Wednesday, July 27, 2005

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QUICK TIDBITS
In a rather unexpected way, a team of biologists surveying biodiversity in the forests of Khammouan have "discovered" the first new mammalian species in 31 years. The team stopped in an area village food market and noticed the locals eating an unusual ratlike animal they called "kha-nyou." Upon analyzing the DNA, scientists have concluded the animal represents a species of rodent previously unknown to biologists.
(Source: Science News, Vol.167)

The National Council of Churches USA has launched a new initiative to fight "growing threats to our nation's public lands and associated resources." According to Methodist Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, "We try always to respond to God's call to be stewards of creation." The initiative will mobilize people of faith around the issue of gas and oil development as it relates to land preservation. http://www.organicconsumers.org/Politics/churches071405.cfm

Woodbury County, Iowa, has become the first in the nation to offer tax incentives to organic farmers. County Supervisors approved $50,000 for helping farmers convert from conventional to organic agriculture. "We think domestic (organic) food manufacturers are going to want a reliable domestic supply," said Woodbury rural economic director Rob Marqusee. "We know that people are making money. It might as well be us, too." http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/taxbreak071805.cfm

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