Pithovirus sibercum, the Ancient Virus

 

Other-worldly or from our Ancient History?

 

 

Truth is stranger than fiction is what I'm pondering tonight.  Or at least after reading an article by April Holloway in March 6, 2014, Ancient Origins. 

 A virus so large that it can be seen under an ordenary microscope was recently discovered  in a 100 foot deep sample of permanently frozen soil from the costal tundra in Chukotka, near the East Siberian Sea.  

 

Along with its large size one of the strangest characteristics is that  "Pithovirus sibercum"  does not resemble any other virus found on Earth.  Hummm, all those "B" rated sci-fi movies might just come back and really haunt us.

Pithovirus sibercum's origin dates back to the time when mammoths roamed the Earth and this presents a number of concerns for medical science.  What harmful pathogens could be released on humans with the revival of this ancient virus? 

The  Siberian permafrost is rich in oil, gold and key minerals so more explorations will be taking place in the near future.  What other secrets might be locked away in this ancient bed of ice, I ponder.

Well, just keep on tampering with Mother Nature and us invincible humans might be in for some sci-fi horrors coming to even the playing field!

TransCanada Pipeline, More Oil for U.S.?

 

Politics, Viagra and Debates, Who's Getting the Oil?

So we anxiously await President Obama's final decision regarding the TransCanada pipeline, which is rumored to come soon.  I ponder how much of this oil is actually going to benefit the American public?  There is so much debate over jobs, environmental issues and whether the oil is actually staying in the U.S. or going to China.  And with spring drawing near, the gasoline prices are creeping up. 

I believe that like with climate change this pipeline has become such a political issue and more and more, Americans are being drawn apart almost like with the Civil War in the North vs. the South.  I heard someone remark that politics are just for the older crowd and like with Viagra it keeps them erect and aroused.  Young folks are too busy living and trying out new experiences so whatever is decided, they will just go with the flow--or not!

Maybe it's true, the younger generation should run this country and turn the older, mature political leaders out to pasture with all the Viagra they need.