Monday, November 26, 2012

Homeland Security and Interpol Seize 132 Websites

Police in at least six countries took place in an international domain name seizure, on Monday.

One hundred and thirty-two domain names were shut down for selling counterfeit merchandise.

Homeland Security led the investigation, but was joined by Interpol and authorities from Belgium, France, Denmark, Romania, and the UK.

Investigators confirmed the sites were illegal, after checking with copyright owners.

Supreme Court Orders Another Look at Constitutionality of Obamacare

On Monday, the Supreme Court ordered the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a case.

That case is Liberty University's challenge against Obamacare.

The university challenges that the mandated health care is unconstitutional, as it requires employers to pay for birth control.

Some forms of birth control, such as morning after and week after pills are seen as immoral by most religious communities.

Many have argued that forcing employers of religious organizations to do something against their faith, is a violation of their first amendment guarantee of religious freedom.

In 2010 a federal judge had rejected the claim and the appellate court later rejected it as well.

The Supreme Court's order gives new life to the claim, and once again brings awareness to the unconstitutionality of Obamacare.

Miami International Airport Evacuated

Concourse J of the Miami International Airport was evacuated for part of Monday.

A man claimed to have luggage filled with dynamite, causing the evacuation.

The bomb squad was called in, but they found no explosives.

Police say the man recanted his dynamite statement, after he was arrested.

One outgoing and several incoming flights were delayed by the scare.

None of the airport's other concourses were affected.

Miami International has since resumed full operations.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak Resigns

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak gave a major surprise announcement, on Monday.

The seventy year old announced that he will be resigning from politics after the elections, but will continue his post until his replacement is sworn in.

He said that he wishes to spend more time with his family.

Elections are scheduled for January 22.

Barak has served either in the military or in politics for over fifty years.

He served in the Israeli Defense Forces for thirty-six years, rising from draftee to Chief of Staff.

From 1999-2001, he served as Prime Minister, the shortest term ever for an Israeli PM.

Some have called him the man "everyone loves to hate", but he is widely respected, especially for his insight into his enemies.

Rumors of who will replace him are circulating widely, including some thought that he may stay on in an advisory position.

Fire Kills Fourteen Disabled Workers in Germany

Fourteen people were killed and six injured in a fire in Titisee-Neustadt, Germany, Monday afternoon.

The fire struck a facility, run by the Catholic Church's Caritas Foundation, which provides disabled people with trade jobs.

Around one hundred and twenty people have jobs there, including metalwork, woodwork, and electrical installation.

Over one hundred fire fighters were called to battle the blaze.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Thousands Strike in Bangladseh After Second Factory Fire

Thousands of workers strike in Bangladesh after second factory fire.

Just two days after a clothing factory fire killed one hundred and seventeen people, another clothing factory was engulfed in flames.

The second fire took firefighters over four hours to control, but killed no one and injured a dozen, early Monday morning.

Garment district workers struck on Monday, protesting the unsafe environments which led to the two fires.

Fire safety is of very little concern in Bangladesh, until something goes horribly wrong, then it suddenly becomes a huge issue, for a little bit of time.

Factory owners often promise the government that they'll improve conditions, but rarely actually do, so as to keep costs low.

Mosri Backs Down From Power Grab

According to the latest reports out of Egypt, President Morsi has backed down from his Thursday decrees.

His decrees would've made him unchallengeable in the government, and some had even said it made him a new pharaoh.

After his decrees were made public, the country was racked with violent protests.

Two people were killed in them and over five hundred were injured.

Morsi backed down Monday night, after judges and lawyers throughout the country went on strike, for a second straight day, in protest of his illegal moves.

Late Monday it was announced that Morsi and the Supreme Judicial Council had come to an agreement on things.

No details were released other than that Morsi would not be usurping the powers he had said he would.

Supporters, of the President, said that Tuesday would see protests from them, but they've now cancelled those plans.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Preview: The Colorado Ballet's The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker ballet opened up Saturday at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, in Denver.

It promises to "dazzle audiences with glittering snowflakes, shimmering sugarplums, unforgettable characters and stunning costumes and scenery".

Ever since Tchaikovsky composed the Nutcracker, audiences have been amazed by it's wonders.

This is the fifty-second year of the performance, for Colorado.

We went last year, loved it, and will be repeating our visit this year.

You can purchase tickets for showings through December 24.

If you're not in Denver, be sure to look for a performance in your area.


Bjork's Surgery Completely Successful

Icelandic singer Bjork announced that her surgery went perfectly well.

The forty-seven year old had to cancel most of her concerts in 2012 after finding a polyp on her vocal chords.

Various attempts including exercises and diets failed to get rid of the problem.

A few months ago she decided she had no other choice than surgery.

After undergoing laser surgery, Bjork had to wait three weeks before she could use her voice again.

Now she says that, "Surgery rocks! ... It's been very satisfying to sing all them clear notes again."

Bjork says she is already beginning to plan her 2013 tour.

Israel Says Iranian Vessel on Way to Gaza With Weapons

Iranian vessel on the Red Sea
Sources in Israel tell us that one of their spy satellites is tracking an Iranian vessel headed to Gaza.

They say that the vessel is loaded with weapons and ammunition, on it's way to Hamas.

The vessel left Iran on Wednesday, the same day that Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire.

Currently the vessel is headed towards the Red Sea, and may pickup up Iranian naval escorts there.

At this time it is unclear what Israel can and will do to stop the vessel from reaching Gaza.