current event #1

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33860070/ns/us_news-environment/

U.S. taking brown pelicans off endangered list

The Brown Pelican is unique for its dark feathers and broad wings. These creatures were declared an endangered species in the year of 1970. They were imperiled by hunters and DDT. DDT is a well-known synthetic pesticide which was used to control the population of mosquitoes. This chemical was consumed when the pelicans ate the poisoned fish. The affect of this pesticide greatly impacted the eggs with shells so thin, they broke during incubation. Likewise the Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. The species recovery was mainly due to the ban of DDT in 1972. States and conservation groups contribute effort into protecting their nesting sites and monitor its population. "Once again, we see healthy flocks of these graceful birds flying over our shores. The brown pelican is endangered no longer." Although the birds are officially declared not endangered, their habitat is still in danger from rising seas and erosion. Nowadays, the birds are prevalent and soar along the coast of Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, California, Texas, Washington, and Oregon.

In my opinion, I believe that both the mosquitoes and Brown Pelicans are important issues. The DDT chemical wasn't researched and planned well. We want to decrease the population of the mosquitoes, but we don't want to harm the Pelicans. For this reason, I think that we should create a environmental solution that controls the amount of mosquitoes, but not harm the Brown Pelicans. This also relates to ecology. Humans could greatly impact other animals. Like the sad story of how numerous seagulls were dying because humans used the water from their habitat. If we try to eliminate one animal, many others are affected as well. Getting rid of the DDT pesticide did help the Brown Pelicans to return however, we haven't solved what we can do to continue controlling the mosquitoes. In conclusion, the graceful birds are no longer in danger, but we must continue to research a more mutual, environmental solution to these issues.

current event 2

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33918160/ns/technology_and_science-space

Water discovery fuels hope to colonize moon
Finding could mean drinking water, rocket fuel, more for future lunar camps

Since man had touched moon, scientists have believed that the lunar surface was bone dry. But till this day, new observations had been made. The discovery of water found on the moon has given hopes of practical plans to colonize use the moon as a source of mierals. In a crater at the lunar south pole, the LCROSS probe uncover the equivalent of a dozen 2 gallon buckets of ice water. If this is what came from one crater, scientists hypothesize there is more where that came from. Peter Diamandis, a CEO and chairman X Prize Foundation states "The presence of significant quantities of ice on the lunar surface catapults the moon from an interesting waypoint to a critical launching pad for humanity's exploration of the cosmos." "We're entering a new era of lunar exploration — 'Moon 2.0,' in which an international group of companies and governments will use the ice and other unique resources of the moon to help us expand the sphere of human influence, and to help us monitor and protect the Earth." He is basically saying that the discovery of ice on the lunar surface expands the possibilities and benefits of the moon. He believes that the ice has given hope and he wants to investigate the moon more. In addition to the supple water found on the moon, there are possibilities of lunar camps. The lunar water ice can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen atoms to be used in rocket fuel.

In my opinion,this discovery can lead us to be living on the moon or used as a source for minerals. The was predicted to be a bone dry surface and now it contains abundant lunar ice in the craters. I am very curious of where the hydrogen and oxygen molecules could've come from. Also, if the moon was found not a dry surface, this could mean that other dry and airless planets throughout the solar system can have water as well. I find it amusing how life can be on the moon. If this is possible, I think that scientists should spend money to investigate more with lunar camps. I know that it will take many years to discover if humans are able to live there, but with the evidence of hydrogen and oxygen atoms, there is much hope to a civilization on the lunar surface. In conlusion, the significant aomunt of water found on the moon will give the future many oppertunities.