Musicians are joining forces to protest the use of their music as a torture device at Guantanamo Bay. The loud crashes, pulsating beats and rhythmic screams are played at tremendous volumes with the intention of creating disorientation, fear and stress in the prisoners. For many prisoners raised in the Taliban tradition, this music is like nothing they have ever experienced because music is forbidden. Prisoners have been known to become agitated to the point of self-destruction and suicide from the experience. According to the Associated Press: "A campaign being launched Wednesday has brought together groups including Massive Attack and musicians such as Tom Morello, who played with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave and is now on a solo tour. It will feature minutes of silence during concerts and festivals, said Chloe Davies of the British law group Reprieve, which represents dozens of Guantanamo Bay detainees and is organizing the campaign." Interesting that the same...

New reports suggest that a Chinese citizen takes his or her life every two minutes. The confusion and break-neck pace of capitalism and the loss of traditionalism has apparently created untenable depression and stress. Cited sources of this desperation include: unrealistic expectations for success and wealth, abandonment of the elderly and family, and a lack of structure from the government which has historically managed all levels of life. These combined elements create a recipe for loneliness and destruction for the millions of people now competing for a piece of the booming economic pie. Beyond the obvious bad news for China, this study highlights an interesting truth about the limitations of an economy. It elevates the importance of the oft-forgotten human and cultural elements effected by new economic systems. For a society rooted in thousands of years of agrarian, tribal and ancestral traditions, an individualistic society of "more" may as well be a society on Mars.

An Islamic militant leader warned that former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney could be the target of suicide bombers unless he cancels his first concert in Israel, reported the British Sunday Express. The celebrated rock star plans to arrive in Israel as part of a world tour, and give a single concert at Tel Aviv's Park Hayarkon on September 25. Omar Bakri, an Islamic preacher, said McCartney's decision to perform as part of Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations made him the enemy of Muslims worldwide. If he values his life, Mr. McCartney must not come to Israel," Bakri was quoted as saying. "He will not be safe there. The sacrifice operatives will be waiting for him." Bakri added, "Instead of supporting the people of Palestine in their suffering, McCartney is celebrating the atrocities of the occupiers," Bakri was quoted as saying. "The one who is under occupation is supposed to be getting the help." McCartney was also been pressured by pro-Palestinian groups to cancel...