Neo-Nazism on YouTube

Is everything on YouTube. Recently a American citizen, whose name hasn't been released, posted a video on YouTube in which he calls out all those Neo-Nazis to strike back against the United States. Can someone tell me what this guy was thinking. YouTube is one of the most watched sites with people reporting every wrong doing on the site. Everyday you hear stories of people getting arrested for posting something on YouTube which they probably shouldn't have.

I believe this is just stupid. Calling out for the genocide of a country, which they happen to live in, and the genocide of a entire religious group. I agree people should have free speech, but when you are promoting murder I can't agree with that.

How serial killer stumped cops for decades

How did Timothy Krajcir evade the police for so long? This question has been asked so many times and finally there is an answer. Timothy Krajcir, if you didn't know, is a mass murder who has admitted to nine murders. It has recently been released that Timothy took courses in University which usually only people going into the police academy take. These courses teach you the best ways to catch criminals, which can be turned around into how to not get caught by the cops.

This is just scary. A murderer so dedicated that he is willing to go to school to basically learn how to not get caught. Hopefully others haven't done this as I can't stand the knowledge that people with the knowledge to kill someone, and get away with it are out there. I can't even see a way around stopping future criminals from doing this because honestly spotting future murders is almost impossible.

Disorder turning anchor's skin from black to white

Lee Thomas, a television anchor, has a rare skin disorder called vitiligo. Vitiligo destroys pigment cells in the skin, which in Lee's case would turn his skin from an even brown complexion to a white complexion. This disorder is muc for common then you would think. Over 65 million people world-wide have this disorder yet very rarely do we see people suffering from this disorder. Why is that? Lee say that it is because of the fact that people with this disorder are looked down upon as if they have leprosy.

Too be honest I too had never heard of this disorder prior to reading this article but I could understand how these people are discriminated against. I consider discriminating against people with differences to be stupid but hopefully with the added exposure to the disorder, people can find a way to see past this disorder that these people have no control over.

Before It Disappears

It seems that global warming is affecting yet another industry. Now it's tourism. It seems that due to the fact that many have no idea how long some of the world's wonders will be around many are visiting destinations fated for destruction. This trend is quite common nowadays. This is because many of the earth's popular destinations, such as the Amazon rainforest, may not be around for too much longer.

Among the popular vacation sites under this trend are Mount Kilimanjaro, the Arctic, and the Amazon rainforest. This is because scientists have predicted that these sites will be damaged by global warming.

To be honest I think this is a good idea. The earth is such a beautiful place that we should enjoy all of its beauty before it's gone. Hopefully, I have the opportunity to visit some of these sites to prevent future regret.

Donating to Charity

In present day, there are about 80,000 charities registered all throughout Canada. This makes it very difficult to decide which charity you will support and are even legitimate. Some of these charities may around during in times of crisis such as the tsunami relief. Here are some tips on how to determine which charities are legitimate and which ones aren't.

- Ask for written information. Legitimate charities should and will have brochures, posters and other ways of increasing awareness. The information may also help show how much of your charity is actually going to the cause.

- Be wary if you are praised for a donation that you do not remember making. This method may be used to make you give more. Also, if you do not remember, check your pledges and see if you did make a donation, but have forgotten about it.

- To check a list of your local charities, call 1-888-892-5667- You can call your local Better Business Bureau or visit their website to check whether the selected charity has any filed complaints.

Follow these simple steps and finding a legitimate charity worth your donation, won't be too difficult.

Community service as form of punishment

A article in the Toronto Sun was discussing community service as a form of punishment. This topic intrigued me as I was curious as to what others thought of the punishment. Much like myself, the people interviewed agreed with forcing people to do community service as compensation to a crime. They said that it was good to have people work in the community as there are always organizations in need of help. On top of that, it shows the criminals how they can put their skills to work to help rather then to hurt. I believe that this is better then locking criminals up in prison where they are in close contact with other criminals.

The one potential problem I see is placing potentially dangerous criminals with the rest of society. However, I'm sure the government is very sure to make sure the really dangerous criminals have a nice cell in prison, while those deserving of another chance get to help out those in need.

Giant rat found in 'lost world'

Researchers in a remote jungle in Indonesia have discovered a giant rat and a tiny possum that are apparently new to science. Discovering species new to the world are only found in areas known as the 'lost world' in places which have been visited by humans only once or twice. As there are very few places on earth which fit this criteria it really shouldn't surprise us when only a few new species are discovered. Hopefully these discoveries can teach scientists things not previously known and that these discoveries keep happening.

To be honest this is really exciting as it promises future discoveries. Maybe someone is going to find some dinosaurs hidden in some remote jungle in China. Get excited for some big future discoveries.

King pardons rape victim

Saudi King Abdullah has pardoned a rape victim who had been sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in prison in a case that sparked international attention. When you hear that, you must just be amazed. How can a woman who was raped, be sentenced to 200 lashes and 6 months in prison? That is just completely ridiculous as it shows the restricitions placed upon woman under strict Islamic law. Luckily, under all the pressure from various countries around the world the King of Saudia Arabia pardoned this poor woman.

Maybe this King, who seems to have an idea about how the world works, will give women the rights they deserve. I'm sure it will take alot of work to give women the rights that they deserve as it has been part of society for a very long time.

Report to name pro baseball's steroid users

Today at 2Et, Senator Mitchell will be releasing a report after his committee's 20-month investigation into Baseball's steroid era. In this report, there are supposedly 50+ names of former major leagues, who futures or legacies will be destroyed. This is a travesty. So many great ball players will be forever disgraced due to taking performance-enhancing drugs, at a time when they weren't illegal. I understand why people in the Majors used HGH, Human Growth Hormone, and really if they weren't illegal I would've used them as well.

After the report was released, some future Hall of Fame players have had their reputation ruined. Rogers Clemens for example was one of the players named by the Mitchell Report. I hope that those members of the baseball community with the ability to forget about baseball's drug era and change the future.

Thompson launches first negative ad amid GOP street fight

During yesterday's debate Fred Thompson showed his commercial, which for the first time in his campaign, bashed the other candidates. With five weeks remaining before the Iowa caucuses, Thompson's video took aim at Mitt Romney for changing his position on abortion rights and Mike Huckabee for his past statements on taxes.

My opinion on this much heated topic is that candidates should, without fear or public outcry be allowed to launch negative ads against opposing candidates. Obviously, many topics are off-limits, but the whole idea should be allowed. I believe this because the people should be given the chance to see these negative ads and find out what the candidates are really like. For example, Mitt Romney changed his position on abortion so does that mean he is going to be the kind of leader who doesn't follow through on his promises. These are the kinds of questions that must be answered so that another Presidency like the on currently, never occurs.

Man dies after police jolt him with stun gun

A 20 year old man died on Sunday, after a scuffle with a police officer. This police officer used the stunner on the man, and by the time the man was taken to the hospital, he was dead. This event brings up the health concerns surrounding tasers. Since June 2001 more than 150 people have died after being subdued by a taser. Tasers are used primarily for subduing individuals. This is because the pulse that a taser gives to the person being tasered temporarily shuts down neuromuscular control and basically takes away a persons ability to perform co-ordinated action.

I believe that the use of a tasers to subdue individuals is a necessary evil. It is so much better than any alternative the police could use such as guns or whooping sticks. The police also set the tasers to the lowest energy level they can to prevent long-term damage and at the same time, calm the individual.'

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/18/taser.death/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

U.S. destroyer pursuing hijacked ship in Somali waters, military says

A U.S. destroyer was chasing after a ship in Somali waters, which was hijacked by pirates. This is the first time a destroyer has followed a ship inside the 12-mile limit, which marks Somali waters, when they were chasing a pirate. The destroyer sunk the pirate skiffs tied to the back of the boat. The ship which was hijacked was filled with benzene, a human carcinogen, and was a Japanese ship. There have been many instances in the past year in which ships have entered Somali waters and were forced to stop as they can't enter the 12-mile limit.

I thought that pirates and pirate ships were a thing of the past, however this shows me that I was incorrect. There are obviously quite a few differences between the pirates of old and the pirates of today. Obviously, pirates no long use swords and have switched to machine guns, and they don't use huge wooden ships, they use speed boats. Luckily, I very rarily am in a boat, let alone in the ocean so I really don't have to worry.

Outing Dumbeldore sparks fierce conflict

J.K. Rowling, well-known author of the popular Harry Potter series, stated recently that one of her star characters, Albus Dumbeldore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was gay. This announcement has created much furor and criticism amongst both Harry Potter fans and the general public, as many now want the book banned. The Harry Potter series has been controversial having previously been criticized and an attempt made to ban it, shortly after the first book in the series was published. At that time, some critics felt that children would be persuaded to practice witchcraft after reading the books. This current attempt to ban the Harry Potter series is being led largely by religious groups and parents who are against books which promote, condone or exhibit themes involving homosexuality.

I disagree with this ban attempt. Until J.K. Rowling made this announcement, no one would have know that Dumbeldore was gay just from reading the Harry Potter books. There were no blatant indicators or inferences to this effect in any of the Harry Potter books. As well, I don't agreed with or believe in discrimination of any sort and most certainly not when the grounds for the discrimination are so weak. The Harry Potter series of books is tremendously popular with people of all ages and the entertainment they have provided for many is wonderful. Even is the homosexuality content of the book was obvious (which it is not in these books), there are many people who have no problem with that. If some parents do not want their children to read the Harry Potter books then that is up to them and it should be their responsibility to ensure they keep the books from their children. The rest of the world should not be denied these entertaining books because of a few radical critics. It's as simple as that.

Samsung makes mega memory microchip

Samsung, the world's largest manufacturer of computer chips, unveiled a 64 gigabit memory chip. This was constructed using circuit elements that are 30 nanometers wide. This marks the eighth straight year that memory density in computer chips has doubled. Experts say that this will lead to, among other things, music players that are much smaller while maintaining an unbelievable amount of storage space. The mass production of this chip will begin in 2009.

For technology fans, this is probably an expected step in progress but for those of us who do not profess to be technology experts, the pace of development in this area is truly astounding. How far technology has progressed and is progressing with each year is truly amazing. It just makes you wonder what will be next! If technology continues to develop at this rate, the potential for incredible innovations is very high. Those in the technology fields must really be forward thinkers and inventors with the ability to visualize products for the future and how they can improve our lives with great leaps in technology. We have come a long way in the past few years but it appears to just be the tip of the iceberg.

Huckabee likens abortion to a holocaust

Mike Huckabee, a United States presidential hopeful, spoke out recently regarding the very hotly debated topic of abortion and whether or not abortion should be legal in the United States. He argued that over the last 30 years, abortion has killed over 1 million fetuses who would potentially be in the American work force today. Consequently, he felt that there would be less immigration necessary to service shortages in the workforce, had these babies not be killed. Huckabee's arguments also focused on the morality of abortion.
In my opinion, particularly in certain circumstances, I believe in pro-choice, which makes abortion legal up to a certain point in the pregnancy. For example, a 15 year old girl gets pregnant and the father of the baby disappears. If the girl does not want to have the baby, why should she be forced to? The lives of two people may be ruined as the baby will be growing up without a father figure and with a mother who never wanted him/her in the first place. The mother's future may be limited, educationally and work-wise due to her child and her single-parent status.
Other examples of situations in which an abortion may be desired by the mother or parents would be if an abortion needed to be done to preserve the life of the pregnant woman, of if the pregnancy was having an adverse effect on the pregnant women's health - physically or mentally. What if the baby had a serious congenital disorder which would be fatal? Is it fair to rule out an abortion if any of these circumstances applied?
I believe that instead of outlawing abortion altogether and saying it is unethical, each case should be examined individually and a pro-choice approach taken.

Children's health care plan heads to veto showdown

The United States Congress is soon to be the place for a 'battle royale' between President Bush and the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. This battle royale is a result of the Republicans' veto of the popular 'Children's Health Care Bill'. The main criticism of this plan by the Republicans is that the plan may encourage people to move from private health care plans to cheaper public plans. Nancy Pelosi states that the Democrats will keep pushing this bill and there will be absolutely no compromise. The bill, which is proposed to cost $35 billion, will cover medical expenses for up to 10 million children. The current children's health care plan covers 6 million children who come from families with yearly incomes of $41,000 or less, for a family of four. The cost for the expansion of this health care bill would be covered by a 61 cent increase in the federal tax on every pack of cigarettes sold.

I believe that expansion of this plan is great and the method of paying for it it smart also, as the whole idea really 'kills two birds with one stone'. Not only does the bill gives 4 million more children health care but the increased cost of the cigarettes may deter some smokers and consequently, 'help' them quit smoking. The fact that some people may wish to change health insurance plans should not enter into the argument, as the health of the many children who will benefit from the new plan should be the priority.

Ruling Overturns Library Closings

Financially, the City of Toronto is in poor shape. Mayor Miller is again under fire as another of his cost-cutting plans has been deemed wrong by an arbitrator. Mayor Miller had proposed closing some branches of the cities libraries on Sundays. The move was to save $400,000. To date, Mayor Miller has not been popular or successful with his cost-cutting plans as other proposed reductions in city services have been overturned, also. These include closure of the Sheppard subway, closures of some community centres and ice rinks. As these proposed cut-backs never went before city council, Mayor Miller has been the subject of much criticism.

In my opinion, this criticism is rightfully due. In a democratic society, it is not acceptable that significant decisions affecting all of the citizens of the area or city be made by one person. A council was elected to discuss new proposals and after much consideration, decide if the proposals are truly in the best interest of the people or whether other alternatives should be investigated. Therefore, that elected council should be involved in these decisions or what is the point of democracy?

Income Tax Cuts Among Conservative Promises

This evening brings us the throne speech from the Federal Conservative party. The Tories have a substantial surplus so many feel this will be an evening of nice surprises for tax payers. A promise to lower income tax is one announcement Canadians are waiting for. As well, the speech is expected to include some positive news regarding the governments approach to cutting greenhouse gases. This may be tied with a job-creating proposal for Canadian industries. Other areas to be included in the speech are Canada's role in Afghanistan, ways to reduce crime and arctic sovereignty. This is an important speech for the Conservatives as it will set the stage for an early vote of confidence in the government and could set the stage for an election.
This is an important speech as the opposition parties could force an election if an early vote of confidence overturns the Conservatives. Hopefully, Prime Minister Harper uses his financial surplus in some positive ways to reduce taxes for everyone and to make other positive and popular steps in the areas of employment, the environment and crime.

Movie theater bombed in India

Recently, a packed movie theater in Northern India was bombed, killing six people and injuring thirty. This was the second apparent terror attack in the past week in Northern India. A few days ago, two people were killed in the bombing of a venerated Muslim shrine. The Shringar Cinema, where the bombing took place was full and held about six hundred people, who were watching a newly released Bollywood comedy.

Unfortunately, this type of senseless attack occurs more often in developing countries, such as India. Radical religious groups think little of bombing innocent, unsuspecting people. These bombers justify their actions in the name of their religion and therefore, it is very difficult to make them understand the senselessness of their brutal actions. If this type of crime occurred in our country, there would a huge uproar about it, loud public outcry and the guilty parties pursued and prosecuted. Such news would be front page all around the world. Yet a bombing in India gets almost no attention because unfortunately, it is more commonplace. How is convince terror groups that their murderous tactics are not acceptable is a huge problem in the world today and one that many people are trying to solve. Hopefully educating the young in more moderate, less brutal approaches to reach their goals may be a start.

Family of teen killed in Indiana crash sues police

Last month in Gary, Indiana, two teens were killed in a car crash. Now, more then a month later, one of the teens' families is suing the police for $50 million dollars. The family is suing the police for negligence because hours after the September 15th crash, when the police had failed to find the bodies of the two teens, the father of one of the boys, Dominique Green, discovered both bodies himself, in a nearby wooded area. Dominique's family believes that had the police found the bodies earlier the boys may still be alive. The attorney for Dominique's family, Ken Allen, said that Dominique Green "had a chance to live and that chance was taken from him and his parents by the Gary police."

If I were in this situation, I believe I would do the same, although the amount of the law suit seems very high. A law suit seems to be justified in this case. If Dominique Green's father could find the bodies of the boys, then why could the police not find them? Did the police not look carefully? Was there negligence on the part of the police? I feel that the police should be accountable for their carelessness and lack of thoroughness. However, the amount of money involved in this suit seems extreme as there is no guarantee that even if the police had found Dominique Green earlier, that he would be alive today.

Man Wanted To Trade Football Tickets For Sex With Girl

Last weekend, a 56 year old man named Daniel Barron was chatting on the Internet with an undercover cop, attempting to trade football tickets to a Miami Dolphins game, in return for sex with an 11 year old girl.
This type of pedophilia is despicable and disgusting. I don't believe I am alone in my assessment of this situation. What if the person Daniel Barron was chatting to online was actually willing to trade a young girl that he knew, for these football tickets. To think that there are adults with power and influence over children that would treat these children like belongings to be used and misused is so disgusting. The young girl's life would be ruined before she hit puberty. The fact that police are in those positions and are actively trying to catch sick perverts like Daniel Barron is at least a bit encouraging. However, until these sickos are punished severely and thoroughly for their revolting behaviour, innocent children everywhere are at risk of abuse. I hope that the penalty for such crimes becomes severe enough that even the sickest perverts will think twice before hurting innocent children.

State uses electric chair for first time since 1960

A man kills his three of his children and his half-sister. Does he deserve death? Maybe yes, maybe no. Does he deserve death via the electric chair? Absolutely not.

Whether or not you agree with capital punishment, the thought of being electrocuted to death makes a person cringe. I do not feel that anyone deserves to be killed in that fashion. Personally, I believe that the death penalty is a necessity, as it is the ultimate punishment for people who have abused the rules of society to the most extreme degree. However, despite my belief that the death penalty is necessary I cannot condone the electric chair being used as an execution method.

The interesting part of this story and the reason that human activist groups did not pick up this story and publicize it aggressively is that the convicted murdered actually enacted his freedom to choose between lethal injection and the electric chair, a freedom which was taken away in 1999. Thankfully, the right to choose your own method of death was removed some years ago and this man, by his own choice, was tone of the few criminals subjected to such a cruel ending.

Facebook eases freshmen fears, fosters friendship

As I was searching CNN.com for interesting articles, I came upon a article regarding the very popular student site, Facebook.com. The article states that Facebook.com is beneficial for new college students as it allows these students to meet their future peers through the Internet, before actually meeting in person. After reading the article and the testimonials of several college students, I agree that Facebook is beneficial to ease freshmen fears. The Facebook reader is allowed to meet people based on similar interests, whether that be as a supporter of a certain professional sports team or as an avid yoga participant.

The one problem some people see with Facebook is you never truly know if the person you are talking to is actually that person, or an impostor. However, the inventors of Facebook try to make it a safe environment for socializing. Although, many of the people you may have as friends on Facebook you may never see, let alone meet, the criteria involved in getting involved with Facebook make it difficult for perverts or pedophiles to register. However, it is not impossible, so everyone using Facebook should be aware of unknown people and to keep wary of who you are speaking to and of people you have never met that want to add you as a 'friends'. Therefore, as with most things, Facebook has its advantages, and its disadvantages.

This article is located at http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/09/07/cnnu.facebook/index.html?eref=rss_tech