Free Republic

Hong Kong's controversial shark fin trade may face its biggest shakeup in years if conservationists get their way in securing tighter regulations at an international wildlife conference in Panama. The city is one of the world's largest markets for shark fin, which is viewed by many Chinese communities as a delicacy and often served as a soup at expensive banquets. While domestic consumption has shrunk after years of activist campaigning, Hong Kong remains a vital trading hub for shark fins - both legal and illegal - headed for the Chinese mainland and Southeast Asia.

Pics: Here's a real shark with a real laser attached to its fin Through the collective power of Facebook "Liking," Wicked Lasers promised a shark with a laser attached to it. Internet, here's your shark with a laser mounted on its fin. The laser isn't on the shark's head, but this will do (for now). Did you really think that Wicked Lasers would arm a shark with a powerful weapon that would give it the ability to sear other marine life? Get real. True, Wicked Lasers and marine biologist Luke Tipple did mount an S3 Krypton laser to a lemon...

Supporters of a bill that would ban the possession of shark fins in Hawaii are making a final push for its passage. Senate Bill 2169 faces an uncertain future in conference committee next week as lawmakers debate whether eating shark fin soup is a cultural Chinese practice. On Sunday Sen. Clayton Hee, who introduced the proposed ban, tried to set the record straight during a rare weekend press conference. “This issue has taught me that in fact it is not a Chinese cultural issue,” said the chair of the Water, Land, Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. “It is something that...

OK, people... I don't know why people seem to trash the old 3Com sharkfin modem... I've had one for the last 4 years, including 3 speed upgrades, and it seems to work fine for me. Since this is apparently a subjective item, I'd like to know the opinion of cable internet users here in FR, including those who still use the sharkfin.