In the Po valley, tests of a river revealed cocaine residue in staggering amounts.

The story brings to mind that old joke about the minister and the river.

And of course, the Talking Heads song.

A smallish fruit with 500 times the vitamin C of an orange, the gubinge has been a part of the Aborigine’s diet for a long, long time. Locals are concerned that they will not be able to realize profits of the native plant, now that its beneficial qualities are known. There is talk that Brazil may grow large quantities, and hog the market.

Are we having interesting weather yet this year?

Taiwan businesses and financial markets close as Matsa brings 90 mph winds with gusts up to 112 mph.

Almost overnight, it seems there is a big patch of Swiss chard (it reseeds itself). Did I dump some compost in that spot, and then forgot?

After several accidents involving bulls in the streets, officials in New Delhi offer a bounty of 2,000 rupees for each one captured. Owners let the animals roam the streets to eat the litter, although many cattle die after eating things not normally in their diet, like plastic.

In case someone walks by me with a corn dog at the hospital today, I won’t be so envious. Nothing fancy, just a couple of Nathans wrapped in white bread with ketchup. No chili, sauerkraut or onions, although there is a pot of chili in the fridge. Some days, I don’t want a messy lunch (really).

Sensors in the Gulf of Mexico detected several waves more than 50 feet high during Hurricane Ivan and one at 91 feet. One researcher estimates at least one wave at 131 feet during the 2004 storm.

A cookbook by an 80-year old herpetologist has recipes for iguana, snake, and poison-dart frog. Mmmmmm.

At an animal sanctuary in Indonesia, Sumatran tigers and orangutans are being trained to return to the wild. At one time, they were illegally captured and turned into pets for the wealthy. But trying to teach the animals to hunt for their own food is proving to be quite a challenge.

Innovation in Music and Entertainment.

A tourist in Boca Raton goes with his wife’s suggestion to hum the Jaws theme. Three hours and two broken gaffs later, he lands it.

Shark’s last words: Man, I hate that music!

Those annoying stickers on supermarket fruit may soon be replaced with imprinted bar codes. Unfortunately, this technology makes it possible to put any information on a fruit or vegetable. The days of naked produce may be over.

Eating salmon may prevent sunburn and perhaps even serious skin diseases, say researchers in Manchester. The fatty acids in salmon, trout, and herring act as a natural shield, protecting the skin.

A bit of color on a Fuji apple.

Forming near Bermuda, it’s storm number eight of the season.

After one of their group was run over by a motorcylist in Hong Kong, monkeys pulled it to the safety of the roadside brush.