Where no Iranian turtles, rats, or worms have gone before

Posted By Joshua Keating Wednesday, February 3, 2010 - 12:52 PM Share

In case you just thought that Iran launched a rocket today just to remind everyone about their rockets, they also sent up some unfortunate animals on a scientific mission: 

On Wednesday, Press TV said, the Iranian Aerospace Organization said live video transmission from latest launch would “enable further studies on the biological capsule — carrying a rat, two turtles and worms — as it leaves Earth’s atmosphere and enters space.”

I'm pretty sure Laika already covered this ground in 1957. Then again, if the rat starts training the turtles in martial arts, it will all have been worth it. 

EXPLORE:IRAN, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
 
Facebook|Twitter|Reddit

DAVIDBGM

3:57 PM ET

February 3, 2010

"90 Million Francs"

In 1804 Haitian slaves threw off the government and chains of their French masters and claimed Haiti as their own. France soon blockaded the newly independent colony and under the threat of invasion and war, in 1824, Haiti was made to agree to pay 90 Million Francs to France as reparations. This was paid through loans by French banks at high interest rates and these payments represented 70% of the GDP for 120+ years, until the final installment was paid in 1947. Haiti, once the richest colony in the Caribbean in 1804, was by then the country with the lowest per capita income in the western hemisphere.

They were subsequently invaded by the US and are constantly subjected to hurricanes with their latest calamity being this earthquake.

Haiti has faced man made and natural disasters which have devastated their economy and infrastructure but not the spirit of the people of Haiti. Our heart goes out to Haiti at this time, as all of us share their pain, but believe that they shall rise again to that time of glory in 1804 when they established the first black independent colony in the new world; defeating an imperial power, with scarce resources, with an abundance of faith, hope and a desire for freedom and justice.

Jamaica artiste David M recorded a song for Haiti called "90 million francs", using the song to educate and entertain while simultaneously raising funds for the people of Haiti....

 

DAVIDBGM

3:57 PM ET

February 3, 2010

In 1804 Haitian slaves threw

In 1804 Haitian slaves threw off the government and chains of their French masters and claimed Haiti as their own. France soon blockaded the newly independent colony and under the threat of invasion and war, in 1824, Haiti was made to agree to pay 90 Million Francs to France as reparations. This was paid through loans by French banks at high interest rates and these payments represented 70% of the GDP for 120+ years, until the final installment was paid in 1947. Haiti, once the richest colony in the Caribbean in 1804, was by then the country with the lowest per capita income in the western hemisphere.

They were subsequently invaded by the US and are constantly subjected to hurricanes with their latest calamity being this earthquake.

Haiti has faced man made and natural disasters which have devastated their economy and infrastructure but not the spirit of the people of Haiti. Our heart goes out to Haiti at this time, as all of us share their pain, but believe that they shall rise again to that time of glory in 1804 when they established the first black independent colony in the new world; defeating an imperial power, with scarce resources, with an abundance of faith, hope and a desire for freedom and justice.

Jamaica artiste David M recorded a song for Haiti called "90 million francs", using the song to educate and entertain while simultaneously raising funds for the people of Haiti....

 

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.

Read More