OkCupid Asks Members to Not Use Firefox Due to Mozilla's CEO's Support of Prop 8

OkCupid, one of top dating sites, surprised users with a new page when they logged in, via Mozilla Firefox, on Monday.

The page involved a call for OkCupid members to stop using Mozilla Firefox as their web browser, due to Mozilla's new CEO, Brendan Eich.

Back in 2008, Eich donated one thousand dollars to support the passing of Proposition 8, in California.

Proposition 8, attempted to ban gay marriage in the sate.

The site's new page stated:

 "Hello there, Mozilla Firefox user. Pardon this interruption of your OkCupid experience.

Mozilla’s new CEO, Brendan Eich, is an opponent of equal rights for gay couples. We would therefore prefer that our users not use Mozilla software to access OkCupid.

Politics is normally not the business of a website, and we all know there’s a lot more wrong with the world than misguided CEOs. So you might wonder why we’re asserting ourselves today. This is why: we’ve devoted the last ten years to bringing people—all people—together. If individuals like Mr. Eich had their way, then roughly 8% of the relationships we’ve worked so hard to bring about would be illegal. Equality for gay relationships is personally important to many of us here at OkCupid. But it’s professionally important to the entire company. OkCupid is for creating love. Those who seek to deny love and instead enforce misery, shame, and frustration are our enemies, and we wish them nothing but failure.

Background on Mr. Eich and Mozilla
In 2008, Mr. Eich supported the passage of California’s Prop 8, a statewide initiative to ban gay marriage, with a $1000 donation. Granted, his contribution is now six years in the past, and people can change. But Mr. Eich’s boilerplate statements in the time since make it seem like he has the same views now as he did then. Mozilla recently promoted him to CEO, hence the issue only now coming to our attention. His donation was known to Mozilla at the time of his promotion, and, furthermore, CEOs are rewarded based on their company’s performance. The CEO is the visionary for a company and its products. We are sad to think that any OkCupid page loads would even indirectly contribute towards the success of an individual who supported Prop 8—and who for all we know would support it again. We wish Mozilla’s institutional commitment to freedom and openness were better reflected by their choice of leadership."

OkCupid's page also provided users with links to download Mozilla's main competition: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Opera.

It eventually allowed an option to continue on using Firefox, therefore stopping short of blocking access via Firefox.

North Korea and South Korea Exchange Artillery Fire

North and South Korea exchanged artillery rounds, on Monday.

During maneuvers, North Korea fired over fire hundred artillery rounds, more than one hundred of which landed in South Korean waters.

Residents on nearby South Korean islands rushed to shelters, where they were kept for several hours.

South Korean forces responded with three hundred rounds into North Korean waters.

Neither country's rounds caused any damage or injuries.

Review: Noah

Noah, which came out on Thursday, is written and directed by Darren Aronofsky. It stars Russel Crowe as Noah, Jennifer Connelly as his wife, Emma Watson as the eventual wife of Shem, as well as such actors as Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, and Logan Lerman.

Russel Crowe plays a deeply faithful servant of The Creator, who is an extreme vegetarian. We watch him as he struggles with the mission given him and how it hurts him to watch mankind be destroyed, but he feels that there is no other way. Crowe was very possibly the best actor to play this part.

Both Jennifer Connelly and Emma Watson give the main speeches which cause Noah any real thought during the movie. Only them seem able to make him think beyond what he has decided is the will of The Creator. They are the ones who keep mercy and love in the world.

An unexpected bit in the movie was The Watchers. They are fallen angels who, after the fall of Adam and Eve, came to aid man kind, but were punished by The Creator. Their punishment was being encased in stone bodies and having to watch their aid be turned for evil in the hands of wicked men. When Noah comes on the scene, they find their way to redemption. The Watchers seem to be an awkward mix of Ents from Peter Jackson's Lord of The Rings and Michael Bay's Transformers. They are also very reminiscent of the Jewish myth of the golems, which if purposeful would be a really nice touch by Aronofsky.

You've likely heard the bashing of it based on it's lack of saying "God" any time in the movie. However, this is something I actually find positive and interesting. Throughout the movie they say "The Creator" which is what God was to Noah and those of his time. It's worth noting that in the Bible God didn't even call himself God until talking with Abram, in Genesis 17, before the name to change to Abraham. Now the Bible does use the word God before then, however it was written by Moses, who came just a bit after Noah.

The makers of this movie definitely went out of their way to keep from pissing off Christians/creationists while appeasing atheists/evolutionists. This movie is very clear that some being created everything. Man is noted to have been created in the image of The Creator, this right after we watched a series of CGI that seems to show a fish evolving into a primate. Per the movie, The Creator's spoken word is also what triggered the big bang and all of the universe.

Like many things in the world, this movie is neither fully good nor fully bad. It is a mixed bag that you can't simply just react to, but must contemplate and examine before deciding for yourself. Perhaps this movie is so easy a target as it's a story everyone knows. No matter what kind of faith background you come from, you know the story of Noah and the ark. Because the story is so well known, the movie has suspense, as you keep waiting for certain events, such as the finding of wives for all three sons, to take place.

I enjoyed how deep Noah's character was, filled with conflict over what he feels must be done. It definitely made me think of things I hadn't before. If you plan to see this movie, do so with an open mind. Don't expect the pure Bible. Look past the vegetarian preaching. Take truth where it can be found and enjoy the mix of myth into the story. Basically, just remember that this is a modern day Hollywood version of Noah's story.

4.8 Quake Rattles Yellowstone

A 4.8 earthquake rattled Yellowstone National Park, early Sunday morning.

It was the strongest earth quake centered inside the park, in thirty-four years.

There were no reports of damage or injuries, as a result of the quake.

Scientists state that there is no concern that the quake will set off the park's volcano.

Colorado Plane Crash Leaves 1 Dead in Highlands Ranch

A small plane crashed Saturday afternoon, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

The crash occurred near Lucent Boulevard and E470.

One person, the pilot of the aircraft was killed in the crash.

According to witnesses, the plane burst into flames upon hitting the ground.

They also said that it was clear the plane was having difficulties and that it appeared the pilot steered away from buildings towards the open field.

Officials said that it was an experimental aircraft, likely built by the pilot.

Southern California Hammered by Aftershocks After La Habra Quake

Southern California has been hammered with aftershocks after a 5.1 earthquake struck Friday night.

The 5.1 was centered in La Habra and was felt up and down the state.

It knocked items off shelves, broke glass items across the area, broke gas and water lines, caused a rock slide, and even knocked some traffic lights down.

One apartment complex and eight homes have been condemned, due to the damage.

Authorities spent much of Saturday inspecting for further damage to structures, bridges, and roads.

No injuries were reported by the main quake or any of the aftershocks.

Over one hundred aftershocks have followed it, with the strongest being a 4.4 which struck Saturday afternoon.

Colorado Senators Working to Bring State It's Own Firefighting Air Power

Colorado lawmakers are working on a bipartisan effort to increase the state's ability to fight fires.

Senate Bill 14-164 would give the state it's own fleet of fire fighting helicopters and planes.

It is cosponsored by Republican state senators Steve King and Bill Cadman and Democrat Morgan Carroll.

Currently, Colorado is dependent on federal agencies, the military, National Guard, and other states to supply air power to fight fires.

Having it's own fire fighting fleet could mean faster response times.

Search Continues in Washington For Victims of Oso Mudslide

Search efforts renewed in Oso, Washington, on Wednesday, after rains brought a stop to them, on Tuesday.

Members of the National Guard aided local agencies as hope dwindles that they'll find survivors of Sunday's mudslide.

Officials raised the confirmed death toll up to twenty-four, with one hundred and seventy-six missing.

Eight people did survive the slide, with four still in the hospital from the injuries.


The slide, which crossed the Stillaguamish River as well as a road, buried forty-nine houses in twenty feet of mud.

Many buildings were simply crushed, not buried, by the force of the slide.

If no more survivors are found, the slide could become the deadliest in US history.

2 Firefighters Killed in 9 Alarm Boston Fire

Two firefighters were killed fighting a nine alarm fire in Boston, Massachusetts, on Wednesday afternoon.

Strong winds, with gusts over forty miles per hour, helped push and spread the flames through a four story rowhouse.

According to officials, a group of firefighters became trapped in the building's basement, leading to the deaths and other injuries.

A total of eighteen people, including firefighters and residents were hospitalized, because of the fire.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze.

The firefighters were later identified as Edward Walsh and Michael Kennedy.

North Korea Fires 2 Ballistic Missiles

North Korea fired two ballistic missiles, on Wednesday.

They were aimed off to the east, into the Sea of Japan, and flew about four hundred miles, making it two thirds of the way to Japan.

The launches came as the US joined Japan and South Korea in talks to discuss how to defend against any North Korean hostility.

By launching the missiles, North Korea once again violated UN Security Council resolutions.

It also follows a series of rocket, artillery, and smaller missile launches over the last few weeks while the US and South Korea were conducting joint naval exercises.

No warnings were announced before any of the launches, however only this latest launch came near shipping lanes.

Nodong missiles, which were used Wednesday, are capable of carrying nuclear payloads.

Review: Shakira.

Shakira's latest album, which is self titled, was released on Friday, and is already headed to greatness.

Of course not too difficult a job when the three singles already released from it have already made it into her top ten most listened songs, on Spotify.

Can't Remember to Forget You, which features Rihanna, is already solidly in second with over the thirty-one million listen mark, on Spotify, which is nearly double the amount her previous hit Hips Don't Lie has.

Empire and Nunca Me Acuerdo de Olvidarte are both around the million mark, putting them eighth and ninth on her list.

Blake Shelton and Magic are also featured on a song each, and Loca por Ti brings in a second song in Spanish.

As usual her album has songs with great rhythms, beats, and heartfelt lyrics.

You won't regret giving this album a listen or a purchase, it's filled with songs you'll enjoy if you've ever liked Shakira's music.

Death Toll in Washington up to 14 With 176 Missing

Fourteen people are now confirmed dead in Oso, Washington, after Sunday's mudslide.

The slide, which crossed the Stillaguamish River as well as a road, buried forty-nine houses in twenty feet of mud.

One hundred and seventy-six more people are missing, though officials say some of those may be duplicates.

Members of the National Guard, arrived Tuesday morning, to help in search efforts.

The efforts have been majorly hampered by the quick sand like mud, which has made it dangerous for crews to enter the area.

Shooting at Naval Station Norfolk Leaves 2 Dead in Virginia

Two people were killed late Monday night during a shooting at Naval Station Norfolk, in Virginia.

According to authorities, a civilian attempted to board the USS Mahan, a destroyer docked at Pier 1.

When the shore patrol attempted to remove him, a struggle ensued, and the man ended up with one of the security member's guns.

The man then shot a sailor, killing him, and then was in turn shot and killed by other members of the shore patrol.

Officials placed the base on lockdown, after incident, however it was reopened by Tuesday morning.

At this time, the identities of the sailor and civilian have not been released, nor has any motive yet been uncovered.

Washington Death Toll Rises to 8, with 108 Missing

The death toll from Saturday's mudslide, in Oso, Washington, has risen to eight.

Authorities also raised the missing count from eighteen to one hundred and eight.

So far, only eight survivors have been rescued.

Mud up to twenty feet deep buried the area, which included fifty-five homes.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by thick, quick sand like mud.

Concerns about the possibility of the Stillaguamish River flooding are also on the minds of officials, as rescue efforts renewed on Monday.

32 Injured in Chicago Train Derailment

Thirty-two people were injured, early Monday morning, when a train derailed, in Chicago, Illinois.

The train struck a platform at O'Hare International Airport.

It's front car went off the tracks and landed on a nearby escalator.

 None of the injuries are life threatening.

An investigation is underway to determine what caused the train to jump it's tracks, though excessive speed is considered a likely factor.

Authorities suspended train service, on that part of the line, for twenty-four hours, for the investigation to take place.

Mudslide Leaves 4 Dead, 18 Missing in Washington

A massive mudslide swallowed entire houses, Saturday morning, in Oso, Washington.

Four people have been confirmed dead, eight were injured, and eighteen are still missing.

Mud up to twenty feet deep swept in a sudden rush trapping many people.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by thick, quick sand like mud.

Concerns about the possibility of the Stillaguamish River flooding are also on the minds of officials.

Turkey Shoots Down Jet From Syria

Two Turkish F16s engaged two Syrian jets, on Sunday, after they allegedly entered Turkish airspace.

One of the Syrian jets was shot down, with it's pilot safely ejecting and parachuting down into Syria.

The Turkish government says that it repeatedly warned they Syrian jets that they were approaching Turkish airspace.

After they had entered Turkish airspace they were given one last warning, and then shots were fired once they had gone beyond a kilometer into Turkey.

Syria's government has yet to comment on the incident.

Review: Divergent

Divergent is set in a dystopian future in a ruined Chicago after an unknown war that left the land and people desolated. The exposition leading to the meat of the movie is short, sweet, and to the point letting the viewer to know exactly where and when the story is taking place. I really enjoyed the explanations of the different factions which made this viewer think of which one he would belong to.

Shailene Woodley, who played Beatris or Tris as she later named herself, played the part wonderfully. Woodley's actions, expressions, physicality, and action is true to the character she portrays. Theo James, who was cast as Four, plays both tough and tender simultaneously beautifully. You couldn’t ask for a better performance. In addition, Jai Courtney, who is Eric in the filmm had the most perfect features both physically and acting wise to portray his character. The rest of the cast really rounded out the movie to be smooth and working well.

I was happy to see the heroine in this movie, compared to the other dystopian Young Adult genre movie(s) Hunger Games, not actually minding hurting or killing people. Equally impressive were scenes where females fought males. That is not really seen a lot in movies so it was a nice change of pace. Having not read the books, I didn’t know how this first film was supposed to end. I was happy it ended the way it did though.

There were a few drawbacks. Namely the cliche montage training scenes. Also, I felt there could have been a few times where the movie could have ended which would have made the viewer to come back to see how the rest of the story ended. Another thing that I wondered about was the level of violence and blood in a PG-13 movie. So, be wary of taking your young children to see this.

Overall, there was a great cohesiveness with how the film was made. It really felt complete and left nothing to wonderment save for how the next two movies will progress.

DISCLAIMER: The reviewer is from Chicago, so it may have made the movie more enjoyable.

Ukraine Airman Injured as Russia Attacks Base

A Ukrainian airman was injured on Saturday, when Russian troops attacked two Ukrainian bases, in Crimea.

The Russian troops used armored vehicles to crash through the gates, firing stun grenades at Ukrainian troops, and firing live ammunition into the air.

They also detained the base's commander and took him away for "talks".

Ukraine has been attempting to find a way to safely evacuate their bases, in the region which Russia has stolen through force.

However it seems Russia is unwillingly to allow Ukraine time to do so, and is likely also trying to provoke a war.

If a war begins it would give Russia an excuse to roll into eastern Ukraine, if not the entire country.

While the international community is willing to put small sanctions against Russia, for it's criminal actions, they are not willing to defend Ukraine with their own troops.

35 Killed When Oil Truck Hits Buses in Pakistan

Thirty-five people were killed when an oil truck struck two buses near Hub, Balochistan, Pakistan.

Dozens more were injured in the crash and resulting fire.

The fire was made worse as both buses were carrying oil on their roofs.

It took fire fighters nearly two hours to control the flames.

Officials say that the truck driver was speeding and lost control of his vehicle.

North Korea Launches 30 Rockets

Once again North Korea fired off a series of rockets into the Sea of Japan.

Saturday's barrage involved thirty short range rockets.

The "tests" took place while the US and South Korea are conducting maneuvers.

None of the projectiles came near allied forces.

It is the fifth time during the maneuvers that North Korea has fired weaponry.

They conduct the "tests" as a form of protest against the US's continued support of South Korea.

10 Missing After Hotel Fire in New Jersey Kills 4

Four people were killed in an early morning fire at the Mariner's Cove Motor Inn, in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

Another eight people were injured in Friday's blaze, including a deputy sheriff who was injured helping with the evacuation.

Officials say that another ten are missing.

It is unclear if the missing were even present, at the time of the incident.

An investigation is underway to determine what caused the fire.

Ukraine to Withdraw From Crimea After Russia's Troops Seize Naval Bases

Ukraine announced that it will withdraw their troops, from their bases in Crimea. They will also bring their families out with them.

The announcement came just hours after Russian troops forced their way into and seized two Ukrainian naval bases in Sevastopol, on Wednesday morning.

Both sets of events happened a day after pro Russian militias attacked a Ukrainian military base in Simferopol. That attack resulted in two deaths.

Sunday saw a vote pass for Crimea to leave Ukraine and join Russia. Russia praised it as a sign that Crimeans wished to rejoin Russia, bragging about it's ninety-seven percent yes votes. However, with only a fifty-six percent turnout it would seem the vote wasn't truly that successful.

The international community has condemned the vote, calling it illegal. Only Russia is accepting the vote as having any bases. Much of the world notes that as many as fifty thousand Russian troops were in Crimea, for the vote. It is also noted that pro Russian militias stationed themselves inside most polling posts.

Sanctions were announced, on Monday, by the US, Australia, EU, and other nations. However, the sanctions are severely limited and do nothing to make Russia even pause from keeping Crimea.

On Saturday, Russian forces went north of Crimea and seized the village of Strilkove for a time. They eventually pulled back, but set up shop around and inside the village's natural gas production buildings. Ukrainian troops have since made entrenchments and other defense inside the village to block any further Russian incursions.

Ukraine has called up all of it's reserves, in case Russia attempts to push further into the country. Nearly two thousand Russian troops are setup right on the eastern border. Around two hundred thousand more are conducting maneuvers just a few hours further east. No military aid is expected from Europe, should Russia advance.

2 Dead as News Helicopter Crashes in Seattle

A news helicopter in Seattle, Washington, crashed on Tuesday morning, while attempting to land at the KOMO news helipad.

It hit the ground, striking three vehicles and bursting into flames, near the Space Needle.

Both aboard the helicopter were killed, while the driver of one of the cars was severely injured and is in serious condition, with burns to much of his body.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze and get the flames out.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Ukraine Soldier Killed in Attack by Crimea Militia

On Tuesday, armed pro Russian militias attacked a Ukrainian military base in Simferopol. A Ukrainian soldier was killed, two more were injured, and a fourth was kidnapped. The incident marked the first military causality of the Crimea conflict.

In response to the attack, Ukraine's government authorized troops to fire their weapons in self defense. Previously, they had not been allowed to, as the country tried to avoid heightening tensions.

Sunday saw a vote pass for Crimea to leave Ukraine and join Russia. Russia praised it as a sign that Crimeans wished to rejoin Russia, bragging about it's ninety-seven percent yes votes. However, with only a fifty-six percent turnout it would seem the vote wasn't truly that successful.

The international community has condemned the vote, calling it illegal. Only Russia is accepting the vote as having any bases. Much of the world notes that as many as fifty thousand Russian troops were in Crimea, for the vote. It is also noted that pro Russian militias stationed themselves inside most polling posts.

Sanctions were announced, on Monday, by the US, EU, and other nations. However, the sanctions are severely limited and do nothing to make Russia even pause from keeping Crimea.

On Saturday, Russian forces went north of Crimea and seized the village of Strilkove for a time. They eventually pulled back, but set up shop around and inside the village's natural gas production buildings. Ukrainian troops have since made entrenchments and other defense inside the village to block any further Russian incursions.

Ukraine has called up all of it's reserves, in case Russia attempts to push further into the country. Nearly two thousand Russian troops are setup right on the eastern border. Around two hundred thousand more are conducting maneuvers just a few hours further east. No military aid is expected from Europe, should Russia advance.

Suicide Bomber Kills 17 in Afghanistan

Seventeen people were killed when a suicide bomber struck in Afghanistan, on Tuesday.

Another thirty-six were wounded in the attack.

The bomber targeted a busy marketplace in Meymenah.

No groups have claimed responsibility for the attack.

Crimea Votes to Leave Ukraine and Join Russia

On Sunday, Crimea voted to leave Ukraine and join Russia.

Ninety-five percent of the votes cast recorded a yes, though turnout was only at fifty-six percent.

Many Crimeans considered the outcome fixed and so didn't bother trying to vote against it.

Witnesses also tell us that pro Russian militias were stationed inside of many polling stations.

The vote has been called illegal by Ukraine and much of the international community.

However, with as many as fifty thousand Russian troops, in Crimea, there's little that can be done to keep the vote from counting.

Russia is finally admitting that it is their troops in Crimea, though they are staying a much lower number than has been witnessed.

Their acknowledgement comes after Russian forces went north of Crimea and seized the village of Strilkove for a time, on Saturday.

The Russian troops eventually withdrew from most of the village, but set up shop around and inside the village's natural gas production buildings.

Ukrainian troops have since made entrenchments and other defense inside the village to block any further Russian incursions.

North Korea Fires 18 Rockets During US and South Korea Maneuvers

North Korea fired eighteen rockets into the sea, on Sunday.

The "tests" took place while the US and South Korea are conducting maneuvers.

None of the projectiles came near allied forces.

It is the fourth time during the maneuvers that North Korea has fired weaponry.

They conduct the "tests" as a form of protest against the US's continued support of South Korea.

Dole Italian Blend Salad Recalled

Dole has announced a recall of their Italian Blend salad.

The recall is being made due to a possible listeria contamination.

Ten ounce salad bags sold in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, with a best before date of 14-MR-12 are under the recall.

Other products are considered fine and are not being recalled.

At this time, there have been no reports of illness in connection with eating the salad.

900,000 Honda Odyssey Minivans Recalled

Nearly nine hundred thousand Honda Odysseys have been recalled.

A fuel pump could crack and leak fuel, which could cause a fire.

Models from 2005 to 2010 are included in the recall.

The recall effects vans built at the Linclon, Alabama plant from June 23, 2004 to September 4, 2010.

Honda will contact customers in April, and then inspect and replace fuel pumps for free.

Clashes Leave 2 Dead in Kharkiv as Russia's Troops Enter Mainland Ukraine

For the second time in two days competing protests turned violent and deadly in eastern Ukraine. Two people were killed when pro Russian groups attacked a pro Ukrainian rally, in Kharkiv. At least two dozen more were injured in the incident.

Protests from both sides have taken place for the past couple weeks. On Saturday, they were joined by protests in Russia itself. Tens of thousands marched in Moscow, in protest of their government's occupation of Crimea.

For two weeks, Russian troops have controlled Crimea. With as many as fifty thousand in the region. Several thousand more have placed themselves on the eastern border, while at least two hundred thousand more conduct maneuvers a few hours away.

On Saturday, eighty Russian troops backed by armored vehicles and helicopters moved north into mainland Crimea and seized the village of Strilkove. The move was countered by Ukrainian forces, but not in time to keep the village from falling. It was the first time that Russia openly admitted that the forces in Crimea are theirs.

Ukraine and Russia are still not technically in a state of war. Russia says their forces are there to protect ethnic Russians, in the region. They are also threatening to invade eastern Ukraine, for the same purposes. Ukraine continues to promise to defend it's territory, but they are severely out gunned and are understandably reluctant to enter into a war they can't win. However, as Russia continues to push Ukraine's leadership is under increasing pressure to defend the country.

International condemnation of the occupation of Crimea continues. The US, EU, and other countries have pledged to sanction Russia for it's actions. However, other than NATO patrolling it's eastern borders with AWACs no military response is likely to be seen from other nations.

Tens of Thousands Protest in Moscow Against Crimea Occupation

Tens of thousands protested in Moscow against their country's occupation of Crimea.

The rally, led by opposition leaders, was the largest in over a year.

Meanwhile, near the Kremlin, a few thousand showed up to support the occupation.

Some there called for Russia to invade the rest of Ukraine and bring the entire country into Russia.

As many as fifty thousand Russian troops have taken control of Crimea, where tomorrow a vote is to be held on whether the region should leave Ukraine and join Russia.

Another twenty thousand Russian troops have set up along the border, with Ukraine, while two hundred thousand more are involved in maneuvers a couple hours from the border.

Syria's Civil War Reaches Third Anniversary

As Syria's civil war hits it's third anniversary, fighting continues going strong.

As many as two hundred and fifty thousand people have been killed, with two million displaced.

With the Assad regime on one side and two different main rebel groups, which fight each other as well, the war does not look to have an end coming any time soon.
Peace talks still have not achieved anything substantial in the three way civil war.

However, some forward motion has been noted, as earlier in 2014, for the first time refugees were allowed out of besieged cities, as two of the sides attempt to improve their humanitarian face.

International focus continues to wain as time goes on and other events distract from it.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Declares Flight 370's Disappearance Was Deliberate

In a press conference, on Saturday, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak declared that the disappearance of Flight 370 was deliberate.

The plane disappeared from radar, last Saturday morning, and was never heard from again.

No distress call was ever received, nor has any wreckage been found.

Investigators were able to track the plane using satellites, for a time, even after it left radar, but were not able to determine where it ended up.

Officials from the US, Britain, and elsewhere in the world aided Malaysia in their investigation.

Razak stated that, "Evidence is consistent with someone acting deliberately from inside the plane".

It is believed that someone purposefully disable the plane's transponder, which helps track the plane.

Flight 370 would have had enough fuel to fly on for seven more hours, after it disappeared.

Authorities believe that it's most likely route was south into the Indian Ocean, as other routes would have put it in range of radar systems that would have picked it up.

Two hundred and thirty-nine people were aboard the plane.

GM Recalls 1.6 Million Vehicles

General Motors has announced a massive recall of over one and a half million vehicles.

Faulty ignition switches could turn off the ignition, while the vehicles are being driven.

Airbags could also be disabled by the faulty switches.

The recall covers 2005-07 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-07 Chevrolet HHR, 2007 Pontiac G5, 2006-07 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-07 Saturn Ion, and 2007 Saturn Sky.

Dealers will inspect and replaces faulty switches for free.

Donetsk Clashes Leave 2 Dead in Ukraine as Russia Masses Troops at The Border

Violent clashes took place in Donestk, Ukraine, Thursday night, between pro Russian and pro Ukrainian groups. Two people were killed and at least twenty-eight injured in the fighting. Witnesses say that the pro Russian groups started the fighting.

Russia is once again saying it will move troops into Eastern Ukraine, to "protect ethnic Russians from the violence". They have warned Ukraine's military to stand down and not interfere, should they cross the border.

Over two hundred thousand troops are conducting maneuvers not far from the border. On Thursday,  some of the units came right up to the border and parked, making it clear they are prepared to cross. Ukraine has promised to defend itself against any further Russian intrusions.

On Tuesday, Ukraine announced the formation of a new National Guard, which will be compromised of their veteran troops and the best equipment. The government called upon the US, UK, and NATO to aid them militarily as they are outmatched by the Russian forces. 

Around fifty thousand Russian troops have already occupied Crimea. The region has since declared itself independent from Ukraine and is holding a referendum, on Sunday, to decide whether or not to join Russia.

Russia continues to deny it is their troops in Crimea, noting that they do not have any kind of Russian insignia or unit markings, and claims that they are militia from within the Crimea. Despite their attempts at denial, it is clear they are Russian due to the numbers, weaponry, quality of training, and that they speak Russian. Various news sources have also caught them crossing over from Russia. Monday saw the troops begin clearing out besieged Ukrainian bases, which had previously been disarmed.

Militias are still maintaining a presence along the region's border, keeping international observers and everyday Ukrainians out. However, reports have come that in some cases they are kidnapping Ukrainian activists and reporters who attempt to cross over. In all known cases they were women in their twenties.

Hundreds of Boko Haram Fighters Attack Maiduguri, Nigeria

Hundreds of members of Boko Haram attacked the Nigerian city of Maiduguri, on Friday.

They targeted the military barracks, prison, university, and a housing development for the city's government workers.

Military forces were able to defeat the attack, but not before dozens of the city's citizens had been murdered by the terrorists.

According to the government, nearly one hundred Boko Haram fighters were killed, in the attack.

2 Bombs in Pakistan Leave 18 Dead

Quetta

Two separate bombings left eighteen dead, in Pakistan, on Friday.

Ten people were killed in Quetta, when a remote controlled bicycle bomb exploded.

Dozens more were injured in the blast, which struck a busy street.

The explosion just missed a convoy of security personnel, believed to be the intended target.

In the Sarband market of Peshawar eight people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked an armored personnel carrier.

More than thirty other people were injured, some critically.

No one has claimed responsibility for either of the attacks.

Mumbai Building Collapse Kills 7

A seven story building collapsed and fell onto neighboring houses, in Mumbai, India, on Friday.

Seven people are confirmed dead and five injured, with an unknown number still trapped under the rubble.

Rescue efforts are underway to save as many as they can.

The building had been condemned months ago, but a court battle was ongoing, which had kept it from being demolished.

6 Killed in Market Stabbing in China

Six people died as the result of a stabbing in Changsha, China, on Friday.

An argument broke out in a market, between a bread salesman and a customer.

The customer eventually pulled a knife and stabbed the vendor repeatedly, killing him.

The knife wielding man then stabbed several other people, killing four of them.

When police showed up he charged at them, with the knife, so they shot and killed him.

Tropical Cyclone Lusi Kills 3 in Vanuatu Islands

The Vanuatu Islands were roughed up on Friday, by tropical cyclone Lusi.

Three people were confirmed dead, with another six missing.

Lusi caused flooding and did damage to the country's crops.

The storm headed for New Zealand, losing strength as it went, and is expected to make landfall on Saturday.

2 Killed at SXSW When Car Plows Into Crowd

Two people were killed and twenty-three injured when a car plowed through a crowd at SXSW in Austin, Texas.

The accident occurred shortly after midnight Thursday morning.

Witnesses say that the driver appeared to be drunk.

After plowing through the crowd and striking two other vehicles, he attempted to escape the scene, but was brought down by a police officer's stun gun.

SXSW is the South by Southwest music and film festival, this was it's twenty-seventh year.

Tanker Crash Damages Train Service in New Jersey

A tanker crash and explosion damaged train tracks nearby, early Thursday morning, in Newark, New Jersey.

A car collided with the gas tanker, causing a fire and then an explosion of about eighty-five hundred gallons of gas.

Amazingly no one was injured in the incident.

It happened on McCarter Highway, right next to Amtrak train lines.

Damage to signals, wires, and tracks was being repaired as quickly as possible.

Service delays are to be expected throughout the rest of Thursday, but Amtrak hopes to have everything back to normal for Friday.

An investigation of the crash is underway.

Death Toll in New York City Rises to 7, 9 Still Missing

Rescue workers continue to comb through the rubble of two apartment buildings in New York City.

The buildings collapsed after a gas explosion, Wednesday morning.

Over night, crews pulled four more bodies from the rubble, bringing the death toll up to seven.

Nine people are still missing and at least sixty were injured.

Ohio Pileup Kills 3, Severely Injures State Trooper

Three people were killed in a fifty-three car pileup in Ohio, on Wednesday.

A spate of accidents occurred on the Ohio Turnpike between Cleveland and Toledo, leaving it closed in both directions.

The massive pileup occurred just north of Clyde, on the eastbound lanes.

An Ohio State Trooper was severely injured while trying to assist other drivers, and is in critical condition.

A smaller pileup closed the westbound lanes just south of Sandusky.

Snowy weather combined with windy conditions are being blamed for causing the accidents.

Explosion in New York City Kills 3

Three people were killed and sixty-four injured when an explosion destroyed two apartment buildings, in New York City.

Another nine people are still missing after Wednesday morning's explosion, at Park Avenue and 116th Street.

More than one hundred and fifty firefighters took part in putting out the five alarm fire, caused by the blast.

Officials say that a gas leak was to blame for the incident.

An investigation is underway to determine what caused the leak.

Protests in Venezuela Leave 3 More Dead

Three more people were killed during protests in Venezuela, on Wednesday.

All three deaths occurred in the city of Valencia.

Dozens more were wounded in the fighting, between police and protesters.

The opposition accuses the government of hiring motorcycle gangs to shoot at protesters.

They also accuse the gangs of shooting randomly, even when there aren't protests nearby.

Caracas, the capital, saw competing rallies of at least ten thousand each.

Police were able to keep the government supporters and opposition members separate.

Protests are taking place in much of the country now, as Venezuelans grow increasingly unhappy with their economic state.

The daily protests have been going since the end of January and show no sign of stopping, despite the violence, which has now left twenty-five dead.

IDF Strikes Back After Hamas Fires 90 Rockets at Israel

Members of Hamas fired at least ninety rockets out of the Gaza Strip at Israel, on Wednesday.

Five of the rockets struck in populated areas, but miraculously no one was hurt.

Israeli Defense Forces struck back, striking at twenty-nine locations used by Hamas.

Hamas launched the rockets in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike, on Tuesday, which was itself in response to rockets being launched.