China's Space Ambitions

Over the weekend, China's first lunar probe, The Jade Rabbit, landed on the moon. This step in space exploration was reached by Russia and the U.S. in the 1960's, but it is a large milestone for the developing country. It is not the only space activity that has been happening in China so far. Over the past decade or so, China has been expanding their fleet of satellites that patrol the space around the Earth. These satellites are capable of interfering with and destroying U.S. satellites if the U.S. begins to plot against China. Also, satellites that have been developed by China can now locate aircraft carriers that make their way into the Western Pacific ocean space. China's new space satellite and development enables them to defend and also interfere with other countries communication and surveillance. These new creations of more advanced space equipment seems to be merely to better their own country, but the U.S. and other superpowers must remain cautious of the military intent of China.

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304858104579260061533168286?mod=googlenews_wsj

Shanghai Pollution ‘Huge Health Risk’ as Smog Engulfs City

For the past two weeks, the city of Shanghai, China has been experiencing seriously hazardous air pollution problems, and just recently, it has reached a new record high. According to the World Health Organization, the pollution level in Shanghai is 12 times the recommended limit of smog. Citizens of Shanghai have been issued warnings about their daily activities, being advised to stay indoors when possible, and only stay outside for small periods of time. Long exposure to the pollutants can be harmful to breathe in. Shanghai is has recently become a free-trade zone to further expand foreign investment and multinational firms, but China's commercial hub has encountered this small bump in their long-term goal. The Shanghai government fears that this pollution issue will decrease interest in them, but their actions towards the alleviation of the smog have not been near to what is necessary for the safety of the city.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-09/shanghai-reports-pm2-5-pollutants-13-times-who-recommended-level.html

Paul Walker death investigation: Police rule out second vehicle, focus on speed

A few days ago, the popular "Fast and Furious" actor, Paul Walker, tragically died in a car accident. The vehicle crashed into a pole and burst into flames, presumably instantly killing Walker. It was unknown why Walker crashed the vehicle. It had been suspected that Walker, in his Porsche, was drag racing another vehicle, and lost control. Investigators have ruled this scenario out, and it is now assumed that Walker was merely speeding. His new Porsche model, valued at $450,000 when new, is notorious for being difficult to handle, even for experienced drivers. Walker most likely was speeding and lost control, crashing into a light pole on Hercules Street, about 30 miles from Hollywood. Walker and Roger Rodas both died in the crash, and autopsies are to be performed tomorrow.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/02/showbiz/paul-walker-death/