Contents
Nature and Nurture
Camel Beauty Contests
Claudia
Naomi
Furry Crabs and Noisy Children
This is not a furry crab
Following on from the maritime theme on our Spotlight Page we bring you the amazing news that the Census of Marine Life which has been taking place over the last decade has discovered more than 5,000 new species. These include a bizarre hairy crab that has warranted the creation of a whole new family designation. The furry Kiwa hirsute was discovered near Easter Island. Another finding that was highlighted by scientists working on the project was the discovery of a sponge which produces chemicals with anti-cancer properties. Dr Pomponi from the project (scientists really do have the best names!) is quoted as saying “
Adaptation to life in the sea has resulted in the production of chemicals that not even the most advanced computer program can produce. Mother nature still produces the best chemicals”. Well yes, even though some computer programs really do stink….
It was hard to know whether to laugh or cry when we came across this story. Sign of the times? In Berlin local government has now passed an amendment to city law which makes it legal for children to make a noise while playing. Germany has strict laws on excessive noise pollution, and until recently the only exemptions were for church bells, emergency sirens, snow ploughs and tractors. Many kindergartens, day care facilities and schools experienced problems due to residents complaining about the level of noise in local playgrounds. Some facilities have even had to close as a result of court actions. The new amendment now makes it “fundamentally socially tolerable” for children to shout while playing. A spokesperson is quoted as saying “We live in a city and children should be allowed to play and make noise”. Absolutely! And just in case you think we’re being culturally specific, try reading through the list of things that you are not allowed to do on the notice that welcomes you to have ‘fun’ on Brighton pier in the UK. ‘Hey, teacher….’
Can your Cat do that? And Interesting Hairdressers
Following on from the maritime theme on our Spotlight Page we bring you the amazing news that the Census of Marine Life which has been taking place over the last decade has discovered more than 5,000 new species. These include a bizarre hairy crab that has warranted the creation of a whole new family designation. The furry Kiwa hirsute was discovered near Easter Island. Another finding that was highlighted by scientists working on the project was the discovery of a sponge which produces chemicals with anti-cancer properties. Dr Pomponi from the project (scientists really do have the best names!) is quoted as saying “Adaptation to life in the sea has resulted in the production of chemicals that not even the most advanced computer program can produce. Mother nature still produces the best chemicals”. Well yes, even though some computer programs really do stink….
It was hard to know whether to laugh or cry when we came across this story. Sign of the times? In Berlin local government has now passed an amendment to city law which makes it legal for children to make a noise while playing. Germany has strict laws on excessive noise pollution, and until recently the only exemptions were for church bells, emergency sirens, snow ploughs and tractors. Many kindergartens, day care facilities and schools experienced problems due to residents complaining about the level of noise in local playgrounds. Some facilities have even had to close as a result of court actions. The new amendment now makes it “fundamentally socially tolerable” for children to shout while playing. A spokesperson is quoted as saying “We live in a city and children should be allowed to play and make noise”. Absolutely! And just in case you think we’re being culturally specific, try reading through the list of things that you are not allowed to do on the notice that welcomes you to have ‘fun’ on Brighton pier in the UK. ‘Hey, teacher….’
