Erin Norris/May 6, 2008/technology
In Australia the BMW companies launched their project X6 but also they have tried to keep a tight lip about a new item coming onto the market soon and this is the hybrid version of this BMW car. The hybrid will use an electric battery with a 4.4 liter petrol back up. It will be more powerful than the petrol cars because it will have to carry more weight with the electronic hybrid design. This hybrid works differently than the toyota hybrid prius. This car will assist throughout the speed up and slow down process where as the prius hybrid only assist up to 30km/h and then the petrol engine takes over. This allows the BMW to be able to perform at higher speeds than the toyotas. They plan to sell in small numbers.
I think that this is a great idea and I actually learned alot from this article because I wasnt aware of how the hybrids actually worked in speed so I learned alot and I think that these are great development and I hope that there are more people that catch on and start using these cars because gas is getting more and more expensive and alternate sources of energy are better.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Renee Beaulieu Health Isssues/AIDS
Renee Beaulieu
What is AIDS?
This article explains the many definitions associated with HIV/AIDS. The first begins with what is aids? AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Which means: Acquired-you can get infected with it; Immune-a weakness in the body's system that fights diseases; syndrome-means a group of health problems that make up a disease. This article reassures that being HIV-positive, or having HIV disease, is not the same as having AIDS. The HIV disease slowly wears down the immune system. Viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick if your immune system is damaged. Someone can acquire AIDS from having sex with an infected person; sharing a needle (shooting drugs) with someone who's infected; being born when their mother is infected, or drinking the breast milk of an infected woman. This article is very informative and allows the public to understand what HIV/AIDS truly is and the different ways one can become infected with the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 to 1.2 million U.S. residents are living with HIV infection or AIDS; about a quarter of them do not know they have it. About 75 percent of the 40,000 new infections each year are in men, and about 25 percent in women. About half of the new infections are in Blacks, even though they make up only 12 percent of the US population. This article states the facts that everyone needs to understand when living in a world with such disease.
http://www.aids.org/factSheets/101-what-is-aids.html
What is AIDS?
This article explains the many definitions associated with HIV/AIDS. The first begins with what is aids? AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Which means: Acquired-you can get infected with it; Immune-a weakness in the body's system that fights diseases; syndrome-means a group of health problems that make up a disease. This article reassures that being HIV-positive, or having HIV disease, is not the same as having AIDS. The HIV disease slowly wears down the immune system. Viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick if your immune system is damaged. Someone can acquire AIDS from having sex with an infected person; sharing a needle (shooting drugs) with someone who's infected; being born when their mother is infected, or drinking the breast milk of an infected woman. This article is very informative and allows the public to understand what HIV/AIDS truly is and the different ways one can become infected with the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 to 1.2 million U.S. residents are living with HIV infection or AIDS; about a quarter of them do not know they have it. About 75 percent of the 40,000 new infections each year are in men, and about 25 percent in women. About half of the new infections are in Blacks, even though they make up only 12 percent of the US population. This article states the facts that everyone needs to understand when living in a world with such disease.
http://www.aids.org/factSheets/101-what-is-aids.html
Jazmin Hermosillo/May 05, 12:05pm/Religious Conflict
On the American Arab Website I read about synagogues and churches standing side by side with the mosques in Tunisia while Jewish and Christian minorities freely practiced their religious rituals. It also talks about the tolerance that is ensured by the constitution that provides for habeas corpus. This guaranteed freedom of conscience and protected the freedom of religious practices.
Well this article was talking about how the young Tunisians had joined conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Bosnia. The "kameez" (knee-length shifts worn by men in Afghanistan and Pakistan) were making appearances on the streets of Tunisian in support to the people of these countries. For women, religious headscarves are now replacing the traditional Tunisian "safsari" (a large piece of white cloth worn by women over their head and clothes). These changes in clothing have worried a lot of Tunisians because they worry about the pillars of their society, based on religious diversity and secular legislation. These principles were under attack by radical Muslims who were in disagrence with the Islam.
In Tunisia, the main body of the Jewish community lives on an island of Djerba, along with a Christian community of about 20,000 Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Greeks. They all share a mutual respect for the culture and rituals of the each others faiths. In fact, Muslim Tunisians attend Christian and Jewish festivals, primarily Christmas and the Jewish pilgrimage to Djerba.
I liked reading this article because it talked about the different ways that religions respected each other and it talked about the symbols that a certain piece of cloth can mean to a certain religion because that’s the faith that it represents.
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/index.php?mod=article&cat=ArabWorld&article=982
Well this article was talking about how the young Tunisians had joined conflicts in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Bosnia. The "kameez" (knee-length shifts worn by men in Afghanistan and Pakistan) were making appearances on the streets of Tunisian in support to the people of these countries. For women, religious headscarves are now replacing the traditional Tunisian "safsari" (a large piece of white cloth worn by women over their head and clothes). These changes in clothing have worried a lot of Tunisians because they worry about the pillars of their society, based on religious diversity and secular legislation. These principles were under attack by radical Muslims who were in disagrence with the Islam.
In Tunisia, the main body of the Jewish community lives on an island of Djerba, along with a Christian community of about 20,000 Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Greeks. They all share a mutual respect for the culture and rituals of the each others faiths. In fact, Muslim Tunisians attend Christian and Jewish festivals, primarily Christmas and the Jewish pilgrimage to Djerba.
I liked reading this article because it talked about the different ways that religions respected each other and it talked about the symbols that a certain piece of cloth can mean to a certain religion because that’s the faith that it represents.
http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/index.php?mod=article&cat=ArabWorld&article=982
Monday, May 05, 2008
Renee Beaulieu Health Issues: AIDS
Care for the community in the community 2008-04-30
This article is focused on the prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This article is focused on the prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The organization that is explaining this article is known as the Butterfly House. They are a community based support system for the child and adults affected with HIV/AIDs disease in Fairyland. This Butterfly House Project is trying to support the people by promoting the prevention aspect of HIV/AIDS. They are wanting to move in the community by October to begin to serve the community. The idea was launched by the Butterfly House two years ago at Drakenstein Hospice. Drakensteing Hospice has looked after more than 265 patients in one month. The hospice center find it difficult the treat and deal with this AIDs epidemic and believe it to be easier and more effective to start a new prevention support center. The staff has had many difficult issues that have been dealing with HIV/AIDs epidemic. Such issues include managing poverty, hunger and unemployment with limited resources. There are space constraints and their only outing for leaving the home is attending day care. They are trying to empower the people who are already living with AIDs, and create a means of support for those who may be at risk of infection and may need the information or the support from the Butterfly House. I believe this article is another great way to inform the world’s population because it is trying to promote prevention. The world needs to understand the prevention aspect of AIDs. There are millions of people dying from AIDs each year. This is a very important issue to have concern.
http://www.paarlpost.com/cgib/article?newsid=11152
Care for the community in the community 2008-04-30
This article is focused on the prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This article is focused on the prevention of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The organization that is explaining this article is known as the Butterfly House. They are a community based support system for the child and adults affected with HIV/AIDs disease in Fairyland. This Butterfly House Project is trying to support the people by promoting the prevention aspect of HIV/AIDS. They are wanting to move in the community by October to begin to serve the community. The idea was launched by the Butterfly House two years ago at Drakenstein Hospice. Drakensteing Hospice has looked after more than 265 patients in one month. The hospice center find it difficult the treat and deal with this AIDs epidemic and believe it to be easier and more effective to start a new prevention support center. The staff has had many difficult issues that have been dealing with HIV/AIDs epidemic. Such issues include managing poverty, hunger and unemployment with limited resources. There are space constraints and their only outing for leaving the home is attending day care. They are trying to empower the people who are already living with AIDs, and create a means of support for those who may be at risk of infection and may need the information or the support from the Butterfly House. I believe this article is another great way to inform the world’s population because it is trying to promote prevention. The world needs to understand the prevention aspect of AIDs. There are millions of people dying from AIDs each year. This is a very important issue to have concern.
http://www.paarlpost.com/cgib/article?newsid=11152
Moroccan workers celebrate Labor Day among harsh international situation, difficult local conditions
Moroccan workers took out to the streets in thousands to celebrate the Labor Day, which is marked this year by an extreme pressure from the international economic situation, and difficult domestic conditions, in addition to the specter of a general strike that warns of overall immobilization in the north African kingdom.
The working class is undergoing harsh pressure because of the international price hike, which sent domestic prices soaring, thus weakening the purchasing power of the population, and threatening of social instability.
It's a tough row to how for the government to deal with this delicate situation. Abbas El Fassi's team is indeed caught between the constraints of a global surge in oil and food prices, and its responsibilities and commitments vis-à-vis the working class and the Moroccans in general.
Unions, which held meeting all across the country, accused the cabinet of incapability to face the situation, and urged it to increase salaries, reduce income taxes and pursue the social dialog.
The social aspect has greatly deteriorated, and social conditions have worsened by the price hike, a costly life, declining public services and rampant unemployment, unionists said.
“The workers reject the seasonal nature of social dialog, and the disorder that marks it, as well as the defects that mar the handling of social problem,” a Rabat unionist told MAP.
The weak economic fabric of the country also took the heat. It is one of the causes of the current situation, workers said, as it adds new pains to an ailing class that has become incapable of buying a decent house, finding a rewarding job, and dragging itself out of poverty and want.
“We are in need of a responsible government and responsible businesses,” one unionist summed up.
The situation seems only to worsen since a fourth round of negotiations between the government and the unions ended without headway being reached. Workers’ representatives have rejected a government offer to increase salaries and reduce income taxes, saying the cabinet is too mean with workers, while it offers juicy fiscal advantages for already rich businesses.
Hard days are ahead. The Democratic Federation of Labor (FDT), one of the largest unions, has called for a general strike on May 13 in all state sectors, in coordination with the other unions “until the satisfaction of our immediate and legitimate demands,” FDT representative in Rabat said.
HAMID BENBELLA,MAY 5,2008
The working class is undergoing harsh pressure because of the international price hike, which sent domestic prices soaring, thus weakening the purchasing power of the population, and threatening of social instability.
It's a tough row to how for the government to deal with this delicate situation. Abbas El Fassi's team is indeed caught between the constraints of a global surge in oil and food prices, and its responsibilities and commitments vis-à-vis the working class and the Moroccans in general.
Unions, which held meeting all across the country, accused the cabinet of incapability to face the situation, and urged it to increase salaries, reduce income taxes and pursue the social dialog.
The social aspect has greatly deteriorated, and social conditions have worsened by the price hike, a costly life, declining public services and rampant unemployment, unionists said.
“The workers reject the seasonal nature of social dialog, and the disorder that marks it, as well as the defects that mar the handling of social problem,” a Rabat unionist told MAP.
The weak economic fabric of the country also took the heat. It is one of the causes of the current situation, workers said, as it adds new pains to an ailing class that has become incapable of buying a decent house, finding a rewarding job, and dragging itself out of poverty and want.
“We are in need of a responsible government and responsible businesses,” one unionist summed up.
The situation seems only to worsen since a fourth round of negotiations between the government and the unions ended without headway being reached. Workers’ representatives have rejected a government offer to increase salaries and reduce income taxes, saying the cabinet is too mean with workers, while it offers juicy fiscal advantages for already rich businesses.
Hard days are ahead. The Democratic Federation of Labor (FDT), one of the largest unions, has called for a general strike on May 13 in all state sectors, in coordination with the other unions “until the satisfaction of our immediate and legitimate demands,” FDT representative in Rabat said.
HAMID BENBELLA,MAY 5,2008
Calling China to Account
Stefanie Rumple/5/5/08/8:28AM/Global Crime/Calling China to Account
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805050032.html?page=2
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805050238.html
Fortunately the MDC has concretely and unassailably won their Parliamentary seats, and will only need to find 30 ruling party Members of Parliament to side with them in order to impeach Mugabe. This should not be too difficult, as the example of Simba Makoni, who broke with Zanu-PF to run against Mugabe and actually got around 6% of the vote, shows that ruling party members are not happy either. In addition, Mugabe will have to pass all laws and decrees with the Parliament's approval, and the MDC has the Parliamentary majority, so apparently his power has been broken. The Zimbabwe Teachers Union has threatened to go on strike if its members continue to be harassed by those loyal to Zanu-PF. If enough unions go on strike, and people continue to make known their views in this way, just to retain basic functions in the country Mugabe will have to make concessions. So even if the MDC refuses to take part in the run-off necessitated by the less-than-50% margin of victory, and thereby hands the election to Mugabe by default, or even if the intimidation tactics of Zanu-PF supporters work and Tsvangirai does not win in the run-off, the people of Zimbabwe have made their voices heard. Democracy is not an easy process, and choosing the slow and cautious way is difficult when one faces hardship, deprivation, injury, and even death. But it can work, and hopefully for Zimbabwe it will work.
Even more significant both for this situation and overall, however, is a new lawsuit being put together. The East African Law Society and the Southern Africa Development Committee are seeking an indictment against China in the International Criminal Court over the An Yue Jiang fiasco. You will all recall the Chinese ship loaded with arms ordered by Mugabe’s government in the midst of its disputed election which attempted to dock in South Africa and was turned away by horrified dock workers. The dock workers Union quickly rallied behind them, and a sort of ethical coup resulted, with all dock workers unions in the African coastal countries rallying to protect the voters of Zimbabwe from this obvious intended violence. The Chinese government was forced to recall the ship amid international embarrassment, and now they are being brought to court to account for their willingness to send arms into such a troubled country. One can only hope that this will be the beginning of accounting for this world power as to why they are so unethically willing to support violent oppressive governments.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7383583.stmhttp://allafrica.com/stories/200805050032.html?page=2
http://allafrica.com/stories/200805050238.html
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Responding to the Global Economic Breakdown
Katrina Shankle/ Sun. May 4, 2008/ 8:42 pm/ Global Economics
Not only are poor countries suffering the hardships of the global economy as it passes through hard times, rich countries are also suffering. Economists are theorizing that the global economy is in the worst shape it's endured in sixty years and resembles the chaotic situation the global economy was in shortly after World War II.
Global inflation is rampant and raising stability threats to a severe level in many countries. The price of foodstuffs and oil are the culprits behind many of the inflation waves attacking countries.
In countries like Iran, global inflation is affecting about twenty percent of the economy. This is caused mainly by goods being imported.
http://www.mehrnews.com/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=675990
Not only are poor countries suffering the hardships of the global economy as it passes through hard times, rich countries are also suffering. Economists are theorizing that the global economy is in the worst shape it's endured in sixty years and resembles the chaotic situation the global economy was in shortly after World War II.
Global inflation is rampant and raising stability threats to a severe level in many countries. The price of foodstuffs and oil are the culprits behind many of the inflation waves attacking countries.
In countries like Iran, global inflation is affecting about twenty percent of the economy. This is caused mainly by goods being imported.
http://www.mehrnews.com/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=675990
Friday, May 02, 2008
Ghana: "Gender Equality Essential for Growth And Poverty Reduction"-Sebregondi
Shavon Pulley/May 2, 2008/Gender Issues
Ghana has called to strive for gender equality in the quest for growth and poverty eradication. Ambassador believes that gender equity is essential for growth and poverty reduction, and it is key to reaching the Millennium Development Goals. The launch of the programme among other things, is expected to provide a support base for the integration of gender equality as a key ingredient for development in the context of aid effectiveness agenda. They also believe that investments in gender equality are fundamental to the effectiveness of development assistance. The Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Hajia Halima Mahama said she envisages a generation where gender related issues will be highlighted to enhance the participation of women in the decision making processes. The 4.7 million Euro EC/UN Partnership programme is expected to advocate stronger action on gender equality and women's rights in national development processes in cooperation programmes. The support national consultations on gender and aid effectiveness in 12 countries, with representatives from government, national women's machineries, NGOs, EC delegations, UN country Teams, bi and multilateral organisations and other stake holders committed to the advancement and spearheading of gender issues. The program is an awesome support group for women in Ghana. They hope that this will reduce the amount of proverty and make gender equality amongest all. With the help of the EC/UN Partnership programe, it is further expected to expand capacities of gender equality advocates and experts to promote greater responsiveness to gender equality in aid effectiveness process. Countries all over should take this step towards making things equal and see what benefits from having these changes.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200803130488.html
Ghana has called to strive for gender equality in the quest for growth and poverty eradication. Ambassador believes that gender equity is essential for growth and poverty reduction, and it is key to reaching the Millennium Development Goals. The launch of the programme among other things, is expected to provide a support base for the integration of gender equality as a key ingredient for development in the context of aid effectiveness agenda. They also believe that investments in gender equality are fundamental to the effectiveness of development assistance. The Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Hajia Halima Mahama said she envisages a generation where gender related issues will be highlighted to enhance the participation of women in the decision making processes. The 4.7 million Euro EC/UN Partnership programme is expected to advocate stronger action on gender equality and women's rights in national development processes in cooperation programmes. The support national consultations on gender and aid effectiveness in 12 countries, with representatives from government, national women's machineries, NGOs, EC delegations, UN country Teams, bi and multilateral organisations and other stake holders committed to the advancement and spearheading of gender issues. The program is an awesome support group for women in Ghana. They hope that this will reduce the amount of proverty and make gender equality amongest all. With the help of the EC/UN Partnership programe, it is further expected to expand capacities of gender equality advocates and experts to promote greater responsiveness to gender equality in aid effectiveness process. Countries all over should take this step towards making things equal and see what benefits from having these changes.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200803130488.html
Violence against women 'costs £40 billion a year'
Esther Mandelstamm/May 2, 2008/4:29pm/Gender Issues
Charities to help women victims of violence are seriously unfunded in England and Wales. Women's violence is costing £40 billion a year, this figure includes the lost economic output, use of services such as the legal system and the emotional toll. Even though sexual and domestic violence is so devastating, a significant number of charities that are trying to deal with the problem are not getting the funding they need. "The charity, which provides advice to donors on how to give more effectively, undertook research over 18 months into areas including domestic violence, sexual violence, "honour" crimes, forced marriage and human trafficking." When adding the income of three prominent charities helping domestic violence (Refuge, Women's Aid Federation of England and Eaves Housing for Women) is just £17 million. In 1996 there were 60 centres that were members of the Rape Crisis Network in England and Wales but now only 38. England and Wales has no nation rape telephone helpline and one in three local authorities in the UK does not have a women's refuge. Even though over seven million women in the UK will suffer from domestic violence at some point in their lives, these charities that are offering support are failing to get funding they need. These women need this support and the hope that they will live free from abuse and without these charities these women will lose that hope. The charities need funding!
It is very sad to hear that these charities that are so important to the safety and wellbeing of these victims are not getting the funding they need. Especially when there is such a high number of abused women in England and Whales this is such a serious issue. Not only does there need to be funding to help the women that have already been victims but as well as prevention. These needs to be a stop to this widespread of violence. We always hear about it in our own country but this is a problem that is universal.
http://www.24dash.com/news/Housing/2008-04-23-Violence-against-women-costs-40-billion-a-year
Charities to help women victims of violence are seriously unfunded in England and Wales. Women's violence is costing £40 billion a year, this figure includes the lost economic output, use of services such as the legal system and the emotional toll. Even though sexual and domestic violence is so devastating, a significant number of charities that are trying to deal with the problem are not getting the funding they need. "The charity, which provides advice to donors on how to give more effectively, undertook research over 18 months into areas including domestic violence, sexual violence, "honour" crimes, forced marriage and human trafficking." When adding the income of three prominent charities helping domestic violence (Refuge, Women's Aid Federation of England and Eaves Housing for Women) is just £17 million. In 1996 there were 60 centres that were members of the Rape Crisis Network in England and Wales but now only 38. England and Wales has no nation rape telephone helpline and one in three local authorities in the UK does not have a women's refuge. Even though over seven million women in the UK will suffer from domestic violence at some point in their lives, these charities that are offering support are failing to get funding they need. These women need this support and the hope that they will live free from abuse and without these charities these women will lose that hope. The charities need funding!
It is very sad to hear that these charities that are so important to the safety and wellbeing of these victims are not getting the funding they need. Especially when there is such a high number of abused women in England and Whales this is such a serious issue. Not only does there need to be funding to help the women that have already been victims but as well as prevention. These needs to be a stop to this widespread of violence. We always hear about it in our own country but this is a problem that is universal.
http://www.24dash.com/news/Housing/2008-04-23-Violence-against-women-costs-40-billion-a-year
USAID to grant $1 Million for Higher Education in Africa
Eric Cressey / 4:21:00 5-2-08 / Education
On April 30th, The United States Agency for International Development said it would grant $1 million dollars in the form of 20 $50,000 grants in order to make long term plans for establishing higher education in Africa. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation also donated $100,000 to help out. The focus of of the grants will be in agriculture, health, primary and secondary education, science and technology, engineering and economics.
Although the entire semester I've been focused on what unicef has been doing to further education in Africa, I thought this would be a good note to end on, showing that others are also trying to build up the educational structure in Africa. This particular article shows the United States' contribution to Africa and the contribution of a noted Philanthropist, Bill Gates. I think its good that Our country is doing something to help Africa and not just letting that be an issue for international entities like unicef to deal with. I'd be very interested to learn more about who is getting the grants and exactly what plans will be made for the improvement of education in Africa.
http://sev.prnewswire.com/education/20080430/DC2106630042008-1.html
On April 30th, The United States Agency for International Development said it would grant $1 million dollars in the form of 20 $50,000 grants in order to make long term plans for establishing higher education in Africa. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation also donated $100,000 to help out. The focus of of the grants will be in agriculture, health, primary and secondary education, science and technology, engineering and economics.
Although the entire semester I've been focused on what unicef has been doing to further education in Africa, I thought this would be a good note to end on, showing that others are also trying to build up the educational structure in Africa. This particular article shows the United States' contribution to Africa and the contribution of a noted Philanthropist, Bill Gates. I think its good that Our country is doing something to help Africa and not just letting that be an issue for international entities like unicef to deal with. I'd be very interested to learn more about who is getting the grants and exactly what plans will be made for the improvement of education in Africa.
http://sev.prnewswire.com/education/20080430/DC2106630042008-1.html
Zimbabwe announces presidential election results, run off needed
Emily Mader/2 May 2008/2:39 pm/Human Rights
The March 29, 2008, results of the presidential election in Zimbabwe have been released, giving Morgan Tsvangirai 47.9 percent of the vote and President Robert Mugabe 42.3 percent. To win the election, one candidate would need to win at least 50 percent of the popular vote; therefore, there will be a run-off election to determine the final winner of the election. The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Tsvangirai’s party, has accused Mugabe’s supporters of rigging the election and using violence to intimidate Tsvangirai supporters. Hundreds of people have reportedly fled their homes to avoid the violence in which 20 lives have been claimed. Human Rights Watch confirms this accusation by the MDC. The Chief Elections Officer of Zimbabwe stated that the run-off election will take place within the next three weeks, but Human Rights Watch and the MDC claim that if this violence continues the election will be skewed and inaccurate.
This is pretty corrupt. The fact that Mugabe did not win the majority of votes the first time around makes me think that he would not win them during the second election. The use of violence targeted specifically against MDC supporters indicates that Mugabe knows he would not win the election in a fair fight. So he has made it an unfair one. If this violence continues, I cannot see the future of Zimbabwe being very good. A man who will harm his own people in order to stay in power is not a man that should be in power; he obviously does not have the best interests of his country in mind.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010831368
Chad gunman kills aid worker
Jake Robinson / current event 15 / May 2, 2008 2:33 pm / War
Chad: Gunman Kill Aid Worker
Save the Children, an aid organization, said it was suspending work in Chad after gunmen opened fire on a convoy in eastern Chad near the Sudanese border, killing one of its workers. The employee, Pascal Marlinge, was French and worked for Save the Children in Britain, the organization said.
It was not immediately known who shot at the convoy. Eastern Chad has become a zone of uprooted refugees from Sudan’s Darfur region who spill across the border. Displaced Chadians, humanitarian groups and European Union peacekeepers work in the area, and Sudan has been hostile to the peacekeeping mission, which has not yet been fully staffed.
This is a ridiculous news story. How people can be this hostile towards peacekeeping and aid organizations is beyond me. I understand that those who shot probably don’t want them there anyway, but really I feel like this situation has not changed in the 15 weeks I’ve been covering it. It is the same redundant ignorance of not being willing to come to agreements or just to “agree to disagree” which is a stupid cliché but that is unfortunately what I think needs to happen. These conflicts are being fought over trite issues, not according to them, and I realize I am writing this in the heat of reaction but it is unfortunate that I see no end in sight to this until those with guns finally find a reason to put those guns down.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/02/world/africa/02briefs-GUNMENKILLAI_BRF.html?ref=africa
Mugabe Still Holding On
Carla Neal/May 2 2:30pm/Democracy
In today’s news, leaders in Zimbabwe have announced that there will be a run-off election because Tsvangirai did not win the fifty percent of votes that was needed even though he did get more votes than Mugabe’s party. An associate from the Zimbabwe Coalition in Washington claims that this is not surprising considering that the elections were four weeks ago and the results have still not been made public, giving the reigning power plenty of time to tamper with the elections. He also claims that statistically there is a very good possibility that Tsvangirai did win the percentage needed but that the current leaders, wanting to hold on to their positions, were using the lower statistics to demand a run-off. He also believes that this gave Mugabe followers enough time to instill fear and violence in the opposing supporters so that they will not vote in the run-off election.
This is very sad because these people are having their democratic and basic human rights tampered with. I have been following this story hoping that this mess would pan out with dignity and in all fairness but now it looks like Mugabe’s group may have found ways/loop holes to stay in position till the next election. Unfortunately I don’t think those loop holes were illegal; therefore, if he ends up winning he cannot be disputed by anyone.
http://voanews.com/english/Africa/2008-05-02-voa35.cfm
Vinnie Merryman / May 2 12:15 pm / Labor Problems
Investigation confirms use of child labor
Guangdong authorities have inspected more than 3,600 businesses in Dongguan - at the centre of a child labor scandal - after children were found working in the city's factories, local officials said. More than 1,000 children, aged between 9 and 16 from poor families in Liangshan, Sichuan province, have been lured to work as cheap labor in Dongguan. The Dongguan government had investigated more than 3,600 companies that employ 450,000 people between Monday and Wednesday, but found that only a few small companies and workshops had hired children, a local government official said.
"In the factories we inspected, we did not come across any large-scale use of child labor," Li Xiaomei, deputy mayor of Dongguan, told a press conference on Wednesday. But Li also said that some factories and mills recruit temporary workers through illegal middle-men, which might involve child labor. "The government has a clear cut attitude toward the illegal use of child workers, and we will resolutely crack down on it." The government will fine violators up to 50,000 yuan ($7,200), she said.
The recent probe comes less than a year after the media reported children as young as 8 years old were abducted or recruited from bus and train stations with false promises of well-paid jobs and sold to brick kilns in Shanxi province for about $65. The victims were forced to work almost around the clock, beaten and deprived of pay, nourishment and basic medical care.
It is good that the deputy mayor is cracking down on the child labor but I don’t know if it is a good or bad thing that there haven’t been more factories busted for child labor. It is good that maybe there isn’t too much of it going on, but I have a feeling the factories are getting around the issue and there are still plenty of children being exploited.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2008-05/02/content_6656985.htm
Obesity May Worsen Impact of Asthma
Whitney Everett/Obesity May Worsen Impact of Asthma/May 2, 2008/11:10/post 15
A study of women has found that obesity may worsen the impact of asthma and also mask the severity of it. There was significant differences in the changes in respiratory function that occur with asthmatic bronchoconstriction in relation to obesity. The study also found that simple spirometry couldn’t determine the level of pulmonary dysfunction in obese people with asthma. Researches said it establishes a direct link between obesity and the development of dynamic hyperinflation, air breathed into the lungs can’t be expelled. This often occurs with acute asthma, but is more frequent in obese people. This goes to show that we need to do something about this obesity. People are getting worse not only with their weight but their health, such as asthma. When you develop asthma you can not do a lot of physical activity which in the end can not excersize to get the weight off. People need to be careful about what they put in their mouth and their weight.
http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/healthday/080501/obesity-may-worsen-impact-of-asthma.htm
Moroccan ex-Guantanamo detainee handed over to Morocco
The US authorities handed over, on Friday morning, a Moroccan who was detained in the Cuba-based American naval base of Guantanamo since 2002 to the Moroccan authorities.
Said Boujaidia is now subject of a judicial probe under instructions of public prosecution.
The US administration handed the North African country nine Moroccan detainees (five in August 2004, three in February 2006 and one in October 2006).
The US authorities also transferred five Moroccans, holding double nationality, to their residence countries in Belgium, Great Britain, France and Spain.
According to the Pentagon report, issued on may 16, 2006, there were 759 detainees in Guantanamo prison, including 18 Moroccans, who are accused of belonging to Al-Qaeda and Talibans.
Said Boujaidia is now subject of a judicial probe under instructions of public prosecution.
The US administration handed the North African country nine Moroccan detainees (five in August 2004, three in February 2006 and one in October 2006).
The US authorities also transferred five Moroccans, holding double nationality, to their residence countries in Belgium, Great Britain, France and Spain.
According to the Pentagon report, issued on may 16, 2006, there were 759 detainees in Guantanamo prison, including 18 Moroccans, who are accused of belonging to Al-Qaeda and Talibans.
U.S. Hispanic Population Surpasses 45 Million
US Census Press Releases: "The nation’s Hispanic population increased 1.4 million to reach 45.5 million on July 1, 2007, or 15.1 percent of the estimated total U.S. population of 301.6 million.
National and state estimates by race, Hispanic origin, sex and age released today by the U.S. Census Bureau also show that the Hispanic population exceeded 500,000 in 16 states.
Hispanics remained the largest minority group, with blacks (single race or multiracial) second at 40.7 million in 2007. The black population exceeded 500,000 in 20 states. Blacks were the largest minority group in 24 states, compared with 20 states in which Hispanics were the largest minority group
Blacks were followed by Asians, who totaled 15.2 million; American Indians and Alaska Natives, who totaled 4.5 million; and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, with 1 million. The population of whites (single race and not of Hispanic origin) totaled 199.1 million (See Table 1 [Excel]).
With a 3.3 percent increase between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, Hispanics were the fastest-growing minority group. Asians were the second fastest-growing minority group, with a 2.9 percent population increase during the period. The white population grew by 0.3 percent during the one-year period.
Overall, the nation’s minority"
National and state estimates by race, Hispanic origin, sex and age released today by the U.S. Census Bureau also show that the Hispanic population exceeded 500,000 in 16 states.
Hispanics remained the largest minority group, with blacks (single race or multiracial) second at 40.7 million in 2007. The black population exceeded 500,000 in 20 states. Blacks were the largest minority group in 24 states, compared with 20 states in which Hispanics were the largest minority group
Blacks were followed by Asians, who totaled 15.2 million; American Indians and Alaska Natives, who totaled 4.5 million; and Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, with 1 million. The population of whites (single race and not of Hispanic origin) totaled 199.1 million (See Table 1 [Excel]).
With a 3.3 percent increase between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, Hispanics were the fastest-growing minority group. Asians were the second fastest-growing minority group, with a 2.9 percent population increase during the period. The white population grew by 0.3 percent during the one-year period.
Overall, the nation’s minority"
Thursday, May 01, 2008
One Last Time/Sam Fahnrich/10:43/5-1-08
Global warming truly is something I can't escape. Separating myself and past entries, I decided to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then, as I laid back in search of something to watch during my dinner, I chose the Discovery Channel. I had hoped for Mythbusters or How It's Made, but instead found a special on global warming.
Within Alaska, there are mosaics of lakes and cracks in the earth. How is it that Alaska may be one of the largest greenhouse gas producers in the world? Methane. A defining factor of Alaskan agriculture is permafrost, which describes the condition of sub-layers below the ground. It's permanently frozen soil, and any plant life that can meager an existence quickly dries up due to inefficient roots. Freezing temperatures has preserved the permafrost, however, due to warming temperatures the frost is thawing. As permafrost thaws, it releases methane gas into the ground, lakes, waterways and air.
Additionally, the melting of ice sheets is causing global temperatures to rise. These sheets in the Pacific act as mirrors, reflecting the suns rays back into space. The other analogy used, was that the ice sheets are the earths air conditioners. They perform two dominate purposes, reflect warming rays and cool the Pacific Ocean. They are able to directly cool the Ocean the same way ice cools beverages.
Global Warming is allowing Polar and Grizzly bears to not only live, but reproduce together. Prizzlies, as they're called, is claimed to be the next common hybrid. The importance of this, Grizzly bears are common in Alaska, but it is the polar bear that has developed to withstand ice regions. Seeing the two together signifies ice cap melting, and seeing them reproduce shows sustain for future generations.
Politics of Aid Affects Women's Rights
Kelli Mack/ May 1, 2008/ 9:08 pm/ Gender Issues
In Ghana, several civil service organizations have spoken out about gender equality and women's rights issues. They feel that funding for their activities has been slowly declining and it is affecting their ability to get things done in the name of women's rights. The head of these cso's stated that since women are part of the economy and are 70% of the worlds poor and therefore leaving them out of development causes a huge problem. She then expressed that aid is usually given in accordance with political agendas, which often leaves out women. To be in accordance with things such as the Millenium Development Goals and the Beijing Platform more money needs to be given to women's rights so that more can be done for equality.
I think these women are right, women make up the largest portion of the poor and somehow money is continuing to be taken away from them, giving them no hope for advancement and equality. I would like to see more done to empower women and think its sad that money is being taken away from them and keeping them out of the development process.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200804290671.html
In Ghana, several civil service organizations have spoken out about gender equality and women's rights issues. They feel that funding for their activities has been slowly declining and it is affecting their ability to get things done in the name of women's rights. The head of these cso's stated that since women are part of the economy and are 70% of the worlds poor and therefore leaving them out of development causes a huge problem. She then expressed that aid is usually given in accordance with political agendas, which often leaves out women. To be in accordance with things such as the Millenium Development Goals and the Beijing Platform more money needs to be given to women's rights so that more can be done for equality.
I think these women are right, women make up the largest portion of the poor and somehow money is continuing to be taken away from them, giving them no hope for advancement and equality. I would like to see more done to empower women and think its sad that money is being taken away from them and keeping them out of the development process.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200804290671.html
Uganda: 'Population Pressure Affecting Aids Fight'
Matthew Heyes / 1st May / Population
http://allafrica.com/stories/200804300247.html
The population is growing rapidly in Uganda as well as in many developing countries. Uganda population is estimated at about 30 million and the women on average bear seven children. Mother-to-child transmission accounted for 22% of new infections of HIV/AIDS but only 25% of the babies born to HIV-infected mothers contracted the virus.
The rapid population growth is making it hard for the country to effectively fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. The director general said that "An estimated 1.1 million people are infected with HIV but 90% of them do not know that they are infected." New infections need to be prevented so that the levels of HIV/AIDS infections can be halted and eventually reduced, there are 30,000 annually. HIV-related deaths are on the rise and have increased from 72,000 a year a few years ago to 100,000 last year, around a 30% increase. Only half of those needing drugs are currently getting them although the intentions are to make drugs available to more people than currently need them due to this rapid growth. The AIDS commission has drawn a five-year strategic plan emphasizing prevention as opposed to treatment.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200804300247.html
The population is growing rapidly in Uganda as well as in many developing countries. Uganda population is estimated at about 30 million and the women on average bear seven children. Mother-to-child transmission accounted for 22% of new infections of HIV/AIDS but only 25% of the babies born to HIV-infected mothers contracted the virus.
The rapid population growth is making it hard for the country to effectively fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. The director general said that "An estimated 1.1 million people are infected with HIV but 90% of them do not know that they are infected." New infections need to be prevented so that the levels of HIV/AIDS infections can be halted and eventually reduced, there are 30,000 annually. HIV-related deaths are on the rise and have increased from 72,000 a year a few years ago to 100,000 last year, around a 30% increase. Only half of those needing drugs are currently getting them although the intentions are to make drugs available to more people than currently need them due to this rapid growth. The AIDS commission has drawn a five-year strategic plan emphasizing prevention as opposed to treatment.
China Says Abusive Child Labor Ring Is Exposed
Jessica Otey/ May 1, 2008/ 4:55 pm/ Labor Problems
A child labor ring has been discovered recently in Dongguan, China. Dongguan is one of the country’s biggest manufacturing cities, with many prosperous factories. As a result of worker shortages, inflation, and rising currency many of these factories have turned to child labor in order to gain an edge over their competition.
The saddest part about this incidence is that employment agencies kidnapped these children in order to obtain cheap labor. Most of the young workers were taken from the poorer inland areas in order to work in the bigger coastal cities. Often times these children were forced to work three hundred hours a month, earning very little pay. Most of the children working in the factories are anywhere from thirteen to fifteen years old. The legal age limit for employment in China is sixteen.
The Chinese authorities have rescued over one hundred children already and are continuing to investigate the matter. The names of the factories have not been announced yet, so it is impossible to tell who these companies export their products to. In recent years Beijing has cracked down on those who violate child labor laws. Usually the factories or companies that are found using the practice will get their license revoked.
This story is so shocking. I cannot imagine what these children and adolescents are going through, especially working three hundred hours a month. Hopefully the authorities can rescue all of these children and return them to their families. Maybe then they can go back to a normal life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/world/asia/01china.html
A child labor ring has been discovered recently in Dongguan, China. Dongguan is one of the country’s biggest manufacturing cities, with many prosperous factories. As a result of worker shortages, inflation, and rising currency many of these factories have turned to child labor in order to gain an edge over their competition.
The saddest part about this incidence is that employment agencies kidnapped these children in order to obtain cheap labor. Most of the young workers were taken from the poorer inland areas in order to work in the bigger coastal cities. Often times these children were forced to work three hundred hours a month, earning very little pay. Most of the children working in the factories are anywhere from thirteen to fifteen years old. The legal age limit for employment in China is sixteen.
The Chinese authorities have rescued over one hundred children already and are continuing to investigate the matter. The names of the factories have not been announced yet, so it is impossible to tell who these companies export their products to. In recent years Beijing has cracked down on those who violate child labor laws. Usually the factories or companies that are found using the practice will get their license revoked.
This story is so shocking. I cannot imagine what these children and adolescents are going through, especially working three hundred hours a month. Hopefully the authorities can rescue all of these children and return them to their families. Maybe then they can go back to a normal life.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/world/asia/01china.html
Children face growing threats as global food prices soar
Kimberly Mega Food Scarcity Thurs May 1st 1:45 AM
Families all over the world are forced to spend almost half their income on food to decrease their chances of malnutrition. There is an increase in pressure to fund more social and community programs for the world’s poor. The Gaza strip has now been deemed a humanitarian crisis as food and gas prices soar making it almost impossible for the population to be reached with supplies. The Middle East has the largest population of refugees in the world and can’t even afford to give its people milk and fruit. The World Bank believes this food price inflation will put 100 million more people into poverty. Also thirty-five million children will be at a greater risk of malnutrition , with ten percent of these being under five years old. The hunger will never stop as long as the fighting continues. Food insecurity will only make people into malnourished, unproductive members of their society. Their economy may never recover and millions will be lost in the process. This article even speaks of families selling their young daughters for marriage in order to feed the rest. I was horrified by this fact. Not that I was naive to think it didn’t happen, but by mentioning it in a news articles implies it becomes more prevalent everyday.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/wvmeero/84650b119f78a285a3799b7a873a7655.htm
Families all over the world are forced to spend almost half their income on food to decrease their chances of malnutrition. There is an increase in pressure to fund more social and community programs for the world’s poor. The Gaza strip has now been deemed a humanitarian crisis as food and gas prices soar making it almost impossible for the population to be reached with supplies. The Middle East has the largest population of refugees in the world and can’t even afford to give its people milk and fruit. The World Bank believes this food price inflation will put 100 million more people into poverty. Also thirty-five million children will be at a greater risk of malnutrition , with ten percent of these being under five years old. The hunger will never stop as long as the fighting continues. Food insecurity will only make people into malnourished, unproductive members of their society. Their economy may never recover and millions will be lost in the process. This article even speaks of families selling their young daughters for marriage in order to feed the rest. I was horrified by this fact. Not that I was naive to think it didn’t happen, but by mentioning it in a news articles implies it becomes more prevalent everyday.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/wvmeero/84650b119f78a285a3799b7a873a7655.htm
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