Bowheads Whales in Disko Bay Greenland

The bowhead whale is a magnificent species of whale which feeds on massive amounts of plankton and krill and when fully grown can reach up to 18 meters in length and weigh around 100 tons.

Not that long ago, it was thought that the bowhead whale was extinct or very nearly so in the area around Greenland. The bowhead whales had used Disko Bay in northwest Greenland as a mating ground, but had ceased doing this for some years.

Remarkably, the situation has improved and the whales are back. It is thought that it is possibly a consequence of global warming which has melted the polar ice there. This has opened up the Northwest Passage for the first time in around 125 000 years. Now, bowhead whales from the northern areas of the Pacific are able to reach Disko Bay and mate with the small number of local whales.

Bowhead Whales' P.O.V. - Greenland

Bowhead Whale Song

Legend of Romeo, The Lonely Wolf from Alaska

This is a true, modern-day Alaskan story about the fate of a wolf whose pregnant mate was run over by a vehicle leaving him alone and grieving. We are certainly very grateful to Floyd Stinky Boy for this footage as well as for updating us on the latest news about Romeo, the lonely wolf.

LEGEND OF ROMEO, THE LONELY WOLF FROM ALASKA (updated with breaking news)

We can only hope that Romeo will charm his lady and that this Alaskan Wolf Tale will have a happy ending.

Ancient Whale Fossils Found in the Egyptian Desert

Ancient whale fossils have been uncovered in Wadi Al-Hitan, meaning Valley of the Whales, in the Western Desert of Egypt. Unusually large concentrations of whale and other vertebrates fossil skeletons occur in this area - including Basilosaurus and the now extinct suborder of whale Archaeoceti. Paleontologists estimate the time frame being round about 400 million years ago when the area was under water.

One particularly fine specimen of Basilosaurus of 50 feet (18 meters) long has been found. Some of the whale skeletons have legs - indicating that these fossils have a major evolutionary story to tell.

Whale Fossil in Egyptian desert

Egypt may not be the first place you would look for whales, but once long ago the Wadi Al-Hatin was covered in water and teeming with these giants. Geologist Philip D Gingerich announced that his team had excavated the first almost complete skeleton of a Basilosaurus isis.

For more information, see what the Encyclopedia of Earth has to say: Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley), Egypt - Encyclopedia of Earth

The largest was Basilosaurus isis, which was up to 21 m long, with well developed five-fingered flippers on the forelimbs and the quite unexpected presence of hind legs, feet, and toes, not known previously in any archaeocete.

British Airways in Financial Straits - Asks Staff to Work For No Pay

British Airways is fighting for survival after reporting a £401m pre-tax loss in May.

Two of its survival tactics have became clear:

1. It has appealed to its 40,000 strong work force to opt for blocks of unpaid leave or unpaid work in a bold effort to help cut costs.

2. It is planning to shed between 2000 and 4000 jobs again to cut costs and streamline its operation.

Under the headline Action Time an article in the in-house newspaper British Airways News reads: "Colleagues are being urged to help the airline's cash saving drive by signing up for unpaid leave or unpaid work." The CEO Willie Walsh who earns about £61,000 a month said that he would be working for no pay in July.

The article explains how this will work: "From tomorrow, people will be able to opt for blocks of unpaid leave or unpaid work, with salary deductions spread over three to six months, wherever possible ... The unpaid work option means people can contribute to the cash-saving effort by coming to work while effectively volunteering for a small cut in base pay."

Naturally the Unions, while acknowledging the seriousness of BA's plight, are not at all happy with these proposed measures and see them as ill-conceived and not containing a long-term solution.

Also, comments in the Professional Pilots Rumour Network show that they are not impressed either.
As Betpump5 remarks: "The CEO who is giving up one month's salary is nothing but a drop in the ocean. But the guys on 18K-24K would see 200 quid a month out of their wages for 6 months!"

It is going to be interesting to see how this is going to play out. In the current economic climate, survival is paramount. There is an unspoken, underlying belief that the economy will recover, that these tough times will eventually pass and renewed growth will follow - but not before there has been some fundamental reorganisation. We have seen this lately in the some industries in the US where the work force have bought into companies to keep them afloat.

News source: Sky News and Yahoo UK

Swine Flu - What is Happening in Asia?

The World Health Organisation has raised the
alert level for swine flu from 4 to 5 which
means that the risk of a pandemic breaking out
has increased significantly putting the world on
full alert.

At risk level 5, countries have to ensure that
they have sufficient quantities of medicines
available to cope with massive infections occurring
in the population.
Governments are also required to introduce measures to
contain the spread of the flu virus. Screening at airports and
sea ports has been introduced in many
countries already.

Countries in Asia are not taking any chances.
After their experiences with SARS and avian
flu they are on high alert, poised for action if/
when necessary.

New Zealand is the only country in the region
with confirmed cases of swine flu - 14 at the last count -
with many other people placed in isolation. All
those who have contracted swine flu had
visited Mexico or North America recently.

In South Korea 5 suspected cases of swine flu
are being investigated, but no confirmed cases
have been reported. All 5 had recently visited
Mexico or the USA. The South Korean government
has designated Mexico a "travel restricted area"
for its citizens.

Australia has introduced new powers to isolate
and detain anyone suspected of having swine flu.
Aa a precautionary measure, aircraft arriving from
affected areas can be disinfected if it is deemed necessary.
According to the Australian Health Minister these steps
have been introduced so that "we can act nationally, we
can act quickly".

Hong Kong, China and Singapore are also
monitoring the situations in their countries
very carefully, Passenger screening, travel
advisements and airport checks are in place.

Swine Flu Update

Swine flu has to date been the cause of more
than 150 deaths in Mexico, where it first broke
out. Several other countries have confirmed cases of
swine flu but no fatalities have occured.

• The USA has 50+ confirmed cases.
• Canada has 6
• New Zealand 3
• Britain 2
• Spain 2
• Israel 1

Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 strain associated with pigs.

The present situation has been caused by the virus crossing the
species barrier to infect humans.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised
the alert level from 3 to 4. The scale ranges
from 1 to 6 with 6 representing a full-blown
pandemic alert. A level 4 alert represents "a
significant increase in risk of a pandemic".

The 20th century saw three major pandemics. In
1918, Spanish Flu killed more than 50 million
people. In 1957 Asian flu affected millions
worldwide and in 1968-69 nearly 34 000 people
died of Hong Kong flu.

To put these statistics into a clearer pespective,
they need to be viewed in terms of the number of
people who die from seasonal influenza every
year. Worldwide between 250 000 and 500 000 people succumb
to influenza yearly.

Many countries are advising their citizens not
to travel to Mexico or to affected areas in the
USA (New York, New Jersey and Texas have been
affected so far) except for absolutely essential travel.

Swine Flu - What is it all about?

Swine flu is a viral infection that originated
in pigs. It was first isolated as a special
strain of flu in the 1930s and has only
infrequently crossed the species barrier and
infected people who were in direct contact with
the infected pigs. To give an indication of the
rareness of that happening, the USA has reported
only 10 cases of swine flu in the past five
years. However, in March of this year 8 cases
were confirmed.

The current outbreak of swine flu in Mexico is
causing concern because over 100 of the people
who contracted it have died. In Mexico the
strain of swine flu appears to be particularly
virulent.

Several people who have just visited Mexico have
become infected with the virus and inadvertently
carried it back to their own countries.
Outbreaks have been reported in the USA, Canada,
Spain, New Zealand and elsewhere. At this stage the
travelers with the flu have not developed complications
and are recovering.

In the USA, some schools reporting outbreaks of
suspected swine flu have closed and students
sent home as a precautionary measure to prevent
the virus from spreading.

Many countries have put measures in place to
deal with a possible epidemic or pandemic.
So far, no travel restrictions have been imposed
on flights to and from Mexico. Airlines are
allowing passengers to change their travel plans
to Mexico without having to pay the usual
penalties.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is keep a
sharp eye on matters and has declared the flu a
"public health event of international concern."

What are swine flu symptoms?

They are similar to regular flu symptoms with
fever, congestion and coughing, body aches, sore
throat, fatigue. Those most at risk to develop complications
are people who are immune compromised, the elderly
and pregnant women.

What to do if you live in an area affected by swine flu?

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently
throughout the day. If you are at risk or
fearful of catching swine flu, wear a face mask
- the N99 is reported to be most effective - to
prevent you from inhaling the airborne virus.

If you have visited Mexico recently or come into
contact with someone who has and you develop any
of these flu symptoms, be sure to see your doctor
immediately.

South Carolina Wildfire Continues to Blaze

The wildfire in the Murtle Beach area is continuing
to rage fiercely again today (Friday) after it
eased off slightly overnight when the wind died
down and firebreaks contained the fire's onward
movement.

South Carolina's forest fire chief said that
this was the worst fire to hit South Carolina
for three decades threatening parts of the
popular tourist area.

To date 20,000 acres of land has been scorched,
70 homes destroyed, a further 100 homes damaged
and at least 2500 people have been evacuated. No
fatalities or injuries have been reported.
Damage is estimated to run at more than $8
million.

The fire allegedly started in a yard in Conway
last weekend where a person was burning debris
in his yard. Firefighters were called in to
extinquish the fire, but it seems to have
continued to smoulder under the scrub only to be
rekindled by the fresh winds a few days later
leading to the devastation of the present
situation.

By early Friday, the blaze was reported to be
about 50% contained although it was feared that
that if there was any deterioration in the
weather accompanied by even slight increases in
wind speed flare-ups of the fire at hot spots
could result.

Teams of firefighters are reported to be
prepared for every eventuality, but are hopeful
that the fire will be contained by late weekend.

Wildfire Blazing at Murtle Beach, South Carolina

SC Wildfire burns down homes as hundreds of people are forced
to flee the rapidly spreading fire in one of the busiest holiday spots in
South Carolina.

In the affected areas, residents were awakened by police banging on
their doors urging them to evacuate their homes immediately as
strong winds were rapidly spreading the blaze. It was being pushed
in the direction of Barefoot Landing development near Myrtle Beach.
Barefoot Landing Resort is a popular complex of homes, condos and
golf courses.

Badly shaken residents managed to flee to safety and are currently
being sheltered at City Hall and The Blues at Barefoot Landing.

Some 2,500 people on the western side of the Intracoastal waterway
were instructed to leave their homes overnight. Officials are hoping
the waterway will act as a firebreak and protect more populated areas
closer to the beach.
Strong gusting winds are making it more difficult for the firefighters
to bring the blaze under control.

According to North Murtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley upwards of
40 homes had already been destroyed or damaged by the fire. She said
that a more accurate tally would be available after a building assessment
had been completed by about 2 p.m. Thursday. She also expressed relief
that no one so far had sustained any injuries.

Melbourne Set To Get Its Own Rooftop Windpower Generator

Australia's first rooftop wind generator could become a reality as soon as the proposed turbine installation atop a Melbourne office tower gets the nod of approval from the City of Melbourne.

The $5-6 million project could generate as much as 30 percent of the energy requirements for the 42-storey building. Owners propose using either 36 PacWind turbines or 12 Quiet Revolution turbines.

The site has been chosen both for its prominence in the Melbourne skyline as well as its uncluttered roof. The turbines would extend about 30 metres above the parapet and are expected to generate nearly 2 million kilowatt hours a year.

Wind speeds on the site reached about 64 km/h which was much more than adequate. Some rsidents were concerned about increased noise-levels but tests have shown that turbine noise would not be any louder than ambient noise in the area. Once approved, it is hoped that the project will be up and running in twelve months or so.

Fortunately there are no orange-bellied parrots in the area to block the plan, as occurred at Bald Hills. There is some concern about a pair of peregrine falcons whose nest is only a block away from the site. At this stage it seems unlikely the falcon pair will stop the project going ahead because they are not as endangered as the parrots.

Project manager, Peter Clack, said funding had been applied for under the federal Green Building Fund and the system was expected to pay for itself in between five and seven years.

The Tragic End to the NFL Players' Fishing Trip

Nick Schuyler rescued; Marquis Cooper, Corey Smith and Will Bleakly lost
at sea, presumed dead. What it must have been like for them out there
we can never know except vaguely with compassion and empathy sense
their anguish.

Nick has only said that Marquis Cooper and Coney Smith drifted off quietly
some time in the night and that Will Bleakley had thought he’d seen a light
in the distance and had swum towards it to get help.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the families of the Marquis Cooper, Coney Smith and Will
Bleakley.

May the men rest in peace and their families in time find comfort in the remembering, the memories and the love.

Nick Schuyler Rescued, NFL Players Marquis Cooper and Coney Smith still Missing

Nick Schuyler, one of the four men missing at sea with NFL players Marquis Cooper
and Coney Smith, was rescued by the U.S Coast Guard. Will Bleakley, a former
University of South Florida football player, made up the fourth on the ill-fated fishing trip.

Nick Schuyler, also a former University of South Florida football player, was found
clinging to the capsized fishing boat yesterday. His condition is reported to be serious
but stable. He is suffering from dehydration and exhaustion and sustained a few cuts and bruises. He was rescued more than a day after the boat capsized in choppy
seas off the Florida coast.

The Coast Guard found the capsized vessel 35 miles southwest from Clearwater. According to
Schuyler, their boat flipped over on Saturday afternoon. He did not say how it happened.
Schuyler was ferried to Tampa General by helicopter where he is now being treated. His
parents have seen him and are confident that he will be OK.

His father said that their hearts went out to the other families.

“We still have three men missing, and we’re not going to talk too much until we find these
guys,” said his father, Stuart Schuyler. “We’ re all praying for them. These guys are all
very close friends.”

With the boat found, rescuers have narrowed down and intensified the search. Two
helicopters, two airplanes, an 87-foot cutter and other vessels have joined the search. The
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have also joined in and will be
concentrating on the inshore coastal waters.

Time is now of the essence because the low water temperatures make survival in cold
water for prolonged periods of time difficult, although the men’s size may help to insulate
them from hypothermia, the length of time they have spent in the water works against them.

Cooper is 6 feet 3 inches and 213 pounds, a linebacker who has played for five N.F.L.
teams since playing for the University of Washington. Smith, 6-2 and 250 pounds, is from
Richmond, Va., and played for North Carolina State before entering the NFL. He has played
for the Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers and the Lions. Bleakley played tight end at South
Florida, which listed him at 6-3 and 240 pounds.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and are in the process of gathering more
information,” the Raiders said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the
passengers, their families and those involved in the search efforts.”

NFL players Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper Lost at Sea

No sign of the two missing NFL players or their
boat had been spotted by the US Coast Guard by
Sunday night.The men have gone missing in the
Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast.


The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a fishing boat
carrying Detroit Lions defensive Corey Smith
and Oakland Raiders backliner Marquis Cooper
and two other men. The two others on board have
been identified as Will Bleakley and Nick
Schuyler, both former University of South
Florida players.

They left on a fishing trip in a 21-foot boat
(6.5-meters) at about 6.30am from Clearwater
Pass, Florida on Saturday February 28. When
they did not return home as expected on
Saturday evening, the Coast Guard was alerted
and a search commenced.


A helicopter and a 26-meter boat are being used to

hunt for the missing vessel in an area of about

750 square miles. Bad weather is hampering matters
somewhat. Late Saturday swells had increased to
1.5 meters and the wind had reached 20 knots in
the afternoon.

Cooper and Smith have been on fishing trips
together before and have some experience of the
coastal conditions. Relatives provided the Coast Guard with GPS

co-ordinates from previous fishing expeditions
with the hope that the players would go to the
same destination.

No distress signal was received from the
missing vessel, but according to a Coast Guard
official that does not necessarily mean that
the men didn't send one.

"We didn't receive a distress signal, " he said.

The search continues for the men continues.

Prehistoric Mammoth and Whale Bones Found in San Diego

A Columbian mammoth's remains were found at a construction site in San Diego three weeks ago bringing the construction of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law to a halt. The mammoth was likely to have died about 500,000 years ago. Scientists were called in to excavate the site.
Yesterday just 10 feet below the mammoth's bones, those of a prehistoric whale were discovered.

According to the scientists, these prehistoric whale bones could belong to an ancestor of the modern gray whale. It is thought to have died some 600,000 years ago and to have measured about 40 feet long.

The curator of paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum, Thomas Demere, explained that gray whales were part of the baleen group of whales that filter feed through baleen plates and, even though the bones unearthed so far, suggest that it could be an early ancestor of the gray whale, more bones need to be found to confirm this.

Unearthed so far are the whale's jaw, shoulder blade, neck bone and upper spine. The bones are spread across an area about 40 feet. Field paleontologist Pat Sena said that sea currents were no doubt responsible for spreading them around like that.

The mammoth and whale remains could provide clues to their evolutionary history and to global weather patterns in prehistoric times.

As Sena said:"When sea levels are in, it's a warmer climate. Polar ice caps are melting and sea levels are rising. We're looking at periods of global warming and global cooling in a real short package of time here."

Paleontologists, using hand axes, shovels, trowels and brushes to excavate the rest of the whale, expect to be on site for some time longer.

Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune

Keith Brooking Signs with Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys strengthened their
linebacking corps by signing the eleven year
veteran Keith Brooking for three years. He was
released on Friday by the Atlanta Falcons after
being with them for all 11 of his seasons.

In his rookie season he played in the Super
Bowl XXXIII.

In 2008 he started all 16 games with the
Falcons and went on to lead the team with 133
tackles of which 80 were solo. So far in his career, he has 972 tackles,
17 sacks and 12 interceptions.

His contract terms have not been disclosed as
yet. Expectations are high for another great season.

Brian Dawkins signs with the Broncos

All season long Brian Dawkins said that he was hopeful that he'd work out a way to stay with the Eagles. Less than 24 hours into free agency, though, that looks like an impossibility. The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Dawkins and the Broncos have agreed to terms on a contract that will be formally announced in Denver on Saturday.

Dawkins fills a huge hole for the Broncos. Their defense will be stocked with new, presumably young for the most part, faces. Dawkins gives them an experienced leader who can help the team forge a new defensive identity.

Dawkins has lost a step over the past couple of years, but he's still several steps ahead of the guys that the Broncos have been trotting out there for the last few seasons. He's still strong against the run, another Denver anomaly, and no one's going to throw anything at him that he hasn't seen 50 times before.

In a division with Darren Sproles, Darren McFadden and (for now) LaDainian Tomlinson and Larry Johnson, the Broncos needed a serious upgrade to their run defense. Dawkins gives them one....

To view the source of this article see http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/27/brian-dawkins-signs-with-broncos/