Hot off the Press: The Cuyahoga River gone mad edition

After leaving their country at the end of apartheid, many whites are now returning to South Africa: http://www.nrc.nl/international/Features/article2472801.ece/Whites_return_to_South_Africa_with_pride.

A storm is brewing in Santa Monica between smokers, landlords, and renters who want to prohibit smoking on outside patios, where second-hand smoke can waft into other apartments: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-santa-monica-smoking3-2010feb03,0,76006.story.

Here's too distinct fuel/transportation proposals, one a step backward and the other a step forward: http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-na-obama-biofuel4-2010feb04,0,7706928.story, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/02/la-activists-float-idea-of-freeway-system-for-bikes.html Basically, we need to build more sustainable and bike and pedestrian friendly communities.

Facebook and Twitter are becoming hot spots for gang members, who will connect, gloat, and basically fuck themselves over because investigators can collect all kinds of incriminating evidence: http://gazetteonline.com/top-story/2010/02/03/twitter-facebook-use-rising-among-gangs.

The DMR reports that there is $518 million worth of delinquent court fines that, if paid, would ease Iowa's budget deficit: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100203/NEWS10/2030368.

A half review, half interview with Don Delillo regarding his most recent novel and writing career: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/books/04delillo.html.

Wind turbines transferred to Minnesota from California don't seem to be handling the cold too well since they're not turning: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/science/earth/05cold.html.

Lobbyists for the student loan industry are striking out at a proposal to end their government subsidies: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/us/politics/05loans.html?ref=us. I wonder how much of the money I give to pay back Iowa Student Loans is going to this. Thank God I almost have that shit paid off.

"For Hollywood, Stand-Ins Play California’s Part": http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/movies/05battle.html?ref=us.

Built in 1927, Iowa's historic Field House pool will hold its final competitive swimming meet in April before being drained: http://hawkcentral.press-citizen.com/article/20100205/HAWKS0210/2050325/1053. I knew that at the time it was built it was the largest indoor swimming pool in the world, but I didn't know the butterfly stroke was invented there. I have fond, chlorine scented memories of passing through the pool area via the fenced walkway between the new basketball courts and the old arena where the track is.

What's been going on in those spectacular Olympic sites in Beijing since 2008? Not much: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/weekinreview/07wines.html.

You know that whole "Twilight" thing? I don't know squat about it other than the books and movies are apparently about vampires and maybe werewolves. Anyway, the whole phenomenon is wildly popular and profitable, but the Amerindian tribe whose tradition and creation story inspired the series have been left out and exploited: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/opinion/08riley.html.

After an extensive environmental survey, the Chinese have admitted that their rivers and waterways are really fucking polluted: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/world/asia/10pollute.html?hp.