Former "Rap Mogul" Arrested for Suspicion

The Former "rap mogul" was detained for suspicion of a hit-and-run on Thursday. The incident resulted in the death of a man, and minor injuries to another. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, "Suge Knight was arrested for murder in connection to fatal traffic incident in Compton and is booked at a station held on $2M bail." Marion "Suge" Knight was allegedly driving in a red truck and was angry from an argument he had with a co-star on the movie set, "Straight Outta Compton." This is not the first time the rap star has visited jail. In the 1990's, he was charged with convictions involving assaults and weapons. Since then he has been in and out of trouble.

President Obama and First Lady Meet with Saudi Arabian King

President Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, visited Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. They were paying their respects to late King Abdullah, and meeting with the new leader, King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The Islamic Law firmly states that men are forbidden to touch other women that they are not related. The First Lady allegedly had shaken hands with the King. The rule is over-looked and accepted when official diplomatic delegations visit the kingdom. Michelle Obama had also not been following the strict Islamic Law, which states women must be fully covered in garments.

Michelle Obama

The White House notes that representatives of the United States, including former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright, along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel have all visited the Saudi king, and have all shaken hands with members of the Saudi royal family.

Mr. President with First Lady standing next to
the Saudi Arabian King.  

43 Missing Mexican Students Case Closed?

About four months ago in Guerreo, a state in Mexico, and 43 students were abducted from their bus heading to a school. The students attending a rural teachers college were left-wing, anti-government activists, mostly in their late teens and early twenties. Their bodies are yet to be found, and the case has led to about 99 suspects in detainment. The Mexican president has made some comments about moving on from this tragedy. A Mexican attorney also stated how it is a "legal certainty" that the 43 missing students were in fact murdered. Based on the investigation and the evidence that has surfaced in the San Juan River, many officials believe the college students were burnt and had some of their remains thrown into the water. "The dental remains found in what was the middle of the fire show that the temperature reached 1,600 degrees Celsius (2,912 degrees Fahrenheit), which dehydrated, decomposed, intervened and fused the remains. This makes it impossible to extract DNA samples, even with the most advanced technology," one scientist reported to the press.

One storyline that the authorities find believable is, "Mistaken Identity." The local criminal gang in the town of Iguala, had some accusations brought up against their members, because the students were last seen passing through their town. It was reported that the gang of Iguala thought the students were members of their rival gang. Another suspect was the former Mayor of Iguala, who happened to disappear the around the same time the students were reported missing. Mexican Protests still continue to push for the officials to find answers, but also make Mexico a safer place to live.

Protest of thousands.

Air Pollution in Asia

The air pollution in 1997 throughout Asia sky rocketed and increased the hospital visits by 40%, which later was recorded as one of Asia's worst "haze episodes."  A yearly average of people that die due to the sickness caused from pollutes in the air is 7 million. The common causes of death were stroke and heart disease, followed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD,) and many other respiratory infections. It is more commonly seen in China and India, as both of their populations combined is 2.7 billion people. 

A Chinese women rides down a road with a mask.

The cities are full vehicles, fossil fueled power plants, and factories. Most of the emissions from the factories are regulated by the tailpipe scrubbers, converters, or other pollution mitigating applications. The government has been taking some actions, by making it known throughout the country, and more public health interventions.

Rare Shark Caught Off Coast of Australia

A rare pre-historic looking shark has been caught off the coast of Australia. In the past there have been many reports about these creatures roaming the depths of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The fisherman who was lucky enough to reel this creature onto his boat was David Guillot. He reported, "I've been fishing 30 years and never saw anything like it. So I brought it in," he said by phone from his boat Thursday. "Honestly, we thought we had caught a brand new species, maybe discovered something wild."


The shark's body is described to be like an eel, with razor sharp teeth, and the one caught was about 6 feet long. Fossils have been found that are the same exact replica dating back 80 million years ago.  

Rare shark was caught in Australia.

Man Reunited With His Family After 24 Years

In 1991, a Chinese boy about 4-years-old was abducted from a vegetable market. Sun Bin was taken by local traffickers, and sold to a family a thousand miles from his hometown. Twenty-four years later, he was reunited with his 60-year-old father, Sun Youhong, and younger sister, who he had not gotten to know. Although both of Sun's parents searched for him desperately throughout the years, they could not find him. Unfortunately, Sun's mother died in 2011 due to cancer, before he could meet her. Sun reported to always not feel at home, and always thought he was adopted. Curious about where who his real parents were, he left a DNA sample with a local police station in Jiangsu in October 2014 and recently received a phone call saying that a match had been found. Trafficking is a major concern in China. Just last week there had been a bust on saving 37 babies from traffickers. Since boys are usually bided at a higher price, there is a higher demand for them due to how they carry the family line on.

Sun Bin with his father, at 4.
 

Sin Bin with his father, at 24.

Hope Solo Suspended

The United States' Women's National Soccer team's goalie, Hope Solo, earlier this month was charged of domestic violence. But just recently, her husband was caught driving under the influence with her in the passenger seat. Due to her actions the league and her coach think it would be best for her to take a break. Solo, 33 reported that no matter what her reputation, or what happens she will always love the sport of soccer and try her best. Hope Solo is a back-to-back Olympic gold medal winner.

Hope Solo dives to save a goal.

Hope Solo later posted on Facebook:
"I accept and respect the Federation's decision, and more importantly, I apologize for disappointing my teammates, coaches and the Federation who have always supported me," Solo said in a statement posted on her Facebook page. "I think it's best for me to take a break, decompress from the stress of the last several months, and come back mentally and physically ready to positively contribute to the team."

Hope Solo

Oldest Gospel Found in Mummy

The oldest testament has been discovered in the inside of a buried mummy mask. Some scientists claimed that a piece of it, which is from the Gospel of Mark, is dated back to 90 A.D. Previously the oldest known copy was dated back to about 101-200 A.D. The text was written on a papyrus sheet that was later reused for the mummy mask. While the common image of ancient mummies usually involves bejeweled golden masks that level of finery was only reserved for the wealthy. The mummy mask for the average person would have been made out of recycled material like papyrus. The research team, so they could retrieve the text without damaging it, applied a method of ungluing the papyrus without obscuring the paper’s ink. About three-dozen researchers are using this technique to analyze hundreds of texts from mummy masks.

The piece of text has not yet been published, only a hand full of people has actually been able to witness this artifact. It may be the next step to having a clearer understanding of the Christian texts, along with other piece of Greek culture and literature that was also discovered.

A mummy.

Boar Hunting Banned in NY State

Regulations have been prompted by the Department of Environment (DEC) in New York State against wild boar hunting, domesticating, trapping, etc. The plan has involved a mass eradication of these wild creatures because of the "harmful effects they have on the environment and the animals." 

New York is not the only state taking action; states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Massachusetts have been ordered to get the boar population under control. In some cases, the techniques include radical measures like hunters shooting the boars from a helicopter, or sharp shooting with rifles.

Scientists have been busy making poisons and birth control to feed  and kill off to the boars, yet one of the reasons why the boars are despised is for the spread of disease to humans and other animals (example: swine flu). Mixing poisons into the food chain would not be the most logical thing to resort to. Humans are what they eat, and so are the boar's prey and/or scavengers. Many environmental problems could also arise out of the toxins. Scientists have even proved this theory that it does in fact have negative effects in several of ways. "Scavengers that consume stomach contents, such as ravens and vultures, may be at risk and should be directly tested."


Last weekend, for the first time, I experienced my first boar hunt. On this preserve, the hill was steep and full of life. The peace of the woods with the birds chirping on the tall treetops, it all seemed appalling to think that these "damaged areas" need to eradicate the wild boar that roam them. Furthermore, it is rather tragic news, but by September 1st, 2015, the DEC intends to have all the preserves shut down. Owning wild boar will then be illegal. How some make a living, and also the hobby that many of all ages pursue will soon be vanished near the end of 2015.  

In Search for Artic Bacterium for Antibiotics

Picture of Bacteria

Biologists have been searching the bottom of the seafloor for a special bacterium found in the freezing waters of the Artic. The ship, "Helmer Hanssen", and the scientists on board have been digging hard for the past couple of months in the search for this generation's next antibiotic. Bacteria has evolved, adapted, and become resistant to many antibiotics more commonly than ever. Antibiotics research has become unpopular in the past thirty years due to the quickly resisting characteristic of bacteria cells. On average, it costs a pharmaceutical company more than $2 billion to bring a new drug to market. Many believe by searching the ocean for new organisms that may give them a better understanding and knowledge in chemistry which will ultimately help treat bacterial infections.



The Helmer Hanssen

Babies Saved From Trafficking in China

Chinese police have saved the lives of thirty-seven infant babies and a three-year-old girl. Wednesday, they had busted the trafficking of these children in handbags and suitcases. Reportedly back in July of 2014, a group of suspicious pregnant women were kidnapped and forced to give birth in an abandon factory. The police stated that they have found an "underground delivery room," and other evidence such as diapers.

Due to the terrible conditions the babies were exposed to, most of them suffer from HIV/AIDS, and/or malnutrition. The babies had a diet that consisted of instant noodles, and leftover vegetables. This is because they are taken from their mothers' right after birth.  Also, there have been reports to where the babies traveled, from the factory, to a hospital, and to a nearby suburb where they were kept. The criminal gangs involved with this "dealing," police have allegedly detained 103 people that were suspected. The Chinese law states that the child traffickers could face up to 10 years in prison, or sentenced to death all depending on how many children they had sold. The Chinese government have noticed the increase in child trafficking and are making it an effort to put a stop to it.

Picture of some infants babies that were saved.

Skeletons Surface in the Ganges River

There have been reports, ironically, of the holiest river in India to be full of dead bodies. The Ganges River was reported to have about eighty skeletons float to the surface after the increase in water level around Tuesday afternoon.

Government officials stated that most of the bodies appeared to be half-burnt. The claims for these partly-burnt bodies are due to the popular traditions of the Indian people who practice Hinduism.  It is a common thing for this faith to hold cremation ceremonies near certain spots on the Ganges River shore. The poorer of people sometimes cremate their dead with limited firewood as a ritual and float the partly-burnt bodies into the river. These are causes for the alleged amount of bodies found in the Ganges River. Although another cause could be from the increase in water level, and how it might have eroded the sediment buildup near the gravesites set right near the river.

A skeleton washed up on the shore of the Ganges River.

India's Prime Minister has launched a National Mission for Clean Ganga involving various stakeholders, religious figures, and environmentalists. The Indian people are

Robin Williams

Ladies and Gentlemen, Robin Williams
1951-2014 

"You're only given a little touch of madness, you mustn't loose it"- Robin Williams

On August 11th, 2014; the hearts of millions had been touched when the horrifying news that the brilliant mind, actor, comedian, and father, Robin Williams, had committed suicide early that morning. His compelling performances in movies such as Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Aladdin, etc. have led him to become highly admired by people of all ages. William's legacy was one of top searched terms of 2014.

Robin Williams went from "Most Likely Not to Succeed" his senior year of high school (1969) to winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting. He had also received two Emmy Awards, six, Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards all throughout his career. It is said that he was the start of the "Comedian Renaissance" seen throughout the 1970's. In the children's movie, Aladdin, Robin Williams was the Genie, where he had led the way for other animated films to incorporate actors with more star power to be casted into roles.

As a child, Williams enjoyed the attention he received from his mother, and the bond formed from making her laugh. His humor act had originally started with that. In his early 20's, he began working in Los Angeles in night clubs as a stand-up comedian. Eventually worked his way into television shows based solely on his improvisational skills, and sense of wit.

Robin Williams was open about the negative aspects of his life too. For instance, he had shared with the media his addiction for cocaine in the early 80's, and in the 2000s, his struggle with alcohol. Robin Williams committed suicide by hanging himself in his home in California. Shortly after, his wife stated that her husband and best friend, Robin Williams, had been suffering for a long time with depression, paranoia, and was previously diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Robin Williams' legacy will continue to live, inspire, and spark people of all ages. Rest in Peace, Genie you're free!

Rosetta Spacecraft Lands on Comet

After a long journey, and bouncy landing,
Rosetta Philae safely sits on the comet.  

In 2014, the science field was literally out of this world. In Europe, the robotic lander had accomplished its mission and was the first to be down in human history. The Rosetta's Philae module landed on comet 67/P Churyumov- Gerasimenko on November 12th.

After a decade trip and four billion miles of space travel, the lander settled in a shady spot on the comet. The European Space Agency over a frantic fifty-seven hours had their scientists conducting experiment after experiment. Several of the instruments on Philae made the first direct analysis of a comet, and it sent back data that can be analyzed by the scientists who will determine the composition of the surface. They performed and collected all the data they could before its solar-powered batteries shut down. Philae is sleeping on the comet now, but it may wake up again next summer, when the comet next turns toward the sun.


Comet 67/P pieces that were collected from the European scientists.

ISIS

The Black Flag is a symbol for the Islamic State.

The rise of the Islamic state in Iraq and al-Sham, abbreviated as ISIS, has been geographically disorienting for the Middle East. It has also made the top news stories of 2014, since June, 2014, these extremists have been trying to seize central and western religious powers of the Middle East.

Mass movements of Muslims from around the world have made sudden journeys to Northern Iraq, while some of the bordering organizations threatened the Turkish border. Some other brutal, twisted methods the militants pursue to abuse human rights, and start war crimes, were putting out videos, shot in stretches of desert, in which hostages are mocked, beaten, and killed. In Raqqa, the Syrian town that serves as its base, prisoners were beheaded and their remains put on display along the Naem Roundabout.

The beheading of a prisoner, ISIS militants
 record and post it.

 

Ukraine and Russian Conflict

In 2014, the uprising Russian forces decided to push large troops into Ukraine, which was considered as an invasion. Kind of like a flashback to the Cold War that occurred over two decades ago, the Soviet Union (communist Russia), had collapsed and Ukraine gained their independence. Since Russia had started to put forces in the Russian majority city, Crimea, citizens and government officials in Ukraine became desperate for assistance from the NATO forces, they had also wanted to join in it.

Intense protests have resulted too from Russia's president; there have been some deaths, hostages, and destruction of cities due to the conflict. Some of the issues are still trying to be resolved, but as rebel powers still control most of East Ukraine and Russian forces are still seen entering through the borders, the conflict will continue.