2 levels along with other greenhouse gases have to be at a level where it is stable as well as starting to be reduced. Even though this is in effect most of the developed countries are not meeting their treaty.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g0Vn29LMu_CiQS20rrCLg4mCbOBQ
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g0Vn29LMu_CiQS20rrCLg4mCbOBQ
China to provide free textbooks to all rural students in compulsory education
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/29/content_7171140.htm
In this article Chinese State Councilor, Chen Zhili, talks about how the government is helping make the young children of China literate. In order to accomplish this mission she said that the "government will provide free textbooks to all students in rural areas in nine-year compulsory education." Compulsory education is when a child is required by law to receive education and the government to provide it. They have been providing free text books to some poor rural areas but they are extending more students in primary and junior high schools. The article also talked about reserving money to help fix up the classrooms that are in desperate need of repair. The China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) said “it would allocate a further 47 billion yuan, which is about 6.4 billion U.S. dollars, to support rural education in the next three years until 2009.” Chen said that, right now out of 410 impoverished counties 368 have accomplished their goals to provide nine years of compulsory schooling and the other 42 are trying.
I think more people are realizing that education is very important and it is nice to see that the government is doing something to help. I think it is very important for children to be literate. And even thought 42 counties in the western region have failed to meet their goals to provide compulsory education for the junior high schools, they do have a program for first to sixth grade. So at least they are putting in some effort.
In this article Chinese State Councilor, Chen Zhili, talks about how the government is helping make the young children of China literate. In order to accomplish this mission she said that the "government will provide free textbooks to all students in rural areas in nine-year compulsory education." Compulsory education is when a child is required by law to receive education and the government to provide it. They have been providing free text books to some poor rural areas but they are extending more students in primary and junior high schools. The article also talked about reserving money to help fix up the classrooms that are in desperate need of repair. The China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) said “it would allocate a further 47 billion yuan, which is about 6.4 billion U.S. dollars, to support rural education in the next three years until 2009.” Chen said that, right now out of 410 impoverished counties 368 have accomplished their goals to provide nine years of compulsory schooling and the other 42 are trying.
I think more people are realizing that education is very important and it is nice to see that the government is doing something to help. I think it is very important for children to be literate. And even thought 42 counties in the western region have failed to meet their goals to provide compulsory education for the junior high schools, they do have a program for first to sixth grade. So at least they are putting in some effort.
Ghana Child Trafficking Arrests
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7117997.stm
Police arrested two people in Ghana for child trafficking. They are accused of sending children as young as five from the coast to work in fishing communities in Yeji towards the north of Lake Volta. Poverty in Ghana is one of the main causes of this. Parents struggling to bring up their children would typically receive about $50 in return for sending them away for three years - which some view as an "apprenticeship". They use the children to do things like dive under water to untangle nets. This is horrible that Ghana has resulted to this because of their poverty level. Organizations are working on trying to stop this but because of the lack of funds they can only rescue 1/3 of the children. I think that is terrible.
Police arrested two people in Ghana for child trafficking. They are accused of sending children as young as five from the coast to work in fishing communities in Yeji towards the north of Lake Volta. Poverty in Ghana is one of the main causes of this. Parents struggling to bring up their children would typically receive about $50 in return for sending them away for three years - which some view as an "apprenticeship". They use the children to do things like dive under water to untangle nets. This is horrible that Ghana has resulted to this because of their poverty level. Organizations are working on trying to stop this but because of the lack of funds they can only rescue 1/3 of the children. I think that is terrible.
Kids are involved in terrorism
In England, the British intelligence has warned that children 15 years old and older are now being involved in activities that are related to terrorism. The chief of MI5, Jonathan Evans, said that there are at least 2,000 people in the country that could possibly pose a threat to the security of the country. This is due to their support of any al-Qaeda inspired terrorism activities. Evan told a group of newspaper editors that the "terrosrists are intentionally targeting children and young people. They are radicalising and grooming young, vulnerable people to carry out acts of terrorism."
The 2,000 people only include the people that are involved in intelligence services, and has increased by 400 since November 2006. Since the September 11th attacks, there have been 200 terrorist convinctions that have taken place solely in Britain. In the past year, the terrorist plots that have taken place in Britain have all been inspired by al Qaeda cadres from other countries. These countries include Iraq and East Africa.
When I read this article I was appalled at the fact that 15 year old children are being pressured to take part in terroist acts. Why are these people trying to influence these young minds by telling them to take part in terrorism? But more importantly, why are the parents of these children not doing anything to stop them?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/05/britain.threat/index.html
The 2,000 people only include the people that are involved in intelligence services, and has increased by 400 since November 2006. Since the September 11th attacks, there have been 200 terrorist convinctions that have taken place solely in Britain. In the past year, the terrorist plots that have taken place in Britain have all been inspired by al Qaeda cadres from other countries. These countries include Iraq and East Africa.
When I read this article I was appalled at the fact that 15 year old children are being pressured to take part in terroist acts. Why are these people trying to influence these young minds by telling them to take part in terrorism? But more importantly, why are the parents of these children not doing anything to stop them?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/05/britain.threat/index.html
Blackwater security guards on steroids
A lawsuit was filed by Iraqi family members who lost family in a Baghdad shooting in September claimed that Blackwater security guards in Iraq are using steroids. Blackwater of course denies the charges. The suit accuses the company of fostering "a culture of lawlessness" among its men and the use of unnecessary force. "I think there is a whole corporate culture there that essentially rewards the use of excessive force -- shooting first, asking questions later," said Susan Burke, the lead attorney in the case. Blackwater has been accused of many charges including wrongful deaths, assaults, and war crimes. They were also charged with failing to manage steroid use in the men. Anee Tyrell supported Blackwater by saying that all the guards undergo drug tests in the application process and drug tests quarterly. The suit states that the men involved in the September 16 attack violated orders by leaving a secure environment and opened fire even after one of their comrades told them to cease fire. Blackwater had been paid almost $1 billion dollars from the US government since we invaded Iraq.
I believe that something has got to be done about Blackwater. They are in it just for the money and are willing to kill or hurt anybody that gets in their way in order to make the most money that they can. The US government needs to stop supporting companies like Blackwater. The money that the government has already paid Blackwater is ridiculously high.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/11/27/blackwater.iraq/index.html?iref=newssearch
I believe that something has got to be done about Blackwater. They are in it just for the money and are willing to kill or hurt anybody that gets in their way in order to make the most money that they can. The US government needs to stop supporting companies like Blackwater. The money that the government has already paid Blackwater is ridiculously high.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/11/27/blackwater.iraq/index.html?iref=newssearch
Holy Punishment
Courtney Keeton
IGS 233B
13th Blog
Crime
http://abcnews.go.com/International/Story?id=3927504&page=2
This week my article is about the punishment side of crime. How do you feel about corporal punishment? Well, if you lived in a predominantly Islamic country, you probably would be indifferent to it or maybe even support it as the main way to shell out consequences. Recently, a British school teacher was barely spared the consequence of a possibly public flogging because of letting one of her students name his teddy bear Muhammad, after the prophet. She was sentenced to 15 days in jail before being deported, instead. In another case, a 19 year old woman was sentenced to a public flogging of 200 lashes because she was the victim of rape. The justification was that she deserved it by being in the car of a male who was not a relative. I guess on the other end of that spectrum is a man who was publicly flogged 100 times before being hung (also in public) for the rape and murder of 22 people.
Now the whole corporal punishment thing to me is okay as long as the consequence is as severe as the crime committed. But in the case of the 19 year old woman, I’m not so sure. What was her true crime? By Islamic standards, just being a victim of rape is unjust in itself. But on the other hand, did the murderer get what he deserved, or did the crime not fit the punishment? I think that any kind of consequences carried out that need to be justified by a holy book (in the case of the rape victim) are probably not so holy or just. But who am I to say to a number of countries whose laws and entire way of life is dictated by a holy book, instead of at times, reason and rationale?
IGS 233B
13th Blog
Crime
http://abcnews.go.com/International/Story?id=3927504&page=2
This week my article is about the punishment side of crime. How do you feel about corporal punishment? Well, if you lived in a predominantly Islamic country, you probably would be indifferent to it or maybe even support it as the main way to shell out consequences. Recently, a British school teacher was barely spared the consequence of a possibly public flogging because of letting one of her students name his teddy bear Muhammad, after the prophet. She was sentenced to 15 days in jail before being deported, instead. In another case, a 19 year old woman was sentenced to a public flogging of 200 lashes because she was the victim of rape. The justification was that she deserved it by being in the car of a male who was not a relative. I guess on the other end of that spectrum is a man who was publicly flogged 100 times before being hung (also in public) for the rape and murder of 22 people.
Now the whole corporal punishment thing to me is okay as long as the consequence is as severe as the crime committed. But in the case of the 19 year old woman, I’m not so sure. What was her true crime? By Islamic standards, just being a victim of rape is unjust in itself. But on the other hand, did the murderer get what he deserved, or did the crime not fit the punishment? I think that any kind of consequences carried out that need to be justified by a holy book (in the case of the rape victim) are probably not so holy or just. But who am I to say to a number of countries whose laws and entire way of life is dictated by a holy book, instead of at times, reason and rationale?
New Test Scores Literacy
Students from Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario have the top scores on an international literacy test. This test is called the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study that measures reading skills of fourth graders in fourty countries. About five Candanian provinces participated in this study, and they were measured seperately from other schools. The Candanian provinces have been making an effort for a while to improve early literacy skills. This test is only being used to measure the literacy skills of elementary aged students now, but hopes that it can be used in higher grade levels soon. Alberta scored the best among other places. Their students are among the best in the world, and they perform well on tests.
I think that there should be more test to created to see how well a student's literacy level is. There is so much that I child/person can do with reading, and I think that it is essential to live a normal life. If this test can determine what level a person is at in reading, then there can be some type of invention to improve the reading for people all over the globe!
I think that there should be more test to created to see how well a student's literacy level is. There is so much that I child/person can do with reading, and I think that it is essential to live a normal life. If this test can determine what level a person is at in reading, then there can be some type of invention to improve the reading for people all over the globe!
Mynanmar Casualty Amount
There were at least 15 people that were killed in Myanmar when the military attempted to crush a demonstration in September. The U.N.'s Paulo Sergio Pinheiro stated that he assumes that there were more people killed in other parts of the country. He stated that "This is just in Yangon," Pinheiro said. "The government has not told me all the casualties in the country." One of the main purposes that Pinheiro visited this country was to find out how many people were killed and or detained. The government is only willing to state that 10 people were killed when troops opened fire on crowds on the peaceful protesters on September 26 and 27. The Diplomas and dissident said that the total was higher. The government told Pinheiro that they have detained around 3,000 people who had some type of connection with the demonstrations. The military stated that most of the people were released but many political activists remain in custody. "Of course, I am happy that large numbers of people have been released," Pinheiro said in Yangon on Thursday. "But I have my concerns about the situation of those who have not been released.
This is a terrible situation that never should have happened. If the government was more concerned with their people they would have a much better place. This government is too concerned on how to control their people that they are hurting their people in the act of controlling them. The government wants to keep the people under them in order to control them. If they control them they get to do what they won’t but the people are losing their human rights in the process.
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Nov16/0,4670,Myanmar,00.html
This is a terrible situation that never should have happened. If the government was more concerned with their people they would have a much better place. This government is too concerned on how to control their people that they are hurting their people in the act of controlling them. The government wants to keep the people under them in order to control them. If they control them they get to do what they won’t but the people are losing their human rights in the process.
http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Nov16/0,4670,Myanmar,00.html
GHB Found in Hong Kong Beads
A Hong Kong company apologized Thursday for the millions of beads that were made with poisonous inexpensive glue, due to children’s obsession with putting their toys in their mouths. In American the beads are known as Aqua Dots and Bindeez in other European countries. The products were recalled a number of months after a reported fourteen kids were found sick after eating the beads. A few children ended up in comas.
Medical scientists in Australia found that one of the key ingredients in the glue broke down in the body into GHB, also known as a date rape drug in the U.S. that had been banned. GHB is liable to end in unconsciousness or even death.
The company felt stigmatized due to all the bad press release that “Made in China” has been associated within the past year. They apologized to the consumers and their parents for the misfortunes.
China has had a poor following because of problems with toys and safety regulations such as Mattel, Hasbro, and Disney products. An associate of the toy industry felt that just as China was stepping up, the bead problem pushed them back down in the wrong direction yet again.
The glue issue has been solved says the manufacturers, claiming to have a more new, cheaper, and reliable product. They say the glue even helps make the beads softer. (I assume for easy digestion?) Only the beads in America have been recalled. European lab results found no problem with the beads that Hong Kong distributed. For the future, the U.S. will resume its close eye on imports.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/business/worldbusiness/30toys.html?_r=1&ref=worldbusiness&oref=slogin
Medical scientists in Australia found that one of the key ingredients in the glue broke down in the body into GHB, also known as a date rape drug in the U.S. that had been banned. GHB is liable to end in unconsciousness or even death.
The company felt stigmatized due to all the bad press release that “Made in China” has been associated within the past year. They apologized to the consumers and their parents for the misfortunes.
China has had a poor following because of problems with toys and safety regulations such as Mattel, Hasbro, and Disney products. An associate of the toy industry felt that just as China was stepping up, the bead problem pushed them back down in the wrong direction yet again.
The glue issue has been solved says the manufacturers, claiming to have a more new, cheaper, and reliable product. They say the glue even helps make the beads softer. (I assume for easy digestion?) Only the beads in America have been recalled. European lab results found no problem with the beads that Hong Kong distributed. For the future, the U.S. will resume its close eye on imports.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/business/worldbusiness/30toys.html?_r=1&ref=worldbusiness&oref=slogin
Hanoi film festival focuses on urbanization
According to the Vietnam News Agency, “An international film festival entitled “Tales of the City” will be held in Hanoi from now until the end of the month.” The festival is said to showcase 10 provoking films. These films were made up in the U.S., Spain and the UK about urbanization. Among the films being showcased are Boomsville, Dark Days, Maquila: A Tale of Two Mexico’s, Salaam Bobbay, La Sierra and Tsotsi. Along with these films being shown are two Vietnamese films, Dreaming of Being a Worker by director Tran Phuong Thao and Green Meadow by director Phan Y Ly.
The films being shown depict an overall view of urbanization, urban zoning and the effect of urban policies on cities. Several of these films concentrate on the social changes residents face due to urbanization and industrialization. These films were organized in response to the UNFPA’s World Population 2007 report. This report stressed over the rapid rate of population growth in the world, especially in Asia and Africa. These films hope to help establish fair urban zoning in order to meet future population growth. This growth is said to exceed more than half of the globe’s population living in urban areas by next year.
The films will be shown in original languages, and a few will be followed by discussion with speakers sharing their thoughts and expertise on urbanization.
I really like this article because it shows the city’s leaders incorporating the public in their efforts to tame urbanization. I think the public should be involved because it is going to effect there lives in many different ways, and they should know what to expect and how to make the impact positive.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/lifestyle/2007/11/756982/
The films being shown depict an overall view of urbanization, urban zoning and the effect of urban policies on cities. Several of these films concentrate on the social changes residents face due to urbanization and industrialization. These films were organized in response to the UNFPA’s World Population 2007 report. This report stressed over the rapid rate of population growth in the world, especially in Asia and Africa. These films hope to help establish fair urban zoning in order to meet future population growth. This growth is said to exceed more than half of the globe’s population living in urban areas by next year.
The films will be shown in original languages, and a few will be followed by discussion with speakers sharing their thoughts and expertise on urbanization.
I really like this article because it shows the city’s leaders incorporating the public in their efforts to tame urbanization. I think the public should be involved because it is going to effect there lives in many different ways, and they should know what to expect and how to make the impact positive.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/lifestyle/2007/11/756982/
Kasparov warns of 'chaos' in Russia
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/world/europe/30russia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Former chess champion, Gerry Kasparov, warned that President Putin and his party were growing increasingly repressive. After being held in prison for five days for leading an opposition march, upon release Mr. Kasparov declared that "the failure of the government to abide by its own laws and Constitution'could result in a catastrophe for the whole country.' " While in prison Mr. Kasparov claimed that he was denied the right to a lawyer and that the courts would not allow evidence to be submitted for his defense. His release came on the same day as a public speech by Putin to gain votes for his party during parliamentary elections to be held on December 2nd. The Kremlin reputed the statements, saying that Kasparov was arrested for holding "an unauthorized march and thus had faced appropriate punishment." Not only is the Kremlin imprisoning opposition groups, but recently the government has gained control of Russian television and shut down most, if not all, non-government organizations (NGOs).
Throughout this project I have found repeated reports of President Putin's disregard for his country's Constitution. Everyday it seems like Russia looks more and more like the Soviet Union of sixteen years ago. This is just another example of Mr. Putin's efforts to keep control of the government. Eventhough his "presidency" will end soon there has been speculation that Putin will continue to wield power from another position, such as prime minister, or even just as a puppet master pulling the strings of whatever candidate wins the next presidency (more than likely the candidate that Putin gives his support to). Russia has prospered under Putin just as they did under Stalin, but also similar to Stalin's regime, the question must be asked, at what price will the people have to pay for "stability?"
Former chess champion, Gerry Kasparov, warned that President Putin and his party were growing increasingly repressive. After being held in prison for five days for leading an opposition march, upon release Mr. Kasparov declared that "the failure of the government to abide by its own laws and Constitution'could result in a catastrophe for the whole country.' " While in prison Mr. Kasparov claimed that he was denied the right to a lawyer and that the courts would not allow evidence to be submitted for his defense. His release came on the same day as a public speech by Putin to gain votes for his party during parliamentary elections to be held on December 2nd. The Kremlin reputed the statements, saying that Kasparov was arrested for holding "an unauthorized march and thus had faced appropriate punishment." Not only is the Kremlin imprisoning opposition groups, but recently the government has gained control of Russian television and shut down most, if not all, non-government organizations (NGOs).
Throughout this project I have found repeated reports of President Putin's disregard for his country's Constitution. Everyday it seems like Russia looks more and more like the Soviet Union of sixteen years ago. This is just another example of Mr. Putin's efforts to keep control of the government. Eventhough his "presidency" will end soon there has been speculation that Putin will continue to wield power from another position, such as prime minister, or even just as a puppet master pulling the strings of whatever candidate wins the next presidency (more than likely the candidate that Putin gives his support to). Russia has prospered under Putin just as they did under Stalin, but also similar to Stalin's regime, the question must be asked, at what price will the people have to pay for "stability?"
Musharraf Defends Actions After Taking Oath
TodayPresident Pervez Musharraf was sworn into office. This will be his second five year tern as the civilian president of Pakistan. Just the day before he resigned from his position as military chief. After taking his oath, Musharraf made a speech defending his actions. He said he had always meant to lead Pakistan in the direction of democracy but his first and foremost concern was preserving his country's stability. He also warned foreign diplomats not to force democracy on other countries, that they must develop in their own time. He made the point that it is idealistic and impractical for us to expect to give Pakistan human rights and democracy in a year, a month, overnight...when we have taken centuries to get to where we are now. He further went on to say that he did want civil rights for Pakistan but they must be allowed to acquire it in their own way and that the Pakistani society knows better than any Western country, how this should be achieved.
There is still controversy surrounding Musharraf's swearing in as he has made an oath to defend the Constitution of Pakistan which he coincidentally has suspended. He has announced though, that he will repeal the state of emergency in Pakistan on December 16th. Rioters in Lahore, mostly lawyers, protested the ceremony and Musharraf's presidency insisting that "Musharraf must go." Eleven Lawyers and three policemen were injured and three lawyers were arrested.
So all I really want to talk about is the point Musharraf made about imposing democracy in other countries. As much as I certainly disagree with his actions and question his sincerity I think this is a very true statement. We have taken centuries to achieve the state of democracy and human rights we have today. It has been no piece of cake either. Yet, and this rings true for other countries, we expect to help them establish a democracy in a matter of months or even a few years. I totally agree. This is RIDICULOUS. If Pakistan is to establish democracy it must be on their own terms and their own way. What works for America doesn't necessarily work for everybody else. Our cultures are so different. I'm not saying we expect to make a carbon copy of the system we have in the US. I know our government is smarter than that...at least I think they are. What are we going to do though?! These things do not just happen overnight. Are we just going to plant ourselves in every country experiencing human rights violations and do a 180 on their government, their lifestyle? It simply doesn't make sense. To digress a bit, with this in mind, what are we doing in Iraq!? We will be stuck there forever because we are trying to fix their government (since we messed it up.) We tore it down and didn't think about how efficiently we could build it again, differently. We will stay there for 300 years trying to give them what we have. It cannot be done. Musharraf is absolutely right. I hope the US and other foreign diplomats took what he said to heart...mulled it over a bit, got some new insight. The question is really whether he really is going to give Pakistan democracy or is he just making idle promises.
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2086/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?risb=21_T2617016277&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T2617016280&cisb=22_T2617016279&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=6742&docNo=5
There is still controversy surrounding Musharraf's swearing in as he has made an oath to defend the Constitution of Pakistan which he coincidentally has suspended. He has announced though, that he will repeal the state of emergency in Pakistan on December 16th. Rioters in Lahore, mostly lawyers, protested the ceremony and Musharraf's presidency insisting that "Musharraf must go." Eleven Lawyers and three policemen were injured and three lawyers were arrested.
So all I really want to talk about is the point Musharraf made about imposing democracy in other countries. As much as I certainly disagree with his actions and question his sincerity I think this is a very true statement. We have taken centuries to achieve the state of democracy and human rights we have today. It has been no piece of cake either. Yet, and this rings true for other countries, we expect to help them establish a democracy in a matter of months or even a few years. I totally agree. This is RIDICULOUS. If Pakistan is to establish democracy it must be on their own terms and their own way. What works for America doesn't necessarily work for everybody else. Our cultures are so different. I'm not saying we expect to make a carbon copy of the system we have in the US. I know our government is smarter than that...at least I think they are. What are we going to do though?! These things do not just happen overnight. Are we just going to plant ourselves in every country experiencing human rights violations and do a 180 on their government, their lifestyle? It simply doesn't make sense. To digress a bit, with this in mind, what are we doing in Iraq!? We will be stuck there forever because we are trying to fix their government (since we messed it up.) We tore it down and didn't think about how efficiently we could build it again, differently. We will stay there for 300 years trying to give them what we have. It cannot be done. Musharraf is absolutely right. I hope the US and other foreign diplomats took what he said to heart...mulled it over a bit, got some new insight. The question is really whether he really is going to give Pakistan democracy or is he just making idle promises.
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2086/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?risb=21_T2617016277&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T2617016280&cisb=22_T2617016279&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=6742&docNo=5
U.S. provide anti-terrorism training for Cambodians forces
The USS Essex amphibious assault ship arrived in port city Sihanoukville on Monday carrying US Marine Corps. On Tuesday the Marines started providing Cambodia’s National Counter Terrorism Task Force (NCTTF) with anti-terrorism training. The training should allow NCTTF the ability to sustain counter terrorism training and further stabilize the ability of the US to participate in future partner nation’s military exchange programs. In other words, both countries will benefit from these training sessions by further developing counter terrorism capabilities. Anti-terrorism training tactics were focused on field medical operation, marksmanship, leadership development and hand-to-hand combat. The US Military will also be providing services in the surrounding areas such as medical, military and civic engineering missions.
This Military counter terrorism tactics training will help the Cambodians to increase their chances in the encounter of terrorists. I think it is important to build relations with other countries and if helping them to develop anti-terrorism tactics and help their country to feel more secure about their situation while building on a bond that is being formed with them, we are doing a good thing. I also think it is good that we can assist their people by giving medical treatment and carry out other missions while strengthening their defense systems. It is important to perform tasks with other countries and obtain allies in this day and age.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/27/content_7155500.htm
This Military counter terrorism tactics training will help the Cambodians to increase their chances in the encounter of terrorists. I think it is important to build relations with other countries and if helping them to develop anti-terrorism tactics and help their country to feel more secure about their situation while building on a bond that is being formed with them, we are doing a good thing. I also think it is good that we can assist their people by giving medical treatment and carry out other missions while strengthening their defense systems. It is important to perform tasks with other countries and obtain allies in this day and age.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/27/content_7155500.htm
Zambia: Women Should Unite, Rise as One
In Zambia, women are being encouraged to own land and go into farming. It is important for women in Zambia to empower themselves with skills that could bring sustainability to Zambia. Women being confident about themselves and what they can do can help advance development in society. The Arts Paradise Trust International based in Zimbabwe is a program that is designed to bring young women leaders together in Africa. The purpose is to create positive changes in the women’s lives, in their communities and in the world. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has brought many changes for women in Africa. Promoting gender equality, empowering women, and reducing discrimination against women are just a few changes brought on by the MDG. More women are now being involved in decision making and women are not longer discriminated.
I think that this is great. Women all over the world need to be encouraged to do great things. Figure out their strength and carry them out. The article states that “Women in leadership must challenge and prove to their critics that they have the capacity of taking up leadership roles without any difficulties.” Today there are a lot more men in leadership roles then women, but women are slowly having more leadership roles. Women just need to realize that they can do a job just as well as a male and they need to do it with confidents. There are always going to be critics no matter the gender. I just think that women have to prove themselves a little more than men have to. I think that the MDG is doing a great think for bring women from all over Africa together.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200711260526.html?page=2
I think that this is great. Women all over the world need to be encouraged to do great things. Figure out their strength and carry them out. The article states that “Women in leadership must challenge and prove to their critics that they have the capacity of taking up leadership roles without any difficulties.” Today there are a lot more men in leadership roles then women, but women are slowly having more leadership roles. Women just need to realize that they can do a job just as well as a male and they need to do it with confidents. There are always going to be critics no matter the gender. I just think that women have to prove themselves a little more than men have to. I think that the MDG is doing a great think for bring women from all over Africa together.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200711260526.html?page=2
Armenia's Aid
On November 27, 2007, the World Bank supported a $18.5 million Poverty Reduction Support Credit for Armenia. The project will help sustain economic growth, provide resources for the budget, facilitate priority reforms for Armenia's government, and bolster the fight against illegal lodging. This is the fourth installment and it will bring the total budget from the World Bank since 2004 to over $84 million. The Bank helps the Armenian government fight against monopolies in order to help exoprters and businesses, while at the same time creating job opportunities. Some of the funding will be used to help companies become more transparent, resulting in increased foreign and domestic capital for investment and job creation. Systems will be created which enable the public to access full information on companies and owners.
The main objective for this program is to reduce corruption and improve prospects for investment by ensuring customs and tax administrations are reformed. The credit will also be used to prevent illegal lodging and protect the forest of Armenia.
Armenia hopes that by eradicating monopolies in the distribution of goods, and by raising standards in customs and tax administrations, it can improve it's business enviornment. Before reading this article, I had never heard of Armenia. I did not know it even had a serious poverty problem. I hope that this new program helps the country.
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:21565332~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html
The main objective for this program is to reduce corruption and improve prospects for investment by ensuring customs and tax administrations are reformed. The credit will also be used to prevent illegal lodging and protect the forest of Armenia.
Armenia hopes that by eradicating monopolies in the distribution of goods, and by raising standards in customs and tax administrations, it can improve it's business enviornment. Before reading this article, I had never heard of Armenia. I did not know it even had a serious poverty problem. I hope that this new program helps the country.
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/0,,contentMDK:21565332~pagePK:34370~piPK:34424~theSitePK:4607,00.html
19-Year Old Saudi Rape Victim Ordered to Undergo 200 Lashes
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,311848,00.html
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — A 19-year-old female victim of gang rape who initially was ordered to undergo 90 lashes for "being in the car of an unrelated male at the time of the rape," has been sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in jail for telling her story to the news media.The new verdict was handed down by Saudi Arabia's Higher Judicial Council following a retrial, the Arab News reported.The court last year sentenced the six heavily-armed men who carried out the attack against the Shiite woman to between one and five years for committing the crime.But the judges had decided to punish the woman further for "her attempt to aggravate and influence the judiciary through the media," a court source told the Arab News.The new verdict issued on Wednesday also toughened the sentences against the six men to between two and nine years in prison.Saudi Arabia enforces a strict Islamic doctrine that forbids unrelated men and women from associating with each other, bans women from driving and forces them to cover head-to-toe in public.The case has angered members of Saudi Arabia's Shiite community. The convicted men are Sunni Muslims, the dominant community in the oil-rich Gulf state.
I think this is absolutely ridiculous. It was bad enough to be raped, and then she was punished for it, and now because others have been told she's getting even worse treatment? It's amazing how much things vary from country to country. That sort of thing would not fly here. The men would be punished, not the victimized woman. But there, she's the one at fault because she was with an unrelated man at the time which it occurred. It's insane and I really can't even think up a proper response to it. Well, other than what I just said about it being ridiculous.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — A 19-year-old female victim of gang rape who initially was ordered to undergo 90 lashes for "being in the car of an unrelated male at the time of the rape," has been sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in jail for telling her story to the news media.The new verdict was handed down by Saudi Arabia's Higher Judicial Council following a retrial, the Arab News reported.The court last year sentenced the six heavily-armed men who carried out the attack against the Shiite woman to between one and five years for committing the crime.But the judges had decided to punish the woman further for "her attempt to aggravate and influence the judiciary through the media," a court source told the Arab News.The new verdict issued on Wednesday also toughened the sentences against the six men to between two and nine years in prison.Saudi Arabia enforces a strict Islamic doctrine that forbids unrelated men and women from associating with each other, bans women from driving and forces them to cover head-to-toe in public.The case has angered members of Saudi Arabia's Shiite community. The convicted men are Sunni Muslims, the dominant community in the oil-rich Gulf state.
I think this is absolutely ridiculous. It was bad enough to be raped, and then she was punished for it, and now because others have been told she's getting even worse treatment? It's amazing how much things vary from country to country. That sort of thing would not fly here. The men would be punished, not the victimized woman. But there, she's the one at fault because she was with an unrelated man at the time which it occurred. It's insane and I really can't even think up a proper response to it. Well, other than what I just said about it being ridiculous.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
China says rethink of IPR needed for energy saving
The article explains reasoning on why richer countries should rethink intellectual property protection on energy-saving technology if costs of such technology are to be within reach of developing nations. China has made a proposal in which it states that rich countries should focus on technology transfer to help offset emission. To get the help China needs, to speed up the technology transfer process, we have to really think about how to help China cover the high costs. Zhou Dadi, of China's Energy Research Institute, spoke on ways for richer countries to help. Zhou suggested rich countries to cut emissions 30 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050 and for developing nations to cut emissions 20 percent by 2050. But China has repeatedly said it will not agree to fixed targets on its emissions, fearing caps could impact its rapid economic growth. And it also said that says rich countries responsible for most of the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere should bear the brunt of emissions reductions and should help poorer nations by transferring energy-saving technologies.
This article is very interesting. It talked about how richer countries needs to rethink their approach on the strategies of the use of technology on saving energy. I do agree with the suggestions beause the wealthy should help out for the not so wealthy.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/science/20071128-0012-china-climate-.html
This article is very interesting. It talked about how richer countries needs to rethink their approach on the strategies of the use of technology on saving energy. I do agree with the suggestions beause the wealthy should help out for the not so wealthy.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/science/20071128-0012-china-climate-.html
New Prisons Not the Answer
A recent crackdown on criminals in Britain has led to a slew of overcrowded prisons. As more and more people are being arrested and given extended sentences, there is increasingly less space to put them. What are the proposed answers to this problem? Overall, there are two real solutions to this problem. First of all, sentencing could be lighter. For instance, someone who might get a two year sentence could just be given a slap on the wrist. There are several people who are against this method because the punishment isn't harsh enough. However, if this many people are criminals, prison sentencing is not an effective deterrent. Another proposed idea is to build more prisons. While this may sound like common sense to some, there are many barriers in getting there. Building new prisons is known to be expensive. In addition, each prisoner that is placed in the prison is in ways, paid for. Money must be provided to feed, clothe, and watch each criminal. Where will all of this money come from? Can taxpayers really be asked to fork out more money to support prisons? If it will make them feel safer, it is a good idea, but in the long run, will it really help? Another problem that was brought up is that there are a lot of repeat offenders, so Britain's prisons aren't rehabilitating as intended. In my opinion, building more prisons isn't going to help the situation. As we all know, some people go to prison because they know they will have a roof over their heads and food in their mouths. In this sense, building more jails is enabling this type of activity. It would be more effective to have the less serious criminals under house arrest or some alternate form of punishment.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article472915.ece
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article472915.ece
Egypt, Palestinian Authority and Hamas Share Blame
The Israeli government is attempting to block around 670 in Gaza in an attempt to stop them studying abroad in other countries. The Israeli government is denying the exit permits that will allow for these students to study abroad in such countries as Egypt, Jordan, Germany Britain, and the united states. The students are among 6,700 people who have been trapped in Gaza since Hamas to control of the area in June. Israel has complete control of the borders surrounding Gaza, and has only allowed a few journalist, employees of multi national corporations and medical aid to enter and exit Gaza since Hamas to control of the area. As a rule the Israeli does not allow students in Gaza to study in Israel. This is a problem because of the fact that the universities in Gaza do not offer degrees in a variety of subjects.
I feel that this act by the Israeli government is completely unjust and disgraceful. They have occupied Gaza for some 60 years and now are not allowing for the people of gaza to gain education.
(posted for the 11/23/2007)
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/11/13/isrlpa17311.htm
I feel that this act by the Israeli government is completely unjust and disgraceful. They have occupied Gaza for some 60 years and now are not allowing for the people of gaza to gain education.
(posted for the 11/23/2007)
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/11/13/isrlpa17311.htm
"Mosquito nets over Africa… !"
| Between 2004 and 2006, annual production of insecticide mosquito nets more than doubled, increasing from 30 to 63 million units. This is an excellent result which, according to a report published by the “Roll Back Malaria” Partnership, is a good illustration of the considerable progress made in the fight against this disease. |
| But although response is gathering pace, the battle is far from over. In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria still kills 800,000 children under the age of 5 every year. The number of mosquito nets purchased by UNICEF more than tripled between 2004 and 2006 and now borders on 25 million units. Which is 20 times more than in 2000. |
"First imported four seater Electric car on SL roads"
Local leading inventor Dr.Ray Wijewardana says that he had never used petrol shed during the past few years due to the non use of fossil fuel car. Dr.Wijewardana uses electric operated car, the -Reva, an Indian motor car and said he spends only a few cents to charge his car and complete his day to day transport needs.
After the launching of new Electric Car Electtrica on Tuesday, Dr.Wijeyawardana said that Sri Lanka needs green cars to protect the environment and save money. Which is true in all places around the world. Electrica is a product of China and the Echowheels Ltd. of Sri Lanka is the main agents for the newly introduced four seater PLUG and RUN car plans to obtain government tax rebates , but is still waiting with the local environmental heads.
Mr.Nissanka Ediriweera Chairman of the Echowheels Ltd. said the Minister of Environment Patali Champika Ranawaka has asked support from the government Treasury to provide tax concessions , but hopes are still on a hand. The company hopes to display this ‘City Commuter Car’ at the Ceylon Motor Show
According to the manufacturers this car does not need liquid fuel, oil or other expensive spare parts .This car manufactures in China with the Japanese technology and it includes modern features and 3000 Watt engine.
If we charge seven hours the car will take you 110 kilometers as a running distance, he said.
“I ask the President to mediate to reduce import tax on this product .After my request the President has appointed a committee headed by Dr.A.G.T.Sugathapala , head of the Mechanical Engineering , University of Moratuwa to obtain a detailed report, he said.
Mr.Ediriweera was a senior member of the Royal Ceylon Air Force and later became as an entrepreneur after acquisition of the ownership of the Weightech, - leading weighing machine importer in the country.
“I want to make some contribution to save foreign exchange to the country after the introduction of this green car.The government is moved to impose a green tax to protect the environment and our effort is to reduce Fossil fuel usage in Sri Lanka.At present the government charges 28% VAT on this car and my aim is to import this car without taxes, he said.
Mr.Ediriweera said the first Electrica costs 1.4 million rupees without taxes.
“I want to leave some thing to my country. I am the first man to bring this four seate r –Fiber body Electric car to Sri Lanka , he said.
French transport strike extended over weekend
In Paris, France late Thursday and early Friday, riot police evicted students who were staging sit-ins at university campuses in the capital and in the cities of Strasbourg, Lyon and Nantes to protest a reform that allows for private, charitable contributions to schools, in addition to public funding and tuition charges. Students fear the reform that is designed to make France;s schools more competitive. Five people were detained by police in a scuffle early Friday at a university in southern Montpellier, National Police spokesman Laurent Ricard said. Next week, many student unions plan to line up with hospital workers and school administrators in strikes over Sarkozy's plan to thin the public sector. All of this happened after transport voters to keep a national strike going through the weekend over President Nicolas Sarkozy's plans to strip away generous pension benefits. But the impact of the strike diminished as nearly 68 percent of drivers for the national rail network ignored it and went to work, up from 40 percent on Wednesday, the first full day of the strike. Only two subway lines in Paris were closed completely, and about one in three buses were running on average. Some trains were running on four of the five RER commuter rail lines. Several unions for both SNCF and the Paris transit authority RATP — which includes subways, buses and the suburban RER trains — agreed to press on with the strike through Monday, labor officials told The Associated Press.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21837513/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21837513/
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Is "Golden Compass" Anti-Catholic?
The upcoming film The Golden Compass based on the successful series written by Philip Pullman is set to hit movie theaters December 5th. The film boasts Hollywood favorites Nicole Kidman, Sam Elliot and Daniel Craig. Religious Right activists are calling for a boycott and have deemed the film an attack on Christianity. Philip Pullman is a famous British author, who has also enjoyed great success in United States. It is well known that Philip Pullman is an atheist. Shortly after the attacks began the film's stars and The Golden Compass author shot back at the activists:
Kidman, who plays a glamorous villain with a soul of ice, rejects the claim that the movie's message is anti-church.
"I don't see it as that, but it's always laid out for interpretation," she said. "But I would be surprised if people actually saw the film and felt that."
"You know what, if they do [boycott], tough," actor Sam Elliot said. "They're going to lose out. We're not going to lose out. They're going to lose out."
"I think the Catholic Church will survive," Craig said. "It's survived much worse things than this."
"Religion is at its best when it is furthest away from power," Pullman told CBS News Correspondent Richard Roth. "As soon as it gets its hands on power, it's no good."
I chose to blog about this topic because I am a personal fan of the series and I feel I should defend it as well. The series is thought-provoking, original and a damn good read. Philip Pullman hit the nail on the head with his, "religion is at its best when it is furthest away from power..." quote. My question is does the religious right have nothing better to do with its time than to waste their time attacking a film; they lose this same battle time after time (i.e. The Harry Potter series). There are so many more important issues the Church could be tackling then concerning its self with the Golden Compass. In my opinion, the Church has no place taking a stance on fiction. If you're comfortable in your faith a Hollywood film shouldn't bother you.
Is 'Golden Compass' Anti-Catholic?
Kidman, who plays a glamorous villain with a soul of ice, rejects the claim that the movie's message is anti-church.
"I don't see it as that, but it's always laid out for interpretation," she said. "But I would be surprised if people actually saw the film and felt that."
"You know what, if they do [boycott], tough," actor Sam Elliot said. "They're going to lose out. We're not going to lose out. They're going to lose out."
"I think the Catholic Church will survive," Craig said. "It's survived much worse things than this."
"Religion is at its best when it is furthest away from power," Pullman told CBS News Correspondent Richard Roth. "As soon as it gets its hands on power, it's no good."
I chose to blog about this topic because I am a personal fan of the series and I feel I should defend it as well. The series is thought-provoking, original and a damn good read. Philip Pullman hit the nail on the head with his, "religion is at its best when it is furthest away from power..." quote. My question is does the religious right have nothing better to do with its time than to waste their time attacking a film; they lose this same battle time after time (i.e. The Harry Potter series). There are so many more important issues the Church could be tackling then concerning its self with the Golden Compass. In my opinion, the Church has no place taking a stance on fiction. If you're comfortable in your faith a Hollywood film shouldn't bother you.
Is 'Golden Compass' Anti-Catholic?
Global Warming Increases Malaria, Dengue Fever Threat, UN Says
www. bloomberg.com
This article is talking about how global warming is going to cause an increase in the spread of diseases. The increase of rainfall and temperatures are making easy for mosquitoes carrying malaria to survive. With this increase it will put from about 200million to 400million people at greater risk of diseases that kll about 1 million people a year. Also the chang in the weather also has increased the exposer to dengue fever. This disease is also transmitted by mosquitoes. Reports say that temperatures are steady rising. The world has increased 1.3 degrees fahrenheit. Also heat waves in the United states will double by the year 2050. If this happens there will be more sickness. They will include dehydration, heat strokes, West Nile and also Lyme disease. I feel that this article was very informing. I feel that we need to figure out ways to cut back on global warming if not people are going to just start dieing off because of health problems that can not be controled
This article is talking about how global warming is going to cause an increase in the spread of diseases. The increase of rainfall and temperatures are making easy for mosquitoes carrying malaria to survive. With this increase it will put from about 200million to 400million people at greater risk of diseases that kll about 1 million people a year. Also the chang in the weather also has increased the exposer to dengue fever. This disease is also transmitted by mosquitoes. Reports say that temperatures are steady rising. The world has increased 1.3 degrees fahrenheit. Also heat waves in the United states will double by the year 2050. If this happens there will be more sickness. They will include dehydration, heat strokes, West Nile and also Lyme disease. I feel that this article was very informing. I feel that we need to figure out ways to cut back on global warming if not people are going to just start dieing off because of health problems that can not be controled
UK's first drug & alcohol court
The UK's first drug and alcohol court was built just a short time ago in the Inner London Family Proceedings court. Based on a US model, the court will provide support and assessment to families who are affected by drug and alcohol abuse. This new idea has allowed many more children to get back home after recieving help. This system not only addresses child and adolescent substance abuse but it also helps the parents if they have problems. "For too many years I have seen children, sometimes the fifth, sixth or seventh from the same family, being taken into care because of parental misuse of alcohol and/or drugs" says Judge Nick Crichton.
Anne Turner, assistant director, Camden Children Schools and Families, said, "The court is a way of giving families more structured support". She goes on to say,"they receive help from therapists, mentors, who are parents but also former substance users who have been through similar experiences as them and have successfully managed to keep their children, as well as specialist clinical staff". Giveing the parents choices can potentially bring these families back together again.
In the United States, drug and alcohol courts have had a high success rate of keeping children with their parents after they have received the proper support and help. Hopefully the UK will se some major improvements as well!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7112621.stm
Anne Turner, assistant director, Camden Children Schools and Families, said, "The court is a way of giving families more structured support". She goes on to say,"they receive help from therapists, mentors, who are parents but also former substance users who have been through similar experiences as them and have successfully managed to keep their children, as well as specialist clinical staff". Giveing the parents choices can potentially bring these families back together again.
In the United States, drug and alcohol courts have had a high success rate of keeping children with their parents after they have received the proper support and help. Hopefully the UK will se some major improvements as well!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7112621.stm
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Reminder November 28, 2007 3:30 to 5:00 pm - "The Labor Rights Movement at Smithfield Foods"
Please announce, distribute, post, and forward...
Workers' Rights, Unionization, & Worker Safety
The Labor Rights Movement at Smithfield Foods
November 28, 2007 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Organized by Stephen J. Sills, Assistant Professor
Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Poverty level wages, brutal conditions, crippling injuries-this is what 5,500 workers face every day when they walk in the door of the world's largest hog processing plant in Tar Heel, North Carolina. Smithfield Packing has created an environment of intimidation, racial tension, fear, and sometimes, violence, for workers who desperately want a voice on the job.
To meet production goals, the processing lines move exceedingly fast. Workers are under extreme pressure to keep up, and some have reported being verbally abused, or even fired, if they fall behind. Others try to keep up to the best of their abilities, but very few work in this plant for more than a couple months without suffering an injury. Safety and health are of many workers' rights issues at the plant. Human Rights Watch has cited Smithfield Packing for violating international human rights standards in two reports. According to Human Rights Watch, Smithfield has violated the rights of workers to organize a union, has denied workers' compensation to injured workers, and has retaliated against workers for reporting injuries.
Smithfield Packing is a serial labor law violator, having blatantly refused to abide by National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decisions which ordered it to stop unlawfully assaulting, firing, intimidating and threatening workers with violence and arrest. Even after a federal appeals court in May 2006 ruled against Smithfield and upheld the NLRB's cease and desist order, the company continues to disrespect the law.
http://www.ufcw.org/smithfield_justice/index.cfm
Please come to this special talk hosted by the Dept. of Sociology
--
Stephen J. Sills, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Sociology
320 Graham Building
PO Box 26170
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
http://www.uncg.edu/~sjsills/
sjsills@uncg.edu
Poverty effecting the growth of green cities.
On November 8, 2007 Dr. Janice Perlman, who holds a B.A. from Cornell University in anthropology and Latin American studies as well as a Ph.D. from MIT in political science with a concentration in international urban studies, spoke Wednesday about "the challenges that come with efforts to implement sustainable design, methods and strategies in cities across the world during her session titled “A Global Perspective on Mega-Cities and Urban Innovations” at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo in Chicago". She spoke on how the world is only about half way done with industrialization, and how the growth of urban area will cause great damage to the environment.
I believe that the growth of large cities speeds up the damage to the environment. I believe that the high concentration of people and the large amount of waste makes it impossible to have a green mega-city. I believe that there needs to be steps taken by every country in this world to provide for the sustainabilty of our Earth and her natural resources.
http://www.multi-housingnews.com/multihousing/content_display/industry-news/e3i8e3ff55d4b8bbf24d4dd0b7b68ce15a5
France urges China to join Global Environment fight
Today President Nicolas Sarkozy urged China, one of the world's major polluters, to join in a "worldwide ecological and economic New Deal to fight global warming." He urges that this "new deal" must happen quickly" in order for it to be substantial and benefitial. With China being the "world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases" it is important that they join in the effort to stop the global warming problem. Sarkozy is asking that China creates the new pacts and and even said: "...you can make this development an example for the world."
I believe that this push by France is of vital importance to the stop of Global Warming. You can not possibly stop it without the help of the countries that cause the most damage. I believe that France should also encourage other developing countries to stop or moniter their emissions. I think this "New Deal" should also be pushd to countries that arent developing to set a standard across the world.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g_qy5v7nVFommzuOXiephEKuVTkg
I believe that this push by France is of vital importance to the stop of Global Warming. You can not possibly stop it without the help of the countries that cause the most damage. I believe that France should also encourage other developing countries to stop or moniter their emissions. I think this "New Deal" should also be pushd to countries that arent developing to set a standard across the world.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g_qy5v7nVFommzuOXiephEKuVTkg
population problems?
Between the three-year averages of 1979-1981 and 1991-1993, food production per person in the world rose by 3 percent, while in Europe it only went up 2 percent and went down by nearly 5 percent in
But is food production keeping pace with population, and even outstripping it, because we are abusing nature and taking all this food? If this was true, even with inadequately attentive market prices, still, there would be diminishing returns and thus higher prices as it got progressively harder and more costly to produce the food and good soil becoming rare. Well, once again, the opposite is true. For example, a UN report recorded a 38 percent fall in the relative prices of basic foods over the last ten years. And, in comparing the period 1953-1955 to the period from 1983-1985 we show declines in the adjusted prices of, for example, rice (42 percent), wheat (57 percent), sorghum (39 percent), and maize (37 percent)."
Finally, to cap the argument, food production far from being driven to excessive heights by pressure from a demanding public is instead widely held back by the difficulty of profiting by its sale in current market conditions, not to mention by outright subsidies to reduce production.
It seems that there is not an immediate struggle crisis of population that must be attended to. Population growth is not outstripping growth in product or of food production. Current hardships for humanity such as environmental pollution, and, even worse, starvation, rampant curable disease, poverty, lack of education and health care, etc., are all functions of social systems aimed at profit for the few regardless of the devastation wrecked on the well being of the many. Still, it is unquestionably true that population can't just keep growing without eventually causing serious ecological consequences, so reducing rates of growth of population to a point of steady state is an important item on any progressive agenda, even if it isn't the apocalyptic priority that some people suggest.
What is known about reducing population growth? Everyone agrees that there can be little doubt that economic and social development, in general, has been associated with huge reductions in birth rates and the surfacing of small families as the norm. This was a pattern that was, of course, clearly observed in Europe and
Well, the reason is, because even though development may consistently work to stabilize population if it is given enough time, there may not be, it is argued, time enough to give. In other words, those concerned about population growth can and do argue that while it would be nice to wait until development reduces population growth rates, we do not have that luxury. The need for reduction is too urgent. Also, the death rate often falls very fast with more widely available health care, better sanitation, and improved nutrition, while the birth rate may fall slower. Much growth of population may meanwhile occur before the decline in birth becomes dominant and population growth rates decline, as every historical instance confirms.
http://www.zmag.org/ZMag/articles/albert3.htm
Torture "unpunished in Indonesia"
Indonesia has had a history with ill-treatment and torture a seniro UN official said. Manfred Nowak, has spent two weeks inspecting the country's prisons, jail cells and detention centers and said that he has found evidence of detainees being electrocuted, suffering systematic beatings and even being shot in the legs at close range. The BBC's Lucy Williamson, says Indonesia has regularly come under scrutiny for its human rights record. The treatment of the detainees has improved since authoritarian dictator Suharto's regime came to an end in 1998, but abuse has continued and the main culprits, seem to be the police. Level of abuse varied widely between institutions, depending on the personal behaviour of those in charge. Mr Nowak said that in some places there were no reported cases of abuse, in others torture was systematic, with detainees regularly suffering beatings. No one could cite one case in which a police officer was ever found guilty or sentenced by a criminal court for abusing or torturing a detainee. Mr. Nowak called on the government to strengthen the legal safeguards against torture.
If the U.N. has known about the the police in Indonesia torturing and abusing detainees for nine years, then why hasn't anything been done about it sooner. It seems to me that we should have tried to end this when Suhrato's regime ended. We should not just sweep things like police torturing detainees under the rug and hope it will go away. No one should have to be tortured, especially if people are already paying for the crimes they committed. I hope that the U.N. finds a way to put a stop to this or at least make some serious changes.
If the U.N. has known about the the police in Indonesia torturing and abusing detainees for nine years, then why hasn't anything been done about it sooner. It seems to me that we should have tried to end this when Suhrato's regime ended. We should not just sweep things like police torturing detainees under the rug and hope it will go away. No one should have to be tortured, especially if people are already paying for the crimes they committed. I hope that the U.N. finds a way to put a stop to this or at least make some serious changes.
With world getting smaller, IB gets bigger
http://www.edweek.org/ew/index.html
In the U.S. educators are starting to realize our students are behind in academic readiness for a global future. Proof of this recognition lies in the growth of the International Baccalaureate Program in U.S. schools. Heightened concern about preparing students for a global economy has created a fast growing trend of incorporating the academically demanding IB program. South St. Paul is one of such school districts, one administrator of curriculum and instruction said “We’re going confidently out on a limb,". As to why a small community best known for its long-gone meat-packing plants would choose to put itself in the vanguard of education reform, district officials say the driving force was pretty cut and dried: the need to prepare students to compete for 21st-century jobs. They believe that the Geneva, Switzerland-based International Baccalaureate Organization’s academic programs offer just what American students need in today’s more globally competitive environment. After President Bush promoted the program 225 American schools this year have become involved bringing the U.S. total to over 800. Personally, I believe it is the responsibility of educators to raise awareness of just how behind American students are on a global scale. IB is a step in the right direction for our schools and students.
In the U.S. educators are starting to realize our students are behind in academic readiness for a global future. Proof of this recognition lies in the growth of the International Baccalaureate Program in U.S. schools. Heightened concern about preparing students for a global economy has created a fast growing trend of incorporating the academically demanding IB program. South St. Paul is one of such school districts, one administrator of curriculum and instruction said “We’re going confidently out on a limb,". As to why a small community best known for its long-gone meat-packing plants would choose to put itself in the vanguard of education reform, district officials say the driving force was pretty cut and dried: the need to prepare students to compete for 21st-century jobs. They believe that the Geneva, Switzerland-based International Baccalaureate Organization’s academic programs offer just what American students need in today’s more globally competitive environment. After President Bush promoted the program 225 American schools this year have become involved bringing the U.S. total to over 800. Personally, I believe it is the responsibility of educators to raise awareness of just how behind American students are on a global scale. IB is a step in the right direction for our schools and students.
Race, Ethnicity Influence Social Website Choice
Stephanie Branson
SOC 202 11/30/07
Race, ethnicity influence social website choice
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/21/content_7121274.htm
The article that I found for this week, I thought was very interesting because it was dealing with race and ethnicity using popular websites that people all of the world are using now to communicate. Some of the most popular ones include Facebook and MySpace. On these sites you list all kinds of personal information and they allow you to communicate with people from all over. This particular article was talking about the different ethnic groups and which particular site that each used. A survey was done by Eszter Hargittai of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University in Illinois. What he discovered was that among the different ethnic groups Caucasian students liked Facebook, Hispanic students preferred MySpace, and Asian and Asian-American students used Xanga and Friendster.
More interesting data that he found was based on the parent’s educational level. This usually determined which internet site they used. If the student’s parents had college degrees then more often they were Facebook and Xanga users. While MySpace had more people whose parents had less than a high-school education and those with some college experience. It ends by saying how these results show that instead of bringing people of all kinds together it is more of the barriers that we see in real life.
I have to say after reading this article it was one of the best that I have found so far. It was probably because I could relate to it so well because I too am apart of the people who use these sites. Yet it was interesting looking at the data that they found. It was fascinating to see how they broke down the different sites by ethnic groups showing who uses which one because I would have never thought of it that way. I also thought it was strange that they did not include African Americans in the data. In conclusion, I always saw these sites as a great way to keep in touch with old friends and make new ones but after reading this article, I now see them in a new way as well.
SOC 202 11/30/07
Race, ethnicity influence social website choice
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-11/21/content_7121274.htm
The article that I found for this week, I thought was very interesting because it was dealing with race and ethnicity using popular websites that people all of the world are using now to communicate. Some of the most popular ones include Facebook and MySpace. On these sites you list all kinds of personal information and they allow you to communicate with people from all over. This particular article was talking about the different ethnic groups and which particular site that each used. A survey was done by Eszter Hargittai of the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University in Illinois. What he discovered was that among the different ethnic groups Caucasian students liked Facebook, Hispanic students preferred MySpace, and Asian and Asian-American students used Xanga and Friendster.
More interesting data that he found was based on the parent’s educational level. This usually determined which internet site they used. If the student’s parents had college degrees then more often they were Facebook and Xanga users. While MySpace had more people whose parents had less than a high-school education and those with some college experience. It ends by saying how these results show that instead of bringing people of all kinds together it is more of the barriers that we see in real life.
I have to say after reading this article it was one of the best that I have found so far. It was probably because I could relate to it so well because I too am apart of the people who use these sites. Yet it was interesting looking at the data that they found. It was fascinating to see how they broke down the different sites by ethnic groups showing who uses which one because I would have never thought of it that way. I also thought it was strange that they did not include African Americans in the data. In conclusion, I always saw these sites as a great way to keep in touch with old friends and make new ones but after reading this article, I now see them in a new way as well.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Older White Women Join Kenya's Sex Tourists
In a recent article in New York Times, it was stated that older white women are joining Kenya’s sex tourists. The local people on the coast estimated that one in five single women visiting from rich countries are in search of sex. Jake Grieves-Cook says” it’s not evil, but it’s certainly something we frown upon.” The health risks are greater in a country with an AIDS prevalence of 6.9 percent. The condom use can only be guessed, however when asked a woman said condoms were too business like for her fantasies.
These rich women who are coming over for sex are buying or bargaining the much younger boys to have sex with them for something the boys want but can’t afford. For example, a new pair of sunglasses or a new pair of sports shoes. One boy just kissed his “buyer” so he could get more coins for a pool game. The hotels are 100 percent against prostitution, but this is different, it is just unwholesome.
The same beaches are not only bringing in sex tourists, but ones who abuse children. As many as 15,000 girls in four coastal districts and about a third of all 12-18 year old girls there are involved in casual sex for cash. Up to 3,000 more girls and boys are in full-time sex work, some paid for the “most horrific and abnormal acts.”
These acts are preying on the people in poverty because to them all they have to do is have sex with a rich woman or man and they can have the same things that the rich people have. Experts say some thrive on the social status and financial power that comes from taking much poorer, younger lovers."
My analysis of this article is that it is very sad that rich women and men are persuading young children to have sex with them by bribing them with money or material things. To a person in poverty giving of themselves they have nothing to lose only stuff to gain. I think it is very degrading that rich people are making innocent people believe to get rich or nice things that they have to have sex with them. It makes it look like all wealthy people are like that or that wealth equals sex. I wish that we could put it to a stop because the people in poverty are the ones that are being fooled by these sex tourists.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-kenya-sextourism.html
These rich women who are coming over for sex are buying or bargaining the much younger boys to have sex with them for something the boys want but can’t afford. For example, a new pair of sunglasses or a new pair of sports shoes. One boy just kissed his “buyer” so he could get more coins for a pool game. The hotels are 100 percent against prostitution, but this is different, it is just unwholesome.
The same beaches are not only bringing in sex tourists, but ones who abuse children. As many as 15,000 girls in four coastal districts and about a third of all 12-18 year old girls there are involved in casual sex for cash. Up to 3,000 more girls and boys are in full-time sex work, some paid for the “most horrific and abnormal acts.”
These acts are preying on the people in poverty because to them all they have to do is have sex with a rich woman or man and they can have the same things that the rich people have. Experts say some thrive on the social status and financial power that comes from taking much poorer, younger lovers."
My analysis of this article is that it is very sad that rich women and men are persuading young children to have sex with them by bribing them with money or material things. To a person in poverty giving of themselves they have nothing to lose only stuff to gain. I think it is very degrading that rich people are making innocent people believe to get rich or nice things that they have to have sex with them. It makes it look like all wealthy people are like that or that wealth equals sex. I wish that we could put it to a stop because the people in poverty are the ones that are being fooled by these sex tourists.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-kenya-sextourism.html
"Israel takes step toward hindering a divided Jerusalem"
The Israeli Parliament recently approved the preliminary reading of a bill that would insure Jerusalem stays undivided regardless of any future deals with Palestine. "In 1980, the Israeli Parliament passed a Basic Law stating that 'Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel.' [This new bill] proposes an amendment to that Basic Law, stipulating that any change in the city's status would require 80 votes in the 120-seat legislature, instead of the majority of 61 required today." Gideon Saar, a Likud lawmaker and supporter of the new bill, says that its being passed only two weeks prior to the planned Middle East Peace Conference in Annapolis, Maryland, tomorrow sends a clear message to the world that Israel and Parliament refuse to divide Jerusalem. An open vote was taken on the bill and the result was 54 to 24 in favor of its being passed; however, all of this is still preliminary action. A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Olmert said to the press that Israel and Palestine have both reiterated their support for "a long-dormant 2003 plan for peace...The first stage of the [plan] requires the Palestinians to build institutions and act to halt all violence against Israelis. It calls on Israel to freeze all settlement construction and to dismantle 'immediately' more than 20 settlement outposts erected since March 2001."
The Peace Conference is to be held tomorrow in Annapolis, Maryland, and hopes are high that some agreement will be met and a plan of action set down (preferably on paper). Let's see what can be accomplished now.
Isabel Kershner
14 November 2007
The International Herald Tribune
Jerusalem
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/14/africa/mideast.php
Post 13
The Peace Conference is to be held tomorrow in Annapolis, Maryland, and hopes are high that some agreement will be met and a plan of action set down (preferably on paper). Let's see what can be accomplished now.
Isabel Kershner
14 November 2007
The International Herald Tribune
Jerusalem
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/14/africa/mideast.php
Post 13
TB cases connected to student
Kristyn Phillips
http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1196057118/1
At Colorado State University-Pueblo several students were found to have latent tuberculosis. The students were suspected to have come in contact with Kalpana Dangol, an international student from Nepal, who passed away in June from active tuberculosis. 17 people were reported to be infected in a Denver newspaper. Surprisingly, Dangol never lived on campus at CSU-Pueblo. Public health officals think that Dangol contracted the disease before she came to the U.S. A list of 174 students that had came in contact with Dangol was given to health officials. These cases are latent TB which does not have the ill effects and is not contagious. If left untreated, latent TB could evolve into active TB later on in their lives. These patients will be treated with a prescription to kill the bacteria.
Tuberculosis can be a very fatal disease. It mostly affects the lungs and is also easily spread though the air by a cough or a sneeze. Today many people are treated to prevent contracting the disease. The students at CSU-Pueblo should be free from the disease after treatment.
http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1196057118/1
At Colorado State University-Pueblo several students were found to have latent tuberculosis. The students were suspected to have come in contact with Kalpana Dangol, an international student from Nepal, who passed away in June from active tuberculosis. 17 people were reported to be infected in a Denver newspaper. Surprisingly, Dangol never lived on campus at CSU-Pueblo. Public health officals think that Dangol contracted the disease before she came to the U.S. A list of 174 students that had came in contact with Dangol was given to health officials. These cases are latent TB which does not have the ill effects and is not contagious. If left untreated, latent TB could evolve into active TB later on in their lives. These patients will be treated with a prescription to kill the bacteria.
Tuberculosis can be a very fatal disease. It mostly affects the lungs and is also easily spread though the air by a cough or a sneeze. Today many people are treated to prevent contracting the disease. The students at CSU-Pueblo should be free from the disease after treatment.
Islamic women defend their right to wear headscarves in photographs
A Muslim Macedonian woman was thrown out of the Interior Ministry Headquarters while applying for a passport because she produced a photo of herself wearing a headscarf. The woman,Mersiha Smajlovic, felt that her human rights were violated because this type of treatment was discrimination on the basis of religious affiliation. She was further upset when a nun was issued a passport permitting a photograph of her in her chosen religious garments. This news reached the Islam and Science women's association in Macedonia who insist that Muslim women should be permitted to wear their headscarves in photographs for personal documents. The Interior Ministry spokesperson rebuked by saying that to change this rule would require a change in law (since it is stated in their Book of Rules that this is not permitted) and he knew of no other European countries that allowed such a concession. He was then met with rejection as, apparently, a slew of other European countries did, indeed, allow this freedom of religious expression. Some of these countries include Bosnia,Croatia, Denmark, and Sweden, as well as Macedonia.
I think that such a concession for religious expression ought to be allowed. Honestly, if these women are traveling they will likely be wearing the required religious garb anyway. If a woman had her passport photo taken without it then she might look suspicious while traveling for covering up so much. I do, however, understand that this is against regulations because it is altering one's natural appearance. When I got my passport photo taken I had to remove my glasses and I would have had to take off any hat I may have been wearing. However, I will say that without glasses one can still see what a person looks like. A hat covers the eyes which really is a defining feature on anybody. A headscarf or veil does cover up a good deal of the face but, like I said, that is how the lady would look when traveling. So isn't that the most honest way to portray a person...how they look on a regular basis?
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2086/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?risb=21_T2580433689&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T2580433694&cisb=22_T2580433693&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=10962&docNo=23
I think that such a concession for religious expression ought to be allowed. Honestly, if these women are traveling they will likely be wearing the required religious garb anyway. If a woman had her passport photo taken without it then she might look suspicious while traveling for covering up so much. I do, however, understand that this is against regulations because it is altering one's natural appearance. When I got my passport photo taken I had to remove my glasses and I would have had to take off any hat I may have been wearing. However, I will say that without glasses one can still see what a person looks like. A hat covers the eyes which really is a defining feature on anybody. A headscarf or veil does cover up a good deal of the face but, like I said, that is how the lady would look when traveling. So isn't that the most honest way to portray a person...how they look on a regular basis?
http://libproxy.uncg.edu:2086/us/lnacademic/results/docview/docview.do?risb=21_T2580433689&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T2580433694&cisb=22_T2580433693&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=10962&docNo=23
Miami Soldier Killed in Iraq while distributing toys
On Sunday November 18, 2007 Pfc. Marius Ferrero, Cpl. Christopher J. Nelson, and Cpl. Jason T. Lee were all killed from an IED detonated by a suicide bomber in Baqouba, Iraq. Ferrero's death comes four day before Thanksgiving when most Americans were flying or driving long distances to be with family and friends. Among the dead were three children, a sign that all suffer in war and terror. The three GI's were killed while passing out toys and candy to children at a local playground. Ferrero's mother was terrified when she saw two Army soldiers standing in her home waiting to tell her the news of her sons death, screaming "oh my God, it can't be. It can't be my son," but it was her son, and now his death adds a new grave to a local church in Miami, Florida.
The tradgity of the death of Pfc. Marius Ferrero while handing out toys and candy to innocent children is a sign that with the chaos in war, help is often met with a tradgic ending. But progress should not be stop because of actions of stupid people and their lack of compassion towards children. Because by stopping progress disaster shall soon follow.
http://www.nbc6.net/news/14650714/detail.html?rss=ami&psp=news
The tradgity of the death of Pfc. Marius Ferrero while handing out toys and candy to innocent children is a sign that with the chaos in war, help is often met with a tradgic ending. But progress should not be stop because of actions of stupid people and their lack of compassion towards children. Because by stopping progress disaster shall soon follow.
http://www.nbc6.net/news/14650714/detail.html?rss=ami&psp=news
World Bank Report: Africa on Course to dent poverty
www.mg.co.za/article.aspx?area=/breaking_news_business/&
Many of the african economies are looking to be on track to meet the MDGs. There is a dent in the poverty levels . The World Bank is saying that this dent is "encouraging". Adfrica's ability to sustain and to diversify those sources of growth will be the determining factor in meeting the MDGs. The AGI(Agricultural Development Indicators) identifies also a lagging infastructure which is important for this country to emerge from the level of poverty and grow in the future. A poor infastructure is partly because of high business costs which are incurred on African Co. This cost is 3 times higher than the same costs in India and China. It makes up about 22 billion dolars infrastructure gap. Africa's economy emerges as being slightly skewed towards commodities. 7oil producing countries account for more than half of all exports and about 60 % direct investment.Kenya has a booming trade going on with cut flowers .They have made this the 2nd largest import in Africa foloowing close behind tea. This is a example of successful diversification. This country is also learning to trade more effectively with other countries.Only time will tell if this trend will continue and Africa can meet it's MDGs for 2015.
Many of the african economies are looking to be on track to meet the MDGs. There is a dent in the poverty levels . The World Bank is saying that this dent is "encouraging". Adfrica's ability to sustain and to diversify those sources of growth will be the determining factor in meeting the MDGs. The AGI(Agricultural Development Indicators) identifies also a lagging infastructure which is important for this country to emerge from the level of poverty and grow in the future. A poor infastructure is partly because of high business costs which are incurred on African Co. This cost is 3 times higher than the same costs in India and China. It makes up about 22 billion dolars infrastructure gap. Africa's economy emerges as being slightly skewed towards commodities. 7oil producing countries account for more than half of all exports and about 60 % direct investment.Kenya has a booming trade going on with cut flowers .They have made this the 2nd largest import in Africa foloowing close behind tea. This is a example of successful diversification. This country is also learning to trade more effectively with other countries.Only time will tell if this trend will continue and Africa can meet it's MDGs for 2015.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Change of Climate
-late current event- Due Friday, 23rd
By: Eric Pooley
Global warming is now starting to become a main concern of politicians just as the Intergovernmental Panel that won the Nobel Prize for Climate Change warns that if nothing is done about this it will start to become abrupt and irreversible. A bipartisan bill “America’s Climate Security” would create a cap-and-trade and would then reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65%. This bill means that each company is given a “cap” on how much pollution is given off by the company. They also are allowed to sell any leftover allowances they have to other companies so they can pollute more. However during an environmental forum Edwards brought attention to Lieberman-Warners idea to give money to heavy polluting industries and urged Hillary Clinton to join him. But since he could have attacked her, it would have made it less likely that anything would be done about the climate change this year because Clinton’s vote is crucial. Most companies want to withhold the bill until it is stronger or until there is a Democrat in the White House. This strategy could go wrong because a Democrat either could not be voted in the election. There was one line in this article that I particularly liked, “fixing the climate is like saving for retirement-the longer we wait, the harder it gets”.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1686807,00.htmlBy: Eric Pooley
International Student Increase
The number of students attending schools in the United States has increased by 3.2 percent since the terrorist attacks, September 11, 2001. Of the 582,984 international students who studied in the United States during the 2006-2007, Sangiment is one of them. She is a 24 year old graduate student from Thailand. She attends the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, and her major is history. She wants to be able to speak English fluently, and help devlop her country when she returns home. She believes that the United States has a higher quality of education verses her home country. The percentage of graduate students studying in the United States are higher to undergraduate students. Most of the parents of the undergraduate students do not believe that they are ready to live alone in the United States.
I think that it is good that most international students are studying in the United States. But I am in question about the students returning to their homeland. Life in the United States is good, maybe too good. Once these students see how life is here what are the odds of them wanting to go back? The jobs here are better, and it's easy for international students to work in the United States.
I think that it is good that most international students are studying in the United States. But I am in question about the students returning to their homeland. Life in the United States is good, maybe too good. Once these students see how life is here what are the odds of them wanting to go back? The jobs here are better, and it's easy for international students to work in the United States.
An Economic Analysis of Health Care Reform in Taiwan
In March 1995, Taiwan implemented a national health care insurance (NHI),
by integrating three separate health insurance programs—Labor Insurance,
Government Employee Insurance, and Farmer Health Insurance—and by expanding
the program to cover the remaining 43 percent of the uninsured population. By March
1997, at the end of a two-year period, the NHI program earned a 75 percent consumer
satisfaction rate, increasing from 33 percent satisfaction at the beginning of the
implementation period. The more than twofold increase in the satisfaction rate was
largely due to the removal of financial barriers to health care for those newly insured
and full coverage extended to chronically ill patients. Although there was strong opposition to the NHI program in the early stages from the provider side, providers embraced the status quo when a proposal was raised to privatize the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI). They have realized that as the result of NHI, their average income has increased, and with guaranteed
payment. Under the fee-for-service system, providers (physicians) have enjoyed a
substantial financial return from NHI. While it could be argued that there is an increasing threat of health care cost inflation, the overall percentage of health care expenditures to gross domestic product (GDP) in Taiwan is still relatively low, 5.01 percent in 1994 to 5.32 percent in 1997,
as compared to many Western countries. Therefore, the health care cost inflation issue
in not urgent. It is important to keep in mind as well that resources are always limited.
If a country can maintain a relatively low share of GDP for health care, the remaining
share of GDP can be used for education, social welfare, highway improvement, or
other public services. Furthermore, it is always prudent policy-making to focus not
only on short-term symptoms but also on long-term contingencies.
Mariam Ahmad
by integrating three separate health insurance programs—Labor Insurance,
Government Employee Insurance, and Farmer Health Insurance—and by expanding
the program to cover the remaining 43 percent of the uninsured population. By March
1997, at the end of a two-year period, the NHI program earned a 75 percent consumer
satisfaction rate, increasing from 33 percent satisfaction at the beginning of the
implementation period. The more than twofold increase in the satisfaction rate was
largely due to the removal of financial barriers to health care for those newly insured
and full coverage extended to chronically ill patients. Although there was strong opposition to the NHI program in the early stages from the provider side, providers embraced the status quo when a proposal was raised to privatize the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI). They have realized that as the result of NHI, their average income has increased, and with guaranteed
payment. Under the fee-for-service system, providers (physicians) have enjoyed a
substantial financial return from NHI. While it could be argued that there is an increasing threat of health care cost inflation, the overall percentage of health care expenditures to gross domestic product (GDP) in Taiwan is still relatively low, 5.01 percent in 1994 to 5.32 percent in 1997,
as compared to many Western countries. Therefore, the health care cost inflation issue
in not urgent. It is important to keep in mind as well that resources are always limited.
If a country can maintain a relatively low share of GDP for health care, the remaining
share of GDP can be used for education, social welfare, highway improvement, or
other public services. Furthermore, it is always prudent policy-making to focus not
only on short-term symptoms but also on long-term contingencies.
Mariam Ahmad
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Natalee still lost in Aruba? Doubtful...
I wasn't even sure if we were still supposed to post an article summary for this week, since its Thanksgiving break, so I decided to put one up anyways just in case...but late.
Natalee Halloway (lost in Aruba back in 2005)'s possible killers, might have finally been brought to justice. The three men that saw her last, in a bar in Aruba are all still prime suspects. In Aruba, the chief public prosecutor states, "You don't need a body under our law to prove someone is dead. And any day that passes now is just more evidence that she is not alive anymore." All three men, Deepak, Satish Kalpoe, and Joran Van der Sloot, have been charged with "involvement in the voluntary manslaughter of Natalee Holloway or causing serious bodily harm to Natalee Holloway, resulting in her death."
The three men continue to plee innocence in having any kind of involvement with Natalee beyond being with her at the bar, yet they have holey alibis. All three men were arrested in 2005, but released due to lack of sufficient evidence. Van der Sloot was suprised to be called back to court, because he felt as though the incident he was originally jailed for, was "behind him."
Deepak and Satish (the Kalpoe brothers) droped off Sloot and Natalee at the beach and went home after the nightclub. Sloot says he left Natalee at the beach alone when he decided to go home, because "she wanted to stay." Sloots mother vouches for Sloot's statement.
The Halloway family has hired someone with sonar equipment to search the waters for the possibility of Natalee's remains.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/11/23/holloway.arrest/index.html
Natalee Halloway (lost in Aruba back in 2005)'s possible killers, might have finally been brought to justice. The three men that saw her last, in a bar in Aruba are all still prime suspects. In Aruba, the chief public prosecutor states, "You don't need a body under our law to prove someone is dead. And any day that passes now is just more evidence that she is not alive anymore." All three men, Deepak, Satish Kalpoe, and Joran Van der Sloot, have been charged with "involvement in the voluntary manslaughter of Natalee Holloway or causing serious bodily harm to Natalee Holloway, resulting in her death."
The three men continue to plee innocence in having any kind of involvement with Natalee beyond being with her at the bar, yet they have holey alibis. All three men were arrested in 2005, but released due to lack of sufficient evidence. Van der Sloot was suprised to be called back to court, because he felt as though the incident he was originally jailed for, was "behind him."
Deepak and Satish (the Kalpoe brothers) droped off Sloot and Natalee at the beach and went home after the nightclub. Sloot says he left Natalee at the beach alone when he decided to go home, because "she wanted to stay." Sloots mother vouches for Sloot's statement.
The Halloway family has hired someone with sonar equipment to search the waters for the possibility of Natalee's remains.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/11/23/holloway.arrest/index.html
Perils of urbanisation take screen at film fest
A film festival in Hai Ba Trung Street, Hanoi is taking place November 30th. The film festival, presented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was put in place to bring awareness to the complex population and development issues around the world. The film on urbanization which will be presented that day, is a major development in the world of urbanization. The festival is called "Tales of the City." It includes 10 documentary films, including 2 that are Vietnamese, look at the topic of urbanization. The films look at the perils of urbanization around the world and a different view of the process from others. I think that this is a good way to show how urbanization can effect from different angles. The films provide information to people who may not even know what urbanization is. The fact of the matter is that the topic is being pushed and stressed because its a major development in the world today. UNFPA has organised the film festival for the past two-years to launch the State of World Population Report. Hopefully they will do it again. These videos can also be seen online by everyone.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/lifestyle/2007/11/756395/
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/lifestyle/2007/11/756395/
Epidemic that may kill 388 million in 10 years
| This article is talking about how different health problems are going to kill people if the government doesn't take certain actions.This diseases consist of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. About 60% of deaths worldwide are costed by preventable diseases. So far the health with the problems a group hass formed a list of th 20 things that will help prevent deaths. Also this problem is growing because organizations place there researxh on infectious disease. It was also state that the WHO only spends about 4% or less of its budget on chronic non- communicable disease which includes cardiovascular disease. So they are suggesting that organizations spent a little more time and money on these diseases. Also anothor thing that can be done is the discourage smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods. I feel that this article is very benefical. I think that something needs to be done to control this problem.I feel at first it starts at home with you health habits but if you have problem you need committed people to help you. |
Saudi: Why we punished rape victim
This case has sparked media scrutiny of the Saudi legal system, which centers on a married woman. A 19 year-old woman and an unrelated man were both abducted by a group of seven men more than one year ago. According to the attorney who represented the woman in court, Abdulrahman al-Lahim, the seven men not only abducted the two but raped the woman. However, the woman was sentenced in October 2006 to 90 lashes. The sentence was then doubled to 200 lashes and six months in prison by the Qatif General Court, because she spoke to the media about the case. When al-Lahim spoke to the Saudi-controlled media about the case, a judge revoked his law license. A statement made Tuesday, by the Justice Ministry, acknowledged that the attorney is no longer on the case due to “exhibited disrespectful behavior toward the court, objected to the rule of law and showed ignorance concerning court instructions and regulations.” The statement also said the committee of the Supreme Judicial Council recommended an increase in the woman’s sentencing after further evidence against her came to attention when she appealed her original sentence. Also, the perpetrators based on their involvement in the crime had increased sentencing due to the judges on the committee. Originally, their sentences were two to three years in prison and now is two to nine years. The statement also said the woman’s case was heard by three judges and treated normally through regular court procedures, and that each of the people being sentenced agreed to their sentencing. However, the State Department in Washington, was utterly astonished by the case. Sean McCormack, the State Department spokesman, said “It is within the power of the Saudi government to take a look at the verdict and change it.” Recently the Saudi government has taken some steps toward bettering the situation of the women in the kingdom, since in their country women have very few rights.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/20/saudi.rape.victim/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/11/20/saudi.rape.victim/index.html
population problems?
Is there a Population Problem? There are definitely a lot of people on the planet. And the numbers are rising all the time. But is this too many? One claim, by those who think it is, is that population in Asia and
Moreover, the rate of world population growth is currently declining, rather than becoming a steadily worse problem, "and over the last two decades it has fallen from 2.2 percent per year between 1970 and 1980, to 1.7 percent between 1980 and 1992." But, we may well ask, is the decline sufficient? Is growth of population, despite the slow decline of growth rates, outstripping productivity growth, thus reducing the possible standard of living? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is no. "Instead, the average population of `low-income' countries (as defined by the World Bank) has been not only enjoying a rising gross national product (GNP) per head, but a growth rate of GNP per capita (3.9 percent per year for 1980-1992) that is much faster than those for the `high income' countries (2.4 percent) and for the `middle income' ones (0 percent)."
And even this picture would be considerably rosier were it not for some countries in sub Saharan Africa which are and have been for some time now suffering economy-devastating war and drought brought on not by population, but by social structures and problems and causing negative changes in GNP.
But what about food, the ecologist/demographer might reasonably reply? Surely population growth is now outstripping increases in food output. Well, no, in fact, it isn't. "Not only over the two centuries since Malthus's time, but also during recent decades, the rise in food output has been significantly and consistently outpacing the expansion of world population." But is this merely because of excess production in the less populated areas of Europe and the
http://www.zmag.org/ZMag/articles/albert3.htm
Friday, November 23, 2007
Israelis Await Annapolis with Hope/Skepticism
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=16555898
On Thursday an NPR talkshow discussed the split feelings inside both Israeli and Palestinian governments. In Annapolis, Maryland on Tuesday U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, and Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, will all meet to discuss the future of the Gaza strip. Although the talks are days away many Israelis are not convinced that any peaceful outcome can occur, and even if policies are made for a peaceful resolution few beleive that any leaders have the power to implement the decision. Not only are both Israelis and Palestinians skeptical that any good will come from Tuesday, many fear that the other side will come out better leaving one group feeling slighted (clearly back to square one). Since the government in 2005 pulled out Israeli troops, Hamas has taken over Gaza and continues to bombard southern Israel with rockets. One analyst says that the key to success is compromise, although few believe that such a compromise exists.
I am one of the pessimists that does not believe such a compromise exists. Compromise is easier said than done, and up to this point neither party has been willing to do such a seemingly simple thing. Hamas, with the support of surrounding Arab nations, will not accept a decision to allow Israel full ownership of the disputed region, and Israel is not going to give up its land. I truly believe that the land which was carved out to form Israel is part of their historical land preceeding the Babylonian captivity, and that Israel has a right to be a nation in the region. However, opinions are easy to come by, it is policies that are accepted and implemented in a region that are difficult to charter.
On Thursday an NPR talkshow discussed the split feelings inside both Israeli and Palestinian governments. In Annapolis, Maryland on Tuesday U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, and Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, will all meet to discuss the future of the Gaza strip. Although the talks are days away many Israelis are not convinced that any peaceful outcome can occur, and even if policies are made for a peaceful resolution few beleive that any leaders have the power to implement the decision. Not only are both Israelis and Palestinians skeptical that any good will come from Tuesday, many fear that the other side will come out better leaving one group feeling slighted (clearly back to square one). Since the government in 2005 pulled out Israeli troops, Hamas has taken over Gaza and continues to bombard southern Israel with rockets. One analyst says that the key to success is compromise, although few believe that such a compromise exists.
I am one of the pessimists that does not believe such a compromise exists. Compromise is easier said than done, and up to this point neither party has been willing to do such a seemingly simple thing. Hamas, with the support of surrounding Arab nations, will not accept a decision to allow Israel full ownership of the disputed region, and Israel is not going to give up its land. I truly believe that the land which was carved out to form Israel is part of their historical land preceeding the Babylonian captivity, and that Israel has a right to be a nation in the region. However, opinions are easy to come by, it is policies that are accepted and implemented in a region that are difficult to charter.
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