Is Dan Kaminski the modern-day Paul Revere? Some think so, after the 29 year old computer security specialist stumbled upon a potentially dangerous flaw in the basic way the internet is set up and called a secret meeting to alert mega programmers before going public. Afraid that hackers might take advantage of the flaw first, Kaminski rode "and spread the alarm, through every Middlesex village and farm." Which, given such modern day amenities as the internet, television, and newspapers, made his trip far faster than Revere's 1775 jaunt.
What Dan discovered was that it would be extremely easy for someone with ill intentions to divert internet users to fake websites that resembled sites they were familiar with, such as their bank's online services. Once surfers were on the fake sites, they would enter their private information where it could be accessed by the wrong hands. By annoucing the flaw, Dan has given the good guys a chance to fix the problem before their clients were taken advantage of. Already a large percentage of domains have been fixed, and others are on their way. With more personal business being conducted over the internet and identity theft a real concern, the fact that this hole can be patched ahead of time and not in the face of a large-scale problem is great news!
"In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere."
http://iht.com/articles/2008/07/30/technology/30flaw.php
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Golden Retriever Adopts Tiger Cubs
Caney, KS
"Some mothers just don't get it," says Tom Harvey, Director of Safari Zoological Park in Caney, Kansas. He's describing a mother tiger who gave birth to three adorable cubs on Sunday. Not long afterwards, she began neglecting them, virtually orphaning the day-old cubs.
Though the Zoo has bottle-fed tiger cubs in the past, natural food is by far the preferred nutrition for the "bottomless pits" of hunger. Fortunately for the cubs, Isabella, a local golden retriever, came to the rescue. Harvey reports that she treats the cubs as if they are her own litter, feeding, cleaning, and protecting them. Having just weened her own puppies, Isabella was in the perfect place, biologically speaking, to adopt the baby tigers.
To read more and to see pictures of this special family of animals, visit http://www.kansas.com/news/story/479300.html
"Some mothers just don't get it," says Tom Harvey, Director of Safari Zoological Park in Caney, Kansas. He's describing a mother tiger who gave birth to three adorable cubs on Sunday. Not long afterwards, she began neglecting them, virtually orphaning the day-old cubs.
Though the Zoo has bottle-fed tiger cubs in the past, natural food is by far the preferred nutrition for the "bottomless pits" of hunger. Fortunately for the cubs, Isabella, a local golden retriever, came to the rescue. Harvey reports that she treats the cubs as if they are her own litter, feeding, cleaning, and protecting them. Having just weened her own puppies, Isabella was in the perfect place, biologically speaking, to adopt the baby tigers.
To read more and to see pictures of this special family of animals, visit http://www.kansas.com/news/story/479300.html
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Drug Trial Gives Hope to Alzheimer's Sufferers
Scientists in the United Kingdom have tested a drug, called Rember, which shows tremendous promise for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
The illness, as many know, causes a slow deterioration of memory and cognitive function. Nicknamed "the long goodbye" by many physicians, Alzheimer's is often the hardest on those close to the patient, who are confronted with the bit-by-bit loss of the person they know and love. However, the patient must also suffer the embarrassment and pain of knowing the effects of the incurable condition, and many fear becoming a burden to their families.
That's why the promise of this new drug is so uplifting. In medical trials among 321 patients, there was an 81% difference in the rate of mental decline between those who took Rember and those who were given a placebo. According to researchers, after a 19-month period, those who took the new drug had no significant decline in mental function.
The Goose has previously reported on research pertaining to excess protein, or plaque, which builds up in the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers, and treatment focused on this plaque. Rember, technically known as methylthioninium chloride, treats instead a protein called Tau, which builds up inside the cells of the brain responsible for memory. This different angle of treatment may be responsible for Rember's apparent success.
Further trials are planned, however Rember may be available as early as 2012.
To read more about this remarkable drug, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7525115.stm
The illness, as many know, causes a slow deterioration of memory and cognitive function. Nicknamed "the long goodbye" by many physicians, Alzheimer's is often the hardest on those close to the patient, who are confronted with the bit-by-bit loss of the person they know and love. However, the patient must also suffer the embarrassment and pain of knowing the effects of the incurable condition, and many fear becoming a burden to their families.
That's why the promise of this new drug is so uplifting. In medical trials among 321 patients, there was an 81% difference in the rate of mental decline between those who took Rember and those who were given a placebo. According to researchers, after a 19-month period, those who took the new drug had no significant decline in mental function.
The Goose has previously reported on research pertaining to excess protein, or plaque, which builds up in the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers, and treatment focused on this plaque. Rember, technically known as methylthioninium chloride, treats instead a protein called Tau, which builds up inside the cells of the brain responsible for memory. This different angle of treatment may be responsible for Rember's apparent success.
Further trials are planned, however Rember may be available as early as 2012.
To read more about this remarkable drug, visit http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7525115.stm
By Banning Toy Toxin, Playtime Safer Across America
USA
A group of harmful, yet widespread chemicals found in many children’s toys have finally been banned from use after long debate in Congress. The ban is the result of hard-won campaigning on the part of parents and health experts going up against the heretofore unchallenged chemical industry. The act is good news for two reasons: first because it means safer toys and healthier families. Secondly, because the act may represent a shift away from government favoring of industry and towards consumer rights.
The chemicals, known as phthalates, are found in many children’s toys. Phthalates studies show, however, that when ingested into the body over the course of time these chemicals become toxins, damaging the reproductive system especially in males. They are also thought to contribute to cancer of the liver and kidney. The added danger is that if mothers are exposed to phthalates, the toxins can be passed to their infants through breastfeeding. The toxins have been illegal in the European Union since 2007.
The bill is part of a wider reform of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The legislation also provides for the creation of a new database consumers can use to log complaints or accidents about the goods they use. In addition, new laws will strengthen regulation enforcement and violations of these laws will be met with harsher punishments.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/28/AR2008072802586.html?hpid=topnews
A group of harmful, yet widespread chemicals found in many children’s toys have finally been banned from use after long debate in Congress. The ban is the result of hard-won campaigning on the part of parents and health experts going up against the heretofore unchallenged chemical industry. The act is good news for two reasons: first because it means safer toys and healthier families. Secondly, because the act may represent a shift away from government favoring of industry and towards consumer rights.
The chemicals, known as phthalates, are found in many children’s toys. Phthalates studies show, however, that when ingested into the body over the course of time these chemicals become toxins, damaging the reproductive system especially in males. They are also thought to contribute to cancer of the liver and kidney. The added danger is that if mothers are exposed to phthalates, the toxins can be passed to their infants through breastfeeding. The toxins have been illegal in the European Union since 2007.
The bill is part of a wider reform of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The legislation also provides for the creation of a new database consumers can use to log complaints or accidents about the goods they use. In addition, new laws will strengthen regulation enforcement and violations of these laws will be met with harsher punishments.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/28/AR2008072802586.html?hpid=topnews
Monday, July 28, 2008
First Virginian Job Training Facility Helps ex-Inmates Stay Out
For the first time in Virginia, the Fairfax County jail will be teaming up next week with the non-profit SkillSource Group to help released offenders get on the right track, and stay on it, after release. The newly expanded center gives those serving time but who have shown good behavior while serving their sentence the chance to have employment and job training. The opportunity is open to inmates who have demonstrated good behavior while incarcerated and who are currently living in the center's pre-release center. They are given job training, advice on how to find and keep jobs, and other career counseling, including applying for a driver's licence. If employment is found, they may begin working during the last portion of their sentence. Any income earned by inmates is then given back to pay rent and maintain the facilities. When the nearby George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, began following up on what happened to inmates after release, they found 40% were rearrested within the year, citing the added difficulty of finding a job with jail time on their record. After monitoring the released inmates who completed SkillSource's program, they reported far fewer re-releases. The jobs that agree to take on this type of employee also benefits: tax credits for hiring them, insurance/reimbursement for workplace damage if there is a problem. Local officials said the program is geared toward reducing recidivism rates, which in turn means keeping our communities free from crime.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/22/AR2008072203345.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/22/AR2008072203345.html
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Small-town Artist Awarded Micro-fund, Gets Sculpture to Beijing Just in Time
Athletes aren't the only ones competing for a shot at making it to Beijing this August. When 38 year old Kentucky artist Brad White was chosen to have his sculpture "Salixtension" exhibited in the Chinese Biennial art exposition, he knew it was like winning a gold medal. The the curators of the first exposition of its kind were looking for spacial representations of character art... that is to say pieces that evoke the spirit of Chinese character writing. Described as an "elegantly sinuous anthropomorphic" piece, White's was one of just thirty artists chosen world wide for the event. Great news! The problem was, White's piece could also be described as "heavy" and the costs of shipping his large sculpture to China were over $1,000, which the artists simply couldn't afford. Fundraising might have not been fast enough, as Brad had to get Salixtension to Beijing by July 15th! Faced with the prospect of not being able to have his art displayed, he suggested that perhaps a fund could be established so that local artists who were invited to participate in such important exhibitions would be able to, without worrying about the high side-costs.
Happily, the town of Murray, Kentucky came to the aid of their native artist! The Louisville Visual Art Association (LVAA) has created a program of granting micro-loans to deserving artists without any of the long time-delays that other loan programs involve. White is the first loanee to benefit from the LVAA's support of artists and had his money in two hours, was able to ship his piece to China for the show.
"We loaned Brad $1,000, which enabled him to pay the import broker/expeditors in China, who in turn will obtain full release of his work, thereby getting it delivered to the museum in Beijing. The poor guy was trying to figure all of this out for seven days, while his work was held hostage and costing him a daily holding fee," said Shannon Westerman, leader of the LVAA.
The exhibit will be running the entire length of the 2008 Summer Olympics. For more information on Brad White and the LVAA, check out the original link:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/SCENE05/806290332
Happily, the town of Murray, Kentucky came to the aid of their native artist! The Louisville Visual Art Association (LVAA) has created a program of granting micro-loans to deserving artists without any of the long time-delays that other loan programs involve. White is the first loanee to benefit from the LVAA's support of artists and had his money in two hours, was able to ship his piece to China for the show.
"We loaned Brad $1,000, which enabled him to pay the import broker/expeditors in China, who in turn will obtain full release of his work, thereby getting it delivered to the museum in Beijing. The poor guy was trying to figure all of this out for seven days, while his work was held hostage and costing him a daily holding fee," said Shannon Westerman, leader of the LVAA.
The exhibit will be running the entire length of the 2008 Summer Olympics. For more information on Brad White and the LVAA, check out the original link:
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080629/SCENE05/806290332
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Girls Catch the Boys in High School Math
For the past several decades, it's been common knowledge in America that high school boys were just plain better at math than high school girls. There's been an awful lot of research into the question "Why is it that high school girls aren't good at math?"A new study provides a thoroughly satisfying answer: They are.
Janet Hyde, a researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, lead a study of 7 million standardized math test cores reported by gender. The scores were provided from ten different states, all having administered the same test as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. The results? Girls are performing equally to boys after all.
So take it from a girl who refused to take Calculus in high school and went on to become a mechanical engineer: There is something for girls in math. And there's something for math in girls, too.
To read more about the study, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/07/24/girls.math.ap/index.html
And in case you've ever felt like high school math was the most boring subject ever, check this out: http://www.maa.org/devlin/LockhartsLament.pdf
Janet Hyde, a researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, lead a study of 7 million standardized math test cores reported by gender. The scores were provided from ten different states, all having administered the same test as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act. The results? Girls are performing equally to boys after all.
So take it from a girl who refused to take Calculus in high school and went on to become a mechanical engineer: There is something for girls in math. And there's something for math in girls, too.
To read more about the study, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/07/24/girls.math.ap/index.html
And in case you've ever felt like high school math was the most boring subject ever, check this out: http://www.maa.org/devlin/
Friday, July 25, 2008
Pilots and Passengers Survive Explosive Decompression on Plane
Manila, Philippines
About an hour into their flight from London to Austrailia, passengers aboard the Quantas airliner heard the sound of an explosion. According to Michael Rahill, one of the passengers, it sounded "like a tire exploding, but more violently." A 2.5-3 yard hole had been ripped in the side of the plane, for reasons yet to be determined. The hole lead directly to the baggage compartment, and some of the cabin was exposed as well. Oxygen masks appeared for the passengers, and the plane began to descend. Amazingly, those on board managed to stay calm. "No one was very hysterical," said passenger Marina Scaffidi, "The plane kept going down not too fast, but it was descending."
The plane diverted to Manila, where the pilots managed to land it safely. There were no injuries among the 345 passengers. They have been put up temporarily in hotels as they wait for other available flights. What could have been a major disaster has instead become an inconvenience.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, and it's certain that the airline will have some explaining to do in the coming weeks. However, I think it's safe to say that this time they have a decent excuse for losing people's luggage.
To read more and view pictures, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,391024,00.html
Thanks to the Gander for that last one liner ;-)
About an hour into their flight from London to Austrailia, passengers aboard the Quantas airliner heard the sound of an explosion. According to Michael Rahill, one of the passengers, it sounded "like a tire exploding, but more violently." A 2.5-3 yard hole had been ripped in the side of the plane, for reasons yet to be determined. The hole lead directly to the baggage compartment, and some of the cabin was exposed as well. Oxygen masks appeared for the passengers, and the plane began to descend. Amazingly, those on board managed to stay calm. "No one was very hysterical," said passenger Marina Scaffidi, "The plane kept going down not too fast, but it was descending."
The plane diverted to Manila, where the pilots managed to land it safely. There were no injuries among the 345 passengers. They have been put up temporarily in hotels as they wait for other available flights. What could have been a major disaster has instead become an inconvenience.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, and it's certain that the airline will have some explaining to do in the coming weeks. However, I think it's safe to say that this time they have a decent excuse for losing people's luggage.
To read more and view pictures, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,391024,00.html
Thanks to the Gander for that last one liner ;-)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Corrupt Guatemalan Adoption Program Halted, Stolen Child Reunited with Mother
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Ana Escobar's baby, Esther, was kidnapped when she was just 6 months old. Ana was locked in a storage closet by armed men who stole her baby. "When I got out, my daughter was gone," she said in an interview.
Guatemalan authorities have long suspected that the country's 100$ million a year adoption program is corrupt, relying on kidnapped children like Esther to populate their baby banks. The system is so efficient that, after China, Guatemala is the most common source for American parents to search for adoptable children. In May, however, thousands of pending adoptions were halted to provide a change for investigation. No irrefutable evidence has been found to prove that kidnapped babies have been supplying the adoption program, until now.
When Ana Escobar heard the news about the adoption stoppage in May, she rushed to the National Adoption Council's office. She hoped to be allowed to see pictures of the children whose cases were being reviewed. Though Esther had been gone for over a year, Ana immediately recognized her in an image of the baby being carried away by an official. More photographs of the same toddler only strengthened Ana's resolve, and she insisted that the little girl was her own.
By that time, Esther had DNA records indicating that her mother was someone other than Ana. However, Ms. Escobar convinced officials to run a final test to confirm. The results proved that Esther was her daughter, as Ana knew they would. Mother and child are now reunited at last, in what is hopefully to be the first in a growing trend of righted wrongs in the Guatemalan adoption system.
To read more about this extraordinary reunion, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,390044,00.html
Ana Escobar's baby, Esther, was kidnapped when she was just 6 months old. Ana was locked in a storage closet by armed men who stole her baby. "When I got out, my daughter was gone," she said in an interview.
Guatemalan authorities have long suspected that the country's 100$ million a year adoption program is corrupt, relying on kidnapped children like Esther to populate their baby banks. The system is so efficient that, after China, Guatemala is the most common source for American parents to search for adoptable children. In May, however, thousands of pending adoptions were halted to provide a change for investigation. No irrefutable evidence has been found to prove that kidnapped babies have been supplying the adoption program, until now.
When Ana Escobar heard the news about the adoption stoppage in May, she rushed to the National Adoption Council's office. She hoped to be allowed to see pictures of the children whose cases were being reviewed. Though Esther had been gone for over a year, Ana immediately recognized her in an image of the baby being carried away by an official. More photographs of the same toddler only strengthened Ana's resolve, and she insisted that the little girl was her own.
By that time, Esther had DNA records indicating that her mother was someone other than Ana. However, Ms. Escobar convinced officials to run a final test to confirm. The results proved that Esther was her daughter, as Ana knew they would. Mother and child are now reunited at last, in what is hopefully to be the first in a growing trend of righted wrongs in the Guatemalan adoption system.
To read more about this extraordinary reunion, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,390044,00.html
Make Way for North Atlantic Right Whales
Nova Scotia
With only 350 North Atlantic right whales left in the world, scientists and mariners alike are working towards finding ways to protect the population from further decline.
Their small numbers mean the whales tend to stick together, within a relatively small geographical area of the sea near Nova Scotia. While it has been illegal to hunt these whales since 1935, until recently their curious nature attracted them to passing ships, which would accidentally strike and kill several the curious 70 ton animals who had surfaced to take a look around.
Luckily, last year the International Maritime Organization adopted a proposal made by Canada's UN ambassadors to designate the Roseway Bay as an "Area to Be Avoided," or ATBA for short. Each year between June and December when the whales return to in Nova Scotia from their summer vacations in the south, ships weighing 300 tons and larger are asked (not forced) to go around the Roseway Bay. Despite its voluntary nature, most ships are obeying, and some shipping companies are enforcing official policies. Going around the whale pods only adds about 8.6 minutes to a 16-hour voyage between Halifax and New York, with negligible additional fuel costs.
Thanks to the willing participation of ships in the night, we really can save the whales!
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/07/10/rightofway/
With only 350 North Atlantic right whales left in the world, scientists and mariners alike are working towards finding ways to protect the population from further decline.
Their small numbers mean the whales tend to stick together, within a relatively small geographical area of the sea near Nova Scotia. While it has been illegal to hunt these whales since 1935, until recently their curious nature attracted them to passing ships, which would accidentally strike and kill several the curious 70 ton animals who had surfaced to take a look around.
Luckily, last year the International Maritime Organization adopted a proposal made by Canada's UN ambassadors to designate the Roseway Bay as an "Area to Be Avoided," or ATBA for short. Each year between June and December when the whales return to in Nova Scotia from their summer vacations in the south, ships weighing 300 tons and larger are asked (not forced) to go around the Roseway Bay. Despite its voluntary nature, most ships are obeying, and some shipping companies are enforcing official policies. Going around the whale pods only adds about 8.6 minutes to a 16-hour voyage between Halifax and New York, with negligible additional fuel costs.
Thanks to the willing participation of ships in the night, we really can save the whales!
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/07/10/rightofway/
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sailor Saved from Hurricane Cristobal
Canada
A Canadian helicopter team was able to airlift a 66 year old Connecticut man to safety about 250 kilometres southeast of Halifax. His boat had capsized in the rough seas caused by tropical storm Cristobal. After activating his emergency locator beacon, a Cormorant helicopter, a Hercules airplane, two coast guard vessels and a frigate were sent to rescue him. A search-and-rescue technician was lowered into the water from the Cormorant and was able to lift the the sailor into the chopper. Both the technician and the sailor are in good condition.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/07/23/cristobal-sailor.html
A Canadian helicopter team was able to airlift a 66 year old Connecticut man to safety about 250 kilometres southeast of Halifax. His boat had capsized in the rough seas caused by tropical storm Cristobal. After activating his emergency locator beacon, a Cormorant helicopter, a Hercules airplane, two coast guard vessels and a frigate were sent to rescue him. A search-and-rescue technician was lowered into the water from the Cormorant and was able to lift the the sailor into the chopper. Both the technician and the sailor are in good condition.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/07/23/cristobal-sailor.html
Fewer Children Affected by Lead-Poisoning
France
Having been first investigated in the 1980s, lead poisoning is condition brought on by the ingestion of lead-containing materials or inhalling dust that contains traces of lead. Once the lead is in the blood stream it can result in neurological damage and in extreme cases prove fatal. A French scientific journal reported that lead poisioning effected over 85,000 children in 1999, with hundreds of new cases every year. The French National Health Watch Institute and other organizations came together to study the development of the disease and to monitor the lead-poisoning tests being administered to children.
The resulting report is full of good news!
Lead-poisoning tests in recent years have shown a marked diminution of the average quantities of lead found in the tested children. This improvement is probably the result of combined factors: refurnishing of buildings that once had lead-based paint, the phasing out of lead carbonate usage, water treatment facilities lowering the concentrations of metals in municipal water supplies, and factory innovations which result in fewer traces of metal found in food.
To continue this trend, France is now specifically targeting the children of those workers exposed to lead to insure they are tested at a young age and that preventative measures can be taken. Their strategy includes campaigns to increase public awareness of at-risk families, including those living in geographic areas where the risk of exposure is higher. Doctors and scientists are also now working on a lead-poisoning detection test that would detect even smaller amounts of lead in the blood stream. Together these strategies should keep this upward trend going!
the story, for all you francophones:
http://news.doctissimo.fr/saturnisme-vers-un-depistage-plus-systematique_article4056.html
Having been first investigated in the 1980s, lead poisoning is condition brought on by the ingestion of lead-containing materials or inhalling dust that contains traces of lead. Once the lead is in the blood stream it can result in neurological damage and in extreme cases prove fatal. A French scientific journal reported that lead poisioning effected over 85,000 children in 1999, with hundreds of new cases every year. The French National Health Watch Institute and other organizations came together to study the development of the disease and to monitor the lead-poisoning tests being administered to children.
The resulting report is full of good news!
Lead-poisoning tests in recent years have shown a marked diminution of the average quantities of lead found in the tested children. This improvement is probably the result of combined factors: refurnishing of buildings that once had lead-based paint, the phasing out of lead carbonate usage, water treatment facilities lowering the concentrations of metals in municipal water supplies, and factory innovations which result in fewer traces of metal found in food.
To continue this trend, France is now specifically targeting the children of those workers exposed to lead to insure they are tested at a young age and that preventative measures can be taken. Their strategy includes campaigns to increase public awareness of at-risk families, including those living in geographic areas where the risk of exposure is higher. Doctors and scientists are also now working on a lead-poisoning detection test that would detect even smaller amounts of lead in the blood stream. Together these strategies should keep this upward trend going!
the story, for all you francophones:
http://news.doctissimo.fr/saturnisme-vers-un-depistage-plus-systematique_article4056.html
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tobacco Plants Turn Over a New Leaf, Help Fight Cancer
For as bad a rap as tobacco gets in the health media, recent studies showing it's positive role helping to FIGHT cancer as opposed to causing it may make this a cash crop for good instead of evil. Scientists have used tobacco plants as sort of incubator to grow enough of the tumor-like proteins to trigger a response from the immune system. The proteins were then taken from their tobacco-leaf petri dishes and injected back into the volunteers. Once the cells are back in the patient's system, the body can "recognize it as a potential danger and send out armies of disease-killing cells to seek and destroy tumors harboring it."This inexpensive process resulted in 11 out of 16 volunteers with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma experiencing an essentially side-effect free immune response, successfully supplementing their ongoing chemotherapy treatments.
more info can be found at the original link:http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=cancer-vaccine-tobacco-plants&sc=rss
and if you too were unfamiliar with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (which about 18,000 Americans are diagnosed with annually), this article explains... and illustrates why a vaccine is such good news!http://www.webmd.com/cancer/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/understanding-non-hodgkins-lymphoma-basics
more info can be found at the original link:http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=cancer-vaccine-tobacco-plants&sc=rss
and if you too were unfamiliar with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (which about 18,000 Americans are diagnosed with annually), this article explains... and illustrates why a vaccine is such good news!http://www.webmd.com/cancer/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/understanding-non-hodgkins-lymphoma-basics
Gratuitous Happy Story
I usually try to do more than just copy and paste a link to a great story, but in this case I'm going to make an exception. For one thing, this video speaks for itself, and for another, despite all appearances, I am lazy!
For background information, visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25797678/
To skip right to the video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U
For background information, visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25797678/
To skip right to the video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sandworm's Superpincers Inspire Spaceworthy Synthetics
What can a tiny bug teach us about space travel? Lots, if you ask Chris Broomell, a molecular biologist from the University of California Santa Barbara.
The sandworm burrows through the sand it lives in using a pair of 'jaws'. While the jaws themselves are made of protein about as strong as a human fingernail, Broomell and his team has discovered that the pincers are fortified with histidine: an amino acid that acts as a sort of superglue. The 'glue' bonds molecules together within the protein, and resulting in a thatched material three times harder and stiffer than current man-made polymers.
By using the make-up of the insect's pincers as a model, scientists and engineers hope to create polymers with organic molecules that can bind to metal ions. Even more good news is that by changing the ratios of materials, they can be made heavier or lighter, tougher or softer, all without producing toxic by products. The result may be the development of more resistant materials for building spacecraft and airplanes, without making them heavier.
For more info and a closeup of the inspirational bug itself, check out:
http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn14365-worm-pincers-may-inspire-better-spacecraft-materials.html?DCMP=ILC-hmts&nsref=news6_head_dn14365
The sandworm burrows through the sand it lives in using a pair of 'jaws'. While the jaws themselves are made of protein about as strong as a human fingernail, Broomell and his team has discovered that the pincers are fortified with histidine: an amino acid that acts as a sort of superglue. The 'glue' bonds molecules together within the protein, and resulting in a thatched material three times harder and stiffer than current man-made polymers.
By using the make-up of the insect's pincers as a model, scientists and engineers hope to create polymers with organic molecules that can bind to metal ions. Even more good news is that by changing the ratios of materials, they can be made heavier or lighter, tougher or softer, all without producing toxic by products. The result may be the development of more resistant materials for building spacecraft and airplanes, without making them heavier.
For more info and a closeup of the inspirational bug itself, check out:
http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn14365-worm-pincers-may-inspire-better-spacecraft-materials.html?DCMP=ILC-hmts&nsref=news6_head_dn14365
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Daring Pilot Rescues Parachutist ith Risky Maneuver
A former British soldier who has asked not to be named as he was only "doing his job" became a hero this weekend when he left the controls of a small plane he was flying to disentangle a struggling parachutist.
The parachutist was last of a 6-man team of British soldiers to jump from the plane in a parachuting contest in Germany. His chute failed to deploy normally, and the lines became tangled around parts of the aircraft. According to observers, "We saw a body dangling helplessly from the plane as it was coming into land," and "We were watching the plane when I noticed there was a man dangling upside-down. He was completely caught up."
The anonymous pilot left the plane's controls for about 30 seconds to lean out and cut the parachutist free. Once liberated, the parachutist was able to land safely. The plane also landed without further incident.
To read more about this daring rescue, visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1036449/Hero-pilot-leaves-plane-fly-cuts-free-parachutist-tangled-landing-gear.html
The parachutist was last of a 6-man team of British soldiers to jump from the plane in a parachuting contest in Germany. His chute failed to deploy normally, and the lines became tangled around parts of the aircraft. According to observers, "We saw a body dangling helplessly from the plane as it was coming into land," and "We were watching the plane when I noticed there was a man dangling upside-down. He was completely caught up."
The anonymous pilot left the plane's controls for about 30 seconds to lean out and cut the parachutist free. Once liberated, the parachutist was able to land safely. The plane also landed without further incident.
To read more about this daring rescue, visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1036449/Hero-pilot-leaves-plane-fly-cuts-free-parachutist-tangled-landing-gear.html
Friday, July 18, 2008
4 Paws for Ability: A Service Dog Program for Everyone
Xenia, OH, US
When Karen Shirk was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease which confines her to a wheelchair and requires that she use a respirator, she decided to get a service dog to regain some of her independence. She was dismayed to discover that, over and over again, she was denied the opportunity to do so because she was "too disabled." Eventually, Shirk decided to start from scratch. With the help of a professional trainer, she adopted and trained Ben, a black German Shepherd puppy, to become her service dog. With Ben in her life, she found some hope. According to Karen, "He gave me a reason to get up in the morning. . . I went from existing to living."
Wanting to spread the joy to other individuals deemed too disabled for service dogs, Shirk decided to start 4 Paws for Ability, a service dog program with no limitations. Knowing that many other service dog providers have age limits on who can apply, Shirk reached out particularly to disabled children. She specializes in providing dogs to children with autism. "I knew [autistic children] connected to animals," she says. "I knew that service dogs would be able to help." Over the years, about 70% of Shirk's specially trained dogs are united with autistic children.
Each adoptive family is responsible for raising about 12,000$, and the time it takes to train a dog ranges from nine to 18 months. It seems to be worth it all in the end, however, to bring home a service dog who's been trained for your specific needs. Seeing the children meeting their dogs for the first time is the best part of the program for Shirk, who says "I love to see their faces and know that I was a part of that. It makes me feel good."
To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/07/16/heroes.shirk/index.html
When Karen Shirk was diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease which confines her to a wheelchair and requires that she use a respirator, she decided to get a service dog to regain some of her independence. She was dismayed to discover that, over and over again, she was denied the opportunity to do so because she was "too disabled." Eventually, Shirk decided to start from scratch. With the help of a professional trainer, she adopted and trained Ben, a black German Shepherd puppy, to become her service dog. With Ben in her life, she found some hope. According to Karen, "He gave me a reason to get up in the morning. . . I went from existing to living."
Wanting to spread the joy to other individuals deemed too disabled for service dogs, Shirk decided to start 4 Paws for Ability, a service dog program with no limitations. Knowing that many other service dog providers have age limits on who can apply, Shirk reached out particularly to disabled children. She specializes in providing dogs to children with autism. "I knew [autistic children] connected to animals," she says. "I knew that service dogs would be able to help." Over the years, about 70% of Shirk's specially trained dogs are united with autistic children.
Each adoptive family is responsible for raising about 12,000$, and the time it takes to train a dog ranges from nine to 18 months. It seems to be worth it all in the end, however, to bring home a service dog who's been trained for your specific needs. Seeing the children meeting their dogs for the first time is the best part of the program for Shirk, who says "I love to see their faces and know that I was a part of that. It makes me feel good."
To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/07/16/heroes.shirk/index.html
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Jay Leno Leads By Example
Jay Leno is setting an admirable example for the environmentally aware in his home garage, which he uses to service his enormous collection of cars. Being a millionaire car buff could mean a lot of pollution and energy use, but, as Leno says, "No one cares how much energy you use as long as you make it yourself."
A 54-kilowatt solar panel on the garage's roof, supplemented by a wind turbine, generates almost all of the huge garage's energy. Says the comedian, "I'm almost totally off the grid."
Inside the garage, a water-free foaming hand cleaner, reusable aerosol canisters, and a machine that uses a high pressure sand-and-water jet in place of a metal blade contribute to Leno's environmental efforts. "It creates no pollutants in the manufacturing process, so you can safely drain the runoff," he says. The shining stars of the garage are two deep-cleaning systems for parts such as carburetors. Where heavy-duty solvents once did the job, Leno's ultrasonic cleaner now steps up to the plate. Or sometimes, a vat filled with bacteria that eat oil and grease to reproduce. "These organisms are having sex while my parts are being cleaned," he says. "How fabulous is that?" Pretty fabulous, Jay.
To read more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-07-16-leno-cover_N.htm
Thanks again for the Gander for this story!
A 54-kilowatt solar panel on the garage's roof, supplemented by a wind turbine, generates almost all of the huge garage's energy. Says the comedian, "I'm almost totally off the grid."
Inside the garage, a water-free foaming hand cleaner, reusable aerosol canisters, and a machine that uses a high pressure sand-and-water jet in place of a metal blade contribute to Leno's environmental efforts. "It creates no pollutants in the manufacturing process, so you can safely drain the runoff," he says. The shining stars of the garage are two deep-cleaning systems for parts such as carburetors. Where heavy-duty solvents once did the job, Leno's ultrasonic cleaner now steps up to the plate. Or sometimes, a vat filled with bacteria that eat oil and grease to reproduce. "These organisms are having sex while my parts are being cleaned," he says. "How fabulous is that?" Pretty fabulous, Jay.
To read more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2008-07-16-leno-cover_N.htm
Thanks again for the Gander for this story!
New Procedure for Kidney Removal Boosts Recovery Time, Leaves No Scar
Cleveland, OH, US
Brad Kaster, a self-employed optometrist, will be ready to return to work in a little over a week. That's pretty surprising, since the average back-to-work timeline for a kidney donor is 51 days, and Brad donated his kidney to his father last week. His secret? A brand-new kidney removal procedure, which makes the entire operation possible with just one tiny incision.
In the new procedure, doctors remove the donor's kidney through his or her belly button. According to Kaster, the incision point ". . . is so tiny I'm not getting any pain from it. . . I can't even see it." Still, this tiny space is all the surgeons need to remove the donor's kidney. For the 80,000 Americans awaiting kidney transplants, this is very good news.
So far, only 10 donors have undergone the new procedure, but all of them have recovered well, with just a fraction of the pain previously associated with the surgery.
"Will this decrease the disincentive to (kidney) donation? I think the answer is yes," says Dr. Inderbir S. Gill of the Cleveland Clinic. Let's hope so.
To read more, visit
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-17-kidney-bellybutton_N.htm
Special thanks to the Gander for bringing this story to our attention!
Brad Kaster, a self-employed optometrist, will be ready to return to work in a little over a week. That's pretty surprising, since the average back-to-work timeline for a kidney donor is 51 days, and Brad donated his kidney to his father last week. His secret? A brand-new kidney removal procedure, which makes the entire operation possible with just one tiny incision.
In the new procedure, doctors remove the donor's kidney through his or her belly button. According to Kaster, the incision point ". . . is so tiny I'm not getting any pain from it. . . I can't even see it." Still, this tiny space is all the surgeons need to remove the donor's kidney. For the 80,000 Americans awaiting kidney transplants, this is very good news.
So far, only 10 donors have undergone the new procedure, but all of them have recovered well, with just a fraction of the pain previously associated with the surgery.
"Will this decrease the disincentive to (kidney) donation? I think the answer is yes," says Dr. Inderbir S. Gill of the Cleveland Clinic. Let's hope so.
To read more, visit
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-07-17-kidney-bellybutton_N.htm
Special thanks to the Gander for bringing this story to our attention!
Argentine Scientists Devlop Tasty, Healthy Burger
La Plata, Argentina
We Americans have our own love affair with beef, to the tune of 97 lbs consumed by the average individual in 2006. Imagine then the Argentines, who each ate an average of 140 lbs! The tasty diet staple comes with a price, however. Beef's high fat content is a contributing factor to Argentina's high heart disease levels, in addition to other health problems. What's more, healthy alternatives such as soy and fish products - abundant in Argentina - are seldom on the Argentine menu.
In light of all this, scientists at the Center for Research and Development in Food Cryotechnology have spent the past two years in hot pursuit of a new ground beef burger with all the taste and none of the dangers associated with traditional patties. After hundreds of failed attempts, they've finally devised a formula so convincing that it left 40 taste testers hungry for more.
The basic process for developing the new burger was to remove the beef fat from the meat, and replace it with healthier agents such as sunflower oil and fats from seafood. It may not sound appetizing, but according to Alicia Califano, a chemist who helped develop the recipe, "The taste is very similar to a regular hamburger because the oils and fats we've added -- even the seafood oils -- are neutral in taste and smell." She went on to caution, "But if you tried to make a hamburger this lean at home, it would be really hard and dry."
The miracle burgers aren't yet available in stores, as the project's leaders must still negotiate a contract with a mass distributor.
To learn more, visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/14/AR2008071401992.html?hpid=topnews
Thanks to Papa Goose for this story!
We Americans have our own love affair with beef, to the tune of 97 lbs consumed by the average individual in 2006. Imagine then the Argentines, who each ate an average of 140 lbs! The tasty diet staple comes with a price, however. Beef's high fat content is a contributing factor to Argentina's high heart disease levels, in addition to other health problems. What's more, healthy alternatives such as soy and fish products - abundant in Argentina - are seldom on the Argentine menu.
In light of all this, scientists at the Center for Research and Development in Food Cryotechnology have spent the past two years in hot pursuit of a new ground beef burger with all the taste and none of the dangers associated with traditional patties. After hundreds of failed attempts, they've finally devised a formula so convincing that it left 40 taste testers hungry for more.
The basic process for developing the new burger was to remove the beef fat from the meat, and replace it with healthier agents such as sunflower oil and fats from seafood. It may not sound appetizing, but according to Alicia Califano, a chemist who helped develop the recipe, "The taste is very similar to a regular hamburger because the oils and fats we've added -- even the seafood oils -- are neutral in taste and smell." She went on to caution, "But if you tried to make a hamburger this lean at home, it would be really hard and dry."
The miracle burgers aren't yet available in stores, as the project's leaders must still negotiate a contract with a mass distributor.
To learn more, visit http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/14/AR2008071401992.html?hpid=topnews
Thanks to Papa Goose for this story!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Kansas Humane Society Celebrates Special Independence Day
KS, US
The Kansas Humane Society is celebrating July 4th a little late this year, declaring the weekends of the 7th and the 14th to be "Animal Independence Days" and hosting huge adoption events. Being "kitten season," summertime is a traditionally overcrowded time in animal shelters while new pets arrive by the dozens every day, and only a few are adopted.
In an effort to tempt potential pet owners, the Kansas Humane Society has reduced the adoption fees (generally between 45$ and 130$, depending on the pet) to a mere 17.76$. Get it, Independence Day?
The GNG was far from immune to the effects of the event, and this reporter spend a solid 3 hours last Saturday in pursuit of a new furry friend. The good news? Over 40 pets were adopted JUST WHILE I WAS THERE! The cages were emptying out fast as employees and volunteers struggled to meet the demands of hundreds of pet owner hopefuls. It was a great day for the animals, the Humane Society Staff, and the pet owners alike.
Don't tell anyone, but I got the best cat in the joint. Meet Mort, the newest member of the Goose family:
The Kansas Humane Society is celebrating July 4th a little late this year, declaring the weekends of the 7th and the 14th to be "Animal Independence Days" and hosting huge adoption events. Being "kitten season," summertime is a traditionally overcrowded time in animal shelters while new pets arrive by the dozens every day, and only a few are adopted.
In an effort to tempt potential pet owners, the Kansas Humane Society has reduced the adoption fees (generally between 45$ and 130$, depending on the pet) to a mere 17.76$. Get it, Independence Day?
The GNG was far from immune to the effects of the event, and this reporter spend a solid 3 hours last Saturday in pursuit of a new furry friend. The good news? Over 40 pets were adopted JUST WHILE I WAS THERE! The cages were emptying out fast as employees and volunteers struggled to meet the demands of hundreds of pet owner hopefuls. It was a great day for the animals, the Humane Society Staff, and the pet owners alike.
Don't tell anyone, but I got the best cat in the joint. Meet Mort, the newest member of the Goose family:
Readin', Writin', 'Rithmatic... All on the Rise in Baltimore!
Baltimore schools' test scores increased by 'historic' amounts in both reading (11 points) and math (8 points) according to the results of the Maryland School Assessments tests given this year. Fifth, sixth, and seventh graders improved by the largest scores, reversing the usual trend of students lagging behind as they approach middle school.
"There is no way to overemphasize how extraordinary that is," reports city schools chief Andres Alonso (who has been on the job since the beginning of the year), "This just is so incredible."The system is at an all-time high at every grade level in both subjects."
Even more inspiring is the fact that special education students, low-income students and students learning English as a second language had even larger gains than the average.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-te.ci.baltimore15jul15,0,2118177.story
"There is no way to overemphasize how extraordinary that is," reports city schools chief Andres Alonso (who has been on the job since the beginning of the year), "This just is so incredible."The system is at an all-time high at every grade level in both subjects."
Even more inspiring is the fact that special education students, low-income students and students learning English as a second language had even larger gains than the average.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-te.ci.baltimore15jul15,0,2118177.story
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Alaska Fishing Boat Rescues 10 from Volcano
Anchorage, AK, US
After an unpredicted volcano eruption in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, the fishing vessel Tara Gaila was able to rescue 10 people, including three children. No injuries were reported as a result of the eruption.
The 10 people, residents of the Fort Glenn ranch (approximately 6 miles from the volcano) were able to make a cell phone call for help before losing their connection. The coast guard contacted the crew of the Tara Gaila, which immediately sprang into action.
The volcano erupted shortly before noon on Saturday, for the first time since 1997.
For details about the eruption and the rescue, visit http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8861354257340046764
After an unpredicted volcano eruption in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, the fishing vessel Tara Gaila was able to rescue 10 people, including three children. No injuries were reported as a result of the eruption.
The 10 people, residents of the Fort Glenn ranch (approximately 6 miles from the volcano) were able to make a cell phone call for help before losing their connection. The coast guard contacted the crew of the Tara Gaila, which immediately sprang into action.
The volcano erupted shortly before noon on Saturday, for the first time since 1997.
For details about the eruption and the rescue, visit http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8861354257340046764
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Stand Aside, Green Cars
The Ocean
Cars, of course, are what we all think of when hear something like "polluting vehicles." But anyone who has filled up a motorboat's gas tank can tell you that boats guzzle their fare share of fuel too, even if they aren't the daily commuter vehicle of choice. That's why it's nice too see that among all the efforts to develop environmentally friendly automobiles, someone is making a wave-powered boat.
The Suntory Mermaid II, just such a vessel, completed a 4,350 mile journey from Honolulu, Hawaii, to the Kii Channel off Japan's eastern coast on Friday night. The voyage clocked in at 111 days, a bit slower than the 60 days predicted by the design team, perhaps due to unusually calm seas. The Suntory Mermaid II is powered by a special bow-mounted device which uses energy provided by waves to power flipper-like appendages at the stern. With a dolphin kick from each of the two independent flippers, the craft is propelled forward.
To read more about this remarkable voyage, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/science/08wave.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin
Cars, of course, are what we all think of when hear something like "polluting vehicles." But anyone who has filled up a motorboat's gas tank can tell you that boats guzzle their fare share of fuel too, even if they aren't the daily commuter vehicle of choice. That's why it's nice too see that among all the efforts to develop environmentally friendly automobiles, someone is making a wave-powered boat.
The Suntory Mermaid II, just such a vessel, completed a 4,350 mile journey from Honolulu, Hawaii, to the Kii Channel off Japan's eastern coast on Friday night. The voyage clocked in at 111 days, a bit slower than the 60 days predicted by the design team, perhaps due to unusually calm seas. The Suntory Mermaid II is powered by a special bow-mounted device which uses energy provided by waves to power flipper-like appendages at the stern. With a dolphin kick from each of the two independent flippers, the craft is propelled forward.
To read more about this remarkable voyage, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/science/08wave.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin
Friday, July 11, 2008
Brother and Sister Hollocaust Survivors Reunited After 66 Years
The last time Irene Famulak and her little brother Wssewolod Galezkij saw one another was 1942, as he fidgeted while she tried to kiss him goodnight. It may have been long ago, but the memories are painfully acute: it was later that night the Nazis would come into their home in the Ukraine and take the 17 and 7 year old siblings to German labor camps.
Famulak flew to the Ukraine after she was contacted by the American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center, with news that her one surviving sibling had been located. Galezkij, who had to be taken to the hospital after the emotional shock of learning his sister was alive in the US, was filled with joy as he clutched her on the tarmac after 17 years of searching and over six decades of wondering. "I don't believe anyone has ever known such happiness. Now, I truly believe I can die satisfied."
Linda Klein, the director of the American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center, reports that the group has reunited 1,500 families since it began work in 1990, and over 50 families this year alone... all for free. They also help families find information about loved ones who died during the Holocaust. She says the searches can be like "looking for a needle in a haystack... When a connection is made, there are just smiles all around."
for the heartwarming photos and more details about Irene and Wssewolod, here is the original link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/11/holocaust.reunion/index.html
If you have questions about how to volunteer, contact Gabriel Kabik at the.simulacra@gmail.com
Particularly if you are able to translate Polish and other Eastern European languages, contact Jessica Duvall Wodarczyk at 410-624-2092, or mailto:Wodarczyk410-624-2092jduvall@arc-cmc.org
Special thanks to Gabriel Kabik for alerting the GNG to this amazing story.
Famulak flew to the Ukraine after she was contacted by the American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center, with news that her one surviving sibling had been located. Galezkij, who had to be taken to the hospital after the emotional shock of learning his sister was alive in the US, was filled with joy as he clutched her on the tarmac after 17 years of searching and over six decades of wondering. "I don't believe anyone has ever known such happiness. Now, I truly believe I can die satisfied."
Linda Klein, the director of the American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing Center, reports that the group has reunited 1,500 families since it began work in 1990, and over 50 families this year alone... all for free. They also help families find information about loved ones who died during the Holocaust. She says the searches can be like "looking for a needle in a haystack... When a connection is made, there are just smiles all around."
for the heartwarming photos and more details about Irene and Wssewolod, here is the original link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/07/11/holocaust.reunion/index.html
****
If you'd like to help create more happy endings (and more good news!) please feel free to contact the volunteer group which facilitates reunions like this one.
If you'd like to help create more happy endings (and more good news!) please feel free to contact the volunteer group which facilitates reunions like this one.
If you have questions about how to volunteer, contact Gabriel Kabik at the.simulacra@gmail.com
Particularly if you are able to translate Polish and other Eastern European languages, contact Jessica Duvall Wodarczyk at 410-624-2092, or mailto:Wodarczyk410-624-2092jduvall@arc-cmc.org
Special thanks to Gabriel Kabik for alerting the GNG to this amazing story.
Memorandum of Understanding to Improve Working Conditions
The governments of India and Malaysia have come together to fight for workers' rights by composing an official memorandum of understanding (MoU). This document carries significant legislative and psychological power towards helping Indians who are employed in Malaysia by overseeing the regulation of agents and brokers, some of whom extort money from those already struggling for an income. About 130,000 Indian workers are employed in Malaysia, where they are having a positive effect on the Malaysian economy. Both governments hope that this MoU will allow the economic benefits to continue to rise while protecting low-income workers from exploitation.
the original story:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3215855,prtpage-1.cms
more information on MoUs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorandum_of_understanding
the original story:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3215855,prtpage-1.cms
more information on MoUs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorandum_of_understanding
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Pittsburgh Zoo Elephant Gives Birth to Baby Girl
Pittsburgh, PA, US
25 year old Savannah, longtime resident of the Pittsburgh zoo, gave birth to a 200 pound baby girl yesterday, after a grueling 21.5 month pregnancy.
Zoo officials are mum about the baby right now, declining to even reveal her name or her exact weight (200 lbs was a pre-birth estimate) until tomorrow's press conference. Spokeswoman Tracy Gray did comment "She's doing fine right now."
Taking good care of Baby is extremely important right now, as infant mortality in elephants is very common - about 30%. But, if everything goes smoothly, she may be able to come out into the elephant yard in at little as three days.
To read more and see pictures of Baby, visit http://post-gazette.com/pg/08192/896068-53.stm
Thanks to the Gander today for sending in this story.
25 year old Savannah, longtime resident of the Pittsburgh zoo, gave birth to a 200 pound baby girl yesterday, after a grueling 21.5 month pregnancy.
Zoo officials are mum about the baby right now, declining to even reveal her name or her exact weight (200 lbs was a pre-birth estimate) until tomorrow's press conference. Spokeswoman Tracy Gray did comment "She's doing fine right now."
Taking good care of Baby is extremely important right now, as infant mortality in elephants is very common - about 30%. But, if everything goes smoothly, she may be able to come out into the elephant yard in at little as three days.
To read more and see pictures of Baby, visit http://post-gazette.com/pg/08192/896068-53.stm
Thanks to the Gander today for sending in this story.
Rotavirus Vaccine A Success!
Rotavirus is a nasty bug which targets many thousands of infants and young children with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea every year. Though not usually fatal, the disease causes about a week of misery for the patients and their parents. Many patients must be hospitalized.
Making its debut last fall, a vaccine against rotavirusappears to be working well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a substantial reduction (78.5%) of confirmed cases of the disease this past year, compared with the average of the last 15 seasons.
Rather than being an injection like many childhood vaccinations, the rotavirus vaccine is administered orally. It's said to be tolerated very well.
To read more, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/health/research/08prev.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin
Making its debut last fall, a vaccine against rotavirusappears to be working well. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate a substantial reduction (78.5%) of confirmed cases of the disease this past year, compared with the average of the last 15 seasons.
Rather than being an injection like many childhood vaccinations, the rotavirus vaccine is administered orally. It's said to be tolerated very well.
To read more, visit http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/health/research/08prev.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Unlikely Adoption at Artis Zoo
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands
A red panda living at the Artis zoo in Amsterdam gave birth to cubs last month, only to abandon them. According to zoo spokesman Bart Kret, "She left them there, lying in the cold." Red pandas are an endangered species native to China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Burma. In an effort to save the babies, zoo employees kept them in an incubator. But without a mother, the cubs' chances were not good. One of them died last Thursday.
But the other cub has been adopted by an unlikely Mommy; a Dutch house cat. One of the zoo's employees' pet cat gave birth to a littler of kittens not long before the panda cubs were born, and she has graciously allowed the baby panda to sleep, play, and nurse with her own offspring. With luck, the cub will reach adulthood.
Anyone willing to sponsor the baby panda may earn the honor of naming her, according to zoo officials.
For more information, visit http://news.aol.com/story/_a/dutch-house-cat-adopts-red-panda-cub/20080709151909990001
And even if you DON'T want more information, visit that link anyway. There's a picture of a cat nursing a panda!
A red panda living at the Artis zoo in Amsterdam gave birth to cubs last month, only to abandon them. According to zoo spokesman Bart Kret, "She left them there, lying in the cold." Red pandas are an endangered species native to China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Burma. In an effort to save the babies, zoo employees kept them in an incubator. But without a mother, the cubs' chances were not good. One of them died last Thursday.
But the other cub has been adopted by an unlikely Mommy; a Dutch house cat. One of the zoo's employees' pet cat gave birth to a littler of kittens not long before the panda cubs were born, and she has graciously allowed the baby panda to sleep, play, and nurse with her own offspring. With luck, the cub will reach adulthood.
Anyone willing to sponsor the baby panda may earn the honor of naming her, according to zoo officials.
For more information, visit http://news.aol.com/story/_a/dutch-house-cat-adopts-red-panda-cub/20080709151909990001
And even if you DON'T want more information, visit that link anyway. There's a picture of a cat nursing a panda!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Cell Transplantation Helpful for Vitiligo Patients
Stable vitiligo is a skin disorder affecting about 1% of the world's population and is characterized by patches of depigmented skin contrasting against their normal pigmentation. Both because many people incorrectly assume that vitiligo is contagious, and because the patches appear in visible areas such as the face and hands, the psychosocial effects of this disorder can be very significant. The good news is that recent studies counteracted the condition using skin cells taken from normally-pigmented areas of patients' bodies and grafted onto the lighter patches.
Until now, treatment for vitiligo has consisted of ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, which can take a long time and be uncomfortable. Now there is another option, with a great success rate of 73 percent of patients experiencing up to 100% repigmentation after transplantation.
"Melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation is a simple, safe, and effective surgical therapy," Dr. Mulekar, who conducted the studies, reports. "Patients with segmental and focal vitiligo can experience a prolonged disease-free period, which may extend through the rest of their lives."
for more info, check out the link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/10/041019084015.htm
Until now, treatment for vitiligo has consisted of ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, which can take a long time and be uncomfortable. Now there is another option, with a great success rate of 73 percent of patients experiencing up to 100% repigmentation after transplantation.
"Melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation is a simple, safe, and effective surgical therapy," Dr. Mulekar, who conducted the studies, reports. "Patients with segmental and focal vitiligo can experience a prolonged disease-free period, which may extend through the rest of their lives."
for more info, check out the link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/10/041019084015.htm
One Small Step: 15 Year Old Girl Walks for First Time
At birth, Jingle Luis' feet were severely malformed: an extreme case of clubbed feet, hers were upside down and twisted backwards. Walking was impossible without complete reliance on crutches. Because Jingle also suffers from mild spina bifida (a life-shortening spinal cord defect) doctors in the Philippines had found her unqualified for corrective braces or surgery as a child. When a staff physician from the Montefiore Medical Center in New York traveled to the Philippines for a Christian Mission, however, she was discovered and the Bronx hospital agreed to perform the surgery for free! By inserting pins into her feet and slowly turning them, Jingle's doctors were able to correct her condition.
Slipping on a pair of pink and white sneakers (the first shoes she'd ever worn) Jingle then took several steps all on her own. While she'll have to wear support braces for about a year in order for her bones to reset, she is expected to make a full recovery. Move over Jordan... if Jingle doesn't deserve a sneaker sponsorship, nobody does!
For the original story and photos of smiling Jingle, check out this link:
http://news.aol.com/health/story/_a/girl-with-twisted-feet-takes-first-steps/20080703092009990001
Slipping on a pair of pink and white sneakers (the first shoes she'd ever worn) Jingle then took several steps all on her own. While she'll have to wear support braces for about a year in order for her bones to reset, she is expected to make a full recovery. Move over Jordan... if Jingle doesn't deserve a sneaker sponsorship, nobody does!
For the original story and photos of smiling Jingle, check out this link:
http://news.aol.com/health/story/_a/girl-with-twisted-feet-takes-first-steps/20080703092009990001
Monday, July 7, 2008
Happy Monday! Gas is Falling and the Dollar is Rising
It looks like even the US economy came back to work refreshed after the long holiday weekend.
The price of oil fell by up to 5$ per barrel, bringing the price to about $141 (after a record high of $145.29 a barrel last week). In response, investors in the stock market got the confidence boost they needed, rising by 0.63% and strengthening the US dollar.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/07/good-morning--3.html
http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/ats-ap_business13jul07,1,1065115.story
http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/crude_oil_closes_at_new_record_high_price_per_barrel/25960/
The price of oil fell by up to 5$ per barrel, bringing the price to about $141 (after a record high of $145.29 a barrel last week). In response, investors in the stock market got the confidence boost they needed, rising by 0.63% and strengthening the US dollar.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/07/good-morning--3.html
http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/ats-ap_business13jul07,1,1065115.story
http://www.nbc13.com/vtm/news/local/article/crude_oil_closes_at_new_record_high_price_per_barrel/25960/
Friday, July 4, 2008
The Big Guys Make Way for Ducklings
The gradual rise in gray whale populations (good news!) is having a positive effect on other recovering species in the adjacent areas of Puget Sound (more good news!), going so far as to keeping wildlife off the already 60-species-long Endangered Species list (great news!).
Firstly, the UC Davis SeaDoc Society happily reports the growing numbers of gray whales near Sandy Point on Whidbey Island, about 30 miles north of Seattle. As the San Juan Islander explains, "Gray whales suction-feed, sieving out ghost shrimp and other small sea animals from the sea floor. As they eat, the whales create giant pits and stir up clouds of invertebrates, which settle back to the bottom and flourish in the altered landscape left after the whales have passed." That means that the more whales nuzzling around in the bottom of the ocean, the more food there is for birds who dine on what gets brought up. That's a win-win, baby!
Researchers observed sea ducks (surf scoters and white-winged scoters) sticking close by gray whales and diving under the water in their wake. This is important because it's the first time the symbiotic relationship between cetaceans and birds that feed on the sea bottom has been officially documented.
SeaDoc Society Director Joe Gaydos summed up this good news quite well:
“Usually we are trying to deal with endangered species eating other endangered species, so this evidence that the recovery of one species could benefit the recovery of other is a welcome breath of fresh air.”
The SeaDoc Society, "working to ensure the health of marine wildlife and their ecosystems through science and education":
www.seadocsociety.org
for the original story:
http://www.sanjuanislander.com/groups/seadoc/gray-whale.shtml
for lyrics to the song Fish & Bird by Tom Waits, a slightly more romantic, slightly less realistic take on a similar situation:
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Fish-Bird-lyrics-Tom-Waits/C07140AFAD07BE4E48256BBC0027375F
Firstly, the UC Davis SeaDoc Society happily reports the growing numbers of gray whales near Sandy Point on Whidbey Island, about 30 miles north of Seattle. As the San Juan Islander explains, "Gray whales suction-feed, sieving out ghost shrimp and other small sea animals from the sea floor. As they eat, the whales create giant pits and stir up clouds of invertebrates, which settle back to the bottom and flourish in the altered landscape left after the whales have passed." That means that the more whales nuzzling around in the bottom of the ocean, the more food there is for birds who dine on what gets brought up. That's a win-win, baby!
Researchers observed sea ducks (surf scoters and white-winged scoters) sticking close by gray whales and diving under the water in their wake. This is important because it's the first time the symbiotic relationship between cetaceans and birds that feed on the sea bottom has been officially documented.
SeaDoc Society Director Joe Gaydos summed up this good news quite well:
“Usually we are trying to deal with endangered species eating other endangered species, so this evidence that the recovery of one species could benefit the recovery of other is a welcome breath of fresh air.”
The SeaDoc Society, "working to ensure the health of marine wildlife and their ecosystems through science and education":
www.seadocsociety.org
for the original story:
http://www.sanjuanislander.com/groups/seadoc/gray-whale.shtml
for lyrics to the song Fish & Bird by Tom Waits, a slightly more romantic, slightly less realistic take on a similar situation:
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Fish-Bird-lyrics-Tom-Waits/C07140AFAD07BE4E48256BBC0027375F
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Update: Colombian Hostages Free
BOGOTA, Colombia
The freeing of the 15 hostages of the Colombian rebel group FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) has been confirmed. Reunited with their families, the former hostages are all reported to be elated and surprisingly healthy.
The rescue operation, first reported to have been something like a careful negotiation, is now revealed to have been a daring deception! Military rescue personal disguised as FARC members managed to convince the captives' guards that they were transporting the hostages in a helicopter. No one, even the hostages, suspected a rescue mission until they were well on their way to safety. Then the real rebels were overpowered and the hostages were told "We're the national army. . . You're free."
Famed hostage Ingrid Betancourt described the reunion with her family as "Nirvana, paradise — that must be very similar to what I feel at this moment. . . It was because of them that I kept up my will to get out of that jungle."
For the full story, visit http://news.aol.com/story/_a/freed-hostage-reunited-with-children/20080702152709990002
The freeing of the 15 hostages of the Colombian rebel group FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) has been confirmed. Reunited with their families, the former hostages are all reported to be elated and surprisingly healthy.
The rescue operation, first reported to have been something like a careful negotiation, is now revealed to have been a daring deception! Military rescue personal disguised as FARC members managed to convince the captives' guards that they were transporting the hostages in a helicopter. No one, even the hostages, suspected a rescue mission until they were well on their way to safety. Then the real rebels were overpowered and the hostages were told "We're the national army. . . You're free."
Famed hostage Ingrid Betancourt described the reunion with her family as "Nirvana, paradise — that must be very similar to what I feel at this moment. . . It was because of them that I kept up my will to get out of that jungle."
For the full story, visit http://news.aol.com/story/_a/freed-hostage-reunited-with-children/20080702152709990002
"Urban Trails" Get Moving
MICHIGAN
The West Michigan Trails and Greenway Coalition is taking significant steps in order to increase the number of sidewalks, which they refer to as 'urbain trails' in their area. The community has expressed a desire for more sidewalks in order to allow for easier and more extensive circulation for those people in wheelchairs, as well as for the general public to get out of their cars and get walking! The grant's sponsors have been happily surprisd with just how universally supportive the community is. If the Federal Government approves this 'rails to trails' funding, then the residents of West Michigan will gain $50 million dollars to put towards their goal of decreasing people's dependency on cars, clearly a public benefit in this time of increased concern over enviromental issues and Michigan's suffering economy. The Disability Advocates of Kent County also report that they have been very impressed by the reaction of the community in favor of making the town more accessible for handicapped citizens.
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/07/grant_sought_for_urban_trails.html
The West Michigan Trails and Greenway Coalition is taking significant steps in order to increase the number of sidewalks, which they refer to as 'urbain trails' in their area. The community has expressed a desire for more sidewalks in order to allow for easier and more extensive circulation for those people in wheelchairs, as well as for the general public to get out of their cars and get walking! The grant's sponsors have been happily surprisd with just how universally supportive the community is. If the Federal Government approves this 'rails to trails' funding, then the residents of West Michigan will gain $50 million dollars to put towards their goal of decreasing people's dependency on cars, clearly a public benefit in this time of increased concern over enviromental issues and Michigan's suffering economy. The Disability Advocates of Kent County also report that they have been very impressed by the reaction of the community in favor of making the town more accessible for handicapped citizens.
http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/07/grant_sought_for_urban_trails.html
New Silver Dollar First US Coin with Braille
Dallas, TX, US
In the spring of next year, a special new silver dollar will be available. The coin is to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille's birthday. Braille, of course, is the inventor of the tactile alphabet used by the blind.
The coin will feature Braille's portrait beneath the word "Liberty" on one side, with a picture of a schoolboy reading Braille with a crane perched on his arm on the other. Also, above the boy, will be the Braille character for "Braille," making this coin the first of its kind. While all US coins are recognizable to the blind by their size and texture, none yet have actual Braille characters printed on them.
"This is going to put Braille in front of people in a very dramatic way," said Chris Danielson, a spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind. NFB Executive Director Mark Riccobono said "It really expresses the hopes, the dreams and the independent spirit."
To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/02/braille.coin.ap/index.html
In the spring of next year, a special new silver dollar will be available. The coin is to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Louis Braille's birthday. Braille, of course, is the inventor of the tactile alphabet used by the blind.
The coin will feature Braille's portrait beneath the word "Liberty" on one side, with a picture of a schoolboy reading Braille with a crane perched on his arm on the other. Also, above the boy, will be the Braille character for "Braille," making this coin the first of its kind. While all US coins are recognizable to the blind by their size and texture, none yet have actual Braille characters printed on them.
"This is going to put Braille in front of people in a very dramatic way," said Chris Danielson, a spokesman for the National Federation of the Blind. NFB Executive Director Mark Riccobono said "It really expresses the hopes, the dreams and the independent spirit."
To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/02/braille.coin.ap/index.html
Puppy Mill Refugees on Their Way to Safe Homes
FLORIDA
Over 100 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Tennessee, where they were found living in abominable conditions, were successfully transported to a Humane Society Facility in southern Florida. Over 1000 people then lined up in order to adopt these puppies and give them a new chance at a happy life.
the Update:
http://www.local10.com/family/16767513/detail.html
the original story:
http://www.local10.com/news/16744036/detail.html
Over 100 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Tennessee, where they were found living in abominable conditions, were successfully transported to a Humane Society Facility in southern Florida. Over 1000 people then lined up in order to adopt these puppies and give them a new chance at a happy life.
the Update:
http://www.local10.com/family/16767513/detail.html
the original story:
http://www.local10.com/news/16744036/detail.html
Angel at the Post Office
Tuscon, AZ, US
If you're a big fan of the "Best of Craigslist," you may already know this story. It's not a brand new bit of news. In fact, I read it months before the GNG was created. However, I remembered this story this morning and felt compelled to pass it along. From the Best of Craigslist, by an anonymous poster in Tuscon, AZ:
"This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a kind soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service. Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God"
For a picture of Meredith and Abbey, visit the original post at http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/tus/487665904.html
If you're a big fan of the "Best of Craigslist," you may already know this story. It's not a brand new bit of news. In fact, I read it months before the GNG was created. However, I remembered this story this morning and felt compelled to pass it along. From the Best of Craigslist, by an anonymous poster in Tuscon, AZ:
"This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a kind soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service. Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God, Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God"
For a picture of Meredith and Abbey, visit the original post at http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/tus/487665904.html
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Hostages Rescued, Colombia Reports
Bogota, Columbia
15 hostages of Colombian rebel groups have reportedly been rescued by the Colombian military. Among the rescued are three Americans, former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and eleven Colombian soldiers and police officers. Some of them have been held captive for years. Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian Defense Minister, says no one was hurt during the rescue operation. Instead, soldiers captured some of the rebels guarding the hostages and convinced them to talk their comrades into freeing the captives.
Residing in Paris, Bentacourt's son Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt says his mother's release after six years, "if true, the most beautiful news of [his] life."
Read the full story at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,375481,00.html
15 hostages of Colombian rebel groups have reportedly been rescued by the Colombian military. Among the rescued are three Americans, former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and eleven Colombian soldiers and police officers. Some of them have been held captive for years. Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian Defense Minister, says no one was hurt during the rescue operation. Instead, soldiers captured some of the rebels guarding the hostages and convinced them to talk their comrades into freeing the captives.
Residing in Paris, Bentacourt's son Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt says his mother's release after six years, "if true, the most beautiful news of [his] life."
Read the full story at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,375481,00.html
Public Saftey Increasing in Formerly War-torn Kosovo
KOSOVO, BALKANS
The Independent Republic of Kosovo, where for centuries opposing ethnic clans have been waging war against one another, was commended for its improvements in public saftey in a recent report issued by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The Chief of OSCE in Kosovo, Tim Guildmann, reports that "the general opinion regarding the work and responsibility of the security public organs is very good."
Kosovo borders Albania to the west, Central Serbia to the north and east, the Republic of Macedonia to the south, and Montenegro to the northwest. While violent unrest was still a major problem as recently as 2004, Kosovo issued its own declaration of independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. This weekend as we in the States are celebrating our own independence, it's nice to know that other war-fatigued countries are also feeling the positive effects of peace, liberty, and justice for all.
The original link:
http://www.newkosovareport.com/200807021010/Society/OSCE-Kosovo-public-safety-improving.html
To see just how important this improvement is, a look at where they're coming from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unrest_in_Kosovo
The Independent Republic of Kosovo, where for centuries opposing ethnic clans have been waging war against one another, was commended for its improvements in public saftey in a recent report issued by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
The Chief of OSCE in Kosovo, Tim Guildmann, reports that "the general opinion regarding the work and responsibility of the security public organs is very good."
Kosovo borders Albania to the west, Central Serbia to the north and east, the Republic of Macedonia to the south, and Montenegro to the northwest. While violent unrest was still a major problem as recently as 2004, Kosovo issued its own declaration of independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. This weekend as we in the States are celebrating our own independence, it's nice to know that other war-fatigued countries are also feeling the positive effects of peace, liberty, and justice for all.
The original link:
http://www.newkosovareport.com/200807021010/Society/OSCE-Kosovo-public-safety-improving.html
To see just how important this improvement is, a look at where they're coming from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unrest_in_Kosovo
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Kidnapped Kansas Woman Returned Safely to Family
Viola, KS, US
48 year-old Joyce Patterson was kidnapped from the convenience store where she worked last Monday afternoon. Her personal things were left at the General Station Country Store, and the cash register had been emptied. There was no sign of a struggle. The ice in Joyce's drink had not yet melted when she was discovered missing.
For days, family, friends and neighbors held out hope that Joyce would be returned to them, though authorities admitted that it could be a "worst-case scenario."
In a miraculous change of events, Patterson's unidentified captor dropped her off at her Pastor's home at around 10:30pm on Thursday. Apparently the kidnapper was moved by the pleas on the local news for Joyce's safe return. Although the man remains at large, Joyce has been safely returned to her family. She is fully cooperating with police and providing them with as much information as she can, despite having been blindfolded and tied up for most of her ordeal.
To read more about the kidnapping case, visit http://www.kansas.com/213/story/447950.html
48 year-old Joyce Patterson was kidnapped from the convenience store where she worked last Monday afternoon. Her personal things were left at the General Station Country Store, and the cash register had been emptied. There was no sign of a struggle. The ice in Joyce's drink had not yet melted when she was discovered missing.
For days, family, friends and neighbors held out hope that Joyce would be returned to them, though authorities admitted that it could be a "worst-case scenario."
In a miraculous change of events, Patterson's unidentified captor dropped her off at her Pastor's home at around 10:30pm on Thursday. Apparently the kidnapper was moved by the pleas on the local news for Joyce's safe return. Although the man remains at large, Joyce has been safely returned to her family. She is fully cooperating with police and providing them with as much information as she can, despite having been blindfolded and tied up for most of her ordeal.
To read more about the kidnapping case, visit http://www.kansas.com/213/story/447950.html
Drinking Water on Its Way!
OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO
The government of Burkina Faso, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency have come together in a thirst quenching trifecta dedicated to improving the supply of drinking water in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso.
When completed, Project Ziga, as the venture is named, will bring the level of potable water to 30,000 cubic meters per day, as well as extending the radius of areas able to reach that water.
For the orginal link, check out:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/01/content_8469060.htm
and if the thought of living in an area where drinkable water isn't readily available in the blazing summer sun has you wondering what you can do to help, check out this site, with helpful water conservation tips:
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/
The government of Burkina Faso, European Investment Bank and French Development Agency have come together in a thirst quenching trifecta dedicated to improving the supply of drinking water in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso.
When completed, Project Ziga, as the venture is named, will bring the level of potable water to 30,000 cubic meters per day, as well as extending the radius of areas able to reach that water.
For the orginal link, check out:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/01/content_8469060.htm
and if the thought of living in an area where drinkable water isn't readily available in the blazing summer sun has you wondering what you can do to help, check out this site, with helpful water conservation tips:
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/
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