* About 50 million kangaroos are harvested annually to produce 30,000 tons of meat. Some environmentalists are promoting "roo" as eco-friendly because, unlike more flatulent cattle and sheep, kangaroos don't produce methane. (Sydney Morning Herald 12/4/07)
* The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies recently announced that it's gone to the dogs-and cats. A policy with collision coverage now covers canine and feline family members paying up to $500 if a customer's pet is hurt or dies in a car accident. The coverage is not yet available in North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York or Virginia. (www.progressive.com)
* A feral cat survived for 9 days with a peanut butter jar stuck on its head. Tabitha Cain of Barlett, Tenesee, finally trapped the once chubby cat when it was too weak to flee. The cat made a full recovery. (Associated Press 12/1/07)
* The Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV), recently shown to be associated with colony colaspe disorder of honey bees, has been in the United States since at least 2002, according to a note published in the American Bee Journal. It has been thought that IAPV was a recent introduction from Austrailia. (Bloomberg Press 11/19/07)
* The Amazonian black ghost knifefish is unique in its ability to swim backward or forward ot catch its prey. (www.plosbiology.org)
* Nevermind the children...stick with marriage for the sake of the planet. An analysis on domestic relations and resource uses in the U.S. and 11 other countries found that divorce leads to more households (6 million extra in the U.S.), which means more land, electricity, water, and other goods are consumed. (Philadelphia Inquirer 12/4/07)
* A new study reveals that wine can be used as a disinfectant for sanitizing kitchen countertops, utensils, and even fruits and vegetables. Wines with the most alcohol and the highest acidity were the most effective against E coli and staphylococcus. (Press release 11/12/07)
