He calls the Darwin Research center on the Galapagos Islands home. Researchers have tried, without success, for years to find another of his kind. He's Lonesome George, the only Pinta Island Turtle left.
The area George calls home was once full of the turtles but they, like so many other animals, were killed off throughout the years. Conservationists are trying to restore the animals and ecosystem in the area but it isn't always easy, especially in the case of George.
Local fishermen, angry that the conservationists have moved in and are trying to save the animals and ecosystem in the area, have been protesting. They have even gone so far as to barricade the researchers inside the Darwin Research Center and threatened to kill Lonesome George.
The fishermen aren't the only obstacle they have faced. Researchers have been trying, without success, to get the 80 year-old George to mate. When sperm collection proved unsuccessful, female tortoises were brought in. That was fourteen years ago. George seemed reluctant to mate despite having two beautiful ladies living with him. Finally, in 2008, after 36 years in captivity, George shocked conservationists by mating for the first time. However, the eggs laid by one of his female companions turned out to be infertile.
So, George has made progress! Hopefully, we will shortly have the excellent news that George has once again decided to strike up a courtship with one of the ladies he lives with and there will be some little George's running around at the Darwin Research Center. Go, George!!!
For more information:
Lonesome George, The Last Galápagos Giant Tortoise, May Become a Dad, July 22, 2009
Galápagos Giant Tortoise Saved From Extinction By Breeding Programme, June 27, 2010
A short video by BBC Worldwide about Lonesome George:
Sunday, June 27, 2010
12 Year-Old Norwegian Boy Saves Sister from Moose Attack Thanks to World of Warcraft
Twelve year-old Hans Jørgen Olsen has become a hero after saving himself and his from a moose attack. The siblings were walking in the forest near their home when a moose started to attack. Any other 12 year old might be frightened in a situation like this but not Hans. You see, Hans is a devoted player of the online video game, World of Warcraft (hereafter referred to as "WoW").
Young Hans immediately went into WoW mode. He first "taunted" the moose, using himself as a target to draw the moose away from his sister. In WoW, "taunting' is used to distract monsters from the more vulnerable team members. After successfully 'taunting' the moose from his sister, Hans employed a skill he learned at WoW level 30: he feigned death. The moose tired of harassing the boy and wandered away.
Kudos to Hans for having the courage to protect his sister from an animal as large as a moose!
I'm a bit of a Pogo.com addict. You think my top-notch Poppit skills would ever come in handy during hand-to-hand combat with an attacking woodland creature?
Source: http://www.nextnature.net/2010/05/norwegian-boy-saves-sister-from-moose-attack-with-world-of-warcraft-skills/
Young Hans immediately went into WoW mode. He first "taunted" the moose, using himself as a target to draw the moose away from his sister. In WoW, "taunting' is used to distract monsters from the more vulnerable team members. After successfully 'taunting' the moose from his sister, Hans employed a skill he learned at WoW level 30: he feigned death. The moose tired of harassing the boy and wandered away.
Kudos to Hans for having the courage to protect his sister from an animal as large as a moose!
I'm a bit of a Pogo.com addict. You think my top-notch Poppit skills would ever come in handy during hand-to-hand combat with an attacking woodland creature?
Source: http://www.nextnature.net/2010/05/norwegian-boy-saves-sister-from-moose-attack-with-world-of-warcraft-skills/
King Tutankhamun Died of Blood Disorder, Not Malaria, Study Says
According to German scientists, ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun was probably killed by the genetic blood disorder sickle cell disease instead of malaria as suggested by an earlier research study.
A team from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine announced their findings Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in Hamburg, Germany. They questioned the conclusions of a major study released in February that suggested by use of DNA testing and CT scans that the young pharaoh had died of malaria after suffering a fall.
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a letter by the German researchers claiming that scrutiny of King Tut's foot bones indicated sickle cell disease.
According to the letter, the German researchers state: "(The) radiological signs are compatible with osteopathologic lesions seen in sickle cell disease (SCD), a hematological disorder that occurs at gene carrier rates of nine percent to 22 percent in inhabitants of Egyptian oases."
The researchers feel further DNA testing should be done to find a definitive answer as to how the young pharaoh actually did die.
Sickle cell disease is a common genetic disorder where the blood cells form a crescent shape rather than being smooth and round. This causes blood flow to be blocked and leads to chronic pain, infections and tissue death.
King Tutankhamun died around the age of 19 after ruling Egypt for ten years between 1333 to 1324 B.C as "The Boy King". The exact cause of his death has long been cause for speculation and rumor.
Source: Discovery News
A team from the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine announced their findings Wednesday, June 23, 2010 in Hamburg, Germany. They questioned the conclusions of a major study released in February that suggested by use of DNA testing and CT scans that the young pharaoh had died of malaria after suffering a fall.
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a letter by the German researchers claiming that scrutiny of King Tut's foot bones indicated sickle cell disease.
According to the letter, the German researchers state: "(The) radiological signs are compatible with osteopathologic lesions seen in sickle cell disease (SCD), a hematological disorder that occurs at gene carrier rates of nine percent to 22 percent in inhabitants of Egyptian oases."
The researchers feel further DNA testing should be done to find a definitive answer as to how the young pharaoh actually did die.
Sickle cell disease is a common genetic disorder where the blood cells form a crescent shape rather than being smooth and round. This causes blood flow to be blocked and leads to chronic pain, infections and tissue death.
King Tutankhamun died around the age of 19 after ruling Egypt for ten years between 1333 to 1324 B.C as "The Boy King". The exact cause of his death has long been cause for speculation and rumor.
Source: Discovery News
Sunday Funnies: The Black Bra
As told by a woman...
I had lunch with 2 of my unmarried friends.
One is engaged, one is a mistress, and I have been married for 20+ years. We were chatting about our relationships and decided to amaze our men by greeting them at the door wearing a black bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes. We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes..
Here's how it all went.
My engaged friend:
The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said, 'You are the woman of my dreams. I love you.' Then we made passionate love all nightlong.
The mistress:
Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing a raincoat, under it only the black bra, heels and mask over my eyes. When I opened the raincoat he didn't say a word, but he started to tremble and we had wild sex all night.
Then I had to share my story:
When my husband came home I was wearing the black bra, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. When he came in the door and saw me he said,
"What's for dinner, Zorro?"
I had lunch with 2 of my unmarried friends.
One is engaged, one is a mistress, and I have been married for 20+ years. We were chatting about our relationships and decided to amaze our men by greeting them at the door wearing a black bra, stiletto heels and a mask over our eyes. We agreed to meet in a few days to exchange notes..
Here's how it all went.
My engaged friend:
The other night when my boyfriend came over he found me with a black leather bodice, tall stilettos and a mask. He saw me and said, 'You are the woman of my dreams. I love you.' Then we made passionate love all nightlong.
The mistress:
Me too! The other night I met my lover at his office and I was wearing a raincoat, under it only the black bra, heels and mask over my eyes. When I opened the raincoat he didn't say a word, but he started to tremble and we had wild sex all night.
Then I had to share my story:
When my husband came home I was wearing the black bra, black stockings, stilettos and a mask over my eyes. When he came in the door and saw me he said,
"What's for dinner, Zorro?"
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Lake Michigan Shipwreck Found After 112 Years
Over a century ago, in October 1898, the L.R. Doty, a 300-foot-long wooden steamship was carrying a cargo of corn from South Chicago, Illinois to Ontario, Canada. A fierce storm on Lake Michigan that produced heavy winds, snow, sleet and waves as high as 30 feet caused the steamship to sink.
By all accounts, the Doty should have been able to withstand the storm. The ship was a mere five years old and its massive hull was reinforced with steel arches. But, it had a weakness. It was towing a small schooner, the Olive Jeanette. The schooner began to founder in the storm and the tow line snapped. Experts believe the Doty sank when it came to the aid of the Olive Jeanette. All 17 of the ships crew members, and two ship's cats, Dewey and Watson, perished when the ship sank.
Until now, the Doty was the largest wooden ship still unaccounted for. The ship was discovered in the Milwaukee-area shoreline and appears to be completely intact having been preserved by the cold fresh waters.
In 1991, a Milwaukee fisherman reported snagging his nets on an underwater obstruction about 300 feet down. His report was forgotten until diving technology improved to allow exploration at such a depth. In recent months, researchers conducted preliminary surface scouting, then used deep-sea technology to finally find the massive wreckage. Last week, divers were able to go into the waters. Immediately, they knew they had the Doty.
The Doty is sitting upright and completely intact--including the cargo of corn in the hold--in the clay at the bottom of Lake Michigan. The ship has been protected for the last 112 years because of the cold waters of Lake Michigan and its depth shielded it from storms. Brandon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association who worked on this find believes the bodies of the 17 crew members are likely intact as well, mostly likely in the boiler room where they believes they probably went as the ship sank.
Baillod believes the rudder chain must have snapped when the Doty was turning to assist the Olive Jeanette leaving the massive steamship at the mercy of the storm. He imagines the crew must have had at least an hour of knowing they were going to die in the icy Lake Michigan waters before the cargo holds collapsed.
There are no plans to raise the Doty. Doing so would probably be more harm than good. As it sits, the ship is protected by the cold Lake Michigan waters and its depth in them. Raised, the ship would be exposed to air that could cause it to rot away within a few years. Diver interference isn't something the Doty must worry over either. The depth of the ship guarantees that few divers will visit it because of the amount of experience one must have to make such a deep and dangerous dive.
For more information, to see an underwater photo of The Doty and to read about Brandon Baillod's next project, please visit the MSNBC.com Technology and Science Article.
Update: More spectacular underwater photographs of The Doty, courtesy of John Scoles, can be seen at this link. The photographs are amazing quality; very clear and you really get a great look at this amazing find.
By all accounts, the Doty should have been able to withstand the storm. The ship was a mere five years old and its massive hull was reinforced with steel arches. But, it had a weakness. It was towing a small schooner, the Olive Jeanette. The schooner began to founder in the storm and the tow line snapped. Experts believe the Doty sank when it came to the aid of the Olive Jeanette. All 17 of the ships crew members, and two ship's cats, Dewey and Watson, perished when the ship sank.
Until now, the Doty was the largest wooden ship still unaccounted for. The ship was discovered in the Milwaukee-area shoreline and appears to be completely intact having been preserved by the cold fresh waters.
In 1991, a Milwaukee fisherman reported snagging his nets on an underwater obstruction about 300 feet down. His report was forgotten until diving technology improved to allow exploration at such a depth. In recent months, researchers conducted preliminary surface scouting, then used deep-sea technology to finally find the massive wreckage. Last week, divers were able to go into the waters. Immediately, they knew they had the Doty.
The Doty is sitting upright and completely intact--including the cargo of corn in the hold--in the clay at the bottom of Lake Michigan. The ship has been protected for the last 112 years because of the cold waters of Lake Michigan and its depth shielded it from storms. Brandon Baillod, president of the Wisconsin Underwater Archaeology Association who worked on this find believes the bodies of the 17 crew members are likely intact as well, mostly likely in the boiler room where they believes they probably went as the ship sank.
Baillod believes the rudder chain must have snapped when the Doty was turning to assist the Olive Jeanette leaving the massive steamship at the mercy of the storm. He imagines the crew must have had at least an hour of knowing they were going to die in the icy Lake Michigan waters before the cargo holds collapsed.
There are no plans to raise the Doty. Doing so would probably be more harm than good. As it sits, the ship is protected by the cold Lake Michigan waters and its depth in them. Raised, the ship would be exposed to air that could cause it to rot away within a few years. Diver interference isn't something the Doty must worry over either. The depth of the ship guarantees that few divers will visit it because of the amount of experience one must have to make such a deep and dangerous dive.
For more information, to see an underwater photo of The Doty and to read about Brandon Baillod's next project, please visit the MSNBC.com Technology and Science Article.
Update: More spectacular underwater photographs of The Doty, courtesy of John Scoles, can be seen at this link. The photographs are amazing quality; very clear and you really get a great look at this amazing find.
CDN Television: Rookie Blue, Episode 1.1 "Fresh Paint"
Rookie Blue is a Canadian police drama airing on the American television network, ABC. The series, formerly known as Coppers, is set and filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and follows five rookie cops as they embark on their new jobs protecting and serving the citizens of Toronto.
Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), Dov Epstein (Gregory Smith), Traci Nash (Enuka Okuma), Chris Diaz (Travis Milne) and Gail Peck (Charlotte Sullivan) report for their first day on the job and meet their seasoned partners. Peck and Epstein are assigned to the station rather than getting jobs on the street. Andy McNally is partnered with Oliver Shaw and the two are called to a disturbance at a neighborhood crack house that turns into a murder. On her first day, Andy makes a huge rookie mistake when she arrests an undercover narcotics officer and ends up ruining an eight-month operation. She later gets the chance to redeem herself in a big way when she arrests the shooter.
Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym), Dov Epstein (Gregory Smith), Traci Nash (Enuka Okuma), Chris Diaz (Travis Milne) and Gail Peck (Charlotte Sullivan) report for their first day on the job and meet their seasoned partners. Peck and Epstein are assigned to the station rather than getting jobs on the street. Andy McNally is partnered with Oliver Shaw and the two are called to a disturbance at a neighborhood crack house that turns into a murder. On her first day, Andy makes a huge rookie mistake when she arrests an undercover narcotics officer and ends up ruining an eight-month operation. She later gets the chance to redeem herself in a big way when she arrests the shooter.
Music: Jeffree Star "Beauty Killer"
This isn't a music blog but since I've got the whole potpourri thing going I figure it's alright to make a mention of a song every now and then.
I have an awesome friend who is constantly introducing me to new music that, in all honesty, I never would have known about otherwise. This is one of the new songs that I definitely wouldn't have ever heard.
Beauty Killer is a new song by Jeffree Star. This genre of music isn't usually my cup of tea but the chorus to this song is infectious. Once you hear it, it will get into your head and you'll find yourself humming it later. Since hearing it, I've had it running through my head and have caught myself singing "I'm a beauty killer" at odd times throughout the day. I can see this song being very popular in clubs and would be quite surprised if there won't eventually be numerous "DJ remixes" of it showing up around the Internet.
The video is scenes of Jeffree Star wearing pink, blue and blond hair and blue and purple contact lenses intermixed with Star showing off the ladies he has tattooed on his body including the late Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn. As with Star's video for Get Away With Murder, the Beauty Killer video is creatively unique and striking and a video you will most definitely remember after seeing.
It's safe to say I really like Beauty Killer so, thank you, awesome friend. ;-)
Jeffree Star Official Facebook Page
Jeffree Star Official YouTube Channel
I have an awesome friend who is constantly introducing me to new music that, in all honesty, I never would have known about otherwise. This is one of the new songs that I definitely wouldn't have ever heard.
Beauty Killer is a new song by Jeffree Star. This genre of music isn't usually my cup of tea but the chorus to this song is infectious. Once you hear it, it will get into your head and you'll find yourself humming it later. Since hearing it, I've had it running through my head and have caught myself singing "I'm a beauty killer" at odd times throughout the day. I can see this song being very popular in clubs and would be quite surprised if there won't eventually be numerous "DJ remixes" of it showing up around the Internet.
The video is scenes of Jeffree Star wearing pink, blue and blond hair and blue and purple contact lenses intermixed with Star showing off the ladies he has tattooed on his body including the late Princess Diana and Audrey Hepburn. As with Star's video for Get Away With Murder, the Beauty Killer video is creatively unique and striking and a video you will most definitely remember after seeing.
It's safe to say I really like Beauty Killer so, thank you, awesome friend. ;-)
Jeffree Star Official Facebook Page
Jeffree Star Official YouTube Channel
Music: Jen Titus "Oh Death"
I don't often mention music here but there are some songs that just beg and plead to be mentioned. One of those songs is O Death as performed by Jen Titus.
For fans of the mega-fantastic series Supernatural on the CW network this song has become a favorite. Not only is the song amazingly appropriate for the series (and especially the episode and scene it appeared in) the song itself is phenomenal.
O Death is an old spiritual that was most recently heard in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou. Chris Donovan, the senior VP and creative executive at the CW network, thought the song would be perfect to use in the advertising campaign for the fifth season of Supernatural. However, he wanted something fresh, not the old recording of the song.
Enter Jennifer (Jen) Titus, an on-air promotions executive for the CW and someone known amongst her network colleagues for her singing ability. Titus did a quick demo of the song on her iPhone. Chris Donovan loved her version and, after making a few tweaks to the lyrics, he sent Jen Titus into the studio to record a polished version. CW staffers performed background vocals and Leonard Richardson, the CW's music executive mixed the track.
Thus, was born the hypnotic and hauntingly beautiful theme for the fifth season of Supernatural. The song appears in the promos for the fifth season as well as in the episode Two Minutes to Midnight. Jennifer Titus has a gorgeous voice that makes this song even more ethereal and captivating. Yes, the song is about death but it's impossible not to listen to this song and not be completely mesmerized by Titus' amazing voice and the striking presentation.
The song used to be available as a download on the CW's official web site, but, unfortunately, I cannot find it there any longer.
The song is in the background in the official Supernatural season 5 trailer presented by the CW Network on their myspace page:
Supernatural Trailer - O Death
CW Network - Supernatural | MySpace Music Videos
For fans of the mega-fantastic series Supernatural on the CW network this song has become a favorite. Not only is the song amazingly appropriate for the series (and especially the episode and scene it appeared in) the song itself is phenomenal.
O Death is an old spiritual that was most recently heard in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou. Chris Donovan, the senior VP and creative executive at the CW network, thought the song would be perfect to use in the advertising campaign for the fifth season of Supernatural. However, he wanted something fresh, not the old recording of the song.
Enter Jennifer (Jen) Titus, an on-air promotions executive for the CW and someone known amongst her network colleagues for her singing ability. Titus did a quick demo of the song on her iPhone. Chris Donovan loved her version and, after making a few tweaks to the lyrics, he sent Jen Titus into the studio to record a polished version. CW staffers performed background vocals and Leonard Richardson, the CW's music executive mixed the track.
Thus, was born the hypnotic and hauntingly beautiful theme for the fifth season of Supernatural. The song appears in the promos for the fifth season as well as in the episode Two Minutes to Midnight. Jennifer Titus has a gorgeous voice that makes this song even more ethereal and captivating. Yes, the song is about death but it's impossible not to listen to this song and not be completely mesmerized by Titus' amazing voice and the striking presentation.
The song used to be available as a download on the CW's official web site, but, unfortunately, I cannot find it there any longer.
Oh, Death...Oh Death...Oh Death...
Won't you spare me over another year
But what is this, that I can't see
with ice cold hands takin' hold of me
When God is gone and the Devil takes hold
who will have mercy on your soul
Oh, Death...Oh Death...Oh Death...
No wealth, no ruin, no silver, no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul
Oh, Death,
Well, I am Death, none can excel,
I'll open the door to heaven or hell.
Oh, Death...Oh Death,
My name is Death and the end ïs here...
Won't you spare me over another year
But what is this, that I can't see
with ice cold hands takin' hold of me
When God is gone and the Devil takes hold
who will have mercy on your soul
Oh, Death...Oh Death...Oh Death...
No wealth, no ruin, no silver, no gold
Nothing satisfies me but your soul
Oh, Death,
Well, I am Death, none can excel,
I'll open the door to heaven or hell.
Oh, Death...Oh Death,
My name is Death and the end ïs here...
The song is in the background in the official Supernatural season 5 trailer presented by the CW Network on their myspace page:
Supernatural Trailer - O Death
CW Network - Supernatural | MySpace Music Videos
President Barack Obama's Vision for NASA: Is it the Doom of US Space Exploration or a Misunderstanding?
There has been a great deal of talk about the plans the Obama administration has for NASA since those plans were announced earlier in the year. Some feel that the current administration has all but taken the United States out of the business of space exploration. Just what is the truth about the future of NASA? Has President Obama sealed its fate or is it just one big misunderstanding?
Leaders at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have recently put together an FAQ about the direction the organization is now headed under the current administration. They've answered some questions by offering further information to clear up some of the misconceptions about the future of the space program. NASA would like for the public to focus more on the new directions of the organization, such as their plans to send astronauts to an asteroid by 2025 than on the furor surrounding the Obama administrations plans for NASA.
Is the Space Program Dead in the Water?
According to Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut and member of the Augustine committee, the new administration didn't come in and kill the space program despite what is commonly being said. Chiao feels that NASA is getting a slight bump from the Obama administration instead. In 2010 the annual budget for the space administration was $18.3 billion. The new plan has set aside $19 billion for 2011. While that isn't a large increase, it isn't a cut, either.
Leaders at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have recently put together an FAQ about the direction the organization is now headed under the current administration. They've answered some questions by offering further information to clear up some of the misconceptions about the future of the space program. NASA would like for the public to focus more on the new directions of the organization, such as their plans to send astronauts to an asteroid by 2025 than on the furor surrounding the Obama administrations plans for NASA.
Is the Space Program Dead in the Water?
According to Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut and member of the Augustine committee, the new administration didn't come in and kill the space program despite what is commonly being said. Chiao feels that NASA is getting a slight bump from the Obama administration instead. In 2010 the annual budget for the space administration was $18.3 billion. The new plan has set aside $19 billion for 2011. While that isn't a large increase, it isn't a cut, either.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Man Enters Into Wedded Bliss--With a Pillow??
A 28 year old Korean man has finally found Miss Right. The only thing is, Miss right just so happens to be a pillow.
Lee Jin-gyu has apparently fallen head over heels in love with his "dakimakura", a large, Japanese huggable pillow with the picture of his favorite anime character, Fate Testarossa printed on it. Fate Testarossa is a character from the Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha.
The wedding was a special ceremony complete with a local priest and wedding dress for the "bride".
From all accounts, Lee Jin-gyu takes his pillow everywhere just as he would a real woman. They go to the funfair together and even out to eat where the pillow gets its own seat and meal.
I know cultures all have their own customs and things can sometimes seem strange from one culture to another, but a pillow?? Really??
For more information and to see a photo of the lovely couple, click here.
Lee Jin-gyu has apparently fallen head over heels in love with his "dakimakura", a large, Japanese huggable pillow with the picture of his favorite anime character, Fate Testarossa printed on it. Fate Testarossa is a character from the Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha.
The wedding was a special ceremony complete with a local priest and wedding dress for the "bride".
From all accounts, Lee Jin-gyu takes his pillow everywhere just as he would a real woman. They go to the funfair together and even out to eat where the pillow gets its own seat and meal.
I know cultures all have their own customs and things can sometimes seem strange from one culture to another, but a pillow?? Really??
For more information and to see a photo of the lovely couple, click here.
Tiny Turtle Thrown in the Trash Reunited with Family
Tuesday, ten-year-old Carley Helm and her two sisters, Rebecca and Annie were on their way home to Milwaukee, Wisconsin from a visit with their father in Atlanta, Georgia. On a side trip to South Carolina, Carley saw a coin-sized turtle in a souvenir shop. Her father bought the turtle for her and she named it Neytiri.
When the girls were ready to go home to Milwaukee, Carley thought it would be fine if she took the tiny turtle on the plane with her. AirTran officials didn't seem to mind either, at first. As the plane was taxiing, it was called back and the turtle removed from the plane because of a no-reptiles rule AirTran, like most other airlines, have in place.
Rebecca Helm insists AirTran staff told her to throw the tiny turtle away--something they deny. Rebecca called their father and he was on his way to the airport to get Neytiri the Turtle. According to Rebecca, airline staff refused to contact her father to make transfer arrangements so she set Neytiri, tank and all down in a trash bin. She hoped that if the turtle was left there, her father could retrieve the tiny turtle.
However, when William Helm arrived at the airport, he nor airline employees couldn't find the reptile. Another AirTran employee had fished the turtle out of the trash, handed it off to a co-worker who had taken it home as a pet for their son.
Neytiri was retrieved and the little boy who thought he had a Yellow-Eared Slider was given two replacement turtles for his loss. AirTran sent the coin-sized Neytiri to Milwaukee free of charge--in the cargo hold.
I'm so very happy that Neytiri is safely back with her family. What I'd like to know? If the airline had no problem sending the turtle to Milwaukee in the cargo hold of the plane the second time around, why all the hubbub originally? It sure would have spared Carley and her little turtle a lot of misery.
For further details about this story with a very happy ending and to see pictures of the too cute for words Neytiri the Turtle, refer to this article.
When the girls were ready to go home to Milwaukee, Carley thought it would be fine if she took the tiny turtle on the plane with her. AirTran officials didn't seem to mind either, at first. As the plane was taxiing, it was called back and the turtle removed from the plane because of a no-reptiles rule AirTran, like most other airlines, have in place.
Rebecca Helm insists AirTran staff told her to throw the tiny turtle away--something they deny. Rebecca called their father and he was on his way to the airport to get Neytiri the Turtle. According to Rebecca, airline staff refused to contact her father to make transfer arrangements so she set Neytiri, tank and all down in a trash bin. She hoped that if the turtle was left there, her father could retrieve the tiny turtle.
However, when William Helm arrived at the airport, he nor airline employees couldn't find the reptile. Another AirTran employee had fished the turtle out of the trash, handed it off to a co-worker who had taken it home as a pet for their son.
Neytiri was retrieved and the little boy who thought he had a Yellow-Eared Slider was given two replacement turtles for his loss. AirTran sent the coin-sized Neytiri to Milwaukee free of charge--in the cargo hold.
I'm so very happy that Neytiri is safely back with her family. What I'd like to know? If the airline had no problem sending the turtle to Milwaukee in the cargo hold of the plane the second time around, why all the hubbub originally? It sure would have spared Carley and her little turtle a lot of misery.
For further details about this story with a very happy ending and to see pictures of the too cute for words Neytiri the Turtle, refer to this article.
Movies & Film: Top 7 Animatronic Movie Beasts
Throughout movie history certain films have required a bit more than what the average actor could give. When that occurred, it was time to call in the guys and gals who specialized in building complex, and sometimes, malfunctioning animatronic animals and beasts. After all, dinosaurs no longer roam the earth, no actor in their right mind would want to do scenes with a 3 ton Great White shark and, while gorillas can get pretty big, none have reached 40 feet in height.
The top seven animatronic movie beasts have been compiled by Charles Q. Choi in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the classic film Jaws which opened in theaters on June 20, 1975.
I think Charles Choi did a pretty good job on his list.
The top seven animatronic movie beasts have been compiled by Charles Q. Choi in celebration of the 35th anniversary of the classic film Jaws which opened in theaters on June 20, 1975.
I think Charles Choi did a pretty good job on his list.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Are Humans Destined to Be Extinct Within 100 Years?
Ninety-five year-old Australian microbiologist Professor Frank Fenner is world renown for bringing the myxomatosis virus to rabbits in Australia to control their population in the 1950's. He's also the man who announced to the World Health Assembly in 1980 that smallpox had been eradicated. Now, Professor Fenner has made another startling announcement.
In an interview with The Australian, Professor Fenner has revealed his fears that "we're going to become extinct" and that "whatever we do now is too late."
According to Fenner, "Homo sapiens will become extinct, perhaps within 100 years. A lot of other animals will, too. It's an irreversible situation. I think it's too late. I try not to express that because people are trying to do something but they keep putting it off."
Fenner feels that despite efforts to control global warming and overpopulation issues the fate of humans is already sealed.
In an interview with The Australian, Professor Fenner has revealed his fears that "we're going to become extinct" and that "whatever we do now is too late."
According to Fenner, "Homo sapiens will become extinct, perhaps within 100 years. A lot of other animals will, too. It's an irreversible situation. I think it's too late. I try not to express that because people are trying to do something but they keep putting it off."
Fenner feels that despite efforts to control global warming and overpopulation issues the fate of humans is already sealed.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Robert Pattinson Distantly Related to Dracula??
According to genealogical researchers at Ancestry.com, Robert Pattison, famed for playing Edward Cullen in the Twilight series of films isn't the only famous individual known for blood lust in his family tree.
Researchers say Pattison is distantly related to Vlad the Impaler through the relationship both men have to the British royal family. Pattinson is distant cousins with Princes William and Harry. Vlad the Impaler is the distant uncle to the Princes.
According to Anastasia Tyler, an Ancestry.com genealogist, it was difficult work tracing Pattinson's family back to the 15th century Wallachian prince. "Without any myth or magic, we find royalty and vampires lurking in Pattinson's life--making his history just as supernatural as the one he's playing on screen."
Researchers say Pattison is distantly related to Vlad the Impaler through the relationship both men have to the British royal family. Pattinson is distant cousins with Princes William and Harry. Vlad the Impaler is the distant uncle to the Princes.
According to Anastasia Tyler, an Ancestry.com genealogist, it was difficult work tracing Pattinson's family back to the 15th century Wallachian prince. "Without any myth or magic, we find royalty and vampires lurking in Pattinson's life--making his history just as supernatural as the one he's playing on screen."
Manet Self-Portrait Sells for £22 Million
Tuesday, at Sotheby's in London, England a self-portrait of Edouard Manet painted between 1878 and 1879 sold for a record £22,441,250 million British pounds (roughly $33.1 million US dollars). The painting titled "Edouard Manet with Palette" was one of only two Manet self-portraits and was purchased by an anonymous bidder.
Tuesday's sale is the highest amount ever paid for a Manet painting. In 1989, a Manet painting fetched £16 at an auction in New York City, New York.
Edouard Manet, a French impressionist, is considered by many to be the father of the Impressionist movement. Impressionism led to the creation of 'modern art'. Manet was born January 23, 1832 in Paris, France and died April 30, 1883. Some of his notable works are "Music in the Tuileries", "Luncheon on the Grass" and "Olympia".
To see "Edouard Manet with Palette", click here.
Tuesday's sale is the highest amount ever paid for a Manet painting. In 1989, a Manet painting fetched £16 at an auction in New York City, New York.
Edouard Manet, a French impressionist, is considered by many to be the father of the Impressionist movement. Impressionism led to the creation of 'modern art'. Manet was born January 23, 1832 in Paris, France and died April 30, 1883. Some of his notable works are "Music in the Tuileries", "Luncheon on the Grass" and "Olympia".
To see "Edouard Manet with Palette", click here.
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