Odds ‘n Sods:

Ten signs that the U.S. is Losing it Influence in the Western Hemisphere. (A hat tip to Paul W. for the link.)

   o o o

More Celebrities Than Ever Are Carrying Firearms. The blatant favoritism in permit issuance is a scandal that has never been fully exposed. New York City has had a long succession of Teflon-coated mayors. The gun permit scandal doesn’t stick where it should!

   o o o

Bird Flu Simmers. (Thanks to Ken J. for the link.)

   o o o

J.H. sent this article from the Guardian: Campaign to save Pavlovsk seed bank from being turned over to housing developers. (As one of the commentators added: Technically, it is a field gene bank, not a seed bank.)