amidst all the really horrid stuff in the news

Something slightly cheering...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4263332.stm

Cleaned-up Clyde attracts otters

Otters are making a comeback in the River Clyde, which is being cleaned up in the wake of heavy industry such as its world-famous shipyards.

The otters are being encouraged by the increasing numbers of fish in the river, which is now less polluted.

John Kerry: viewing the federal response to Katrina--a turning point

http://www.johnkerry.com/pressroom/speeches/spc_2005_09_19.html

thanks to principia_coh for the link