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09 Jun 2011 17:32

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U.S.: Iowa’s 18-week abortion ban passes state house

  • The most restrictive ban in the country? Well, only if it passes the Iowa Senate, which isn’t certain as it’s firmly in Democratic control. Regardless of the success of this bill, though, we’ve seen a pronounced and aggressive campaign across a number of states to restrict abortion rights lately. Five states other than Iowa have already banned abortion after 20 weeks — a tactic that, in its likely envisioned endgame, could lead to a Supreme Court challenge. That’s the pro-choice movement’s critical weakness in this; challenging any of these bans could lead to a SCOTUS ruling, the outcome of which would be unclear. source
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

12 Apr 2011 17:06

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Politics: A win for breast cancer awareness in schools

  • NO school can’t ban anti-cancer “I (heart) boobies” bracelets source
  • » And for the ACLU, there was much rejoicing: The American Civil Liberties Union had taken on the case of two middle school girls suspended from school for wearing breast cancer awareness bracelets with “I (heart) boobies” written on them. In a preliminary ruling, federal judge Mary McLaughlin said they “can reasonably be viewed as speech designed to raise awareness of breast cancer and to reduce stigma associated with openly discussing breast health.”
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

01 Mar 2011 15:42

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U.S.: If there’s one thing the DEA hates, it’s loopholes

  • YES synthetic cannabis has been banned by the DEA source
  • » “Spice” and “K2” are off the shelves: The DEA has placed five chemicals onto Schedule 1 (the most restricted level of drug enforcement) that are integral to the production of the two fake-pot compounds, effectively putting the kibosh on the products. Once widely and legally sold in smoke shops (as the intensely hallucinogenic herb Salvia astonishingly still is), these products had become popular buys for people looking to get high without fear of legal action.
Posted by Chris Tognotti • 0 Comments • Permalink

01 Aug 2010 20:55

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Tech, World: The BlackBerry’s data-encryption scheme won’t fly in the UAE

  • what The United Arab Emirates is planning to block data usage from BlackBerry devices – a move which could be replicated by India and other countries.
  • why Because BlackBerry devices send encrypted data to a server in Canada, where our friends in the UAE and other countries can’t see it (grumble). source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

28 Jul 2010 09:26

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World: In Spain, Catalonia takes the lead in outlawing bullfighting

While it’s a longstanding tradition, it’s one that has drawn a lot of controversy for its animal cruelty ramifications. So Catalonia banned it. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

05 Jul 2010 20:46

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World: Israel (partly) expands the list of things that can go into Gaza

  • <200 number of things that were allowed on the old list
  • 1,000’s number of things that are banned on the new list source
  • » Notable omissions: While food and household cleaning items made the cut, building supplies did not. Lumber, concrete, steel and other supplies necessary for Gaza to rebuild its infrastructure did not make the list. Why? Because Israel wants to ensure they can’t build bunkers or rockets. Or, you know, buildings, roads and basic infrastructure.
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

20 May 2010 10:13

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Politics: Additional comments on “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!”

  • It’s a noble cause, but right now it feels like trolling. Look, we think free speech is great and want to encourage it, but this whole controversy feels like an excuse not to defuse a free speech issue, but to amplify it. In that NYT article we just posted, there was a quote from Twitter which sort of said it all. “One day,” the user said, “they will ban breathing in Pakistan.” You want to promote free speech? Fight for this guy, who just wants to watch a clip of a dog riding a skateboard. Don’t fight against him. Enable him. People like him will eventually encourage the cause you’re fighting for if you help him out. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 6 Comments • Permalink
 

26 Apr 2010 22:20

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Politics: Ultra-liberal major city to boycott ultra-conservative major state

  • We want to send a message. There are consequences when you target a whole people.
  • San Francisco City Supervisor David Campos • In calling for a boycott of the state of Arizona, along with companies based there, due to their newly passed immigration law – which critics say permits racial profiling. Which is a big freaking deal, kids. While the city is still unsure of the boycott’s economic impact, “We do know that we won’t be sending any city employees to conferences in Arizona,” according to Campos. The resolution will go in front of the city’s board on Tuesday. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 2 Comments • Permalink

15 Apr 2010 20:05

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World: Japan defines “whale research” as selling whale meat abroad

  • legal Despite a 1986 ban, Japan was allowed (controversially) to continue killing hundreds of whales yearly for research purposes.
  • illegal However, some of that whale
    blubber has found its way to Korean and American sushi restaruants. Hmm, whale-y. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

05 Dec 2009 17:34

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World: Iran’s not too happy about Switzerland’s new minaret ban

  • Values such as tolerance, dialogue and respecting others’ religions should never be put to referendum.
  • Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki • Speaking to his Swiss counterpart about the referendum that led to a ban on minarets. He warns that there could be consequences for the country long-term. For those keeping score at home: Iran is 90% Muslim, but (despite the image of leaders being completely unaccepting of other religions and faiths) does allow Christian churches and Jewish synagogues to be built in the country. There have been complaints about this being difficult, though. Switzerland and Iran have a tight relationship, by the way, due to the Swiss acting as an intermediary between the U.S. and Iran. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
 
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