International News
by Sherry Wota - The Navigator
James Cameron dives to the deepest part of ocean
"I just sat there looking out the window, looking at this barren, desolate lunar plain, appreciating."- James Cameron
On Mar. 25, director James Cameron (Avatar, Titanic) spent seven solo hours in a 24-foot submarine, exploring the Challenger Deep Trench, the deepest point of the Mariana's Trench. Cameron, who collected images and data from the ocean's deepest level, has described the experience as akin to exploring another world. Full results and photos will be published in a future issue of National Geographic magazine.
One pricey infant—Aussie family faces medical bill
After an Australian mother gave birth prematurely in Vancouver, B.C. parents John Kan and Rachel Evans are facing a $707 thousand medical bill for neo-natal care of baby Piper, plus $17 thousand for labour and delivery. The new parents hope to drum up some sympathy for their situation. They had travel insurance and extra coverage for Evans' pregnancy, but did not realize that their insurance would not cover the costs for birth and aftercare.
A B.C. Health Ministry spokesman said Monday the ministry cannot forgive the debt.
"We have sympathy for the family in this case and recognize the challenge a bill of this amount presents," Ryan Jabs says. "Our first priority is that all patients who come to hospitals in B.C. receive timely care. We will not allow a patient's health to be jeopardized," he says.
"With the current pressures facing our health-care system, we need to be sure our resources are focused on eligible British Columbians, who ultimately fund the health-care services that are provided in B.C."
The health authority that runs the hospital is in negotiations with the couple to try to arrange a payment plan to settle the bill.