IRS scam costing victims $15 million

Link to article

Thieves have stolen $15 million from at least 3,000 people in just the last two years by pretending to be the IRS. The thieves threaten the victims by saying things like they could go to jail for five years unless they pay them immediately.

My first thought when I read that was "Really, people are that dumb to just cough up thousands of dollars?" But as Al Cadenhead said later in the article, "I was the perfect victim. I've never been audited, never paid a traffic ticket. I don't know how to pay fines. How do I know they aren't stern and serious about everything?"

Basically, people are so scared when they hear that the IRS is after them that they'll do anything to get them off their backs. The scammers target everyone, but specifically immigrants and the elderly.

Currently there is an investigation going on, but scammers are still out there. Obviously, these scammers should be arrested if caught, but, looking at the bigger picture, why is there such widespread fear of the IRS? Is our tax system so complicated that people immediately assume they've screwed up even if they haven't? What can be done to fix this problem?

John Oliver on why U.S. territories don’t have full voting rights

Link to article/video

John Oliver and his news team have done their homework on this issue, and he presented it in his "Last Week Tonight" on Sunday.

Oliver explained that the 4 million people that live in American territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Marianas) are Americans, but they can't vote in presidential elections and don't have a voting representative in Congress.

The reason cited for their lack of voting rights is the same reason given from the 1901 court decision, which basically said that the native people of these islands aren't capable of understanding white people's laws, so the Constitution doesn't really apply to them. This ridiculously outdated principle is still cited today.

So do you think restricting their voting rights is fair? What about representation in government? Currently territories are allowed one non-voting member in the house of representatives and no senators. Which issue do you think should be prioritized, if any?

Is the Fraternity Incident Part of a Larger Issue?

Recently, at the University of Oklahoma, members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity were criticized when a nine second video clip of them singing racial slurs was released. Outrage over the racist video caused the university to condemn the fraternity, and eventually the fraternity chapter was  disbanded. Two students, who were determined to be at the center of the video, were quickly expelled by the university.

Some researchers, like Nella Van Dyke, believe incidents like this are not isolated. Rather, it is more of a "systemic problem" that she believes causes an increased level of hostility and racial discrimination on campuses.

Do you believe that these incidences are part of a larger issue at fraternities and college campuses? If so, how can this "systemic problem" at college campuses be changed? Do you think adding diversity to fraternities would help, or is the problem larger than that?

Article here

Ndamukong Suh, Miami Dolphins strike mega deal

Link to article

NFL free agency started on Tuesday, and the Miami Dolphins made a big splash (pun intended) by breaking the record for the most money ever given to a defensive player. They signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a six-year, $114 million contract with $60 million guaranteed. The move gives the Dolphins a big presence on defense but limits the amount of money under the salary cap that they can spend elsewhere.

So, even though the NFL is the only major sport with a hard salary cap, should more restrictions be in place to prevent athletes be making this much money? Granted, they're some of the best in their craft in the world, but making 1 percent of what Suh is making is still a very decent salary. Keep in mind though that many NFL teams are worth billions of dollars, so paying its players in millions isn't as bad as it may initially sound.

Also, looking at this from an economic standpoint, does it make sense to pour a big chunk of your capital into one very talented player, or does it make more sense to distribute that money to multiple players with average talent?

Ferguson Police Chief Among the Many Who Resigned

Last week, a report came out that found a "pattern of unconstitutional policing" in Ferguson, Missouri, where 18 year old Michael Brown was killed in August by a police officer. Attorney General Eric Holder said that the Department of Justice "reserves all its rights and abilities to force compliance and implement basic change." Today, Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson has announced his resignation, feeling it was best for the city. In November, Jackson had claimed that he had no intentions of stepping down. Now, in addition to Jackon's resignation, six others have stepped down or been fired. 


What other reforms do you feel are necessary to correct the unconstitutional abuses of police powers? Should the Department of Justice take more action to implement changes, rather than just call upon Ferguson's leaders to do so?


Article here

G.O.P. Senators’ Letter to Iran About Nuclear Deal Angers White House

Link to article

47 Republican senators signed an open letter to Iran about their negotiations with President Obama. The letter warned Iran that "the next president could revoke any deal with a stroke of a pen," and the general purpose of the letter was to try to get Congress involved in this foreign policy discussion.

The letter was drafted by Republican Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas.

Today, Obama and many Democratic politicians publicly expressed their outrage with the letter, some calling it "an attempt to undermine the authority of the commander in chief."

However, as the article mentions, this debate is not really unique to the debate about nuclear weapons in Iran. This really just revived the old debate about what role Congress should have in foreign affairs.

So how do you think the government should approach this issue?
Should this just be between the leaders of the countries involved, or should Congress have a say in what happens?
Do you consider this letter to be treason, as some democratic leaders have said, or is it simply just the G.O.P trying to have a say with regards to this issue?

Controversy Over Clinton's Use of Personal Email

During her time as secretary of state, Hilary Clinton exclusively used a private, nongovernmental email account. Clinton explains her acts, stating “I thought using one device would be simpler; obviously, it hasn’t worked out that way".  Now, some question if she has breached federal records rules, as the correspondence of officials is considered to be property of the US government. Clinton and her lawyers sorted through the approximately 60,000, deciding that about half of them were personal.The state department will release the 55,000 pages of work-related emails that Clinton requested be made public. However, the other half deemed personal were later deleted. Clinton maintains that she complied with all governmental rules, although still refuses to release any private emails that were mixed in with the work-related emails. Clinton is now seen as a top contender for the 2016 Democratic nomination, and is expected to announce a run for president in the near future. Do you believe that there was a lack of transparency in Clinton's actions or was it a genuine mistake? Should she be forced to be more open with the public with the emails? Did she handle the situation well, or wait to long to address the concerns over this controversy?

Article here
Article here

Movie News: Chappie

The film "Chappie" opened this weekend with less than stellar reception. With a rotten tomatoes score of around 30% the movie seems like a real turnoff when oscar winning movies such as "The Imitation Game" and "Still Alice" are still playing in theaters. Despite the numbers and the apparent dislike towards the film, I rather enjoyed it. The movie opens up in a less than original way, with interviews of people commentating on what defines AI and consciousness, and then transitions into a mix of news stories about the advance robots that have become integral in the police force. After this we see the standard gangsters with standard gangster problems, and movie takes off from there. There is a strangely beautiful mix between the gangsters and the world, and it is extremely difficult to describe exactly what the characters are like unless you've seen them in action. At first glance it seems like the tone of the whole thing is thrown off by the sheer craziness of the main cast of gangsters. On closer inspection however, it is easy to see a what a masterful job the director does at setting the tone, and the characters that seemed like stupid gang bangers in the beginning start to grow on you as it becomes clear that they aren't as cold and heartless as they once appearer. It brings to light that these characters are victims of their own situation, doing what they have to do to survive, and that underneath it they have things that they care about too. The film gives us a small glimpse into the human existence and what really defines as us human. Now having said that don't go into the film expecting some super metaphysical film, but rather about a robot with a consciousness that was raised by gangsters to be thug as sh*t. Overall this movie was either entirely intentional or just an accidental mash of all of the things, either way it left enough of a lasting impression to make me write this review at 1 AM on a Monday. Oh yeah and Hugh Jackman is in it, and he's the bad guy, and he's super sneaky in his cargo shorts, super sneaky. You'll get it once you watch the movie.

Two Men Charged With the Murder of Boris Nemstov

Five men were arrested today for involvement in the murder of Boris Nemstov. Two of these men were officially charged with murder after admitting to being part of the shooting that occurred on the 27th of February. A sixth man who the police attempted to bring in died in a standoff after accidentally blowing himself up with a grenade aimed at officers. The suspects who are from Chechnya  are also devote muslims who were angered by the releases of the caricatures of the prophet Mohamed published by Charlie Hebdo. Police are currently looking for anything that may tie this to the case as Nemstov had gone on record stating that he supported the illustrations; however Russian investigators are treating this as a contract killing case. Putin released a statement saying that he condemned the act committed as shameful.

Article Found Here:

Questions:

How does this new information change your current opinion on the situation? What groups could have paid for the job, or was it religiously motivated?

Do you think that this has anything to do with the corruption of the Russian government (not that ours in corruption free of course) or was this done as a one off job by someone that supported the current system?

Someone please comment something, its getting lonely T.T . I'll leave any easy one here, What is your favorite color?

Corruption Charges Against Senator Robert Menendez

The justice department attempted to charge senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey with corruption. Menendez, a member of the democratic party, was accused of receiving gifts from a donor in order to push his business incentives. Menendez adamantly denies the charges and has refused to talk to the press about the specifics of the case. The FBI is currently looking into the relationship between Menendez and Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist. Melgen had received one of the highest reimbursements from medicare, and it was revealed that he was over billing his patients. It is under question on whether or not Menendez broke the law advocating for Melgen's interests in the Dominican Republic. Menendez has taken many trips down to the Dominican Republic as a personal guest of Melgen. Menendez pressed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Rooney during a senate subcommittee about an unnamed company operating through the Dominican Republic.

Article Found Here

Questions:
Is this going to a first of many cases where corruption comes to light?
Do you think that ultimately Menendez will be removed from office or will the evidence found be ruled inconclusive?
How do you think that corruption has shaped the countries decisions in recent years?

Employment Situation Summary

Some good news comes out today as the February unemployment summary was released. The amount of persons currently unemployed decreased by about 300,000 lowering the unemployment rate down to about 5.5 percent. This months employments are significantly above the average of 266,000. A good sign for the recovering economy; however, there were 730,000 discouraged workers in the month of february. Not much meat to the article, but it does contain a lot of interesting data about the state of unemployment.

Article Found Here

Questions:
What do you think was the reason for the increase in persons with a job?
Do you think that this trend will continue into the month of march?
What do you think contributed to the increase of discouraged workers this february?
What do you think is the reason for some of the specific difference between men and women, and races?

Somewhat Old, but Still Cool Science News: Solar Cells Made From Trees

In this old article that I found from March 2013 (funny exactly two years ago) scientist were able to synthesize a solar cell from cellulose nanocrystal substrates that are able to dissolve in water. Crazy stuff, we now have one hundred percent recyclable solar cells made from a carbon neutral method, that doesn't contribute to the release of CO2. Hurray! Now unfortunately at the time of this articles release efficiency was around 2.7% significantly less than that of coal, 33-40%, and even to that of other solar cells, around 20 for the high end ones and 14 for the low end. Still the thought that we can turn plant based molecules into batteries to power the world is beyond cool. Unfortunately I was unable to find much recent development in this story, but it just reminds us that were living in the future, despite the distinct lack of hover boards.

Article Found Here

Questions:

What does the future of energy hold in store for us?

What is your opinion on the governments lack of funding for alternative energy sources as they continue to subsidize fossil fuels despite it making massive amounts of profit on its own, as well as being on a path to its own self destruction.

Do you have any other cool science news articles that made you realize the wonder of living in 2015?

Nuclear Talks Making Headway

Both the US and Iran have been firmly locked in this debate for many years now, as the UN attempts to enforce its sanctions onto the unwilling Iranian government. With constant criticism on both sides, with Israel constantly opposing any nuclear development, and Iran ignoring what the UN wants and continuing the development of their nuclear program. However talks between the US and Iran have been progressing relatively smoothly as we approach the deadline for an agreement to be made. At this point in time Iran is willing to give up certain areas of advancement in their nuclear program for the next 10 years so long as they can make a definitive agreement. While some seem to be divided on the issue of a temporary freeze talks still continue as both sides try to come to an agreement. 

Article Found Here

Questions:
How do you believe that the talks will progress as we get closer and closer to the deadline?
How will Israel respond to a decision that gives Iran the green light on it nuclear program?
Will we see another showdown like we did between Obama and Netanyahu on Tuesday?
What are your personal opinion on the situation in Iran?
Why can't we just figure out how to make this solar energy efficient enough to replace nuclear, I mean Iran has tons of room for solar panels.

Last Ebola Patient Released From Hospital in Liberia

The last patient of the ebola in Liberia virus was released today after undergoing an incubation period twice the norm. While this is great news in the fight against the epidemic that appeared a year ago, Guinea and Sierra Leone are still reporting cases of the viruses, with 132 in the first week of march. Testing for a new experimental Ebola vaccine will begin on March 7th, and if all goes according to plan the world will have an effective tool for combating future outbreaks if they flare up. As the situation on the vaccine progresses we may be able to finally put to rest the Ebola epidemic.

Article Found Here

Questions:
Why has the media hype that surrounded ebola died down to such a degree despite there still being about 100 cases reported each day?
Do you think that the viruses still posses a threat to the safety of the US/World, or if it ever was a real threat t begin with?

Interesting Videos From Around the Web

The Hunting Grounds
Interviews with the director Kirby Dick and producer Amy Ziering of the new documentary coming out, "The Hunting Grounds." The two had previously worked together on the documentary "The Invisible War," a documentary that revolutionized the way that the American military handles sexual assault. The documentary "The Hunting Grounds," covers the "epidemic of rape on campus."

Killing Cancer
A Vice documentary that covers the possible usage of disease and viruses to end cancer. Science is cool and so is ending cancer

Dude Runs Around With a Fake Oscar
A little more on the silly side, a man runs around Hollywood on the night if the Oscars pretending to be a celebrity that won an Oscar. Basically a how to guide on how to be an A-list celeb for the night.

Thousands attend the Funeral of Russian Politician Nemstov

Last week after leaving the Kremlin, a key figure in the opposition against Putin was gunned down. Believing that his notoriety would protect him, Nemstov was the most well known opposer to Putin to be killed in the last decade. Many questions about who and why he was killed as the culprit has not been apprehended at this time, with the only footage existing of the crime being from several hundred feet away, making it impossible to identify the shooter. Strangely enough all of the cameras that surround the Kremlin failed to pick up any evidence of the crime committed, and those in control of Russia are saying that the goal of the killing was to whip up opposition to Putin. Yesterday the funeral was held and thousands attended as the progression looped it way around Moscow.

Article Found Here

Questions:
Where does this leave those who oppose the Kremlin at this point?
What do you think was the real motive of this killing was?
Was this another play by Putin and the Kremlin to reassert their power and squashing attempts at resistance?
How do you feel about Russia's current state politically or economically?

Netanyahu Bashes the Plan for Iranian Nuclear Development.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a speech to congress, bashing the nuclear deal with Iran currently being brokered by the US. Netanyahu argued the threat of a nuclear armed Iran, that he sees as all but assured, as the plan puts in place sanitations, but does not directly impede the development of a nuclear weapon. Not long after the speech was given President Obama issued a rebuttal claiming that what the prime minister had said was "nothing new" and critiqued Netanyahu for not proposing any alternatives to the plan. This public showdown amounted to little more than a school ground fight as the tension between US and Israel grow.

Article Found Here

Questions:

How do you believe that this speech will affect the relations between the US and Israel, and how will it affect negotiations being held by John Kerry?

What could have Netanyahu proposed as an alternative to the current plan?

What is your personal stance on the Israel-Iran situation?

Additional Info on Nuclear Talks

Signs of Easing of Tensions Over Iran Speech Between US and Israel

Article Link

        Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, arrived on Sunday for a speech to Congress even though it was scheduled for the following Tuesday. By accepting an invitation from the Republican Party to give a speech to Congress on Tuesday, the Obama administration was infuriated because it never approved of it and which said it was not told of the speech until it was made public which was an apparent breach of protocol. Obama's security adviser, Susan Rice, called Netanyahu's plans "destructive to the fabric of the relationship" between the US and Israel. The purpose of Netanyahu's upcoming speech is to urge Congress to approve new sanctions against Iran despite Obama's decision to veto the legislation because it would put at risk such nuclear talks. According to the article, US officials fear that this speech to Congress is simply a publicity stunt where Netanyahu is simply trying to sabotage the Iran diplomacy and garner support from voters back home. The Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif noted that Netanyahu is trying to undermine nuclear talks. He even stated that "Netanyahu is opposed to any sort of solution."

Obama's Stance on Iran Sanctions

Another related link

Questions:

So, what are your thoughts on Netanyahu's motives? Do you think he's actually trying to undermine nuclear talks between the US and Iran?

What can or should be done to ease tensions between the US and Israel before Netanyahu's upcoming speech?

How should the Obama administration respond to the acceptance of the invitation for the speech? What are your thoughts on how the Republican party sent the invitation but the Democratic Party was never informed?

What are the potential outcomes of Netanyahu's speech?

Ferguson Police Accused of Racial Bias in Traffic Stops

Article Link

   The Justice Department recently completed a report accusing the Ferguson of making discriminatory traffic stops of African Americans. The report also criticizes the city for allowing this to happen and even allowing the fines to balance the city's budget. For the people of Ferguson, African Americans make up about 63% of the population but the police department and local government are predominantly white. In addition, for those that cannot afford to pay their tickets due to traffic stops, there is a higher chance for imprisonment of these individuals because of mounting fines. In this city and other surrounding areas, the police have stopped black people at a significantly higher rate than whites. The Justice Department noted, "the disparity is stark and unremitting."

Questions:

Despite the fact that the shooting of Michael Brown occurred about half a year ago, the Ferguson police don't seem to respond to the influx of protests. What other actions can be taken in order to limit the targeting of these minority groups?

Eric Holder became the nation's first black attorney general in 2009 and as Obama's emissary to Ferguson, he helped calm tensions amid protests after the shooting. This Ferguson case will be the last in a long line of civil rights cases into police departments that Mr. Holder has directed since he's leaving office in just a few weeks. How do you think his leave might affect the people of Ferguson or other civil rights cases related to racism for that matter?

Holder's stand on Ferguson

What are your thoughts on what actions the Justice Department might take?

China's Central Bank Cuts Rates Again to Boost Economy

Article Link

 China's central bank cut interest rates for the second time in just three months. According to officials, it was triggered by rising deflationary pressure. Just last month, Beijing announced that China's gross domestic product rose an annual 7.4% in 2014, a 24 year low. China's economic growth is also expected to decline this year, possibly leading to the risk of dangerous job losses. The reason for this slowdown in economic growth is the result of government efforts to reduce trade and investment and rely more on domestic consumption.

 This slowdown could potentially have a ripple effect on other economies in different countries. According to Peng Junming, "The direct beneficiary of an interest-rate cut would be property developers and others with a heavy debt burden, such as local governments." In turn, this would have a negative effect on small businesses and fails to lift demand and consumption.

Related link

Questions: How could this economic slowdown affect the US or other countries for that matter?

Do you think it's worth it to reduce trade and investment to steer China's economy toward self-sustaining growth?

Do you think these reduced rates will help China's economy in the long term? Why or Why not?

What other actions could China take in order to stimulate its economic growth?

How can this action affect the other 4 broad goals of an economic system?