Author: frog3

The Pint sized builder.

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Body Building is considered an extreme sport where one must train for hundreds of hours to achieve a muscular physique. For those body builders that can rise to the top there is one event that they must compete in, the Mr. Universe competition.

There is one who was able to conquer his overwhelming poverty and his puny size to rise to the top. His name is Manohar Aich, although to some he is known as “ Pocket Hercules “. Standing at 4’11 , Manohar was born in Bangladesh a region known for its poverty.

These obstacles did not stop Manohar Aich. Around the age of 12 Manohar came under attack from black fever. To regain his health he began exercising doing thousand of repetitions for a single exercise.

His efforts did not stop their and by his early 30s people were commenting on his muscular physique. By age 37 the puny Manohar Aich was able to win the Mr. Universe competition. No one his size has since been able to replicate his feat.

Falling to New heights!!!

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Sky Diving has long been considered an extreme sport, even though in reality it is quite safe. Most people think of sky diving as reckless and perhaps even stupid, Felix Baumgartner plans to take this reputation to new heights.

Currently the record for the worlds highest free fall is 19.5 miles. The jump was made in 1960 from a height of 102,800 ft by retired astronaut Joe Kittinger. Kittinger is currently one of the advisors for Felix as Felix attempts to do what very few people have done before. Other safety officials include Dr. Clark whose wife Laurel died in the Columbia space shuttle crash in 2003. Dr.Clark has since become an expert in Spacecraft emergency escape.

Hopefully Felix’s achievement allow humanity to soar to new heights, and push the limits of what is possible and what is not.

Ipad, 3rd times the charm.

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The IPad3. Legions of apple fans are awaiting the release of the 3rd incarnation of this revolutionary project. The IPad3 is set to be released sometimes this summer, most likely during the same time as the Iphone5. Rumors are abound with the specifications of this product. Let’s take a look at the possible features of the Ipad3.

Two words, A5X quad core chip processor. The IPad had the A4 Processor, Ipad2 has the A5 Processor, so it is thought that the IPad3 would have the A6 Processor. These rumors have been dispelled officially, but a new rumor has arose. The ipad3 will contain the prototype A5X chip. This chip is the latest chip in the apple product line.

Apple lovers and average consumers will be delighted to see what the Ipad3 has to offer. I for one hope that it will be as revolutionary as the original IPad instead of a rehash of previous features.

No Putin

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In the wake of the protests and rebellions that have swept the world comes a new series of protest. It is a protest of freedom occurring in Moscow, Russia. Thousands of Russians have been standing outside in Russia bitter cold to protest the elections or lack of ones.

Protesters brave frigid weather in Moscow to participate in a mass anti-Putin demonstration.

Vladimir Putin the man we have all come to know and hate is well known for being the Russian Prime minister. In 2011 an exciting piece of news came out of Russia. Prime Minister Putin would be running in the 2012 “Democratic” Elections. A major problem with the elections is that Putin controls them, showing the rest of the world how far corruption runs in the Russian government.

Demonstrators brave bitter cold temperatures Saturday as they flood downtown Moscow during a massive protest demanding fairness for next month's presidential election.

Don’t get me wrong though Putin is not without his supporters. Amidst the cry of free elections and no Putin you also hear the very opposite. There are often clashes between the groups in the streets of Moscow. These protests often end with police breakups and arrests.

It remains to be seen whether Russia will emerge democratic or if Putin’s authoritarian government will take control.

Android invades the Military

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Android vs Ios. It is a common argument fought on backroom internet forums. It seems however that android has won this battle. The US Military will adopt the Android operating system this year, putting it inside their tactical devices. The military has already shipped about 40 phones overseas, it is planned that 75 tablets and 50 phones will be sent to the army this march.

These devices will be used to modernize the army and increase the individual soldiers capabilities. It will also be useful for intelligence officers stationed overseas. Soldiers and intelligence officers often need to make secure calls to Washington. These calls require encrypted software, software that android has the potential to run. This software will allow calls to be transmitted securely with little threat of people dropping in.

The app that will be released with these devices is called Mission Commands. It will allows soldiers to share information seamlessly on the battlefield. A major advantage of these devices are that they are easy to use and require no specialized training. These device will be released this July.

Privacy Plz!!

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The Internet and privacy go together like cats and dogs. In this digital age nothing remains private. Every picture that you upload, every comment or status update you make will be on the Internet forever. Attempts to delete foolish posts or pictures are valiant but futile; if someone really wanted to see this ”deleted” information they would find a way. Companies that are supposed to protect your privacy seem to release a constant stream of personal information.

Fortune 500 Internet Companies such as Google are the biggest offenders of this “crime”. Google in an attempt to penetrate the smartphone market has created the android.

The goal of the Android is to be a direct competitor to the IPhone. Admittedly the Android is a much more open system, allowing users a greater degree of customization. This freedom does not come without its cons, in 2011 researchers discovered pre downloaded software on the Android contains security leaks. Information that is at risk includes credit card numbers, contacts, email addresses etc.

The only way to protect yourself from these privacy “attacks” is to protect your password and try to limit yourself to closed systems. Only if companies would value their users privacy.

Viva Revolution!

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The age of Revolution is a period of time that took place during the 1700 and 1800s. Some would say that we have entered our own modern period of revolution. Lets take a look back at some of the revolutions that occurred during 2011. A revolution that started during 2011 and ended during 2012, is the famed Egyptian revolution. It began with peaceful protests — Egyptians were just trying to make Egypt democratic. Millions of citizens went on strikes refusing work until better treated. Before we know it Egypt’s corrupt president, Hosni Mubarak ordered the army to fire on unarmed protestors. Due to ever-growing pressure from his own people and the U.N, Hosni Mubarak resigned on February 11th 2012.

Another revolution is the Libyan revolution that started on February 15th 2011.  As early as 2010 the U.N. was receiving reports that Libya was the most censored country in the Middle East. Ruled by Muammar Gaddafi, a cruel dictator who seized power in the 60s, Libya received much attention from the international community. With an uprising from guerilla forces and support from the U.N, the rebellion ended on October 23rd 2011. The last of  “rebellions” on our list (more like civil disobedience) is Occupy Wall Street. It began in New York, people protesting   corporate greed and unfair taxation. The movements slogan “ We are the 99%” became a battle cry for many, for others it was a threat to their wealth. OWS soon spread around the nation with protest held in California, Louisiana, Alabama and many others. It did not only stop at a nationwide level it soon spread to London, Berlin, Sydney and many countries in Africa. The protests were splintered however and by fall of 2011 they were being shit down. Pepper Spray, riot shields, and flash bangs soon became commonplace. By December of 2011 the movement was effectively dead. History repeats itself; we may have entered a new age of revolution or just an insignificant period in human history. Whatever it is, whenever people are treated unfairly they will rebel.

SOPA= Evil

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In the mist of all the talks of free speech and SOPA, a site that most of us use has been shut down. Megaupload, that famous provider of  intellectual properties for free, allowing users to get quality software without paying. It is as simple as clicking a button.

The founder of Megaupload Kim Schmitz was found living in an extravagant manor. This home was described as an electronic fortress, equipped with the highest quality surveillance available on the market. This wealthy man refused to let police in and then resorted to hiding in a safe room. The police then cut into the safe room where they found Kim Schmitz cowering next to a sawed off shotgun.

He was promptly arrested and is currently waiting for his court date in a New Zealand jail. Following his arrest the FBI shut down Megaupload, a decision that was met with much outcry on the internet. Following  Megauploads shutdown, the FBI was attacked by Anonymous and had their own site shutdown.

I for one to not support SOPA finding the bill to be complete @$%*&, it remains to be seen whether other “questionable” sites will be taken down.

Starbucks, another location!!!!

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Starbucks, YUM. Nothing better than expensive premium coffee. I wonder sometimes what compels people to pay ridiculous prices for Starbucks coffee. It may be the brand, the taste, or perhaps even the location. Starbucks currently owns and operates 18,887 stores in 55 countries, with these amount of stores there are bound to be some in strange locations.

A location that comes to my mind is the famed cargo container store. Located in Tukwila ,WA this store is fashioned out of four altered cargo containers. These containers include a 20 foot container and three 40 foot containers. The purpose of this particular location was to increase publicity and show that Starbucks is dedicated to being eco- friendly by recycling used materials.

According to a Starbucks spokes person this trend is becoming more prominent in the greater Seattle area and that Starbucks sought to appeal to the community.

Guantanamo’s(eternal)Prison

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September 11 2001, a day that will forever live in infamy, rushed in many changes to America. From the controversial signing of the “Patriot Act” to the even more controversial opening of Guantanamo Prison, America is not the place it once was.

The facility was opened on January 11, 2002 with 20 prisoners suspected of terrorism arriving the same day. These prisoners were described by top US officials  as the “worst of the worst.” Our former President George W. Bush even acknowledges terrible treatment at the facility by stating that detainees are NOT protected by the Geneva Conventions.

President Obama had promised that during his term Guantanamo Prison would be closed. It seems he has ignored this issue even signing the Defense Authorization Bill. This bill contains provisions that make it nearly impossible for Guantanamo to be closed.

It seems that the famous prison will remain open indefinitely but it does seem that the inhumane treatment has stopped.