Global News (10/12/09-10/18/09)

Teen Girl Sets Sail on a Journey Around the World, 10/18/09, New York Daily News (NYDN)

Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old girl from Australia, set sail on Sunday in an attempt to becomes the youngest person to sails around the world, unassisted. “‘Without assistance’ means a vessel may not receive any kind of outside help or take on board any supplies, materials or equipment during the attempt. A craft may be anchored or beached during the attempt, but any repairs must be made without outside resources, materials or help.” So Jessica and her pink yacht are on their own. It’s a long trip (23,600 miles) and can be very dangerous, so some wonder if she should be allowed to try. Back in August, a court in The Netherlands ruled that 13-year-old Laura Dekker was too young to try. What do you think?

Is Nepalese Teen the World’s Shortest Man? 10/16/09, (NYDN)

Khagendra Thapa Magar is 22-inches tall. That’s shorter than the length of two rulers, y’all.  His family tried to get him into the Guinness Book of World Records when he was 14, “but was told he was too young and may still grow.” Now he’s 18 and wants his shot at the title. “21-year-old He Pingping of China currently holds the shortest man title, standing just 29-inches tall.”