Eradicating Light Bulbs
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
The traditional incandescent light bulb has been in use for several years. However, it has been discovered that the incandescent light bulb was contributing to global warming and climate change. Hence, some countries began to entertain the idea of eradicating the traditional light bulbs in favour of more efficient light bulbs, with less effect on the planet. Among the main champions of this is the USA who had an Act in 2007 termed the ‘the better use of light bulbs act'. This was supposed to be in effect by 2012.
‘The better use of light bulbs act' was supposed to encourage higher standards in the production of light bulbs. Climate friendly light bulbs, such as the compact fluorescents and LEDs, would help this. These modern light bulbs are more efficient and save energy, as well as cut pollution. In short, traditional light bulbs are much more damaging to the environment than the modern alternatives.
However, not everyone shares the idea that traditional light bulbs should be phased out, especially the way US government was purporting. Critics have viewed the implementation of a bill against traditional light bulbs as being government interference in what people buy at the market place, wrapped in the ideology of global warming. Critics also claim that phasing out light bulbs will not do as much for climate change as other measures to protect the environment, which have not been implemented could. The efficient modern light bulbs are welcome in the market but not when they are enforced by law.
The people, who are championing the adaptation of the more efficient light bulbs, also point to other benefits. One of these is that houses will have lower electricity bills, and people will therefore save money. However, most critics feel that the choice of traditional light bulbs and modern light bulbs should be left to the consumer and not be pushed through law. If the modern light bulbs are more efficient and cheaper in the long run, then people will adapt to them regardless of what the law says.
Tags: Light Bulb, Environment, Traditional, Modern, LED
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Illegal Shipment
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
Many items and goods are shipped between countries and continents. Most of these goods are normally welcomed and add to the economy and world of trading. One major shipment that is illegal though is that of humans. Globally known as human trafficking, the process is defined as the illegal trade of human beings so as to serve as slaves in foreign land. Humans who are trafficked across state lines usually end up as slaves in places where they have no family, no legal standing and no protection by the laws of the land. Human trafficking has been described as one of the fastest growing criminal activities globally, second to drugs. Despite the fact that it is illegal, human trafficking is still highly profitable, with revenues generating billions of dollars yearly. Like any other criminal activity, most countries are trying to protect their people from it, but with little success. The trafficking protocol was formed in 2000 in Palermo, Italy by the United Nations. The protocol was mainly to protect women and children from slavery or any other evils that are borne out of human trafficking. There are several types of human trafficking that people need to protect themselves against. Bonded labour is the most prevalent, this entails being made to work for someone in order to pay for a debt or loan, which is a form of slavery. Another type is called forced labour, where one is forced to work against their choice. Sex trafficking, slavery in the form of sexual favours, is also commonplace. Finally, there is child labour which is a huge concern globally. Many people wonder why the trade in human beings, as inhumane as it is, is still widespread and has no end in sight. A simple answer is money. Cheap labour that comes with the slavery and so criminals will continue to exploit it, whilst a lack of money from the governments in the countries where it takes place means that it is difficult to wipe out.
Tags: Trafficking, Illegal, Slavery, Protect, Crime
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In Search of Democracy
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
Egypt has generally been seen as a peaceful country. However, this was only up to the end of the reign of President Hoshi Mubarak. The fall of the president lead to demonstrations and clashes in Egypt which resulted in the military stepping in, to try and maintain some form of democracy. At that point, the military were seen as an ideal form of authority for Egypt until a proper constitution and government thereafter was in place to lead the country. However, a few months down the line and the situation seems to have worsened. Fresh clashes have arisen in Egypt following the reluctance of the military to uphold democracy in the country. The clashes originally begun as peaceful demonstrations against the draft constitution that was about to be passed by the military, but later became chaotic. The constitution gives too much power to the military force in Egypt. The idea of a country that might be run by the military is not in line with the democracy so many in the land seek. Thus, pro-democracy groups and youths went out to demonstrate against this peacefully. The peaceful demonstrations in Egypt were over as soon as they had begun. The military was on hand to disrupt the demonstrations. This quickly turned into clashes that went on for more than three days. The violence was severe with military force being released on the people of Egypt. Images and videos of people being beaten mercilessly by the military are all over the media, showing the depths people will go to for democracy. The clashes in Egypt have seen fatalities and several more injured. The military beat people in the streets, some of whom are innocent and caught in the wrong place, and some who just wanted to voice their opinion about their country’s politics. The reaction by the military makes many people wonder about the democracy that prevails in Egypt or the lack thereof. Several leaders around the world have reacted negatively and with anger to the display by the military in Egypt. It is nothing short of horrific seeing images of military officers beating and stomping on people who were simply demonstrating for democracy.
Tags: Egypt, Clashes, military, Democracy, Demonstration
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Technology and Hacking
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
Almost every day new technology is introduced to better our lives. Despite all of the upsides that it brings us, one inevitable negative is hacking. No modern technology seems to be able to avoid this new-age crime. Each invention that is presented to the masses is, sooner or later, faced with the fear of being hacked.
Hacking occurs when your personal files or information are stolen from your computer without the owner's knowledge. To date, it is the most sophisticated form of crime that infringes on people and their privacy. With the increasing use and development of new technology, hacking presents an even greater danger to our privacy. More and more people share their information though social networking sites and although, these websites are supposed to offer privacy to their subscribers, it is being compromised by hacking.
The irony of technology is the fact that it comes up with new ideas but fails to protect them. Hacking shows that we are not protected from crime. It makes you wonder why the people who create these technological advancements cannot be as inventive when it comes to protecting people. Hacking is the biggest problem that technology faces; it makes people loose faith in technology as they are not being protected against privacy invasion.
The effects of hacking could be thought of as both negative and positive. Some people may even say that hacking enhances security. Police and other detectives have been known to use hacking in tracing crime. Despite some benefits to society, it cannot be denied that the invasion of privacy, even for security purposes, is still unnerving.
One thing that is certain is that, hacking is not about to end. Thus, as long as we continue using new technology, hacking is something we have to come to terms with. You can, however, limit such access to your privacy by using technology that is being developed to counter hacking. This includes firewalls for your computer and networks, passwords and encrypting of files and information that you share whilst online.
Tags: Crime, Security, Privacy, Technology, Hacking.
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The Kyoto Protocol in Canada
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
The Kyoto Protocol was once described as the best thing to happen to the fight against climate change. It was formed to reduce the negative effects of climate change from countries including Canada, USA and Japan, amongst others. The idea was to reduce gas emissions that are destroying the ecosystem.
Thus after several negotiations, the Kyoto protocol came into effect on the 16th of February 2005 in Canada, having been passed by congress. This was a binding legal agreement that would reduce gas emissions into the ecosystem, as well as putting the fight against climate change on the right track.
The Kyoto Protocol focused on a number of areas related to climate change, including:
• The lack of gas emissions would improve public health because the air would be less polluted.
• The ecosystem would also benefit from the clear air.
• Improved public health would mean low cost of healthcare.
• New jobs would be created.
The government of Canada believed in the fight against climate change and was keen on accomplishing its part for the Kyoto Protocol. Plans were put in place to ensure gas emissions were considerably reduced in all industries, which were to join the fight against climate change. Another idea from Canada was for fuel efficiency to be improved especially in motor vehicles, which would reduce gas emissions. Finally, factories would receive incentives from the government. There was a major flaw in these plans though when the government failed to win the election in Canada.
A few years later, the new government of Canada is pulling away from the fight against climate change. Regardless of the benefits from less gas emissions and an improved ecosystem, Canada has pointed to loss of jobs and the inability of the Kyoto Protocol to work, given non-participation from other nations, as their main reasons for pulling out. There may be controversy, but one thing that is definite: this has been a major blow to the fight against climate change.
Tags: Climate, Gas, Canada, Kyoto, Ecosystem
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The American Electoral Campaign
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
Republicans and Democrats are beginning to strut their stuff and proclaim to the world why they are the correct choice for the presidential candidature. On the Right, there are a whole slew of contenders – 7 in total – who will eventually be whittled down to just two. On the Left, we have incumbent Barack Obama, campaigning for re-election. These two parties have yet to face off against each other, but remarks being made on both sides indicate that, when they do eventually meet in debate, sparks will indeed fly. The recent debates that the Republican Party has been attending have seen a fair few raised tempers. One of the most prominent incidents came with the spat between Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney over Romney’s Mormon beliefs. At the 18 October debate, however, the favourite whipping boy of the evening was Herman Cain, the pizza industrial captain, and his 9-9-9 economic plan. While Cain mostly stayed silent after the beginning of the debate, Romney came under fire many times, primarily from Governor Perry and from Rick Santorum, and seemed barely able to get a word in. By the end of the debate, however, Romney emerged fairly unscathed, while Governor Perry seemed flustered and had certainly lost some sense of composure. The Obama campaign has, up until now, not been too high profile. This is, perhaps, not very surprising, given that the actual elections are still a good deal away and, of course, the incumbent generally has part of his work done for him already. This will likely be changed soon, however, given the eagerness with which the GOP have begun their campaign and the mudslinging already taking place, President Obama would do well to step up his campaigning significantly if he hopes to match the Republican Party in terms of publicity.
Tags: Obama, Republicans,Democrats, Romney, Perry
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Walking Upright Again
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
Man was born to stand on two legs. There are those who have been born with problems in their lower extremities which then make walking an impossible thing. There are also those who were able to walk but meet unfortunate accidents that leave them unable to walk anymore. Many people do not find the idea of traveling in a wheelchair appealing at all. It restricts people from doing things and for some; it may even be a sign of weakness.
Amanda Boxtel, a skier, fit the latter description. She is a paraplegic due to the injury she got while skiing that made her paralyzed from the waist down. It was 19 years ago when she got into a skiing accident and she always thought that she would never be able to walk again. But with the innovations that are popular today, walking may not be impossible after all. Researchers in California have developed a robotic suit that will easily help people like Amanda to walk again, to stand upright and do what other people could do.
The robotic suit was demonstrated at the London International Technology Show and it may be the answer to the prayers of a lot of paralyzed people. The legs contained some sort of sensor that detected movements from the upper part of the body and were then translated into foot movements (strides). Amanda was able to use the suit first-hand during the show and afterwards, she went home and cried. The experience brought her to tears because it was a life-changing event for her and it gave her so much hope. She says that with the suit, she would be able to do the things that she used to do, such as talk to people eye to eye instead of looking up at them.
The suit was originally designed to give soldiers out in the field superhuman strength. After researches were done, they adapted the concept and adjusted it according to the needs of those who are paralyzed. The maker, Ekso Bionics (a company), wants to take away the barriers and limitations of those who are paraplegic and give them a chance to have independence and more freedom of movement. Eythor Bender, the chief executive, believes that the suits would be very helpful especially when they are used in rehabilitation centers. This is truly a step for paraplegics towards a more independent and mobile life.
Tags: Amanda Boxtel, Paraplegic, Bionics, Eythor Bender
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A Renaming Ceremony
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
A lot of people have been born with names that will forever mark history. Mark Twain, William Shakespeare, Michael Jackson, and many more were born with names that will last for a long time. But what if you were given a name that was meant to degrade, to put you in a low position? There have been a lot of unfortunate people who have been given names that mean they are unwanted.
A supposedly life-changing ceremony was held in Mumbai, India for more than 200 Indian girls. These girls had names that meant “unwanted” and the renaming ceremony held was to give them new names, ones that will help them feel less ashamed of themselves. Many believe that the future is told by one's name and the thought of being named “unwanted” could cut one to one's very core. Painful as it is, this renaming ceremony may have opened up possibilities for these girls for a brighter future.
The renaming ceremony hopes to achieve dignity for the girls as well as a call to fight against gender discrimination. The 285 girls changed their names into ones that held positive notes, some even following names of goddesses. One girl expressed her happiness that she has a new name. There will be no more instances wherein that girl will be called a name that literally means unwanted. The discrimination between male and female is widely known due to the existence of dowries for the women. When a family has a son, the son will be bringing in the dowry while a daughter means a dowry will be given to the man she will be marrying. This is one reason why many families who have daughters become bankrupt in the end.
The renaming ceremony has given hope to the girls and no longer will they be called unwanted by other people.
Tags: Gender Discrimination, Mumbai, India, Girls
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Iraq: Help Wanted
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
Just last Friday, President Barack Obama announced that all of the troops of the United States currently in Iraq will be pulled out by the end of the year. This happened when the governments of the US and Iraq failed to reach an agreement about giving the American soldiers legal immunity while they are in Iraq. The soldiers only have to stay in Iraq until the year ends and they are to be flown back to the United States.
In connection with this, with the time left, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has been talking about the training of the Iraqi military under the tutelage of the United States. Iraqis continue to ask about the agreement whether they will be receiving training from the US. Though the local armed forces have the capacity to contain the different riots and other types of violence erupting, they still need the training when it comes to air and water defense and the gathering of intelligence. Warfare tactics are also to be discussed and to be learned by the military of Iraq.
Iraq will be receiving training from a program of the US Embassy with regard to their purchasing of military hardware. They need all the help they can get in order to keep their defense strong against the prevailing Sunni attacks. Despite the plan of pulling out of Iraq, the US assures Iraq that it will lend a hand to the Iraqis in order to establish a democratic future.
Iraq cannot be blamed for wanting the help of the US as the pulling out of the troops may bring about the rise of insurgencies once again. The country's stability may also be affected, and tensions may arise because US troops are not there to set things straight anymore. But in order to become a great nation once again, firm foundations should be established.
Tags: Iraq, Barack Obama, Nuri al-Maliki, United States
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Torture Is Inhumane
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Reason
Posted by:
topicaltv
Torture is defined as the act of inflicting great pain towards a person, either mentally or physically, in order to get answers to questions. These are barbaric acts that may even turn out to be fatal for the victims. In the past, this was rampantly used by people in order to get the information they need when it is not freely given. Many are successful in “squeezing” out the information while there are also those who are not. These are inhumane acts done to degrade a person and is considered a crime.
The world has seen what happened to the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi just recently. Despite the worldwide comments about his reign, many people still continued to support him. But just a few days ago, news about his death spread all around and his loyalists have started fleeing in order to save themselves. For those who were unfortunate enough, they were either killed during the final battle or were taken as prisoners. Apparently, these captives were taken into makeshift prisons where they were to be detained until the government does something about them.
Human rights groups, however, have gathered evidence that the prisoners have been subjected to different types of torture, beatings, and other types of maltreatment. This has caused them to be highly alarmed. Many have been tortured into making confessions and many groups believe that this might be getting out of hand already. The United Nations says that the current system that Libya has is not enough to protect the rights of the prisoners caught during the battle in Libya. As many of the detainees are held by rebel groups, the UN has no jurisdiction over them. Loyalists are tortured for the information regarding the use of weapons and even the alleged existence of many underground secret tunnels that Gaddafi's men were using.
There are other ways to get the necessary information that does not involve harming other people. It is important to remember that they are humans too, and they do have rights as well.
Tags: Gaddafi, Libya, United Nations, Human Rights
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