High Bacteria Levels in Meat at U.S.

"High bacteria levels in meat at U.S. stores: report," by Aman Ali. April 15, 2011.

About 96% of raw meat observed in grocery stores contained bacteria that were resistant to one certain antibiotic and 52% to three or more types. This is a great concern because it is one of the greatest threats to our public health today.

Black Hole on Earth

"Satellite Photographs 'Black Hole' on Earth," by OurAmazingPlanet. April 15, 2011.

The Kompsat-2 took shots on an island in Mexico with photos that appeared to be a "black hole" called the Holbox. The freshwater lagoon surrounding the area makes the water appear black, hence the reason for it being named "Holbox," which is the Mayan translation for "black hole."

Hotter than Ghost Chili Peppers

"New chili pepper crowned world’s hottest," by Brett Michael Dykes. April 12, 2011.





A new chili pepper came into town, and his name is the "Trinidad Scorpion Butch T." It's Scoville rating is at a whopping 1.46 million. If you ever dare to eat such a monster, good luck defecating.

Illegal Immigrants Charged up to $60,000 for Fake Marriage Papers

"Illegal immigrants were charged up to $60,000 for fake marriage papers, authorities allege," by Robert J. Lopez. April 7, 2011.

Three people were arrested for arranging fake marriages for illegal immigrants, and were charged up to $60,000. The three suspects own "an immigration-consulting business that caters primarily to Indian nationals who sought marriage certificates and work visas, according to federal authorities."

Is it Worth $700 per Month?

"Simple life in Manhattan: A 90-square-foot home," by Kirsten Dirksen. April 7, 2011.



Felice Cohen’s apartment is a mere 90 square-feet, and she seems to be perfectly fine with the way things are. Extreme frugal living, I must say. She claims that she pretty much has everything she wants and needs, including occasional trips to the gym and Central Park. When she first moved in, she had a bit of a panic attack because of the very small bed to ceiling ratio. Felice has been living in the small apartment for about three years so far.

California Anti-illegal Immigration Bills Die

"California anti-illegal immigration bills die," by Cindy Carcamo. April 6, 2011.

 The bills AB26 and AB1018, inspired by Arizona's recent anti-illegal immigration law SB1070, were rejected by a 7 to 3 vote by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. If they had been passed, AB26 would have allowed file lawsuits against any local government providing safe havens for illegal immigrants, and the AB1018 would have required all state agencies to use a federal verification program to ensure that the person was eligible for state-funded benefits.

Florida Pastor Burns Quran

"Florida paster burns Quran," posted by Letters editor. April 4, 2011.



A Florida pastor named Terry Jones burned a Quran on March 20. He has received a lot of death threats, and is willing to die for what he did and will continue to do. Jones is also armed with a gun for self-defense.