A new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows more Americans are going hungry. USA TODAY reports, forty-nine million people in American households one in six went hungry or had insufficient food at some point in 2008, the highest number since the government began tracking the problem in 1995.Twitter users in the United States are wondering why they don’t hear more about this. Some users are being thankful for what they have in these tough times. SexyNexBoy73 (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania)That is so sad. Economic news – CNNMoney.com >1 in 6 Americans goes hungry 16…
Breaking Tweets
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Breaking Tweets
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One in six Americans go hungry
17 Nov 2009 | 8:44 am -
Obama in China: Twitter users in region address Beijing visit
16 Nov 2009 | 8:57 pmAs part of his first tour of Asia, U.S. President Barack Obama met Tuesday with Chinese leader Hu Jintao in Beijing, participating in a summit to discuss a number of issues, per BBC. @stevebruskCNN tweeted the following about the event, “CNN live now…President Obama and President Hu make comments after their meeting in Beijing. Unlike many such events, no questions allowed.” Twitter users in China are paying close attention to Obama’s visit to their country. Annie_He (Beijing) #Obama talks abt human rights, the police arrests 20 dissidents & activists. -
Swine flu challenges airline travelers
13 Nov 2009 | 12:02 amThe push to prevent others from being infected with swine flu is causing conflict between airline travelers. Tampa Bay Online reports the staff at United Airlines suspected passenger Mitra Mostoufi had the flu and forced her to get off the plane and stay in Tampa as she was trying to return to her home in Hawaii on Monday. Mostoufi and other sick travelers are finding it difficult to travel by plane if airlines know they may potentially have the disease. Twitter users question if what airlines are doing is appropriate and are scared of catching the disease on planes: KGMB9 (Honolulu,… -
Munich doctors make breakthrough in breast reconstruction
12 Nov 2009 | 2:17 pmDoctors in Bavaria have become the first in Europe to test a new post-mastectomy plastic surgery procedure that uses pig tissue. News24 reports, after giving replacement breasts made from pigskin to six women in Germany, doctors in Munich detailed the new method on Thursday, saying it results in fewer scars for mastectomy patients. Twitter users are feeling optimistic about this breakthrough. One user is even having a little fun and warning people of the pig breast cancer flu. AngelaSS (Royston, Georgia) Make sure you don’t catch the pig breast cancer flu! http://tinyurl.com/yfdrdfw… -
TwitPics: Twitter users celebrate U.S. Veterans Day with photos
11 Nov 2009 | 12:59 pmThe United State’s celebration of Veteran’s Day dates back to after World War I. First designated a holiday by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, current President Barack Obama honored the day by speaking at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. today.Twitter users were attending parades around the country, and also posting pictures of their own favorite soldiers. @kevin_oates (Venice, CA): Great photo from Hyundia's video board in Times Square from the Veterans' Day Parade @d1ane (Milford, MI):WWII Sailor at Memorial Day parade in Milford MI--INCREDIBLE turnout of…
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Breaking Tweets: North America
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One in six Americans go hungry
17 Nov 2009 | 8:44 amA new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows more Americans are going hungry. USA TODAY reports, forty-nine million people in American households one in six went hungry or had insufficient food at some point in 2008, the highest number since the government began tracking the problem in 1995.Twitter users in the United States are wondering why they don’t hear more about this. Some users are being thankful for what they have in these tough times. SexyNexBoy73 (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania)That is so sad. Economic news – CNNMoney.com >1 in 6 Americans goes hungry 16… -
Swine flu challenges airline travelers
13 Nov 2009 | 12:02 amThe push to prevent others from being infected with swine flu is causing conflict between airline travelers. Tampa Bay Online reports the staff at United Airlines suspected passenger Mitra Mostoufi had the flu and forced her to get off the plane and stay in Tampa as she was trying to return to her home in Hawaii on Monday. Mostoufi and other sick travelers are finding it difficult to travel by plane if airlines know they may potentially have the disease. Twitter users question if what airlines are doing is appropriate and are scared of catching the disease on planes: KGMB9 (Honolulu,… -
TwitPics: Twitter users celebrate U.S. Veterans Day with photos
11 Nov 2009 | 12:59 pmThe United State’s celebration of Veteran’s Day dates back to after World War I. First designated a holiday by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, current President Barack Obama honored the day by speaking at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. today.Twitter users were attending parades around the country, and also posting pictures of their own favorite soldiers. @kevin_oates (Venice, CA): Great photo from Hyundia's video board in Times Square from the Veterans' Day Parade @d1ane (Milford, MI):WWII Sailor at Memorial Day parade in Milford MI--INCREDIBLE turnout of… -
Google offers free airport Wi-Fi for the holidays
11 Nov 2009 | 6:45 amGoogle announced that they have started to offer free Wi-Fi in 47 airports in the United States now through January 15, 2010. Crunch Gear helped explain the holiday “gift” which includes Google’s charity matching – An initiative which results in the winning airport having $15,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice. A list of the participating airports as well as other FAQ’s regarding the free Wi-Fi is offered through Google’s site. Most Twitter users happily react to Google’s holiday spirit giveaway… meaghanryan Thank you Google for… -
‘Beltway sniper’ execution fuels death penalty discussion on Twitter
10 Nov 2009 | 3:54 pmJohn Allen Muhammad terrorized the Washington D.C. area with Lee Boyd Malvo, killing ten people in 2002. Muhammad, better known as the ‘Beltway sniper’, now sits on death row, his fate all but sealed. He is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Tuesday evening in Virginia. According to CNN, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine denied a clemency request from Muhammad’s lawyers, closing off what is likely to be his last avenue of appeal early Tuesday. “I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was recommended by the jury and then imposed and affirmed by the…
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Breaking Tweets: Europe
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Munich doctors make breakthrough in breast reconstruction
12 Nov 2009 | 2:17 pmDoctors in Bavaria have become the first in Europe to test a new post-mastectomy plastic surgery procedure that uses pig tissue. News24 reports, after giving replacement breasts made from pigskin to six women in Germany, doctors in Munich detailed the new method on Thursday, saying it results in fewer scars for mastectomy patients. Twitter users are feeling optimistic about this breakthrough. One user is even having a little fun and warning people of the pig breast cancer flu. AngelaSS (Royston, Georgia) Make sure you don’t catch the pig breast cancer flu! http://tinyurl.com/yfdrdfw… -
Goalkeeper for German national team dies after being struck by train
10 Nov 2009 | 10:04 pmRobert Enke, the top contender to play goalkeeper for Germany’s 2010 World Cup team, died Tuesday after being hit by a train in what investigators believe was a suicide, according to the Associated Press. The train crossing was near Enke’s home in Hannover, and police said first indications were of a suicide. According to AP, Enke and his wife lost a daughter to a heart ailment in 2006, but had recently adopted. Tweets from Hannover were wraught with shock, sorrow and support for Enke and his family: (Tweets translated from German to English using Google Translate) xuxubetty only… -
Anniversary of Berlin Wall collapse sparks Twitter comments, TwitPics
10 Nov 2009 | 11:01 amAs residents of Berlin commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, Twitter users around the world are sharing their personal thoughts and reflections. The event reunited a once divided Germany, and marked a symbolic end to communist regimes during the Cold War era. Twitter users around the globe shared different reactions, some of which celebrated the event: jasonkenney (Richmond, VA) There area handful of historical moments one measures their lifetime by. The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of those moments. 09 Nov 2009 from web sheiskilla (Germany) Remembering the fall… -
London train driver shortage upsets Twitter users
10 Nov 2009 | 9:13 amAccording to BBC, travelers have faced long delays after a driver shortage led to the cancellation of an entire rail route into London’s Kings Cross station on Sunday. The weekend shifts are staffed voluntarily by drivers willing to work overtime and the First Capital Connect (FCC) confirmed that not enough staff had volunteered to work. FCC says it was offering travelers free parking and running bus replacement services. Twitter users are outraged by the inconvenience: ChaiBENTO (Hemel Hempstead, UK) Uggh. Been on my way home from Brighton since 5. What normally takes 2 hours has… -
TwitPics: Twitter users ‘Remember, remember the 5th of November’
6 Nov 2009 | 10:34 amTwitter users in the United Kingdom and in former British colonies took part in annual festivities on Thursday, November 5 to commemorate Guy Fawkes Night. Usual festivities include fireworks, bonfires, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes. Calling for religious toleration, Guy Fawkes and other conspirators on the evening of November 5, 1605 tried to carry out a plot, known as the Gunpowder Plot, to blow up the British Parliament building and kill King James I. Ultimately, the plot was unsuccessful. Fawkes was captured, tried and executed. Reuters and The New Zealand Herald on Thursday…
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Breaking Tweets: Africa
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Ethiopia home to potential ocean
3 Nov 2009 | 9:09 pmA giant 35-mile long crack on Africa’s surface opened in 2005 across the desert of Ethiopia. A recent study of this rift show that these volcanic boundaries are nearly identical to what occurs at the bottom of oceans, according to Geophysical Research Letters. Fear did not seem evident in Twitterers around the globe: judiemiller (Oregon) Wow! Is Moses doing his magic again? RT @current_green: Giant crack in Africa will create a new ocean: http://su.pr/7jAe1k 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck BadZen (Unknown) Giant Crack in Africa Will Become New Ocean. Keep it away from Bobby and Whitney. -
Somali pirates demand $7 million ransom for British couple
1 Nov 2009 | 12:15 pmRadio Netherlands reports, Somali pirates are demanding seven million U.S. dollars in ransom for a British couple kidnapped over a week ago as they were crossing the Indian Ocean in a yacht. The couple was sailing from the Seychelles to Tanzania and the UK Foreign Office says the British government is not accepting the Somali pirates’ offer, per Radio Netherlands. Twitter users are very upset: jmsbond007 (Undisclosed) Why can’t someone just BLOW up those Somali PIRATES and teach em a lesson ? 31 Oct 2009 from Tweetie kill_ross (London) wow with the somali pirates again. -
“Ardi” disproves missing link theory
1 Oct 2009 | 2:11 pmScience have released their report on the discovery of a fossil that can clear up some evolution questions. Ardipithecus ramidus (”Ardi”) is a 4.4 million year old skeleton found in Aramis, Ethiopia in 1994. The multinational team has studied her for 15 years to thoroughly analyze her implications. Older than the famous 1974 discovery of “Lucy,” Ardi’s existence takes reasoning away from the idea that humans evolved from chimps. Twitterers quickly responded to the report that they might have a new ancestor: luluinnyc (Brooklyn, New York) Whoa – fossil from… -
Investigation finds gorilla poaching to be major issue in Congo
15 Sep 2009 | 10:29 pmBBC News is reporting that an undercover investigation conducted by Endangered Species International (ESI) has revealed the full extent of gorilla poaching in Kouilou, an area in the Republic of Congo. BBC says in Kouilou undercover investigators found that up to two endangered gorillas were being killed by poachers each week and sold in bigger city markets for their meat and hands. ESI Investigators told the BBC they believe there are only 200 gorillas left in the region. ESI also fears that hundreds of gorillas are being poached outside of the region and while there are laws in place to… -
Swine flu confirmed in Ghana
7 Aug 2009 | 9:50 amPer AfricaNews: Health services in Ghana have switched on their surveillance systems as the West African country records its first H1N1 (swine flu) case since its outbreak. The Ghana Health Service confirmed two cases on Thursday. One is in the capital Accra and the other in the Western region bordering Ivory Coast. Twitterers in the country are expressing their shock and doubts about the health authorities’ ability to handle the cases: konkrumah (Accra, Ghana): wondering how Ghana’s authorities can really battle swine flu….its finally here and we dont know how many people…
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Breaking Tweets: Asia
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Obama in China: Twitter users in region address Beijing visit
16 Nov 2009 | 8:57 pmAs part of his first tour of Asia, U.S. President Barack Obama met Tuesday with Chinese leader Hu Jintao in Beijing, participating in a summit to discuss a number of issues, per BBC. @stevebruskCNN tweeted the following about the event, “CNN live now…President Obama and President Hu make comments after their meeting in Beijing. Unlike many such events, no questions allowed.” Twitter users in China are paying close attention to Obama’s visit to their country. Annie_He (Beijing) #Obama talks abt human rights, the police arrests 20 dissidents & activists. -
Car bomb in Pakistan kills 24, wounds dozens
10 Nov 2009 | 11:52 pmAt least 24 people were killed and over a dozen injured when a car bomb ripped through a crowded market in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province on Tuesday. Gulf News reports, the bombing, apparently aimed at causing maximum civilian casualties, was the third blast in as many days in or close to Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province, an area bordering the tribal region where the army is pushing into a key Taliban and Al Qaida sanctuary Twitter users are in disbelief that another bomb blast has taken place in Pakistan. 1stkingmatt (United Kingdom) More Deaths… -
12 die in Karachi train collision
4 Nov 2009 | 2:39 amCNN reports, a cargo train collided with a passenger train in Pakistan’s commercial capital of Karachi on Tuesday, killing 12 people and wounding 19 others, police said. The crash was caused by a technical error and the death toll will most likely rise as emergency workers continue to help those on board. Twitter users are upset over this tragic event: Mirza9 (Kerachi) damn, train collision in karachi… 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck HawkesBay (undisclosed) #karachi train wreck? i guess it’s symbolic of the state of the country? what the f next? 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck… -
Baby born on flight named after Air Asia
29 Oct 2009 | 11:55 amThestar.com reports the baby boy, who created national headlines when he was born on an AirAsia plane, has been named Asia Liew Ya Hang. His mother Liew Siaw Hsia said the Chinese name ‘Ya Hang’ means ‘AirAsia’ in Mandarin. The airline has presented Liew and the baby free flight tickets for life to celebrate the birth. Twitter users buzz about how they wish to have free flights if they have their babies born on a plane: SocialiteJacque (undisclosed) Baby boy born on plane gets to fly free for life and his moms …I’m jealous of them both lol. AirAsia flight ak 6506 27 Oct… -
Youth Pledge Day begins in Indonesia
27 Oct 2009 | 7:43 pmIndonesian Vice President Boediono is leading ceremonies for the country’s Youth Pledge Day Wednesday morning. This day commemorates a pledge made on Oct. 28, 1928 when Indonesia was still a Dutch colony, The Jakarta Post reported. The pledge stated that the young people of the country could build a new and independent nation, which was eventually acheived in 1945. Youth Pledge Day is highly celebrated as it acted as a “turning point” for Indonesia in gaining their independence. Twitterers have been sending out good wishes early Wednesday morning before the ceremony which is…
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Breaking Tweets: Middle East
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Etihad voted world’s best airline
10 Nov 2009 | 6:21 amAbu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has been named the best airline in the world at this year’s World Travel Awards. Gulf News reports, Etihad was voted the world’s leading airline by more than 180,000 travel industry professionals from over 175 countries. In addition to being named world’s leading airline, Etihad also picked up the award for leading First Class for the second year in a row. Many Twitter users feel other airlines deserved the award. kishorcariappa (Bangalore, India) News: Etihad voted the world’s best airline (Whatever happened to Emirates?) 09 Nov 2009 from… -
DC Comics to launch first Islamic superheroes comic book
6 Nov 2009 | 10:35 amDC Comics will be launching a new comic book series called The 99, the Islamic superheroes created by a Kuwaiti psychologist. Gulf News reports, the creation of the Islamic superheroes is mainly intended to curb stereotypes associated with people of the Islamic faith. The characters fight evil and personify the 99 attributes of Allah. Twitter users are fascinated by the first Islamic superheroes, but some feel it’s not a good idea. leilangod (Toronto, Canada) loves that “DC Comics will launch a new comic book series depicting Islamic superheroes” http://bit.ly/hHziO. My… -
Israel claims to have stopped Iranian arms ship
5 Nov 2009 | 9:51 amPer BBC, the Israeli Navy has seized a ship reportedly headed by Iran carrying weapons disguised as civilian cargo, yet Iran has denied the allegations. The Israeli Navy has reported that the arms ship was on its way to Hezbollah, where fights between Israeli and Iranian forces has been active. Several hundred tonnes of weapons were seized making it the largest involving Iran since 2002 when the Israeli military found 100 tonnes of arms. People in the Middle East reacted to the news through Twitter. petitedov Smthg nice to wake up to: Israel seizes Iranian ship bound for Hezbollah loaded with… -
TwitPics: 13 Aban, November 4 Iran protests
4 Nov 2009 | 10:19 amSupporters of the Iranian government and the opposition have both taken to the streets in Tehran today. Supporters are rallying to commemorate 13 Aban, which corresponds to November 4, the 30th anniversary of the U.S. embassy takeover by Iranian students. The opposition, on the other hand, is protesting the politics of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. According to Global Post, opposition leaders in Tehran, including Mir Hossein Mousavi himself, have called for peaceful protests on 13 Aban . “The 13th of Aban is a… rendezvous,” Mousavi told the Khaleej Times, “so we… -
Karzai declared president of Afghanistan
2 Nov 2009 | 1:56 pmPresident Hamid Karzai has been declared president of Afghanistan after election runoff was cancelled by officials, according to the BBC. Karzai’s only opponent, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, dropped out of the race on Sunday out of concerns that the votes would not be fair or free. The United States and its allies congratulated President Hamid Karzai on winning a second term Monday, Fox News reports. Many Twitter users were not as quick to dole out their congrats: chadlavi (Brooklyn, N.Y.) Karzai didn’t win so much as his only opponent dropped out of the race. I…
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Breaking Tweets: South America
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Brazil, Paraguay blackout sends residents to Twitter
10 Nov 2009 | 8:47 pmA problem at a large dam was responsible for a massive blackout across several countries in Rio de Janeiro, San Paulo, and other large cities in several South American countries Tuesday evening. According to Telegraph.co.uk, the Itaipu dam that straddles Brazil and Paraguay, one of the largest in the world, experienced an unspecified problem, causing blackouts in both countries. According to the BNO News Twitter account, power to Paraguay’s capital was restored shortly thereafter, but blackouts in Brazil continued, sending residents in Rio de Janeiro to Twitter for information: cobalto… -
Brazilian man surprises family, shows up at own funeral
4 Nov 2009 | 9:23 pmBBC News reports that Ademir Jorge Gonclaves,a 59-year-old bricklayer from Brazil surprised his family by showing up to his own funeral alive Monday morning. Gonclaves had been identified by his family as the victim in a car accident the previous day in Brazil’s southern state of Parana. However, it was later revealed that Gonclaves had spent the previous night drinking ‘pinga’ with friends. Police even reported that the family had trouble identifying the body due to its disfigurement. Twitterers were amazed and confused with Gonclaves’ surprising appearance:… -
Rio de Janeiro tense amid new violence
17 Oct 2009 | 12:16 pmAt least five people were killed and eight injured in Rio de Janeiro today in intense clashes between drug traffickers and police, Globo (Portuguese) reports. A police helicopter was shot down and five buses were destroyed, with most of the violence taking place in the neighborhoods of Vila Isabel and Sampaio. Other shootings have also been reported in the last 24 hours. Local Twitterers provided additional context about the violence and the personal impact it has had on Rio citizens: VaniaLacerda (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) A situação aqui no Rio é gravíssima.Helicóptero da PM foi… -
Brazilian crime show host reportedly ordered murders to boost ratings
11 Oct 2009 | 6:34 pmPopular Brazilian crime show host and former lawmaker, Wallace Souza, has been arrested after a four-day manhunt in the largely lawless jungle state of Amazonas, according to the Associated Press. Souza, a reported gang leader and popular state Deputy, was arrested on suspicion that he commissioned the assassination of at least five drug-trafficking rivals, and used the resulting murder cases to boost ratings for his show “Canal Livre” in which he condemns crime and corruption. The BBC confirms that the media personality came under suspicion after Souza’s camera crew… -
Influential Argentine singer Mercedes Sosa dead at 74
4 Oct 2009 | 6:47 pmArgentine folk singer Mercedes Sosa, known as “the voice of Latin America,” has died Sunday at age 74 due to kidney problems. BBC News reports Sosa was known for supporting the poor and fighting for political change. The Associated Press adds that she recorded more than 70 albums, including three that won Latin Grammy Awards for the Best Folk album in 2000, 2003 and 2006. After news of Sosa’s death was released, the city of Buenos Aires suspended all artistic activities on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Twitterers in Argentina and all over South America…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Conflict
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Anniversary of Berlin Wall collapse sparks Twitter comments, TwitPics
10 Nov 2009 | 11:01 amAs residents of Berlin commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, Twitter users around the world are sharing their personal thoughts and reflections. The event reunited a once divided Germany, and marked a symbolic end to communist regimes during the Cold War era. Twitter users around the globe shared different reactions, some of which celebrated the event: jasonkenney (Richmond, VA) There area handful of historical moments one measures their lifetime by. The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of those moments. 09 Nov 2009 from web sheiskilla (Germany) Remembering the fall… -
Israel claims to have stopped Iranian arms ship
5 Nov 2009 | 9:51 amPer BBC, the Israeli Navy has seized a ship reportedly headed by Iran carrying weapons disguised as civilian cargo, yet Iran has denied the allegations. The Israeli Navy has reported that the arms ship was on its way to Hezbollah, where fights between Israeli and Iranian forces has been active. Several hundred tonnes of weapons were seized making it the largest involving Iran since 2002 when the Israeli military found 100 tonnes of arms. People in the Middle East reacted to the news through Twitter. petitedov Smthg nice to wake up to: Israel seizes Iranian ship bound for Hezbollah loaded with… -
TwitPics: 13 Aban, November 4 Iran protests
4 Nov 2009 | 10:19 amSupporters of the Iranian government and the opposition have both taken to the streets in Tehran today. Supporters are rallying to commemorate 13 Aban, which corresponds to November 4, the 30th anniversary of the U.S. embassy takeover by Iranian students. The opposition, on the other hand, is protesting the politics of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. According to Global Post, opposition leaders in Tehran, including Mir Hossein Mousavi himself, have called for peaceful protests on 13 Aban . “The 13th of Aban is a… rendezvous,” Mousavi told the Khaleej Times, “so we… -
Czech leader reluctantly signs off on EU Treaty
4 Nov 2009 | 8:44 amPer BBC, President Vaclav Klaus of the Czech Republic has signed the EU’s Lisbon Treaty on Tuesday, which was the last step in having the the agreement ratified. Klaus was the EU’s final hold-out on the treaty and even though he agreed to sign, he claimed the Czech Republic would, “cease to be a sovereign state” once the treaty was ratified. The treaty was constructed to consolidate decision-making within the EU, and it proposes to create a European Council president and change the way member states vote. Proponents of the treaty say it will give the EU the ability… -
BBC protest scene turns chaotic
22 Oct 2009 | 9:07 amAn estimated 500 protestors took part in a rally outside the BBC Television Centre in London this evening, protesting an appearance by British National Party leader Nick Griffin on the television debate show “Question Time.” About 30 people managed to breach security and enter the building, at least temporarily, but their efforts were quickly quelled by police, according to Sky News. Employees of BBC and others near the scene tweeted about the chaos. minxlj (Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.) - @paul_a_smith – Friend of mine works at #BBC in London; says she battled through loads of…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Crime
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‘Beltway sniper’ execution fuels death penalty discussion on Twitter
10 Nov 2009 | 3:54 pmJohn Allen Muhammad terrorized the Washington D.C. area with Lee Boyd Malvo, killing ten people in 2002. Muhammad, better known as the ‘Beltway sniper’, now sits on death row, his fate all but sealed. He is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection Tuesday evening in Virginia. According to CNN, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine denied a clemency request from Muhammad’s lawyers, closing off what is likely to be his last avenue of appeal early Tuesday. “I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence that was recommended by the jury and then imposed and affirmed by the… -
Twitter users react to recent increase in shootings
8 Nov 2009 | 5:29 pmAfter the shooting at Ford Hood, Texas Thursday that killed 13 people and the shooting in Orlando, Florida that killed at least one and injured several others Friday, Twitter users are taking notice of the increase in gun violence. Twitterers, especially those in Florida, posted about how gun violence keeps getting closer to their homes: alexthewheel (Winter Park, FL) @philososaurus def dude today there was a shooting in downtown orlando -_- s’getting too close to home now. it was work related too. 06 Nov 2009 from mobile web SummerLynn (Orlando, FL) Shooting in Orlando. Such an… -
Gunman opens fire at Florida office
7 Nov 2009 | 5:57 pmA gunman opened fired at an office downtown Orlando, Florida, Friday morning killing one person and injuring five others. BBC News reports that Orlando police identified the gunman as Jason Rodriguez, 40, who used to work there. He was arrested at his mother’s house after fleeing the scene. Twitter users in the area shared their concerns on the trending topic: scotymax (Orlando, Fla.) Holy smokes! Shootings at the office building where I work in Orlando. Just happened to take today off. 06 Nov 2009 from Tweetie GarrickBoyd (Orlando, Fla.) Suspect in the Orlando office shootings, Jason… -
Fort Hood shootings: Seven dead at army post outside Killeen, Texas
5 Nov 2009 | 1:28 pmAt least seven people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at the Fort Hood military base outside Killeen, Texas on Thursday afternoon. Local television station KXXV reported, “We’ve learned an incident has taken place at the sports dome, now known as the soldier readiness area. Temple ISD Schools Have Been locked down as part of this incident. The district’s spokeswoman tells News Channel 25 the district is on soft lockdown.” People in and around Fort Hood were worried and shared their concerns on Twitter. RicoRossi (Fort Hood, Texas) if your… -
FBI eyes DMV photos in search for fugitives
20 Oct 2009 | 12:34 pmThe FBI has unleashed its newest crime fighting tool which could leave fugitives with fewer places to hide. Starting in North Carolina, the FBI will begin using facial recognition software on millions of motorists to compare license photos with pictures of wanted convicts, reports the Associated Press. While the technology is not entirely fool proof, one fugitive was caught earlier this year after police compared his photo to over 30 million stored in the motor vehicle agency in North Carolina, according to the AP. Within seconds, a match came up and the double murder suspect was…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Economy
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One in six Americans go hungry
17 Nov 2009 | 8:44 amA new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows more Americans are going hungry. USA TODAY reports, forty-nine million people in American households one in six went hungry or had insufficient food at some point in 2008, the highest number since the government began tracking the problem in 1995.Twitter users in the United States are wondering why they don’t hear more about this. Some users are being thankful for what they have in these tough times. SexyNexBoy73 (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania)That is so sad. Economic news – CNNMoney.com >1 in 6 Americans goes hungry 16… -
Microsoft cuts 800 worldwide jobs
4 Nov 2009 | 5:28 pmThe Wall Street Journal reported today that Microsoft has laid off 800 people in midst of their cost-reduction program announced in January of 2009. Without revealing too much detail, a spokesman confirmed cutting 800 jobs today that will “affect staff internationally and in a range of business units.” Among one of the most unsuspected to have lost their job with MS is Don Dodge (@dondodge) – Microsoft’s Director of Business Development for the Emerging Business Team – according to a TechCrunch article. Despite being laid off, Dodge is rather optimistic in his blog. -
New logo for ANZ bank criticized on Twitter
26 Oct 2009 | 1:46 amANZ, one of the leading banks serving Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, has released its new company logo, but early reviews from Twitter users are not so positive. InsideRetailing.com reported on the company’s logo change as being part of its rebranding campaign to show unity across the 32 countries that the bank serves. The logo has the old ANZ letters in place, but in more modern font. The bank added a petal shaped figure next to it which is meant to signify the people and countries where ANZ has a presence, making it look like a person as a whole. But Twitterers… -
New York Times to eliminate 100 newsroom positions
19 Oct 2009 | 3:23 pmThe New York Times will cut 100 jobs through the end of this year, eliminating about 8 percent of the current staff. The planned cuts will affect the newsroom staff, with employees being offered buy-outs of their current contracts. The move comes as the newspaper industry continues to suffer from falling advertising revenue and sales, which have ailed even big papers like the New York Times. While the positions eliminated will depend on those who agree to a contract buy-out, the possibility exists that a portion of staff reporters will be part of the cuts. Some Twitter users tweeted… -
Dow Jones average hits 10,000 for first time since 2008
14 Oct 2009 | 10:53 amFollowing unexpected quarterly profits from Intel and JPMorgan Chase, the Dow Jones industrial average reached 10,000 points today. While it dropped later in the day,when the U.S. markets closed, the Dow Jones was able to rebound and closed above 10,000. It had been more ethan a year since the industrial average exceeded the 10,000 mark – the last time being Oct. 7, 2008. “Better than expected is a win,” said Peter Schwartz, cofounder of Global Business Network, according to CBS News. “People’s expectations have been calibrated to buffer some of the bad…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Elections
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Karzai declared president of Afghanistan
2 Nov 2009 | 1:56 pmPresident Hamid Karzai has been declared president of Afghanistan after election runoff was cancelled by officials, according to the BBC. Karzai’s only opponent, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, dropped out of the race on Sunday out of concerns that the votes would not be fair or free. The United States and its allies congratulated President Hamid Karzai on winning a second term Monday, Fox News reports. Many Twitter users were not as quick to dole out their congrats: chadlavi (Brooklyn, N.Y.) Karzai didn’t win so much as his only opponent dropped out of the race. I… -
Socialist party’s George Papandreou wins Greek election
4 Oct 2009 | 3:27 pmGeorge Papandreou of the Socialist PASOK party has won the Greek elections. Reuters reports that the socialists’ victory in Sunday’s Greek election is good news as the change brings in a strong government, which is needed to get the country out of an economic crisis. Twitter users in Greece and around Europe are happy to hear about the change. iamyianna (Athens, Greece) The Greek elections turned out just the way it should be. Congratulations to Papandreou!! Hope u bring some kind of change. GREECE NEEDS IT! 04 Oct 2009 from web anthonypainter (London, UK) PASOK’s victory… -
Angela Merkel elected as German Chancellor for second term
27 Sep 2009 | 5:47 pmAngela Merkel was re-elected for another four years as Chancellor of Germany on Sunday. With this win also came the announcement of forming a new coalition with her own Christian Democratic Party and the Free Democratic Party. She said her former coalition with the Social Democratic Party would not lead her to the goal of repairing Germany’s troubled economy as reported by The Chosun Ilbo. This center-right coalition has reform as its number one priority as the Free Democratic Party is known for proposing “lower taxes and less regulation.” The Twitterverse seemed mostly… -
Terrorism threats force Germany to raise alert level
19 Sep 2009 | 12:04 amNew threats from terrorist organization al-Qaeda have prompted Germany to raise its terror alert level, just prior to its federal elections on Sept. 27, CNN reports. The group specifically said it will attack if German troops are not withdrawn from Afghanistan and change in power doesn’t occur. Security will be heightened for Election Day and the following two weeks, which an al-Qaeda video specifically cited as the time frame for a possible attack, adds Spiegel Online. Many Germans on Twitter are trying to make sense of the news and its implications. dominik_schwarz (Köln, Germany)… -
Afghanistan votes despite wave of attacks, 26 deaths on Election Day
20 Aug 2009 | 8:22 amReports are streaming out of Afghanistan today that many voters were not intimidated in the face of constant threats Thursday, casting their ballots in the Afghan Presidential Election. Voter turnout is expected to be down from the last election, as several polling stations were closed down due to threats and attacks, Bloomberg reports. Afghan officials say that dozens of attacks took place on Election Day and killed 26 people, yet the election was still carried out. Voice of America correspondent Steven Herman is in Kabul and has provided a series of updates on the latest numbers and…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Health
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Munich doctors make breakthrough in breast reconstruction
12 Nov 2009 | 2:17 pmDoctors in Bavaria have become the first in Europe to test a new post-mastectomy plastic surgery procedure that uses pig tissue. News24 reports, after giving replacement breasts made from pigskin to six women in Germany, doctors in Munich detailed the new method on Thursday, saying it results in fewer scars for mastectomy patients. Twitter users are feeling optimistic about this breakthrough. One user is even having a little fun and warning people of the pig breast cancer flu. AngelaSS (Royston, Georgia) Make sure you don’t catch the pig breast cancer flu! http://tinyurl.com/yfdrdfw… -
Medical marijuana policy a hot topic on Twitter
19 Oct 2009 | 5:53 pmPer The Christian Science Monitor, the Obama administration has created a new policy wherein federal officers will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users and sellers in states that have legalized the drug. A reversal of the Bush administration policy, the Justice Department stressed that federal prosecution will only be enforced to those who abuse the amount and usage of medical marijuana in states where it is legal. Medical marijuana advocates tweeted their feelings. Bear082370 (Undisclosed) Medical marijuana approved under federal law as long as patients follow state laws. HUGE WIN… -
Large anti-abortion rally held in Madrid
17 Oct 2009 | 7:05 pmAn estimated one million people took part in an anti-abortion protest in Madrid on Saturday, backed by Roman Catholic Bishops, BBC News reports. According to RIA Novosti, protesters were demonstrating against Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s plan to relax the country’s existing abortion laws. BBC News adds that the current law only allows abortion in cases of rape, fetal abnormality, and when the women’s physical or psychological health is at risk. Twitterers in Spain and around the world are commenting on the rally and the issue of abortion: jstorres2075… -
H1N1 vaccine being widely distributed
13 Oct 2009 | 2:48 pmThe H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu) vaccine is swiftly being introduced to the American public to heed the potential of a flu outbreak this winter says Chicago’s Channel 7 News. It is advised that health care workers and healthy children recieve the vaccine. Many Twitter users are wondering where they can get the vaccine: manimal (Undisclosed) @incanus77 where did you find h1n1 vaccine? I’ve been asking around. 13 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck in reply to incanus77 thienkim (Washington, D.C.) trying to find some info about dosage of H1N1 vaccine. where to look? 13 Oct 2009 from… -
Senate OK’s health reform bill, Obama wants more progress
13 Oct 2009 | 2:42 amPer CNN, The United States Senate Finance Committee passed a health care reform bill on Tuesday, but President Barack Obama said more must be done to get it right. “It’s time to dig in and work even harder to get this done,” said Obama of the progress of the health care reform bill. The Senate passed the health care legislation 14-9. As it was reported earlier in the day, Maine Republican Senator Olympia Snowe voted to support the health reform bill and President Obama thanked her and the rest of the committee for “plowing forward” on an “extraordinary…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Legal
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Protesters gather in Freedom Plaza to rally against gay marriage
26 Oct 2009 | 12:48 amProtesters joined together at Freedom Place in Washington D.C. on Sunday to voice their opposition to gay marriage. 150 people were present to demonstrate their opinions on whether or not Washington D.C. should. legalize gay marriage. Many of the people were bused in earlier from various churches from the area. The mayor and council men’s office is across the street from Freedom Plaza and these protesters hoped that they could be heard, especially in light of the issue being addressed by the committee Monday. The Washington Post reports that the protesters wanted their voices to be… -
Saudi female journalist sentenced to beating
24 Oct 2009 | 3:32 pmRozanna Al Yami, a Saudi female journalist has been sentenced to 60 lashes by a Saudi court for her involvement in a TV show, in which a Saudi man openly talked about sex. Gulf News reports, Al Yami is believed to be the first Saudi journalist to be given such a punishment. The charges against her included involvement in the preparation of the program and advertising the segment on the internet. Twitter users are in shock after hearing this news, some are even talking about human rights in Saudi Arabia. wanttobeawriter(location undisclosed) is shocked to hear that a Saudi Journalist is… -
FBI eyes DMV photos in search for fugitives
20 Oct 2009 | 12:34 pmThe FBI has unleashed its newest crime fighting tool which could leave fugitives with fewer places to hide. Starting in North Carolina, the FBI will begin using facial recognition software on millions of motorists to compare license photos with pictures of wanted convicts, reports the Associated Press. While the technology is not entirely fool proof, one fugitive was caught earlier this year after police compared his photo to over 30 million stored in the motor vehicle agency in North Carolina, according to the AP. Within seconds, a match came up and the double murder suspect was… -
Sydney men found guilty of plotting act of terrorism on Australian soil
15 Oct 2009 | 5:55 pmFive Sydney men have been charged with plotting to commit an act of terror on Australian soil on Friday, reports ABC News Australia. The intended target was never disclosed by the prosecution. The 10-month trial which led to the guilty decision is the longest in the country’s history and it comes at a time the war on terror has been discussed increasingly in Australia. Sydney Twitter users have been following the case and related developments in recent days. Many claim that the issue of terrorism has been greatly exaggerated by government officials. l0tim0l (Sydney, Australia) The only… -
Finland makes broadband a legal right
14 Oct 2009 | 11:06 amAccording to a TechCrunch, Finland has become the first country to institute laws that make broadband Internet a legal right. In July of 2010, the Finnish government will guarantee one-megabit broadband access for the country’s five-million-plus population. The goal is to provide 100Mb coverage by 2015. Tweeters from Helsinki, the capital of Finland, tweet in celebration not only of the new legislation, but also that their country is a Trending Topic: LauriPietro (Helsinki, Finland) RT @TechCrunch Applause for Finland: first country to make broadband access a legal right…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Natural Disasters
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Hurricane Ida causes deadly mudslides, floods in El Salvador
9 Nov 2009 | 7:16 pmCNN reports that heavy rains from Hurricane Ida on Sunday caused floods and mudslides in El Salvador that left at least 130 people dead and about 60 people still missing by Monday afternoon. El Salvador’s government Web site said there were 108 landslides, 209 destroyed buildings and another 1,835 damaged ones. Even though there weren’t many Twitter users to be found on the scene, the Twitter scene had an international reaction: kishanmunroe (Bahamas) Condolences to all those who lost loved ones as a result of the flood disasters in El Salvador. 09 Nov 2009 from web cheverexYO… -
Another earthquake hits Samoa
14 Oct 2009 | 11:26 pmAP reports that another earthquake has shaken the Pacific Samoa Islands Wednesday, Oct. 14. With a magnitude of 6.0, this earthquake will not cause a tsunami like the 8.3 magnitude earthquake on Sept. 29. The tsunami caused more than 180 deaths. Twitter helped spread the news: inglesantonio (Philippines) Samoa earthquake is less than two weeks after the Pacific islands were hit by a series of tsunamis sparked by a powerful 8.0 earthquake. 15 Oct 2009 from web – this quote was brought to you by quoteurl Many Twitterers were caught by surprised at this second natural disaster so close… -
TwitPics: Typhoon Melor hits Japan
8 Oct 2009 | 8:03 amThe Associated Press reports that typhoon Melor struck Japan’s main island of Honshu Thursday, damaging buildings, disrupting businesses, and delaying flights and train service. BBC News adds that one person is reported dead and more than 20 are reported injured. Twitterers in Japan have been posting TwitPics of the typhoon and its aftermath. Some even mentioned and showed how much conditions improved afterwards: “The typhoon is approaching to Aquapolis of Kobe Now.” per @yfvelocity: “The typhoon today.” per @e2gma: “Tokyo train torpor thanks to… -
TwitPics: Sheep fire in Wrightwood, California
5 Oct 2009 | 9:22 pmAccording to the Examiner, 4,000 to 6,000 residents were evacuated from areas in Wrightwood, California due to a 7,500-acre Sheep fire. The fire destroyed three homes in remote areas. Firefighters were able to contain 20 percent of the fire after the winds slowed down late Sunday. Calmer winds are expected in the upcoming days which will help firefighters keep the fire from reaching Wrightwood. Twitter users tweeted these pictures of the fire (click to enlarge): Share More » Tweet This Post -
TwitPics: Earthquake aftermath in Padang, Indonesia
30 Sep 2009 | 3:07 pmThe Associated Press reports that an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 has hit western Indonesia in the city of Padang, less than 24 hours after an earthquake devastated the American Samoa. According to the Guardian, at least 75 people have been confirmed dead and thousands more are trapped under rubble from collapsed buildings. Jamil hospital and many hotels in Padang have been destroyed. Twitter user @Marcellodecaran has been sending pictures of the aftermath via Twitter. The earthquake aftermath. fire's everywhere Gempa di padang (earthquake in padang) Rubuh akibat gempa di padang…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Politics
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One in six Americans go hungry
17 Nov 2009 | 8:44 amA new study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows more Americans are going hungry. USA TODAY reports, forty-nine million people in American households one in six went hungry or had insufficient food at some point in 2008, the highest number since the government began tracking the problem in 1995.Twitter users in the United States are wondering why they don’t hear more about this. Some users are being thankful for what they have in these tough times. SexyNexBoy73 (Chambersburg, Pennsylvania)That is so sad. Economic news – CNNMoney.com >1 in 6 Americans goes hungry 16… -
Obama in China: Twitter users in region address Beijing visit
16 Nov 2009 | 8:57 pmAs part of his first tour of Asia, U.S. President Barack Obama met Tuesday with Chinese leader Hu Jintao in Beijing, participating in a summit to discuss a number of issues, per BBC. @stevebruskCNN tweeted the following about the event, “CNN live now…President Obama and President Hu make comments after their meeting in Beijing. Unlike many such events, no questions allowed.” Twitter users in China are paying close attention to Obama’s visit to their country. Annie_He (Beijing) #Obama talks abt human rights, the police arrests 20 dissidents & activists. -
Car bomb in Pakistan kills 24, wounds dozens
10 Nov 2009 | 11:52 pmAt least 24 people were killed and over a dozen injured when a car bomb ripped through a crowded market in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province on Tuesday. Gulf News reports, the bombing, apparently aimed at causing maximum civilian casualties, was the third blast in as many days in or close to Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province, an area bordering the tribal region where the army is pushing into a key Taliban and Al Qaida sanctuary Twitter users are in disbelief that another bomb blast has taken place in Pakistan. 1stkingmatt (United Kingdom) More Deaths… -
Anniversary of Berlin Wall collapse sparks Twitter comments, TwitPics
10 Nov 2009 | 11:01 amAs residents of Berlin commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, Twitter users around the world are sharing their personal thoughts and reflections. The event reunited a once divided Germany, and marked a symbolic end to communist regimes during the Cold War era. Twitter users around the globe shared different reactions, some of which celebrated the event: jasonkenney (Richmond, VA) There area handful of historical moments one measures their lifetime by. The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of those moments. 09 Nov 2009 from web sheiskilla (Germany) Remembering the fall… -
Israel claims to have stopped Iranian arms ship
5 Nov 2009 | 9:51 amPer BBC, the Israeli Navy has seized a ship reportedly headed by Iran carrying weapons disguised as civilian cargo, yet Iran has denied the allegations. The Israeli Navy has reported that the arms ship was on its way to Hezbollah, where fights between Israeli and Iranian forces has been active. Several hundred tonnes of weapons were seized making it the largest involving Iran since 2002 when the Israeli military found 100 tonnes of arms. People in the Middle East reacted to the news through Twitter. petitedov Smthg nice to wake up to: Israel seizes Iranian ship bound for Hezbollah loaded with…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Religion
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DC Comics to launch first Islamic superheroes comic book
6 Nov 2009 | 10:35 amDC Comics will be launching a new comic book series called The 99, the Islamic superheroes created by a Kuwaiti psychologist. Gulf News reports, the creation of the Islamic superheroes is mainly intended to curb stereotypes associated with people of the Islamic faith. The characters fight evil and personify the 99 attributes of Allah. Twitter users are fascinated by the first Islamic superheroes, but some feel it’s not a good idea. leilangod (Toronto, Canada) loves that “DC Comics will launch a new comic book series depicting Islamic superheroes” http://bit.ly/hHziO. My… -
Crucifixes banned in Italian schools
3 Nov 2009 | 4:26 pmThe European Court of Human Rights has banned crucifixes in Italian schools citing that they run counter to a child’s right to freedom of religion, reports the BBC. The ruling overturns a law dating back to the 1920s where it was a requirement to hang crucifixes in all classrooms. Mixed reaction from all over the world popped up on Twitter: anxioustomato (Glassgow, United Kingdom) Hurrah! Now if only the UK followed in Italy’s footsteps: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8340411.stm #religion #crucifix #ban 03 Nov 2009 from web TheGodless (Undisclosed) No more bronze age… -
Editorial: Scientology debate underway in France
2 Nov 2009 | 3:09 am“A Little Bird Told Me” is a weekly op-ed column that will appear every Monday on Breaking Tweets. It is part of an effort to add more opinions to BT, with the addition of an international roundtable discussion also in the plans. On Tuesday, Oct. 27, a French court ruled that certain practices by the Church of Scientology were classified as fraud under French law, imposing a number of heavy fines and threatening jail time to a few church members. The ruling did not restrict the practice of Scientology within France, but warned church officials that they should be aware of and… -
Thousands of Muslims flock to see ‘Miracle Baby’
26 Oct 2009 | 8:52 pmThousands of Muslims have been traveling to a town in southern Russia hoping to see verses from Islam’s holy book appear on the skin of a baby. The Palestine Telegraph reports that sayings from the Koran are said to appear on nine-month-old Ali Yakubov’s back, arms, legs and stomach before apparently fading away and being replaced with new sayings. Doctors deny that the marks are from someone writing on the child’s skin. Twitter users are fascinated by the miracle baby, but some think it could be a hoax. Open_Sourcing (London, UK) Interesting, but is it real??? -
Twitter accused of censorship after “No God” disappears from trending topics
20 Oct 2009 | 8:25 pmA number of Twitter users are accusing Twitter of censoring content on the site after the trending topics “No God” and “Know God” combined into the single trending topic, “Know God.” This happened even though the phrase “No God” had been tweeted far more times than the phrase “Know God,” and was even the top trending topic at one point. Earlier today Rev Run Simmons, member of former hip hop group Run-D.M.C. and star of MTV’s Run’s House, posted this tweet causing a trending topic war between the phrases “Know…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Science
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Munich doctors make breakthrough in breast reconstruction
12 Nov 2009 | 2:17 pmDoctors in Bavaria have become the first in Europe to test a new post-mastectomy plastic surgery procedure that uses pig tissue. News24 reports, after giving replacement breasts made from pigskin to six women in Germany, doctors in Munich detailed the new method on Thursday, saying it results in fewer scars for mastectomy patients. Twitter users are feeling optimistic about this breakthrough. One user is even having a little fun and warning people of the pig breast cancer flu. AngelaSS (Royston, Georgia) Make sure you don’t catch the pig breast cancer flu! http://tinyurl.com/yfdrdfw… -
Ethiopia home to potential ocean
3 Nov 2009 | 9:09 pmA giant 35-mile long crack on Africa’s surface opened in 2005 across the desert of Ethiopia. A recent study of this rift show that these volcanic boundaries are nearly identical to what occurs at the bottom of oceans, according to Geophysical Research Letters. Fear did not seem evident in Twitterers around the globe: judiemiller (Oregon) Wow! Is Moses doing his magic again? RT @current_green: Giant crack in Africa will create a new ocean: http://su.pr/7jAe1k 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck BadZen (Unknown) Giant Crack in Africa Will Become New Ocean. Keep it away from Bobby and Whitney. -
NASA successfully launches Ares I-X
28 Oct 2009 | 6:28 pmThe Ares I-X has just launched, 11:30 a.m. ET October 28, for a test flight from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This is NASA’s second attempt to launch the rocket after being delayed yesterday due to weather conditions. Ares I-X is “NASA’s first flight test for the agency’s next-generation spacecraft and launch vehicle system” According to the Ares I-X mission website, this test launch will demonstrate and collect key data on: Roll and overall vehicle control Staging/separation Vehicle integration, assembly, and launch operations Aerodynamic… -
TwitPics: World participates in International Day of Climate Action
24 Oct 2009 | 2:16 pmSaturday was the International Day of Climate Action coordinated by 350.org. The mission of 350 “is to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.” The focus is on the number 350 because it is ”the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere.” Thousands around the world participated in the Day of Action by incorporating the number 350 in a photo somewhere in their community and sending photos to the 350.org website. Many Twitter users… -
Greenscape Capitol Group to enter Canadian stock exchange
20 Oct 2009 | 9:00 amGreenscape Capitol Group, a Canadian funding and management firm for eco-friendly companies, made a big announcement via its Twitter account, @GreenscapeCap: GreenscapeCap (Vancouver, British Columbia) Greenscape starts publicly trading October 23rd! (TSX.V: GRN) Get the facts: http://bit.ly/Guf13 #IPO #green #environment 20 Oct 2009 from CoTweet The company’s symbol will be GRN on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Greenscape Director Edward Wright describes the company’s mission in this an interview here. In preparation for its emergence into the public market, Greenscape got the…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Terrorism
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Car bomb in Pakistan kills 24, wounds dozens
10 Nov 2009 | 11:52 pmAt least 24 people were killed and over a dozen injured when a car bomb ripped through a crowded market in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province on Tuesday. Gulf News reports, the bombing, apparently aimed at causing maximum civilian casualties, was the third blast in as many days in or close to Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province, an area bordering the tribal region where the army is pushing into a key Taliban and Al Qaida sanctuary Twitter users are in disbelief that another bomb blast has taken place in Pakistan. 1stkingmatt (United Kingdom) More Deaths… -
Israel claims to have stopped Iranian arms ship
5 Nov 2009 | 9:51 amPer BBC, the Israeli Navy has seized a ship reportedly headed by Iran carrying weapons disguised as civilian cargo, yet Iran has denied the allegations. The Israeli Navy has reported that the arms ship was on its way to Hezbollah, where fights between Israeli and Iranian forces has been active. Several hundred tonnes of weapons were seized making it the largest involving Iran since 2002 when the Israeli military found 100 tonnes of arms. People in the Middle East reacted to the news through Twitter. petitedov Smthg nice to wake up to: Israel seizes Iranian ship bound for Hezbollah loaded with… -
Death toll high after multiple blasts in Baghdad
25 Oct 2009 | 3:59 pmAt least 132 people have been killed and 520 injured after two car bombs went off in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on Sunday, reports BBC News and CNN. BBC News reports that it is the worst attack in Iraq since 2007. CNN adds that the bombs detonated in quick succession near government buildings at 10:30 am. BBC News reports that Iraqi authorities said the attackers were suicide bombers. After visiting the site of the bombings, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki blamed al-Qaeda and supporters of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Many Twitterers from around the world expressed their… -
Rio de Janeiro tense amid new violence
17 Oct 2009 | 12:16 pmAt least five people were killed and eight injured in Rio de Janeiro today in intense clashes between drug traffickers and police, Globo (Portuguese) reports. A police helicopter was shot down and five buses were destroyed, with most of the violence taking place in the neighborhoods of Vila Isabel and Sampaio. Other shootings have also been reported in the last 24 hours. Local Twitterers provided additional context about the violence and the personal impact it has had on Rio citizens: VaniaLacerda (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) A situação aqui no Rio é gravíssima.Helicóptero da PM foi… -
Sydney men found guilty of plotting act of terrorism on Australian soil
15 Oct 2009 | 5:55 pmFive Sydney men have been charged with plotting to commit an act of terror on Australian soil on Friday, reports ABC News Australia. The intended target was never disclosed by the prosecution. The 10-month trial which led to the guilty decision is the longest in the country’s history and it comes at a time the war on terror has been discussed increasingly in Australia. Sydney Twitter users have been following the case and related developments in recent days. Many claim that the issue of terrorism has been greatly exaggerated by government officials. l0tim0l (Sydney, Australia) The only…
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Breaking Tweets: Topic - Transportation
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Swine flu challenges airline travelers
13 Nov 2009 | 12:02 amThe push to prevent others from being infected with swine flu is causing conflict between airline travelers. Tampa Bay Online reports the staff at United Airlines suspected passenger Mitra Mostoufi had the flu and forced her to get off the plane and stay in Tampa as she was trying to return to her home in Hawaii on Monday. Mostoufi and other sick travelers are finding it difficult to travel by plane if airlines know they may potentially have the disease. Twitter users question if what airlines are doing is appropriate and are scared of catching the disease on planes: KGMB9 (Honolulu,… -
Google offers free airport Wi-Fi for the holidays
11 Nov 2009 | 6:45 amGoogle announced that they have started to offer free Wi-Fi in 47 airports in the United States now through January 15, 2010. Crunch Gear helped explain the holiday “gift” which includes Google’s charity matching – An initiative which results in the winning airport having $15,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice. A list of the participating airports as well as other FAQ’s regarding the free Wi-Fi is offered through Google’s site. Most Twitter users happily react to Google’s holiday spirit giveaway… meaghanryan Thank you Google for… -
London train driver shortage upsets Twitter users
10 Nov 2009 | 9:13 amAccording to BBC, travelers have faced long delays after a driver shortage led to the cancellation of an entire rail route into London’s Kings Cross station on Sunday. The weekend shifts are staffed voluntarily by drivers willing to work overtime and the First Capital Connect (FCC) confirmed that not enough staff had volunteered to work. FCC says it was offering travelers free parking and running bus replacement services. Twitter users are outraged by the inconvenience: ChaiBENTO (Hemel Hempstead, UK) Uggh. Been on my way home from Brighton since 5. What normally takes 2 hours has… -
Etihad voted world’s best airline
10 Nov 2009 | 6:21 amAbu Dhabi based Etihad Airways has been named the best airline in the world at this year’s World Travel Awards. Gulf News reports, Etihad was voted the world’s leading airline by more than 180,000 travel industry professionals from over 175 countries. In addition to being named world’s leading airline, Etihad also picked up the award for leading First Class for the second year in a row. Many Twitter users feel other airlines deserved the award. kishorcariappa (Bangalore, India) News: Etihad voted the world’s best airline (Whatever happened to Emirates?) 09 Nov 2009 from… -
12 die in Karachi train collision
4 Nov 2009 | 2:39 amCNN reports, a cargo train collided with a passenger train in Pakistan’s commercial capital of Karachi on Tuesday, killing 12 people and wounding 19 others, police said. The crash was caused by a technical error and the death toll will most likely rise as emergency workers continue to help those on board. Twitter users are upset over this tragic event: Mirza9 (Kerachi) damn, train collision in karachi… 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck HawkesBay (undisclosed) #karachi train wreck? i guess it’s symbolic of the state of the country? what the f next? 03 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck…
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Breaking Tweets: Featured Twit Pics
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TwitPics: Twitter users celebrate U.S. Veterans Day with photos
11 Nov 2009 | 12:59 pmThe United State’s celebration of Veteran’s Day dates back to after World War I. First designated a holiday by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, current President Barack Obama honored the day by speaking at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. today.Twitter users were attending parades around the country, and also posting pictures of their own favorite soldiers. @kevin_oates (Venice, CA): Great photo from Hyundia's video board in Times Square from the Veterans' Day Parade @d1ane (Milford, MI):WWII Sailor at Memorial Day parade in Milford MI--INCREDIBLE turnout of… -
Anniversary of Berlin Wall collapse sparks Twitter comments, TwitPics
10 Nov 2009 | 11:01 amAs residents of Berlin commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, Twitter users around the world are sharing their personal thoughts and reflections. The event reunited a once divided Germany, and marked a symbolic end to communist regimes during the Cold War era. Twitter users around the globe shared different reactions, some of which celebrated the event: jasonkenney (Richmond, VA) There area handful of historical moments one measures their lifetime by. The fall of the Berlin Wall is one of those moments. 09 Nov 2009 from web sheiskilla (Germany) Remembering the fall… -
TwitPics: Twitter users ‘Remember, remember the 5th of November’
6 Nov 2009 | 10:34 amTwitter users in the United Kingdom and in former British colonies took part in annual festivities on Thursday, November 5 to commemorate Guy Fawkes Night. Usual festivities include fireworks, bonfires, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes. Calling for religious toleration, Guy Fawkes and other conspirators on the evening of November 5, 1605 tried to carry out a plot, known as the Gunpowder Plot, to blow up the British Parliament building and kill King James I. Ultimately, the plot was unsuccessful. Fawkes was captured, tried and executed. Reuters and The New Zealand Herald on Thursday… -
TwitPics: 13 Aban, November 4 Iran protests
4 Nov 2009 | 10:19 amSupporters of the Iranian government and the opposition have both taken to the streets in Tehran today. Supporters are rallying to commemorate 13 Aban, which corresponds to November 4, the 30th anniversary of the U.S. embassy takeover by Iranian students. The opposition, on the other hand, is protesting the politics of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. According to Global Post, opposition leaders in Tehran, including Mir Hossein Mousavi himself, have called for peaceful protests on 13 Aban . “The 13th of Aban is a… rendezvous,” Mousavi told the Khaleej Times, “so we… -
TwitPics: Users share photos as USS New York arrives in its namesake
2 Nov 2009 | 1:45 pmThe USS New York, commissioned as a memorial to the September 11 terrorist attacks, arrived in New York harbor Monday morning. Spectators watched from the banks of the Hudson as victims of the attacks were once again remembered. The vessel’s bow was constructed using over seven tons of steel taken from the fallen World Trade Center towers, as reported by CNN. Some Twitter users shared TwitPics of the USS New York in the harbor: (from @betsyreynolds) (from @alecjr) "USS New York LPD 21 steams into NYC " (from @BrendaAmarG) "The USS New York just passed by work. It was…
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Breaking Tweets: Technology
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Google offers free airport Wi-Fi for the holidays
11 Nov 2009 | 6:45 amGoogle announced that they have started to offer free Wi-Fi in 47 airports in the United States now through January 15, 2010. Crunch Gear helped explain the holiday “gift” which includes Google’s charity matching – An initiative which results in the winning airport having $15,000 to donate to the local charity of their choice. A list of the participating airports as well as other FAQ’s regarding the free Wi-Fi is offered through Google’s site. Most Twitter users happily react to Google’s holiday spirit giveaway… meaghanryan Thank you Google for… -
“Conversationlist” makes automated Twitter lists for users
10 Nov 2009 | 10:15 pmA new service has been built off of the recent release of Twitter Lists. Conversationlist is ideal for the Twitter user who doesn’t make their own lists, but does stay active tweeting and replying with others. According to TechCrunch, if you @reply someone in the past day, Conversationlist will add them to your “conversationlist” Twitter list. People on your list are automatically updated or removed depending on how often a conversation is held. Some Twitter users remain confused with Twitter lists as well as the new addition of Conversationlist. goslow53 (Grand lake… -
Brazil, Paraguay blackout sends residents to Twitter
10 Nov 2009 | 8:47 pmA problem at a large dam was responsible for a massive blackout across several countries in Rio de Janeiro, San Paulo, and other large cities in several South American countries Tuesday evening. According to Telegraph.co.uk, the Itaipu dam that straddles Brazil and Paraguay, one of the largest in the world, experienced an unspecified problem, causing blackouts in both countries. According to the BNO News Twitter account, power to Paraguay’s capital was restored shortly thereafter, but blackouts in Brazil continued, sending residents in Rio de Janeiro to Twitter for information: cobalto… -
“Control Your Info” hijacks hundreds of Facebook groups
10 Nov 2009 | 2:13 pmAccording to CNN Tech 286 Facebook groups have been hijacked by having the group names changed to “Control Your Info” in order to point out the flaws and weaknesses in Facebook security. The hijackers also leave a message on the group board reading “Hello, we hereby announce that we have officially hijacked your Facebook group,” the message reads. “This means we control a certain part of the information about you on Facebook. If we wanted we could make you appear in a bad way which could damage your image severly [sic].” Control Your Info is a website… -
Rupert Murdoch threatens Google: Twitter users predict backfire
9 Nov 2009 | 8:49 pmNews Corporation’s Chief Executive Rupert Murdoch said that the company is planning to remove news stories from the Google search engine in an interview with Australia’s Sky News. The New Zealand Herald was just one of many outlets to report on Murdoch’s plan to block Google from searching News Corp. sites. Murdoch also threatened to sue the BBC for “allegedly stealing content” from News Corp. sources. Rupert Murdoch has said for a few months that News Corp. is considering charging visitors for reading content from the company’s newspapers online. Some…
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Breaking Tweets Entertainment
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Twlight Saga’s “New Moon” Premiere Sets Records
20 Nov 2009 | 10:50 amWhen “New Moon,” the second film in the “Twlight Saga” series, premiered at midnight, it had already set records. According to EW.com, several online ticketing services reported selling more advance tickets than ever before, beating records previously set by monster box office films like “The Dark Knight,” “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars” and “Lord of the Rings.” Accordingly, per GossipCop, the midnight grosses surpassed “Potter” and “Knight,” making “New Moon” the biggest midnight opening… -
Oprah Announces “The Oprah Winfrey Show” Ending in 2011
20 Nov 2009 | 10:25 amTalk show queen Oprah announced today that her signature show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” will be ending on September 9, 2011. Rumors that the television pioneer would abandon her show after 25 years have circulated for weeks. The timing comes as Winfrey works on launching her own digital cable channel, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Her company HARPO (that’s Oprah spelled backwards, folks) released a statement yesterday first announcing the end date to fellow media companies. Winfrey used today’s broadcast to confirm the report and explain the reasoning behind her… -
Candace Bushnell to Publish Tween Prequel to “Sex and the City”
19 Nov 2009 | 3:19 pm“Sex and the City” author Candace Bushnell has plans to publish a tween prequel to her popular novel entitled “The Carrie Diaries,” according to PEOPLE.com. “The Carrie Diaries” will focus on Carrie Bradshaw’s life in high school, giving the reader insight into her early romances, how she became a writer and her relationship with her mother. Tweeps shared their excitement over the news of a new installment in the “Sex and the City” saga: cehenley OMGGG. Candace Bushnell is publishing a book about SATC’s Carrie in her high school… -
Janet Jackson Sheds New Light On Michael Jackson’s Death During ABC Interview
19 Nov 2009 | 12:55 pmDuring an “In the Spotlight” interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts, singer Janet Jackson revealed that her family was aware of the late Michael Jackson’s drug addiction, ABCNews.com reports. Jackson stated that the family staged several interventions with Michael, but were ultimately unsuccessful. While she believes Michael knew these interventions were out of love, she said Michael was in denial about his drug problem. Jackson also stated during her interview that she believes Michael’s doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, is responsible for his death as he was the one who… -
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz to Star in “Chicago” on Broadway
19 Nov 2009 | 10:21 amSinger-actress Ashlee Simpson-Wentz has confirmed that she will be starring on Broadway revival of the musical “Chicago,” PEOPLE reports. Simpson-Wentz, whose role as Violet Foster on “Melrose Place” will soon end, will star as Roxie Hart starting on Nov. 30. She previously held the role in the London run of “Chicago” but this will be her Broadway debut. A few fans greeted the news with happiness while many others had less positive reactions: hofitcohen OMG!!! Ashlee Simpson is doing CHICAGO again!!! Now I have to watch it for the 3rd or 4th time on…
