Inspirational and good news.
According to the Brazilian AIDS Programme (as reported in the economist), condom use among young people in Brazil at first sexual intercourse has gone up from 5% in 1986, to 55% in 1998, to 65% in 2003.
This is good to hear because Brazil’s anti-AIDS campaign has been replicated elsewhere. Let’s hope for similar successes!
Residents of Denver recently voted to legalize possession of marijuana in the amount of 1 oz or less. That’s legalize, mind you, not just decriminalize. 54% of voters were in favour of the ordinance.
The main argument by those in support was that marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol, as far as recreational drug use goes.
Drug offenders in the US are generally charged under state or federal laws, so this measure may have no real official meaning; but Denver police will presumably not feel too compelled to make any arrests on the matter.
Pakistan is postponing the purchase of American F-16 fighter planes because the money can be better spent on helping victims of the recent earthquake.
It is predicated that rebuilding the earthquake damaged area will cost up to $5 Billion, a single F-16 costs 18.8 million.
A “really exciting discovery” has been made by some scientists. The gene that is responsible for kick-starting a new life form into existence has been identified.
When sperm and an egg meet the sperm must change\, and it is that transformation that has been studied. All life-forms basically have to go through the same process so this discovery can be used throughout the study of biology.
Well not the salmon themselves per say, but in the hit series Boston Public where over 15 million viewers recently watched an episode which spoke about the issues of salmon farming and its effects on wild salmon populations. Using humour and drama, the hit series had three clear messages including how sea lice from salmon farms are threatening BC’s wild salmon, solutions to the problem and how to learn if you are in fact eating farmed salmon at a restaurant or from a fish market.
From the show…….
Alan Shore: Oh my God. This book! The Stain Upon the Sea. It’s all about these sea lice.
Denny Crane: Interesting.
Alan Shore: They call them cling-ons.
Denny Crane: Did you say Klingons?
Alan Shore: They really could wipe out salmon if something isn’t done.
It’s nice to see television making statements that can help spread awareness on important issues such as these. To learn more about the impacts of salmon farms on the natural environment you can check out this site.