Two men from South Carolina face harassment charges for forcing a baby alligator to drink beer. Photos of these two men appeared on social media. Both of them are accused of wildlife harassment. The investigation began after several people messaged and emailed the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

A news release shows that the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is handling this case. The names of the people who were involved in this incident are Zachary Lloyd Brown (21 years old) and Joseph Andrew Floyd Jr. (20 years old). The incident happened on 24 May in Jasper County. Both of the men admitted to picking up the baby alligator from the road.

The men also stated that they forced the baby alligator to drink beer. After that, they released the animal and saw it swim in a pond. They took photos of the animal and posted them on multiple social media sites. Despite the fact that the animal might be alright, both men are charged with wildlife harassment.

The next day, people started taking screen shots with these photos. Then, they sent them to the agency to make sure that the men were found and charged for what they did. The pictures show how the men squeezed the neck of the baby alligator and then poured beer down its throat. The baby alligator was also forced to inhale smoke from cigarettes. One of the pictures shows the men blowing smoke onto the baby alligator’s face.

The two men face a fine of $300 apart from the misdemeanor charge of harassing an animal. Despite the fact that there is federal protection for alligators for international trade, in this case, it doesn’t apply. Officials from the SCDNR mentioned that this is a great example that shows why people need to be educated to respect wildlife.

The judge who is going to take care of this case is the one that decides what happens to these two cruel men. People who have more information about this case can report it at 1-800-922-5431. To prevent another case like this from happening, these men should receive a rough punishment.

Image source: PublicDomainPictures

When Charles Murray was invited to hold a lecture at Middlebury College, nobody was expecting a hoard of violent protesters to turn the speech into a mini social revolution. At first, the protests were peaceful, but as things escalated, a professor ended up suffering a concussion and what was supposed to be a lesson for Murray turned into indirect proof that his theories are based on real experiences.

Why Is Charles Murray Such a Controversial Figure?

Charles Murray, Ph.D., is an avid supporter of the White Nationalist ideology, an advocate of the elimination of welfare, affirmative action, and racial inequality. His books, Losing Ground, The Bell Curve, and Deeper Into the Brain have been cited and used by Republicans, the most famous example being Bill Clinton’s success in deforming welfare.

Murray spent most of his academic career trying to revamp theories that reject the concepts of egalitarianism and equality. His work is an endless effort to prove that intelligence is strongly tied to race and genetics, poor people having laziness embedded in their genes and black individuals being unable to succeed in academia due to their low IQ.

“A huge number of well-meaning whites fear that they are closet racists, and this book tells them they are not. It’s going to make them feel better about things they already think but do not know how to say.”

The white supremacist even went as far as to say that mothers on welfare who are seeking employment have an average IQ of 80. In case you were wondering, such a score implies a below average intelligence.

What Happened at Middlebury College?

As Murray took the stage, hundreds of students bearing signs disrupted his lecture, chanting with their backs turned to him. The Middlebury protesters made it impossible for Murray to continue his lecture, so he was moved to a closed doors auditorium where he finished delivering his speech.

When Murray exited the campus location, the protesters confronted him. Chaos ensued when security forces intervened, one of the faculty members accompanying Murray ending up hospitalized due to a concussion.

While the protesters had a right to express their disdain of Murray’s theories, violence is never the answer, especially when the sociologist based his books on the idea that racial minorities have low IQs and are thus prone to violence.

The Middlebury protesters are now facing severe criticism from both liberals and right-wingers. Moreover, the media has been categorizing the students as an

“intolerable mob that adopted the same attitude it was protesting.”

This is not the first time Murray spoke at Middlebury College. During his previous visit, he patronized a group of black students who asked questions during the Q&A session, attracting the rage of other liberal attendees.

The Middlebury protest was justified as Murray’s extreme opinions and political influence can cause severe damage to the way minorities are perceived, but the violent outcome is being held under scrutiny as it only proved Murray’s point that representatives of certain minorities are unable to participate in an intellectual debate.

Image Source: Flickr

North America has just gained one of its first ‘smart cities’. Kansas City started rolling out a new program which will be offering online, real-time traffic and parking data.

We are living in an increasingly inter-connected world. And some consider that our cities should keep up and make use of the current technological advances. As such, Kansas City set out to become the first ‘smart city’.

Its purpose? City officials will be trying to show the residents that they can benefit from real-time data gathering. More exactly, from the technology installed on the city’s light poles and streets.

On February 07, Kansas City released the first example of a future smart city feature. City authorities announced and released an online interactive map. This is widely accessible to the public. And it will provide various traffic and parking information. All of which will be in real-time.

For example, it will point out available parking spaces. Or it will offer traffic data and KC Streetcar locations. Its data will be gathered by 122 video sensors. These were installed in the downtown. They were placed on a 2-mile long segment along Main Street.

The online interactive city map was presented during a press conference. And during the same event, city officials presented another ‘smart city’ future feature.

A city contract made an Alexa demonstration. The smart assistant was installed on an Amazon Echo device. During the presentation, the contract asked which city buses were running late. And the system offered a complex answer. It presented a list of the top five buses that were running late. It did so by correlating their routes with the available real-time data.

Both the Alexa demonstration and the city map are part of a larger program. This was launched nine months ago. At the time, Kansas City officials launched the KC Streetcar. They all features part of the ‘smart city initiative’. The $15 million program is trying to bring technology closer to the city. And subsequently, to its residents.

Kansas City officials also stated as follows. They declared that their city was “the most connected” one in North America. Their statement was based on several facts. For example, Kansas City offers has a free public Wi-Fi system. And it also offers interactive kiosks. These are placed along its streetcar segment.

The available technology will combine with the newly introduced one. Data gathered by these new sensors should help the city become more efficient. And it should offer up-to-date information to its residents.

The online city map will offer traffic data. It will also show the current location of a streetcar. As well as the number of vehicles that pass by it each hour. It will also present their real-time speed.

Available parking spaces will be colored green. As such, users should find it easier to detect a parking spot. They will just have to click on a parking area icon. This will present all their available spots.

Kansas City officials hope to expand the new sensors system. It could be installed in other congested areas of the city as well. In the future, the Alexa system could also be better integrated.

It may come to offer valuable data to its user. For example, it may suggest free parking spot, just as the city map. Or it could offer a daily events and public activities forecast.

Kansas City authorities have big plans. They will try to expand the sensors network. And also offer them new uses. Which could also open up new features for its residents.

Image Source: Wikimedia

Philadelphia Beer Regulations have started being somewhat looser as a new law which came into effect on Tuesday will offer more variants.

Beer drinkers should be happier these days. On Tuesday, January 16, a new regulation came into effect. The change may not seem much to some. The new Philadelphia beer regulations will allow users to buy six-packs.

This fact may seem strange to seem. Buying six-packs is a common action in some states. But no so in Philadelphia. Past laws prohibited such an action.

Up until Monday, January 15, the Philadelphia beer regulations stated as follows. Alcoholic drinks retailers could only sell two types of beer quantities. They were allowed to sell individual beer bottles or cases. And they could sell 12-packs. Or kegs.

And Sunday had a special set of rules. Bars could start selling beer starting with 09 A.M. But only if they also sold food.

Starting with Tuesday, these rules will change. And the Philadelphia Beer Regulations will be somewhat looser. Retailers will be able to sell any quantity of beer.

This will include 32-ounce beer bottles. And as some may rejoice, also six packs. A few years back, the rules were even stricter. Retailers were only allowed to sell beer kegs and cases.

But this was also changed a few years back. Some 2 years, to be more exact. The last regulation change saw the introduction of 12 packs. These too are a relatively new addition on the market.

As of Tuesday, six-packs will be hitting the shelves. And retailers will be able to sell beer on Sunday. Starting with 09 A.M., but without having to also sell food.

The new Philadelphia beer regulations are part of a law signed in November. Approved last year, it came into effect earlier this week.

Through it, state residents will also benefit from a new option. They will be able to join a “beer-of-the-month”. These are special clubs. They ship their products directly to the subscribers’ homes.

As of Tuesday, sporting venues will also have a new freedom. They will be able to sell mixed drinks.

The new beer regulations will be bringing an availability change. And also a physical one as well. Some retailers have gone to transform their businesses. Their stores were changed so as to accommodate to the new options. This will also mean an accommodation to the estimated new demands.

Mark Tanczos went to explain. He is the owner of Bethlehem’s Tanczos Beverages. According to him, expectations will be higher now. People will most likely be choosing more selections.

And Tanczos is expecting another change as well. He believes that customers will be picking up craft beer. One or two bottles at least. As such, this will be a cheaper way of trying something new.

Pennsylvania has an estimated number of 1,200 beer distributors. Before the introduction of 12-packs, they were quite limited. The state was considered to have amongst the most restrictive beer regulations.

According to some distributors, the rules will greatly advantage buyers. They sometimes had to buy more than they wanted. Now, they can select their desired quantity. Some of the six-packs will also offer a variety. More exactly, each beer can be different.

Image Source: Pixabay

In an unexpected twist to the U.S. presidential campaign the FBI uncovered potentially significant material in the Hillary Clinton server case.

New emails sent through Hillary Clinton’s private server surfaced after the Federal Bureau of Investigation seized devices belonging to Huma Abedin and her husband, Anthony Weiner, in an unrelated case.  The shocking revelation was announced through a letter sent to Congress members.

“In connection with an unrelated case, the FBI has learned of the existence of emails that appear to be pertinent to the investigation.”

The initial investigation into Hillary Clinton’s unauthorized use of a private email server concluded in July with a recommendation of no criminal charges against the Democratic presidential candidate. However, in light of recent events, the FBI has decided to take investigative steps to determine if the newly discovered emails contain any classified information.

“Although the FBI cannot yet assess whether or not this material may be significant and I cannot predict how long it will take to complete this additional work, I believe it is important to update your Committees about our efforts in light of my previous testimony” declared James Comey, FBI’s director, who previously criticized Hillary Clinton as being careless. 

With less than 11 days before the US presidential election, the FBI’s decision to reopen the investigation shows how serios the discovery is. Several lawmakers questioned the timing of the letter, seeing as there is currently no evidence that Mrs Clinton or the State Department withheld information.

“Why would FBI reopen Hillary investigation unless there is evidence of more than extreme carelessness in handling classified information?” tweeted John Cornyn, second-ranking Republican in the Senate

A senior law enforcement official declared that Comey’s letter was sent out of extra caution. Although FBI’s director provided no details about the nature of the mails, the politically explosive development raises serious questions about the Democratic presidential candidate. The shocking revelation seems to have caught the Clinton campaign by surprise. Tim Kaine, Clinton’s VP running mate, said he has to “read a little more” about the situation before giving an official statement.

GOP nominee Donald J. Trump, realizing that the new development in the Hillary Clinton server case may represent a turning point in the race, was quick to add fuel to the fire. Despite the fact that he has repeatedly called the FBI corrupt and inept, during a campaign event in New Hampshire, he went on to praise the law enforcement agency.

“I have great respect for the fact that the FBI and the DOJ are now willing to right the horrible mistake that they made. This is a grave miscarriage of justice that the American people fully understand.” Donald J. Trump declared.

Comey, who is also a Republican, endured severe criticism in July after he decided not to charge Clinton. The language used by the FBI in the letter made it clear that agents will be going through the newly discovered emails to determine any intent to violate the law. Only time will tell how the Hillary Clinton server case will unfold.

Rumors of Halloween being a Satanist holiday have been taking over blogs and prints. With the costumes getting more diverse and popular culture bringing new elements to it every year, concerned Christians have started doubting the holiday and the reasons why people are celebrating it. Are we celebrating Halloween as a result of an intricate Satanist plot? This article will answer this question and more.

Myth: Satanists have been tricking us into celebrating Halloween for centuries.

Truth: According to the United Church of God, Halloween is “a celebration of evil.” The website cites The Encyclopedia of Religion and Encyclopedia Britannica to demonstrate the pagan origins of the popular holiday.

While it is true that it all started with the Celts and the Samhain celebration, there is no link between Halloween and Satanists. Back in the day, especially in the southern regions of the country, people celebrated the autumn harvest while lighting fires to keep fairies, ghosts, and goblins away from the crops.

The tradition combined itself with the belief that during the last day of October, the barrier between the real and the spiritual world gets thinner, spirits being able to cross on our side. People started wearing spooky costumes to chase away the evil spirits.

Even Pope Gregory believed that the hallows ran amok during the winter solstice as he declared October 31^st as being All Hallows’ Eve, and November 1^st All Saints Day.

The Church of Satan posted on its official website an explanation detailing that Halloween is not a Satanist holiday, adepts of the religion being more concentrated on matters of the self. According to them, the autumn solstice

“may be celebrated as a time when one’s inner-self might be explored through the use of a costume, or one might recall those of importance in one’s life who have died.”

Contrary to popular belief, Halloween is not an important holiday for Satan’s worshipers. Being a self-centered religion, the adepts’ most important day is their birthday. The only shared celebration that they are keen on respecting is Walpurgisnacht, or the Spring climax, which falls on the 30^th of April.

Walpurgisnacht, as Goethe beautifully sketches it in Faust, is a day dedicated to witches. German folklore describes the night of St. Walpurgis as one of ritualistic dancing and celebration of nature, so it is evident why some may have mistaken it for Halloween.

Myth: Jack-o’-lanterns are a symbol of the devil.

Truth: Popular culture is to blame for this particular myth. Originally, jack-o’-lanterns did not feature the intricate designs that we have grown accustomed to.

As the story goes, back in the days of yore, an old drunk by the name of Stingy Jack used to go around pranking everybody who got in his way. From children to neighbors, to Satan himself, the man could not abstain from tricking somebody.

It is believed that during one of his mischiefs, he managed to convince Satan to climb a tree, padding the ground with crosses and other holy symbols, making it impossible for the fallen angel to get down. The devil remembered his deed, and once Stingy Jack died and his passage into heaven was refused, Satan shut the doors of hell in his face, condemning him to life in limbo.

However, old man Jack was given an ember so that he could light his endless roaming through Nowhere land. Incidentally, the man had a turnip in his pocket and used it to boost the powers of the ember, thus creating the jack-o’-lantern.

After Irish immigrants had appropriated the holiday, the turnips were slowly traded for pumpkins, reaching the form that we now know and love.

In conclusion, the jack-o’-lantern is far from being a symbol of Satan, but rather a beacon of hope, a way to guide lost souls in their never-ending journey.

Myth: The essence of Halloween lies within candy and costumes.

Truth: During the early days, people dressed up in spooky costumes to ward off evil spirits. In exchange for their efforts, they were treated with either autumn goodies or prayers.

In time, prayers and pies turned into caramel apples and chocolate bars. While the costumes were famous ever since the early days of the festivity, the candy is a more modern approach.

History teaches us that until the nineteenth century, when the country’s traditions were revitalized by a wave of new European immigrants, the Northern, more puritan part, used to celebrate All Saints Day, on November 1^st. On October 31^st, they shared stories of supernatural mischiefs and indulged themselves in autumn treats.

After more immigrants had come to the country, Halloween started to be centered more around children and trick-or-treating. Some ancient rituals, like the Roman tradition of bopping for apples, were kept.

In essence, even if the holiday suffered many mutations along the way, Halloween is still based on the idea that on the day, the veil between worlds is lifted, and the last day of October merges our reality with that of the spirits.

Myth: Some people give out candy laced with poison or razor-fitted apples.

Truth: Back in the 1990’s, the Candyman committed atrocious murders. One man, Ronald Clark O’Brien, decided to copy the serial child killer and fed his 8 years old son, Timothy Marc O’Brien, a Pixy Stick dipped in cyanide. The man’s goal was to collect the boy’s substantial life insurance while blaming his death on the Candyman.

O’Brien’s deed was discovered, and he ended up paying for his crime and implementing the idea that people have a habit of poisoning Halloween candy.

Moreover, reports of razor blade-stuffed apples started making people feel weary about receiving fruits from sweet old ladies or celebrating the Roman goddess of fruits and vegetables by bopping for apples.

According to several official reports published over the years, while people were hurt by razors or needles hidden in various types of treats, nobody died from it. In the end, it is just a matter of faith, because if somebody wants to poison people with store-bought candy, they can do it all year round, not just on Halloween.

Summing It Up – Why Are We Celebrating Halloween?

Satanists do not even celebrate Halloween, costumes are meant to ward off evil spirits, candy is a new addition to the holiday, jack-o’-lanterns are a beacon for wandering souls, and it is highly unlikely to receive a poisonous or sharp candy.

The most important thing this Halloween is to remember to have fun and enjoy a holiday that has been through so many changes. All Hallows’ Eve is the perfect example of how America is a cultural melting pot, so if anything, you can celebrate diversity this October 31^st.

For a long time now, celebrating Halloween is more about having an excuse to eat candy rather than dwell on the mysteries of the occult.

Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Officials from New York said that there are more people who died by suicide, compared to homicides and deaths in motor vehicle accidents. It seems that the suicide rate has risen over the past years and many people decide to end their lives due to different reasons. The saddest thing is that most of them could be saved, but they did not talk to anybody or nobody saw them acting in a different way.

For example, in 2014, 565 people from New York died by suicide, while 325 were murdered. There were also 270 deaths in vehicle accidents.  Mary Basset, health commissioner, said the dates are concerning her. It seems that not enough people get the support they need in time. Moreover, there are more women who committed suicide than they were before. The suicide rate is highest among those who are between 45 and 64 years old. This happens mostly because that is a period when their children are already grown up or they realize they did not follow their dreams.

People should be more aware of those who suffer from mental illness. They are at a higher risk because, sometimes, they do not realize what they are doing.  There should be more mental health resources available and more lives will be saved.  Even though things are not looking good, the suicide rate in New York is below the national average. In 2014, 13 people of 100 000 were taking their lives.

Every life counts. It does not matter if one or twelve people committed suicide, there should be none.  Life can be really hard and sometimes, without help, people do not see any reason why they should keep fighting. There are persons who do not have mental issues, but because their business is not working or they broke up with their loved ones. They need help to understand that not matter what happens, time is healing any wound.

Homicides and deaths in vehicle accidents are harder to control than suicide. The power to save a life stays in our hands.  The officials are expecting more people to commit suicide in the future, as the rate is rising by every year. Suicide is a major issue in the whole world, not only in the United States. Millions of people decide to end their lives without thinking of any other options.

Image source: Pixabay

Dr. Donald Cline used his own sperm at least 50 times to impregnate women instead of donated sperms. The retired  fertility doctor, who is now 77-year old, used the sperm for eight of his patients decades ago.  He was charged with two felony counts of obstruction of justice.

It seems that the doctor said he donated his own sperm more than 50 times. He believed that six of the children who were born are his. The story began in 1970, so those children are now adults who want to know the truth about their father.  Moreover, he thinks he is not guilty because he just followed the guidelines of that period. According to him, there is nothing wrong in what he did. His attorney also said that he is not accused of hiding documents or  influencing witnesses. Donald Cline thinks he did the right thing and he helped those women to have the children they have always wanted.

This could come as a surprise to most people who knew him. He was a popular doctor and him also developed a technique to freeze the extra eggs of women undergoing in vitro fertilization. He had many patients and none of them complained about him, until now.  The biggest problem is that he did not tell the patients the truth. He was telling one thing to those women and did another thing. Moreover, he lied to the attorney general’s office during an investigation, which is illegal.

It all started when the children of women who were patients of that fertility doctor found out with the DNA test that they are related.  Even if the  doctor did not tell the truth at first, they knew he lied because a medical student would not be allowed to donate sperm more than three times. Moreover, there were few chances that one man will be available to give his sperm during a period of eight years.

Donald Cline said that he had to use his own sperm because he was not able to access fresh one all the time. This is how eight children were born from five different women and they are all his kids. He is not the first fertility doctor accused of using his own sperm. However, this could be a huge problem. Women have the right to know who will be the biological father of their child.

Image source: Webmd.com

 

 

 

 

 

The United States Geological Survey said that a lava lake could be seen at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii. There was at least one earthquake felt, along with several smaller others, due to this event. It is the first time this year when the lava lake was visible, since May 2015. The biggest issue is there lava lakes can be responsible for earthquakes, which means that people are in danger.

There have already bee two of them, with magnitude 3.1, a few seconds apart. Scientists are expecting more to come until the danger will be gone. This not un unusual event for those who live in the area. Kilauea volcano is one of the most active in the world. There are thousands of people who come to see it every year. For them, it could be something they see only once in their life.  However, we should not forget that the high lava level is able to increase the possibility of  explosions.

The lava lake was measured at 43 feet below the floor, yester afternoon. During te night, the level decreased and now it is at 20 feet below. Tourists should not be surprised of future earthquakes and pay attention to what areas they visit during this period. The authorities are warning visitors to careful because there are more dangers, besides walking on uneven surfaces. If you go too close to the ocean, you could be exposed to the debris created by lava and water. The new land is not safe because the lava is not consolidated.

If you want to hike out, do it just during the daytime. There are still no safe routes and it is easier to get lost after dark. For those of you who suffer from heart or respiratory problems or are pregnant, the best advice is to avoid going to Kilauea volcano while the danger is still there. The air has poor quality and it can cause you more health issues.

The most important thing to know is that volcanoes are dynamic phenomena. Even though the level of lava is less dangerous now, this can change in every moment. Do not go there until the authorities say it is safe.

Do not forget to respect the Hawaiian Culture. Do not destroy or remove things from the natural park and do not cook food on lava. It could sound strange, but people have a lot of ideas and some of them can be more dangerous than they think.

Image source: Wikipedia

 

 

This Sunday the United States commemorates 15 years since September 11, the day in which the American Dream was crushed by terrorists. Americans remember September 11 through books, movies, or short films, the tragic events making their way in both documentaries and big Hollywood productions showing that writers, cinematographers, journalists, everybody wants to pay homage to the victims of terrorism.

Some depicted the terrorist attack from the point of view of the victims, other chose to focus on the image of the terrorist and the “why,” while those who wanted to show the biggest picture decided to tell the tale of those who were left behind.

Here are the best books and movies covering the tragedy.

Remember Me

The drama starring Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin focuses on the love shared by the two characters. Tyler is trying to deal with his brother’s suicide and his parents’ divorce, while Ally is still affected by her mother’s murdered, which she witnessed.

Love brings the two characters together, but what happens when, after fighting for the right to feel happy again, one of them looks through the window of a World Trade Center office? Remember me is touching depiction of life outside the attacks, of the averageness and uniqueness of those who lost their lives fifteen years ago, today.

The Looming Tower

Lawrence Wright was awarded a Pulitzer for his view on the events that transpired at the World Trade Center. The book is tautly written and the gloomy tone is sometimes sprinkled with anecdotes that lighten up the story of the jihadists who are terrorized by the thoughts of being seduced by women.

The story of the growth of Islamic fundamentalism and the rise of Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda mixed with the failures of US intelligence depicts the transformation of bin Laden from an idealistic soldier to the man that scared a nation.

Wright’s book is a must-read for all of those who want to learn more about the machinations of the bad guys behind the most tragic terrorist attack in the US history.

The Falling Man

An exquisite documentary examining one of the most powerful images that circulated the internet after the events of September 11. The controversial photograph depicts a man in free fall, heading head-first toward the ground after leaping from one of the windows.

Henry Singer’s documentary is a heartfelt depiction of an image that ended up stirring emotion in all the corners of the world.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer, the story follows Francophile, a nine years old boy who is keen on finding the lock that matches a key left behind by his father that died during the attacks.

There are many other wonderful movies and books depicting various views on the events. Sometime Lofty Towers is a photographic memorial that shocks the readers with its stunning images of the New York skyline. In A Fury for God, Malise Ruthven tackles radical Islam and the extremist ideology that led to the attack on the Twin Towers, while Inside the Twin Towers covers the experience of those who lived through the attacks.

Media is trying to remember September 11 every way it can because the American Dream was reshaped fifteen years ago today.

What movie or book did you choose to help you remember September 11?

Image source: Wikipedia