Corner cannabis store nears reality – News and views for Saturday 14 December

News and views noted along the way.
14-12-2013 forest
  • Cut Down a Forest, Let It Grow Back, And Even 30 Years Later It’s Not the Same – “According to new research conducted along the Panama canal by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, even after enjoying 32 years in which to regrow, sections of formerly disturbed jungle never quite returned to its original glory of diversity. In fact, the researchers went to far as to label those regrown plots as relatively useless for biodiversity conservation.”
  • In 2 States, Corner Cannabis Store Nears Reality – “Starting early next year, any adult with a craving or curiosity will be able to stroll into a strip mall or downtown shop in Colorado or Washington State and do what has long been forbidden: buy a zip-lock bag of legal marijuana.”
  • Is Beijing about to Boot the New York Times? – “The Chinese government’s crackdown on Bloomberg and the “paper of record” reaches a head.”
  • Russia in Stagnation: Putin Speech Hints at Big Problems – “In his annual state of the nation address on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the need to rein in corruption and called for technological progress. But he also hinted at the bigger problems that will plague his country in years to come.”
  • Call the FBI! China Is Trying To Steal America’s Seeds! - “In two apparently unrelated cases this week, federal prosecutors arrested citizens of China and charged them with stealing seeds that American companies consider valuable intellectual property. One case involves corn in Iowa; the other, genetically engineered rice in Kansas. Court documents filed in each case (corn here, rice here) offer an entertaining mixture of Midwestern farming, alleged corporate espionage and a whiff of international intrigue.”
  • Take A Look At The Top Tweeted Moments Of The Year

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