On The Lighter Side

by Mike

Onto to the lighter side we go once more and we start in Australia where an unusual way to reduce greenhouse gasses has been found.

Australian scientists are trying to give kangaroo-style stomachs to cattle and sheep in a bid to reduce the risk of global warming.

Apparently Kangaroos have a special bacteria in their stomach which means that their flatulence contains no methane and no scientists want to give the same bacteria to cattle and sheep who emit large quantities of the harmful gas.

Fourteen percent of emissions from all sources in Australia is from enteric methane from cattle and sheep.

Athol Klieve, a senior research scientist with the Queensland state government.

However while this could help farmers in the fight against drought, it may be three years before the bacteria can be isolated.

Moving on to the United States and their beleaguered, and possibly beloved, President George W Bush made a faux pas in a meeting with White House administration officials.

US homeowners who could face crippling mortgage payments were given a number to call by Mr Bush if they were seeking help in reducing their debt.

I have a message for every homeowner worried about rising mortgage payments: The best you can do for your family is to call 1-800-995-HOPE.

George W Bush

Unfortunately the number was meant to be 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). Calls to the number Bush gave out were met with a busy signal

And finally, you’ve heard of SatNav? Well now there’s SatLav, a service that has started in London for when you can’t wait until you get home!

An SMS-based toilet-finding option was launched by Westminster City Council. It promises to guide Londoners and tourists to their nearest public lavatory.

When I’m out with friends we’re always ducking into McDonalds or department stores to use their loos but we feel a bit bad about it. I thought a text service would be really useful for people on the move.

Gail Knight, a student and creator of SatLav

The City Council hopes this will cut down on public urination in the streets

Sunday, December 9th, 2007 and is filed under Thoughts & Questions, Views on News.