Silly Banz BANNED

Schools across the nation are banning "Silly Bandz," rubber bracelets that are popular around school kids. Teachers claim that they are "a nuisance," distracting children and teens from their school work. Each bracelet is a different color and shape (there are pigs, stockings, hearts, stars, and more). These bands retail around $5, for a pack of 24. The company that produces "Silly Bandz," is already brainstorming new bracelets that are school-friendly. This includes clear bands that cannot be seen by teachers and glow in the dark.

Tobacco "Candy" poisoning children

Tobacco "Candy," in the form of pellets for adults, is finding it's way into unsuspecting infants' mouths. These pellets are supposed to reduce adults' cravings for nicotine, but when taken by a child, could have the opposite effect. They contain 1 mm of nicotine, a small amount, but enough to cause a child to become nauseous or vomit. If children come in contact with numerous pellets, the effects could be fatal. Although the containers are child-proof, they are difficult enough to open that adults may leave some lying around, so they are more easily accessible. Between 2006 and 2008, 13,705 children under the age of six discovered and were poisoned by some sort of tobacco product. Although parents should be more observant of their children, the tobacco company shouldn't be selling products that are potentially harmful if injested.

Go Barefoot on April 8th

Across the United States, people are coming together on April 8th to support the less fortunate. And how are they doing this, you may ask? By going barefoot. By doing this, we are bringing awareness to people who cannot afford simple possessions, such as shoes. It seems like such a small thing, just shoes, you may think. But shoes protect your feet, and without them, adults and children alike are more susceptible to diseases. So join the alliance and go without your treasured footwear for one day- April 8th. For more information, visit www.onedaywithoutshoes.com.

Corpse flying First Class?

Two women from London were arrested for trying to smuggle a deceased man onto a plane bound for Germany. They pushed the corpse, sporting dark sunglasses, through Liverpool's airport in a wheelchair. A check-in staff member became suspicious and reported the women. They were arrested under "suspicion of failing to give notification of a death" and were released later that day. The 91-year-old deceased man's cause of death still remains unknown.

Chinese Coal Ship leaking Oil, Endangering reefs.

A Chinese coal ship has been left stranded near the Australian Great Barrier Reef, feverously leaking oil. Many speculate that this is effecting the coral reefs, which are already endangered as it is. The ship's engine and rudder are damaged, therefore it cannot be moved to shore easily. There are 975 tons of fuel on board, which could affect many marine species, including turtles, dugongs, marine birds, and the coral reefs.

Little People's Kingdom of Dwarfs

In southwest China, there is a small theme park titled "Little People's Kingdom of Dwarfs." It is filled with dwarfs, in costumes, performing shows for eager tourists. In a way, it's almost like the circus for small people. It has come under a great deal of criticism. People wonder whether it is demeaning to dwarfs. But, the people who work there are content because it supplies them with a job that they may not have, due to their abnormally short height.

Death of Coral Reefs could lead to chaos

Scientists have been led to believe that the extinction of coral reefs will lead to the destruction of society as we know it. Coral reefs are becoming extinct due to global warming along with coastal development and pollution. Already, 19% of the world's coral reefs are gone, and scientists speculate that 15% more will be gone within the next 50 years. With the disappearance of coral reefs, come the extinction of many animal species, which could damage our economy, as well. We have to come together to save our planet before it's too late.

Last Clear View of Mars until 2012

Thursday night is the last chance to take a look at Mars, until it comes close to Earth again in 2012. Since January, Mars has been slowly moving away from Earth, lowering our view of it. On March 29, Saturn will take the place of Mars, sitting closest to the moon.

Super Bug?

Scientists have uncovered the world's strongest bug: a dung beetle,

the Onthophagus taurus, which can carry 1,142 times it body weight.
That's equal to a 150-pound person lifting six double-decker buses
filled with people. Scientists tested this species of beetle for
months, trying to determine the exact weight it could carry along
with their habits. Their recent findings have been published in the
journal "Proceedings of the Royal Society B."

Sea World Death Video

The family of Dawn Brancheau, a sea world trainer who recently died due to a whale accident, wants the death video involving their daughter to be sealed. Their lawyer claims that the family’s privacy outweighs the public’s interest in the video. The video involved Dawn being dragged by her ponytail, by the whale, and then swung around in circles. This is the third whale-related death, one that killed another trainer and another that killed a man who snuck past security to see the whales.

Baby Sling Recall

Over 1 million baby slings have been recalled, due to three sling-related deaths. Some say the soft fabric can suffocate children, and warned parents to stop using them for children under 4 months.

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Annual St. Patrick’s Day festivals were held all over the U.S. yesterday. From Indianapolis to Toronto and beyond. Thousands of people crowded together to see public spectacles, wearing clover-shaped sunglasses and large leprechaun hats.

Airport Body Scanner Debut

The first full-body scanner has debuted at O’Hare, the nation’s second largest airport. The machines resemble large telephone booths that are placed side to side. Officials do not believe they will slow down airport security, or be an inconvenience to passengers. The machines can detect hidden weapons stashed inside clothing, which will reduce potential attacks. Many believe this is a violation of one’s privacy. However, if it will reduce the amount of deaths and attacks that could occur- I say scan away!

Airport Body Scanner Debut

The first full-body scanner has debuted at O'Hare, the nation's second largest airport. The machines resemble large telephone booths that are placed side to side. Officials do not believe they will slow down airport security, or be an inconvenience to passengers. The machines can detect hidden weapons stashed inside clothing, which will reduce potential attacks. Many believe this is a violation of one's privacy. However, if it will reduce the amount of deaths and attacks that could occur- I say scan away!