2010 Winter Olympics Host City Plagued by Spike in Violence

As it prepares to host the Olympic Games in 2010, the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, is struggling with a surge in violent crime. Homicide investigators say that January alone saw 17 fatal shootings, with 58 murders in 2008 and 41 in 2007.

RCMP Superintendent Pat Fogarty said a shortage of drugs is responsible, citing a 67% increase in cocaine prices to $39,000 per kilogram. He said, "People are nervous … and so are the police. The public's outraged. The government's outraged."

Peter Van Loan, Public Safety Minister, said Canada's violence is at its worst in Vancouver, a city he calls the country's gang capital. Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the area last month, proposing stiffer sentences for gang killings.

Beijing Bars Ban Blacks from Boozing

Beijing security restrictions ranging from hundreds of armed checkpoints to Beijing police having bar owners sign pledges agreeing not to serve blacks and Mongolians. It is an attempt to clamp down on drugs and prostitution.

Several bars have been outright shutdown during the Olympic 'festivities', dance clubs (which was included in the pledges; no dancing) and an entire block of bars in the Beijing Workers' Stadium compound - where Olympic soccer matches will be held.

This is just a couple examples of bizarre restrictions the Chinese government has imposed in the preparation for the coming games. Entertainers are to watch themselves and what they say closely, non-Beijing vehicles have been banned, causing delays.

Source: Theage.com.au

France Gears Up for Olympic Torch Relay, Set to Deploy Hundreds of Riots Police

France has announced it will take drastic measures when the Olympic torch is carried through the country's capital on its 28km run, to protect it from protesters protesting China's occupation of Tibet and the current unrest in the region.

The 80 runners taking part in the torch relay will be protected by 65 police motorcycles, 200 officers on rollerblades and 200 riot police. Activists have said that they will be holding protests in Paris to bring awareness to the plight of Tibet.

When the torch went through London, 37 people were arrested from the resulting protests (SN reported).

Source: BBC

Oscar Pistorius and an Olympic dream - Run, baby, run

Oscar Pistorius is one of the most gifted disabled athletes ever. He runs and competes at the highest level. Even against abled body athletes. He has no legs, but takes on the 'leggies' in their own game.

He runs on blades made just for him - the Blade Runner. And he ran so fast they called these blades “cheetah” blades. He was as fast as a cheetah on the hunt. But now they are saying that he can't compete at the Olympics.

He is appealing this decision and it will be his last chance to try and make it to Beijing. More on www.angryafrican.wordpress.com.

Source: angryafrican.wordpress.com