Lujayn Ali

Check out Canadian Metal Band Alpthraum

2012-12-10T09:50:00.002-08:00

Written by Lujayn Ali

We love Canadian symphonic metal band Alpthraum
The Montreal group has recently released a new album called Chronophage: very well done, highly skilled artists here! Check them out ASAP! View the album preview below and purchase Chronophage here

Marianas Trench New Video: Desperate Measures

2012-09-17T10:10:00.002-07:00

We love Marianas Trench's new video for their single Desperate Measures. We can always count on them for exciting whimsical music videos and we adore the doll theme! Watch it now if you haven't done so already.

Zimmerman Charged with Second Degree Murder

2012-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

After ongoing public pressure regarding inappropriate police conduct in the murder of Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman, 28, was finally arrested and charged with second degree murder for the fatal shooting of the 17 year old boy. Although the outcome of the charge is currently unclear, Zimmerman is likely to face anywhere from 25 years in prison to a maximum sentence of lifelong incarceration .

Prosecutor Angela Corey would not comment further on any developments, but has stated that "we do not prosecute by public pressure or by petition. We prosecute based on the facts on any given case as well as the laws of the state of Florida".

Check back for further updates and developments. Tweet your views to @LujaynAli

Breaking News: Whitney Houston Dies at Age 48

2012-02-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

We just received notification that beloved superstar Whitney Houston has passed away. Houston was found at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California by one of her colleagues at about 3:30 p.m. prior to her appearance at a pre-Grammy Awards gala. According to lead investigator Lt. Mark Rosen, Houston was submerged in a bathtub and was unresponsive upon discovery. Although further details of her death are not being disclosed at this time, there are no apparent signs of trauma and foul play is not suspected. An autopsy and toxicology testing are currently underway to determine the cause of death.

Our heartfelt prayers go out to her loved ones. Here at Lujayn Ali, we will keep our readers posted on all developments.

RIP Whitney (August 9, 1963—February 11, 2012)

Who is Responsible for the Death of Amanda Cummings?

2012-01-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

New Dorp High School student was bullied to death

Fifteen year old Amanda Cummings of Staten Island, New York was the little princess of her family. She was loved at home and she reflected that unconditional love towards those around her, including her beloved four year old nephew Gregory. Unfortunately the immense affection she was surrounded with at home was sharply contrasted with the hatred and negativity of her school mates who tormented her every day.

According to Amanda's loved ones, the ringleader of the abuse was Rebecca Natali, 18. For no apparent reason, Rebecca called Amanda hurtful and vulgar names; Amanda did not retaliate. In the hallways, at lunchtime, and between classes, Rebecca sought out Amanda and ridiculed her appearance. Other students allegedly took part in the harassment as well including a student named Christian Mino. She wondered what was wrong with her and why nobody liked her, but her optimistic nature pushed her to carry on and hope for an end to her pain, which only deepened with every insult.

Just when she felt she had no place to turn, she started talking to nineteen year old Devin Rodriguez, who had graduated from her high school and had just begun his studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She opened up to him, trusted him and was relieved to find an outlet for her pain. Things at school got worse for Amanda at the hands of Rebecca and the bullying rapidly escalated to pushing and threatening her with a knife. Students also stole her belongings including her phone, shoes and jacket and called her horrible names, none true of her character or deserved.

"I wish she never went to that public toilet of a high school and met any of you drug addicted horn dogs, who get little girls drunk & high, then take advantage of them" -Facebook post from Dawn Weber, older sister of Amanda Cummings

Amanda wondered what she ever did to deserve the abuse yet did not inform her parents; she didn't want to worry them and hoped it would all end soon. But it did not end soon enough. Over winter break, Devin broke up with her; it was not mutual or on good terms. He called her horrific names and worst of all told her to kill herself. These are just a few snapshots of the regular abuse that Amanda Cummings faced; please keep sending information. Leave a comment below or share your thoughts with Lujayn on Twitter.

Click on the names of her tormentors and involved individuals below to be redirected to their Facebook profiles:

Rebecca Natali
Devin Rodriguez

Christian Mino

Amanda Cummings' Funeral (Friday, June 6th, 2012)

Philadelphia Trio Kept Victims in Basement Dungeon

2011-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia resident Linda Ann Weston, 51, has been apprehended Saturday after police found four emaciated and battered adults locked in her basement boiler room. Weston kept the mentally-disabled adults locked in a damp, dark storage room with no food or bathroom facilities and has been cashing their disability income cheques and repeatedly beating them and denying them required medications. In her apartment, investigators seized over 50 identification cards, leading officials to believe there are many more victims involved in the case. In 1985, Weston served eight years in prison for killing Bernardo Ramos, 25, who died from starvation in her apartment.

Three of the four victims found and released from the makeshift dungeon are Darwin McLemire, Herbert Knowles and Tamara Breeden who are now reunited with their loved ones and recovering from the horrific ordeal. Weston was taken into custody along with Eddie Wright, 49, and Thomas Gregory, 47, who allegedly assisted in the abuse and fraud.

Why is this happening? Why didn't anyone notice that one woman was cashing so many different social security cheques? Did nobody hear the people call for help? Why was she released from prison in the first place, she killed somebody! Such a cruel, bizarre case with so many unanswered questions. Another scary question, where are the people who own the 50 identification cards found in her home? Yikes!

Canadian Serial Killer Dies of Cancer

2011-09-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Canadian serial killer Clifford Olson has died at a Montreal hospital today, succumbing to advanced-stage cancer. After killing eleven minors, and being incarcerated for over thirty years, the self-proclaimed beast is finally on his way to face true justice. As a firm believer in accountability and the day of judgement, I am relieved to know this is not the end for this monster and that his journey is merely beginning. He is no match for the angel of death, nor the scorching flames awaiting to set his flesh ablaze. May the Lord continue to detoxify the earth of such predators.

God bless the souls of the children whom he killed, and continue to give their families' strength and patience.

Christine Weller
Colleen Marian Daignault
Daryn Todd Johnsrude
Sandra Wolfsteiner
Ada Anita Court
Simon Partington
Judy Kozma
Raymond King Jr
Sigrun Arnd
Terri Lyn Carson
Louise Chartrand

EID MUBARAK!

2011-08-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

Although I am super busy and shouldn't have the time to update the blog on eid morning, I would like to wish everyone a very happy eid! May we all have a wonderful, blessed eid, and may it bring many more days of joy!

Man Awakens in Morgue

2011-07-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

A 60 year old man who was pronounced dead and sent to a South African morgue yesterday woke up nearly 21 hours later screaming to be let out of the ice cold human cooler. After suffering from an asthma attack and becoming unresponsive, his family called a private mortuary without calling paramedics believing him to be deceased. Over a day later when he awoke from his state of unconsciousness, the man, who asked to remain unidentified, found himself in a dark, cold cellar surrounded by corpses. Horrified, he called for help, which understandably sent mortuary officials sprinting for the door in fear and disbelief.

Although this occurrence must have been terrifying and outrageous to all involved parties, it sheds light on the importance of standard procedures of death pronouncement; trained medical personnel must assess the patient. Obtaining a legal death certificate from qualified medical professionals is essential prior to making any funeral arrangements because an unresponsive individual can often appear to be deceased. Although the mortuary staff are funeral planners, they are not responsible, nor knowledgeable in making medical decisions or clearances.

The Story of Thomas Mullaney

2011-07-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

Words are powerful. More so than most of us would like to accept. Thomas Mullaney, of Birmingham England knew this all too well. He ended his life to free himself of the bullies at school, who began to impact every aspect of his life.

Words can be so extremely affecting and seep right through any defense mechanism we may attempt to build. Negative comments slowly eat away at one's confidence, kill every last shred of self-esteem and break everything you are. Unfortunately, too many children face this everyday. They are abused at school, pushed around, insulted and treated less than human. Their lives are miserable, they are tormented and taught to hate their very existence. This is the story of Thomas Mullaney, a 15 year old boy who hanged himself after ongoing bullying from his classmates. Despite the presence of teachers and school staff, the boy was persistently attacked both verbally and physically by students around him. Soon enough, the abuse spilled over into the internet, where he was bombarded with evil, hateful comments. He was threatened, attacked, and denied the dignity and respect every human deserves. What this child endured is far too much for anyone bear.

Nobody helped him, the entire student body knew of the treatment little Tom was subjected to. The teachers were aware, and his extensive list of Facebook friends viewed the nasty comments, many even chimed in, contributing to his pain. This wasn't secretive or hidden from public view. Everyone knew that this child was being abused, that his life was a living hell. He didn't tell his parents, and when they questioned, he must have minimized the impact, just like other victims do. They convince themselves that it is not a big deal, and tell others that it doesn't bother them- when in fact they are slowly dying inside; nobody wants to admit to weakness. He could no longer handle the pressure of feeling worthless, so he firmly wrapped a cord around his neck and hanged himself in his backyard shed.

Society perceives the word 'bullying' as trivial, as if its merely horsing around at school. It's not okay, it's abuse, its assault, it's harassment, and those are the words we should be using to describe this behaviour. Only when we acknowledge the severity of abuse at school, we can begin to control it. And for those of you who are being hurt, please tell an adult, I promise things will get a lot better.

For free anonymous counselling, advice and guidance and help, please call the Kid's Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, or visit them online at http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/.

Man Fatally Crushed While Car Surfing

2011-06-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

A 25 year old man from Kelowna, British Columbia was fatally crushed during a vehicle surfing stunt gone horribly wrong. According to the ongoing investigating, the young man fell to his unfortunate death while balancing atop an operating vehicle while his friend drove. After losing control, he was crushed beneath the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, who suffered minor injuries was questioned by police and released. The incident is considered accidental. May God give strength to his family and loved ones to help them cope with this loss.

For more information about urban surfing, visit the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's website for facts and statistics. For more information, click here.

Bizarre: Woman's Hair Cut and Stolen at Bus Stop?

2011-05-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

In the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, a young lady was robbed at knife point. Instead of taking any material belongings in her possession, the assailant snuck up behind her at a bus stop, proceeded to cut off her hair and fled the scene.

As a journalist, I've come across a lot of really strange stories, but I can't fathom how someone can run up to a woman, pull out a weapon and slash off her ponytail! What has our world come to?

Read the article here.

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Connecticut Man Steals Paramedic Vehicle

2011-05-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

A 22 year old man of Woodbridge, Connecticut was apprehended for stealing a Ford Expedition paramedic unit from a driveway while the medical response team treated an emergent patient inside the home. After about 30 minutes of reckless driving and vandalizing private property by driving over several lawns, Michael Issaev was charged in the town of Southbury and detained overnight.

What was he thinking? I can't seem to figure out which is more outrageous: the fact that he took off with an emergency response vehicle or that he expected to get away with it. Read the full story here

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Should Komisarjevsky's Trial be Delayed?

2011-05-17T10:17:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

After Connecticut State Senator Edith Prague made an adamant comment about Joshua Komisarjevsky, his defense team has been diligently working to delay the trial. According to lawyer Jeremiah Donavan, Prague's "inflammatory" comments could potentially be detrimental to his client. Considering Komisarjevsky's triple-murder was detrimental to all four members of the Petit family, I find the request to be rather absurd.

From a legal perspective, everyone has the right to a fair trial. From a human perspective, I'm having trouble rationalizing such an accommodation for a man who has admitted to invading a family's home, killing a mother and her two young daughters and setting the bodies on fire. He also sexually assaulted the youngest girl and took compromising photos of the child prior to binding and strangling her.

May God render His judgement and give strength to Dr. Petit, the lone survivor of the attack, who has suffered enough. No selection of comments can change the horrific series of events that occurred in the unsuspecting family's home; that will linger in the minds of the jurors, not the senator's remarks.

What do you think? Should Joshua Komisarjevsky's trial be delayed on these grounds? To read more about the Cheshire Connecticut home invasion murders, click here.

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Disturbing: Catholic Bishop coupled his career with Child Pornography and Abuse

2011-05-05T13:58:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

Catholic bishop Raymond Lahey admitted to numerous counts of child pornography. He was caught with hundreds of compromising photographs and video footage of degraded and enslaved young boys. The 70 year old white man has also allegedly fondled a young boy in the 1980s at the Mount Cashel orphanage in Newfoundland and Labrador.

He was apprehended in the fall of 2009 after returning from an extended vacation from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, countries known for child trafficking. Lahey pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography for the purposes of importation.

There seems to be a trend of revered Christian clergies and heinous acts against children. What's going on?!

What a shame that this disgusting creature claims to be a man of God. Sickening! He is apparently remorseful for his actions and wants to begin serving his sentence immediately; he has voluntarily opted to spend the duration of his bail in jail, where he should have been long ago. His court date is set for May 26th.

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The Dress of a Nation

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

By Alyestal Hamilton

I never believed in fairytales. The idea of a male hero rescuing a woman in every fairytale always managed to leave a bitter taste in my feminist mouth. So it is not unrealistic to believe my initial trouble with getting excited for the wedding of Prince William and the then Kate Middleton. Yet, I managed to get out of bed, 6 am my time zone, after a few hours of sleep to see what is many women’s greatest concern of any wedding—the wedding dress. And to my pleasure saw a fairytale where Catherine Wales needed no rescuing.

The dress that the now Duchess of Cambridge wore is guaranteed to be a historical monument, revered by millions, and placed in the same archives the newly Mrs. Wales herself poured over in the construction of her dress. This dress is an embodiment of both modernity and modesty. It shows that one can be fashionable, all the while remaining tasteful.

The timeless dress was designed by Sarah Burton for the fashion House of McQueen. Kate’s dress is an incarnate of everything British; from the British designer to four flowers of

Great Britain

—the shamrock, thistle, daffodil, and rose. For that reason, this classic piece proved to be the most fitting weaponry leading to success for the newest member of the royal family. The ivory and white dress is like a veiled gift of Britain to its people in the form of a long-sleeved, high-necked, almost 9 foot train, lace package, with the demure placement of a bow, delivered by a tall dark haired royal.

Some have harshly critiqued this dress as being too understated for the bride of a royal wedding. However, I must say that not only is this dress timeless, it is reflective of the times. Catherine is a 29 year old bride of a wedding being principally funded by a country hit hard by a recession. Consequently, not only was this sweetheart neckline dress reflective of the style and age of the sweetheart wearing it, it is reflective of the times of the nation she now represents. A nation where the excesses and luxuries of the past—such as Princess Diana’s 25 foot train—would be an insult to the need for conservation and restriction of the present.

In truth, seeing the fairytale like wedding play out in front of me as if it were a Disney film coming to an end warmed my heart. But it did not compensate for my lack of sleep. What did however, was with a dress, Catherine Wales saved the British monarchy for a new generation by representing the people the monarchy represents. This ultimately gives a new twist to the traditional fairytale because Catherine has become the hero. The image of a stunningly beautiful commoner, turned princess, saving the day in a perfectly designed wedding dress satisfies even my feminist taste.

This article was written by guest blogger and correspondent Alyestal Hamilton. Show your support by commenting below. Tweet your views to @LujaynAli

Arresting Children at School?!?!

2011-04-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

For those of you who haven't read about the first grader who was handcuffed at school, please read this article. Reports reveal that a few days before Easter, police in Maspeth New York removed a 7 year old student from his classroom and handcuffed the child in the principal's office because he caused a ruckus in his grade one class after making Easter arts and crafts.

It seems like every day our world is becoming increasingly heartless and bizarre. We all know children misbehave and our capable of throwing ear-shattering tantrums, but never have I heard of handcuffing children at school! What on earth is going on? Is there nowhere left in the world where children can be safe?

God have mercy.

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Fatal Collission: Edmonton Bus Kills Women

2011-04-20T19:13:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

An Edmonton woman was killed after being hit by a city bus just before 7:00 a.m this morning. According to Edmonton transit manager, the driver responsible for the horrific collision is distraught. Further details have not been released at this time, likely due to legal reasons. Please keep the victim's family in your thoughts and prayers.

Tweet your thoughts to @LujaynAli

Boy Takes Loaded Gun to Kindergarten

2011-04-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

A six year old kindergarten student in Houston Texas took a loaded gun to school Tuesday, which fell and went off injuring a total of three students in Ross Elementary School's cafeteria. The boy's parents have not commented on how the child was able to acquire a loaded pistol and sneak it into his backpack.

The boy who brought the gun and a nearby girl were both injured in the foot, whereas another classmate was injured in the leg as the result of the gun falling out of the carrier's pocket at about 10:22 a.m. I thank God that the injuries sustained are treatable and minor, and that nobody was killed. This situation could have ended in a very dark and tragic way. I also hope the kiddies are doing well and can heal from such a terrifying incident.

For more details click here

What do you think? Tweet your views to @LujaynAli

Spotlight: Sam Northwood

2011-04-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Lujayn Ali interviews the incredibly talented singing sensation Sam Northwood

Gifted with an astounding voice, Sam Northwood has taken the online world by storm with his powerful renditions of well known songs. Also known as samdasinga on YouTube, his talent has surpassed the boundaries of his hometown of South London with nearly one hundred thousand page views and growing from adoring fans worldwide. Currently working as a fitness facility manager, the 26 year old British songster took the time to chat with us here at the Lujayn Ali blog.

Lujayn Ali: When did you begin singing? You have an incredible vocal range. Do you have formal musical training?

Sam Northwood: I think I was about thirteen years old when I really started focusing on music. A good friend of mine at the time, overheard me singing and told me "Sam you kept that talent hidden" because before that point I never really let anyone hear me sing, nor did I think I was very good at it. I never really had any form of musical training, only the odd breathing technique class as part of my performing arts course in college. Later at age fourteen, I won a singing competition put out by Sony record which gave me the opportunity to record for the first time.

Lujayn Ali: What inspired you to begin posting videos on YouTube?

Sam Northwood: Originally I decided to just post one video, you know just for fun, as I was addicted to the website! When that video got quite a good response and all the lovely comments started coming in, I decided to post more. My YouTube viewers have been amazing to me, I know I'm not the most popular singer on there but I've had some great opportunities from people seeing my videos, such as I was signed to a record label in France back in 2007 and got to be a part of the We are the World YouTube edition remake with great singers such as Lisa Lavie, Laura Broad and Airto and more, which allowed us to perform in Washington DC in December of last year.

Lujayn Ali: Where do you see yourself in five years? What about in ten years?

Sam Northwood: In a dream world I would love to be touring the world, performing to sell out crowds, selling millions of albums and winning grammys, but in reality I would be happy to perform professionally at any level, even if that means cruise ships, session work, backing vocalist, I'd like to be making a living doing something I truly love.

Lujayn Ali: Who are your greatest musical influences?

Sam Northwood: (laughs) That would have to be the one and only, my girl Christina Aguilera. I have always been a huge fan of hers. Her vocal ability, passion, control, range and phrasing in my opinion is the best out there right now, she has been my biggest vocal coach over the years. I have been lucky enough to meet Christina a few times and I would like to add she is also a very nice person. But I have many, many influences.

Lujayn Ali: How have your family and friends responded to your singing goals? Have they been supportive?

Sam Northwood: For the most part people close to me have been amazingly supportive, but I would be lying if I said there has never been negativity and people telling me "you're just a wannabe" and "you're not good enough" but that only make me me stronger and more motivated to do well. I realize that my singing is not going to be to everyone's taste, and I totally respect that.

Lujayn Ali: What's on your music player right now? What are some of your favourite songs and genres?

Sam Northwood: I guess my most played music at the moment would have to be Adele and Jessie J; them girls are insanely talented and are really representing for the UK, but my iPod is packed with loads of different artist from all genres from Boyz II Men to Glee, Otis Redding and Etta James to Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Patty Griffin. Two of my other idols would include Australian artists Vanessa Amorosi and Guy Sebastian, but trust me I have so music I listen to and love it would take days to list them all.

Lujayn Ali: Describe a basic day for you?

Sam Northwood: A basic day for me when I'm not working at the heath club would be devoted to music. It could be connecting with fans on YouTube or recording a new video, or maybe auditioning for a job, recording session vocals or writing some lyrics, and then maybe I will find a few hours to sleep (laughs).

Lujayn Ali: What do you like to do during your spare time?

Sam Northwood: In my spare time I love writing lyrics, this to is something I feel I'm pretty good at and I find it a great way to release stress and put internal feelings into song, but as for hobbies I love horse riding, dancing, chilling with friends, ice skating, movies...all the normal things I guess!

Lujayn Ali: How can your fans connect with you?

Sam Northwood: The best ways for followers to connect with me would be via Twitter, Facebook or of course YouTube. I'm very grateful for all the lovely messages and comments I get, and promise I read every single message, your love and supports means the world to me, so keep it coming! (laughs)

Lujayn Ali: List three words that describe you best.

Sam Northwood: CRAZY, HONEST, FUN

Lujayn Ali: Thank you so much for your time! Is there anything you would you like to say to your fans, supporters and viewers?

Sam Northwood: Just again, I would like to say thank you very much for watching and please share the Sam Northwood samdasinga love!

We are thrilled to announce that Sam will be auditioning for The X Factor this season and has a number of exciting YouTube collaborations in store. He will also be heading to the studio to record original material which available later this year on iTunes. Here at the Lujayn Ali blog, we wish Sam the best of luck and know he will achieve all his goals! Stay tuned! Click on the links below to visit his official sites and show your support.

Sam's Official Sites (click the links to be directed)

Twitter
Facebook
Facebook Fan Page
Facebook Official Support Group
YouTube

Chef boasts about deceiving Celiac Disease sufferers

2011-03-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

Waiter and chef Damian Cardone has worked in a number of high-profile eateries including Glenwood Springs, Sopris Restaurant, Buffalo Valley and Florindo's. According to a post on his Facebook wall, he's been deceiving and ridiculing gluten-sensitive requests throughout the course of his career. "May God help the liberal hippie idiot who's going to ask for gluten free pasta this weekend" he posted.

On March 10th, Cardone boasted that he would frequently deceive celiac disease suffers by claiming to prepare gluten-free meals. In reality, he would serve standard wheat products assuring patrons that their meal was gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease react to consuming gluten which is found in wheat products including barley, rye, and oats. He had the audacity to post the following message on Facebook:

“Flour and bread have been a staple of life for thousands, THOUSANDS of years. People who claim to be gluten intolerant don't realize that its all in there disturbed little heads. People ask me for gluten free pasta in my restaurant all the time, I tell em sure, Then I serve serve em our pasta, Which I make from scratch with high gluten flour. And you know what? nothing, NOTHING! ever happens! People leave talking about how good they feel gluten free and guess what, They just had a full dose! Idiots!”

Damian Cardone, March 10, 2011

How disturbing! Celiac disease is an incurable medical condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing absorption of nutrients. Symptoms can be controlled in the complete absence of gluten. Because symptoms of gluten sensitivity are not immediate, it would be impossible for customers to realize they were deceived until long after they've left the premises. Cardone should have his culinary license revoked on the basis of professional deception and intentionally leading diners to harm. Where were all the staff when he was plotting this trickery in the kitchen? How did he get away with doing this for so long? The better question, what made him think posting this on Facebook would go unnoticed?

Dear allergy sufferers and those with medically required diets, please beware of deceitful people, for they exist everywhere, even in your favourite restaurants. If restaurant staff are willing to bend backwards to prepare a near-impossible meal for you, be very suspicious. Something tells me he's not the only one who's pulled this sort of stunt.

What do you think? Tweet your views to @LujaynAli

Gaddafi Government Offers Iman Al-Obeidi Money to Keep Quiet

2011-03-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

Libiyan lawyer Iman Al-Obeidi has received substantial media attention after painfully announcing the abuse and torture she faced in a Gaddafi government detention centre. After two days of relentless torment over the course of two days, she was able to escape with the help of nearby residents. The chilling injuries and humiliation she sustained at the hands of the Gaddafi troops are shocking, and our prayers go out to Al-Obeidi and the other detainees, many of whom were unable to flee.

Violated, hurt and scarred, Al-Obeidi courageously brought her story to international press outlets but was removed from the premises in an unmarked vehicle. The story caused a global uproar and several reporters were deported shortly after broadcasting details. In an attempt to diffuse negative attention, Gaddafi government representatives offered Al-Obeidi a house and large sums of money in order to change her story, an offer that she immediately refused.

For more information on Al-Obeidi's horrific ordeal, read details here.

Flavoured Lip Balm!

2011-03-21T07:51:00.000-07:00

By Lujayn Ali

What's sweet, yummy and fits in your pocket? Yes! Flavoured lip balm. Never be bored with the standard chapstick and get your hands one of these scrumptious lip gloss products. Below are 10 outrageous varieties:

Vitamin water, Cheetos, Betty Crocker Brownies, Pillsbury Pastries, Cinnabon, Nerds Candy, Soda, Popcorn, IHOP Pancakes, Cereal

Have the scent of your favourite treats right under your nose all day, or open up a mini snack shop.

NOTE: Lip gloss is not designed for human consumption. Please do not eat!

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State of Illinois Repeals the Death Penalty

2011-03-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

By Lujayn Ali

Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed law SB3539, officially abolishing the death penalty in the state of Illinois. This leaves the only remaining death penalty states Connecticut, Maryland and Montana who we hope will soon follow. As of yesterday, Illinois is the third state to legislatively abolish the death penalty in the last four years, along with New Jersey and New Mexico.

Because there have been a number of wrongful convictions, including twenty death row inmates in Illinois whose rulings were overturned, abolishing capital punishment is the only reasonable decision to eradicate further fatal errors in the legal system. Although admittedly the 'most difficult decision' he has made as governor, Quinn signed law SB3539, clearing the death penalty in his jurisdiction, changing the penalty of 13 current death row inmates to life in prison.

It's refreshing to see politicians take a stance for human rights. For more information on Pat Quinn's approval to repeal the death penalty, please visit Amnesty International.

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Nurses Leave Baby in Hospital Closet and Bathroom

2011-03-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

By Lujayn Ali

Elise Reban and Erica McCullock, nurses at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon will be returning to work after leaving a crying 13 month old girl in a hospital closet and bathroom on August 30, 2008. The two nurses were originally fired for their misconduct towards the blind pediatric patient when the the child was admitted for a fever and had been crying inconsolably. After her parents left for the night, the nurses put her in a bathroom for 20 minutes, and later in a storage closet for about 90 minutes.

After investigating the incident, the Court of Queen's Bench released a statement confirming that firing Reban and McCullock was "too harsh". The arbitration court revealed that the nurses made errors in judgement and have been suspended following the incident and will be returning to work in the pediatric ward where there will be more defenseless, crying juveniles. Justice Peter Foley denied the health region's request to appeal the decision. Interestingly, Judge Foley has also reduced yet another nurse's penalty for misconduct back in 2006.

If locking an ill, crying and blind infant in closet is not harsh, I'd like to know what is. Firing these nurses would have established a zero tolerance policy towards patient abuse and deterred others from committing similar offenses. Individuals demonstrating poor levels of judgement and abuse should not be permitted to return to a profession that grants unsupervised access to patients, especially children. Insisting that the original sentence was "too harsh" creates a ladder for abusive offenses to increase in numbers and severity.

This illustrates that children should never be left unattended and no place is safe grounds. I hope this serves as a lesson for parents: Don't leave your children unattended, even in seemingly safe places.

Tweet your views to @LujaynAli