Sunday travel ― 'Life's a beach' in Fuengirola, Spain

Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol is famous for its 5 km stretch of sandy, well-kept beaches, running from the Sohail Castle all the way through to Torreblanca.

Relatively empty out of season but packed in summer, the beaches curve along the coastline with many restaurants, bars and chiringuitos (beach cafes) to choose from.

A beach promenade (Paseo Maritimo Rey de España) runs the full length, giving opportunities for strolling, jogging, power walking or just for simply walking the dogs in the fresh sea air... read full article.

Chilling new video of US border patrol beating immigrant to death

In May 2010, a U.S. citizen was crossing the bridge from Mexico into the U.S.A. She witnessed the brutal violence of several federal agents against a Mexican immigrant, who later died from his injuries.

Now an amateur video taken by Seattle resident Ashley Young has come to light, which shows 42-year-old Anastacio Hernandez-Rojas lying in the fetal position on the ground while at least 12 federal agents repeatedly shock him with a stun gun.  

The video was obtained by a lawyer who is representing the Hernandez-Rojas family in their wrongful death suit against the U.S. government... read full article and watch video.

Herbicide tied to strange skin disease killing people in Vietnam

A mysterious skin disease has killed 19 people and affected 171 others in the province of Quang Ngai, one of the most impoverished in the country. The resistant disease was first discovered in April 2011 before dying down and resurfacing with a vengeance.

The illness initially presents with high fever, appetite loss and a rash on the feet and hands, but left untreated can affect the respiratory system, cause eye problems, miscarriages, liver issues and multi-organ failure. And it has doctors baffled. 

The disease found in two communes in Quang Ngai province of Southern Vietnam, was first discovered about a year ago, before subsiding and reemerging. Now within the past year, 171 people have reported disease symptoms and it has claimed the lives of 19 others.. read full article.

Video: 2 trains collide in Amsterdam ― at least 70 injured

Dutch media reports that 2 trains have collided in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, injuring at least 70 with more than 50 seriously.

The BBC reports that the trains collided between the capital's main station, Amsterdam Central and the Amsterdam Sloterdijk station. 

While it is not immediately clear how the 2 trains had ended up travelling towards each other on the same track, Ed Kraszewski of the National Police Corps said that the cause of the collision would be investigated. The trains involved were an inter-city train and a local stopping service, and the crash occurred at around 18:30 local time.. read more and view video.

Op-Ed: Photo essay: An abstract view of life in Spain

Spain is, undoubtedly, one of the most photogenic countries in the world. But its not just the every day, touristy views that are of interest to the photographer. 

Ask any photographer, whether amateur or professional - they love taking photos that are a bit out of the ordinary.

When a photographer walks the streets, everything is seen with that famous "photographer's eye".

 A ruined house, paint peeling on a door, or just a whole bunch of rust are manna in heaven for them... read full article.

Video: Reindeer races & ice-fishing in Russia's frozen north

Northern Russia is well known for its harsh climate and vast icy tundra, where residents are cut off from the rest of the country.

The video explores this isolated area and introduces us to the residents, who are quite happy with the life they lead. Reindeer herders have a hard life, following their herds through the vast tundra, but every now and then they get together for some fun. 

Stick wresting, hurdle jumping and lasso throwing are some of the participatory sports, as can be seen in the video. 

 But reindeer racing is the main event of the year. Teams come from far and wide to participate in these exciting and sometimes dangerous events and the competition is tough.... read full article and view video.

Roundup herbicide linked to Parkinson’s-related brain damage

Monsanto's controversial herbicide, Roundup, has now been linked to Parkinsonism related disorders according to research reported in the Neurotoxicology & Teratology journal. 

 

This month a new and alarming study has been published in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology which supports the emerging connection between glyphosate, Roundup's active ingredient, and the emergence of neurodegenerative conditions including Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonian disorders... read full article.

Both sides unite in protest in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt

Tens of thousands of Egyptians packed Tahrir Square yesterday - islamists and liberals joined forces in protest against the ruling military government. 

The whole spectrum of Egyptian political protesters were collaborating in a protest for real democracy, as the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) is reluctant to give up power. 

 The crowds in Tahrir Square, Cairo are accusing the SCAF of manipulating the upcoming president elections so that they can retain power. 

Despite the fact that parliamentary elections have taken place, Egypt has seen little democratic change... read full article and watch video.

Coalition demands probe on Dow & Monsanto GMOs & pesticides

Farmers and food industry representatives are demanding a probe into the potential outcome of a new genetically modified crop in combination with the usage of the 2,4-D pesticide.

Dow Chemical is currently awaiting the go-ahead from the U.S. government to start using a new genetically modified corn crop. This crop has been modified to be resistant to a powerful pesticide produced with 2,4-D.

2,4-D was a compound that was crucial to the make-up of the notorious Agent Orange, which killed so many people during the Vietnam war and causes birth defects right up to the present time in that country. Agent Orange was responsible for over 400,000 deaths in Vietnam. 3 million people contracted diseases like cancer, liver damage and heart disease. Over half a million babies were born with heartbreaking birth defects in Vietnam.

If approved, this new corn would be able to "thrive" when doused with the pesticide in farmers' fields and would apparently eradicate unwanted weeds along the way... read full article and view video.

Mother-of-8 died 'because she drank 10 liters of Coke a day'

A young New Zealand mother of 8 children suddenly died - probable cause is that she was drinking at least 10 liters of Cola-Cola every day.

Natasha Marie Harris, 30, died suddenly at home in Invercargill on New Zealand's South Coast on February 25, 2010.

The Daily Mail has reported that Harris apparently had an addiction to Coca-Cola and without it she would get moody and irritable. Her partner, Christopher Hodgkinson has claimed that her death was the result of drinking too much Coca-Cola.

Hodgkinson's mother, Vivian Hodgkinson, said she would go 'crazy' if she ran out of the drink.

At an inquest into Harris' death, her partner said that she had been unwell leading up to her death. She apparently had no energy and had been vomiting up to 6 times per week, but it never crossed their minds that Coca-Cola could be the problem.... read full article.