Harnessing solar power from outer space. Barack Obama’s next steps as the presidential candidate. How toad science can teach us about human muscles. These are the top stories making headlines around the world.
Technology & Internet
Should it come as a surprise that guys get hooked on video games more often than women do? No, but thanks to KJ‘s article on a recent study, we now know why: games stimulate the part of the brain associated with reward and addiction, turning gaming into competition instead of relaxation. So this study gives girlfriends another reason to hide the Xbox in the evening.
What other tech and Internet made headlines? The lawsuit slapped against Facebook isn’t over yet, Chris V. reported; YouTube is jumping on a familiar bandwagon by launching a journalism channel, inviting citizen journalists to submit content as well, Samantha A. Torrence said; investor Carl Icahn claims Yahoo’s executive board screwed up the potential Microsoft-Yahoo merger, Nikki W. found (will this aftermath never end?); scientists have discovered a way to detect within minutes when a computer has been infected by a viral worm, Bob Ewing wrote; and the next iPhone model may include features such as GPS, video conferencing, and a blogging application, according to Apple’s recent patent filing. The article also added some more hints:
Expect the company to announce new iPhone partnerships, features or unique monetization opportunities for developers. The company needs to get market share, and needs it in six months.
Politics
Several other political stories attracted attention: Obama clinched the Democratic presidential nomination, Samantha A. Torrence reported first; Johnny Simpson wondered how Obama will move forward now that the “DNC Disaster” has been averted; the GOP issued its first salvo against Obama in the form an online video showing a Hillary Clinton jab at the Democratic nominee, Sue D. reported; Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is in the running for John McCain’s ticket partner, Dave G. wrote; and Mark L. Harvey declared “I am no longer a Conservative” and outlined why he thinks the term Conservatism has been watered down recently. His lengthy and powerful article is definitely not for someone looking for a playful breezy read. It’s heady stuff.
World
The global food crisis might not be solved with cold hard cash, but the World Bank thinks it may help: the World Bank has offered $1.2 billion to the UN to support those most adversely affected by high food prices, Bob Ewing reported.
What other stories from across the world got people talking? Katrina victims may soon be displaced in trailers once again, Can Tran found; French film icon Brigitte Bardot was recently fined for “hate speech” against Muslims, despite claims that her remarks were wild, Johnny Simpson posted; child kidnappings in Haiti are on the rise, Bob Ewing said; Israel warned Iran to stop developing nuclear weapons, jxtra found; the London Underground subway system recently banned alcohol on its trains, prompting Londoners to get smashed one last time, Nikki W. reported; and a killer elephant in India was shot dead, Chris V. discovered. And the clincher? The animal’s name was Osama, giving Bush incentive to finally see a “dead Osama” in his lifetime.
TopFinds Awards
There’s nothing like a Citizen Journalism reaming out an international organization for condescending to the public. Paul Wallis pointed out OECD’s “virtual baby talk” in describing the rise of cyber criminals, while also taking home the TopOpEd Award. He looked at how the OECD report said hacking has grown up from its adolescent form, which Wallis replied with a “duh!” He wrote: “It’s nice that the OECD has tried to explain to whatever totally insular ignoramuses they’re trying to reach what the problem is, and what needs doing.” Oh snap!
Harnessing solar power from space is no longer in the realm of “stoner sci-fi,” as mirrorwarp wrote. In his TopTechnology Award-winning post, this sassy Citizen Journalist introduced us to the chronology of tapping space for solar power, from the mid-90s to recent studies that say “satellites could provide power for global U.S. military operations.” The first operational satellite may be coming in 12 years, mirrorwarp noted, so in the meantime hop on your bike and “soak up your share of solar energy.”
The headline underscored the meat-and-potatoes of the article: Separating Rumor From Fact About The Alleged Michelle Obama ‘Whitey’ Tape. Sue D. wins the TopPolitics Award for diving deep into a rampant rumour about Michelle Obama calling American Caucasians “whitey.” She looked at the speculation, the facts and the questions surrounding this controversial video, which has yet to surface. It’s always inspiring to see a writer spend hours to research a rumour that has yet to be verified, giving readers a chance to make their own decision on the story’s credibility.
Are toads the new scientific Holy Grail? Bob Ewing said as much, citing studies that reveal how toad biology can teach us how muscles work and can help doctors build better prostheses. This article, taking home the TopScience Award, also explained why a toad snaring its prey with its tongue could give clues to engineers on developing powerful electric motors. Why? Read the article to find out.
“Four Stanley Cup’s in 11 years? Ridiculous.” Who else but Navin Vaswani would pepper a hockey story with well-informed opinion. Winning the TopSports Award, Navin’s article on the Detroit Red Wings edging the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final earns kudos for pleasing sports fans with more than just the facts and scoreboard; he added insight and humour, while also including mini-conversations he had with American friends to discuss the Stanley Cup winner. As expected, Navin had to throw in a hopeful note for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, saying it’s time for the Leafs to hoist a Cup over their heads next year.
Someone’s been busy since he joined DigitalJournal.com as a Citizen Journalist on June 1. We honour brad_lucas with the Top New Citizen Journalist of the Week Award for his 10 articles covering a nice range of topics: he looked at quirky aliens, a Google Maps controversy, clueless filmmakers, orgasms in Parliament, estrogen’s role in fighting HIV and the problem with Australia’s government. Strong writing and a good nose for news sums up brad’s work on DigitalJournal.com, and we look forward to more intriguing articles from our man from Melbourne.
Photo Caption Contest!
This week we’re challenging all citizen journalists and DigitalJournal.com readers to come up with the funniest photo caption for the photo above. We’re looking for something to tickle our collective warped sense of humour and we invite everyone to click on the image and leave their funny caption in the comment thread. Please only write one caption per person. Entries must be received by Thursday June 12, 2008 by midnight (Eastern). Anything later might still be enjoyed anyway.
The winner gets a fat cheque (“check” to Americans) for $500. We do have a processing fee of $500, however, leaving you with no real incentive. Instead, we’re offering a simple congrats next week when we post our TopFinds weekly news round-up. Think about it: Your name can be up in the lights with the DJ greats. That’s so much better than $500, isn’t it?
Click on the Clinton photo above and start inducing laughter!
