Monday, April 12, 2010

Possible new Necropolis found

Greco-Roman mummy, tombs uncovered in Egypt oasis
New mummies found! Yeah:

(Reuters) - Egyptian archaeologists carrying out excavations at the site of a planned youth center have found 14 tombs dating back to the third century BC, including one with a female mummy adorned with jewelry.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Steve Irwin must be rolling in his grave!

Sarah Palin hosting a wildlife show on the Discovery Channel? When I first heard that, I thought it was something that belonged in the hoax archive at Snopes. But no, it's true.

It's dumbfounding that a network whose programing centers so much on science and the environment would provide a venue for such a polarizing figure, more concerned with spouting falsehoods to cement her "maverick" reputation and double her speaking fees.

As recently pointed out in a stinging commentary by Rachel Maddow (short version and transcript here, extended video here), there's alarming growth in a particular form of political dialog which relies on easily demonstrable falshood. For example, Palin and other opponents of Health Insurance reform have touted "death panels" (no such thing exists) and "a government takeover of health care" In fact, there's nothing even remotely "death panel" in the bill. As to a 'takeover' of heath care'--there's not even a public option in the legislation!

What the hell is going on here? Does the Discovery Channel feel it's too left-leaning in its programming? True, some people out there feel facts have a liberal bias. Maybe we need some shows produced by the Creation Museum?

If you wish to get involved, Defenders of Wildlife and ThePetitionSite have online petitions voicing strong concern about TLC/Discovery Channel's programming.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Visit to the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary

A group of us (including GreenGhost) spent a great day this weekend at the Woodstock Animal Sanctuary, just outside of Woodstock, NY. From the website:

...Surrounded by the Catskill Mountains in the town made famous for peace and music, Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary provides shelter to cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks and geese who have been rescued from cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment...

One of the most amazing things was how friendly the animals were. Once they get liberated from factory farm situations--or some other horribly abusive situation--they soon recognise humans as their friends. Check out "The Tale of Two Piggies" to get an idea of the great work the folks at the WFAS are doing: