* Winners: Scientists have discovered an usual alliance between wasps and cornstalks. When a caterpillar begins munching on a leaf of a stalk, the plant emits a chemical that alerts wasps, who fly to the rescue. This is more than just an interesting discovery. Scientists hope to use the information to breed crops that emit stronger signals, thereby increasing yields. Not only that, no longer will the phrase, "dumb as a cornstalk" be very effective.
Losers: Folks who think they can use any vacant lot as their own used-car sales office had better not come to Bountiful. The city this week passed a much-needed ordinance outlawing the practice at all times unless the person selling the car has permission from the property owner.In Bountiful, the problem was so bad that the parking lot of an out-of-business restaurant could at times feature as many as 25 cars for sale. It was a great, high-traffic location for business, especially considering the sellers were using it rent-free.
Other cities ought to pass similar ordinances. People selling their cars, just like people dumping their trash, need to learn to respect property rights.
Loser * Winner: Whoever stole the 500 pounds of aluminum cans this week that elementary students in Monroe, Sevier County, had collected to finance playground equipment must have been pushed off the merry-go-round one too many times as a child. It was a low-down crime that likely hurt some of the students' faith in humanity.
Fortunately, that faith was restored when Dale Gibson, owner of a local McDonald's, donated $250 to make up for the loss. Unlike the thief, Gibson must remember what it's like to be a child at recess. The school ought to give him a lifetime pass to the front of the line at the teeter-totter and monkey bars.