International: Giant rat found in lost world
Summary: A giant rodent five times the size of a normal rat has been discovered in the mountainous jungles of New Guinea. The Mallomys giant rat is one of two species thought to be new to science documented on an expedition to and are described as a "lost world". Conservationists also found a pygmy possum, one of the world's smallest marsupials. The animals were found on a trip to the remote north of Papua province, Indonesia.
Opinion: It is incredible to think of all the creatures and species in the world that remain undiscovered. Despite our advancements humans still have much to discover about our own home from the depths of the oceans to the tropical jungles the Earth holds many secrets waiting to be found. I think that it is important to continue researching and cataloging new species of plants and animals, as they provide interesting insight into there own habitats and our world in general. God new what he was doing when he peppered the Earth with all manner of creatures, some are just harder than others to find.
Opinion: It is incredible to think of all the creatures and species in the world that remain undiscovered. Despite our advancements humans still have much to discover about our own home from the depths of the oceans to the tropical jungles the Earth holds many secrets waiting to be found. I think that it is important to continue researching and cataloging new species of plants and animals, as they provide interesting insight into there own habitats and our world in general. God new what he was doing when he peppered the Earth with all manner of creatures, some are just harder than others to find.
National- Corn boom could expand Gulf "dead zone"
Summary: Because of a rising demand for ethanol American farmers are growing more corn than at any time since World War II and this corn boom is having an adverse affect on sea life in the Gulf Of Mexico. The corn crop is fertilized with millions of pounds of nitrogen-bases fertilizer which runs off fields in the Corn Belt, makes it's way down the Mississippi River, and eventually pours into the Gulf Of Mexico. The dead zone was first discovered in 1985 and has grown fairly steadily since forcing fishermen further and further out. The Dead Zone is a 7,900 square mile patch so depleted of oxygen fish, crab, and shrimp suffocate.
Opinion: Personally I think that corn based ethanol is a ridiculous alternative to fossil fuels and it is being embraced by the powerful corn lobby as salvation when it is less efficient that even gasoline. Not only is it driving up the price of feed for cattle and meat and milk but also the price of corn and wheat causing bread prices to rise affecting the poor. The enlargement of the dead zone is just another terrible affect the rise of corn planting is having.
Opinion: Personally I think that corn based ethanol is a ridiculous alternative to fossil fuels and it is being embraced by the powerful corn lobby as salvation when it is less efficient that even gasoline. Not only is it driving up the price of feed for cattle and meat and milk but also the price of corn and wheat causing bread prices to rise affecting the poor. The enlargement of the dead zone is just another terrible affect the rise of corn planting is having.
International: Santa's Chopper shot over Rio Slum
Summary: A helicopter carrying a man dressed as Santa Claus was shot over one of the many slums ringing Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Drug traffickers in the slum thought it was a police helicopter and took shots at it. The helicopter returned to base with two holes and Santa had to be driven by car to distribute his presents. Most of Rio's 700 slums are ruled by drug lords and not patrolled by police. When police do come they do so in military style raids using helicopters and armored personal carriers.
Opinion: This a sad reminder of the reality in other countries and even in parts of America. Those trying to celebrate and bring the Christmas spirit to others are often faced by obstacles we can not imagine.
Summary: GOP Candidate Ron Paul has managed to raise millions of dollars despite showing low numbers in most polls. His campaign recently raises $6 million plus in one 24 hour period earlier this week, one of the largest single day totals in US election history. Most of Paul's money comes from individuals donating less than $200 a fact which he says distinguishes him from other presidential candidates. The average donation of his recent drive was $102 according to the campaign. Paul is disappointed that his fund raising efforts are attracting so much attention but his politics are not.
Opinion: Ron Paul is waging a guerrilla campaign being carried on by die hard supporters who are fed up with the current American political situation. He is not a mainstream candidate and he knows it but he is taking advantage of political dissatisfaction and styling himself as a the anti-politician. Even though he does not stand much chance of being able to win his parties nomination he assures his supporters he will at least be around till super Tuesday in February.
Opinion: This a sad reminder of the reality in other countries and even in parts of America. Those trying to celebrate and bring the Christmas spirit to others are often faced by obstacles we can not imagine.
Summary: GOP Candidate Ron Paul has managed to raise millions of dollars despite showing low numbers in most polls. His campaign recently raises $6 million plus in one 24 hour period earlier this week, one of the largest single day totals in US election history. Most of Paul's money comes from individuals donating less than $200 a fact which he says distinguishes him from other presidential candidates. The average donation of his recent drive was $102 according to the campaign. Paul is disappointed that his fund raising efforts are attracting so much attention but his politics are not.
Opinion: Ron Paul is waging a guerrilla campaign being carried on by die hard supporters who are fed up with the current American political situation. He is not a mainstream candidate and he knows it but he is taking advantage of political dissatisfaction and styling himself as a the anti-politician. Even though he does not stand much chance of being able to win his parties nomination he assures his supporters he will at least be around till super Tuesday in February.
1 comment:
Yeah, and scary in size, especially in the bottom of the ocean.
The ethanol alternative is bad for you car and causes worse mileage. How stupid.
Haven't heard of too many drug dealers shooting at Santa in the US.
I bet Hillary and Barak are rooting for a Ron Paul independent candidacy. Can you say Ross Perot???
Post a Comment