Way to Shank the Environment in the Back, Guys.

An earthen retaining wall broke this last week and spilled enough toxic coal ash to cover more than 3,000 acres in a foot of sludge. The 40-acre pond was used by the Tennessee Valley Authority to hold a slurry of ash generated by the coal-burning Kingston Steam Plant in Harriman, about 50 miles west of Knoxville. This is now considered the largest environmental disaster of its kind in the U.S.

Seriously, guys, come on. This is disgusting.

Oh, and P.S. A test of river water near the spill showed elevated levels of lead and thallium, which can cause birth defects and nervous and reproductive system disorders. Nice.

Venice is Flooding

Via Boston.com: "The recent "acqua alta" (high water) in Venice, Italy reached a depth of 1.56 meters (5 ft, 1 in.) on Monday - the deepest flood in 22 years, and the fourth highest flood level in recent history, claimed Venice's Tide Center. The water began to subside on Tuesday, while residents and tourists made their way through the city, hip-waders or not - one man even took the opportunity to ride his wakeboard through Piazza San Marco (until police stepped in). Although this flood was severe enough for the mayor to ask tourists to temporarily stay home, Venetian floods are fairly routine, several occurring every year, and residents usually take it all in stride."

This picture is so perfect. Oh Italy...