Cold War Part Deux? Unlikely

Russia and the United States are at it again, but not to quite the same extent. While the United States criticized Russia for its actions in the dispute between Georgia and Abkhazia, there is little saber rattling and Russia is basically free to maneuver in its Soviet sphere of influence. So while Moscow downed an unarmed Georgian spy plane in Georgian air space, withdrew from trade and military sanction on Abkhazia, and bolstered its peacekeeping forces along the administrative border separating Georgia and Abkhazia... no one is really in a position to do anything about it. The White House said, "These steps have significantly and unnecessarily heightened tensions in the region," and that Moscow must "de-escalate and reverse its measures." This equates to the U.S. waving their finger and saying, "Bad Russia, Bad!"

Perhaps the lack of action is due to the United States and Russia working on civilian nuclear power deals where by the U.S. would get access to Russian state-of-the art nuclear technology and Russia gets to establish an international nuclear fuel storage facility by importing and storing spent fuel. Despite the fact that the United States is way behind on nuclear power technology, which leads to our dependence of oil (that is still increasing in price), some members of Congress are looking to block the deal. One member said, "I am very disappointed by the administration's insistence on moving forward to sign a nuclear cooperation arrangement with the Russians... Particularly at a time when Russia's actively undermining our foreign policy on various fronts, most importantly with respect to Iran." Hello... Russia is also undermining U.S. foreign policy in Europe! Of course we are way to Iran focused to realize that.

Science In Your Life

Breast fed children found to be smarter! A study reports that children who were breast fed longer scored higher on intelligence tests. Dr. Kramer from the Montreal Children's Hospital who led the study said, "Mothers who breast-feed or those who breast-feed longer or most exclusively are different from the mothers who don't... They tend to be smarter." Previous studies showed health advantages for breast fed babies, and it is now common practice in the United States for hospitals to encourage mothers to breast feed. I wonder if sucking on nipples will increase my IQ? For the sake of science, I will put it to the test as often as possible.

In Local News

Speaking of Part Deux, be sure to check out the Buffalo Bayou Art Park Night of the Derby Part Deux on May 17th!