Rounding out the winter academic quarter here at the University of Denver is my last #MFJSOnline Twitter update. Between the ever present United States political drama, the melding of the sports world with other sectors of our society, and the uncovering of scandals in religion, academia and entertainment, it suffices to say that plenty has transpired in 10 weeks. Without further ado, let’s delve into the third round of current event coverage through social media.
Computing power is reaching im”pi”ssible heights
A Google employee specializing in cloud computing devoted her March 14th, or ‘Pi day’ to set a new record for the most Pi digits calculated with 31.4 trillion. This marks the first time a record breaker utilized technology online through the cloud and not with a specialized personal computer, proving Google’s online servers can handle heavy-computing tasks.
Christchurch, NZ shooter cited “White Genocide” conspiracies in manifesto
The shooter who attacked a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand killing 74 people posted a manifesto online with the stated mission in mind to kill Muslim immigrants. This alone is a terribly frightening thought for another human being to have, but his theories on white birthrates and the genocide of white people is utterly ridiculous. It is upsetting to realize that hatred of Muslims and a radical dream of white power has shifted to an international stage, when meaningless propaganda like this should be shot down instead of uplifted.
College admissions scandal rocks the world of higher-level education
Admissions departments at elite research universities have been caught in a scandal where 50 people were charged with paying up to $25 million to bribe college officials and fake test scores. This ongoing bribery scheme has been occurring since 2011, and the accused include prominent actors and businesspeople. More than 750 families are estimated to be involved in the scandal, orchestrated by William Rick Singer at nine universities.
Arkansas State Senator explodes during passionate speech in meeting
Stephanie Flowers, State Senator in Arkansas had several strong criticisms of the “Stand Your Ground” bill in support of gun use in the state. She brought up living and raising a family in an impoverished, dangerous community, and spoke of fearing for her son’s life growing up in a world with rampant gun violence. Flowers addressed the audience for almost four minutes, and the passion with which she delivered her message made it clear that the quality of life in Arkansas is something the Senator takes personally/
Oregon Senator writes to Secretary of State in Portland Trail Blazer Center’s defense
Oregon senator Ron Wyden wrote a letter to United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo this March in support of Turkish-born Portland Trail Blazers Center Enes Kanter. Kanter has been outspoken in his criticisms on Turkish President Recep Erdogan, and the Turkish administration has responded by accusing him of terrorism, stripping his passport in 2017, and placing threats on him and his family. This has relegated Kanter to the United States when Portland travels abroad to Canada for games, and Senator Wyden wrote to Pompeo asking the United States to publicly address this situation to Turkish authorities and state that they will not comply with extradition requests. It is Kanter’s every right as a resident in this nation to express free speech and it should most certainly be protected.
President Trump seen at his Super Bowl party with founder of spas that allowed prostitution
The President was seen taking a picture with the founder of Asian spas where New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was caught with soliciting prostitution not long after the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl celebration, which occurred at the President’s West Palm Beach golf club saw New England best the Los Angeles Rams. Li Yang, the founder of this chain of day spas was not charged in the ensuing criminal bust, as none of the offending spas were currently registered to her or any family members. Her family still owns several spas that have recently attracted police attention in the wake of the incident.
That’s Not All Folks…
Be sure to check out a video project I recently produced on the study abroad program at the University of Denver:
