Even today billions of people world wide do not have access to quality toilet systems. To fix this Bill Gates awarded eight grants to groups from different countries with hopes of revolutionizing the modern toilet. One of the goals would be to make the new toilets run for less than five cents a day.

I think this is great. It's sad that in today's society so many people go without the things we take for granted everyday. quality sanitation is a massive step towards bringing our world into the next technological era I feel. Think of how many ideas that could lead to technological advances never see the light of day because the people who thought of them live in a part of the world where it's impossible for them to share their ideas?

Read an article here.

 Fox News reportedly edited out booing and replaced it with applause on an episode of Stossel. Apparently on the show conservative John Bolton dodged a question posed to him. The crowd apparently booed but this was replaced in editing with applause.

This is fairly disgraceful I feel. The goal of a news network is to report the truth. While I know Fox News is an opinion based news network and that's fine. They still, I feel, should not shape public opinion in such a way.
 
The video here.

Can video games help stimulate your mind and provide higher test scores? According to this article they can. Video games encourage the brain to think in abstract ways and on different levels. Results show these types of games could have benefits for the elderly as well.

Well I can't say I'm surprised. Video games are fantastic for stimulating the mind. Repetition isn't a bad thing. It encourages the brain to get faster and act more skillfully at the task at hand. This talent has many possible applications in daily life.


Read the article here.

Well if you were a fan of Harry Potter and are disappointed it's over, you may be in luck. It was recently announced that J.K. Rowling plans on writing a follow up series with her new publisher. The series is reportedly aimed at adults rather than the generally younger audience of Harry Potter.

Personally I think it could be great. I would like to see a cast of new characters or maybe lesser characters take the main stage however. Little bothers me more than when a writer won't let their hero have a break. When their lives are repeatedly thrust into terrible situations long after their original story is done. The way I see it, Harry's story is done, time for someone new. I think the world of Harry Potter is great and that a lot of amazing things can be done within it, I just would hate to see it fall into the same trap as say the Land Before Time Dinosaurs (you know those kids movies they made about twenty-seven of?) or Happy Days when Fonzie so famously "jumped the shark".

Watch a video about the new series here.

"Linsanity" is what some people are calling it. Jeremy Lin, starter for the New York Knicks is the first Harvard Graduate to play in the NBA. He is also the first Chinese member of the league. A relative nobody a short time ago, Lin has had an amazing representation on the court as of late and is on the fast track to being a major star. Apparently Lin has recently registered for the trademark "Linsanity". Next thing we know children everywhere may be sporting "Linsainity" goods.

I personally think it's great to see a relative nobody come out of nowhere and take the NBA by storm. I not only look forward to seeing what he can possibly do for the Knicks, but also what changes he can possibly bring to the game.


Read the article here.

Just in time to be days late for Valentines Day here is a story for the romantics out there! For the drop-in-the-bucket price of $10,010 (yes 10,010) everyone's favorite pizza chain Pizza Hut will deliver to you their engagement package! Containing one medium pizza, five bread sticks, 10 cinnamon sticks, one large ruby engagement ring, a fireworks show as well as video and photographic documentation of the event.

To the person who would buy this I have one thing to say: don't. I can't imagine a less romantic thing, pizza from Pizza Hut and an (if i do say so myself) incredibly ugly ring. I don't know who's idea this was but i can't imagine it could possibly make Pizza Hut any money, who would buy it?

Read the article here.

Well I can't say I've ever heard of two animals being 'married', much less a deer and a sheep. Despite the unquestionable weirdness in this relationship it was good for a smile. I was shocked to find out about the ram's questionable moral activities but apparently their relationship is still strong. I wish them the best in what is sure to be a Chinese romance for the ages.

Read the article here.

This article relates to a group of protesters at a Rick Santorum campaign. Now however you feel about Santorum doesn't really matter for what i want to discuss here. My question is When do protesters cross the line? Throughout the ordeal the protesters remained non-violent (unless throwing glitter on Santorum is considered violent), but does this really matter? Can protesters go to far even when they don't employ violence? I don't think there is any clear answer to this question.



Read the article here.

How would you feel if you were told that anyone with a working knowledge of the internet could watch you in your home? Well this was the reality for thousands. Turns out if you bought home security from a company by the name of "Trendnet" the live feed from security cameras they installed in your home may be watchable online! All it takes is knowing how to secure someones IP address.

I personally find this horrifying (and admittedly hilarious). I can't believe a company would miss such an incredible flaw in their product. No matter how funny and shockingly entertaining it can be to spy in to someones personal life it is just that, their Personal life. I would encourage anyone thinking of exploiting this flaw to think twice.

Read the Article Here.

 For my first post i thought i would cover an important issue in the world to day. just to clarify I may cover more stories similar to this one, but i will also likely cover stories on a variety of subjects.

 This article talks of the growing threat of a Nuclear strike capable Iran. The Iranian Government claims that its scientists are well on their way to porducing Iran's first Nuclear warhead. Recently a report was brought before congress warning them of the possibilty of Iranian Terrorist strikes against US soil. In response to the growing hostilities Israel has threatened strikes against Iran to target suspected sites of nuclear activity. The UN is working to prevent such measures saying that a UN nuclear team will revisit Iran to investigate. New trade Sanctions have also risen between Europe and Iran to hopfully convincce them to give up their pursuit of a Nuclear Arsenal.

The possibility of a new war in the Middle East seems much more than just a possibility after reading an article like this. It is somewhat scary to be perfectly honest. The idea of another possibly hostile country capable of a nuclear strike I think should scare people. It is also important to remember that nothing has happened yet and that we should put our faith in the powers at be, and for the time at least, trust that they will take care of the situation.







Here is the article.