The world - June 17, 2010

Thursday

A 134-year-old oyster house in New Orleans shucked the last of its local oysters today after the millions of gallons of oil in the ocean from the BP spill have contaminated local beds. The restaurant said they would buy their next oysters from a supplier in Alabama, but didn’t know if they would continue their services. Other Gulf Coast oyster companies have also said they don’t know how much longer their dwindling supplies will last.

Friday

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, in a television plug for a new computer to school children from his socialist government, said he has a cure for children who can’t sleep; his long-winded speeches. Chavez said on TV he has caught wind of parents who have their children listen to his speeches to help them fall asleep, some of which can last all day or for hours every Sunday in his “Hello President” program.

Weekend

A French study released today concluded babies born from fertility treatments have a greater risk of birth abnormalities, and parents should be warned of these increased risks. Couples considering assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment should know birth defects double in babies born from this technique. The number of babies born with ART is rising throughout the world, according to the study by geneticists at the Maternity Port Royal hospital in Paris.

Monday

Authorities asked soccer crazy Bangladeshians to suspend factory operations in the capital of Dhaka every evening for the duration of the world cup in South Africa. Electric supply companies made the request after several power stations were attacked by soccer fans around the city last Saturday because they lost coverage during a game. If factories keep their power usage down, the majority of the city can receive consistent coverage, officials said.

Tuesday

A German student in Bavaria stopped traffic when he threw a puppy at a group of Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang members and made a rude gesture to them. The 26-year-old then escaped on a stolen bulldozer and was later apprehended at his home. The abandoned bulldozer blocked traffic near the southern town of Allershausen for three miles. Officials said it was unclear what motivated the student to throw the puppy, which is now in safe hands.

Wednesday

Two powerful earthquakes rocked Indonesia’s Papua province Wednesday, killing three and knocking over hundreds of buildings, officials said.

A tsunami warning was also issued and many residents fled to higher ground fearing a big wave. Strong aftershocks could be felt after the two earthquakes.