TopFinds: From Russia's Attack on Georgia to the Health Benefits of Self-Pleasure

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Inside the Georgia-Russia war. How LCD TVs emit dangerous chemicals. Swimmer Michael Phelps on the cusp of making Olympics history. Plus, how masturbating can boost your immune system. These are the top stories from around the world.

Tech & Internet

An important PSA came courtesy of Sue D., who alerted readers to frustrating malware disguised as CNN and MSNBC news alerts. Avoid those spammy emails, she advised, even though they appear to look legitimate.

Several other tech and Net stories made headlines: Sony Ericsson is releasing a cellphone used by Daniel Craig in the new James Bond movie, Vinay Chand wrote; a service called HitMeLater forwards your emails hours or days later from when you received them, Chris V. told us; leading media publishers are often turning to the Web for their news, KJ reported, prompting more "print is dead" pronouncements; a new car technology from Nissan features a braking mechanism designed to cut down on accidents, MDee reported; a unique robot can display emotions through its "central nervous system" made up of five computers, Chris V. wrote (but will it flail its wires angrily when it gets turned off?); and Dell unveiled a new lineup of notebook PCs, including one that will last 19 hours on a single battery charge. But once you add on the appropriate components to reach that pinnacle, it sure won't be light.

Also, Digital Journal TV reviewed the Samsung Instinct smartphone against Apple's iPhone. No spoilers here -- you're going to have to watch the video to see who came out on top.

Sports

There's a certain sports event capturing the attention of millions of atheltics fans. No, it's not the MLB playoff race. Rather, take a look at Kesavan Unnikrishnan's coverage of the Beijing Olympics, starting with his recap of day one medal winnings and his look at India's first gold medal in 28 years. Great sports reportage, Kesavan.

What other Summer Games news won our attention? Find out how the Olympics "opened with a bang," as Les M. called it; American swimmer Michael Phelps is on pace to make history, Chris V. reported; the Olympics organizers are facing controversy over allowing lip-synching during the opening ceremonies, KJ informed us; and the Spanish men's basketball team caused a stir when they posed for a newspaper ad with slitted eyes, prompting some critics to cry foul against this apparent mocking of the Chinese. Jose Calderon of the Spanish team tried to save face (pun intended) but it didn't quell the publicity and the finger-pointing.

World

Photo: MSVG On Sunday August 10, 2008 at approx. 3:30am a big explosion occurred followed by many smaller explosions that awoke most of Toronto. The Explosions were at Sunrise Propane on Wilson and Keele. image:42438:6::0

It's not everyday that random explosions shock a city. But fireballs ballooned into Toronto's sky earlier this week, and KJ was quick to report on the horrific incident, while also posting follow-up reports on the fire's safety fallout and how businesses and residents are filing a class action lawsuit against the company at the heart of the explosion. It was inspiring to see a Citizen Journalist stick to a story so closely.

Several other world reports found its way on DigitalJournal.com: Hugo Chavez's thirst for power is sowing some seeds of discontent in Venezuela, Johnny Simpson says; Canadian free speech advocates would be wise to check out Maggie M. Thornton's article on a contentious press controversy; Mexican archaeologists discovered an ancient Mayan maze that was created to be a "portal" to a netherworld, Aditi Chengappa posted; the U.S. finalized a deal to station missile defence technology in Poland, Paul Wallis wrote; the UN airlifted food to the war-torn areas of Georgia, Bob Ewing reported; and Mexico is considering implementing the capital punishment system, Nikki W. said, prompting Debra Myers to comment:

Maybe the whole country needs an overhaul!

TopFinds Awards

by Digital Journal Topfinds award winners for the week ending Aug. 15, 2008. image:42617:1::0

When world news strikes, our Citizen Journalists are on top of it. One of the standout reporters is Michael Squires, who penned five articles on the Georgia-Russia war, as soon as it occurred right up to analysis behind Russia's motivation for the attack. He takes home the TopJournalism Award for touching upon issues often marginalized by the TV-friendly violence -- the quest for oil, the risk journalists face, and more. It's always heartening to see a beat reporter cover this pressing issue with the tenacity and thorough research of a BBC stringer.

The Russia-Georgia conflict is also a test for presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama. So theorized G. Robert M. Miller is his TopOpinion Award-winning article on the reactions from the very different politicians. He concluded that McCain's statement was "well crafted" while Obama's words "virtually echoed the White House release; and it is certainly not a good thing to be likened to that administration." It was a finely crafted article on Obama's supposed missteps, allowing room for discussion and argument. And Miller couldn't resist mentioning his favourite topic -- the vice president mystery. Once those nominees are selected, I got a feeling we'll be treated to a 1,000-worder from Miller on the wisdom (or lack thereof) of those picks.

Worried about identity theft? Then take a long hard look at the tips offered in Chris V.'s excellent service piece that garners the TopInternet Award. In clearly marked sub-categories, Chris outlined the traps most Web users fall into while surfing online, making themselves ideal marks for identity thieves. He didn't just highlight the problem, but also suggested solutions. My favourite? Use Google Toolbar to block pop-up ads. It may be an old obvious rule to some, but you'd be surprised how few people even follow the basics.

Photo courtesy Jerry Krigstin A display of security drills in Beijing image:42469:5::0

The Beijing Olympics bring with it a host of human rights questions and one of them involves a free press. Would Western journalists be allowed to cover all aspects of the Olympics, including Free Tibet protests? Nikki W. told us the story of a British journalist manhandled and questioned by Chinese police when he covered a Tibetan protest in China. This article wins the TopWorld Award. Nikki added excellent context and quotes to the story in order for the reader to get the full picture. Well done, Nikki, and thanks to Chris for adding complementing audio and video reports.

Sometimes, we award the TopEnvironment Award to an article both intriguing and surprising. Fulfilling the criteria is Bob Ewing's article on flatscreen TVs delivering unhealthy doses of greenhouse gases through their displays. He explained how LCDs emit nitrogen triflouride, a chemical known as one of the most harmful greenhouse gases. In clear language, he described the effects of the chemical and why researchers are worried how an uptick in LCD sales could signal more harm for Mother Earth. And you also have to feel for Cynthia T. , who wrote:

We purchased two flat screen TVs a couple of months ago. :-(

It's not enough to simply report on a scientific study; good journalists probe the study's methodology too. Winning the TopScience Award for having a strong nose for news and a keen understanding of science research, Paul Wallis deserves hearty congrats. His article on an organic food study looked at some of the flaws in the process, from the soil being used to confusion about which nutrients were being sampled. Oh yeah, the writing and humour is bang-on great as usual from the Wallis.

Cutting the risk of prostate cancer. Relieving chronic back pain. Boosting energy levels. What wonder drug works this magic? Masturbation. Yes, choking the gopher or wiping the thumb-drive can be beneficial to your body, Sue D. penned in her giggly TopHealth Award-winning post. We learned how floating your own boat can aid with sleep, stress and pain threshold. And if you want to talk about safe sex, this option is the safest available. Thing is, it's hard to whisper sweet nothings in the ear of Palmela Handerson.

In her first 10 days on DigitalJournal.com, the Top New Citizen Journalist covered topics as diverse as the discovery of small primate teeth, coffee's health benefits, the world's largest yard sale, and teens fighting a Confederate logo ban. We welcome Carolyn Neblett to the DJ family and applaud her journalistic instincts on writing about intriguing subjects rarely seen in the mainstream media. Her articles are pithy, precise and display an economy of language often heralded by editors. We look forward to more of your contributions, Carolyn.