July 30 2010

Heroic Dogs reunited with veteran

Three dogs save 50 American lives in Afghanistan when they started barking and biting a suicide bomber. Now these dogs are reunited with serviceman who became their friend. A heartwarming story of Man’s Best Friend:

Heroic Afghan Dog Reunited with U.S. Soldier (CBS Evening News)

May 25 2010

Texting While Driving PSA in the UK

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Texting while driving is a huge problem, particularly among teens. The UK decided to create a four-minute public service announcement that is incredibly graphic. This PSA has reached the United States and its message couldn’t be more clear. Driving while distracted can be incredibly dangerous. Check out the PSA below:

March 11 2010

The most profitable exorcism

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buzzAvie Woodbury of New Zealand recently came into a small fortune after hosting an online auction to rid her home of a few bottled spirits (no, not booze!). Avie said that two ghosts, one older gentleman and a younger female, were captured in two jars of holy water when an exorcism was performed on her residence. Since the exorcism, there have been no signs of paranormal activity in her home, but Woodbury really wanted to get rid of the reminders. She figured someone out there may want to “play with them”. After posting the two jars on Trade Me, a cigarette company, Safer Smoke NZ, purchased them for NZ$2,830 or $1,395. Avis says the proceeds will go to an animal charity once she paid her exorcist fees.

BBC: ‘Bottled ghosts’ sold in New Zealand auction

March 09 2010

Woman in China Grows Horn

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buzzZhang Ruifang, a 101-year-old woman in China has developed a growth on her forehead that strongly resembles a horn similar to those found on goats. The horn is approximately 6cm on the left side of her forehead. While doctors appear to be stumped, there may be a simple explanation to the horn-like feature: a cutaneous horn. The horn is made of keratin and is sometimes found in elderly individuals who are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.

For additional information, see: Woman grows 6 cm horn on forehead

January 13 2010

Tragedy in Haiti

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On Tuesday, January 11 2009, a massive 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The quake was followed by two strong aftershocks with 5.9 and 5.5 magnitudes, compounding the devastation of the original rumble. There are fears that hundreds of thousands may be dead, but the extent of the damage is still uncertain.

This is Haiti’s works quake in two centuries. The quake hit hard south of the capital at Port-au-Prince, destroying the presidential palace, the UN headquarters and other buildings. The Red Cross estimates that up to three million people have been affected by the disaster.

Haiti’s envoy to the US approximates that the cost of the damage runs in the billions of dollars. A number of nations including the US, UK, and Venezuela, are preparing to send aid as quickly as possible.

Immediately following the quake, phone lines in Haiti began to fail. There is no official word on the number of casualties and the extent of the damage is only now being assessed as dawn breaks.

Some speculation has been occurring from various nations. China has indicated that eight of its peacekeepers are buried and feared dead. Another ten peacekeepers are unaccounted for. The Jordanian army has been quoted saying that three of its peacekeepers have been killed and at least 21 wounded. The Brazilian army lists four of its peacekeepers as deceased and a large number of them are missing. A French official has stated that about 200 people went missing in the Hotel Montana, a popular tourist attraction, which collapsed in the quake.

As is familiar in many natural disasters, there were reports of looting occurring overnight. The capital was in total darkness, making it an easy target for criminals.

Bodies covered in white dust have been seen piled into the back of pick-up trucks as groups tried to get injured individuals to the hospital.

Haiti has suffered several natural disasters recently including four hurricanes and other storms in 2008 that killed hundreds of people. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

For a visual of the aftermath of the Haiti quake and the disaster it has wrought, check out the video from CBS news below.

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