Current Events 6

How many years has the "World Ugliest Dog" contest been around? How many contestants did it attract this year?
The contest has been running for 26 years in Santa Rosa, California. This year 29 dogs came to attend the competition.

How did this years winner Peanut get his 'ugly' looks?

Peanut was severely burnt in a house fire, causing him to lose his lips, most of hid body hair and eyelids. In result to his eyelids being burnt off, his eyes now water constantly. His teeth don't exactly help. Peanut sharp teeth complete the winning 'Ugly' looks.


What is the organisers main purpose for organising this unusual competition?

The animal psychiatrist organised the event started the competition so that he can cheek the well being of these 'ugly' dogs. The competition is also a great way to honour these dogs 'unusual' looks. Unfortunately, a lot of these dogs owe their looks to animal abuse by previous owners.
But, most importantly, this competition helps raise awareness for their adoption by showing the world that it does not take physical detractions do not prevent dogs from becoming loving pets.

Do you think this is an inappropriate competition? What would you change it to?

Uh. I'm not really sure. I mean originally I thought it was kind of.. Sad. Not really inappropriate. I guess. But after reading through the article, I think it is a good way to raise awareness for these pups.
Maybe I'd change the 'Ugly' to something a little less.. Offensive. Whilst I know they are dogs, they probably don't care, I'd still change it.

Two Year Old Peanut Crowned 'World's Ugliest Dog'

Current Events 5

What is so special about Migaloo?

Migaloo is a white humpback whale. Migaloo was the first white humpback whale to ever be documented. Being un able to confirm this, they instead refer to him as a 'hyper pigmented' humpback. Migaloo was instantly given the title of 'A special interest whale'. This title is so special, people are fined with $12,500AUD  if they break a 500 meter distance. Airplanes have to be at least 2000 metres away from Migaloo. Migaloo was the first white whale to ever be documented on. Migaloo is also the first white whale in general to ever be seen. Migaloo was even given an Aboriginal name. Migaloo translates to 'White Fella' in Aborigines.


Cite a few facts from the article that tell you how precious Migaloo is to the people of Australia.

"On June 19th, a group of animal lovers on a whale watching cruise off the coast of Sydney, were treated to a rare sight - a pod of animals that included Migaloo, the world's first documented white humpback whale."

"Even though fans keep their eyes peeled for this white whale every year, they are not always successful in spotting the elusive mammal."

"Over the years, Migaloo's fans have also built several websites dedicated to his every move and even set up an active Facebook page and Twitter account in his honour."

"Oskar Peterson from Australia's White Whale Research Center speculates that he may be the same white whale the center received notification of, in 1998. If true, it would mean that Migaloo is 26-years-old. Given that the mammals can live up to 80 years, the stunning white humpback whale will continue to delight his fans for many years."

"Not surprisingly, he became an instant local darling and was immediately elevated to the status of 'special interest whale'."

Why is Migaloo known as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback. Is he the only one?

Migaloo is known as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback due to his white skin. Scientists believe that his skin condition is albinism but have yet to find proof to support their prediction.

Migaloo is not the only white humpback whale. In September 2011, Alan Fewings and his family reported seeing a white calf amongst a pod of migrating whales. Experts believe that Migaloo and this white calf may be related. But because no one has seen 'Migaloo Junior' since his spotting, they have not been able to confirm this belief.


Critical Thinking :
Do you think Migaloo's special colour helps or hurts him from human predators? Why. 

I think that it helps him, but at the same time might hurt him.
As said in this article, Migaloo is important as important can come. But, this can come at a price.
Just like how rhino horns are valuable, maybe he is too.
A danger to him would be if he were to be caught, killed and sold.
An advantage to his popularity would be how protective how fans are.

Current Events 4

What cereal does Rosado use to create her portraits?
Rosado uses cornflakes. She thought of the idea whilst she was eating music and listening to her oldies and R&B Music.

Why does it take so long to create each master piece? 
It takes Rosado 5 hours for each masterpiece because she has to sketch the image of the artist, then begins the most annoying, painstaking process. Rosado then proceeds to crush the cereal to the right size so that it can be places to the outline of the sketch. Once she's done the outline, she can then start shaping the artist's features with a pin.

Name some celebrities that have featured in her cereal art series. What kind of art did Rosado unveil in 2013?

Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Alicia Keys and former Beatle, John Lennon. In 2013, Rosado unveiled her artwork made completely out of dirt. The picture show was a masterpiece of a girl, swinging off a tree.

Critical Thinking
Why do you think the artist picked Cornflakes and not any other cereal? Can you think of any other everyday food that could be used to create art.

Maybe just because she was eating corn flakes at the time. Maybe it's just an easier material to use, unlike some other foods.
A good food for art in my opinion would be raisins or something small and easy to break apart and work with. I know from experience that it's much easier when something just... Glides across your paper.

Who Knew Corn Flakes Could Looks So Good?

Current Events 3

Where was the most recent tallest Lego structure built? Who built it? 
The most recent tallest Lego structure was built on front of the Saint Stephen's Basilica in Budapest by a team of official Lego builders from Denmark and children from an elementary school in Budapest.

What are the two requirements imposed by the Guinness World Records before a Lego tower can be eligible for inclusion?
They must remove all wires they used to help the structure stand to prove that the tower can stand by itself. They are also not allowed to use any sort of adhesive to keep the structure together., and also so that they can easily disassemble the structure easily.  


Why does the author believe that a new Lego record will be attempted soon?

The author believes that there will be another attempt to break this record soon is because this record was broken 3 times alone in 2012.

Critical thinking:
What in your opinion makes the building 'the world tallest lego structure' so popular?

I personally don't really care for this topic. I did play with legos as a little girl, but I quickly got over that phase and traded painful blocks with barbie dolls and stuffed toys. I guess people would find it interesting to build such a thing.

114-Foot Tower In Budapest Is The World's Tallest Lego Structure

Current Events 2

What is unusual about the crocodiles that live at Nyanyana farm?  

The crocodiles at Nyanyana farm are vegetarians. The crocodiles are a lot more mellow than other crocodiles that eat meat and they also have skin that is softer than other crocodiles that eats meat. These crocodiles also sleep 23 hours a day, this makes it easier for the caretakers to clean the enclosures.

How did they turn this way?

In 2006, during Zimbabwe's economical crisis, the farm found it almost impossible to be able to afford meat to feed the 164,000 crocodiles. Nyanyana farm then began feeding the crocodiles pellets that were a mix of vegetables and meat. After noticing that the crocodiles did not seem to affect the crocodiles health, they gradually began to abolish the meat in the pellets. This turned the crocodiles into 100% vegetarians. 

What are the crocodiles being bred for? 

The crocodiles at Nyanyana farm are being bred for their soft skin. The skin is then sold to European tanneries and formed into leather. This leather is then sold to companies like Hermes and Gucci to make expensive handbags, shoes, belts and other clothing. 

Critical Thinking: 

How do you feel about the crocodiles being bred for their skin? It is different from breeding cows or chickens that are killed for meat? Why? 

I think it's unnecessary to kill any sort of animals for clothing or house ornaments. 

It's just selfish.

Killing cows and chickens is for food. We need food to survive. 

But leather for shoes, handbags and belts? 

As I said. It's just man kind being selfish. 

They may be 'free ranged' but they are still being killed for un

It's kind of different when it comes to cow farms and all that.

This farm is for their skin, whilst other farms are for their skin and meat. 

We need meat. 

If it's cage farms, then I'm completely against it.

If it's free range, I'm... okay with it.

I'm kind of a fence sitter. 

Vegetarian Crocodiles? You Better Believe It!

Current Events

1. What did Malavath do? Why does the author believe it is so admirable? - Malavath is the youngest person to climb Mount Everest. 
2. What did she have to do to get selected for the Mount Everest climb? What happened when Malavath reached the advanced base camp?  - Malavath had to pass a professional training session at the Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. She then hoisted the Indian flag.
3. How long did it take the team to get to the summit? What does Malavath hope her achievement will do to help other people? It took them 52 days. Malavath hopes her achievements will inspire other under privileged children.  

13-Year-Old Indian Girl Becomes The Youngest Female To Conquer The Everest!