Halibut Herald October 15

H

ALIBUT HERALD October 15, 2009

Weird, Rare Clouds and the Physics Behind Them

Crazy, right? For all the day-dreamers out there ☺ READ ON: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/09/clouds/

What’s Your Impact? Find Out by Joining No Impact Week Starting Oct. 18

The idea that one person make noticeable positive change is sometimes difficult to imagine, but sometimes the first step is to get some perspective in our own lives. And in the coming week, you’ll have a chance to do just that. READ ON: http://www.wendmag.com/blog/2009/10/ 13/whats-your-impact-find-out-byjoining-no-impact-week-starting-oct-18/

NO IMPACT WEEK GUIDE (Start by NOT printing the PDF DOWNLOAD)! Starting October 18, make like No Impact Man, Colin Beavan, for one week and just TRY to leave zero-carbon footprint. I dare you! READ ON: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10 /12/the-no-impact-weekguide_n_317277.html NO IMPACT MAN: THE BLOG: http://noimpactman.typepad.com/ NO IMPACT MAN: THE DOCUMENTARY: http://www.noimpactdoc.com/index_m.php

40,000 Year Old Baby Mammoth

A baby woolly mammoth that died after being sucked into a muddy river bed 40,000 years ago has revealed more prehistoric secrets of how the species survived in its icy habitat. READ ON: http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/commen ts/40000_year_old_baby_mammoth/

Invasion of the Giant Blobs of "Sea Mucus"

Dolphin Present During Human Birth

Very Pixilated, but you’ll get the gist. And, sure, okay. But why? VIEW: http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.php/site/comments/dolphin _present_during_human_birth/

An Urgent Alert for Dolphins

READ ON: http://savejapandolphins.blogspot.c om/2009/10/urgent-alert-fordolphins.html As sea temperatures have risen in recent decades, enormous sheets of a mucus-like material have begun forming more often, oozing into new regions, and lasting longer, a new Mediterranean Sea study. They're loaded with bacteria and viruses and the larger ones are 200 kilometers (125 miles) long. READ ON & NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VIDEO: http://www.dangerousminds.net/index.p hp/site/comments/gross_sea_mucus_bl obs_on_the_rise/

BEES! SAVED?

IUCN Red List Criteria for Endangered

The IUCN Species Programme working with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) has for more than four decades been assessing the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties, and even selected subpopulations on a global scale in order to highlight taxa threatened with extinction, and therefore promote their conservation. READ ON: http://www.eoearth.org/article/IUCN_Red_L ist_Criteria_for_Endangered

Vegetarian Spider Loves Leaves, Not Bugs

Jupiter Moon’s Ocean Could Be Rich in Oxygen

One more puzzle piece in the vanishing bee problems has been solved by researchers at Washington State University, They think that the bees weakened by toxins and pesticides, excessive work, contaminated wax in hives and poor nutrition are more susceptible to a pathogen called Nosema cerana, microsporidian, a small, unicellular parasite that causes an immune-deficiency disorder in bees. READ ON: http://naturescrusaders.wordpress.co READ ON: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009 m/2009/10/13/cleaning-up-our-actcan-help-the-bees-thrive/ /10/europa-ocean-oxygen/

B. kiplingi is the world’s only known vegetarian spider, eating a diet that consists almost entirely of solid plant matter. READ ON: http://www.mnn.com/earthmatters/wildernessresources/stories/vegetarian-spider-lovesleaves-not-bugs

350+ Small Eco Changes That Can Make A Big Difference (DOWNLOAD). Made for (everyone! Not just) kids in the UK but all you need to do is pretend it says your country instead of UK to answer the questions. If you are curious, here’s how I (Emerald) did!

CALCULATE!: http://www.planetpositive.org/how_2_calculator.php

McDonald’s to Open at the Louvre, Sacre Vache!

Sure Louis Sun King the XIV was rather garish himself, but nothing can compete with the American icon of the golden arches for bad taste. The French are known for their fine food and art, so what place does McDonald’s have at the Louvre, even if they call it McCafe? READ ON: http://greenlivingideas.com/topics/food-andcuisine/mcdonalds-open-louvre-sacre-vache

Tapped (Trailer)

“We use approx. 18 million barrels of oil to transport water.” Or “If you eliminate the splurge of bottled water, you’ll be eliminating one of the biggest problems facing our environment. WATCH OUT FOR IT!: http://www.tappedthemovie.com/

Stonyfield Farm and Body + Soul magazine have teamed up to create a free Going Greener Guidebook to discover more than 350 little ways you can make a big difference for the planet. READ ON: http://www.thegoodhuman.co m/2009/10/12/350-small-ecochanges-that-can-make-a-

Denver Water Provider Works with Customers Directly to Promote Water Conservation Looks like a lengthy article, but read the points -- something other cities could consider. READ ON: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/sh ow/denver-water-enhances-billingcapabilities,997284.shtml

Objective: Optimize energy efficiency and onsite integration at community scale project levels. Build on existing initiatives and Speaking of McD.. (just received this via Twitter) interest to deploy NZEH on a larger scale in Canada. Basically: • 10,591 kWh – est. total amount of energy needed How to Tell If a Beauty Product Is Really Green annually for heating, hot water and appliances o 8,000-8,500 kWh – amount of energy Greenopia has a comprehensive rating system: the solar electric http://www.greenopia.com/LA/beauty_search.aspx?cate system will generate gory=Beauty&Listpage=0&input=Name%20or%20produc annually t&subcategory=None o 2,500 kWh amount of energy the solar Or try plugging in your fave brand @: hot water collectors will produce annually • = a net zero home READ ON: http://www.netzeroenergyhome.ca A safety guide to cosmetics and personal care /index.php?option=about products http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

Organizing THE Biggest Day Of Action The World Has Ever Seen Bill McKibben, Author, Deep Economy and The End of Nature, cofounder, 350.org

Even two years ago, I was in complete despair about our chances of fighting climate change. But something's changed. It's not the science, which has gotten steadily worse. It's the first signs that the planet's immune system--conscious citizens ready to make a difference--is finally kicking in. Bloggers, in this metaphor, are key antibodies--they recognize threats, and rally people to take the steps needed. READ ON: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/billmckibben/organizing-the-biggestda_b_322248.html

CALLING ANYONE WITH A BLOG? BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION AND REGISTER YOUR BLOG TODAY!

http://www.blogactionday.org/

Halloween Bake Sale

www.vanaqua.org/tttc

The Youth Council will be hosting a Halloween Bake Sale on Friday October 23rd from 10:30-2:30pm. They will be raising money for the Youth for Youth Program, which is a youth council initiative to bring students from low income schools to participate in one of our awesome school programs. They are looking for donations of baked goods to sell that day, so if there are any bakers out there that would like to donate please drop it off at volunteer services on Friday October 23rd by 10:30am. For more information, please contact Mari Otomo at [email protected]. Looking forward to all those yummy treats!

http://www.thegp2project.org/

http://www.blurb.com/boo

http://sierraclub.bc.ca/events/andrew-wright-emeralds-at-the-edge-book

Water Drops on Leaves Inspire Wind Turbine Coatings That De-Ice Themselves

http://www.earthcinemacircle.com/

Experimental superhydrophobic coatings for wind turbine blades. Inspired by the way water balls up on certain types of leaves, these promise more efficient renewable energy, safer airplanes, and more -- the idea is to use these superhydrophobic coatings to reduce icing and improve efficiency. If the ice never really has a chance to form on the blade as its rotating, then it never has a chance to increase drag on the blade. READ ON: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/1 0/water-droplets-on-leaves-inspirewind-turbine-coatings-de-ice-

Gung-ho for green in San Francisco

(This is what we should be doing!) There are many reasons this hyperdense, and progressive, and innovative, and edgy city is considered the North American leader in recycling. There's the pioneer food-composting program started five years ago. The bans on plastic bags and Styrofoam. The aggressive target of zero waste by 2010. The 69-per-cent recycling rate, the one that Metro Vancouver is aiming to equal in its new plan for garbage. And more. But there's one other key factor: Their squads of friendly recycling cops/cheerleaders/missionaries willing to go through the garbage of their fellow residents and preach the gospel to them. READ ON: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/feature s/going_green/story.html?id=031cc0fa-3af34ac8-8283-c1387c7c1327&k=5978

Archival Photo

Killer Whale Habitat, 1990. Photo by M. Butschler.

Library News For more library news, book reviews, access to our online catalogue and much more, visit us on the aquanet: http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/default.aspx Get your up-to-the minutes news via RSS feed from the library’s What’s new pages. Currently, there are two What’s new pages running a variety of interesting news feeds What’s New – Animals and Nature – for news about birds, reptiles, marine mammals, and places such as the Arctic http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/WhatsNewAnimalsandNature.aspx What’s New – Business and General – for news about business, finance, tourism, visitor experience and marketing http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/What%27sNewBGN.aspx News on Environmental conservation and education will soon be available via the Conservation Current http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/ConservationCurrent/Pages/Default.aspx Did you know that the Library has access to over 100 journals and magazines?? At least 80 of these are available full text online. For a complete hyperlinked list, visit the library journals page on Aquanet: http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/Journals.aspx As well, you can find new books and movies listed on this page of Aquanet: http://aquanet.vanaqua.org/IS/CRS/Lib/Pages/LibraryCatalogue.aspx

Events

http://ripeforthereading.wordpress.com/what-is-ripe/

http://community.wwf.ca/localicious/WhatsLocalicious.cfm From Earth to Ocean: Stories from Gwaii Haanas

Parks Canada has identified the waters around Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (Queen Charlotte Islands) as a potential national marine conservation area reserve. To present the stories of Gwaii Haanas, Parks Canada has partnered with The Vancouver Aquarium to offer a unique speaker series open to the public. Participation is free, though seats are limited. Each engaging event allows audience members to explore a different aspect of the region and understand the benefits of its protection. Starting in September, join us to find out more about: Session 2: Icons of the Pacific Monday October 26 A look into the history and journey of whales throughout Gwaii Haanas and why protecting these habitats benefits us all. Moderator: Don Enright, National Parks Interpretation Specialist, Parks Canada

Investigate the diverse marine life within Gwaii Haanas and delve into the history of whaling in the Queen Charlotte Islands and the journey of the iconic killer whale and graceful humpback that can be seen off the coast of Gwaii Haanas. Learn how national marine conservation areas are of value to the diverse marine life and their habitats. Speakers include: • • •

Kathy Heise: “Historical Whaling in Gwaii Haanas” Lance Barrett-Lennard: “Orcas and Humpbacks” Caitlin Birdsall, Cetacean Sightings Network

Reservations close on Monday, October 19th Admission is free. Please RSVP to: [email protected] or phone 604-659-3432

Session 3: Changing Seascape Monday November 16 Learn about ancient Haida villages, changing sea levels and how historical trade practices have all played a role in shaping today’s Gwaii Haanas. Session 4: Healthy oceans, healthy people Monday December 7 Whether it’s dining out or reporting a whale sighting, your actions can make a difference to our oceans. Join us for this special conclusion to find out what you can do to help Each session takes place at The Vancouver Aquarium from 7 – 9 pm. Please enter at the AquaQuest Administrative Entrance. To confirm your seat, email: [email protected] or call 604-659-3432. Please identify which session you would like to attend. Seating is limited.

http://www.petropolis-film.com/

http://vimeo.com/channels/22348 http://vorg.ca/2971-Interesting-Vancouver-2008-Recap http://industrialbrand.com/blog/unconferences_very_interesting_indeed

http://interestingvancouver.com/

Local 350.org Events!

See below for some of the events happening October 24, 2009 in Vancouver. Check the website for events happening worldwide on this critical day for OUR PLANET.

EVENT WEBSITE: http://www.b ridgecoolpla net.ca/en/

EVENT WEBSITE: http://www.3 50.org/node/ 5833

ALL REGISTERED

EVENTS APPEAR IN ORANGE http://www.3 50.org/map

http://www.gaininggroundsummit.com

http://oneofakindvancouver.com/

http://fishopolis.com

Classified Fishy Home for SALE! Lightly-Used Marineland Eclipse 6 Gallon Aquarium Complete with integrated light, pump, easy-to-change filter, biowheel (to control nitro-waste levels), owner's manual and “how to” literature 2 dip nets (medium and small) “Auto” siphon Elite 799 air pump, with tubing and spare bubble stone MagFloat magnetic floating (go figure!) acrylic surface cleaner 1/2 bottle each of Sera kH-plus and Aqua Plus for tap water pre-treatment $80 all in

http://www.cov erealty.ca/listin g_detail2995255.html