Kanye West Death Hoax
Someone erroneously reported that Kanye West had been killed in a car crash yesterday on Twitter. “RIP Kanye West” is still trending on micro blogging social media site today. We can report that the rapper is ok, and has been online on his blog posting al day (does Kanye do his own blogging?). This latest ‘hoax story’ led to millions searching for Kanye death on Google in the USA last night and will probably carry on for a while as the rest of the world catches up.
This latest caper in a week were Twitter and other social media outlets such as Facebook have been instrumental in driving the news agenda, provoking a furious backlash against Daily Mail Columnist, Jan Moir, who’s column last Friday on the death of Boyzone star Stephen Gately, and the way in which it brought to light the Carter-Ruck injunction shows that information now moves at the speed of quick around the globe in a matter of hours.
Many news commentators this week have speculated that the ability of social media to distribute information has led to a culture of online bullying, however like most media, it depends on who’s driving the agenda. We would argue that these social media sites have led to the ability of the masses to respond and make their voices heard in a quicker more coherent fashion.
The furor over the Carter-Ruck injunction led to British citizens being made aware of so called ’super injunctions’ whereby lawyers who have obtained injunctions against the reporting of court proceedings, can also obtain another injunction that prevents the injunction from being reported, thus court proceedings on affairs such as the one concerning the dumping of toxic waste by large corporations go un-reported and un-noticed by the world at large and it’s citizens.
One thing the twitters and searchers in the Kanye West death hoax have taught us though, is that people aren’t just willing to be spoonfed their information. They seek confirmation of the news, so don’t think, those of you would believe the internet is inhabited by mindless sheep, that this is so. Traditional media, government and corporations need to understand the power of social media, however what must be said is that the ‘flash’ moral outcry that occurs in the 24-48 hours after a major story breaks, needs, at least in the case of global concerns or campaigns, to be converted into long term commitments for change.
Michael Jackson Death Ruled Homicide
Micheal Jackson’s death has been ruled a homicide by the authorities in Los Angeles. The source of the news comes from an unnamed source thought to be from within the Coroners office. The reports at this stage are unconfirmed by the Coroner, who have made no official statement. The LA county coroner reported that there were lethal levels of the anaesthetic propofol were found in his body.
Michael Jackson’s doctor, Dr Conrad Murray could potentially charged with manslaughter if this claim turns out to be try
Bolt Trounces Gay in World Final
August 17, 2009 by Editor
Filed under World Athletics
Usain Bolt, the Jamaican Olympic champion trounced his main competition Tyson Gay in the final of the World Athletics tournament in Berlin last night in a world record time of 9.58 seconds. Usain Bolt, who broke his own world record last night crossed the line 2 meters of Gay who set a new all American record time of 9.71.
It was a thrilling final in which 1st and 3rd place went to the Jamaicans, with Asafa Powell finally performing in a major championship. Bolt now runs in the 200m starting heatings this evening in Berlin Germany.
Swine Flu Alert
Around 80 people have died in an outbreak of Swine Flu that has hit Mexico over the past few days. Over 1000 people are thought to have been infected with swine flu, with the infections spreading to the US, Britain and other parts of the world. There is worrying news that experts fear the flu could reach pandemic proportions as the infection rate of the disease is thought to be high.
The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak, and many public buildings have been closed in an attempt to contain the swine flu outbreak. In the United States around 20 people have been infected in areas of New York, Ohio, Kansas, Texas and Califonia. Officials fear of the spead of the infection have declared a public emergency so that they can prepare their reponse should their worst fears be recognised.
In Britain, health minister Alan Johnson, says Britain has stockpiles of flu treatment and that the UK is well placed to respond should the infection spread there. Two people, thought to have recently returned from Mexico, have been admitted to hospital in Scotland with symptoms of Swine Flu.
People are most at risk from catching this H1N1 virus, from coughing or sneezing. It is not thought that you can catch it from infected meat. Precautions such as flu masks will help decrease the risk of infection. In Mexico, police officers wearing flu masks were on patrol, in the region where the infections have been high. Symptoms are similar to regular flu, with sore throats, fever and fatigue.
Safety measures include wearing flu masks and monitoring body temperature in order to first detect signs that a person may be infected.
WHO Update on Swine Flu Outbreak
The World Health Organization has posted an update on the outbreak of the flu virus A(H1N1) on their epidemic and pandemic alert website stating that as of today there had been 40 confirmed cases of swine flu infection in the USA, and 26 confirmed cases in Mexico. In the US there has been no reported deaths, whilst the time of the report there have been seven reported deaths in Mexico. Other confirmed cases have been reported in Canada and Spain.
According to the WHO Website, the outbreak of swine flu is ‘evolving rapidly’, and whilst they have not recommended any border closure or international travel restrictions, they have advised people who are unwell to delay international travel. In addition those who have just returned from international travel who are feeling ill are advised to seek out medical attention as soon as possible.
If you require more information and guidance on what precautions you may take to avoid contracting the swine flu, then WHO have guidance notes on their Swine Influenza website.
Alan Shearer To Manage Newcastle
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has agreed to take control of Newcastle United football club for the remaining eight games of the season. The team are currently sitting third from the bottom of the Premier League table and Alan Shearer is chalked in to handle the remaining games in the season in a bid to keep the club in the Premiership.
Alan Shearer is Newcastle United’s, all time highest scorer and his is loved by the fans of the club. Although he has no management experience, it is hoped that he will be able to command the respect of the players and keep the football team in the top flight for another season
Apple Launches New Shuffle
Apple has announced it’s newest toy, the third generation iPod Shuffle™. Available in the US and UK, the new model is about the size of a small throw away lighter, and features no buttons on the front, instead controlled using Apple’s remote control headphones.
1.8″ tall x 0.3″ thin, this new generation iPod Shuffle has a 4GB capacity (holding up to 1,000 songs and features a new ‘Voiceover’ feature that will tell you the name of the song you’re listening to.
Unlike previous versions, this iPod Shuffle cannot be plugged into your home stereo or car through the headphone/line-in socket as there is no way to control the iPod unless you are using the headphones that come with it, otherwise the new iPod shuffle looks very much like it will be a hit with iPod fans.
World Watches As Obama Takes Office
Today, the world watched as the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in to office on the steps of Capitol Hill. On a freezing cold day, millions of people gethered to see the new president take office and billions more around the globe watched as President Barack Obama took his oath at a few minutes to noon on January 20th 2009. Read more
Ronaldo Wins FIFA Player of the Year
Manchester United winger Christiano Ronaldo has been crowned FIFA World Player of the Year in this year’s awards show. Christano Ronaldo fought off competition from Fernando Torres, Lionel Messa and last year’s winner Kaka to win the coverted title and is the first UK based player to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Winehouse Divorce Shock
Shock horror, Blake has allegedly filed for a divorce from Amy. Could this be true? According to latest news reports and his representative Henri Brandman who said in a brief statement,
“I can confirm that I have been instructed to commence divorce proceedings on the grounds of Amy’s adultery,”
Apparently Amy has allegedly been frolicking with some rugby player in the Caribbean somewhere. No doubt enjoying some wonderful sun, sea, sand and even sampling some caribbean food (she can stand to put on some weight).
To be honest, if it gets her away from the drugs and back to the music, divorce may not be a bad thing.