Today we share some breaking news, revisit a few topics we have discussed before, and then squeeze in some links from news that didn’t make it into previous roundups. There is always so much going on, and it’s great to have Saturday to catch up, so grab your hot beverage, and nestle in for some news!
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo crashes in the Mojave Desert.
During a test flight for Virgin Galactic’s space tourism program, the SpaceShipTwo detached from the mother ship, and then experienced an in-flight anomaly. The pilot ejected from the ship, sustaining major injuries as the vessel broke apart in the air, but the co-pilot died in the crash. Virgin’s CEO Richard Branson is said to be traveling to the crash site, to asses the situation. Sending love to the families of those lost and injured. This may set space tourism back significantly, as safety should be paramount.
Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo Has Crashed, One Pilot Confirmed Dead by Matt Novac for Gizmodo
Hungary’s Internet tax goes off-line after massive protest.
Prime Minister, Viktor Orban of Hungary had introduced a bill to tax each gigabyte of internet data used, as a revenue building technique to balance the country’s budget in 2015. Massive protests ensued, beginning last Sunday, where protestors hurled used computer parts at the ruling party headquarters. The bill has been shelved in it’s present form, and was originally condemned by the EU. In a statement made after withdrawing the tax bill, Mr. Orban said, “We are not Communists. We don’t go against the will of the people.” It would be wonderful if more countries listened to the will of their people.
Hungary internet tax cancelled after mass protests by Nick Thorpe for BBC News
Apple CEO speaks with pride about being gay.
Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook went on the record, saying that his home state of Alabama was way behind the times related to gay rights. He then went a step further, and published an essay with Businessweek stating that he was indeed gay, and very proud of it. While some question his previous silence, saying that coming out as a successful gay man would give strength to others battling with the decision, an LGBT advocacy group stated that they were “very grateful” for his statement. As more people feel comfortable claiming who they truly are, it allows all people to be themselves, and I commend this brave action.
Apple CEO Tim Cook comes out: ‘I’m proud to be gay’ by Abby Phillip for the Washington Post
Pope Francis tells Catholics that God is not a magician.
Thanks to a dear reader for sending in this link. Pope Francis recently met with the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and urged them to understand that evolution and the “Big Bang” theory are not in opposition to the Genesis story of creation. He made a statement that I found interesting, as I have studied the myth of the fall of Sophia, the wisdom goddess, embodied in our planet. He stated that, “God is not a demiurge or a magician, but the creator who gives being to all things.” According to the Sophia myth, put forth by the Gnostic tradition, the demiurge is the king of the archons. I found it surprising that he would use that specific word. Expanding the understanding that science and evolution can co-exist with creation is a step in the right direction, as science is a manifestation tool of the universe.
A Durham University student speaks on the push for gender equality in India.
Two years ago, a young female student named Jyoti Singh Pandey suffered a brutal rape in south Delhi, India and subsequently died. This devastating event caused an international outcry, as well as calls within the country, for better protection of women from gender violence. Two years later, in Chattarpur, only a few kilometers from the south Delhi attack, the Crisis Intervention Centre sponsored by India’s Centre for Social Research is working earnestly to protect local women. The most important thing the CIC must do is to explain to women that they do have rights. The centre also creates an interwoven social network of support, so no woman feels isolated and powerless in a difficult situation. The director of the centre believes gender violence is a generational problem, but Indian Prime Minister Modi states that it is up to parents to teach their children right from wrong. Hopefully parental and social guidance will help gender violence become a thing of the past in all countries very soon.
The push for gender equality in India by Tom Garmeson for the Palatinate
Research shows that the world is waking up and looking for God.
This detailed opinion piece by Donald Devine, discusses recent research by the Pew Foundation that shows more individuals are claiming a belief in God, with a huge percentage of Chinese individuals admitting to religious beliefs. The research shows that there are fewer atheists than previously thought, and many claim to pray on a regular basis. The article goes into detail related to why humans have evolved so significantly, compared to our closest genetic relative, the chimpanzee, and how we have become a kinder and gentler species over time. Very interesting reading for a Saturday afternoon.
Is It Time For Another Great Awakening? By Donald Devine for Western Journalism
And finally…
Is your village Fairtrade? Then tell people about it!
I had always thought of only one end of the Fairtrade supply line, and that was the artisans working for a fair wage to produce goods, but there is another end to the road, and that is Fairtrade certified villages. The UK has created a process by which local towns show proof that they sell Fairtrade goods in a clearly marked way, and use Fairtrade goods in their businesses. The town of Exmouth is proud of their Fairtrade status, being the first town in East Devon with such certification, and so they have just installed signage at the town line to let everyone know about it. I think that is a wonderful idea!
New Fairtrade signage spells out Exmouth’s important message by Paul Strange for Exmouth Journal
That’s the news for today! Have relaxing day, and I hope to see you back here Sunday for our weekly Feel Good News!
Be Well. Be Joy. Be Love!
Alex