Funday Times

Lebanon oil slick hits wildlife

August 01, 2006

There is grave concern for the wildlife off the coast of Lebanon after an air strike on a power station led to loads of oil getting into the sea. It started when Israel attacked the Jiyyeh power plant near Beirut between 13 and 15 July, releasing a reported 10,000 tonnes of oil into the water.

Oil can have a devastating impact on marine creatures and there are fears for tuna and turtles in the area. The UN is now attempting to help the Lebanese authorities clear up the mess.

A UN spokesman said there was "grave concern" about the affects of the oil slick, which now covers 80 miles of coastline. It's feared that up to 35,000 tonnes of oil could eventually leak into the water - which is the same as if an oil tanker went down.

Local environment groups have described the spill as a disaster. They say that slicks on beaches will prevent baby turtles from reaching the sea after they hatch. They are also worried about oil on the sea bed threatening the tuna population.

First 'bone marrow' fossil find

July 27, 2006

Scientists have managed to extract important material from the bones of frogs and salamanders that died 10 million years ago! It's the first time that fossilised bone marrow - which will reveal lots of information about the animals - has been recovered.

Last June scientists managed to extract blood cells from a T Rex's leg.

This new move is exciting because tests on the bone marrow could give details on the amphibians' physical make-up.

For example, if scientists could find bone marrow from dinosaurs, they could find out whether the creatures were warm-blooded or not. The frog and salamander species that the experts tested are now extinct and were found in Spain in an area that was once a deep lake.

Batman set for new film in 2008

August 01, 2006

Here's the news Batfans have been waiting for since Batman Begins came out last year - the caped crusader is set to have a sequel. Reports say the movie, called The Dark Knight, will start filming in 2007, and will most likely be out in 2008.

Christian Bale should return as the Bat, and he'll be facing the Joker, his most famous foe, apparently played by Aussie actor Heath Ledger. It'll be directed by Chris Nolan, who shot the most recent Bat-movie.

Film website Empire reports that Chris said: "Our challenge in casting The Joker was to find an actor who is not just extraordinarily talented but fearless. "Watching Heath Ledger's interpretation of this iconic character taking on Christian Bale's Batman is going to be incredible."

Picture Stories

A relative of the llama, alpacas originated in South America and were first introduced to the United States in 1984. They were initially popular in the Northwest, primarily among llama farmers wanting to diversify. (AP )

Hooping it up : 11-year-old Sofie Schwarz from Denmark attempts to break the children's world record, with eighty five hula hoop rings at the same time, in Copenhagen. (AFP)

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