In the News: Toothless, Racial Slurs, and Prayers?

North Korea is reportedly entering a "state of war" against South Korea.  In their official declaration, they stated that any signs of provocation will escalate into a "do-or-die final battle" and "all-out war, a nuclear war."  They also threatened to "blow up the U.S. bases for aggression in its mainland and in the Pacific operational theatres including Hawaii and Guam".  So, a bunch of bluster, or an actual threat?

Republican elected official Don Young is in hot water for using the term "wetbacks" in a radio interview last week.  Other republicans have already swiftly denounced Young, which was to be expected since the party is trying to rebrand itself as minority friendly.

Sen. James Inhofe is apparently "proud" to see himself as a target in a documentary about climate change. Inholfe is a climate change denier, and believes that it is a "hoax" and that "we're in a cold spell" when it snows. 

---

If you want to see Mars in HD, check this out.  The rover captured some stunning images over several days, and boy are they awesome. Check it out!

A German scientist thinks he can now explain the strange rings of grass that cover the desert-margin land in southwestern Africa.  These so-called fairy circles have variously been pinned on the presence of other, poisonous plants, on ants, and even toxic gases rising from below. But Norbert Juergens says the one ever-present factor is sand termites. The creatures have engineered the rings to maintain a supply of water in their environment.  (Note: If you're weird like me and get physically ill at the sight of lots of holes, here's your warning....)

Paleontologists have found what appears to be evidence if human-neanderthal interbreeding.  Skeletal remains of an individual living in northern Italy 30,000 to 40,000 years ago are believed to be that of a human/neanderthal hybrid.  Neat!

Scientists have discovered a new species of Vietnamese salamander that totally looks like Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon. Check it out! Sooo cute!

---

Faith healer parents avoid jail after son, 16, dies in horrible pain after they tried to 'pray away' his burst appendix.  The couple is from Creswell, Oregon, and they pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide of their son.  ....And were only sentenced to five years probation after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors.  Ugh.
If you've got any articles you'd like to share with other deviants, leave them in a comment below! As always, keep discussion civil, and have a great day!