Sunday, December 7, 2008
Man Vs. Wild's Bear Grylls Injured on Expedition
Riots in Greece

Due to the death of a teenager by a member of an elite police department in Athens, Greece, riots have been breaking out all over the country.
There have been warnings for people not to enter the downtown party of Athens for this weekend until the rioting subsides.
Although the police officer who shot and killed the teen was charged with shooting with the intent to kill, the people of Athens are still upset and fill the streets while burning a car dealership and leaving glass and debris all over the city streets. The rioting seemed to subside for a little while, but soon the streets were filled with people and tear gas again.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Did Australia Place a Curse on American Fashion?

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Try the iBreath

The iBreath simply attaches to your iPod through the docking port, and can instantly tell you your blood-alcohol content (see picture). A small fold out blower allows you to easily breathe into the device, and then provides a digital display with your BAC.
The device has just arrived in the UK for the holiday season. No timetable has been set for its release in the United States, but A-List celebrities in Europe are reportedly the biggest consumers. If celebrities continue to purchase the iBreath, it's my belief that the U.S. will be exposed to this device sooner rather than later.
The biggest concern I have with this device is the amount of vehicular accidents that may occur after its release. Someone may be sitting at a bar having a few drinks, and then use the iBreath to discover that they have a .07 BAC. Sure, its under the legal limit (in most states/countries), but it could still impair someone attempting to drive home. Obviously there are many variables associated with this scenario (persons weight, gender, ect.), but it's something to consider.
For more information on the iBreath, click here.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The French Men's Private Affair

Sunday, November 30, 2008
X Factor Folly

Spanish singer Ruth Lorenzo was voted off the show that night.
I was just wondering how bad it really could feel to be booted from a show who thinks that Brittany Spears is worthy enough a performer to base an entire episode around. I've heard of shows like this surrounding a particular artist who has gained respectable praise from the industry and has become something of a legend. I am just a little beside myself to see that in other countries, the best they can come up with for a respectable singer in the United States is Brittany Spears. I guess it just goes to show that no matter what you think is noticeable and respectable in your own country, other places in the world will take what they want. Hopefully they can find a better angle for next week's episode so people in the UK don't believe that Brittany Spears is the best musical artist that the United States has to offer.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Santa Making His Rounds

It was recently reported on NYtimes.com that Santa Claus was seen making his rounds. Andy Arkell recently flew from London back to Baghdad and rather plump individual with a red suit, black boots but oddly enough without the beard. The writer tried to implor us that this is in no way a joke blog but you be the judge!
So once again for college students it is about that time to stop buying rediculous amounts of beer and save every so often in order to buy friends and family gifts. As a college student this can be hard to do, I mean not sacrificing your beer runs but more along the lines of saving money when you are already on a tight budget. It is never too early to start saving for this spending spree. What are some ideas you have towards cost saving Christmas presents? Get another job? Sell a kidney? Lets hear what you have to say...
10 Tips for Shopping on a Budget
Shopping Sales
Seven Ways to Prepare a Holiday Budget
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Don't Taser Me Bro

Too Competitive

I am currently in NYC visiting my brother. He is a die-hard Bills fan and apparently there are a few bars here that are dedicated to playing the games on Sundays. They are packed with insane sports junkies who get too emotional for their own good. Thinking about my past occurrences with crazy fans, I don't know how thrilled I am to hear about a sports fan assaulting and threatening to kill someone.
So wish me luck as I step into the chaos that is the "Bills Bar" today.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Australian Man Found with Penis in Pasta Jar

British accents foil iPhone voice app
Here's the catch: People with British accents are having trouble using this feature. Apparently, their accents are not registering correctly in the phone. One man apparently said "pizza" into his phone, only to receive search results for "volcanoes." Sounds pretty ridiculous, right?
Whats even more ridiculous is the solution to this problem - an iPhone that not only detects your voice, but distinguishes what kind of accent you may have. Stay tuned, because it sounds like this solution could become reality sooner than you think.
But for now, angry British iPhone owners will have to begin working on their American impressions. Either that, or slave through the absolutely grinding and unbearable task of typing out their Google searches (sarcasm noted).
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Winter Doesn't Mean Laziness

- Wear reflectors somewhere on your body whether you are running at night or during the day
- Wear many layers of light weight fleece so you can gradually take it off as you warm up while running
- Try to run with a friend, its the safest way
- Running up hills burns more calories than on a flat surface--but do not just run uphills always because it is hard on the joints--mix it up with hills and flat land
- STAY HYDRATED!
- Trying to run backwards--it helps your knees and burns more calories--it also helps with coordination and balance
If you want more detailed information and quotes from the experts, go to http://www.metro.co.uk/lifestyle/article.html?Running_tips_over_winter&in_article_id=388362&in_page_id=194
And remember...
WINTER DOESN'T MEAN LAZINESS!!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Champions League brings world together

Each year, the UEFA Champions League brings 32 of the world's best club soccer teams together to compete against one another. With the title of "the world's best" on the line, drama and passion run high at each and every match.
To qualify for the league (which is actually set up more like a tournament) each team must win or place near the top of the standings in their own country (each country has its own club soccer league). The larger, more prominent countries (such as England, where the top 4 teams of the English Premier League earn spots in the Champions League) typically are allowed to send multiple teams into the tournament, whereas smaller countries usually only send their league victor.
The brunt of the Champions League schedule is made up of what is called the "Group Stage." In this stage, the 32-team field is broken down into eight groups of four. Each group is labeled with a letter - Group A, Group B, and so on. Each team then plays the other members of their group twice, resulting in a 6 game schedule. The games are spread out during a four month period, September to December.
Currently, each team in the Champions League has played four games. To see the standings as of November 6th, click here.
At the end of the group stage, the top two teams from each group move into the "Knockout Stage." This stage consists of head-to-head matchups, much similar to the "Sweet Sixteen" of the NCAA basketball tournament. The matchups are spread out over the course of four months, from February to May with the championship match being played in late May.
What bothers me most about the Champions League is the lack of United States involvement. I'm not trying to blame UEFA officials for that, don't get me wrong - I'm saying the U.S. needs to step its game up. Maybe we could start calling it football
(which makes a helluva lot more sense than soccer). Or maybe we could just start playing better. I really think that if a club team from Major League Soccer (the U.S.'s crummy professional version of the sport) begins to win multiple league championships and dominates a few exhibition matches against European competition, the world will take notice.
My hope is that college soccer players (er...should I say "footballers") will take the necessary steps to increase the level of play in America. I mean, how cool would it be to see the New York Red Bulls or Chicago Fire (two MLS teams...yes, I realize you have probably never heard of them) competing in Europe 10-15 years from now against the best the world has to offer?
I think it'd be pretty cool. And I hope future generations of footballers in the U.S. think so too.
Friday, November 7, 2008
50 Dead in School Colapse

50 people are dead in Haiti while 100 are injured. The death toll is expected to rise. 700 people were in the school at the time. The ages of students ranged from 10-20 years old. The Haiti Red Cross is helping in the school collapse and can still hear children inside. Remembering the story I wrote last week about supporting the Red Cross still applies to this week. It's just a horrible reminder of how many bad things can happen anywhere in the world and that people always need someone to help them out, from wherever they can get it.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Word Up World: OBAMA IS PRESIDENT

To see what other countries think of Obama's win, click on any of the links below:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/the_real_american_idol/
http://www.nation.co.ke/
To watch Barack Obama's acceptance speech, click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrXkBuWNx88
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
In the spirit of Election Day...
Monday, November 3, 2008
Hunger and Poverty Still Ongoing Problem
The newly elected president of Zambia, Rupiah Banda, has pledged to end poverty in his country in order to help combat hunger. With his goal to end poverty in his country, more leaders should follow Badna's example.
Some may say what does this have to do with college students but this problem is ours to solve. We, the college students, are the future of the world and this problem will soon enough be inheritted. What do you think are some solutions for the problem?
Some sites on the same problem:
http://media.worldvision.org/sponsor-a-child-with-mysponsorship/index.html?Open&campaign=105418161&cmp=KNC-105418161
http://www.actioncenter.org/take_action/1?gclid=CJWiwuWM2pYCFQkcHgodwh_j3A
http://www.friendsofwfp.org/site/pp.asp?c=7oIJLSOsGpF&b=245179
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Red Cross looking for $ for Quake Victims

The Red Cross is looking for $7.8 million from emergency funds to help aid the victims of an earth quake in Pakistan. 200 people were found dead and over 4,000 homes were destroyed leaving people homeless. With the colder months coming up, they are in a rush to get help to the country before people have to brave the weather homeless.
With the Red Cross and other such organizations so easily accessible to Americans, I think it is important to help out whenever you can. Even as college students, we can have a large impact on the world through the small things we do, like through donations and volunteering.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Pirates Once Again a Factor
Now some of you may be asking, why would you consider this a story to coincide with college students? The answer is simple because the time of year. It is halloween and once again college students will be dressing up all around the world. Chances are that some of these students will be dressing up as pirates.
Although these costumes may match pirates attires of the past, they are outdated. Pirates currently dress like average everyday people of the sea, no longer equiped with eye patches or parrots or even swords. So instead of being a throwback pirate, stay up to date with the current trends of the pirate world!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
French Man's Arm Gets Stuck in Toilet
A 26- year- old French passenger on a high speed train traveling between La Rochelle and Paris got his arm stuck in a toilet after trying to fish out his cell phone which had fell into the giant, white bowl.
The train had to stop for two hours as firemen were called in to rescue the man. They had to saw off the toilet from the train. The man was taken off the train on a stretcher with part of the toilet still on his arm.
So you may be pondering as to how exactly this relates to college students? Well, we all know college students do some dumb things in their college days...and nights, of course. Basically, talk on your cell phone when you're NOT in the bathroom. You do not want to end up like this guy. Can you think of something more embarrassing than coming off of a train on a stretcher with a toilet bowl on your arm?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
World's Heaviest Man gets hitched
The biggest concern I have is the thought that this may not be the last time a groom or bride is transported to their wedding on a flatbed truck. With the growing obesity epidemic in the United States, my fear is that this story may no longer be unique in a couple years. That being said, I have to acknowledge the love and emotional element that makes this such a heartwarming story. Obviously Manuel and his wife have married for the right reasons - an emotional, social bond that goes beyond physical appearance.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Woman Stoned to Death in Somalia

It is easy to forget how different the rest of the world is, and how far they have to come, when sitting in the comfort of your home in the United States.
I feel lucky to know that soon I will be graduating and able to go out and figure out what I want to do with my life, where I want to go, and what job I have with out worry about pre-conditions or laws prohibiting me from living my life. I think it's important to remember the simple liberties that we have as young Americans. Seeing something this drastic happening to another woman somewhere in the world only makes it that much easier.
Friday, October 24, 2008
American Student in Iran Prision

Esha Momeni, a student at California State University, was jailed in Iran on October 15th. She was doing research on Iranian rights of women through a California branch of the Iranian women's rights group, Change For Equality. Iranian officials say that she was detained after a traffic stop, but her computer and other information dealing with the group were taken away from her family's home. She is now in Evin Prison, a place that is well known for holding political prisoners. The thesis advisor at the college stated that Esha knew the risks of her research in Iran. Esha decided that no matter the risk, it was worth taking to expand the knowledge of Iranian women's rights to Americans.
Esha took a giant risk in spreading knowledge to Americans. She is a college student who knew the importance of increasing people's prespectives and went all out to do so. Do you think you could do the same and take the same risks she did?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Remember to Vote!

How does this relate to college students? Because YOU NEED TO VOTE! I know you have heard this many times, I am sure of it. But this is one of the most important, financial elections ever! Your voice needs to be heard! So please vote on NOVEMBER 4, 2008!
Picture courtesy of http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081021.wdipo1022/PhotoGallery02?
Wine Dining in Canada
A survey shows that Canada is making quite a profit off of alchohol. The stats show the truth behind why so many college students head up that way.
By the end of March 2007, the total amount of beer and wine sales was $18 billion. There were 2.3 million liters of beer purchased in that year as well. Whiskey, Scotch, and Bourbon are among the most popular liquors purchased in 2007.
A single Canadian, who drinks ovbiously, spent an average of $667 on alcohol alone!
Even though we do not live in Canada, we are near it. And as I said before, many students take the trip up there just to drink. This blog is not trying to persuade you to go to Canada to drink. It is simply a way of showing how much alcohol is truly consumed. There is more in Canada than drinking. But just remember, if you do decide to take a trip up there, make sure you have your birth certificate!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
And the award for "Most Paranoid Country" goes to...

Iranian officials recently arrested two pigeons for spying. Let me stop right there for a second. Let that just kind of sink into your brain for a moment...
They arrested two pigeons. Seriously. When I hear the word "arrested" I immediately flash to a scene similar to this...
Now picture that scene with a pigeon in place of the guy being led into the cop car.
Apparently one pigeon was detained near Iran's uranium enrichment facility, while the other was apprehended beside a rose water production plant. The uranium facility has long created controversy between the Iranian government and Western countries, for obvious suspicion of foul nuclear activity. According to sources, both pigeons were described as having metal rings and invisible string attached to their bodies.
Alright, so I can understand why Iranian officials would be suspicious. I can understand their concern. But what is the point in arresting the pigeons? Are they planning on questioning them to find out if they were, in fact, sent on a top-secret spy mission by a rival or opposing country?
Ironically, this isn't the first time animals have been arrested for spying in Iran. In July 2007, 14 squirrels were arrested near the Iranian border for apparent espionage.
Honestly, if I was the leader of a country, I'd call upon my most dependable squirrels to execute my most important reconnaissance missions.
All kidding aside, this story shows the level of security and paranoia surrounding nuclear activity not only in Iran, but across the globe. As college students in America, we can only hope that this tension never escalates to anything more than what it is now, which is simple paranoia.
I just hope I never have to look over my shoulder to make sure I'm not being followed by a pigeon or squirrel working for Iran...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Investigation of Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan Increases Tensions

Afghan authorities are looking in to the deaths of 17 civilians that were recently killed after a clash between NATO forces and militants in the southern part of Afghanistan Thursday.
The problem involving civilian casualties with the involvement of foreign troops has made waves between the Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the United States
The increase of violence in Afghanistan is a real problem. It has been said time and time again that there needs to be more troops sent to Afghanistan where violence is escalating. I may feel a little biased to this point of view because my brother is stationed in Afghanistan right now and tells me about the attacks to his base on a daily basis. He mentions the increase in violence in the past few months, and that no matter what they do to restore a little stability, they can't do much without more help.
There needs to be a resolution to what is happening overseas. So how is this going to happen and why should college students care? November 4th. The future of our country and the people in it, like my brother, can change with the results of the presidential election in November. For most college students it is their first time being able to vote for a presidential election. So do all you can to stay informed about foreign policy and issues with United States involvement. Just because you aren't directly involved, doesn't mean that you won't be later or know someone who is. You have the ability to change the course of the future by voting. So stay informed, and vote on November 4th.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sex on the Beach... Not This Vacation

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Keeping It Clean

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Obama receives support from unlikely source

Typically, the U.S. presidential election draws major attention from not only everyone in America, but also influential governments across the globe. Sometimes, however, attention and support comes from the most unlikely of places.
Dorothy Polley, a Paris-based artist and owner of her own gallery, is using her artistic style to salute Barack Obama. After watching the Democratic National Convention last summer, Polley felt so moved by Obama that much of her work has since centered around generating support and awareness of the presidential candidate. To check out the original article detailing her efforts, click here. To check out Dorothy's website and gallery, click here.
After hearing so much about the importance of being educated on candidates and key topics, I was really impressed with the efforts of Dorothy. Putting all political bias to the side, think about this - instead of performing radical protests or publicly speaking out for or against a candidate, Dorothy is simply letting art do the talking. It reminds me somewhat of a peaceful protest. She is educating people through the common interest of art, in the most unlikely of places. I think college students (and ultimately everyone in America) can learn something from the efforts of Dorothy Polley.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
North Korea to Denuclearize
American college students must take note because with this news America has possibly stopped a future war because North Korea's situation parralelled that of Iraq. Instead of possibly sending troops over to North Korea and getting into another altercation and forfitting billions of tax payers dollars, America is making progress towards squashing America's biggest disagreement with North Korea.
For more information: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/world/asia/13terror.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Friday, October 10, 2008
Food Crisis
Many Americans are now facing the reprocussions and have been forced to investigate their own food intake. College students must also take note considering that they rarely ever look into what the ingredients are in the food they eat. It is common to go to the dining halls at college and never think twice about what is in the food you eat unless that is you are allergic to a certain type of food. It would be a good idea for all college students to take a nutritional course in order to better understand the process of food intake and what our bodies really require in order to function at its optimum.
China Gets Pollution in Gear by Getting Cars Off the Road
The idea stuck with the Chinese government and they are beginning to enforce the same rule now. When the air pollution index reaches above 300, then the time is right to enforce the rules again. Cars will be limited on daily rotations depending on odd or even license plates and work cites that have high pollution will be postponed as well.
Pollution and the environment are not just a popular topic in China, but the world as a whole. Seeing the way that this government enforces laws to protect the environment, ideas and examples can be used in other countries to try and do the same thing.
With the presidential election coming up close in the United States, it is important for college voters to know all they can about the topics being debated about and how the future president will deal with these issues. Having a greater world knowledge of how things work can shape the way in which someone views their future in the country by who they vote for.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
UK versus US
Have you ever wondered what colleges in other countries consider "partying?"Are there opinions on the topic the same as the United States? Have you ever considered what UK freshman go through compared to US freshman? It is good to take the time to look at what colleges in the UK say about partying.
TIMESONLINE, an online newspaper in the UK, has a few pointers about partying in college. When going to a house party, they suggest that you actually know who the host of the party is. It will be too scary and awkward if you go there not knowing a soul. How do Brockport students feel about this? Is the college community so tiny that everyone knows everyone? To get more on the UK's opinion of this, check out the actual article. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/student/article4875849.ece
Another article from the same online newspaper talked about drinking in general. According to the article, the anxieties girls are facing with a society obcessed with image is making drinking more excessible to them; they are doing it more often, and more than guys. Women are judged harshly too for the way they act in bars or in clubs more often than men. Yet they are less concerned about what is said to be "appropriate". Times are changing thats for sure.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/student/student_life/article3523888.ece
It is very interesting to read perspectives on young people in another countries newspaper, such as the UK. They language is different yet they have similar views and incites about life. It is something worth looking at. I learned quite a bit of new information about college life, esepcially the night life from these articles.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Economic crisis being felt worldwide
What really worries me about this whole economic problem is the future, and the state of the world economy as a whole in 5 to 10 years. As a current college student, I'd really like to have a positive outlook on my own personal future, and feel confident about getting a "real" job in the near future (sorry McDonald's, but I'd rather not flip burgers for the rest of my life).
Some "pundits" think that the bailout approved by Congress will not ultimately fix anything. If that's the case, what comes next? Complete anarchy? Black Tuesday all over again, only this time on a worldwide scale? The bottom line: thinking positively about the word "economy" is becoming an increasingly difficult task. Will the Congress-approved bailout help the U.S. economy and other world economies? Hopefully. But until then, watching "Billy Madison" and avoiding the Wall Street Journal will keep me from a daily dose of depression.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Americans Not Only Ones Facing Financial Crisis
America needs to take note and not just rush to throw money at our problems and hope they solve themselves. Who is to say the money used will actually solve any problems? College students need to take notice, especially those in the business field because obviously if major countries continue to have financial downfalls, something in the business world is in need of change. We need some thinking outside of the box to happen and some blueprints drawn up to guide us to recovery.
For more information on the HRE situation in Germany: http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jPULumuQQcNwAL04_gOMoAtsRBSQ
Update: German officials vote to provide some relief efforts for the HRE. For more news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7653868.stm
Friday, October 3, 2008
7 yr old boy kills zoo animals
Because of the laws in Australia, police officials were unable to charge the boy with anything since he was under the age of 10. Children under age 10 are unable to be charged with criminal offenses. Some zoo officials are pushing to have the boy's parents sued. The zoo lost 13 animals, with a loss of $5,500.
Officials are shocked by the acts, but are more disheartened by the way in which they are not able to receive closure due to the lack of disciplinary actions that are able to be put on the boy. They believe that parents need to take responsibility for their children, and that someone needs to be blamed for the events that took place.
As many college students are focused on careers that involve dealing with children, it is important to see what a child is actually capable of. It is also important to understand that parents don't always have the control over the child as they or you would hope.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
And you think YOU have it hard in school...
Unfortunately, this did really happen. On Wednesday, five female students in the village of Belyayevka, Russia, died after a concrete staircase unexpectedly collapsed on them. Since the accident, no other students have returned to classes. Funerals are expected to be on friday.
Marina Borodina, after hearing of the accident, hanged herself on Thursday. She was 42 years old. She worked in the school, teaching grade 11, and was close with all of the girls killed in the collapse.
So the next time you go to the library and begin your 15 page research paper, don't complain. There are worse things that could happen to you. And this proves it.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sacha Baron Cohen, aka "Bruno", shakes up Milan

Acting as "Bruno," his flamboyant and openly homosexual alter ego, Cohen marched down the catwalk in a full velcro suit while screaming and yelling, pretending to be an Austrian fashion reporter (see picture). The stunt was filmed as part of a scene for the upcoming movie "Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America for Purpose of Making Heterosexual Male" which is set for release sometime next spring.
Paolo Gerani, the stylist whom "Bruno" interrupted, was able to put an end to the madness and restore order to the show. Officials are now on high alert, after discovering the fake passes that Cohen and his film crew used to enter the show.
So what does this mean for college students in America? Well, if a flamboyantly gay male comes up to you and starts to make you laugh, you should probably play along, because you could be caught in a scene from Cohen's next movie! Be careful, however...three fraternity members from the University of Southern California will be the first to tell you that being caught in a Sacha Baron Cohen movie can have its pitfalls.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Banning My Favorite Candy Bar

The Makers of my favorite candy bar have to recall their chocolate in China due to reports that they may be contaminated with the chemical melamine. This same chemical is what was found in the milk scandal seen earlier last week.
"The candy maker is the latest company to get caught up in China's tainted-milk scandal."
The milk scandal has made an estimated 53,000 children sick in China, while four have died. 53,000 is A LOT. With just milk alone that would be an awful thing to have occur in the country, but combined with the products that the particular milk was used in makes it even worse, affected that many more people.
Foreign companies who have products sold to the United States can obviously have a great impact on the country here. If you thought before that the milk problem was only an overseas matter, it may be interesting for you to see that something that is made there, and we sell here can still affect you if you don't know what's going on in the world.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Superman is in Switzerland
Rossy became the first man to fly across the English Channel using a homemade, single, jet-powered wing while covering a distance of 23 miles in 13 minutes. The National Geographic Channel will be airing a special on Rossy and his historic flight at 8 o'clock tonight.
Thinking about the first flight that took place with the Wright Brothers in North Carolina, it is amazing to see how far the world of aviation and flight has come. Acknowledging something like this from a Swiss man will help to push forward the way of thinking when it comes to aviation along with other forms of travel.
Youtube video of the flight
(I chose this version because I found it interesting how they used the theme song from The Greatest American Hero in a video of a Swiss man's flight)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Jetpack Pilot Postpones Flight

There is so much to be said for this groundbreaking feat. Will the military hope to cash in and use these jetpacks strategically? Can these jetpacks became a new form of transportation for individuals? The implications of this form of transportation are boundless. It has yet to be perfected and tested to levels where these things I ask can happen but it is moving in that direction.
For more information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7634927.stm
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Malaysian blogger in trouble
This is a scary thing for any upcoming journalists. But remember, we live in the United States. We are lucky we can speak our mind on many issues, to a certain extent.
For a more detailed interpretation of his "charges" visit http://www.guardian.com/ and search Raja Petra Kamaruddin.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Oktoberfest tradition in jeopardy

One element of German heritage throughout the years has been the "Dirndl." The Dirndl is the lacy and often low-cut dress typically worn by women attending the Oktoberfest festival. Recent developments, however, have some German traditionalists cringing.
To open this years' festival, the wife of Bavarian Premier Guenther Beckstein showed up wearing something other than the classic Dirndl. Instead, she wore a suit. Cora Schumacher, wife of Michael Schumacher (a German racing hero), added insult to injury when she attended the festival wearing a skull-studded Dirndl.
Now, many Germans are crying foul. Wives of German politicians are expected to follow tradition (obviously that didn't happen). Locals were shocked at Mrs. Schumacher's outfit. The Dirndl is traditionally supposed to be a conservative outfit, despite it's low-cut design. Apparently skulls aren't conservative enough.
So what does all of this mean for Oktoberfest? It could mean rapid change in the future. If the attire is able to switch from traditional and conservative to modern and radical, what could potentially happen to the beer?
The bigger question at hand: why should American college students care about what German women are wearing to Oktoberfest? Well, if your one of those crazed fans of the movie "Beerfest" and you were hoping to go scope out some German girls on your next vacation, you should probably start changing your plans.
The bigger point here is that no festival or traditional gathering is safe from change and/or modernization. Think about an annual event you have attended on a yearly basis, maybe a fair or rock concert series. How would you feel if that rock concert changed into a jazz festival? Or, say, how would you feel if people started wearing Dirndls to that rock concert?
You'd probably be weirded out and upset. Just the way the Germans are.
Campus Shooting Deadly in Finland
This obviously affects students all around the world, because anytime schools safety is put in question people begin to think about their own schools safety. What are some procedures your school takes to ensure your safety? Do you think your school does enough? Does your school take these situations seriously, and not turn a cold shoulder to thinking it will never happen to them? What can you as a student do to maintain a safe environment?
Every parent gets worried with their child moving out generally for the first time to attend college and move on to the real world but a new question schools must now answer to instead of having a quality academic program is safety. A new priority in which will help students and parents decide their destination.
For more information on the shooting: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/23/Death_toll_nine_in_Finnish_campus_shooting/UPI-24821222166224/
Monday, September 22, 2008
Milk scare in Beijing

Friday, September 19, 2008
Switzerland in need of organ donors

Switzerland is looking to foreign residents in the country to step forward and fill out organ donation cards in order to be added to a small but needy transplant list.
"The phenomenon of demand exceeding supply is common to all countries with an organ donation programme but Switzerland has a worse record than other comparable nations.Fifty people on the waiting list died last year, despite a new transplant law establishing a centralised system that came into force in July 2007."
With this need so apparent to the people of Switzerland, it reminds me why I became an organ donor. It may not be something that most people think about, but it is definitely something that needs to be discussed. The more that the subject is brought up, the easier it is for people to express their desire as to whether or not they are interested in being an organ donor. It's sad to think that someone could have decided to be an organ donor and could have saved a life, but didn't have the opportunity to express that to someone who could decide that for them until it was too late. Switzerland's excessive need for such a thing seems like an obvious example of how something so minimal, like signing your name to a donation card, could have a dramatic impact on someone else's life.
http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/front/Swiss_reach_out_to_foreign_organ_donors.html?siteSect=106&sid=9750250&cKey=1221835625000&ty=st
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Austrailian bar literally gets "down under"
