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
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
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/
Monday, June 30, 2008
Florida Biologist Rescues a Bear
Apalachihola, FLA, US
Fish and wildlife authorities were summoned to a quiet neighborhood near Alligator Point, FLA, last Saturday to investigate reports of a wild bear roaming the streets. Indeed, a 375 lb male black bear was discovered in the town, and quickly shot with a tranquilizer dart. The beast, however, managed to lumber off into the Gulf of Mexico before succumbing to the dart's drug, putting itself in imminent danger of drowning.
Adam Warwick, fish and wildlife biologist, didn't hesitate to come to the helpless animal's rescue. Rushing into the sea, he managed to wrestle the huge body back to shore, where it was hoisted on to a truck and safely relocated to Osceola National Forest.
Fish and wildlife authorities were summoned to a quiet neighborhood near Alligator Point, FLA, last Saturday to investigate reports of a wild bear roaming the streets. Indeed, a 375 lb male black bear was discovered in the town, and quickly shot with a tranquilizer dart. The beast, however, managed to lumber off into the Gulf of Mexico before succumbing to the dart's drug, putting itself in imminent danger of drowning.
Adam Warwick, fish and wildlife biologist, didn't hesitate to come to the helpless animal's rescue. Rushing into the sea, he managed to wrestle the huge body back to shore, where it was hoisted on to a truck and safely relocated to Osceola National Forest.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
After Half a Century, Legendary Pranksters Come Forward
University of Cambridge, UK
It was June of 1958 when the students and staff of Cambridge University awoke to the greatest stunt and mystery they had ever seen: a car parked on the apex of he Senate House roof. Police and city officials were bamboozled, and failed in every attempt to get the car back down. Eventually, it was blow-torched in to pieces and removed bit by bit. Over the years, no one was able to solve the mystery of how the Austin Seven had gotten there. Only the Dean of Caius, Rev Hugh Montefiore, had a feeling he knew the culprits, and rather than turning them in, he sent them a case of champagne.
Now, 50 years later, the group of 12 engineering students lead by Peter Davey has come forth at their class reunion. At long last, they've revealed the secret of how they hoisted the Austin Seven to the top of the 70-ft building using scaffolding, some steel rope, and a couple of pretty girls to distract any passersby who became suspicious. The groups only regret? That the car wasn't left as a monument for all too see.
Read the full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1030091/Revealed-50-years-The-secret-greatest-student-prank.html
It was June of 1958 when the students and staff of Cambridge University awoke to the greatest stunt and mystery they had ever seen: a car parked on the apex of he Senate House roof. Police and city officials were bamboozled, and failed in every attempt to get the car back down. Eventually, it was blow-torched in to pieces and removed bit by bit. Over the years, no one was able to solve the mystery of how the Austin Seven had gotten there. Only the Dean of Caius, Rev Hugh Montefiore, had a feeling he knew the culprits, and rather than turning them in, he sent them a case of champagne.
Now, 50 years later, the group of 12 engineering students lead by Peter Davey has come forth at their class reunion. At long last, they've revealed the secret of how they hoisted the Austin Seven to the top of the 70-ft building using scaffolding, some steel rope, and a couple of pretty girls to distract any passersby who became suspicious. The groups only regret? That the car wasn't left as a monument for all too see.
Read the full story at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1030091/Revealed-50-years-The-secret-greatest-student-prank.html
Friday, June 27, 2008
Non-Profit Organization Comes to Farmers' Rescue
Ellendale, ND
North Dakota farmer Richard Olson feared for his family's livelihood when he suffered a debilitating accident last year. Without being physically able to plant the farm's crops, Olson faced the prospect of renting out their land and loosing the farm forever.
Thanks to Bill Gross, professional UPS pilot, that didn't happen. In his spare time, Gross runs an organization to help struggling farmers like Olson to make it through the year. Gross, who grew up on a farm, recalls how different farming used to be: "Years ago, when there was an accident or an injury, neighbors would usually come and help each other. Nowadays, there are fewer family farms and fewer children on those farms, and it's just not as easy for neighbors to help one another anymore." It's no wonder, when you consider that the number of farms in the US has dropped 67% since 1910.
Gross's organization, Farm Rescue, aids families like the Olsons by helping with the planting and harvesting - not by giving handouts. Says Gross, "We don't give out money to farmers, this is not a handout or a bailout for any farm family. It's just to help them through the year so they can continue." And it's working. Of the 60 or so farmers Farm Rescue has helped, "[m]ost of [their] cases are success stories where [they] help the family out and the next year they're able to do it on their own."
Read the full story at http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/06/25/heroes.gross/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
North Dakota farmer Richard Olson feared for his family's livelihood when he suffered a debilitating accident last year. Without being physically able to plant the farm's crops, Olson faced the prospect of renting out their land and loosing the farm forever.
Thanks to Bill Gross, professional UPS pilot, that didn't happen. In his spare time, Gross runs an organization to help struggling farmers like Olson to make it through the year. Gross, who grew up on a farm, recalls how different farming used to be: "Years ago, when there was an accident or an injury, neighbors would usually come and help each other. Nowadays, there are fewer family farms and fewer children on those farms, and it's just not as easy for neighbors to help one another anymore." It's no wonder, when you consider that the number of farms in the US has dropped 67% since 1910.
Gross's organization, Farm Rescue, aids families like the Olsons by helping with the planting and harvesting - not by giving handouts. Says Gross, "We don't give out money to farmers, this is not a handout or a bailout for any farm family. It's just to help them through the year so they can continue." And it's working. Of the 60 or so farmers Farm Rescue has helped, "[m]ost of [their] cases are success stories where [they] help the family out and the next year they're able to do it on their own."
Read the full story at http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/06/25/heroes.gross/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Thursday, June 26, 2008
After 8 "Deaths," Kristy Sanderson Looks Forward to Sweet 16
15 year-old Kristy Sanderson must be part feline, because she's living her ninth life. Born with serious heart problems, she was expected to live only a few weeks. Doctors attempted open-heart surgery on the infant with disastrous results; she died a total of 8 times on the operating table. Miraculously, the surgeons were able to resuscitate baby Kristy and fit her with the world's tiniest pacemaker.
Kristy's had to have the pacemaker changed out a few times since then. And, for the rest of her life, she'll have to get a new one every 8-10 years. Still, says the teen, "There’s barely a day that goes by when I don’t think how lucky I am to be alive."
Kristy is able to lead a normal life, and is looking forward to her 16th birthday.
Read the full story at http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/49709/Sweet-16-the-girl-who-died-8-times-as-a-baby
Kristy's had to have the pacemaker changed out a few times since then. And, for the rest of her life, she'll have to get a new one every 8-10 years. Still, says the teen, "There’s barely a day that goes by when I don’t think how lucky I am to be alive."
Kristy is able to lead a normal life, and is looking forward to her 16th birthday.
Read the full story at http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/49709/Sweet-16-the-girl-who-died-8-times-as-a-baby
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
3 year-old Successfully Calls 911 for Ailing Mother
Guthrie, OK
3 year-old Madelyn Eaves knew just what to do when her mommy fell down in a faint, thanks to a simple song she'd been taught: "911, green!" Her mother, 24 year-old Jessica Eaves, suffers from vasovagal syncope, a condition which causes her to faint regularly. By itself, the condition is not life-threatening. However, Ms. Eaves is three months pregnant, and even a slight fall could be hazardous to her health and the baby's. That's why, just a week before she fainted, Ms. Eaves taught her daughter the simple lyrics "911, green!" and showed her how to press the number buttons, followed by the green button on her BlackBerry phone. 911 operators were able to reach the house by asking little Madelyn questions about her house and the cars parked nearby. What a clever mommy and daughter combo!
To learn more, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,371229,00.html
3 year-old Madelyn Eaves knew just what to do when her mommy fell down in a faint, thanks to a simple song she'd been taught: "911, green!" Her mother, 24 year-old Jessica Eaves, suffers from vasovagal syncope, a condition which causes her to faint regularly. By itself, the condition is not life-threatening. However, Ms. Eaves is three months pregnant, and even a slight fall could be hazardous to her health and the baby's. That's why, just a week before she fainted, Ms. Eaves taught her daughter the simple lyrics "911, green!" and showed her how to press the number buttons, followed by the green button on her BlackBerry phone. 911 operators were able to reach the house by asking little Madelyn questions about her house and the cars parked nearby. What a clever mommy and daughter combo!
To learn more, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,371229,00.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
