Nelthrope 4/24/08

Over 400 children, whom were under local authority care, have gone missing. Many of these children were suspected of being trafficked in the British drug or sex trade. These children are native Africans, Asians, and eastern Europeans. They have disappeared from a variety of locations including foster homes and safe houses, all within a close proximity to the country's ports and airports. The children are believed to have been abducted by the trafficker, and then exploited for prostitution, servitude, and other illegal activities. In addition, children may have also have escaped out of fear of being found by the trafficker, only to fall back into this illegal trap due to lack of money and identifying documents.
Human enslavement and trafficking is a serious crime against humanity. Worldwide, the numbers of human trafficking vary due to the secretive, illegal manipulations by these criminals. It's hard to attempt to estimate how many humans are held against their will, because these are not "public crimes." This story aligns with the human interest element because this is a worldwide issue that does not seem to have an end in sight. Conflict is also evident because it is a battle between the British government, and these criminals to try to keep this young population in check While the government cannot be everywhere, every time, they are trying their best to keep these children safe. (The Guardian, 4/23/08, p.4) .
My favorite story of the week is the study showing pregnant mothers can influence the sex of their unborn children. Women who consume high-calorie diets in around the time of conception were 56% more likely to birth a boy, compared to 45% in the lower-calorie group. This is the first study to indicate that a mothers eating habits have a direct conjunction with the sex of her unborn baby. This story is a human interest piece because there are many parents who want to birth a particular sex, and this may give them hope in achieving their parenting goals. (The Guardian, 4/23/08, Front Page) .
McDonald's claims designer uniforms give the fast food chain more upmarket image...(The Guardian, 4/23/08, p.5) . Home affairs select committee hears from the bereaved, criticizing the way their cases had been handled by the justice system...(The Guardian, 4/23/08, p.6). Counter-extremism officials recommend potential terrorists be sent to rehabilitation centers...(The Guardian, 4/23/08, p.7). Britons give more to donkey sanctuary, than abuse charities leaving some abused women out in the cold...(The Guardian, 4/23/08, p.7). Skin creams that turn back the clock may be a reality soon...(The Guardian, 4/23/08, p.8).