News Bits for Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Fifty-three California homes were destroyed by the wild fires that prompted Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare a state of emergency last week. Tuesday Californians received news that firefighters are making progress in defeating the fire that has consumed 190 square miles and 53 homes. It was last reported that containment was around 5 percent. Currently, thousands of firefighters are fighting to contain the blaze. Estimates have the wildfire completely contained by September 15.

Mexico law enforcement encourages evacuation as Hurricane Jimena's approaches peninsula

Hurricane Jimena threatens Los Cabos, Mexico. Law enforcement encouraged approximately 10,000 tourists and residents to evacuate the area. Convincing residents of slum areas has proved challenging as concerns about looting are causing individuals and their families to stay in danger's way. As the storm nears, 20,000 more people are expected to flee. Law enforcement, Red Cross, military and rescue workers are prepared for the damaged the storm causes as it passes Los Cabos.

NIV Bible will be revised for first time in 25 years

The New International Version of the Bible will be revised for the first time in 25 years. Gender terms, a controversial point of debate, will be addressed in the revision. The new revision will be published in 2011.

Chanel, the world's oldest dog has died

Chanel, the oldest dog in the world died in New York at the age of 21 (in dog years she was 147). She died of natural causes.

Researcher discover the observatory location

Ridge A is a location discovered by United States and Australian researches who were seeking the ideal place to photograph the sky. With the use of satellite data, climate models and ground stations, Ridge A was pinpointed. This location is on the Antarctic Plateau, over 13,000 feet up. The ridge is the driest and coldest (negative 94 degrees during the winter). Additionally, this location has very little in the way of atmospheric turbulence, allowing unobstructed views of the heavens.

Garrido's customers never suspicious of him

Customers who interacted with Phillip Garrido on a regular basis claim that they were not suspicious of him. Garrido who was owner of "Printing for Less", allegedly kidnapped Jaycee Dugard in 1991. Garrido introduced the kidnapped Dugard as his daughter. Jaycee Dugard was recently liberated after living in her abductors' back yard compound for 18 years. In the 1970s, Garrido was convicted of abducting and raping a woman in Reno, Nevada.

Update on Georgia home attack that claimed 8 lives

Over the weekend, a horrific Georgia home attack claimed the lives of eight individuals. Guy Heinze Jr., relative of those slain, reported the attack after discovering the bodies of his relatives. He told the operator that he found the bodies of his father, uncle and cousins. Within hours of reporting the attack, Heinze Jr. was arrested for lying to police, possession of drugs, and tampering with evidence. At this time, Heinze Jr. is not suspected of murdering his relatives.

Marie Knight dies in NY at 84

Marie Knight, a legendary gospel musician died from pneumonia in New York. She was 84 years old. She came into the spotlight in the 1940s.

Blink-182 mourns loss of DJ AM; cancels Saratoga Springs show

Blink-182 has cancelled their Saratoga Springs show as they mourn their death of close friend Adam Goldstein. Goldstein, also known as DJ AM, was found dead in his apartment last Friday. DJ AM and Blink-182 friend, Travis Barker, survived a plane crash last year. Four individuals were killed in that plane crash.

Southwest Airlines cuts flights

Southwest Airlines has eliminated 92 flights from January 9 to March 12. The airline's cut reduction of flights is a response to reduced air traffic and travel patterns that change by the season. At this time Southwest offers 3, 300 flights per day.

Gay couples marry in Vermont

Tuesday, Vermont starts allowing same-sex couples marry. The states new law legalized gay marriage in April of this year. Currently, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa are the four states that allow same-sex marriage. New Year's Day 2010, New Hampshire will become the fifth state to allow gay marriage

References

Firefighters gain on blaze near Los Angeles

Mexico evacuates thousands ahead of hurricane

Best-selling Bible to undergo first revision in 25 years

World's oldest dog dies in NY at 21

Coldest, Calmest, Driest Place on Earth Found

Customers say kidnap suspect raised no red flags

Ga. Mobile home slayings hit extended family

1940s gospel legend Marie Knight dies in NYC at 84

Blink-182 cancels NY show after DJ AM's death

Southwest Airlines reduces flights on 92 routes

Same-sex marriages begin in Vermont