iRandy.us

Shrinkage of the Aral sea between 1989 and 2008

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Telegraph.co.uk

The spider, which measures just a few millimetres across, has developed bizarre markings giving the appearance of a smiling face.

Scientists think the spider, which has the scientific name Theridion grallator and is harmless to humans, has evolved the patterns to confuse predators.

It is under-threat of extinction in the rainforests of the Hawaiian island chain in the Pacific.

Dr Geoff Oxford, a spider expert from the University of York, said: “I must admit when I turned over the first leaf and saw one it certainly brought a smile to my face.

“There are various theories as to why the spider has developed the markings it has, one of these that it may be to confuse predators.
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Disney’s “Earth” documentary about various animal species across the planet is coming out today.

By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers

U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water — contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.
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• Chichén Itza (Mexico) – is the most famous Mayan temple city and was once the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization.

• Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) – this is a 38 meters tall statue standing on the Corcovado Mountain overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

• The Great Wall of China- It’s the largest man-made monument on this earth that was built to attack and send the Mongol tribes out of China.

• Machu Picchu (Peru) – A city built in the clouds on the mountain known as Machu Picchu. It was abandoned by the Incas.

• Petra (Jordan) A theater found in the edge of the Arabian Desert and was once the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV.

• The Roman Coliseum (Italy) – it was the sports stadium for the Roman Empire where cruel fights and games were being played.

• The Taj Mahal (India) – it is a fully white marbled palace which was built in the memory of Nur Jahan, the loving late wife of Shah Jahan, who was the fifth Muslim Mughal emperor of India.

Earth Hour is urging bloggers, podcasters, online video makers, mobile users and online social networkers to spread the word about the importance of turning your lights out for one hour at 8.30pm on March 28.
http://www.earthhour.org