Hate Groups Receive High Marks from the Better Business Bureau While Legitimate Businesses Struggle

America's most well known business reporting agency, the Better Business Bureau has come under fire after a 20/20 report revealed questionable practices on the part of the agency. It appears that the Arlington, Virginia based non-profit group should take a good look at their own "Standards of Trust" that they require their accredited members to follow.

The 20/20 investigation found that such well known names as The Ritz Carleton, Wolfgang Puck, and Disney World have received the lowest rating offered by The BBB, an F. None of the three are accredited (paid) members of the BBB.

The 20/20 report came after business owners complained about questionable practices buy the consumer watchdog group. Just one example of the "pay for an A" ppractice was allegedly video taped by 20/20. Liz's Antique Hardware had a rating of C when she was reportedly told that it would not be changed unless she became an accredited (paid) member. According to 20/20 she gave them her credit card number and within 24 hours she had a rating of A+.

The BBB claims that not just anyone can be an accredited member, accredited members are by invitation only and must agree to uphold the highest standards of business practices (and pay the membership fee).

Angry business owners, with the help of an anonymous blogger, submitted Hamas and a racist website, stormfront.org and payed the $425 fee for accreditation. Using Bill Mitchell, president of the L.A. BBB and Aryn Whiting as the business owners along with fictitious address, the two businesses received an A- and an A+ respectively.

After watching the report I decided to search the BBB website and see what other colorful businesses would turn  up with good ratings.

It took me about five seconds to find the  Ku Klux Klan with a B+ rating. The KKK's business type is listed as general membership and lobbying. According to the BBB they have had no complaints filed against them and the BBB has no information regarding any government actions against the KKK.

A few minutes later I discovered the  American Nazi Party, self described aryan revolutionaries, sporting a impressive B rating. Once again the BBB has received no complaints and is aware of no government action against the ANP.

I need to point out that neither of these organizations are accredited (paid) members of the BBB. It appears that if they would pay their membership fees they could easily have an A+ by this time tomorrow.

I am sure I am not the only one who has a problem with the idea that hate groups enjoy B-A ratings while many legitimate businesses have to struggle with a C and pay to receive an A+.

In the heading of the BBB website it says  "start with trust", perhaps the American trust has been misplaced when it comes to the BBB.

Are the Second Amendment and Gun Control Compatible?

The debate over gun control and the second amendment has gone on for years. Ultimately, the interpretation of the second amendment and the rule of law regarding the possession of firearms depends on who you ask.  It seems that those on both sides of the debate take an "all or nothing" point of view.

If you ask an opponent of gun control they would most likely say there is no debate, after all, the second amendment is quite clear.

Those in favor of gun control will have no trouble citing countless cases of innocent bystanders and victims of violent crimes being injured or killed as a result of the lack of gun control and thereby make a compelling argument that guns should be outlawed.

Is it possible that both are, to some degree, right? The second amendment reads as follows:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

When I read this I have to ask myself one question, has the wording become outdated as it applies to the modern world? Our founding fathers had no knowledge of the evolution of firearms or of America and our military power.

They could not have foreseen a time when the muskets and flintlocks of their day would be replaced by assault rifles and automatic handguns.

They could not have foreseen a time when America would be one of the most powerful countries in the world with a powerful full time military to defend us against our enemies. They could not have foreseen a time when "well regulated" militia would be represented by the thousands of reservist who serve our country on a moments notice when called upon to do so.

Is it possible that the real question is not how do we protect or eradicate the second amendment but rather how do we modernize it?

We often hear the argument that "I need my guns for hunting", or "I need them to protect my home from possible intruders". Both of these can be considered valid points, however, do we really need an AK47, Uzi, or AR15 for hunting? Can we not defend ourselves with the same shotgun we use for hunting; will it somehow be less effective than an automatic handgun?

Is their a valid reason why a honest person with a valid reason to own a firearm would object to a waiting period, background check, or a permit for a handgun? With handguns being the weapon of choice for most criminals is it possible that eliminating handguns could decrease crime by making it more difficult to conceal a weapon?

These are just a few of the points that will debated well into the future. What is your opinion? Is it possible to modernize the second amendment and find a reasonable compromise to this debate?

Dolphin Maimed and Thrown Back into the Ocean to Die

 

WVFitzgerald.blogspot.com

 

As I sat on the beach at Atlantic Beach North Carolina word began to spread that a dolphin had washed ashore only a couple of hundred yards away. I grabbed my camera and started walking down the beach to where a small crowd had gathered.

I immediately noticed a huge wound in the dolphin's side accompanied by large teeth marks, the dolphin was also missing it's tail. The people in the crowd speculated that the dolphin had been the victim of a shark attack.

A small group of three researchers arrived to transport the remains to a more hospitable environment for preservation and further study. They quickly conducted a preliminary examination taking measurements, checking body temperature and examining the wounds.

Despite their apparent sense of urgency to move the animal the researches took a moment to express there thanks to the person who had called them. They went on to say that they collect approximately 130 sea animals annually that wash ashore along the coast.

After completing their examination the researchers determined that a shark had in fact attacked the dolphin. This was evident in the two large bite wounds, one on each side of the midsection. They then informed the crowd that the missing tail was not the result of the shark attack. The tail had been cleanly severed by a knife or other sharp object.

Although impossible to prove, they believed the most likely scenario was that the dolphin became tangled in a fishing net, the fishermen then cut the tail off to free the animal without risking damage to their nets. The dolphin was thrown back into the ocean, alive but unable to swim or defend itself properly. 

The presents of the injured dolphin soon attracted a hungry shark that attacked leaving the two gaping wounds; shortly thereafter the tide carried the remains to the beach. According to the internal body temperature the dolphin had died shortly before washing ashore.

It seems that this is a case of time and money outweighing the need for the humane treatment of all life. As is the case for most of us "time is money" in the fishing industry and nets cost money. It is most unfortunate that this results in an animal of any kind being maimed and left to suffer before eventually dying. If it is in fact necessary to injure the dolphin to remove it from the nets I would have to say that I believe it would be far more humane to kill it as opposed to letting it suffer. 

Interview with Westboro Baptist Church: Hate in the Name of God

 

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="242" caption="Members of Westboro Baptist Church demonstrate at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Author: JCWilmore Creative Commons Attribution 3.0"][/caption]

Shirley Phelps-Roper from Westboro Baptist Church takes the time to answer some of my questions regarding the church, their controversial views, and their protests.

Most of us have heard about the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church group. They routinely make headlines by traveling the United States holding what are most commonly refereed to as hate rallies. The church is commonly known as a hate group due to the message they attempt to spread through their protest.

Members of Westboro Baptist Church routinely appear carrying signs with such slogans as "God hates you", "God hates Jews", "fags are beast", "God hates fags", "Obama is the beast" and "thank God for dead soldiers” just to name a few.

I first became aware of the church in March of this year when they traveled to Central Virginia to hold anti-Semitic and anti-gay protest at four locations around Richmond and Henrico County. They held demonstrations at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, The Jerusalem Connection, Weinstein JCC, and Hermitage High School.

This group seems to simply show up around the country from time-to-time carrying signs and shouting slogans.

Many of us are left with more questions than answers after such an event, "what is their point?” "What do they hope to accomplish?” what do they believe in beside hate?"/ Well, you get the point. I decided that in the interest of fairness and understanding I would like to ask them a few questions about their church and their views and get their side of the story.

I decided on several questions and sent an email to Westboro Baptist Church and asked if they would mind answering them for the purpose of this article. Shirley Phelps-Roper took the time to answer my questions and here is what she had to say.

What inspired Fred Phelps to start the Westboro Baptist church, what was his vision for the church?

Phelps-Roper: WBC was started by Eastside Baptist Church in Topeka, KS and they invited Pastor Fred Phelps to be her first pastor. The vision of WBC is and has always been to serve God in the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven according to the written word that is found in The Book, the Word of God, commonly called The Bible!

I read on Wikipedia that the church is mostly made of Mr. Phelps's extended family, is this true? If so why, has he had trouble recruiting new members from outside of the family?

Phelps-Roper: Today, this tiny little flock of slaughter has about 70 people who regularly attend the service of the Church when we meet each week with God, pursuant to the pattern that is shown in The Bible of a New Testament Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of those 70 souls, about 45 are members in good standing of WBC. Of those, about 85% are related by blood or marriage. Not quite the 100% that were related to Noah when God destroyed the old world with a flood of waters, saving 8 souls and sending, by some authorities, 16 billion souls directly into the bowels of hell! I say, 100% of those souls on that ark were related by blood or marriage.

What is your agenda, why travel the country holding what are most commonly described as hate rallies? What do you hope to accomplish?

Phelps-Roper: Our agenda is to preach the Gospel of Peace. As a matter of fact, those that hear and receive this gospel, it is a sweet smelling savor of life unto eternal life. To the rest, and the vast majority of mankind, it is a horrible savor of death, unto eternal punishment in hell where the worm dieth not and the fire is never quenched. Eternal torment. THAT is our agenda.

As a matter of beautiful, that-is-how-our-God-rolls fact, we are by this method, binding this nation to the standards of God. Further, we are bringing the thunder! We are using every fiber of our beings, and every resource at our disposal and every gift and calling that we received from our God to get this job done and to complete our testimony!

We also write songs, and this question has the first line of our Crazy Train (written for the benefit of the raging rebels called Metal Heads at the funeral of Ronnie James Dio) parody. "AMAZING / that's how God rolls / Billions of people / drowning in woe-oe-oe-oe-oe / CRAZY / it's much too late / to speak of God's love / when you brought on his ha-a-a-a-ate!"

These are not commonly described as "hate rallies;" they're called PROTESTS! As in "God sent his servants, rising early, daily and betimes, and sending, to protest your sin and your disobedience, for which thing, the wrath of God abides upon the children of disobedience." They're "love fests."

Most churches try to convert new members, on your website home page (godhatesfags.com) it says "God Hates You". Why would anyone join a church if they have already been told that God hates them, doesn't that make it pointless?

Phelps-Roper: That is an excellent question. You see this confirms what I said above. If God, in HIS MERCY, has given you eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart of understanding, you will see that sign and you will say, MY GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE. THAT is what the Bible says in the Old AND New Testaments.

You will say with Paul, "KNOWING therefore the TERROR of the Lord, we MUST warn our fellow man that his sin is bringing on his destruction and great wrath from God and death and hell!" THAT my friends is what God calls: LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. Further, God says, if you do NOT give such a warning, then (1) You hate your neighbor in your heart, and (2) Their blood will be upon your hands and in the Day of Judgment, God will require it of you! You will know that God said IF you OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS, THEN, I will not abhor you! You will know that the default for 99.999999% of all humans is hell.

You see friend, we must NOT concern ourselves with how the masses of Doomed America view the words, because, we do not serve the masses; we serve The Living God. We care about what HE says! HE said: "get out and give the words to EVERY human, and make sure it is MY WORDS that you give."

Jesus taught love, so how can any self described Christian justify teaching hate in any form?

Phelps-Roper: Jesus taught obedience! Here is the verse for you: 1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

This is another verse for you that puts a proper face on your words: 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

The Bible is FULL of God's hatred. It is perfect, like his love. It is NOT an evil passion like it is in men. God does not hate you the way you hate us! No foaming-at-the-mouth with God. It is a perfect determination to send the UNREPENTANT to hell for eternity. You see GOD'S standard is the ONLY standard that matters. HIS standard is this: NO FORGIVENESS without repentance. NO love for the rebels. So while the Bible speaks of God's love, it is not for the vast majority of this last generation of Doomed Americans. You littered your landscape with lying preachers, professional mourners that put on a program of squally nonsense instead of just telling you WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF YOU! They do that because you pay them to do that. God requires that you OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS.

In short, if you do not preach and understand and teach the hatred of God, you are NOT preaching Bible truth.

Based on what most of us have seen at your rallies it seems clear that you are anti-Semitic and anti-gay. Based on the "God Hates America" slogan your known for would it be fair to say that you are anti-American?

Phelps-Roper: You are working WAY too hard at this. We are ANTI-SIN! We are PRO-OBEY! You are breaking down the demographics too much. With God, there are only two: Those that OBEY and those that do NOT OBEY!

Most known "hate groups" make it clear that they are anti-African American. With that in mind what is your belief regarding African Americans?

Phelps-Roper: My dad (Pastor Phelps) and my mom have 13 children. 11 of us are attorneys. My dad spent 25 years pioneering civil rights for black people and women and the elderly in the Federal Courts, as THE leading civil rights lawyer of his day. We think what God says! God NEVER said it was abomination to be black or female or elderly. Sodomites are identified by a perverted and filthy sex practice that they voluntarily engage in.

We must go to the words, because it is always and only about the words:

Ex 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25. Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.

How would you compare Westboro Baptist Church with other known hate organizations like the Neo-Nazis or the KKK? Are there any connections?

Phelps-Roper: What a silly question. How would you compare WBC to such rebels? We stand daily in your streets with the Bread of Life, in the bright light of day, open faced and honestly telling you that you must OBEY YOUR GOD. For our kindness, you entreat us with questions such as this.

In the asking of this question, you determine where the hearts and minds of your reader dwell. Shame on you!

According to your website Westboro Baptist Church was bombed on August 20, 1995. Why do you say that America bombed your church?

Phelps-Roper: America only acts by her government. When a bomb goes off, DUTIES arise. You know how that looks.

The ATF and more government agencies do things to investigate. People are put on trial and sentences get long for use of bombs, ESPECIALLY when directed at churches. E.g. the man in CA that was sentenced to 20 years in Federal Prison for conspiring to set off a bomb at a Jewish Temple. When that bomb was directed at us, we had to offer a $5,000 reward to catch the criminals. Then the prosecutor charged ONE of the three criminals with lesser offenses and NO charges for two of the men. Then, the prosecutor let that one plead to an even lesser offense and he got a sentence of 6 days in jail and he was permitted to serve them on weekends so as not to disrupt his life.

THAT failure to do your sworn duty is why God is using that SAME BOMB as the #1 killer of the children of Doomed America in war in Iraq and Afghanistan. You see, those guys used an IED. Roadside bomb. They did that in a day when most people didn't even know what an IED was. Now, EVERYONE knows. THAT amazing fact is HOW GOD ROLLS!

He promised that if you mess with his people, you have touched the Apple of HIS EYE! He promised to repay you TO YOUR FACE for that. AMAZING! All praise goes to THAT GOD! It belongs to THAT GOD! Shout loud and long Hallelujahs!

For most of us 9-11 was the single greatest tragedy since Pearl Harbor yet you carry signs saying "Thank God for 9-11". Why?

Phelps-Roper: Here is the verse that selfish DOOMED Americans forgot or ignored: BE YE THANKFUL! Here are three excellent reasons to Thank God for ______ EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING!

1. BE YE THANKFUL!

2. We all deserve such death as in 9-11, Pearl Harbor, Coal Mines exploding, etc. But on this day, you still have the breath of life and you can still repent! BE YE THANKFUL! In HIS mercy, God has not cut you off, but has yet given you space to repent. BE YE THANKFUL! The time is growing so very short, make up your mind. Serve God or destruction!

3. If you are a servant of God, you know by such confirmation as 9/11 that God has not sent us onto the mean streets of Doomed America now in our 20th year, without confirming our words! We told you from the beginning, IF YOU GO the way of Sodom, you will suffer her fate! So here is the passage that helps you understand what I am saying here:

Psalm 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Why do you say thank God for dead soldiers and IED's?

Phelps-Roper: BE YE THANKFUL! YAY! Rejoice all ye that mourn for the sins of rebellious Doomed America! Shout Hosanna! Our God doeth all things well! Keep your eyes on that oil, that beautiful oil! Your destruction is imminent!

For many of us it seems likely that some of your rallies could spark violence against your members, has this ever happened?

Phelps-Roper: There is always a determination among the children of Satan to harm us, but our God has our back and he doeth all things well. HE keeps us in all our ways! So even as you try a thing here and there, we are all good, all the time! Here is a good, clear articulation of that promise that we go forth with:

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

This is just ONE of many, many promises of God to his prophets! Also this amazing fact: "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." Ps 76:10

Funerals are a sad and traumatic event, so why does your church believe that it is OK to cause more pain for the friends and family of the deceased by holding rallies at funerals?

Pelps-Roper: Blah, blah, squall! Each person that touched the dead child's life is personally responsible for that child residing in hell! Luke 16:18-32 will show you that the dead and in-hell child wants us there and wants us there and that child wants you to LISTEN so that you might not also go to hell!

Why does your church believe that President Obama is the anti-Christ, couldn't it have just as easily been George W. Bush or Rush Limbaugh?

Phelps-Roper: Another question that demonstrates your Bible ignorance. We don't hate on you for it, we just note that this so-called "Christian" nation is amazingly and deliberately Bible ignorant! Had you bothered to read that precious book, you would not be in all this trouble! But I'll answer.

George Bush is indeed anti-Christ as is Rush Limbaugh. However, Obama is THAT WICKED, THE BEAST (see Revelation 13) that is spoken of that will preside over the final end of Doomed America and then, he will get his global power-grab on and he will from that vantage point, bring the nations to march against Jerusalem and of course the prophets say and Christ said it will be THE WORST affliction in this earth from the Creation to that day, and ever after. That means WOE, WOE, WOE unto Israel, as these events are NOW. You can, even as I write, see how things are getting into place. Israel is not in the position she was in even a year ago and certainly not two years ago. I digress.

There are too many words about this to put into this answer, so I would refer you to the body of work that WBC has done called www.beastobama.com. Also, see www.jewskilledjesus.com for some much needed clarity. If you know or do not know, these events are already playing out, and you cannot stop ONE BIT OF IT! Praise ye the Lord!

When your group visited Richmond Virginia there was an 11-year-old boy in the group, do you believe that teaching hate based on religious preference, sexual orientation, or skin color is going to limit the child's future in the modern world?

Phelps-Roper: How funny is that?! You see, you don't need to worry about that little guy and his future. Because he resides with the People of God and he appears to be a little servant of God, he will be just fine.

He is a smart little child, his name is Noah. He is my #10 of 11 children. And he understands what he is doing in this life. Your unbelief is not, cannot and must not be binding upon our obedience to God! Get over the big lie of skin color in that question. Just forget the straw man called race! We are teaching that child what the Lord his God requires of HIM!

It would be easy to say that it appears that Westboro Baptist Church has declared themselves the judge of all things human and believe they are the divine voice of God. Would that be a fair statement?

Phelps-Roper: God is the Judge of all! HE HAS JUDGED! HE HAS ISSUED HIS JUDGMENT! He is at this very hour judging this nation! Look to the oil!

When God sent 9/11, this nation had an opportunity, like the Men of Nineveh to REPENT! But instead of repentance and a calling for of a day to fast and mourn for your sins, Bimbo Bush climbed on top of that pile of rubble and raised his fist to God and declared REVENGE! Bad move.

God is judging this nation and pursuant to HIS PRECIOUS PROMISES, clearly announced in his word, and articulated over and over, this very land that you have defiled is going to VOMIT YOU OUT!

Spewing time is on the way! See the adumbrations of that in the exploding power plants, coal mines and oil rigs, where God turned walking, talking, breathing rebels against him into human projectiles, vomiting them into the depths of hell! God alone has that power, and THAT is the God that is judging this nation! WOE unto you that forgot God! One more run to the words rebels:

Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

 

Well, there you have it, hopefully the answers to a few of the many questions that you might be asking the next time you see Westboro Baptist Church in the headlines.

 

 

Water Insecurity is Becoming Critical for the Arab Region

A combination of nature and human activity have left many countries in the Arab region facing the possibility of severe water shortages in the near future. In some cases the water use exceeds the natural recharge rate by more than one and a half times.

A combination of population growth, lack of pricing policy reforms, an increases in household incomes, droughts and in many cases the absence of adequate water treatment facilities has greatly reduced the availability of water suitable for consumption and agricultural purposes throughout the Arab region. In some cases water use is as much as 1.5 times higher than the natural recharge rate.

According to the World Bank the Middle East and North African regions are by far the driest and most water scarce regions in the world. The global per capita average water availability is close to 7,000 cubic meters per capita, per year. The regional average for the Middle East and North Africa is 1,200 cubic meters per year. Throughout this region, however, the averages ranges between 1,800 cubic meters per person in Iran to less than 200 cubic meters per person in Jordan, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen. The regional average of available water per capita, per year is expected to plummet to only 500 cubic meters by 2025.

 

Agriculture in the region accounts for approximately 5 – 20% of the GDP yet consumes up to 90% of the available water supply, in many cases through the use of illegal wells. Yemen for example, is considered to be one of the worlds most water scarce countries; approximately 80% of the ground water supply is consumed by agriculture and in 2009 authorities discovered 494 illegal wells throughout the country.

Direct and indirect affects of climate change is expected to further complicating the problem. Some of the possible affects will be loss of coastal zones, more severe droughts and desertification, and increased groundwater salinity; this could potentially lead to an increase in epidemics and infectious diseases.

Following an assessment of the progress that is being made to combat the situation in the region Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, said::

"Climate change is likely to aggravate these trends. Thus it is in the interests of nations across the region to constructively engage in the climate change negotiations as countries look to Mexico and the UN climate convention meeting later in the year,"

 

Richmond Va: No Welcome Mats for Westboro Baptist Church Hate Group

Recently, representatives of the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church visited Richmond Virginia to picket outside of the Holocaust Museum, Hermitage High School and other Jewish sites around the area carrying signs and chanting "God Hates Jews" and "God will destroy you."

In what could be described as a shinning moment for Richmond the group was met by counter-protestors at every turn, hundreds came out to voice their disapproval of the teachings of the church. As one young man so eloquently stated: "you can't come to Richmond to spread hate and expect not to be answered"

As the group arrived at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Shockoe Bottom, they found themselves facing as many as 400 counter protesters. Executive director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Jay M. Ipson, (A Holocaust survivor) invited the members of Westboro Baptist Church inside to talk; his invitation was declined with a member of the group saying they did not come here to negotiate. Ipson later told reporters that he invited them in because if they wanted to hate him they should at least get to know him first. He went on to express his pride and gratitude to the counter protesters by telling the Richmond Times Dispatch:

"I feel like I'm 25 feet tall, this community is standing behind one another in love, not in hate."

 

 

Counter protesters came from many walks of life including 28-year old Iraq war veteran Nathan Cox of Mechanicsville, who played rock music through a megaphone to drawn out the group. The group is known to protest at the funerals of American soldiers killed in action, Cox told reporters that he first heard of the group while still serving in Iraq.

Although the Westboro group never picketed at Virginia Commonwealth University VCU students, faculty and staff took to the campus with their own anti-hate rally carrying signs with such slogans as “God Loves All People,” and “God Hates Morons”. The VCU rally that focused on inclusiveness was also joined by several faith-based and community organizations from around Richmond. The group was also met by opposition and increased police presents when they held an anti-gay protest at Hermitage High School.

It seems that the visit from the group has only served to give the people of Richmond a chance to stand together and speak out and their message was clear: Hate groups such as this one are not welcome.

 

 

Kentucky Mom Pleads not Guilty to Murder in the Death of Newborn

20 year old Ashley Cox pleaded not guilty to murder charges that resulted from allegedly giving birth in a restroom at the Roederer Correctional Complex in La Grange, Kentucky where she was visiting her Boyfriend.

According to police Cox gave birth in a restroom at the facility, she then stuffed toilet paper into the infant’s mouth causing her to suffocate. Cox allegedly placed the infant in a trash can and covered her with paper.

After allegedly hiding the body, Cox told prison officials that she had a miscarriage and Oldham County EMS then transported her to Baptist East Hospital in Louisville. While examining Cox doctors found that she had not had a miscarriage but rather gave birth to a full term infant. Hospital staff informed prison administrators of their findings and the Kentucky State Police were called in to search for the newborn. The infant's body was found at 4:29pm and Oldham County Coroner Brett Donner pronounced the death at 4:42.

An autopsy revealed that the infant was alive at birth and according to the arrest warrant had no "medical abnormalities". Cox was charged with murder and concealing the birth of an infant, she is currently being held on $2.5 million bond in the Oldham County jail.

Cox is the mother of a two year old daughter and prior to her arrest reportedly worked at a day care center. Cox's sister told reporters that the family was unaware of the pregnancy.




 

20 year old Ashley Cox pleaded not guilty to murder charges that resulted from allegedly giving birth in a restroom at the Roederer Correctional Complex in La Grange, Kentucky where she was visiting her Boyfriend.

 

According to police Cox gave birth in a restroom at the facility, she then stuffed toilet paper into the infant’s mouth causing her to suffocate. Cox allegedly placed the infant in a trash can and covered her with paper.

After allegedly hiding the body, Cox told prison officials that she had a miscarriage and Oldham County EMS then transported her to Baptist East Hospital in Louisville. While examining Cox doctors found that she had not had a miscarriage but rather gave birth to a full term infant. Hospital staff informed prison administrators of their findings and the Kentucky State Police were called in to search for the newborn. The infant's body was found at 4:29pm and Oldham County Coroner Brett Donner pronounced the death at 4:42.

An autopsy revealed that the infant was alive at birth and according to the arrest warrant had no "medical abnormalities". Cox was charged with murder and concealing the birth of an infant, she is currently being held on $2.5 million bond in the Oldham County jail.

Cox is the mother of a two year old daughter and prior to her arrest reportedly worked at a day care center. Cox's sister told reporters that the family was unaware of the pregnancy.

Toyota Slows Production in the Wake of Recalls

Toyota announced today that they have planned what they are calling non-production days at 2 US plants located in San Antonio, Texas and Georgetown Kentucky.

The Georgetown plant is scheduled for 1 non-production day on February 26, with an additional 3 non-productions days possible in March and April. The Georgetown plant builds the Toyota Camry, Avalon and Venza and employs about 6,850 people.

The San Antonio plant, which builds the Tundra pickup truck and employs 1,850 people, is scheduled for 2 non-production weeks, the weeks of March 15 and April 12. During the down time the San Antonio plant will be installing new equipment that will allow them to built the Tacoma pickup, the new equipment was originally scheduled to be installed on the weekends during the month of March.

The Huntsville, Alabama plant will also experience some non-production days, the Huntsville plant make V-8 engines for the Tundra pickup truck and the slowdown will coincide with the San Antonio plant. About three hundred employees are expected to be affected.

Toyota plans to pay the workers for the non-production days and provide them with additional training.

Toyota announced the slow down in response to growing inventory as they attempt to deal with recalls. Over the past 5 months Toyota has recalled more than six million cars in America alone and 8.1 million worldwide. They also stopped sales of eight models, including the Camry and Corolla in the United States. Toyota officials believe the total cost of the recall could reach $2 billion. According to CNN Money Toyota spokesman Mike Goss said:

"We don't want inventory to build up for our dealers, we can't keep sending vehicles to dealers until they can start moving those vehicles."

The recalls are expected to take a toll on Toyota’s reputation as the safety leader, Toyota announced that January sales were down by 16% from last year and they expect to see a decrease in sales of about 80,000 vehicles in North America alone as a result of the recalls.

Meanwhile, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that they will be launching a probe to determine how and when Toyota became aware there was a safety issue with the recalled models. According to federal law automobile manufacturers have 5 days from the date they discover a safety defect to notify the NHTS and begin an immediate recall. David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said:

"Our top priority is safety and we expect that all manufacturers address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner,"

Gay Wedding Leads to 5 Arrests In Kenya

in Kikambala beach resort in Kenya yesterday. Under Kenyan law homosexuality is illegal and is punishable by up to fourteen years in prison.

It is unclear if the intended couple are among those who were arrested, according AFP they escaped arrest however the BBC is reporting that two of the men had wedding rings in their possession and are believed to be the intended newlyweds.

The secret wedding was disrupted after locals found out about the plans and contacted the authorities. Three of the men were reportedly apprehended by civilians and turned over to the local police; two of the men were reportedly beaten. A crowd gathered outside of the police station where the men were being held to protest against homosexuality, local officials say that the men might have been stoned if they were not arrested. Police later thanked the public for their assistance and urged continued cooperation.

District officer George Matandura said:

"We are grateful to the public for alerting the police. They should continue cooperating with the police to arrest more, it is an offence, an unnatural offence, and also their behavior is repugnant to the morality of the people."

The wedding was criticized by Christian and Muslim clerics alike, according to AFP Sheikh Ali Hussein of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya said:

"We cannot allow these young boys to ruin their future through homosexuality, we shall use all means to curb this vice."

The five men are expected to undergo a medical exam to determine if they had “illegal carnal knowledge of each other.” Before being charged with homosexuality.

Thursday another gay wedding was disrupted before it took place after authorities became aware of the plans, the couple and their guest were forced to flee when word spread that the police and local residents were searching for them.

Myanmar: An American Citizen is Sentenced to 3 Years Hard Labor | Bukisa.com

Nyi Nyi Aung a Burmese-born American citizen was sentenced to three years hard labor in Myanmar today. Aung, who was originally charged with instigating unrest in concert with pro-democracy groups, was convicted of carrying a forged identity card and undeclared U.S. currency and for not renouncing his Burmese citizenship after becoming a U.S. citizen.

Following his September 2009 arrest Aung was reportedly held for 17 days before being allowed to speak to a U.S. government representative. During this time he was allegedly denied food, sleep and medical attention. After being allowed to talk to a representative he was transferred to solitary confinement in what is described as a dog cage.

The arrest came at a time when the United States and Myanmar were taking the initial steps toward becoming diplomatically re-engaged. Wa Wa Kyaw, Aung’s fiancé who is also an American citizen was critical of the Obama administration's silence on the matter at such a critical time saying:

"It is shocking to me that an American citizen has been treated this way and higher U.S. officials are silent on that, it will let the generals think, 'We can do whatever we want, even torture and inhumane treatment of a U.S. citizen,' because America wants to do the engagement policy."

Nyi Nyi Aung’s attorney and supporters say he was arrested before he arrived at the customs checkpoint and therefore was not allowed to declare his currency nor is there an official process to denounce citizenship.

According to the Washington Post U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Mei denounced the sentence as politically motivated saying:

"We are deeply concerned by the unjustified conviction. We believe the charges against Kyaw Zaw Lwin (his legal name on his passport) were politically motivated."

According to the Democratic Voice Of Burma, Aung arrived at the Yangoon airport on September 3 where he was arrested. He had returned to Myanmar to visit his mother who is a democracy activist currently in prison and suffering from cancer. She was arrested during the 2007 protest along with Aung’s cousin.

Aung, a well-known democracy activist, fled Myanmar after playing a key role in the 1988 pro-democracy uprising that resulted in the deaths of at least 3000 people. He moved to the United States as a political refugee in 1993 and became a citizen in 2002.

U.S. Marshals Arrest Georgia Fugitive in Chesterfield, Virginia

Richmond, United States - A nationwide search came to a quick end yesterday when the U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force arrested a man accused of shooting his daughter and ex-wife in Georgia.

Roy Mandell Smith, 38, was arrested at the Regency Lake Apartments off Cosmic Road in Chesterfield and is currently being extradited back to Valdosta, Georgia. Smith is currently on parole after serving 10 years for distribution of cocaine in Georgia.

Although authorities are not sure of the motive for the shooting, Smith had recently been served with child support papers for his daughter.

Police claim 37-year-old Josephine Lonon was confronted and shot as she left the house for work. Her daughter, 16-year-old Rochelle Smith, heard the noise and walked outside to investigate the noise. As she came back into the house, she was followed and shot.

The two victims were taken to South Georgia Medical Center. Lonon suffered multiple gunshot wounds but is expected to survive, and Rochelle Smith suffered one gunshot wound and has been released from the hospital.

The Richmond and Chesterfield police were notified Smith might be in the area and was wanted in Georgia by the Valdosta police department. Local police then contacted the U.S. Marshalls Service.

Authorities began their search at around 11 p.m. when they first went to a family member’s home located in the 4000 block of Falconway Lane were they believed he might be staying. When they didn’t find him at that location they went to Smith’s girlfriend's house in the 6400 block of Cosmic Road.

Officers believe Smith saw them as they approached the house. At around 3:30 a.m. he exited the house and walked straight toward several officers where he was then arrested without incident.

As a condition of being allowed to move to Virginia and have his parole transferred, Smith signed an extradition waiver making it easier to return him to Georgia.

Mongolia: -50c Temperatures Kills 2 Million Head of Livestock

Mongolia is in the grip of what is known as "dzud", a natural disaster that is a combination of an unusually dry summer and fall followed by an extreme winter. The dry season left the nomadic herders with a shortage of food for their livestock for the winter months. Cattle, sheep, goats, horses and camels are dying from cold, exhaustion or starvation.

One nomadic herder, Mr. Baasanragchaa, told NTDTV:

"This autumn we counted over 400 head of livestock including sheep, goats and cattle. So far, over 200 are lost and there are only around 200 head left. But these survivors look unable to survive until the warmer season comes because they are so skinny, even though we are feeding them with hay and fodder.”

A rapid needs assessment conducted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has determined that Mongolia will need $6 million over the next three months to help herders make it through until spring.The herders depend on these animals for milk, cashmere, meat and other livestock products. The government estimates that if the conditions remain the same up to four million head of livestock could be lost.

One-third of the population of Mongolia are nomadic herders who depend almost entirely on their livestock to make a living, so far economic losses are believed to top $60 million.Tens of thousands of families own up to 300 head of livestock, 14 out of 21 provinces have been seriously affected, in eight provinces 21,000 families owning 100-300 head have lost over 50% of their livestock.

According to Xinhua up to 80% of Mongolia is covered in snow rangeing from 20 centimeters to 90 centimeters deep. Dundgobi Governor Sh. Turbat said:

"The current situation of continuous snow storms and extreme cold has caused a loss of thousands of livestock, leaving numerous herders without any source of livelihood, the disaster has caused an economic loss equivalent to 6.6 million U.S. dollars to the province,"

If aid does not arrive in time many will be forced into the cities in search of work, as incomes plummet and livestock feed prices rise.

Local Strip Club Owner Charged with Threatening Police

Sam Moore, Owner of Club Velvet, has been charged with threatening a police officer over the phone. The Richmond Police would not confirm or comment on the charges, Moore was arraigned and released on bail only days before a Virginia ABC hearing on unrelated charges came to a conclusion.According to the Richmond Times Moore’s attorney, Michael Morchower said:

"The police involved themselves in a matter involving Sam and a couple of employees, I don't know specifically what was said."

The new charge became public as authorities are revoking Club Velvet’s alcohol license for unrelated charges. State, federal and local officials raided Club Velvet in February, 2008 after completing a three-month undercover investigation into activities at the club.

Alcoholic Beverage Control agents testified that they observed alcohol being consumed in unlicensed areas, underage drinking and after hour consumption of alcohol. They also testified that two dancers agreed to perform sex acts on each other in exchange for $450. A confidential informant (according to testimony) purchased cocaine from a dancer for the agents as part of the investigation.

Today an administrative hearing officer concluded that there was adequate evidence for a finding of nine state ABC violations including allowing sale to and consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors and people who were already intoxicated; allowing public nudity; and creating a haven for illegal activities.

Earlier in 2008 Moore was charged with producing child pornography and unlawfully filming the acts, he was also charged with three misdemeanors, unlawfully filming sex with an 18-year-old woman and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. On June 11, 2008 Moore entered an Alford plea on 3 misdemeanor charges of having sex with a minor (17 years old) in exchange for dropping the more serious charges. The Alford plea means that he conceded that there was substantial evidence against him but he did not admit guilt, he was sentenced to 60 days in jail.

Sam Moore also made headlines and sparked short-lived protest this summer when he placed an “Obama is a socialist” banner depicting President Obama painted like the Joker on the outside of the Club Velvet.

Richmond Officials Criticized Over Snowstorm Response

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<img src="http://digitaljournal.com/img/2/8/0/5/4/i/6/2/6/o/Image-4.jpg"" width="300" height="300"> As many of us who live in Richmond Virginia can tell you the response to the recent snow storm has seemed slow. Many neighborhoods had not yet seen a snow plow as of yesterday. Many streets remain covered in ice and snow creating dangerous driving conditions for local residents. In some cases residents have said that you can see an immediate difference in road conditions when crossing into the surrounding counties. In my own neighbor hood the snowplows made their first pass at around 10:30 pm last night. Church Hill resident Jonathan Friedman told channel 6 news:

"There's no evidence of road maintenance", a sentiment repeated by many Richmond residents.

Seeing snowplows driving on snow covered streets with their blades up, not removing the snow, has increased many residents’ frustrations. Just one example of this was when we saw snowplows driving down Orcutt lane, several hours later we discovered that the street had not been plowed. City Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall responded to these complaints telling channel 12:

"If they're turning around, coming from a break or going to get sand or on somebody else's route, generally they don't have to have their blades down. I think Mike would like them to always have their blades down and we will work on that."

Mayor Dwight C. Jones responded to the criticism by announcing a new plan for future snow removal and pointing out some of the reasons for the slow response.In 2007 under then-Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, the city sold off some of its equipment including 36 vehicles that would have been used to help with snow removal. The vehicles sold were among the newer models owned by the city, leaving them with approximately 50 older models. The remaining vehicles routinely had mechanical failures, as many as 20 inoperative at one point during the snow removal. Street parking was also blamed for slowing the snow removal; parked vehicles along Richmond streets hampered the snow removal efforts and in some cases doubled the time it takes to complete a route. The new plan for snow removal includes starting removal operation earlier, using private contractors, buying four highway plows, 12 tailgate spreaders and four reversible plows. The city has order 23 garbage trucks; they will now revise the order to equip them with snow removal capability. The city also plans to end the practice of buying cars for city inspectors and purchase pickup trucks that can be used for snow removal when needed. They are also considering designated snow routes that would require residents to remove their vehicles during a storm to allow for faster cleanup. With more snow possible this weekend Mayor Jones says the new plans will go into effect immediately. Only hours before the mayors comments Richmond City Hall was damaged when heavy snow slid from the roof and crashed through the glass panels below.

Snow Storm Slams Central Virginia

Virginia was under a state of emergency as the second major snowstorm of the season slammed into Richmond yesterday dumping between 11 to 14 inches of snow across the area. In what is considered to be an uncommon event the entire state of Virginia was covered in snow by a single storm.

Traffic slowed to a crawl and authorities advised against any unnecessary driving during the storm. Between the hours of 6pm Friday and 5 pm Saturday Virginia state police responded to 1285 traffic accidents with 231 of those being in the Richmond area.

The Richmond International Airport was forced to cancel more than 100 flights Amtrak was brought to a stop and Greyhound buses scheduled to run through the Richmond station were suspended.

In what could be described as a cruel twist of fate Marnel Francois, a Haiti earthquake survivor, was among those stranded at the Richmond Greyhound station. Francois told the Richmond Times that he lost nine family members and two children he considered as family in the earthquake. He then made his way through the Dominican Republic to Miami where he caught the bus trying to get home to New Jersey.

Broad Street, a major route through downtown, is closed to all traffic from 14th street to 25th until further notice. The Boulevard Bridge was also closed until further notice. Driving in many Richmond neighborhoods continues to be hazardous; it could be several days before plows reach some neighborhoods.

In my experience the snow often melts before the plows get to the side streets. The snow is expected to stick around for a while, as temperatures remain low.

CDC Issues Health Warning For Relief Workers in Haiti | Bukisa.com

According to the CDC relief workers who have traveled to Haiti to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake might be exposed to a variety of health risk. They have urged anyone experiencing the following symptoms after spending time in Haiti to contact a doctor immediately:

Fever

Difficulty breathing

Persistent cough

Confusion

Severe vomiting

Severe diarrhea

Yellowish skin or eyes

Unusual bruising or bleeding

For those who are planning to go to Haiti the CDC recommends getting several vaccines including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and for those who might be exposed to animals pre-exposure rabies vaccine. They also recommend having all of the routine vaccines including H1N1 up to date.

Malaria is also a concern when traveling to Haiti, although there is no effective vaccine for Malaria preemptive use of prescription medications combined with insect repellent and mosquito nets can greatly reduce the risk.

Dengue is also common in the Dominican Republic and Haiti; there is no vaccine or medications to prevent Dengue. The CDC offers a guide to protecting yourself from insect born disease. Anthrax, HIV, and Tuberculosis are also major concerns.

Due to the lack of infrastructure and medical facilities the CDC recommends that anyone preparing to go to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake should take a complete first aid kit for their own use.

It is also recommended that relief workers take their own food, water purification tablets, medications, and extra glasses if necessary and insect repellent. They also recommend taking your own protective equipment including respirators and rubber gloves for handling blood and body fluids.

The CDC also warns about the mental and emotional impact on the relief workers. The ongoing exposure to extensive loss of life and serious injuries as well as massive destruction makes it imperative that relief workers are aware of their emotional state at all times. One third or more of emergency responders and relief workers could experience some form of PTSD. The CDC provides stress management tips for relief workers and emergency responders.

How Are Medical Robots Used?

Imagine a surgeon who can perform surgery with extreme precision, smaller incisions, decreased blood loss, less pain, and quicker healing time. That is one of the primary roles of robotics in modern medicine. Although technically considered to be teleoperated devices robotic surgical system such as the da Vinci and Zeus surgical systems are proving to be an invaluable tool for surgeons. Robotic surgical systems utilize the same technology that an autonomous robot would employ for motion control, imaging and tactile feedback while remaining under the control of a human surgeon.

Robotic surgery or robotic-assisted surgery allows the surgeon to perform surgery using a computer to control tiny surgical instruments remotely. When compared to traditional open and laparoscopic surgery, robotic instruments can perform task in hard to reach locations inside the human body through smaller incisions with minimal trauma.

Robotics can increase precision by helping eliminate hand trimmers and other involuntary movements that could influence the precision of the surgeon. Cardiac surgeons, for example, have found that they can meet or exceed the level of precision achieved through conventional methods of open-heart surgery without having to split the breastbone.

Although not the classic robot as we might picture it robotic instruments play a major role in diagnosis. The CAT scan is one diagnostic robot that most of us are familiar with. Robotic laboratory equipment reduces the risk of human error by analyzing blood and tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. Their automated techniques provide consistency and accuracy helping to eliminate miss-diagnosis.

There is ongoing research into robotic replacement hearts, limbs, eyes, ears and other organs. The greatest challenge facing researchers in robotic organs is the body’s natural immune response to foreign objects. They must also develop ways to prevent dangerous chemical interactions between the robotic organ and organic tissue.

For those who have suffered a stroke, brain or nerve damage robotic exercise platforms can be used to improve limb function while monitoring their condition during rehabilitation.

Reboots are used in the production of medications; here they provide invaluable assistance by protecting the human workers from dangerous chemicals and accidental drug exposure. The use of robotics also helps protect the medication from human transmitted contaminates while providing consistency in the manufacturing process.

Although not necessarily considered medical robots, search and rescue robots are beginning to play an important role in protecting first responders. Rescue and flight robots can provide reconnaissance in areas that may be too dangerous for human rescue workers. Just a couple of the practical uses for flight and rescue robots are high rise structural fires and accidents involving hazardous materials. There is also ongoing research and development of rescue robots that are capable of physically removing an injured person from a hazardous situation and transporting them to the first responders.

Virtual Iraq: Treating the Traumas of Reality with Virtual Reality

You have returned from a tour in Iraq, you decide to take a trip to Disneyland to unwind. The cannons are fired from the ship, just part of the show, right? Not for one former Army staff sergeant with the Army's 4th Infantry Division. While in Iraq the staff sergeant barely survived a roadside bombing and mortar attack, when the cannons of Disneyland fired he suddenly found himself flat on the ground crawling for cover. Intellectually he knew he was at Disneyland but he could not stop himself from reacting physically to the sound of the cannons, the results of post-traumatic stress disorder.

What if the staff sergeant could go back and re-live the attack in a safe, controlled environment. In this way he could allow himself to not only face his fears that he is aware of but also dig up the repressed memories of the most traumatic experience of his life. The "virtual Iraq" system will allow him to do just that.

Virtual Iraq was originally adapted from the video game "Full Spectrum Warrior" and is credited to Dr Albert "Skip" Rizzo, a clinical psychologist from the University of Southern California. The system is available for both research and clinical use. Virtual Iraq is a form of virtual reality exposure therapy; the patient is virtually exposed to stimuli to allow them to face the traumatic experience that led to their PTSD.

To help the patient overcome post-traumatic stress disorder using virtual Iraq a therapist will first ask the subject to tell them about the event as they remember it. They will be asked to do this several times; the virtual scenario will be programmed based on this account.

The goal of Virtual Iraq is to re-create the stress and anxiety of the original event that led to the PTSD. In doing so, the suppressed or hard to describe memories and emotions become easier to grasp and vocalize. The virtual Iraq system has been compared to a backhoe, capable of digging up even the most repressed memories.

After the programming is complete the patient will stand or sit on a "base shaker" and wear a virtual reality headset. The headset gives the visual images based on the patients scenario, as the patient turns their head, looks up or down the scenery changes accordingly.

The base shaker simulates the feeling of an explosion by vibrating violently sending the sensation throughout the patient's entire body. Through a pair of headphones the sounds of the battle are introduced, the therapist can also introduce smells into the scenario, diesel fuel, body odor, smoke etc. The therapist will add each new element slowly. The objective is to re-create the situations as realistically as possible. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and levels of perspiration are monitored closely as the therapist introduces new elements to the scenario. Monitoring these responses is critical in order to strike a balance between comfort and anxiety.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta tried out Virtual Iraq in November 2006 as part of a CNN report. On his blog, he described his experience with Virtual Iraq as overwhelming. He was initially skeptical, not because he didn't believe in the technology, but because he had only spent a few weeks in Iraq and this is not comparable to the tours of the average soldier. After beginning his virtual trip back to Iraq he described it as reliving some of the most terrifying moments of his life, including all of the emotions of fear, helplessness and panic. With each new session he could feel his anxiety dissipate.

Army Col. Michael J. Roy describes the experience in an article on defense.gov:

"You feel like you're going to die: Your heart's beating out of your chest, your blood pressure's going up and you want to just get away from it all but you can make it through it. And you realize you're going to be OK."

Col Roy goes on to describe some of the success stories:

"We've had guys who were avoiding going out in public, not using the Metro, not going shopping, not going to sporting events and the movies. Then they go through this, and suddenly they're able to do those things."

Virtual reality is also being used by civilian therapist to treat common phobias such as the fear of flying or driving. Virtual Afghanistan is currently under development.

An Overview of Human Rights in North Korea

To most of the world it appears that the apparent devotion of North Korean citizens to the “Deer Leader” is motivated by fear rather than genuine devotion. Under the close watch of Ministry of People's Security North Korean citizens are required to spy on each other and report any potentially critical conversations they may hear. Those who dare to speak out against Kim Jong-il could find themselves imprisoned in one of the ten concentration camps maintained in North Korea.

It is believed that as many as 200,000 t0 250,000 people are currently held in the camps. In many cases the alleged perpetrators of “political crimes” are not told what they are charged with nor do they have their day in court. Those who dare to speak against the “Dear Leader” are simply arrested without explanation, and taken to the camps. After arriving, they may be tortured for a confession, sentenced to a life of hard labor or in some cases executed.

With the authorities acting on the motto: “Factionalists or enemies of class, whoever they are, their seed must be eliminated through three generations.” the accused is not the only one to suffer as a result of their momentary inability to hold their tongue. Under this motto originally instituted by Kim Il Sung in 1972 and still enforced today the parents, children and in some cases the grandparents of the accused can find themselves in the camps as well.

Travel outside of North Korea is forbidden as is listening to news from any foreign source. Information, including religious sermons is strictly controlled by the government and is geared toward praising the “Dear Leader”. It has been reported that the authorities arrest those who poses un-authorized mobile phones or watch South Korean videos.

Public executions are commonly used as a method of sending a message to would-be political dissidents or those who would attempt to leave North Korea. Hanging and death by firing squad are the preferred methods of carrying out such executions.

The North Korean government maintains the world’s fifth largest military and a research program aimed at developing nuclear weapons and long rang missiles. In stark contrast to the military spending malnutrition is rampant among the average citizens. Almost three quarters of the North Korean populations are currently facing a daily shortage of food. The current crisis is believed to be as bad as the food shortages of the 1990’s when an estimated 3.5 million people died of starvation. South Korea has traditionally been one of the largest donors of rice and fertilizer to the North, Do to strained relations North Korea has failed to request the aid that the general population so desperately needs. Despite the travel ban, many North Koreans are forced to cross the border into China in a desperate attempt to provide food and other supplies for their families.

North Korea is commonly believed to be the most oppressive regime in the modern world. Under the rule of Kim Jong-il, North Korea seems destined to continue to live in isolation as the “secret state”.

An overview of Thomas Young's contributions to the fields of vision and light

Thomas Young was best known as a physician and physicist with a strong interest in sensory perception however he was a man of many interests.  Not only was he a gifted scientist and physician he was also fluent in several languages and studied Egyptology. In 1814 he began to study the Rosetta stone and went on to help translate the language of the ancient Egyptians.

Young made his first notable discovery while still in medical school when he found that the lens of the eye changes shape as it focuses on objects at varies distances. He went on to discover the cause of astigmatism in 1801.

Thomas Young and Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz developed what would become known as the Young-Helmholtz trichromatic theory.  This theory speculated that there were three types of cones in the human retina, which receive color stimulus and transmit it to the brain.  According to their theory each of the three types of cones are sensitive to one of three colors, red, green, or blue. Today our best understanding of the cones is that there are between 6 and 7 million with 64% being sensitive to red, 32% to green and 2% to blue.

Young began his experiments into the phenomenon known as interference in 1801 and this led to his wave theory of light. By splitting a beam of light from a single source and then recombining it he noticed that the light produced dark and light fringes. He concluded that the fringes were the result of the light acting as a wave with the peaks and troughs reinforcing or cancelling out one another.

English scientist did not immediately accept Young’s theory because it defied Newton’s theory of light.  According to Newton’s theory, which was published in 1704, light was made up of particles emitted by their source. Young’s theory began to be more widely accepted after he worked with French physicists Augustin Fresnel and Francois Arago. Fresnel had also experimented with the laws of interference although he achieved little notoriety for his work in optics. He is perhaps best known for developing the compound lens that replaced mirrored lenses in lighthouses. Arago made major contributions to the study of electromagnetism and the phenomenon of magnetic rotation. Along with French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel he discovered the principles governing the polarization of light, a key discovery in establishing the theory of light as a wave.

Young is credited with giving the word energy its scientific significance; he also worked on elasticity, surface tension of liquids and measuring the size of molecules.

Convincing Signs of Global Warming Today

It seems that over the past two hundred years in our rush to the modern age we contributed greatly toglobal warming while doing little to protect our environment. We most now begin to take the necessary steps to slow the process or risk doing irreparable harm to not only ourselves but every living thing on this planet.

In November 2007 the U.N. panel on climate change issued a warning calling on all nations to take immediate action on global warming calling the situation "frightening" "urgent" and "dire'. With carbondioxide levels at the highest they have been in millions of years one of the greatest concerns is that human activity is accelerating the melting of the arctic ice sheets. The arctic ice melt is the most dramatic evidence of global warming and could result in rising sea levels and the flooding of millions of communities along coastlines.

In 2007 the arctic sea ice melt-rate accelerated compared to previous years shattering the record for ice loss in a single season. The remaining ice was 38 percent less than average and 23 percent less then the old record. Satellite photographs showed that the remaining sea ice was also much thinner than normal; this could result in rapid melting and the loss of even more ice. 550 billion tons of ice melted that summer alone. In August 2008 another record was broken when the ice retreated at the fastest rate ever recorded.

Greenhouse gases are necessary because they keep the planet's surface warm enough to sustain life. But, as the concentrations of these gases continue to rise the Earth's temperature is climbing to historic highs. For The past 200 years, our use of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, combined with deforestation has caused the concentrations of heat-trapping gases to increase significantly. These gases prevent heat from escaping, like the glass panels of a greenhouse

The effects of global warming are already being felt around the world say many experts. Birds are laying eggs earlier, plants are blooming earlier, migratory patterns are changing and animals that hibernate are waking earlier in the spring. Many animals are moving to higher elevations than they have in the past as well as moving closer to the north and south poles indicating warmer temperatures. One resent study shows that over 150 species have already been affected and this could easily disrupt the natural connective balance between species and also lead to extinction of many.

Shorter winters, earlier spring snow melts and longer hotter summers have scientist believing the effects of global warming are being felt in Montana. Long-term studies have also shown changes in certain plants in Wisconsin and animal hibernation patterns in Colorado. In Alaska the growth of White Spruce trees have been significantly stunted by warming temperatures and in the Arctic the reduced snow fall, less sea ice and freezing rain in winter have led to the appearance of mosquitoes and robins, never before seen in the region.

Nearly half of the total carbon on the earth’s surface is contained in the boreal forests located in Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia. Scientists now fear that increasing temperatures and human activities could be releasing this carbon. As carbon is released back into the atmosphere it adds to the greenhouse gases thus increasing the warming effect. The release of carbon has many causes including warmer temperatures leading to permafrost melting, wild fires, rotting trees and pine needles; also construction and deforestation are a big factor. The release of this carbon combined with other pollution results in higher ozone levels which in turn results additional damage to plants affecting their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, in other words, a cycle of increasing climate change.

As we all know the facts can be manipulated to support any theory one would like, “Global warming is caused by human activity”, “it’s just a natural cycle and it is not a threat to humans” or “it’s all a hoax”. The fact remains that in-action based on misguided information will result in catastrophe for future generations; however, if our actions to prevent global warming are misguided we will simply leave a cleaner world.

Peter Hale: I'm Still in Love with My Wife Who Tried to Kill Me

Joanne Hale appeared in Bristol Crown Court for sentencing after being found guilty of attempted murder. Peter Hale, her husband and intended victim, sat quietly only yards from Mrs. Hale as she was sentenced to six years in prison. In an unusual twist, Mr. Hale was not in court to see justice done but to support his wife and attempted murderess.

This unusual story of love, betrayal, and attempted murder began on December 27 2008 when Joanne Hale convinced her husband, Peter, to take a natural aphrodisiac known as "horny goat weed". She then enticed him into a nearby wooded area in Stoke Park, Bristol with promises of sex. Peter Hale stated in Bristol Crown Court that a migraine mask had been placed on him obscuring his vision, he went on to tell the jury: 'It was just a kind of sexual game. I enjoyed the game but I lifted it up because I wanted to see."

After rolling around in the leaves and some flirtatious foreplay Joanne Hale rolled on top of her husband, cut his throat and stabbed him several times. Before she could inflict a fatal wound Hale was interrupted by a passer-by, Timothy Walker, she told him that she had discovered the injured man and would go for help. She then drove to Bristol Parkway railway-station to pick up Philip Sudol, a married postal worker she had met online. The couple had arranged to meet for a romantic encounter. The pair was arrested at Joanne Hale's home later that evening, Sudol apparently had no knowledge of the crime and was later released.

In an unusual display of devotion her husband and victim has been her greatest supporter and ally throughout the trial. Peter Hale has reportedly sent several letters to the court stating that he has forgiven his wife and declaring his love for her.

During sentencing, Justice John Royce said the loyalty and apparent love between the two "produces a serious sentencing dilemma'. He went on to say "this is an extraordinary case, and I hope and trust that when you are released you and Mr. Hale will be together again enjoying a happy life and steer clear of Horny Goat Weed in the future.'

After hearing the sentence Peter Hale told reporters: "I suppose the sentence is the best we could have hoped for. My evidence was very confused and I hope that we have grounds for an appeal. I still love her very much." He went on to say "I am still very much in love with my wife and will certainly be standing by her when she is released."

Joanne Hale, who has reportedly attempted suicide two times since her arrest, must serve at least half of the six-year sentence before she will be eligible for parole. Six years is the minimum sentence allowed by law for the charge of attempted murder.

Peter blew a kiss to Joanne as she was led away to begin serving her sentence.

On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me.... A Divorce Gift Voucher?

Lloyd Platt & Company, a London law firm, is offering what could easily be described as the most unusual "must have" gift of the season. For £125 you can give your true love a divorce gift voucher good for one session with an attorney to receive advice pertaining to your potential divorce or possible alternatives.

Ms Lloyd Platt, senior partner at the firm, told the Telegraph: "We hope through the vouchers that we can offer clients all the practical options available to them - divorce being only one of the options." The firm has reportedly sold over 50 vouchers in the run up to Christmas.

Lloyd Platt & Company may have stumbled into a gold mine for the New Year; Family law practices across the UK are reporting a spike in new consultations to discuss filing for divorce. One UK law firm expects January to be one of the busiest periods ever recorded for divorce. Family law specialist, Shelley Hesford, told the Guardian: "People have been battling to keep marriages intact, but many have simply cracked and crumbled under the relentless pressure of recession. People see the Christmas break as a hiatus in their lives during which they can end one chapter and try to start the next."

Quickie Divorce Ltd, a firm specializing in divorce in the fast lane, has had to triple their workforce over the past year to keep up with demand. Their director, Adrian Hill told Wales Online: "Last year we had 15,000 people request one, whereas this year we've had around 25,000 - that's an 80% increase. Just a year ago we had five members of staff, now we have 14 just to cope with the demand." Their success has been credited to the emulation of celebrities.

The divorce gift vouchers have not been without criticism, some of which includes treating divorce like buying a handbag and an "ambulance chasing" technique for divorce lawyers.

Despite the criticism the vouchers may just be a hit, they are catching on with everyone from friends using them as a suggestion to wives husbands and mistresses. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few mother in laws giving them as a present to their married children.

It appears that the divorce gift voucher can take its rightful place at the top of the list of unusual Christmas gifts. Some other contenders are: Squirrel Feet Earrings, the Fetus Cookie Cutter, and the Decapitated Teddy Bear Lamp.