Israeli air strikes pound the Gaza Strip. Basketball legend Charles Barkley uses oral sex as an excuse to run red lights. And Windows 7 beta arrives with high expectations. These are the top stories making news right now.
It looks like 2009 began the way 2008 ended: with violence, political bashing and foolish celebrity mishaps. Citizen Journalists were quick to cover the feverish conflict between Israel and Gaza, reporting on the airstrikes hitting Gaza and the Hamas response. Some great photos accompany many of these articles.
Also, the phrase “Barack the Magic Negro” is sadly making the rounds on news outlets. And if you wanted to check out an unbelievable encounter with a great white shark, don’t miss that story below. The video is especially chilling.
These stories, and many more, are the hottest news articles right now. Check them out:
• Around 210 killed, 600 injured due to Israeli holocaust in Gaza: It was the story topping all news broadcasts and front pages around the world. DigitalJournal.com’s reporter in the area, Sameh Habeeb, brought along his experience in the Gaza Strip to his thorough article on the Israeli bombings. He complemented the piece with quotes from government agencies and descriptions of how hospitals are dealing with the overflow. Our thoughts are with Sameh and his friends and family in the Strip.
• Israeli Attacks caught on Video: In this era of citizen media, it shouldn’t be surprising to come across intimate video of overseas conflicts. This video of the Gaza siege evokes strong emotions, no matter on which side of the fence you sit. Definitely not for the faint of heart, definitely for news watchers who want to see the unfiltered truth.
• Hamas: Legal Terrorism: The Mideast battle will spur op-eds on the controversial issue, and none is more contentious than Patrick Traux’s post on Hamas as “legal terrorists.” He wrote, “Indeed, the [Hamas] party has admitted and claimed responsibility for terror attacks in Israel. Yet, the news coverage of the last 48 hours, has been decidedly pro-Hamas.” If you agree or disagree with this opinion, have your say in the comments section.
• India and Pakistan Inch Closer to War: In other world news, an India-Pakistan war is making headlines, even if it is only in rumour phase. After all, “there have been unconfirmed reports in recent days that India has moved troops to Rajasthan, which borders Pakistan.” You might take that statement with a grain of salt (or curry?), but realize this conflict won’t disappear anytime soon, especially in light of the Mumbai attacks.
• ‘Barack The Magic Negro’ CD Causes Quite The Stir Within The RNC: The things people do for attention — conservative political satirist Paul Shankin created a CD featuring a track called “Barack the Magic Negro” and supposedly Republican bigwig Chip Saltsman has been distributing the CD to friends and colleagues. Not a politically savvy move, you say? Some have called it idiotic, considering Saltsman is vying for the position of RNC chairman.
• Barack Obama Warned of Hawaii Risks New Year’s Eve: More Obama news, but this time out of Hawaii. Call it paranoia, but on News Year’s Eve fireworks cause some health problems for some residents and tourists. Since Obama was in Hawaii during the final hours of 2008, he also got the same warning, but do you think the president-elect stayed indoors at 11:59 p.m? Or did he rock out with a gas mask? Then again, Obama smokes so perhaps he is used to some lung clogging.
• Barkley to Police Officer: All I Really Wanted Was Oral Sex: Can’t a retired NBA star just get some oral sex without getting pulled over? That was the case for Charles Barkley, who was arrested recently for failing to brake at a stop sign and allegedly driving drunk. Barkley said he just wanted to get a blowjob from his female passenger, which might have amused the entire world but failed to get him any clemency from the police.
• Former US President Bill Clinton May Be Appointed N.Y. Senator: The Clintons aren’t out of the spotlight yet: Bill is supposedly being tapped for New York senator, according to Gov. David Paterson. A big name like Bill Clinton could impact New York state, while also rankling some supporters of Caroline Kennedy. Could a Kennedy-Clinton showdown become a the next political showdown?
• Bristol Palin Reportedly Paid $300,000 For First Baby Photos: In the “Why won’t the Palins go away” Department, Bristol Palin has courted offers from celeb mags for the first photos of her baby. People is allegedly the winner, offering $300,000. Imagine all the baby food she can buy with that dough.
• Occupants of Kayak Escape Great White Shark Off Sydney: A harrowing story came from Sydney, when kayakers got perilously close to a massive shark. Michael Squires pointed us to some fascinating video footage of the event, taken by a nearby fishermen who saved the kayakers. Sorry Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, we have you beat!
• Windows 7 Beta 1 Set To Go to Beta Testers This Month: Microsoft wants to nab attention in early 2009 with the release of Windows 7. The first beta is already reaching testers this month so we should know soon if it’s filled with functional features or bothersome bugs. Michael Squires isn’t impressed, commenting, “Looks like a re-band of Vista.”
• World’s Most Popular Boxer Manny Pacquiao Has a New Baby Girl: And if you want to keep updated on Manny Pacquiao news, check out Leo Reyes’ article on the boxer’s newborn. That’s right, not just the U.S. is fascinated by their celebrities’ offspring. The Philippines are as obsessed with Manny as America is with all things Britney. But Manny is actually talented. (too soon?)
TopFinds Awards
The honourees of this week’s TopFinds Awards attracted impressive attention and widest readership. Digital Journal thanks the following Citizen Journalists with Awards for their passion for covering the top issues of the day: Sameh A. Habeeb, Mike Krachan, Patrick Traux, Michael Squires, Can Tran, Carol Forsloff, Leo Reyes, Chris V. Thangham, and KJ Mullins.
The Top Blog Post of the Week goes to Patrick Traux‘s deeply personal piece titled Reflections of a Sober Alcoholic. He explained how addiction took hold of him several years ago, but now he has recovered so completely he is “filled with a resolve and peace.” Some powerful moments occurred when his italicized portions shuttled the reader to the alcoholic Patrick, providing vivid details of his past transgressions. Highly recommended reading.
