Calhouns on the river

The Peruvian Amazon glitters like gold in a gorgeous new photo taken aboard the International Space Station. While that glow is just sunlight reflecting off hundreds of pits of muddy water, there is plenty of gold in them thar hills. Each glistening pool is a gold-prospecting pit, according to NASA's Earth Observatory website, likely dug by independent miners looking to unearth some of the Amazon's ancient treasures. "Each pit is surrounded by de-vegetated areas of muddy soil," Justin Wilkinson, a grant specialist at Texas State University, wrote for Earth Observatory. "These deforested tracts follow the courses of ancient rivers that deposited sediments, including gold." Peru's Madre de Dios state, shown in this picture, is home to one of the largest independent gold mining industries on Earth, Wilkinson wrote. As many as 30,000 small-scale miners (working outside of government regulations) prospect illegally in the area, tearing up the rainforest with excavators … [Read more...] about ‘Rivers of gold’ rush through the Peruvian Amazon in stunning NASA photo

By Paul Voosen Nov. 19, 2018 , 12:35 PM Update: NASA today announced the destination for its next Mars rover, due for launch in 2020. The agency said it would send the rover to the 50-kilometer-wide Jezero crater, which billions of years ago harbored a lake that half filled the 500-meter-deep basin. The crater also contains within its rim a fossilized river delta, the sediments from a river that spilled into the crater—a promising place to search for evidence of past life. “Getting samples from this unique area will revolutionize how we think about Mars and its ability to harbor life,”  Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA’s associate administrator for science in Washington, D.C., said in a press conference. Mars scientists also wanted to visit a nearby site, called Northeast Syrtis, which contains rocks formed in the presence of mineral springs. So NASA dangled the possibility of a two-for-one special—that after visiting Jezero, the rover might climb out of the crater and travel 25 … [Read more...] about NASA’s next Mars rover will land in Jezero crater, which once hosted a lake and a river delta

Joan Rivers, the comedian and TV personality whose relentless humor and sharp tongue fueled a career that spanned more than four decades, died on Thursday, her daughter said in a statement. She was 81. See also: 11 Joan Rivers Moments That Capture 40 Years of Trailblazing Comedy Rivers was rushed to a hospital in New York City last week after she stopped breathing and suffered cardiac arrest during a surgical throat procedure at a clinic. She was placed in a medically induced coma and remained on life support for several days. On Wednesday, Rivers left intensive care . But reports emerged Thursday that her daughter, Melissa, had to decide whether to take her off life support. Post by Melissa Rivers on the Joan Rivers Facebook page. Rivers, a Brooklyn native, got her start on the theater circuit, starring in a play with Barbara Streisand. But her big break came on The Tonight Show , where she often subbed for Johnny Carson. Carson and Rivers had a … [Read more...] about Joan Rivers Is Dead at 81

Joan Rivers knew how to keep an audience doubled over in laughter — from her antics on the red carpet to her appearances on late-night television. The comedian and TV personality passed away on Thursday after complications following throat surgery at the age of 81, her daughter confirmed in a statement. Beyond her years as a staple on E!, Rivers was a comedy icon always pushing the envelope with her raucous and often raunchy humor. See also: 10 Joan Rivers Quotes That Transcend Her Snark Her legendary performances and appearances will be remembered as some of the funniest moments in television history. Wherever she was, Rivers was always ready to laugh. Warning: The following clips contain some foul language and material that may be considered offensive. 1. The Ed Sullivan Show , 1967 "We have an extra man, bring him along, bring him along. He's 98? Bring him, bring him." Video: YouTube, The Ed Sullivan Show 2. The Carol Burnett Show , 1974 … [Read more...] about 11 Joan Rivers Moments That Capture 40 Years of Trailblazing Comedy

Joan Rivers' straight-shooting words will always stick, but she wasn't all sass. Rivers, who died on Thursday at age 81, was well known for speaking her mind. The actress, comedian, writer, producer, television host and fashion critic confidently held herself with pride and sass, despite popular outside opinion. The comedian believed that she could (and should) make light about anything, no matter how dark the context. See also: 11 Joan Rivers Moments That Capture 40 Years of Trailblazing Comedy Keeping Rivers' spirited voice alive, we've compiled some of Rivers' down-to-earth quotes that capture her off-camera personality. Image: Mashable Composite, Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Image: Mashable Composite, Harry Langdon/Getty Images Image: Mashable Composite, AP Photo/Dan Grossi Image: Mashable Composite, AP Photo/Nick Ut Image: Mashable Composite, AP Photo/Chris Pizzello Image: Mashable Composite, AP … [Read more...] about 10 Joan Rivers Quotes That Transcend Her Snark