Animal abuse.

Uncover secrets behind girl killing rabbit video
(Warning: graphic images in article)

About a week before or so there was this video, of a Chinese girl sitting on a little rabbit and crushing it to death, that was a topic among people. Responses towards the video were all negative, mostly saying that she's incredibly inhumane, and must be crazy, or mentally ill (judging from her actions and facial expressions she makes). Through investigation, the identity of the girl was found, and the truth behind the videos were revealed.

The girl is not mentally ill. Among with two other girls, she is under a group named "Crush Fetish", which is obviously, a circle that promotes abusing and crushing small animals as a kind of fetish. The group records such kind of videos and sell them to foreign countries. I guess you could say it's some kind of pornography without any nudity, but with deformation, blood and plasma here and there. The infamous video that was all over the internet was merely a mild one among their videos. Others were even sick. The girls even burn animals with lighters, crush them by stepping on them, and rip them apart with their devil heels (which is a reason why they wear provocative high heels and boots).

The article quotes a commentary of someone who is supportive of crush fetish, that crush fetish is just an extended version of sadomasochism, and that people who are against these doings are probably vegetarians. The author of the article disapproves, and I whole heartedly agree. I am not a vegetarian, I enjoy eating eat meat, but I still cannot stand this kind of "fetish". Eating animal meat may be the same as killing animals, which makes meat eating and crush fetish similar things, but not necessarily so. Before we dine animal meat, we try to eliminate the pain of dying as much as possible by killing them instantly. However, crush fetish is more about torture, not necessarily "murder". It is much more inhuman than instant slaughters--the animal dies slowly, feeling every moment of the pain until it dies. What makes it even more sick is that the torturer enjoys tormenting the animal.
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Because you're different.

Anti-Bullying Starts in First Grade

This article is about a little girl in first grade, who gets teased because she likes Star Wars and brings a boyish Star Wars water bottle to school.

Lately I'm hearing a lot of news about bullying and I cannot believe that this is happening to little children who just entered elementary. These kids won't probably push someone to commit suicide like some young adults have done, but it would definitely decrease someone's self-esteem, which I think it'll be an issue, since self-esteem during childhood does affect a lifetime self-esteem. How and in what environment one is raised does affect how one would be when he/she becomes an adult.

What I realized from these news and related articles, is that bullying is not only caused by intolerance, but it is also happening just because the victim is being different. Or bluntly speaking, simply being who they are. LGBT teens getting bullied because they are not straight, because they just happen to be sexually attracted to the same sex, because they are not "normal". A little girl other kids make fun of because she is different, likes Star Wars more than what many girls usually like. Same thing goes to racism: certain people are mistreated because they look different, speak differently, and act differently.

I do understand that the definition of "normal" is defined by what the majority is like, and these standards are fixed for a long, long time that they are all planted in people's minds, but it doesn't mean that being "abnormal" is wrong. What is wrong in being who you are, and liking what you like? Do we even have any right to force them to deject their identity and interests? Also, what is so repulsive about being different? Being different is also being unique, and I think it is a good thing. You get meet new "faces" learn from them, see from their point of view, and eventually your soul gets enriched and your vision is broadened.
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Hey let's skip college!

Skip college, make money fast: 10 high-paying jobs that don't require a degree

I don't remember how I got my self reading this article...anyway, it is quite interesting.

This article basically introduces some jobs that not only has high salary, but also, does not require a degree. Sounds brilliant. The jobs listed are: nuclear power reactor operator, landscape architect, director of security, air traffic controller, elevator mechanic, private detective/investigator, freelance photographer, fishing supervisor, and bus driver. Among these some sound very extreme, such as a nuclear power reactor operator...WOW! Sounds very challenging and risky.

My opinion about this list is that, although it does not require a degree, there must be at least some qualifications or some proof that shows one can handle the job. For instance, a bus driver, obviously needs a driver's licence. And most of these jobs do require some fundamental knowledge or ability. A landscape architect needs some basic knowledge about architecture. An elevator mechanic needs to be able to handle wire connections and electricity connections, a photographer needs to know how to handle his/her camera to take better photos, etc. There are certain people who can do a great job with these occupations, and there are people who are unsuitable. Some people may actually skip college and earn big with these occupations, but not everyone can skip college and get jobs that are listed in the article.

The article is somewhat misleading. It has a sense to encourage every teenager to skip college. What I would do, is recommend these opportunities to those that really have no chance to go to college, either because of severe financial problems or something else. This list might actually pull out of despair of those who are not being able to sense an idea of his/her own future. For those who are capable to go to college and probably have their goals set already, they should definitely take the opportunity to go to college. I believe that colleges are where you get prepared for careers. A degree is not just for showing off. It is a proof that you have the skills and knowledge, and you are capable for your job.
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Wrong Snowflakes.

What's Wrong With This Snowflake?

Christmas is coming up, and I am sure many countries, especially western countries, are already getting prepared to celebrate. We may see decorations and Christmas cards everywhere, and maybe full of snowflakes too. However, it is said that the snowflakes are incorrect. Chemist Thomas Koop points out that scientifically, pentagonal and octagonal snowflakes are impossible. Normally a snowflake would be hexagonal, or rarely dodecagonal, due to the molecular structures of water molecules--they can fit together only in a certain way.

Calling the incorrect snowflakes as corruption of the beauty of ice crystals or scientific abominations is too much, though. In those holiday decorations and greeting cards, it is all about the holiday spirit, not the science. People celebrate the holiday because it has been their long-time tradition when families gather and enjoy their time together. Christmas isn't meant to celebrate science. However I cannot pick on Mr. Koop too much since he has been modest gentleman and stayed tolerant about this.

Also, as in what the article mentions, a website of a science magazine had advertisements which had incorrect snowflakes. In this situation I would let Koop pick on them as much as he would like to, since it is a SCIENCETIFIC magazine, and the editors or admins should know the correct scientific knowledge. Or even basic molecular science.
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Wear Purple on 10/20!

Recently I've been hearing a lot of news about teenagers being bullied because of being homosexual and then committing suicide. I don't know if these kind of things are occurring around the world, but I least I know that even only in the US there were many of these cases. Every time I hear these kind of news, they sadden me. The victims didn't deserve to be bullied for being who they just happened to be. And as for the bulliers, they should understand that being homosexual isn't anything wrong or something to laugh at. People can love anyone they love, or want to love.

October 20th, Wednesday, was what we call it the "Spirit Day". I wasn't aware about this at all, until I saw a blog post in a social network. Everyone encouraged everyone to wear purple, in memory of those teenagers who released themselves from this ugly society, to support the LGBT youth, and to show spirit! On that day, I wore purple, many bloggers wore purple, many posts were purple-themed. Even the blue layout of the social network turned into purple!

While browsing through the purple posts, I felt somekind of warmth inside. It was very nice to see that many people actually care about the issue. In my case, in my "real life", nobody around me wore purple to show spirit (I can't blame them though, since they might have been unaware of the "Spirit Day"). However, on that social network, I could see millions of caring people gathered together. I could actually empathize with a homosexual teenager too: if I were him/her looking through all the supporters' posts, I would have cried tears of bliss. Whoever said that social networks are destructive (in many ways), I would say I disagree with him. A lot of individuals have gained confidence and were encourage by the power of netizens' support.

External article: [1]
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Paladino.

Paladino: No regrets over gay remarks

Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for governor of New York have been making controversial statements about homosexuality and gay marriage, and says he does not regret any of the remarks, because those were made based on what he believes in.

"That's not how God created us," Paladino said of being gay, "and that's not the example that we should be showing our children."

Well first of all, I think honestly spitting out your beliefs isn't wrong, but I think this man needs to learn how to be more tolerant and how to embrace others. Not every single person has the exactly same belief. Do you expect all of them to agree with you? Do you want every single person who does not agree with you to be your enemy?

He is also a hypocrite, he has made remarks that are clearly offensive, such as "I don't think it's proper for them[my daughters] to go there and watch a couple of grown men grind against each other. I don't think that's proper, I think it's disgusting," "There is nothing to be proud of in being a dysfunctional homosexual," and later says that "the society should be more accepting" and that he has nothing against homosexuality, it's just that he can't accept gay marriage. And here is also the part I don't understand about him: if he has nothing against homosexuality, then why does he not accept gay marriage? If he claims that he tolerates homosexuality, then why is gay marriage a problem to him?

Though I am indifferent about politics in the states, for New York and the US's own good, I strongly do not think that Paladino is the right candidate for New York's governor.
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Reading at Risk?

Taipei City residents best read

While reading this article I couldn't stop thinking about the "Reading at Risk" survey we read for class. Both articles are talking about the same thing: reading rates of the nation! Like the "Reading at Risk" survey, the respondents of this survey that was done in Taiwan were above 18. 

... and I'd say, Taiwan is doing better than the states.

In Taiwan, cities such as Taipei City, Taichung City, Kaoshiung City, Chiayi City, Hsinchu City, and Matsu, each have a concentration of 50~56% of respondents who do love to read and read regularly. In other cities and counties, the percentages are a lot lower. In the article it did not state the exact percentages, but it did mention that in Taiwan as a whole, approximately 43% rarely read or never read.

43%, it's close to half of Taiwan, but I think Taiwan is still doing okay, since the "not reading" rate decreased from the previous survey that took place two years ago, which was near 51% of Taiwan. Right about half. Also, another good news is that the average reading time in day Taiwanese has slightly increased as well.

The article also points out that readers want lower taxes on books (printed books) and how they prefer to read e-books. Thought I don't enjoy reading books on screen, but I can surely sympathize with the readers who demand lower tax. The price of paper has risen, and so have books. Everytime I go to a bookstore and check the prices these days I am always surprised. I guess I am still used to the old price range of books. One suggestion I will give to those who are deeply concerned about book prices is to go shop books at Books.com.tw. This is Taiwan's largest online bookstore. Prices are cheaper than most offline bookstore, and sometimes some certain books are on 30% discount!

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Ju$tice

Normally I don't really care much about celebrity news, but when I went to check my e-mail, this headline caught my attention...

Lindsay Lohan spends less than a day in LA jail

The well-known actress Lindsay Lohan was arrested for illegal drug abuse, but she was released from jail by posting a $300,000 bail. Originally she was supposed to stay in jail for 30 days, but she got out within a day. Her problems were all solved by money.
I don't like how rich people just use money to solve their problems, but here what disgusts me even more is the "justice" system of the court. "Um yeah, we can totally let you go if you'd give us tons of money". Isn't that basically bribing?

So it means that whatever the criminal did, if he's/she's just rich and have the ability to post a bail, then everything's okay. If he/she posts a bail, he/she is not a true criminal. Is this what they call "justice"? Or maybe "ju$tice" is the better term. In the world there aren't just one kind of criminals. Not all criminals are poor and can't afford to post a bail. Rich criminals do exist, and they probably have done even more cruel and inhumane things with all the power they've got out from their money.

With a "ju$tice" system like this, rich criminals are easily released and continue to wander around in society. With a "ju$tice" system like this, rich criminals aren't afraid of anything. They can exploit as much they want. "Arrest? Who cares? I can continue my juicy exploits after feeding them money!"
Makes me feel that the current "ju$tice" system there is money-driven.

Lifeguards Texting.

Texting by Lifeguards Is Raising Safety Concerns

This article says that lifeguards at public swimming pools are text messaging during their sessions, and that by this lives are endangered by their actions.

I have to agree. Being a lifeguard at a swimming pool is a tedious job, basically just sitting in the corner under the burning sun, and looking around what's going on. There's really nothing to do when nothing happens at the pool. Since there is nothing happening, it may seem like there's a lot of "free time" in your hands. So you slip out your cell phone to kill the boredom.

"Lifeguarding positions are commonly filled by college students who may not want to feel disconnected from their gadgets, even if their job is to devote full attention to watching for signs of trouble."

Yes, indeed you need to keep an eye at what's going on. We never know when will, and what might happen. A lifeguard is responsible for any prevention of trouble that is likely to happen. Two years ago a young boy did drown in pool that was guarded by lifeguard who text messaged during his/her session.

The problem isn't merely because of text messaging: there was is a small snowball effect that has resulted this. It is also mentioned in the article that organizations have cut lifeguard wages, which made pools prefer to hire younger employees (mostly college students), who do can't live being excluded away from electronic devices or telecommunication. But the thing that backs up this small snowball's journey, is that lifeguards have written acknowledgements that they can be fired for having electronic devices during work.

In conclusion I think that the young lifeguards were indeed wrong for their lack of responsibility at work, but there are causes for everything.
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Walking young.

Walking helps keep body and brain young

"Everyone knows that walking limbers the aging body, but did you know it keeps the mind supple as well?" 

Well, to be honest, I did NOT know that walking benefits the aging body--I knew it benefits the body, I did not know it could benefit particularly the AGING body. Also, ofcourse I knew that walking benefits the mind, since exercising relieves stress and all, but I did not know that it would help maintain a young mind as well.

A number of elders were experimented by walking regularly and results came out that as their bodies became more fit, their memory improved as well. Younger body and younger minds!

Most of the time when we talk about aging, what people are concerned about the most is probably the loss of memory, or only being able to have short term memory. But now there is a solution that everyone capable to do. Therefore, less worries!

However, the research says that there must be consistency. The elders who only maintained the routine of walking for six months had no significant trends, but others who maintained for twelve months show visible changes.

Then I began to think of myself. I do like to walk, but I only walk occasionally. This might sound like an excuse, but in Taiwan I don't have much opportunity. In Hsinchu you can't walk to subway stations--because there is none! I can't even walk to school since it is too far away and it will take too much time in a busy daily  schedule. Well, I think I should make more excuses for going out and walk, instead of making excuses of why I can't.

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Satanic Rapists.

(I apologize for the blunt, shocking title.)

In Russia, a medical student has lead an organization, named the "Noble Order of the Devil", worshipping Satan for about seven years, and finally in February he was arrested and put to trials.

The "rituals" of the organization were decadent and involved sexual abuse and violence against minors.

Then in July, the head of the organization received a 20-month prison term.

Now here is what I am not so content about. I think 20 months is not enough. First of all, the worshipping was done for seven years. Imagine how many women he violated during those seven years? And most of the women were still minors, which adds oil to the flames. I also read an article describing a similar incident--except that the act of murder was involved instead of rape, and the victimizer was charged a sentence ten times heavier. The head of the "Noble Order of the Devil" and his assistants might not have murdered anyone, but the crime of raping minors shouldn't be taken "too easily".

This might lead to a slightly different topic. What I'm deeply concerned about are the continuing lives of the victims. When a person murders someone, a life is gone, it is stolen. I think the same thing goes for rape. Though the victim is still alive, he/she might suffer trauma for the rest of his/her life. His/her life is stained and damaged, but he/she still has to continue wander around society with her soul-less flesh, diabolic memories attached to it and haunting him/her.

However, since the victims in this incident ARE still alive biologically, and are still young, there are chances that they can heal their seemingly permanent scars, and get back to their peaceful lives. Therefore, what I really want to say, is NOT that rape=murder,and  is NOT that the sentences for murder and rape should be eqaul. What I really want to say is that rape should be taken seriously as murder and should be charged with a more appropriate penalty.

Original Article [1] [2]
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