Random

• The economics of war. While home prices and sales in the US are down they are up in areas with a significant US military base. This, too, shall eventually pass and there will be military cut-backs again -- just a matter of time. Our economy doesn't/can't sustain a long-term war machine. ~ link

• California gold! Mandarin oranges grown in Placer County, California contain six to seven times the amount of synephrine, a naturally occurring decongestant, than other citrus fruits, according to the USDA. ~ link

• We're wrapping up an Alpha course ~ link

• This must have been a fun lead to write -- "A 56-year-old woman who gave birth to her triplet granddaughters a month ago is recovering from a Caesarean section and hopeful that one of the girls will be home from the hospital by Saturday." ~ link

• Nigerian scammers are getting into Facebook ~ link

• Move over Skype -- Gmail now does video chat ~ link

• Toyota is in trouble, too ~ link

• Quotable:

It is tempting to say that there never was a country as unfortunate as the Congo...

The DRC's problem is its wealth. It is the size of Western Europe, and it is quite staggeringly rich in diamonds, coal, oil, and coltan, an essential ingredient in mobile telephones.

It is these riches which fuel the conflicts which continue to disfigure the country. Without strong government and high standards of public life, they present a temptation to the powerful which they see no reason to resist.

A contributing factor to this continuing tragedy is the influence of China. It is desperate for natural resources to fuel its rocket-like economic growth, and will take them where it can find them... ~ Mark Woods, more