Empty Bladder Saves Gas

Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) is asking its passengers to go to the toilet before boarding so it can reduce aircraft weight.

The unusual request is part of an experiment by the airline to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Japan’s NHK television is reporting that ANA began the one-month experiment today on 42 international and domestic flights.

The airline will place staff near boarding gates to ask passengers waiting for flights to go and use the restroom.

ANA hopes it will reduce the weight of the aircraft and cut nearly five tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from flights.

The airline says it may expand the trial if it is well received by passengers.

Link

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Kentucky church ordains sex offender as minister

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A tiny Louisville church’s newest minister is a gifted music leader and popular among its three dozen members.

Mark Hourigan is also a sex offender. Almost a decade ago, long before he joined the flock at the City of Refuge Worship Center, he was convicted of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy in central Kentucky. Hourigan served a five-year sentence and the 41-year-old was placed on Kentucky’s sex offender registry for the rest of his life.

Full Article

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She Gave Five Sons to the Navy

Yup, this was the inspiration for Saving Private Ryan (and I’m still bitter it didn’t beat out Shakespeare in Love for Best Picture).

November, 1942: Five brothers, all serving on the same vessel during World War II, are killed in action as a result of said warship sinking at the Battle of the Solomons. Two months later, after hearing no word from the Navy regarding her sons’ well-being, Alleta Sullivan writes the following, deeply moving letter to the Bureau of Naval Personnel. Alleta promptly received a reply from President Roosevelt. That letter can also be read below.

As a result of the Sullivans’ plight, the U.S. military introduced the Sole Survivor Policy. The policy attempts to ensure that, should a family member be lost during military service, any remaining siblings be exempt from service.

Read both letters here.

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