Here’s a recap of some of the events that went down across the globe. And like yoda says ‘Use it wisely, the knowledge we provide’.
WORLD: RUSSIA’S TAKEOVER + CHINA’S PURSUIT
After Russia’s recent annexation (or “invasion” if you ask Ukrainians) of Crimea, things have gotten worse. Ethnic-Russian Ukrainians living in eastern Ukraine near the Russian border have attempted to seize control of three more cities. Ukraine’s leaders (along with the EU, NATO etc.) worry Russia will claim it’s “protecting ethnic Russians” as a pretext for further annexations. Why did this happen? Basically, Russia and the EU are competing for economic and political influence, and Ukraine is the battleground. Why is this important? There are ethnic Russian populations in many countries, including EU/NATO members, so if there’s a conflict, it could trigger a war. This could also set an international precedent for China (for example), in its territorial disputes with Brunei, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. What next? Good question. Ask Russia.
SINGAPORE: WHAT WAS STB THINKING?
With their video going viral for the wrong reasons, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) had to take it down after receiving negative responses from its audiences due to its corny storyline. We’re just letting you watch it because we’re too speechless ourselves.
TECHNOLOGY: THE INTERNET IS BLEEDING RIGHT OUT
Not literally that is. Plagued by a bug called the ‘Heartbleed’ that affects the Internet’s security center, this gaping flaw gives hackers the chance to steal your data (passwords, confidential information, credit card details etc.) rendering major websites helpless if they don’t set up security walls or change passwords anytime soon.
CELEBRITY: STARS EARNING MORE WITH COACHELLA FESTIVAL
While many fans are dying to get their hands on Coachella’s tickets to watch their favourite artists and bands, stars like Vanessa Hudgens and Lea Michelle are getting paid thousands of dollars to attend the event. Rumour has it that Joe Jonas is one of the stars that’s looking for companies’ offers in return for promoting their products.
HEALTH: SELFIES HURT
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde, Ohio University and University of Iowa has recently discovered that spending hours on social media sites looking at ‘selfies’ of friends or celebrities can cause women to feel insecure about their body image as they would make negative comparisons. This is the first study to show a link between social media and poor body image, however there is no link with eating disorders. It is said that women are more likely to be affected than men as they use social media on a frequent basis and tend to post more selfies of themselves.
