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Sources HotLink

May 26, 2016

Welcome to this issue of Sources Hotlink. This issue takes a look at the good and bad of governments. Stateside, the NSA and CIA are at it again. Repeating mistakes in spite of media scandals and public outcry. Spies will be spies. In Uganda, censorship flexes its muscles and free elections become less free.

In the Russian cyberspace, a though provoking debate is being had over the limitations of free speech. Finally, in the Middle East, we have a bit of hot and cold. The Pakistani Senate celebrates a victory for democracy and the freedom of speech. All the while, a Syrian prison stands on a precipice of a massacre.

For our everlong learners, we feature an online course in scientific journalism and a lesson on compelling speeches.

Sources has been connecting journalists with newsmakers since 1977. To find experts, spokespersons, and story ideas on thousands of topics, please browse the Subject Index or use the Search. For help in reaching the media and the public with your story and your views, use Sources’ media relations tools.To become a member, use this form.

You're invited to contribute to this newsletter. If you know of news or resources you'd like to share, please get in touch via mailroom@sources.com or 416-964-5735. We hope this issue interests and informs you. Please feel free to contact us with any suggestions on what you'd like to see in this newsletter. This issue of The Sources HotLink is available on the Sources website. We'll also be posting content from it on the Sources Facebook page, And you can follow us on Twitter. If you'd rather not receive this newsletter, click Unsubscribe. If you'd like to have it sent to a different email address, use this link to Subscribe.

Media and Journalism news and analysis

Featured Articles on Sources.com

Russian Media and Internet Users Debate the Ethics of Reporting on Teenage Suicide

We talk a lot about the freedom of expression but we don’t often talk about the dark side of expression. There are consequences to what we say. Hate speech can promote violence and the promotion of suicide can lead to more suicides. What, exactly, should the limitations to free expression be? Should all words flow free, as harmful as they might be?


Internet users and Russian media are taking a serious look at this moral dilemma after a media website exposed a ring of online suicide promoters. Read more

Related Subjects in the Sources Subject Index

Suicide - Freedom of Expression

NSA and CIA Double Their Warrantless Searches on Americans in Two Years

You’d think after all the scandals and whistleblowers, the NSA and CIA would be a little more careful with how they do things. Follow the rules. Defend their citizens instead of treating the like the enemy. In a new transparency report done by government regulators, it seems like the intelligence community still haven’t learned their lesson.


Well, at least nothing they’re doing is technically illegal. Read more


Related Subjects in the Sources Subject Index
Surveillance -
Privacy

Pakistan's Senate Gets Smart About Terrible Cyber-Crime Bill

Some months ago, a cyber-crime bill was proposed. Pure in intention but vague in nature, the bill sought to stop spam, hate speech and hacking. What it did instead was create an unaccountable system for censorship and criminalize ordinary internet activity.


After months of debate and public opposition, Pakistan’s government has decided to shoot this bill down. This is a victory not only for the freedom of expression in Pakistan but also a victory for the Pakistani people. The senate’s decision is proof that the people have a voice and the political elite hears and respects that voice. Read more

Related Subjects in the Sources Subject Index

Censorship - Pakistan

Ugandan government bans live media coverage of opposition activities

There was a presidential election going on in Uganda but you might not know it -- even if you live in the country. Curiously it seems that the government has declared communications from the opposition as illegal only days before swearing in Yoweri Museveni for another 5 years of office.


Yoweri Museveni has been the president of Uganda for the past 30 years. Read more

Related Subjects in the Sources Subject Index
Censorship -
Elections

Syrian Activists Raise the Alarm Over a Possible Massacre in Hama Prison

Atrocities in a notorious Syrian military prison has sparked protests and mutiny in the political prison called Hama. Mutineers demanded fair trials and human living conditions but, instead, were met with gunfire, explosives and tear gas.


Four days into the standoff, the situation remains tense with no electricity or water reaching the prisoners inside. As Regime forces prepare to storm and retake the prison, many are worried about the massacre that might ensue. Read more

Related Subjects in the Sources Subject Index
Crimes Against Humanity

Recent News Releases

Connexions Other Voices - Tax Evasion

The May 21, 2016 issue of Other Voices, the Connexions newsletter, is now out. The theme of this issue is Tax Evasion.

The essence of the capitalist economic system is the drive to accumulate as much as possible, by any means possible. It is almost inevitable, therefore, that those – individuals or corporations -- whose existence revolves around accumulating capital will seek to avoid paying taxes. Read more


Migrant workers testify on Parliament Hill today, call for permanent immigration status, open work permits, and real reforms

Ottawa, May 16, 2016 - Four migrant workers will testify at the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) today between 4:30pm and 6:30pm calling for permanent immigration status, open work permits and comprehensive reforms. Read more


Will the legalization of recreational marijuana cause difficulties for employers?

The short answer is -- probably not. There are two comparisons, which can be made; smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol. Tobacco is a legal product. As such, if it weren’t for regulations governing its purchase and use, it could be used anywhere. However, due to regulations, most workplaces are smoke-free zones. Employers could impose the same limitations on smoking marijuana. The exception is the use of medical marijuana by an employee, which would need to be accommodated by an employer. Read more

Getting Publicity: Connecting journalists and news makers

Online Course in Science Journalism

Journalists aren’t often scientists and scientists aren’t often journalists, but science journalism pulls something from both. Every so often, a journalist might be called upon to do a story related to science. If that time ever comes and you find yourself a little bit stuck, remember that you have a free online course on scientific journalism. Read more

See more at Sources
Science Journalism

Power Speeches

Many studies have found that we fear public speaking more than death. But like it or not, you’re going to have to make a speech at some point in your life. Maybe to a board of directors or maybe at your friend’s wedding.


Nervous as you might be, you probably want to do a good job. Captivate, compel and communicate. Rothstein can help!
Read more

See more at Sources
Public Speaking

Topic of the Issue: Corruption

The government serves the people and to do that, they need power. But trust the wrong people with that power, and they might have other ideas. Especially when there aren’t any checks and balances, any human can be corrupted by power. Read more

Book of the Issue: Killing Hope

"If you flip over the rock of American foreign policy of the past century, this is what crawls out… invasions … bombings … overthrowing governments … occupations … suppressing movements for social change … assassinating political leaders … perverting elections … manipulating labor unions … manufacturing “news” … death squads … torture … biological warfare … depleted uranium … drug trafficking … mercenaries … It’s not a pretty picture. It’s enough to give imperialism a bad name." Read more

Film of the Issue: Catastrophic Failure

“It all began on November 5, 2015, with the collapse of a dam near an iron-ore mine in Brazil. That's when a river of toxic sludge came bursting forth; a stew of mud and mining waste that cost more than a dozen lives, many more injuries, and widespread environmental devastation.” Watch for free.

Quote of the Week

Sources Calendar

Whitchurch-Stouffville

Join us for a day of exploration as we showcase 12 unique sites from across Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville will be contributing to the overall Doors Open theme of medical science and innovation and will focus, where possible, on advancements in medical science.

Pick up our handy postcard on June 4 at your first stop and be sure to get it stamped along the way. Visit four Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville sites for a chance to win a great prize!
For more information visit our website. We look forward to seeing you!

Date: Jun 4/2016
Venue: Whitchurch-Stouffville
Location: Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON
Website: http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Whitchurch-Stouffville.aspx

MagNet 2016

Global perspectives, Canadian objectives.

MagNet is Canada's premiere public policy, professional development and networking conference for magazine professionals -- a SuperConference not to be missed!

Developed to meet the industry's growing needs for targeted, thought-provoking information and insightful, accessible and affordable learning, it represents a collaborative effort from the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors (CSME), Circulation Management Association of Canada (CMC), Magazines Canada (MC) and the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC). Together, these associations have worked closely to deliver a stellar line-up of sessions, workshops and keynote speakers featuring North America's top magazine publishing leaders, thinkers and visionaries.

Date: Jun 7/2016 to Jun 9/2016
Venue: Courtyard Toronto Downtown
Location: 475 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Website: http://www.magnet2016.ca/m/
For information contact: magnet@magazinescanada.ca

Doors Open Kingston

Join us again in 2016 for another exciting year of Doors Open Kingston!

This year's theme of medical science and innovation gives Kingston an opportunity to feature its premier hospitals and its long history of teaching medicine and developing medical innovations.

Kingston is home to the Museum of Health Care, which is located in the former nursing-student residence at Kingston General Hospital. The museum strives to preserve the material history of our medical and health-care past with the goal of understanding the history of health and health care, particularly in Canada. Currently ranked as one of the top universities in Canada, Queen's University - together with Kingston General Hospital, Hotel Dieu Hospital and Providence Care - trains students and conducts important research. Together, these institutions provide specialized care and conduct research that is on the cutting edge of technology.

Date: Jun 18/2016
Venue: Kingston
Location: Kingston, ON
Website: http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Kingston.aspx


Parliamentary Names & Numbers

Parliamentary Names & Numbers gives you instant access to up-to-date contact information for Members of Parliament, Senators, Provincial & Territorial Legislators, Federal & Provincial Ministries, Ministerial, Caucus & Critic Responsibilities and Federal Agencies & Crown Corporations

This handy guide to the complete Canadian political scene is yours for only $75.00/yr + GST/HST. Subscriptions include online access to Parliamentary Names & Numbers for one year (January 1 to December 31, or July 1 to June 30.) Subscribe online or call 416-964-5735.

Media Names & Numbers

Media Names & Numbers is the one-stop print- and Web-based directory of Canada's media, with listings for all print and broadcast media. You can access information for more than 6,000 publications and stations, with essential contact details including names of editors and producers, phone and fax numbers, mailing addresses, E-mails, Web sites, and information about editorial scope, circulation and audience size, languages, subscription prices, and much more.

Your subscription includes access to the online version of Media Names & Numbers. Now you can get all this for only $109.95 +GST/HST. ( online subscription January 1 to December 31).Subscribe online or call 416-964-5735.

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Copyright. Sources 2016

Staff: Michael Poon, Ulli Diemer

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