Andrew Pauley
12-09-09
9:55am
Ajay Topno, a missionary with a Christian media organization, was shot and killed in the Ranchi district of Jharkland state on September 19 for converting three tribal families to Christianity, according to a September 28 report from Compass Direct. Local Christians reported that villagers had been angered by the recent conversion of these families to Christianity. On September 11, the villagers drove the families from their homes. Then, after a meeting on September 14, the villagers forcibly "reconverted" the families to Hinduism and then arranged for a local criminal to murder Topno. Topno went missing from his home on September 16. His body was found in a jungle near the village of Sahoda three days later.
Can we as people not spread the word and collaborate with other people about what we believe? If normal conversation leads to talks of religion is that wrong to share you opinions with others? Maybe these people wanted something more out of their religious experience and while this man was talking with them he said something that sparked their interest. This conversion was not forced upon them, unlike how they were forced back to Hinduism. Are people not allowed to change their ideals and beliefs? If we can collaborate on business, sports, and history, why can we not discuss our religious values with others and in turn answer their questions if they have any interest?
http://www.aleloo.com/en/index.php/2007/10/04/118-christian-worker-martyred-in-india
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
First a refugee, now homeless : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis
First a refugee, now homeless : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis: "GREENSBORO — In a case that highlights thinning assistance for incoming refugees, a Burmese exile resettled through the United Nations has taken emergency shelter at Greensboro Urban Ministry.
Soe Win, 56, arrived in 2007 to be resettled by Lutheran Family Services. Now destitute and suffering from a breakdown, he arrived in mid-
November at the homeless day center on East Bessemer Avenue."
Soe Win, 56, arrived in 2007 to be resettled by Lutheran Family Services. Now destitute and suffering from a breakdown, he arrived in mid-
November at the homeless day center on East Bessemer Avenue."
Iraqi refugee says, 'We want to go back’ : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis
Iraqi refugee says, 'We want to go back’ : News-Record.com : Greensboro & the Triad's most trusted source for local news and analysis: "Having sold her food stamps to pay the water and electric bill, uncertain of how to make December’s rent or feed her disabled husband and three children, Sahar al-Janabi, 38, had one request.
“We want to go back to Iraq,” she said last week on a cold evening in the family’s apartment at Hunters Glen near U.S. 29 and East Cone Boulevard. “Can you find someone who will help us get back?”
Escaping war in their native Baghdad and fleeing to Jordan, the family gained political refugee status and got to Greensboro in July, among 63 Iraqis resettled here in the past year by Lutheran Family Services."
“We want to go back to Iraq,” she said last week on a cold evening in the family’s apartment at Hunters Glen near U.S. 29 and East Cone Boulevard. “Can you find someone who will help us get back?”
Escaping war in their native Baghdad and fleeing to Jordan, the family gained political refugee status and got to Greensboro in July, among 63 Iraqis resettled here in the past year by Lutheran Family Services."
Monday, December 07, 2009
Hundreds Protest Terror Trials in New York
Sarah Creech
12/7/09
4:09
This article is the only article I have covered on terror. It is about how more than 1000 demonstrators rallied outside Manhattan’s federal courthouse on Saturday. These people were there to protest against the decision to prosecute 5 suspected terrorists from 9/11, in the New York City’s civilian federal court. This group of people consisted of people who had lost loved ones on September 11th. They were protesting because they thought the terrorists should be tried in a military court. They believe this because they consider these men war criminals, who don’t deserve the rights that the U.S. constitution grants them in a civilian court.
I can understand why these people feel this way. They have lost people that they care about because of these men and so of course they feel angry. I am pretty neutral on the whole thing, but this is because I did not lose anyone I cared about in the attacks. If I had my opinion would probably be different. I hope that for these people sakes the whole thing ends soon so that they can go back to morning their loses in peace.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Rabies
Courtney Nickle
December 5, 2009
11:42 p.m
Rabies
Rabies is spread throughout the globe. Africa has recently been most affected by this virus and it seems to be spreading to India, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. More than 55,000 people are affected by Rabies and 95% of the unlucky patients die. The most common way of being infected by this virus is mostly by being bitten by a dog. Most patients are between the age of 15 since all kids like animals they are more likely to be bitten not realizing the consequence of their actions. There are vaccines for this Rabies and should be treated as soon as possible. The first symptoms that people should look for after being around animals that they are not familiar with are mostly flu like symptoms, fever, headache, and fatigue. If you do not catch those symptoms then it will progress to your respiratory system and central nervous system. Once it has done that there is no real treatment to keep you from dying. The only way to prevent this disease from spreading is by vaccinating all animals since they are the main source.
Around the Globe, Innovating to Improve Education
Katie Scott
12/05/09
11:53 AM
This article is about events taking place in Washington D.C. with the hopes of improving the education for all students across the globe. The leaders of these events believe that education is the key to success therefore they are starting this initiative to promote better systems of education. Some of the key points presented at these meetings include: there is an urgency for changel universities must become engineers for innovation; leadership much be cultivated at all levels; and we must listen to and respect the voices of all students. At each of these events, a call to action was defined or executed by the respective group. For example, at GECS, nine states plus ISTE, ECS and Microsoft created a working group to define best practices and improve the competitiveness of U.S. education.
I enjoyed reading this article. I did my current events presentation of how education is the key to improving or eliminating all other social problems, such as gender and racial inequalities, war, and even global warming. I feel that this initiative gives me hope for our future, and I am glad to hear the main ideas that are the focus of this initiative. Diversity is important and it is a hugh part of being "educated". If we cannot accept other societies and their ideas and beliefs, then we are never going to be successful in promoting peace and equaliy.
http://microsoftontheissues.com/cs/blogs/mscorp/archive/2009/07/15/around-the-globe-innovating-to-improve-education.aspx
12/05/09
11:53 AM
This article is about events taking place in Washington D.C. with the hopes of improving the education for all students across the globe. The leaders of these events believe that education is the key to success therefore they are starting this initiative to promote better systems of education. Some of the key points presented at these meetings include: there is an urgency for changel universities must become engineers for innovation; leadership much be cultivated at all levels; and we must listen to and respect the voices of all students. At each of these events, a call to action was defined or executed by the respective group. For example, at GECS, nine states plus ISTE, ECS and Microsoft created a working group to define best practices and improve the competitiveness of U.S. education.
I enjoyed reading this article. I did my current events presentation of how education is the key to improving or eliminating all other social problems, such as gender and racial inequalities, war, and even global warming. I feel that this initiative gives me hope for our future, and I am glad to hear the main ideas that are the focus of this initiative. Diversity is important and it is a hugh part of being "educated". If we cannot accept other societies and their ideas and beliefs, then we are never going to be successful in promoting peace and equaliy.
http://microsoftontheissues.com/cs/blogs/mscorp/archive/2009/07/15/around-the-globe-innovating-to-improve-education.aspx
Friday, December 04, 2009
Safety in Vaccine
An extensive review of adverse effects from the swine flu vaccine that the vaccine is safe, with side effects no different from those of seasonal flu vaccines, health officials reported on Friday. Dr. Thomas Frieden director of the CDC called the findings very reassuring at a news briefing. According to the news report there was no substantial differences between the H1N1 and the seasonal influenza vaccines. There was no sign that the swine flu vaccination could increase the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome a rare problem that was linked to a different vaccine.
I think that this is a great find. In my last blog I had seen that the CDC had reports that there were side effects to taking the vaccine and Guillain-Barre syndrome was one of the worst ones. Now that they have reports stating that its not, I bet that more people will trust the vaccine and be able to get them for themselves and their family.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/health/05flu.html
I think that this is a great find. In my last blog I had seen that the CDC had reports that there were side effects to taking the vaccine and Guillain-Barre syndrome was one of the worst ones. Now that they have reports stating that its not, I bet that more people will trust the vaccine and be able to get them for themselves and their family.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/health/05flu.html
AIDS orphan has bravery in abundance
Health/ Disease Blog Entry Thirteen
Azrealle McClain
Sociology 202-01
December 4th 2009
9:00pm
Azrealle McClain
Sociology 202-01
December 4th 2009
9:00pm
Summary:
It’s no surprise that AIDS is running ramped throughout Africa. This article chronicled the saddening story of one of the disease’s victims. Sanyu Nakyeyune doesn’t have AIDS, her parents did and the news of their death was a staggering wake up call. Sanyu Nakyeyune was left to take care of her two siblings at the tender age of 10. The more heart wrenching fact is that she is one of an estimated 15 million orphan children who went through a similar situation. This is exactly where a program called LEAD Uganda comes into play. Their mission is to save these children from orphanages and help them better themselves through the acquisition of adequate education.
Reactions:
I have heard about stories like this in Africa all the time, but do I rarely hear about a solution. Hearing that there is a program out there that is saving these children through education is a credit to the human capacity for true empathy. I can only hope that there are more efforts being done to help these children. There is nothing better than helping a child who is at the lowest point possible.
Web Link: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/12/03/sanyu.uganda.aids/index.html
last post: more on the Minarets
Although many supporters of the Minaret ban claim that it is not religious persecution, they do, however, seem to imply that it is ethnic persecution. Banning a certain religious architecture while others are allowed to remain is a very unfair practice particularly when the real goal has admittedly been to curb Islamic influence. Metaphorically speaking, this would be as justifiable as banning rainbow stripes in fear of what an extremist would call homosexual persuasion.
France is considering adapting the same architecturally limiting procedure. They claim that this legal act would limit the influence of outside countries that borrow practices that are not European. They claim to approve of French Islam as opposed to non-European practices. This drive to exclusionism has similarities to anti-Semitism movement of the Nazi Party and surrounding countries. This similarity has risen to the Islamic support from some Jewish establishments such as the American Jewish Committee.
Of course being on the same side of religious issues on some level is not enough to fully unite Muslim and Jewish practitioners. It can, however, provide some grounds for understanding between these two communities.
Recent military activity towards a primarily Muslim society has caused an increase in anti-Islamic sentiment in America as well as Europe. It is painful to think that an already widely misunderstood and persecuted religious group has been issued further religious-ethnic limitations.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1259831455845&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
France is considering adapting the same architecturally limiting procedure. They claim that this legal act would limit the influence of outside countries that borrow practices that are not European. They claim to approve of French Islam as opposed to non-European practices. This drive to exclusionism has similarities to anti-Semitism movement of the Nazi Party and surrounding countries. This similarity has risen to the Islamic support from some Jewish establishments such as the American Jewish Committee.
Of course being on the same side of religious issues on some level is not enough to fully unite Muslim and Jewish practitioners. It can, however, provide some grounds for understanding between these two communities.
Recent military activity towards a primarily Muslim society has caused an increase in anti-Islamic sentiment in America as well as Europe. It is painful to think that an already widely misunderstood and persecuted religious group has been issued further religious-ethnic limitations.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1259831455845&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Iraqi women forced into sex slavery
Leah Forchheimer
12-4-09
4:56
The article that I read this week was about Iraqi women being forced into being sex slaves. One of the reasons in the article that was talked about was why these women were being forced into sex slavery. One of the reasons was the economy dwindling down and people are losing their jobs and have to find a way to make money. Some criminal gangs exploit girls as young as the age of twelve in order to make a profit. Many of the women are being trafficked to places like Syria or the Gulf states, but some women are being trafficked internally inside Iraq, from one city to the next. The Baghdad Women's Organization estimates that at least 200 Iraqi women are sold into slavery every year, although the US-based Human Rights Watch estimates that the numbers are in the thousands. Yet, the organizations say that the numbers of trafficked women being forced into sex slavery would be higher if Iraqi refugee women in bordering countries, like Syria and Lebanon, were included. The situation has become increasingly worse since 2003, which may have to do with the seventy percent of Iraqis that have lost their jobs since 2003.
I think it is sad that people think that they have to turn to human trafficking and force women into sex slavery. There is a direct link between people losing their jobs and the increase of human trafficking. People are losing their jobs left and right because of the economy and because of this people need a way to make a living. People see forcing women into sex slavery as a way to support themselves in the waning economy. I think that two things need to happen in order for there to be a less amount of human trafficking happening. The first thing that needs to happen is for jobs to be more available to people and also, the government needs to spend more time tracking down human traffickers.
South Africa vows to treat all babies with HIV
Alexa Williams
12/4/09
4:52PM
This article is about South African babies under the age of one. If has been stated by President Jacob Zuma that all children under one year old will receive treatment if they test positive for HIV. In South Africa, fifty nine thousand babies are born with HIV every year and has the highest number of HIV positive people within their population. The president announced this during a speech on World Aids Day. He also promised more anti-retrovirals. The government that was in change before this administration had always stated that those anti-retrovirals were too expensive and thus did not provide them.
I think that South Africa is finally making some very important changes and steps towards fixing the massive undeniable problem of HIV. Just the fact that the new President is going to be providing more anti-retrovirals is an amazing step towards lowering the immense number of cases in South Africa. It is also a very positive step that the President himself is getting an HIV test in order to encourage other people in his country to do the same. He seems like he is a leader that might actually make real change within a country that so desperately needs help with HIV.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8388178.stm
12/4/09
4:52PM
This article is about South African babies under the age of one. If has been stated by President Jacob Zuma that all children under one year old will receive treatment if they test positive for HIV. In South Africa, fifty nine thousand babies are born with HIV every year and has the highest number of HIV positive people within their population. The president announced this during a speech on World Aids Day. He also promised more anti-retrovirals. The government that was in change before this administration had always stated that those anti-retrovirals were too expensive and thus did not provide them.
I think that South Africa is finally making some very important changes and steps towards fixing the massive undeniable problem of HIV. Just the fact that the new President is going to be providing more anti-retrovirals is an amazing step towards lowering the immense number of cases in South Africa. It is also a very positive step that the President himself is getting an HIV test in order to encourage other people in his country to do the same. He seems like he is a leader that might actually make real change within a country that so desperately needs help with HIV.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8388178.stm
U.N. Reports That Taliban is Stockpiling Opium
Debranya Brower
12-4-09 5pm
In this article I have learned that the Taliban have been putting raw opium aside for themselves as they continue to strive to figure out ways to fund their group. The U.N. reported that the Taliban are cutting poppy cultivation. It was also reported that poppy cultivation had retreated in much of the country and was now overwhelmingly concentrated in the 7 of 34 provinces where the insurgency remains strong, most those in the south. Last year $300 million was made from opium alone. Due to the skillful ways of the Taliban they have been able to porduce opium in amounts that far exceed the world demand. The report stated that both the NATO and American forces have their work cut out for them in trying to deal with the drug trade but they also stated that they should focus on the places where the opium is sold.
I think that because of the fact that they can produce opium both on their own and they can put fear into the farmers the only thing that will truly be able to stop the Taliban will be the downturning economy. In the article it was said that there is not as big of a demand for it as it once was. Until things become more stable they are probably going to go about getting funding different ways. I believe that the Taliban seems to feel that they are untouchable so if the NATO and American forces don't start focusing more are who is selling and who is buying the drugs they will never get anywhere with any investigation. The only people that the America will catch will probably be farmers. They're not really going after the people that they should or in the areas that they need to be. The Taliban will remain destructive until the armies unite and outsmart them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/middleeast/28opium.html?scp=2&sq=taliban%20drugs%20and%20crime&st=Search
12-4-09 5pm
In this article I have learned that the Taliban have been putting raw opium aside for themselves as they continue to strive to figure out ways to fund their group. The U.N. reported that the Taliban are cutting poppy cultivation. It was also reported that poppy cultivation had retreated in much of the country and was now overwhelmingly concentrated in the 7 of 34 provinces where the insurgency remains strong, most those in the south. Last year $300 million was made from opium alone. Due to the skillful ways of the Taliban they have been able to porduce opium in amounts that far exceed the world demand. The report stated that both the NATO and American forces have their work cut out for them in trying to deal with the drug trade but they also stated that they should focus on the places where the opium is sold.
I think that because of the fact that they can produce opium both on their own and they can put fear into the farmers the only thing that will truly be able to stop the Taliban will be the downturning economy. In the article it was said that there is not as big of a demand for it as it once was. Until things become more stable they are probably going to go about getting funding different ways. I believe that the Taliban seems to feel that they are untouchable so if the NATO and American forces don't start focusing more are who is selling and who is buying the drugs they will never get anywhere with any investigation. The only people that the America will catch will probably be farmers. They're not really going after the people that they should or in the areas that they need to be. The Taliban will remain destructive until the armies unite and outsmart them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/middleeast/28opium.html?scp=2&sq=taliban%20drugs%20and%20crime&st=Search
Breaking With Past, South Africa Issues Broad AIDS Policy
Lauren Auton, 12/4/09, 5:08 PM
South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, stated that the drug therapy for HIV-positive pregnant woman and babies is going to start earlier than previously announced and is going to be broadened to include more people. The announcement and the treatment has come from new treatment guidelines that have been issued by the World Health Organization. The goal of the treatment guidelines is to help ensure that more babies are born healthy. The hopes are that by treating these infected babies earlier, South Africa will be able to improve the survival odds for its children. Zuma has said that by April, the government will start treatment earlier for the HIV-positive people who have tuberculosis.
I found the announcement in this article to be a step forward for not only women and children, but everyone in South Africa. The more people are educated and treated for HIV and AIDS in South Africa, the more they will be able to help in its prevention. South Africa has come a long way under Jacob Zuma since their former president, Thabo Mbeki, had even questioned whether HIV was the cause of AIDS and thought that the antiretroviral drugs used for treatment may even be harmful. Since 1990, South Africa is one of only four countries that has seen their child mortality rate worsen and I am glad that something is now being done about that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/world/africa/02safrica.html
South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, stated that the drug therapy for HIV-positive pregnant woman and babies is going to start earlier than previously announced and is going to be broadened to include more people. The announcement and the treatment has come from new treatment guidelines that have been issued by the World Health Organization. The goal of the treatment guidelines is to help ensure that more babies are born healthy. The hopes are that by treating these infected babies earlier, South Africa will be able to improve the survival odds for its children. Zuma has said that by April, the government will start treatment earlier for the HIV-positive people who have tuberculosis.
I found the announcement in this article to be a step forward for not only women and children, but everyone in South Africa. The more people are educated and treated for HIV and AIDS in South Africa, the more they will be able to help in its prevention. South Africa has come a long way under Jacob Zuma since their former president, Thabo Mbeki, had even questioned whether HIV was the cause of AIDS and thought that the antiretroviral drugs used for treatment may even be harmful. Since 1990, South Africa is one of only four countries that has seen their child mortality rate worsen and I am glad that something is now being done about that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/world/africa/02safrica.html
Former Miss Argentina dies after plastic surgery
Tamika M. Reynolds
12-04-09
4:13pm
An unfortunate announcement has been made for Argentina. The former Miss Argentina has recently passed away. She died from complications of plastic surgery. There is report that it was announced on Facebook and many of her fans were shocked and hurt from the News. Any of the quotes talk about how she was already so beautiful why did she think she needed surgery. Her name is Solange Magnano she was 37 years old and the mother of 7 year old twins. Prior to being Miss Argentina she was also a model. There is still an investigation going on about her death. Plastic surgery in Argentina is very common. 1 in every 30 Argentines undergo surgery.
This is very unfortunate. Even though people are not sure how this surgery went wrong. I am still sad that this was not a surgery she did not even need in the first place and it took her life. I am curious to know if she was warned about any possible risk. Medical tourism according to the article is growing exponentially. It is 100 billion dollar global industry. I think it is horrible that a woman who is suppose to be a model to other young women went to undergo plastic surgery in the first place. It makes the idea of beauty so fake. I think this is a sad story but I think it is something people should discuss because no matter how sad we get over this situation it was still an avoidable death. With Globalization I think this universal beauty is becoming a problem on self esteems of women around the world.
Uganda Again.
Matthew kenney
12/4/09
3:50pm
Uganda is always in the middle of things dealing with environmental destruction and population growth. In the articles read today by me, and organization is trying to put the blame of environmental destruction on population growth. While this may be true in some cases, this is one of the least things that concern the environment. They also believe that contraception could possible fix the climate change problem. This is also disproved in the article by the author. They also believe that the reason for poverty due to environmental destruction is the industrial age. The reason for poverty ridden people living in places so environmentally destroyed is because they are poor, not because of the industrial age. The article also says that the destruction of the environment will effect women most of all.
I think this article is a mess. I read up on about ten different topics just skimming through it the first time. There was how the environment effects women and how its bad to have a big population and it lists all these strange organizations that make these outrageous claims with ling abbreviated names. I had no interest in reading this but I soldiered through. The mix of all the different topics and this article just being plain boring made me pay little to no attention to it. I got what it was saying but I didn’t really connect with the main reason behind it like I did with all the other articles I read.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200912040483.html
12/4/09
3:50pm
Uganda is always in the middle of things dealing with environmental destruction and population growth. In the articles read today by me, and organization is trying to put the blame of environmental destruction on population growth. While this may be true in some cases, this is one of the least things that concern the environment. They also believe that contraception could possible fix the climate change problem. This is also disproved in the article by the author. They also believe that the reason for poverty due to environmental destruction is the industrial age. The reason for poverty ridden people living in places so environmentally destroyed is because they are poor, not because of the industrial age. The article also says that the destruction of the environment will effect women most of all.
I think this article is a mess. I read up on about ten different topics just skimming through it the first time. There was how the environment effects women and how its bad to have a big population and it lists all these strange organizations that make these outrageous claims with ling abbreviated names. I had no interest in reading this but I soldiered through. The mix of all the different topics and this article just being plain boring made me pay little to no attention to it. I got what it was saying but I didn’t really connect with the main reason behind it like I did with all the other articles I read.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200912040483.html
Human rights report exposes US abuse of immigrant detainees
Jarrod Rudd
December 4, 2009
3:37 pm
Human Rights Watch released a report Wednesday detailing how US authorities are indiscriminately transferring thousands of detained immigrants away from their attorneys and family members in order to prevent them from fighting deportation. Since 2003, ICE—which was established under the aegis of the US Department of Homeland Security following the 9/11 attacks—has detained 1.7 million individuals in some 350 facilities, including for-profit prisons and state and local jails it contracts. This year, ICE officials say 442,000 immigrants will be detained, more than double its first year of operations. The new Human Rights Watch report noted that immigrants are often detained initially in a location near their place of residence, for example in New York or Los Angeles, where they have lived for decades and where their family members, employers, and attorneys also live. “Days or months later, with no notice,” the human rights organization says, “many of these immigrants are loaded onto planes for transport to detention centers in remote corners of states such as Texas, California, and Louisiana (the three states most likely to receive transfers),” the report found.
This is interesting to me because the issue of immigration is a very hot topic and once you look at it and form your own interpretation things can either turn out good or bad. The report said that the people are detained and then sent to detention centers which to me seem a bit inhumane. How can you detain someone and send them to a detention center when they are just trying to make a better life for themselves? Maybe I don’t understand the whole picture, but still there is a better way of treating people than this.
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/immi-d04.shtml
December 4, 2009
3:37 pm
Human Rights Watch released a report Wednesday detailing how US authorities are indiscriminately transferring thousands of detained immigrants away from their attorneys and family members in order to prevent them from fighting deportation. Since 2003, ICE—which was established under the aegis of the US Department of Homeland Security following the 9/11 attacks—has detained 1.7 million individuals in some 350 facilities, including for-profit prisons and state and local jails it contracts. This year, ICE officials say 442,000 immigrants will be detained, more than double its first year of operations. The new Human Rights Watch report noted that immigrants are often detained initially in a location near their place of residence, for example in New York or Los Angeles, where they have lived for decades and where their family members, employers, and attorneys also live. “Days or months later, with no notice,” the human rights organization says, “many of these immigrants are loaded onto planes for transport to detention centers in remote corners of states such as Texas, California, and Louisiana (the three states most likely to receive transfers),” the report found.
This is interesting to me because the issue of immigration is a very hot topic and once you look at it and form your own interpretation things can either turn out good or bad. The report said that the people are detained and then sent to detention centers which to me seem a bit inhumane. How can you detain someone and send them to a detention center when they are just trying to make a better life for themselves? Maybe I don’t understand the whole picture, but still there is a better way of treating people than this.
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2009/dec2009/immi-d04.shtml
Fate of Amanda Knox, former boyfriend now in the hands of Italian jury
Alesia Mason
Fate of Amanda Knox, former boyfriend now in the hands of Italian jury
This week’s blog focuses on the trail of Amanda Knox, an American student who went to Italy and is now accused of murdering her roommate in a “sex game that went bad”. The prosecutors are saying that Knox got mad that her roommate, Meredith Kercher called her offensive things and decided to kill her as revenge. The most damaging evidence that the Italian court has is a knife with the victim’s blood on it and Ms. Knox’s DNA also on it. They say after participating in group sex, Ms. Knox slit Ms. Kercher’s throat. Even though everyone is saying that they have the wrong people, the case is now in the hands of an Italian jury.
All the parties involved in this thing are really messed up for life. There is a young woman that’s dead needlessly and there are young people still on trial for a crime that is horrible. I mean can words really reduce us to this? I feel this relates to my topic because women are often the ones that are put on trial and this definitely feels like a case of this because you don’t really hear about the two men who were also on trial but you definitely hear about Ms. Knox. I wonder even if she’s not found guilty, how will her life play out because she’s been in jail for so long, will she be able to readjust? I do know that she won’t be able to have a normal life again which is sad.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/04/italy.knox.trial/index.html
Fate of Amanda Knox, former boyfriend now in the hands of Italian jury
This week’s blog focuses on the trail of Amanda Knox, an American student who went to Italy and is now accused of murdering her roommate in a “sex game that went bad”. The prosecutors are saying that Knox got mad that her roommate, Meredith Kercher called her offensive things and decided to kill her as revenge. The most damaging evidence that the Italian court has is a knife with the victim’s blood on it and Ms. Knox’s DNA also on it. They say after participating in group sex, Ms. Knox slit Ms. Kercher’s throat. Even though everyone is saying that they have the wrong people, the case is now in the hands of an Italian jury.
All the parties involved in this thing are really messed up for life. There is a young woman that’s dead needlessly and there are young people still on trial for a crime that is horrible. I mean can words really reduce us to this? I feel this relates to my topic because women are often the ones that are put on trial and this definitely feels like a case of this because you don’t really hear about the two men who were also on trial but you definitely hear about Ms. Knox. I wonder even if she’s not found guilty, how will her life play out because she’s been in jail for so long, will she be able to readjust? I do know that she won’t be able to have a normal life again which is sad.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/12/04/italy.knox.trial/index.html
Uganda: Ensure Accountability for Election Violence
Nicholas Salmons
12/4/09
With elections coming in 2011, there have been challenges made for the Ugandan government to reform many aspects of itself - particularly in election legislation - to help ensure a more fair and peaceful process. In the past, Ugandan politicians have used violence, intimidation, bribery, and even torture to gain vote power (nothing very uncommon). Also in the past, the level of accountability that has been required for those committing these crimes has been very low (one such politician who had a detention room in his own home for "persuading" voters in 2006 was instated as the Ugandan minister of internal affairs in January, putting him in charge of the Ugandan police force and security measures for the upcoming elections). Human Rights Watch has called for new measures to be taken in remedying the situation such as expediting non-partisan investigations and prosecutions, preventing the Ugandan military from heavy involvement in the election (due to recent reports of unnecessary force being used against protesters and rioters), and extending the timeframe allowed for prosecution electoral offenses.
This article, to me, provides a very good example of how the previously read statement that "Africa needs to clean up its own house" seems a bit absurd. While I don't necessarily think any one other country would be able to solve all of Africa's (in this case Uganda's) problems, I do think that what is being done does not have the continent's best interests in mind. I also find it interesting in an ironic sense that this country is holding elections (theoretically democratic) while using totalitarian techniques of campaigning. It makes me wonder a bit about the US.
Worst industrial disaster still haunts India
Melanie Lofgren
12/04/09
2:40 p.m.
Twenty-five years ago, on December 3, 1984, the Bphoal industrial disaster erupted and killed 4,000 people. Union Caribe was a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. A few days after the leak, the number of deaths doubled and it nearly doubled again over the next few years to 15,000 according to government estimates. According to the government, at least 500,000 people were affected by this gas leak ultimately suffering from birth defects, varying degrees of brain damage, chaotic menstrual cycles, cleft lips, missing palates and twisted limbs, and skin, vision, and breathing disorders. The accident has been reported to be a result of a disgruntled employee who was never identified, according to an American chemical company Union Carbide Corp. People today are still suffering from the effects of this exposure. It is contaminating the soil and groundwater in neighborhoods around the plant. Children as young as two months old are showing signs of birth defects related to their parent’s exposure to the disaster although government officials are denying this issue. The officials are claiming that the reason for these birth defects is related to their poor living environments in the slums.
This is a terrible disaster that occurred twenty-five years ago and even worse is that it was not an accident but an act of sabotage by an employee. It is discouraging to hear that someone is not being punished for all the people that have died and those who are still affected today. Even worse is that the government is not acknowledging the reasons of these birth defects still prevalent today. These people are already living in low-income “housing” and have enough disease and health issues to worry about in the slums. Amazing how an accident twenty-five years ago is still affecting the health of those today.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34247132/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/
12/04/09
2:40 p.m.
Twenty-five years ago, on December 3, 1984, the Bphoal industrial disaster erupted and killed 4,000 people. Union Caribe was a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. A few days after the leak, the number of deaths doubled and it nearly doubled again over the next few years to 15,000 according to government estimates. According to the government, at least 500,000 people were affected by this gas leak ultimately suffering from birth defects, varying degrees of brain damage, chaotic menstrual cycles, cleft lips, missing palates and twisted limbs, and skin, vision, and breathing disorders. The accident has been reported to be a result of a disgruntled employee who was never identified, according to an American chemical company Union Carbide Corp. People today are still suffering from the effects of this exposure. It is contaminating the soil and groundwater in neighborhoods around the plant. Children as young as two months old are showing signs of birth defects related to their parent’s exposure to the disaster although government officials are denying this issue. The officials are claiming that the reason for these birth defects is related to their poor living environments in the slums.
This is a terrible disaster that occurred twenty-five years ago and even worse is that it was not an accident but an act of sabotage by an employee. It is discouraging to hear that someone is not being punished for all the people that have died and those who are still affected today. Even worse is that the government is not acknowledging the reasons of these birth defects still prevalent today. These people are already living in low-income “housing” and have enough disease and health issues to worry about in the slums. Amazing how an accident twenty-five years ago is still affecting the health of those today.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34247132/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/
Former China student leader tried on fraud charges
Nicholas Neighbors
12/04/09
2:31 PM
An exiled former leader of the 1989 student pro-democracy movement went on trial for financial fraud charges. The case was controversial in Hong Kong because the leader, Zhou Yongjun, kneeled on the steps of the Great Hall of the People beside Tiananmen Square in a plea for China's communist leaders to acknowledge student calls for political reforms and to bring an end to corruption. No verdict was announced but said the verdict would be announced at a later date. Zhou was living in exile in the U.S. but was arrested while attempting to enter Hong Kong in August 2008 and was sent to jail. He was planning on returning to visit his elderly parents. Zhou's lawyer said that charges came from a complaint by a bank about a suspicious request for tranfering funds out of an account. The account was under the name Wang Xingxiang and when Zhou was caught, he had a passport on him that was under that name.
This man was arrest for coming back to see his parents and got caught, its a sad situation because of the fact he was exiled for making a stand against the government. Its troubling to see the corruption in other countries and how the governments silence individuals who seek to speak freely against it. There is also an extreme lack of privacy as the man was transferring money from his account, however, it was also a bad move on his part to sign the money because the signatures didn't match. I would assume his punishment for returning is also going to be a heavy one, possibly paying with his life.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091119/ap_on_re_as/as_china_tiananmen
12/04/09
2:31 PM
An exiled former leader of the 1989 student pro-democracy movement went on trial for financial fraud charges. The case was controversial in Hong Kong because the leader, Zhou Yongjun, kneeled on the steps of the Great Hall of the People beside Tiananmen Square in a plea for China's communist leaders to acknowledge student calls for political reforms and to bring an end to corruption. No verdict was announced but said the verdict would be announced at a later date. Zhou was living in exile in the U.S. but was arrested while attempting to enter Hong Kong in August 2008 and was sent to jail. He was planning on returning to visit his elderly parents. Zhou's lawyer said that charges came from a complaint by a bank about a suspicious request for tranfering funds out of an account. The account was under the name Wang Xingxiang and when Zhou was caught, he had a passport on him that was under that name.
This man was arrest for coming back to see his parents and got caught, its a sad situation because of the fact he was exiled for making a stand against the government. Its troubling to see the corruption in other countries and how the governments silence individuals who seek to speak freely against it. There is also an extreme lack of privacy as the man was transferring money from his account, however, it was also a bad move on his part to sign the money because the signatures didn't match. I would assume his punishment for returning is also going to be a heavy one, possibly paying with his life.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091119/ap_on_re_as/as_china_tiananmen
Meredith Kercher Trail
Caitlin Adams
12/4/09 1:50pm
Meredith Kercher trial: Amanda Knox’s family “very hopeful” of acquittal
This current even article is in regards to the college student accused of killing her roommate, Meredith Kercher, while studying aboard in Italy in November of 2007. This trial has been going on for quite some time in Perugia, Italy. Amanda Knox’s, alleged killer, is raining hopeful but still keeping their guards up. The jury is supposed to have a verdict within the next few days to end this year long trial. Knox pleaded innocent and told the jurors in Italian that she did not want to be branded an assassin.
This whole situation is sad on both sides. I do not have a strong opinion as to if Knox really took part in killing her roommate because I have not followed the story long enough. She seems genuine in her testimony but at the same time I would be doing all I could to not go to jail in a foreign country if I were her too. This is just one of a few stories in which an American student studies aboard and either goes missing or is killed. Studying aboard should be a great experience and it is sad that this kind of thing keeps people from going.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/6727563/Meredith-Kercher-trial-Amanda-Knoxs-family-very-hopeful-of-acquittal.html
12/4/09 1:50pm
Meredith Kercher trial: Amanda Knox’s family “very hopeful” of acquittal
This current even article is in regards to the college student accused of killing her roommate, Meredith Kercher, while studying aboard in Italy in November of 2007. This trial has been going on for quite some time in Perugia, Italy. Amanda Knox’s, alleged killer, is raining hopeful but still keeping their guards up. The jury is supposed to have a verdict within the next few days to end this year long trial. Knox pleaded innocent and told the jurors in Italian that she did not want to be branded an assassin.
This whole situation is sad on both sides. I do not have a strong opinion as to if Knox really took part in killing her roommate because I have not followed the story long enough. She seems genuine in her testimony but at the same time I would be doing all I could to not go to jail in a foreign country if I were her too. This is just one of a few stories in which an American student studies aboard and either goes missing or is killed. Studying aboard should be a great experience and it is sad that this kind of thing keeps people from going.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/6727563/Meredith-Kercher-trial-Amanda-Knoxs-family-very-hopeful-of-acquittal.html
Measles deaths drop by 78%
Ayanna Haskell
SOC 202
December 4, 2009
The global death of measles between 2008 and 2008 has dropped by 78% due to mass childhood vaccination campaigns. But there is now fear that the deaths will rise because of lets efforts of immunization compliance is falling. There were only 164,000 deaths in 2008, down form 733,000 in 2000. this is based off the U.S based Measles initiative who assists organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization. 3 out of of every 4 deaths from measles were from India in 2008. The funding gap will be an estimated $59 million dollars in 2010, this money would otherwise help keep vaccination rates. Its a global progress to try and fill this gap because children are dying form a “preventable” infection. Some believe the rise in measles deaths is also because there is fear that the vaccination will cause autism. The goal is to reduce the percentage by 90% between 2000 and 2010.
This is the most news I have heard on the case of measles in a long time. Its good to see that the number of measles cases has dropped so much. I think at this rate there should be no reason to stop reducing the numbers. If the gap is filled and a lot of effort is put into helping UNICEF and the WHO steps in then there should be no reason for the numbers to increase. Although I do believe more testing should be done if there is a possibility for autism in the vaccine, but you have to think of the well being of the child.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B24OS20091203
SOC 202
December 4, 2009
The global death of measles between 2008 and 2008 has dropped by 78% due to mass childhood vaccination campaigns. But there is now fear that the deaths will rise because of lets efforts of immunization compliance is falling. There were only 164,000 deaths in 2008, down form 733,000 in 2000. this is based off the U.S based Measles initiative who assists organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization. 3 out of of every 4 deaths from measles were from India in 2008. The funding gap will be an estimated $59 million dollars in 2010, this money would otherwise help keep vaccination rates. Its a global progress to try and fill this gap because children are dying form a “preventable” infection. Some believe the rise in measles deaths is also because there is fear that the vaccination will cause autism. The goal is to reduce the percentage by 90% between 2000 and 2010.
This is the most news I have heard on the case of measles in a long time. Its good to see that the number of measles cases has dropped so much. I think at this rate there should be no reason to stop reducing the numbers. If the gap is filled and a lot of effort is put into helping UNICEF and the WHO steps in then there should be no reason for the numbers to increase. Although I do believe more testing should be done if there is a possibility for autism in the vaccine, but you have to think of the well being of the child.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5B24OS20091203
US immigration must stop mass immigrant court hearings
12/04/09
1:30pm
This short news article is about Operation Streamline and the way in which it is violating migrants right to “be made aware of their rights and understand details of what a guilty plea involves”. This “Zero tolerance” program is used in Tucson, Arizona. Instead of directing them through civil deportation proceedings, Operation Streamline forces undocumented migrants through the federal criminal justice system and into U.S. Prisons. According to the article, three Judges from San Francisco identified that this Operation that immigration authorities go by goes against the rules and recognized that immigrants are not given the opportunity to defend themselves properly.
I chose this article because this operation has prosecuted many undocumented migrants and have not been given a chance to defend themselves. I knew about this policy nut I had not heard or read anything about it for a while. I am aware that humanitarian Aid organizations along the U.S.-Mexico border are working to point out the flaws of the program. I Felt It was important to communicate that now Judges are recognizing the flaws as well and it gives me wonder if this is the first step in trying to find a change to it and do things the fair way.
http://www.globalvisas.com/news/us_immigration_must_stop_mass_immigrant_court_hearings1876.html
1:30pm
This short news article is about Operation Streamline and the way in which it is violating migrants right to “be made aware of their rights and understand details of what a guilty plea involves”. This “Zero tolerance” program is used in Tucson, Arizona. Instead of directing them through civil deportation proceedings, Operation Streamline forces undocumented migrants through the federal criminal justice system and into U.S. Prisons. According to the article, three Judges from San Francisco identified that this Operation that immigration authorities go by goes against the rules and recognized that immigrants are not given the opportunity to defend themselves properly.
I chose this article because this operation has prosecuted many undocumented migrants and have not been given a chance to defend themselves. I knew about this policy nut I had not heard or read anything about it for a while. I am aware that humanitarian Aid organizations along the U.S.-Mexico border are working to point out the flaws of the program. I Felt It was important to communicate that now Judges are recognizing the flaws as well and it gives me wonder if this is the first step in trying to find a change to it and do things the fair way.
http://www.globalvisas.com/news/us_immigration_must_stop_mass_immigrant_court_hearings1876.html
One more...
Jessie Lucas
Dec 4th 2009
12:20 PM
This week I chose an article about Kashmir. Reciently somewhere around two thousand six hundred bodies have been discovered in unmarked and mass graves in the mountails of Kashmir (which is controlled by India) There has bee na massive reble firght for independence in the area and more than eight thousand people have disappeared since 1989. The government has often been accused of killing rebels as well as citizens. A three year survey was being conducted, which lead to the discovery of the graves. They don't yet know who is in the graves (or if they do, they aren't telling) but this discovery has become a major part of the human rights investigations in the area.
Okay so this is the last time you will all hear from me...sad I know! For my last entry I decided to address the issue that had come up through many of my articles which was people "disappearing". Well apparently they didn't jump on an airplane and get lost on some semi deserted island with polar bears and a smoke monster! Well over two thousand bodies have been discoveder and it is believed that these are some of the eight thousand people who have disappeared over the years. I think its terrible that a government could do this to its people. It is also unfair that the families did not get to have closure with the deaths of their loved ones. I just hope they get some peace now and the bodies can be identified and properly burried.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/world/asia/03briefs-Indiabrf.html
Dec 4th 2009
12:20 PM
This week I chose an article about Kashmir. Reciently somewhere around two thousand six hundred bodies have been discovered in unmarked and mass graves in the mountails of Kashmir (which is controlled by India) There has bee na massive reble firght for independence in the area and more than eight thousand people have disappeared since 1989. The government has often been accused of killing rebels as well as citizens. A three year survey was being conducted, which lead to the discovery of the graves. They don't yet know who is in the graves (or if they do, they aren't telling) but this discovery has become a major part of the human rights investigations in the area.
Okay so this is the last time you will all hear from me...sad I know! For my last entry I decided to address the issue that had come up through many of my articles which was people "disappearing". Well apparently they didn't jump on an airplane and get lost on some semi deserted island with polar bears and a smoke monster! Well over two thousand bodies have been discoveder and it is believed that these are some of the eight thousand people who have disappeared over the years. I think its terrible that a government could do this to its people. It is also unfair that the families did not get to have closure with the deaths of their loved ones. I just hope they get some peace now and the bodies can be identified and properly burried.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/world/asia/03briefs-Indiabrf.html
Air pollution must be tackled to prevent huge EU fines and thousands of early deaths
Charity Davenport
12/4/09
11:42am
Council leaders are warning Britain that they will face up to £300m of fines from the EU in as little as 18 months. It is said that up to 36,000 more people will die early unless more strides and greater powers are given to councils to help them tackle the problem of pollution. At a conference, the council leaders are requesting that new measures be taken out to help cut emissions, improve the quality of air, and reduce the premature deaths from pollution. This call includes greater powers to influence polluters in their areas, like the bus operators and the Highways Agency. They are working on increasing resources and support for public transport improvements. The Councils know that there is a problem, and if they are given the right powers and funding, they will be able to ensure that pollution emissions are cut and that local people will not have to pay a lot of money for the new measures.
I'm really glad to see that the EU is working very hard to cut back on pollution in these areas. I think it’s a good idea that they are stressing the importance of public transportation. If more people took public transportation instead of driving their own vehicles, the rates of pollution in areas would drop drastically. It’s good to see that they are taking big strides to fight this problem, rather than putting it on the back burner to worry about later—which is what a lot of areas do.
http://www.publictechnology.net/article_avantgo.php?sid=22038
12/4/09
11:42am
Council leaders are warning Britain that they will face up to £300m of fines from the EU in as little as 18 months. It is said that up to 36,000 more people will die early unless more strides and greater powers are given to councils to help them tackle the problem of pollution. At a conference, the council leaders are requesting that new measures be taken out to help cut emissions, improve the quality of air, and reduce the premature deaths from pollution. This call includes greater powers to influence polluters in their areas, like the bus operators and the Highways Agency. They are working on increasing resources and support for public transport improvements. The Councils know that there is a problem, and if they are given the right powers and funding, they will be able to ensure that pollution emissions are cut and that local people will not have to pay a lot of money for the new measures.
I'm really glad to see that the EU is working very hard to cut back on pollution in these areas. I think it’s a good idea that they are stressing the importance of public transportation. If more people took public transportation instead of driving their own vehicles, the rates of pollution in areas would drop drastically. It’s good to see that they are taking big strides to fight this problem, rather than putting it on the back burner to worry about later—which is what a lot of areas do.
http://www.publictechnology.net/article_avantgo.php?sid=22038
Migrant Workers at Risk in South Africa
Elisabeth Shaver
12/4
10:46 am
In South Africa, migrants from Zimbabwe who are looking for employment are being persecuted by locals who are furious that their jobs are being taken. The migrants are being blamed unfairly for “taking” their jobs. The attacks have been horrific, forcing nearly 2,000 migrants to seek refuge in a nearby rugby stadium. The migrants shacks in the farming community have been completely leveled by angry mobs of locals. Aid organization are calling the attacks xenophobia, but local government officials are saying it is a local farming problem. They say it stems from local farmers favoring one nationality over another. South Africa faced the same problems last year when riots broke out right outside of Johannesburg with 62 people killed. Officials say there is no quick fix in sight. The issue is not simply nationals moving into South Africa and taking jobs, but the fact that South Africans are not having their own needs met. There is alot of poverty and unemployment in the community. South Africans are frustrated with their current situations and are taking it out on the migrants.
This is in my opinion a true example of a community not being taken care of by it’s government and the community shifting blame. South Africa has a long history of discrimination towards it’s Black community. The effects of Apartheid is still evident, and South Africa still has a great amount of work to do to right their wrongs.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/2009112110571766836.html
12/4
10:46 am
In South Africa, migrants from Zimbabwe who are looking for employment are being persecuted by locals who are furious that their jobs are being taken. The migrants are being blamed unfairly for “taking” their jobs. The attacks have been horrific, forcing nearly 2,000 migrants to seek refuge in a nearby rugby stadium. The migrants shacks in the farming community have been completely leveled by angry mobs of locals. Aid organization are calling the attacks xenophobia, but local government officials are saying it is a local farming problem. They say it stems from local farmers favoring one nationality over another. South Africa faced the same problems last year when riots broke out right outside of Johannesburg with 62 people killed. Officials say there is no quick fix in sight. The issue is not simply nationals moving into South Africa and taking jobs, but the fact that South Africans are not having their own needs met. There is alot of poverty and unemployment in the community. South Africans are frustrated with their current situations and are taking it out on the migrants.
This is in my opinion a true example of a community not being taken care of by it’s government and the community shifting blame. South Africa has a long history of discrimination towards it’s Black community. The effects of Apartheid is still evident, and South Africa still has a great amount of work to do to right their wrongs.
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2009/11/2009112110571766836.html
Obama's Other War
Obama missed a golden opportunity this week. He had the chance to unite the country and both political parties had he played his cards right and used the right words in convincing the country that the move we are making in Afghanistan is the right one. Instead he has the Democrats upset that we are still there and the republicans upset because we aren’t putting in as big of a surge with a shorter timeline than they would like. This is the war at home that Obama is fighting. The democrats will not hound Obama just yet, they will stand behind their president. The Republican Party however will do what they can to be mad. Obama has given them something to look back at and say ‘told ya so’. All is not lost yet though for the president, there is still time to get both parties behind him on this.
For this last blog I wanted to do something else since we already did our presentations. So here is the loophole; it’s a different kind of war. The main thing I see here is that Obama, in his efforts to please everyone has actually ended up displeasing both sides. The GOP is going to complain about Obama no matter what he does. He cannot win with them so he may as well just say fuck the GOP and do his best to please his constituents which got him elected in the first place. The left has a major majority in the senate and the house right now so they should try and fuck shit up while they have the chance before more republicans get voted in next year.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704007804574573791309460428.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
For this last blog I wanted to do something else since we already did our presentations. So here is the loophole; it’s a different kind of war. The main thing I see here is that Obama, in his efforts to please everyone has actually ended up displeasing both sides. The GOP is going to complain about Obama no matter what he does. He cannot win with them so he may as well just say fuck the GOP and do his best to please his constituents which got him elected in the first place. The left has a major majority in the senate and the house right now so they should try and fuck shit up while they have the chance before more republicans get voted in next year.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704007804574573791309460428.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Global rubber output poised to dip
According to new research, the global output of rubber is going to drop in the next few months with the most likely cause being climate change. Apparently, India is one of the largest rubber-producing countries in the world and the former president of one of their major companies thought that the reason of lower output was because of a shortage in qualified workers to get the rubber out of the trees and not climate change. Along with climate change being the reason for this occurrence, some of the other leading producers of rubber, such as Thailand and Indonesia, are not able to produce as much rubber as usual because of weather conditions that hit them the first week of November.This article does not surprise me. With all of the other natural resource shortages going on around the world, this one is no different. I just wish that there was a simple sollutoin to this problem, but there is not. Only is multiple things change will a dramatic change occur. If more people would recycle, use less resources, be more energy dependent, and things of that nature, then maybe so many things would not be happening with the climate and possible, resolving this issue.
Kaycey Cook
12-4-09
2:50 am
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/12/04/stories/2009120452601600.htm
Four Country Study Finds No Cancer Link to Cellphone Usage
Chelsea Parris
Dec. 3 2009
2:12am
This article discusses how a large new study is the latest to find no link between rising cell phone use and rates of brain cancer. Researchers in four Scandinavian countries found no increase in brain tumor diagnoses from 1998 to 2003, when cell phone use in those countries grew sharply. That's consistent with most other studies, including a U.S. study that examined brain tumor rates from 1987 to 2005. Some people have worried about cell phones because they emit radio waves, a form of non-ionizing, low frequency radiation. This kind of radiation is too weak to damage DNA, however, and scientists know of no biological processes by which radio waves might cause brain cancer. Other types of radiation, such as that produced by an atomic bomb, are known to cause cancer. Researchers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, who looked at rates of brain tumors called gliomas and meningiomas dating to 1973, acknowledge their study has limitations. It's possible that their study population of 16 million adults was too small to detect a very slight increased risk, especially if brain tumors are developing in particular subgroups, according to the study.
I thought this article was very interesting, and possibly great news. Cell phone use has increased tremendously recently, and if it were true that cell phone usage is linked to brain tumors, then I feel a lot of people would be in danger of having a brain tumor. Though the studies are still working this out, I am hopeful. However for people who remain concerned about cell phones they can almost completely eliminate their exposure to these radio waves by using headphones, speakerphones or Bluetooth headsets. We should be precautionary, especially in children, because their brains are still developing.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2009-12-03-cell-phones_N.htm
Dec. 3 2009
2:12am
This article discusses how a large new study is the latest to find no link between rising cell phone use and rates of brain cancer. Researchers in four Scandinavian countries found no increase in brain tumor diagnoses from 1998 to 2003, when cell phone use in those countries grew sharply. That's consistent with most other studies, including a U.S. study that examined brain tumor rates from 1987 to 2005. Some people have worried about cell phones because they emit radio waves, a form of non-ionizing, low frequency radiation. This kind of radiation is too weak to damage DNA, however, and scientists know of no biological processes by which radio waves might cause brain cancer. Other types of radiation, such as that produced by an atomic bomb, are known to cause cancer. Researchers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, who looked at rates of brain tumors called gliomas and meningiomas dating to 1973, acknowledge their study has limitations. It's possible that their study population of 16 million adults was too small to detect a very slight increased risk, especially if brain tumors are developing in particular subgroups, according to the study.
I thought this article was very interesting, and possibly great news. Cell phone use has increased tremendously recently, and if it were true that cell phone usage is linked to brain tumors, then I feel a lot of people would be in danger of having a brain tumor. Though the studies are still working this out, I am hopeful. However for people who remain concerned about cell phones they can almost completely eliminate their exposure to these radio waves by using headphones, speakerphones or Bluetooth headsets. We should be precautionary, especially in children, because their brains are still developing.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/wireless/phones/2009-12-03-cell-phones_N.htm
Europe Bypassed on Climate Summit
In the days before 170 countries meet to discuss global climate change in Copenhagen, the EU is losing influence to the US and China, the worlds highest emitters of greenhouse gases. While Europe has pushed harder than any to make the outcome at Copenhagen a success, matching the influence of the US and China will be difficult. Europe is hoping to have enough political influence to effect the global decisions on cutting back greenhouse gas emissions. The EU has split ideas on how to approach developing nations and will need to work as a whole in order to be most influential at the climate conference.
This article presents one of the biggest possible difficulties that could occur at the Copenhagen conference. As in the past, the US has been the final decision maker with these issues thanks to superpower status. If the delegates from the United States and China do not make appropriate compromises with the EU, the Copenhagen decision could be unsuccessful. All countries must find a way to come together in agreement for change, even if it means putting political clout aside at points.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/science/earth/02iht-euclimate.html?_r=1&ref=earth
This article presents one of the biggest possible difficulties that could occur at the Copenhagen conference. As in the past, the US has been the final decision maker with these issues thanks to superpower status. If the delegates from the United States and China do not make appropriate compromises with the EU, the Copenhagen decision could be unsuccessful. All countries must find a way to come together in agreement for change, even if it means putting political clout aside at points.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/science/earth/02iht-euclimate.html?_r=1&ref=earth
Human trafficking: SA faces major problem
Aisha Crawford
12/3
12:30am
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20091203121609304C412748
South Africa is having huge problems with human trafficking but has found that they have little tools to combat the issue. The government is trying to draft laws but they are simply not working. The girls in South Africa are trafficked in the major cities for prostitution and "domestic servitude" They are forced to work in return for their family occupying land or accommodation while others were forced into sex work after promises of jobs. There is an estimation of 12.3 million victims of human trafficking in the world.
Not only is this a big problem for just South Africa but it presents another issue doubled with the World cup series. In 2010 the World cup is supposed to be held in this country. In with this will come new visitors from other countries that will attract buyers and new victims into this sex human trafficking cycle. They are trying to make a computer system that will help keep people convicted of this crime out of the country. It also presents a huge problem to the tourists that will be visiting the country.
It is really sad that this has spread all over the world. The article first mentioned that south africa was not used this problem becaues it tipically happens in the US and more developed nations. These young girls are really suffering, you would think that from all the exposure of issues like this that they would not fall victims to these schemes. But I guess when you get desperate you will do anything that it takes to make it.Hopefully South Africa can find some laws that will muffle this problem. Sadly I do not see an end to this problem any time soon.
12/3
12:30am
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20091203121609304C412748
South Africa is having huge problems with human trafficking but has found that they have little tools to combat the issue. The government is trying to draft laws but they are simply not working. The girls in South Africa are trafficked in the major cities for prostitution and "domestic servitude" They are forced to work in return for their family occupying land or accommodation while others were forced into sex work after promises of jobs. There is an estimation of 12.3 million victims of human trafficking in the world.
Not only is this a big problem for just South Africa but it presents another issue doubled with the World cup series. In 2010 the World cup is supposed to be held in this country. In with this will come new visitors from other countries that will attract buyers and new victims into this sex human trafficking cycle. They are trying to make a computer system that will help keep people convicted of this crime out of the country. It also presents a huge problem to the tourists that will be visiting the country.
It is really sad that this has spread all over the world. The article first mentioned that south africa was not used this problem becaues it tipically happens in the US and more developed nations. These young girls are really suffering, you would think that from all the exposure of issues like this that they would not fall victims to these schemes. But I guess when you get desperate you will do anything that it takes to make it.Hopefully South Africa can find some laws that will muffle this problem. Sadly I do not see an end to this problem any time soon.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
India's swine flu toll touches 600
Ana Cole
Blog #14
12/03/2009
11:13pm
Summary
In New Delhi there were nine swine flu deaths which include five in Rajasthan on Thursday, December 3rd. This caused the death toll in India to rise to six hundred people. The record for the highest number of cases in New Delhi on a single day was when one hundred and seventy six people tested positive for swine flu. There has been a record of two hundred and fifty two new cases that were reported in the country. This brought the total number of infected people with the contagious virus to 18,872. Since the five deaths in Rajasthan, their death toll is now at 54. The national capital total number of infected people now stands at 5,417.
Reaction
After reading this article it seems that each day more and more people are becoming infected with swine flu. This is very scary to me because if we do not get a handle on this terrible virus than there is going to be a lot more deaths around the world. As for India, the people there are in serious trouble because from what the article said the number of infected people keep increasing. I wonder what the people in India is doing in order to stop the spreading of this virus? Hopefully very soon the numbers of infected people will start to decline.
http://headlinesindia.mapsofindia.com/health-and-science-news/swine-flu/indias-swine-flu-toll-touches-600-30247.html#
Blog #14
12/03/2009
11:13pm
Summary
In New Delhi there were nine swine flu deaths which include five in Rajasthan on Thursday, December 3rd. This caused the death toll in India to rise to six hundred people. The record for the highest number of cases in New Delhi on a single day was when one hundred and seventy six people tested positive for swine flu. There has been a record of two hundred and fifty two new cases that were reported in the country. This brought the total number of infected people with the contagious virus to 18,872. Since the five deaths in Rajasthan, their death toll is now at 54. The national capital total number of infected people now stands at 5,417.
Reaction
After reading this article it seems that each day more and more people are becoming infected with swine flu. This is very scary to me because if we do not get a handle on this terrible virus than there is going to be a lot more deaths around the world. As for India, the people there are in serious trouble because from what the article said the number of infected people keep increasing. I wonder what the people in India is doing in order to stop the spreading of this virus? Hopefully very soon the numbers of infected people will start to decline.
http://headlinesindia.mapsofindia.com/health-and-science-news/swine-flu/indias-swine-flu-toll-touches-600-30247.html#
Sex is to Men as Chocolate is to Women
“A beautiful woman invokes the same reaction in men that chocolate does to women.” Naturally, a man gets the urge to give in and take a nibble (flirt), but sometimes, he eats the decadent piece of chocolate (cheating).” Sex is not an emotional experience for a man, unless he wants it to be. Men can turn it on and off like a switch. This article related to the current news of Tiger Woods cheating on his pregnant wife with at least three other women. Do men have any self-control, are they able to be an honest partner?
Though I believe that men do have “cheating tendencies,” I also believe that women are capable of the same type of actions. Even though women are often more emotional when it comes to relationships and sex, men are better at separating the two. They usually don’t take relationships very seriously and often have a few partners at a time. Although, there are some men that are monogamous and true to their lover. Most women tend to think of the repercussions of their actions and what the outcome will be, while men tend to think in the moment. A relationship is a game between two people and someone usually gets hurt in the end. Tiger Woods has an amazing career, a beautiful wife, two children, and yet he still felt like he was missing something. There will always be a constant desire for wanting something you don’t have but we need to learn to respect relationships and not let our animal instincts control our decisions.
http://www.faniq.com/article/Sex-is-to-Men-as-Chocolate-is-to-Women-Understanding-Cheating-Good-Guys-Like-Tiger-Woods-1909458
Thousands of children in Scotland feel 'isolated'
Teenia Harmon
12-03-09
10:25
“Action for Children Scotland said too many young people were left isolated and troubled.” The campaign states that families need to change their attitudes towards children and focus on the needs of neglected children. They went on to tell some startling figures on children. Around 15,000 children are taken into care stands (child care), which is the highest sum in a quarter of a century. It also said that up to 60,000 children live in families that abuse drugs, and around the same number live in families where alcohol is misused. It also told that a staggering one in nine children will run away from home, and half of those do so to escape abuse or neglect. Family problems leave children “isolated, troubled, and alone.” Louise Warde Hunter says that the children need to be reached to “break the cycle of neglect that can persist across generations.” To do so they need to strengthen “families to help themselves.”
I think this is a very sad story; the numbers of neglected children are heartbreaking. What makes it worse is that this is not a story unique to Scotland. Children around the world are neglected for many different reasons- because of their gender, because they have special needs, any number of things. I agree that they need to change things because if they do not the children will grow up to be like their parents and the cycle will continue, but I am not sure how they would go about it. I think there needs to be a way for families to participate in things together other than just watching T.V. and the same thing goes for America and other countries as well. I also think that they need to provide good alternatives to children running away. Give them a safe place to go when they need to get away, a place with responsible adults who will keep them safe and make sure they get home safe.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8389061.stm
12-03-09
10:25
“Action for Children Scotland said too many young people were left isolated and troubled.” The campaign states that families need to change their attitudes towards children and focus on the needs of neglected children. They went on to tell some startling figures on children. Around 15,000 children are taken into care stands (child care), which is the highest sum in a quarter of a century. It also said that up to 60,000 children live in families that abuse drugs, and around the same number live in families where alcohol is misused. It also told that a staggering one in nine children will run away from home, and half of those do so to escape abuse or neglect. Family problems leave children “isolated, troubled, and alone.” Louise Warde Hunter says that the children need to be reached to “break the cycle of neglect that can persist across generations.” To do so they need to strengthen “families to help themselves.”
I think this is a very sad story; the numbers of neglected children are heartbreaking. What makes it worse is that this is not a story unique to Scotland. Children around the world are neglected for many different reasons- because of their gender, because they have special needs, any number of things. I agree that they need to change things because if they do not the children will grow up to be like their parents and the cycle will continue, but I am not sure how they would go about it. I think there needs to be a way for families to participate in things together other than just watching T.V. and the same thing goes for America and other countries as well. I also think that they need to provide good alternatives to children running away. Give them a safe place to go when they need to get away, a place with responsible adults who will keep them safe and make sure they get home safe.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/8389061.stm
Ethnic divide threatens development
Zeina Mvemba
9:34 PM
12/03/09
Due to ethnic division and economic failure, one of Georgia’s main sources of agriculture has fallen to instability and poor land ownership. Located in Georgia’s southern region, many agricultural regions and employment sites have become unusable because of the strong ethnicity barrier. Georgia’s southern region borders Armenia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Previous disagreements with these countries are putting a halt to the progression of these resources. Primarily between the Armenian and Azeri ethnicities, the people of Georgia have labeled them as outsiders and have targeted the minorities living in these regions. Spokespeople for the Armenian and Azeri say they are constantly “made to feel different” and many are unable to find employment.
Throughout my blogs I have read many cases about ethnic divide and although the reasoning was never actually justified, this article left me very confused. It is clear both sides of the ethnic divide are suffering through unemployment, and lack of resources. With that being said, if there is nothing being gained out of the conflict they why continues to be at odds with each other. One of my previous blogs was about Georgia in their election. However, that blog was about a completely different ethnic group. Georgia is known for conflict and it’s sad that they are against so many other ethnic groups. Many lives have been lost, and hopefully peace will be able to come to Georgia eventually. The unemployment and failing agriculture will only make the situation worse, if these are improved Georgia will be able to move forward and make peace.
Somalia graduation day suicide attack condemned
Jasmine Anderson
December 3, 2009
7:32pm
Today in Somalia during the graduation of some medical students there was a suicide bombing. The students had been graduating from Benadir University, which was set up in 2002 to train doctors to replace those who had fled overseas or been killed in the civil war. This bombing killed 19 people, with 4 being government ministers; and wounded more than 60 people. No one has claimed responsibility for this attack, but a presidential spokesman believes it was the Islam militants by the name of al-Shabab; they control most of the country. People described this as horrible, considering they killed those who were trying to help the country. The president referred to the bombing as a “natural disaster.” It was said that this bombing took black in order to blackmail and intimidate the UN-backed government. In response, other countries said that this bombing would not deter the international community from continuing its support to the Somali government.
I think this is a shame, that something so joyous was ruined. It was absolutely horrible, these graduates were eventually going to be helping the country; if not already. These bombers ruined a great day for everyone; the graduates, families, friends and etc. The article said that government officials were the target, yet many others were killed. I just don’t see the point in these bombings, especially when the bomber was in full veil, like an Islamic woman. I mean, if you’re going to kill a bunch of people the least you could do is show your face. Of course I’m not saying that either way these bombings are right, that’s just the way I feel about it. But either way, it’s an absolutely terrible situation. I hope this Islam militant group is stopped, or som what slowed down. I don’t understand how they can control most of the country. That’s a bit ridiculous. But obviously, something needs to be done.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8394389.stm
December 3, 2009
7:32pm
Today in Somalia during the graduation of some medical students there was a suicide bombing. The students had been graduating from Benadir University, which was set up in 2002 to train doctors to replace those who had fled overseas or been killed in the civil war. This bombing killed 19 people, with 4 being government ministers; and wounded more than 60 people. No one has claimed responsibility for this attack, but a presidential spokesman believes it was the Islam militants by the name of al-Shabab; they control most of the country. People described this as horrible, considering they killed those who were trying to help the country. The president referred to the bombing as a “natural disaster.” It was said that this bombing took black in order to blackmail and intimidate the UN-backed government. In response, other countries said that this bombing would not deter the international community from continuing its support to the Somali government.
I think this is a shame, that something so joyous was ruined. It was absolutely horrible, these graduates were eventually going to be helping the country; if not already. These bombers ruined a great day for everyone; the graduates, families, friends and etc. The article said that government officials were the target, yet many others were killed. I just don’t see the point in these bombings, especially when the bomber was in full veil, like an Islamic woman. I mean, if you’re going to kill a bunch of people the least you could do is show your face. Of course I’m not saying that either way these bombings are right, that’s just the way I feel about it. But either way, it’s an absolutely terrible situation. I hope this Islam militant group is stopped, or som what slowed down. I don’t understand how they can control most of the country. That’s a bit ridiculous. But obviously, something needs to be done.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8394389.stm
Self-Immolation in Afghanistan
This article is coming from Aljazeera.net Asia blog, and is about women in Afghanistan setting themselves on fire in an attempt to kill themselves. Most of the women in the hospital burn unit in Herat poured some kind of flammable liquid either gasoline or oil from a lamp etc. on themselves and lit a match in an attempt to escape abusive marriages. One girl (11 years old) found out her father had arranged her marriage to a man 20 years her senior and she couldn't stand the idea so she tried to kill herself. Doctors at this particular hospital say they've seen 66 of these cases this year, of those, 41 have died. Few women, the article reports, even know their rights when it comes to divorce and many that do say they fear the anger and revenge of their husband's and the husband's family if they try to leave.
I chose this article because while I was working on my presentation, following links from pictures and reading blogs I found whole archives of photos and stories of women who have been badly burned in an attempt to escape the pain of abusive relationships. Not mentioned in this article but in one of the websites the other night was a story about a young girl who was told by her father that he didn't want anymore girls in the family, that he couldn't afford her, and then he set her on fire. I feel like this is the most simple expression of how hard the lives of these women are; they would rather set themselves on fire and burn alive than be in their husbands houses for a minute longer. I cannot imagine the pain inflicted on these women, the constant abuse, that would make this a more pleasant alternative. I'm not going to post any pictures because of their too often graphic nature, but I strongly recommend doing a little research of your own, before I did I had no idea this was happening.
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/asia/2009/11/28/domestic-despair-afghanistan
I chose this article because while I was working on my presentation, following links from pictures and reading blogs I found whole archives of photos and stories of women who have been badly burned in an attempt to escape the pain of abusive relationships. Not mentioned in this article but in one of the websites the other night was a story about a young girl who was told by her father that he didn't want anymore girls in the family, that he couldn't afford her, and then he set her on fire. I feel like this is the most simple expression of how hard the lives of these women are; they would rather set themselves on fire and burn alive than be in their husbands houses for a minute longer. I cannot imagine the pain inflicted on these women, the constant abuse, that would make this a more pleasant alternative. I'm not going to post any pictures because of their too often graphic nature, but I strongly recommend doing a little research of your own, before I did I had no idea this was happening.
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/asia/2009/11/28/domestic-despair-afghanistan
UNC Asheville student's stabbing in Mexico
Brittany McGregor
12/03/2009
4:19PM
This week I found a very surprising article. A student from UNC Asheville who was studying n Mexico was stabbed. She is now in ICU at a hospital trying to recover. It shocked both the university officials and the friends of the student. The student was at a party and decided to take a taxi but the cabdriver tried to rob her. The cabdriver stabbed her several times including injuries to her lungs, spleen, pancreas and intestines. Official say that she fought very hard but they are optimistic about her recovery. The student was over there studying through North Carolina’s exchange program, which currently has 19 students from NC studying in Mexico. This story was a really sad one because she was in Mexico trying to get an education and was attacked. A lot of people may decide not to go study abroad now due to this incident. A representative for the UNC Asheville said that students can face unsafe situations anywhere in the world and that they need to prepare as much as possible for those situations. The NC exchange programs currently provides a day long orientation program at UNC Greensboro that gives specific advice about the country they study in. I think they should perhaps increase it to 3 or more days so that the students will be more aware.
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20091203/NEWS01/912030318
12/03/2009
4:19PM
This week I found a very surprising article. A student from UNC Asheville who was studying n Mexico was stabbed. She is now in ICU at a hospital trying to recover. It shocked both the university officials and the friends of the student. The student was at a party and decided to take a taxi but the cabdriver tried to rob her. The cabdriver stabbed her several times including injuries to her lungs, spleen, pancreas and intestines. Official say that she fought very hard but they are optimistic about her recovery. The student was over there studying through North Carolina’s exchange program, which currently has 19 students from NC studying in Mexico. This story was a really sad one because she was in Mexico trying to get an education and was attacked. A lot of people may decide not to go study abroad now due to this incident. A representative for the UNC Asheville said that students can face unsafe situations anywhere in the world and that they need to prepare as much as possible for those situations. The NC exchange programs currently provides a day long orientation program at UNC Greensboro that gives specific advice about the country they study in. I think they should perhaps increase it to 3 or more days so that the students will be more aware.
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20091203/NEWS01/912030318
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Toward Home-Brewed Electricity With 'Personalized Solar Energy'
Deidra Campbell
12/02/09
11:22a
New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities. The report describes development of a practical, inexpensive storage system for achieving personalized solar energy. At its heart is an innovative catalyst that splits water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen that become fuel for producing electricity in a fuel cell. The new oxygen-evolving catalyst works like photosynthesis, the method plants use to make energy, producing clean energy from sunlight and water.
I believe this is yet another great idea and criteria that would shift to individuals that would allow them to accept responsibility for their energy outputs.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm
12/02/09
11:22a
New scientific discoveries are moving society toward the era of "personalized solar energy," in which the focus of electricity production shifts from huge central generating stations to individuals in their own homes and communities. The report describes development of a practical, inexpensive storage system for achieving personalized solar energy. At its heart is an innovative catalyst that splits water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen that become fuel for producing electricity in a fuel cell. The new oxygen-evolving catalyst works like photosynthesis, the method plants use to make energy, producing clean energy from sunlight and water.
I believe this is yet another great idea and criteria that would shift to individuals that would allow them to accept responsibility for their energy outputs.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122522.htm
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Conference of immigration officials begins in Goa Tuesday
Jordan R. Gomillion
SOC 202
Blog #14
12/1/2009 9:30 PM
Delegates from Asia and Europe will have their 8th annual conference on Management on Migratory Flows. Three percent of the world population, which is estimated at 200 million, is comprised of immigrants. The 21st century is said to be the century of migration, the annual growth rate in international migration is 2.9 percent. This conference comes at a time when the world is slowly recovering from its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The conference will also look to point out changing the dynamics of migration post global. Being that Asia is no longer the origin and Europe the destination of migrants. All countries supply workers to the international labor market as well as receives. 30 delegates from 12 Asian countries and 30 delegates from 18 European countries will be attending the conference.
I guess the only questions I have concerning this conference, is what exactly gets accomplished from it all? Does conference create some sort of “game plan” to somehow strengthen interaction and communication with migrants. Does it talk about the pros and cons of international migration? Not trying to be critical or anything, but a lot different organizations have meetings and conferences on the topic of migration, but it doesn’t really seem like much happens. This affair, however, is international so maybe I’m being biased because here in America it doesn’t seem like much gets done towards the advancement of migrants. As long as useful and effective information comes out the conference then I’m all for it.
http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/76883.htm
SOC 202
Blog #14
12/1/2009 9:30 PM
Delegates from Asia and Europe will have their 8th annual conference on Management on Migratory Flows. Three percent of the world population, which is estimated at 200 million, is comprised of immigrants. The 21st century is said to be the century of migration, the annual growth rate in international migration is 2.9 percent. This conference comes at a time when the world is slowly recovering from its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The conference will also look to point out changing the dynamics of migration post global. Being that Asia is no longer the origin and Europe the destination of migrants. All countries supply workers to the international labor market as well as receives. 30 delegates from 12 Asian countries and 30 delegates from 18 European countries will be attending the conference.
I guess the only questions I have concerning this conference, is what exactly gets accomplished from it all? Does conference create some sort of “game plan” to somehow strengthen interaction and communication with migrants. Does it talk about the pros and cons of international migration? Not trying to be critical or anything, but a lot different organizations have meetings and conferences on the topic of migration, but it doesn’t really seem like much happens. This affair, however, is international so maybe I’m being biased because here in America it doesn’t seem like much gets done towards the advancement of migrants. As long as useful and effective information comes out the conference then I’m all for it.
http://www.sindhtoday.net/news/1/76883.htm
Dont Worry So Much.
Matthew kenney
3:04pm
12/1/09
Ghana environmentalists are concerned with laws pertaining to offshore drilling due to delays. Ghana has a lot of oil off its shore and is looking to let companies start drilling it. They are working with the government to come up with good plans to benefit the surrounding people due to some of the hassles that they will have to go through form the oil rigs. People that live on the water and fish for a living might have a hard time due to a large are of the oil rig location that will be fenced off. This is concerning the Ghana environmentalist a little because they look at this as a problem. The Ghana government is ensuring that its plans will benefit the people mainly.
What I think about this article is as follows. I am not sure why the environmentalists are so concerned with the delay. To me, this only means that the government and the oil companies are trying their hardest to come up with the best solution to the issues. It seems that in this situation, the Ghana government seems to have its people in its best interest. I think that since there has been so many problems with companies taking advantage of resources all over the world that the environmentalists feel as thought it might happen here. Well, there are on the right track to stopping it before it starts in the first place and I think they need to worry about it more when it starts to become a problem and not before.
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ghana-Environmentalists-Concerned-by-Oil-Law-Delay-78225602.html
3:04pm
12/1/09
Ghana environmentalists are concerned with laws pertaining to offshore drilling due to delays. Ghana has a lot of oil off its shore and is looking to let companies start drilling it. They are working with the government to come up with good plans to benefit the surrounding people due to some of the hassles that they will have to go through form the oil rigs. People that live on the water and fish for a living might have a hard time due to a large are of the oil rig location that will be fenced off. This is concerning the Ghana environmentalist a little because they look at this as a problem. The Ghana government is ensuring that its plans will benefit the people mainly.
What I think about this article is as follows. I am not sure why the environmentalists are so concerned with the delay. To me, this only means that the government and the oil companies are trying their hardest to come up with the best solution to the issues. It seems that in this situation, the Ghana government seems to have its people in its best interest. I think that since there has been so many problems with companies taking advantage of resources all over the world that the environmentalists feel as thought it might happen here. Well, there are on the right track to stopping it before it starts in the first place and I think they need to worry about it more when it starts to become a problem and not before.
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Ghana-Environmentalists-Concerned-by-Oil-Law-Delay-78225602.html
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