Ireland year away from Greek devastation unless austerity stopped

A video interview with Richard Boyd Barrett, a member of the Irish Parliament, about the devastation of EU-enforced austerity measures.

RT interviews Barrett and asks him about the "No" campaign on the referendum on the fiscal pact with the European Union.

He explained that the pact is a European agreement, which countries are being asked to sign, that will compel governments to reduce debt and deficit payments over a long period of time (up to 10 years)... read full article and view video.

European Parliament opposes ACTA but fight not over yet

The European Parliament officially opposes ACTA, as 3 of its committees vote against the controversial and draconian agreement. But the battle is not over yet.

Digital Journal reported on April 18, 2012 that the EU Parliament may reject the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). On May 29, it was reported that the Dutch Parliament had rejected ACTA.... read more.

Bilderberg Conference starts today in Chantilly, Virginia

Starting today 150 of the world's elite are meeting just outside Washington, DC. Will they decide who the next U.S. President will be?

The agenda of the meeting is not available to the public, but much speculation is going around as to what the global elite will be discussing.

RT interviewed Alex Jones of Prison Planet earlier this month.

The interviewer asked Jones: “Should the elite get behind Mitt Romney or Barack Obama?” asking if this would likely be one of the topics discussed at the conference.

Jones replied: “Both men are bought and paid for by the same financial interests, and so the discussion will be which candidate can basically con the American people to lay down the tyranny for another four years.”... read full article.

Aerial video of Italy ruins & collapsed buildings after quake

The video shows collapsed factory and other buildings damaged in the 5.8-magnitude earthquake which hit on Tuesday this week.

Digital Journal reported on the 5.8-magnitude earthquake which hit Italy on Tuesday.

17 people are confirmed dead and 200 people were injured in the quake. Thousands have been left homeless in the agricultural and industrial area north of Bologna in the second fatal earthquake in just 9 days... read full article and view video.

61-year-old pensioner hangs himself in Athens, Greece

In the continuing crushing austerity in Greece, yet another suicide has been reported. The 61-year-old could not carry on any longer.

The Athens Times has reported that the man's lifeless body was found hanging in a public park, not far from his home in Nikaia, Athens. A park attendant found the pensioner and also a suicide note which was in the man's pocket... read full story.

TSA hoping to double airport security fees

If the fee hike is approved by Congress, you will then pay double for the privilege of being groped by TSA agents at the airport.

The U.S. Transportation and Security Administration has proposed doubling the screening fees for all flights originating in the U.S. The Senate has given the increase the go-ahead and the proposal is now awaiting full Congressional approval.  The provision has been tacked on to the 2013 Homeland Security appropriations bill and if Congress passes the proposed hike, the security fee for a round-trip ticket will double from $5 to $10... read full article.

Julian Assange loses Swedish extradition appeal

The hearing on whether Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden for alleged sex crimes in that country has just concluded. He has 2 more weeks in the U.K.

Swedish prosecutors have been pushing for Assange to be extradited to Sweden from the U.K. on charges of allegedly raping one woman and sexually assaulting another in 2010.

Authorities wish to question him on these allegations - but many fear that this could lead to him eventually being extradited to the U.S... read full article.

Montreal lawyers silently protest anti-rally bill

A new type of protest has started in Montreal with hundreds of lawyers marching through the streets in silent protest against the emergency law on demonstrations.

Quebec province has just gone through 106 days of protest and massive actions by students, outraged over tuition hikes.

The government has brought in an emergency law called Bill 78, which lays down strict regulations for demonstrations numbering more than 50 people.

Yesterday over 500-700 lawyers, notaries and legal professionals donned their courtroom gowns and walked silently through the streets of Montreal, Canada's second largest city. The lawyers were cheered on by crowds, with many onlookers shouting "Merci!" ... read full article.

Dutch Parliament rejects Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

It is official. The Dutch Parliament has rejected ACTA before the EU votes on the controversial treaty in June this year.

ACTA has been slammed by many as a threat to free speech and information access on the Internet.

Digital Journal reported last month that the EU might reject ACTA. Now Dutch MP's have ruled that the government in the Netherlands will never sign such an agreement.

MP Kees Verhoeven said today, "The treaty should be taken off table, whatever the decision the European Parliament should take." ... read full article.

Julian Assange 'The World Tomorrow' — Ep. 7: Occupy movement

"There's nothing that terrifies the U.S. government more than the threat of democracy breaking out in America." 


Julian Assange interviews representatives from OWS and Occupy London.


Julian Assange and the Occupy movement have much in common. They both criticize governments and are often condemned by the mainstream media.


In the latest episode of Assange's talk show, "The World Tomorrow", they discuss the spread of the Occupy protests in the U.S.A.


Normally Assange's interviews are held in his own home where he is under house-arrest, but this week, due to the size of the crowd, it was held in the old Deutche Bank of London, which is controlled by friends of Occupy.  Read more and view video interview.

5.8 magnitude earthquake hits Modena, Parma & Bologna, Italy

Northern Italy has once again experienced an earthquake this morning with a 5.8 magnitude quake striking near Parma, Modena and Bologna.

Digital Journal reported on the earthquake and aftershocks experienced in Italy earlier this month, with 6 people reported dead and 50 injured. Scores of historic buildings were destroyed during both the earthquake and the aftershocks.

Now according to the U.S. Geological Survey, a further 5.8 quake has struck Northern Italy, causing more buildings to collapse in the same areas affected by the previous earthquake... read full article.

US Bluefin tuna record Fukushima radiation

Apparently Pacific Bluefin tuna in the U.S.A. is showing radioactive signals from Fukushima, but they say it is "safe to eat".

The BBC is reporting on a scientific study made on Bluefin tuna. It turns out that these fish travel huge distances (around 6,000kms) and end up off the coast of the U.S.A.

This is apparently the first time that a migrating fish has been shown to carry radioactivity over such a vast distance... read full article.

The BBC published photo of Iraqi dead when reporting on Houla

The recent tragedy in Houla, Syria was horrendous and the BBC published a photo of rows of dead people when reporting the tragedy. One problem, the photo was of Iraqi dead, taken in 2003.

The bloodshed in Houla left at least 90 people dead, including 32 children. A horrific and terrible tragedy.

The BBC was reporting on the incident and posted a photo of "rows of childrens' bodies awaiting burial."

Then the original photographer, Marco di Lauro, saw the image on the BBC and says he nearly "fell off his chair"... read full article.

Video: Protester calls former British PM Blair a war criminal

A protester entered London's Royal Courts of Justice on Monday and accused Tony Blair of war crimes. Blair was testifying at an inquiry into media ethics.

Blair's appearance starts off an important week in the judge-led inquiry into media ethics in the wake of a phone hacking scandal last year.

Lord Justice Brian Leveson is leading the inquiry and is examining whether politicians failed to curb the activities of renegade journalists because they were too close to the media.

Just before former Prime Minister Blair testified, a protester burst into the court room and shouted, "This man should be arrested for war crimes!" before being removed by security from the courtroom.... view full article and video.

Rare Aston Martin One-77 wrecked in Hong Kong

There were originally 77 of these exclusive and sought-after cars. Now unfortunately there is one less, as an Aston Martin One-77 crashes in a high-speed accident.

Aston Martin's most exclusive and sought-after One-77 is a rare vehicle. In the first ever known road incident involving this British car, the model has now become even rarer.

The Chinese website weibo.com published a photo of the wrecked car on a low loader truck. The car was apparently delivered just weeks ago, did not have any plates and was most likely not registered or insured... read full article.

Germany sets new record in solar-powered electricity

Germany has now set a new record in the production of solar-powered electricity. Going nuclear-free becomes a viable option.

Germany is a world-leader in solar power and is planning to be nuclear-free by 2022. On Friday, the country's solar power plants had produced a record 22 gigawatts of energy, which is equivalent to the output of 20 nuclear plants.

Norbert Allnoch, director of the Institute of Renewable Energy Industry (IWR) in Muenster, northeast Germany, told Reuters that the solar power delivered to the national grid on Saturday met 50% of the nation's energy quota.... read full article.

The Internet Defense League — fighting for a free Internet

A new league is out there and fighting to defend our freedom on the Internet. Those with a website, blog or even a YouTube channel can join the fight.

When SOPA and PIPA were hovering ominously over our heads, a huge battle was fought both in the streets and also on the Internet. Many Internet giants, including Wikipedia, Mozilla and Google went black to protest against the possible legislation on January 18, 2012.

Due to the success of the virtual protests against SOPA and PIPA, Fight for the Future, a non-profit group, have started various schemes to fight future threats, including CISPA (Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act or HR-3523).... read full article and join the fight!

Video: Stray dog completes 1700km cycle race in China

A stray dog has just completed a 1,700km journey right across China. She followed a cycle race from Sichuan province all the way through to Tibet.

BBC reports that one of the cyclists saw the dog and gave him some food. The dog, who has been nicknamed "Xiao Sa", decided to stay with the cycle race.

Xiao Sa stayed with the race for 20 days and covered up to 60km a day. She also apparently climbed 10 mountains higher than 4,000 meters during her run.

In the video, a young man called Zhang Heng, 22, who is a student in Wuhan, Hubei Province, talks about the dog.... read full article.

Country boys meet city girls in dating match in Spain

Candeleda in Spain has a problem. The town is mainly inhabited by men, with a desperate shortage of brides. A dating agency decided to try to solve this problem.

Candeleda is a small town in Ávila province, in the autonomous region of Castile and León, Spain. The town has a population of 6,000 people and is nestled on the banks of the Lobera River.

A beautiful place, with one big problem. Most of the population is male... read full article.

New wave of citizen journalists — interview with Luke Rudkowski

A new wave of journalists is in the making - they attend events in person and livestream everything to the world. The video is an interview with Luke Rudkowski, one such citizen journalist.

Max Keiser interviews Luke Rudkowski of We are Change.

They discuss the mainstream media and how it is controlled and will only show you what they want you to see.

He explains how, with a good quality cell phone, you can attend an event and capture it as it happens. There is no hiding of the actual event. It is clear and right in front of you... read full article and view interview.

Ex-priest accused of child sex abuse gets job with TSA

A former Catholic priest, expelled from the ministry over child sexual abuse allegations, now holds a position with TSA at Philadelphia International Airport.

Thomas Harkins, the former priest, was observed working in a highly-frequented area in the airport by the CBS Philadelphia's I-Team.

Harkins reportedly works between Terminals D and E, a busy area of the airport that sees thousands of people, including young children, pass through each day... read full article.

Review: Red Dog: True story of a dog who captured the hearts of a town

If this Australian movie is on DVD near you, it comes highly recommended, but have a big box of tissues nearby. You will need them!

While I am not a big fan of Australian movies, I gave Red Dog a chance, and am so glad that I did.

The movie is based on a true story of a Kelpie/cattle dog cross (sometimes called a Red Kelpie) who lived from 1971 until November 21, 1979. Red Dog was well known for his travels through the Pilbara region of Western Australia... read full review and view trailer.

Spain's Eurovision contestant asked politely not to win

Pastora Soler, Spain's contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest, has been advised not to win. The country can't afford to host the event next year.

ABC (Spanish language) reports that according to the rules of the contest, the winner hosts the next Eurovision contest, annually watched by 125 million viewers worldwide.

Pastora Soler, the Spanish contestant, has reportedly admitted that directors from the public broadcaster, RTVE, had jokingly implored her not to win.

Soler will be performing her ballad, Quédate Conmigo ("Stay with Me"), in the video above, in the Azeri capital Baku this Saturday.... read full article and view video of Pastora's song.

Live feed of Dragon docking at International Space Station

RT is offering a live feed as the SpaceX Dragon capsule docks at the International Space Station - the first privately-owned vehicle to deliver a load to the ISS.

Digital Journal reported on May 22, 2012 that the Falcon 9 rocket had successfully lifted off and that the Dragon capsule was well on its way to the International Space Station.

This was after a failed attempt to launch on May 19, 2012.... read full article and watch live feed (or complete video once done).

Study shows effects of maternal & fetal exposure to pesticides

A new scientific study now shows that the Bt-toxin, known as Cry1Ab toxin, kills human embryonic kidney cells. Combined with Monsanto's RoundUp, it can delay apoptosis, thus promoting cancer.

 

A new report is once again showing the dangerous effects of GMOs, pesticides and herbicides.Just over a year ago, the journal Reproductive Toxicology published the results of a study done in Quebec, Canada. The Study showed that Bt-toxin, a pesticide now routinely genetically engineered into GE corn and cotton, had been found in the blood of both pregnant women and also their fetuses, as well as women who are not pregnant. The study also discovered that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's RoundUp, was also found in the blood of non-pregnant women... read full article.

Op-Ed: California 'Right to Know' campaign news release: May 24, 2012

A near majority of U.S. Senators voted today to delay 'Frankenfish', which shows public concern about genetically engineered foods.

Today, May 24, 2012, a close majority of U.S. Senators voted for Senator Lisa Murkowski's (R-Alaska) amendment to further study genetically modified salmon before it ends up on the dinner plates of Americans.The vote was 46 in favor and 50 opposed to the amendment, with 60 votes required for passage.In her floor speech, Senator Murkowski laid out many concerns with what she referred to as "Frankenfish" and "test tube salmon." ... read full article.

Video interview with police captain Ray Lewis — 'Occupy Cop'

An exclusive interview with retired Philadelphia police Captain Ray Lewis, supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement. He explains why he may lose his union benefits for his beliefs for exercising his first amendment rights.

Captain Ray Lewis got out in the streets with the Occupy Wall Street movement and protested along side of them, in full police uniform. He did his best to bridge the gap between the OWS members and the NYPD.However, he was arrested for his stance on the unnecessary brutality of the New York Police Department against the peaceful protesters.Lewis is in danger of losing his union benefits for his views and actions and he explains in the video why this is happening... read full article and view video interview.

Stuntman survives first-ever 2400-foot skydive without parachute

Gary Connery, 42, is now the first man to jump 2,400 ft (731 meters) and land safely, without parachute, using a specially-designed wingsuit.

It took years of training and a specially designed wingsuit to achieve this record jump, which took place in, and above, Ridge Wood in Buckinghamshire, England.

Minutes after landing, the 42-year-old father of two children told the BBC, "I have been training and planning for this record attempt for many years now and I am so proud to have achieved a world first.

"I want to thank everyone involved for their support and belief in me because this really has been a team effort." ... read full article and view video of this amazing stunt.

Exorcist claims 15-year-old was kidnapped for Vatican sex parties

15-year-old Emanuela Orlandi was kidnapped in 1983. And now in a controversial statement, Father Gabriele Amorth has claimed that the girl's kidnapping was a "crime of a sexual nature."

Emanuela Orlandi was the daughter of a Vatican employee. She was believed to have been kidnapped after a music lesson in Rome on June 22, 1983, when she was 15-years-old.

On May 15, 2012, Digital Journal reported that the remains of her reported kidnapper, mobster Enrico De Pedis have been exhumed in hopes of finding her body... read full article.

Video: 3-year-old boy on toy scooter survives heavy traffic

The incident was captured on a CCTV camera in the city of Wenzhou in Eastern China. The child weaves his way through heavy traffic and survives.

The video shows the 3-year-old child pedaling without a care through the heavy traffic on his toy scooter, during rush hour, on a very busy street in Wenzhou, Eastern China. The child narrowly avoids being hit by many vehicles including buses.... read full article and view video.

100th day of Montreal education protests — over 120 arrested

Thousands marched in the continuing protests against tuition hikes in Montreal, Quebec yesterday. During the protests, a huge sink hole opened up in one of the major streets.

It was not only Spanish students and teachers out on the streets yesterday. The protest in Montreal entered its 100th day yesterday, with thousands thronging the streets. There may have been up to 250,000 involved in the protest.

120 were arrested yesterday, along with 69 arrested on Saturday night and 300 arrested on Sunday night, as protesters defy a new law, limiting their right to demonstrate.

Huge crowds once again took to the streets to protest against the local government's plan to raise tuition costs and the new emergency law which requires rally organizers to inform police of a planned protest and the route to be taken eight hours prior to the march... read full article and view video of the protest.

Millions protest in Spain over education austerity cuts

Most educational institutions, at all levels, closed today as teachers and students took to the streets to protest austerity cuts.

Through the recent austerity measures, the Spanish government plans to cut billions of euros from educational sector expenses.

Up to one million teachers and seven million students, from every level - elementary schools to universities - are out protesting these cuts. The strike is taking place in all but three of the seventeen regions of Spain.... read full article.

Assange 'The World Tomorrow' Ep. 6 Ecuador fights its media

This week Julian Assange interviews President Rafael Correa of Ecuador, one of the most democratic leaders in South America and a champion for the poor.

Assange and President Correa (full name Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado) discuss the media and how it affects Ecuador.

They also discuss the Ecuadorians' take on the United States and its involvement in Latin America.

Assange asks Correa, "What do the people think of the U.S. and its involvement in Ecuador."

Correa jokes that "the only country to be sure never to have a coup d'Etat is the United States, because it hasn't got a U.S. embassy."... read full article and view video interview.

SpaceX Falcon 9: Successful lift off to ISS

Today saw the successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule, on the way to resupply the international space station.

Digital Journal reported on May 19, 2012 that the previous attempt at lift off was a failure, due to the flight computer detecting slightly high combustion chamber pressure on engine 5, which prompted the computer to abort the countdown.

The second attempt was made early this morning and the launch was successful. Half a ton of provisions is now on the way to the ISS. This marks the first attempt by a private-made vessel to perform such a task... read full article and view video of the launch.

Questions arise as to police involvement in alleged NATO terror

Now the NATO Summit is over and done, some people are asking questions about a string of alleged terrorist plots foiled by Chicago law enforcement.

Before the NATO Summit began, around 11 men were arrested in 3 separate incidents. Now that the Summit is over, many of the alleged terrorists have been released with no charges made against them and virtually no explanation from investigators in the cases.

Among those still in jail, all have been linked to 2 alleged police informants, "Mo", a male, and "Gloves", a female. These informants are believed to have worked undercover with the police to infiltrate the Chicago activism community.... read full article.

Anonymous-linked hactivists attacked City of Chicago websites

It wasn't only the physical protesters targeting Chicago yesterday. Anonymous-related hacktivists also did their part by taking down the CPD's website and the City of Chicago's website.

RT reports that authorities are looking into whether the City of Chicago website was taken down in yesterday's cyber strike.

The Anonymous-related hacktivists have claimed to have taken down the website of the Chicago Police Department in relaliation for police violence against peaceful protesters during the anti-NATO protests.

The group state on their Twitter page that they "do not claim to represent Anonymous or AntiSec as a whole, for we are one small piece to the puzzle." ... read full article.

Thousands took part in yesterday's anti-NATO protests in Chicago

Thousands of activists of all types took part in the anti-NATO protests yesterday. At least 60 people were arrested and several suffered head injuries from police batons.

Digital Journal reported yesterday on the recent demonstration against NATO, where several Iraq and Afghanistan veterans gave moving speeches and threw their medals towards the convention center where NATO delegates are meeting. The veterans stated that the medals they had been given do not represent the wars that they were fighting. The event at that stage was entirely peaceful.

Soon after this event, many riot police moved into the crowd with LRADs (long range acoustic devices) and gas masks. They demanded that protesters move along, away from the convention center, and at one stage kettled them in...  read full article and view video.

Chicago anti-NATO protest — veterans throw away medals (video)

Watching the Chicago anti-NATO protest live was a very moving experience. Part of the protest included veterans throwing their medals away, including Scott Olsen.

The video above is a clip from the protest, taken on livestream by Tim Pool of timcast, who was also the journalist whose video footage cleared Alexander Arbuckle in his recent trial. Arbuckle had been accused of disorderly conduct in the Occupy Wall Street protest early on New Years' Day.

There are varying reports of the number of people involved in the full NATO protest, with numbers from 10,000 to 50,000 to 75,000 being quoted on Facebook in the overall protest. No way at present to know the true number but I doubt the numbers were quite that large.

In the video you can see a section of the protest where veterans first introduce themselves to the crowd, then throw their medals away, many apologizing to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan for what they have done. They denounce the "war on terror" as a false flag war... read full article and watch video.

Italy continues to experience aftershocks following 6.0 quake

With more aftershocks shaking the country, buildings continue to fall. Some 3,000 people have been evacuated to safety and rescuers search the rubble for more.

Digital Journal reported earlier today on the 6.0 magnitude earthquake which has struck northern Italy. At that stage, five people had been killed and fifty others injured. Much damage had occurred to buildings in the area.

The total of dead has now risen to six and the initial earthquake, which occurred at 4:04 am (02:04 GMT) affected the cities of Mantua, Verona, Ferrara and Modena... read full article and view video.

Shared grief: Israeli and Palestinian families mourn together

The Parents Circle - Families Forum unites the families of both Palestinians and Israelis who have lost loved ones in the conflict between them.

When people have lost loved ones, their feelings of grief and bereavement are the same, no matter what nationality they are.

Over the years many Israeli and Palestinian families have lost sons, daughters, husbands and wives in the continuing conflict between both sides... read full article and watch video.

SpaceX Falcon 9: 'Lift off did not occur' (video)

The SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon module, loaded with half a ton of provisions for the International Space Station did not lift off.

SpaceX Falcon 9 was set to lift off from Cape Canaveral on May 19, to take half a ton of provisions to the ISS, and was meant to become the first private-made vessel to perform such a task.

The countdown was almost complete and the engine ignition sequence almost started, when the on-board computers halted the process automatically.... read full article and watch video.

Eco-economy: A few budget-saving tips

Times are hard worldwide at the moment and money is short. The following are a few tips on how to save money, while also helping the environment.

Grow your own food

This one is a no-brainer. If you have a bit of land available, grow your own vegetables.

There is loads of information available online to help you with your cultivation.

Once the garden beds are dug and set up, there is little work involved besides the odd weeding and watering.... read full article.

Peaceful anti-NATO protests increasing in Chicago prior to Summit

Prior to the NATO Summit on Sunday, Chicago, IL is experiencing peaceful mass protests, which will continue throughout the weekend, despite the extra security.

Digital Journal recently reported that Chicago is ready for the NATO Summit with security in place against possible terrorist attacks by peacefully protesting activists.

However, with the Summit set to start on Sunday, the streets have not been quiet. Yesterday it was the turn of nurses, with National Nurses United teaming up with trade unions in a mass rally in the city, protesting against proposals to cut back nurses' pensions.... read full article and view video.

Facebook to be sued for $15 billion in class-action privacy suit

Facebook had better do well on the stock exchange. It may need to money to pay off a class action suit on behalf of users who were tracked on the Internet by Facebook after logging out.

A 15-billion-dollar nationwide class-action lawsuit has been filed against Facebook in California. The allegations? Tracking Facebook users after logging out and also violating U.S. wiretapping laws.

ZDnet.com reports that the suit combines 21 cases filed across the U.S. of alleged privacy violations by Facebook and was filed on Friday in the Federal Court of San Jose. The plaintiffs are claiming that Facebook used cookies to track them across the Internet, after they had logged out of the social media network.... read full article.

Video: 'American Spring' the Occupy documentary

A documentary has been produced about the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York City, U.S.A. Interviews with protesters are included and views are given by other people in the street.

Although spring in New York is still chilly, the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) members are out in the streets trying to make their case.

The movement includes people from very varied backgrounds, but the agenda remains the same. They are fighting against income inequality, the corruption of the banks and multinational corporations, against foreclosures on peoples' homes, climate change and police brutality... read full article and watch 26 minute documentary.

Win in NYPD case against OWS due to video footage

Alexander Arbuckle went on trial for disorderly conduct in the Occupy Wall Street protest early on New Years' Day. However, he won his case due to the video footage of a journalist.

In what Occupy Wall Street are calling a victory of justice, Arbuckle had his day in court (well two days) before being found not guilty.

Over the past few months since Occupy Wall Street began in September 2011, hundreds of protesters have been arrested. However, it was photographer and citizen journalist Alexander Arbuckle's case that came up first for trial.... read full article.

ONE is painting the street with your tweets for G8

The grassroots advocacy and campaigning organization ONE is fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease, mainly in Africa. Now they want the G8's attention.

With the G8 starting on May 18, 2012, the team has started the ONE Street Tweet - you send a 40 character tweet to their Twitter page and if they like it they print it on the street. The team at ONE want the leaders at G8's Annual Symposium on Global Agriculture and Food Security to take notice.

On May 15, ONE visited Maryland to print the first batch of messages on the street surrounding an agricultural research facility.... read full article.

The Pirate Bay hit by DDoS attack — Anonymous not responsible

The Pirate Bay was hit by a DDos attack and has been largely unavailable for 24 hours. They say that Anonymous are not responsible.

The Pirate Bay (TPB) has its suspicions who is responsible for the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. Their Facebook page read, "Once we've awaken our tech guru Winston Q we'll get on the issue."

TPB's Facebook page now reads:

"Just to clarify, we KNOW that it is NOT Anonymous who is behind the ddos attack. Stop spreading rumours like that.

We may not agree with Anonymous in everything, but we both want the internet to be open and free.

There, now carry on with whatever it is you were doing." ... read full article.

Video: Occupy Minnesota protesters given drugs by police?

The publication of a video on YouTube stating that Occupy protesters in Minnesota have been given drugs by police officers, has caused authorities to open a criminal investigation.

So far at least one Minnesota state trooper has been put on paid leave, as law enforcement officials investigate allegations that police officers visited Occupy Wall Street encampments in Minnesota and gave free drugs to protesters.

The video was made by independent journalists and filmmakers in the state. They interviewed members of the local Occupy movement who say they have been offered drugs by police officers.

Apparently protesters who opt in to the program are given the drugs for free and the police, in turn, monitor the effects of the drugs. Some protesters say they've been rewarded for offering to snitch on the movement... read full article and view video.

UK police protest 'criminal' cuts (video)

It's not just the Occupy and 15m movements out on the streets lately. 34,000 police in the United Kingdom are protesting salary cuts and loss of jobs.

With worries over public safety, as well as cuts in staff, salaries and benefits, the police are currently policing their own protests on the streets of the United Kingdom.

The protesters claim that with less police out on the streets, people will no longer feel safe. However criminals will feel safer with the lack of policing... read full article and watch video.

Hawaii is the first US state to ban plastic bags

The option to choose paper or plastic is officially coming to an end in sunny Hawaii, the first U.S. state to ban plastic bags.

A bill was approved in December 2011 to ban the use of plastic bags on the Big Island. Now the whole state is following through with this ecological ban.

People will need to take reusable bags when shopping for their groceries in every city and unincorporated area in the Hawaiian islands.

Paper bags will still be in use as long as they are biodegradable, as they don't have the same negative impact as plastic on wildlife and the eco-system.... read full article.

Black box found near Sukhoi Superjet-100 crash site

The search teams involved in the investigation of the crash site of the Russian plane have now found the black box. Investigations continue.

Today the search teams located the flight recorders of the Sukhoi Superjet-100 which crashed on May 9, 2012 during a demonstration flight.

Head of the search operation, Ketut Parwa, has told reporters that the black box was found 100 meters from the tail of the crashed plane.

A team of Russian experts and Indonesian searchers have been searching on the densely forested Mount Salak for some days.

Tatang Kurniadi, chief of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) told the Jakarta Post on Monday: “We will first open the black box here in Indonesia.” ... read full article.

Video: Exclusive interview with Afghan President Hamid Karzai

President Hamid Karzai has been interviewed by the Russian media - RT, Rossiya-24 and RIA-Novosti. A controversial interview giving the other side of Afghanistan and Karzai's views on issues there.

President Karzai speaks candidly to the Russian media in this exclusive interview. He states that Afghanistan is a united country.

President Karzai believes that after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, neglect by the western world brought about the growth of terror in the country. He states that this led in turn to 9/11 and also to the terror attacks in Russia.... read full article and view video.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: 12m flash mob in Dam Square (video)

Amsterdam did its part in the global 12m movement yesterday by holding a flash mob in Dam Square. Looks like fun was had by all.

The theme of the Flash Mob was to dance the world awake for global change.

In the spirit of peaceful revolution and to the extremely appropriate tune "One Tribe" by the Black Eyed Peas, Occupy Amsterdam danced in the streets.

The organizers stated: "Dance is very natural, people all over the world have always done it. It helps us to feel better, happier, it balances our emotions; it improves the spirit of all. Also it helps us to concentrate on our goal to feel that we are one and we are together!" ... view video.