How Foreign Imams Have Radicalized Syria's War

Edward Dark Al-Monitor
When eastern Aleppo fell to rebel factions in 2012, well-organized radical Islamic preachers from abroad quickly moved in and began proselytizing extremist views to the local population. It is an example of methodically planned Islamist radicalization in the chaos and turmoil of war. And it raises fears that the effects of this extremist phase in Syria's civil war will linger for years to come.

Friday Nite Videos -- December 19, 2014

Portside
Millions March NYC (Time Lapse). Best of the Colbert Report. Stormscapes 2. Samuel L Jackson: 'Call Out Racist Police Violence.' Top 10 Cutest Animals of Science of 2014.

Millions March NYC (Time Lapse)

The view from 6th Ave and 29th Steet of the #MillionsMarchNYC. Approximately 90 minutes of footage in 30 seconds. 

Samuel L Jackson: 'Call Out Racist Police Violence'

Actor Samuel L. Jackson has issued a call to action -- aimed especially at his fellow celebrities -- similar the ice bucket challenge, but for police. "I can hear my neighbor cryin’ ‘I can’t breathe' "

How Exercise Changes Our DNA

Gretchen Reynolds The New York Times
Exercise, a new study finds, changes the shape and functioning of our genes, an important stop on the way to improved health and fitness. More than 5,000 sites on the genome of muscle cells are altered by exercise.

As Hollywood Funds a SOPA Revival Through State Officials, Google (And The Internet) Respond

Parker Higgins Electronic Frontier Foundation
A coordinated campaign by the Motion Picture Association of America follows a trend of lobbyists funneling money and gifts to state attorneys general, who are subject to fewer restrictions and disclosure requirements than elected officials at the national level. Google is the target today, but the real target is the open Internet, which depends on free and uncensored platforms to survive.