Month: May 2011

The Bilingual Advantage

A cognitive neuroscientist, Ellen Bialystok has spent almost 40 years learning about how bilingualism sharpens the mind. Her good news: Among other benefits, the regular use of two languages appears to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. Dr. Bialystok, 62, a distinguished research professor of psychology at York University in […]

The Flag of Bilal (4): Constitutionalism

As described by political scientist and constitutional scholar David Fellman: Constitutionalism is descriptive of a complicated concept, deeply imbedded in historical experience, which subjects the officials who exercise governmental powers to the limitations of a higher law. Constitutionalism proclaims the desirability of the rule of law as opposed to rule […]

Cell Phone use increases Cancer Risk

Radiation from cell phones can possibly cause cancer, according to the World Health Organization. The agency now lists mobile phone use in the same “carcinogenic hazard” category as lead, engine exhaust and chloroform. Before its announcement Tuesday, WHO had assured consumers that no adverse health effects had been established. A […]

Regional rivalries emerge from Arab Spring

By Robert Fisk, Middle East Correspondent Behind the Arab Spring lie its secrets. Turkey and Qatar have now developed a passionate anger towards Bashar al-Assad’s Syrian regime – the Turks even planning for a “safe haven” inside Syrian territory if they fear a tide of refugees approaching the Turkish border […]

Banning Jewish practices

Two traditions that have been mainstays of Judaism are under attack in different parts of the world these days for the same reason: people who feel morally superior have decided that circumcision and Jewish dietary requirements for animal slaughter are cruel and inhumane. As a political progressive, as a member […]

Kissinger’s book a warning to China, US

NEW YORK / BEIJING – If there is something to offer a clue of how the world’s two largest economies should handle their relations, former United States secretary of state Henry Kissinger’s new book, On China, is that thing, Chinese and Western critics said. Shi Qiping, a commentator with Phoenix […]

Undelivered warrants: Musharraf declared a fugitive

RAWALPINDI: Former president Pervez Musharraf was declared a fugitive by an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi after investigators returned the court’s warrants undelivered. Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials told the court that Musharraf lived in Britain and the UK authorities had not received the warrants, saying there was no extradition treaty between […]