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My Dragon's Lair Sharing is the reason for my being...: July 2007
My Dragon's Lair Sharing is the reason for my being...
Altered and added new content 10-4-07
Important 5-4-07 No longer Child safe because of the links inside sites included here.
Adult Humor is posted here.
Template errors still. E shows wrong, and Netscape shows mostly correct. Activly learning HTML to correct and improve. Be it fun or serious I hope you enjoy and take away with you what I find to share. LI
Taking the Tri-Rail to Destinations. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens - Internationally known, Italian Renaissance-style castle on the edge of Biscayne Bay. Tri-Rail Station: Metrorail Transfer Station Address/Directions/Contact Information: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami (305) 250-9133 Metrorail to Vizcaya Station, then use walkover.
Welcome to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark; we're also a museum owned by Miami-Dade County and accredited by the American Association of Museums. Vizcaya is open to the public 364 days each year, and we invite you to visit this serene and stunningly beautiful retreat in the heart of Miami.
Built by agricultural industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens features a main house, ten acres of formal gardens, a hardwood hammock, and soon-to-be-restored historic village.
Photography Visitors to Vizcaya are welcome to take photographs or videos in the gardens only. Photographs and videos are not permitted in the Main House for the benefit of other visitors and to protect our collection. Information on film and photography permits may be obtained here.
Self-Guided Activities Self-directed art activities are permitted in the Main House and gardens. These experiences should be reserved in addition to a guided tour, or instead of a guided tour. Visitors interested in sketching indoors may only use graphite pencils. No other materials are permitted inside the Main House. Visitors may sketch and paint outdoors; no sprayed materials, permanent markers or electrical tools are permitted. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens reserves the right to prohibit any materials security officers or staff deem unsafe for the public, estate or collection.
Guide Books The Spirit of an Era guide books may be purchased in English or Spanish for $2 each prior to, or upon arrival. Maps of the estate in English and Spanish are available upon arrival at no charge.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens opens its gates free of charge on the last Sundays in July, August, and September of 2007 for a day of free programs and activities for all ages. Vizcaya is a Miami-Dade County-owned estate that belongs to everyone in the community, and we're delighted to welcome all visitors, including those who may not have previously visited this National Historic Landmark
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens gratefully acknowledges American Express Company's support as the 2007 sponsor of Free Sundays.
Contact Info
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 3251 South Miami Avenue Miami, Florida 33129
Free Sundays Vizcaya opens its gates free of charge all visitors on the last Sundays in July, August, and September of 2007. Vizcaya is a Miami-Dade County-owned estate that belongs to everyone in the community, and we’re delighted to welcome all visitors, including those who may not have previously visited this National Historic Landmark.
July 29, 2007 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
August 26, 2007 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
September 30, 2007 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy a variety of free special programs on these three days:
An opportunity to take a walking tour to learn about the eleven National Historic Landmark buildings at the Vizcaya Village on the west side of South Miami Avenue
July 29, 2007: TROPICAL LIFE Schedule of FREE Programs
VISIT VIZCAYA'S MAIN HOUSE Volunteer Guides share insights and answer your questions in the main house. 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
ART-MAKING - CelebrateSouth Florida’s tropical environment by making a collage landscape. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
TALK - Native Plants of the Vizcaya Hammock and Their Landscape Uses, Ian Simpkins, Chief Horticulturist, discusses the plants growing in Vizcaya’s Hardwood Hammock – one of the last remaining in the state and how they can be used in the home landscape. 11 a.m.
PERFORMANCE - Local artist collective Djembes N Jazz performs West African rhythms through lively drums and dance. 1 and 3 p.m.
ORGAN CONCERT - A concert on Vizcaya's historic pipe organ from 1917. Seating is limited.
In addition to the program highlights listed here, every FREE Sunday at Vizcaya also includes tours of the main house, Village and gardens; historic car displays; historical photographs and film; and orchid potting demonstrations in the David A. Klein Orchidarium led by Vizcaya’s Curator of Orchids.
Please note: Many programs have limited space and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Not all areas are wheelchair accessible.
Moonlight Garden Tours Wander through Vizcaya’s breathtaking gardens along Biscayne Bay under the light of the full moon. Enjoy informal concerts of live music and light refreshments for sale in the Courtyard of the Main House. Vizcaya's Volunteer Guides will be on hand starting at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions and lead area tours in the gardens. Check for new schedule dates. Was Jan -April 2007.
Gates open from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. $15 per person; $10 for Students, Seniors, and Members Reservations not required.
Events still to come. 2007 Vizcayans Special Events
The Vizcayans, a not-for-profit support group, raises funds for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Here's a list of their fundraising events for 2006. Membership offers many benefits including reduced ticket prices to the Halloween Sundowner and the New Year’s Eve Celebration. For more information, visit www.vizcayans.org, or contact The Vizcayans at vizcayans@aol.com or 305-856-4866.
Halloween Sundowner Saturday, October 27, 2007 8:00 p.m. to Midnight
Vizcayan Ball Saturday, November 17, 2007 7:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
The Vizcayans Holiday Celebration Friday, December 14, 2007 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Monday, December 31, 2007 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Holiday Organ Concerts - Join us for holiday music concerts on our pipe organ, built especially for Vizcaya and installed here in 1917. Members of the American Guild of Organists perform in the Living Room of the Main House on this historic instrument.
Sunday, December 10, 2006 at 3 p.m.: Jay Brooks
Sunday, December 17, 2006 at 3 p.m.: Dr. Robert Remek
Holiday performances are FREE with paid museum admission.
Read more and Become a member of the Vizcayans and join a unique circle of colleagues and friends with the drive and mindset to preserve our historic gem, Vizcaya, for many generations to come. Becoming a member is the best way to show your support of our mission and endeavors. And now you can join us simply, by clicking the links below to sign up online.
Basic Level Memberships Benefits:
free unlimited admission to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens during regular operating hours which are from 9:30am to 4:30pm everyday except Christmas Day.
memberships valid for one full year from date of purchase;
a 10% discount on admission price for your guests who are accompanying you to Vizcaya;
a 10% discount on items in the Museum Café and Shop; and
formal invitations to most events.
Basic Pricing:
STUDENT
Basic level benefits and privileges for a single individual. May need to present a valid photo and student ID.
This might've been a handy guide for couples who got married on 07-07-07.
Darren Rowse of the Digital Photography School alerted me to his recent list of 21 Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers. I'll go ahead and include myself in this category, since I've co-photographed a couple of weddings myself. I can't tell you how nice it would've been to have read this list a year ago when my nephew and brother got married. It was my first time shooting a wedding, which I mainly did for fun—good thing they both hired a professional for the main event.
I'm here to tell you the whole process is very challenging. I think I've gotten a lot better at photographing groups of people since then, but many challenges remain such as dealing with poor lighting, getting strangers to pose for the camera, and having all the right gear. Somehow, I still manage to fill up my memory card before I take all my planned shots.
Darren's list has a lot of common sense advice like using continuous shooting mode, packing an extra camera, or never deleting your mistakes (unless they're blurry), but there's also a handful of helpful reminders that seem so trivial we practically forget to exercise them, like creating a short list of shots you plan to take or packing extra memory cards. You can read the entire tip sheet on his blog, but I'll leave you with my favorite tips, which I believe will help you shoot your first wedding like a pro.
1. Preparation is essential: Hopefully you print out Darren's list or bookmark it so you can read it before your next wedding or family reunion. I'd say read tip # 4, but I think all 21 tips deal with preparation of some sort. Everything from choosing the right camera settings to picking out the right location for your formal shots require basic preparation. Whatever you do, do take some time to plan out your shoot, even if it's a practice run for you.
2. Talk to the couple: This goes along with tip #1, creating a short list. Do talk to the couple to find out what type of shots they want. After all, it's their wedding. Even if you're a second or third photographer, find out what they'd like to see in their wedding album just in case the hired photographer forgets to do it. I also like the idea of displaying your photos at the reception (tip #13), just make sure you talk to the couple before setting up a huge monitor at their wedding.
3. Don't be afraid to ask for help: Your job will be plenty hectic without the rigors of rounding up subjects for each shot. Tip # 2 suggests recruiting a family member from each side of the family who will gather each group for your shot. I'd say make a list of all the group shots (couple with bride's parents, couple with groom's grandparents), then hand it to each family "director" before the wedding. If a professional photographer is already doing this, I suggest backing away from this one, as you will only distract members from the real wedding photo.
4. Backgrounds are important: In formal pictures anyway. One thing I've learned is that the right background makes the picture even better. Tip # 14 suggests scoping out the area ahead of time, choosing a background that will have plenty of natural light (just not direct sunlight), is uncluttered, and semi-private so you don't accidentally take candid shots of wandering guests in the background.
5. Practice those candid shots: My idea of taking a candid shot used to be holding up my camera in the air, then snapping a photo of my surroundings. That was before I realized how boring those type of shots really are. Tip # 15 and 16 suggest getting creative. Even if you snap a shot you're not happy with, examine its contents before deleting it. You might be able to crop out something interesting. Don't forget to try different angles, and don't be afraid to zoom-in in order to get up-close-and-personal shots of your subjects. Just keep it tasteful.
Any other suggestions? Share them below, and happy snapping!
Bagpipe music, with its squeal and drone, never fails to grab attention. But it really stands out when the piper is very tall, very bald and standing alone on Forsyth Boulevard squeezing a $3,000 bag of air.
Meet Brian Zinanni, 40, a Clayton firefighter and the driving force behind the St. Louis Firefighters Highland Guard.
"When I came to St. Louis five years ago to take this job, I asked about a firefighters' pipe band," said Zinanni, who is single and lives in Webster Groves. "Most big-city departments have one.
"I was shocked to find St. Louis didn't. So we set out on a mission."
Taking matters into his own hands and lungs, Zinanni enlisted several other firefighters, including Clayton colleague Jason Hildebrandt. They solicited support from area departments, met with professional bagpipers and began taking lessons "graciously offered free of charge" from those pros, Zinanni said.
"It takes a year of practicing on a chanter (the flutelike appendage fingered by pipers) before you even move up to full pipes," Zinanni explained.
Now, the guard plays at about 100 ceremonies and funerals a year.
To keep sharp, Zinanni and Hildebrandt play while they work — usually about
6 p.m., after dinner at the firehouse.
And as one would guess, they take truckloads of abuse from their colleagues.
"Who's killing the cats out here?" firefighter Travis Ivy asked as he walked outside. "Oh, it's just you guys."
Firefighter Aaron Rhodes said times were tough when the two were learning to play.
"Those were some painful evenings," Rhodes said. "Actually, we think the honor guard is great. But we have to give them hell. That's just how it is in a firehouse."
Every so often, the two work the same shift and double the listening pleasure.
Zinanni said, "It's fun to be in front of the house and watch people out on the sidewalks looking around, trying to figure out where the sound is coming from."
Recent case in point: Karen Summers of Maryville and Mona Sowers of St. Louis were eating at a restaurant around the corner from the firehouse.
"At one point, I said to Mona, 'I think I hear bagpipes.' Then I heard them again a little later," Summers said.
Added Sowers with a laugh, "Then we started talking about whether they wear anything under their kilts, and the conversation went downhill from there."
As they walked to their cars, they spotted Zinanni and Hildebrandt belting out "Scotland the Brave," and they stopped to watch. They applauded and waved at the pipers.
"That was neat," Sowers said.
Alas, not everyone has embraced the musical interludes.
"There's one attorney in the Pierre Laclede building (next door to the firehouse) who's called the cops on us twice," Zinanni said.
Hildebrandt, 30, of St. Clair, said he likes playing the pipes because they are unusual.
"A lot of people play the drums, or guitar or the piano," he said. "But how many bagpipers do you know?"
Hildebrandt's comment drew a laugh from Zinanni, which is not unusual, for Zinanni's face usually carries a friendly grin. But that changed in a blink when asked to name his favorite piping moment.
"We were at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Maryland, and we had played 'Amazing Grace' at the monument. So afterward, I'm standing off to the side and this little boy maybe 5, 6 years old, comes up and asks me if I had been playing.
"I said yes, and then he said — and I'll never, ever forget this — 'Thanks for giving me some music to remember my dad by.'
Not all perfect. Not all staying. When I get the chance a lot will go by the way side. I am still trying to learn tables to avoid the endless scroll down to get to the end or next entry. Messing with the Template has really mucked this place up! For some reason the text decides when it wants to be large, overlapped, and tiny. And I have not been able to change this by bringing the entry somewhere else and then drop it back in. Seems I did nothing to cause change with the corrections that I saw but don't take here. And I am not willing to rewrite so much! So until I fix it, who knows how, eventually. Okay I am reminded of the saying. To mess up takes a human, to really _ _ _ _ things up takes a computer. There is also what is in a computer is only as good as what a human gives it. So it must be this human's slow learning that has been what is happening here, or not. But I have a dream! Of what I would like to one day. ...
I never said ...
And thanks to those who email me about what I do. And yes, I try to stay eclectic, to please more than just me! If you have an interest, I would love to research it. Only once could I not find something for a friend. That makes me 99% effective, I say. Rats. Just no sports. And that will not please at least 3 of my friends. Too bad. My Place! Get your own if that's what you want here. Oh yeah no doggy shows either! (admit to only once).
Be well Be Happy. Believe all things are Possible. We only have this moment in time. Enjoy it to the fullest. This moment is all we are sure of having. Don't live with woulda shoulda coulda by leaving something for doing later as we might not get that chance. Don't forget to tell those you love, that you do. Don't go to sleep mad at eachother. Go for the small pleasures 'cause they are more likely to work out and might not disappoint you after all the planning and savings for those large events!
Love, be kind, and generous to yourself 'cause that is who matters first. For without yourself who is there? When you are alone, are you happy with yourself? With no other sounds distracting you. What do you feel? If you feel antsy and fidgety, get out that iPod and blast your favorite thing in your ears! For that is what is real. Oh Gosh Guys. I have a sense of humor even though I am serious. Before you can love anyone you have to love yourself. And what I learned that for all the things tugging me away from what truly matters, I would sooner be replaced or they would take care of themselves.
All things are what they are and we are where we should be at this time. And we can always look forward to our dreams coming true. Just believe it as it already is! And the Universe and Our Mother will povide what we need, Not always what we want. But you might be surprised that is is all good. Resitance is futile. Believe me!
With Love LI
And since I am on evey one else's time zone... Your day is my night... I am a night owl. Did not find one so here is the next best thing, actually it is great! --->
A parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies has become so common in Iraq that troops call it the "Baghdad boil."
The Boston Globe reported 2,500 U.S. troops have been infected with the disease, leishmaniasis, in the past four years. The military recommends troops sleep with bed nets, wear uniforms treated with insect repellant, treat exposed skin with the chemical DEET and wear long pants, long-sleeves and socks when outside to avoid the tiny, hopping insects that carry the disease, which often causes a rash. But Army Col. Peter J. Weina of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Md., learned on a trip to Iraq that some commanders don't follow the recommendations to combat the sand flies and leishmaniasis. "In some areas, every one had heard about bed nets and about leishmaniasis, but other military units were totally oblivious," Weina told the Globe. "From the perspective of the person on the ground, they are bombarded with so many concerns. The way the war is going now, getting a little sore that may or may not go away is minor compared to losing your leg," he said. The disease can be fatal if it strikes the organs, the Globe reported. Copyright 2007 by United Press International
I remembered a photo someone sent me about 3-4 years ago. With these huge spiders! Camel Spider (Solifugidae)
Camel spiders [pictures], or windscorpions, are neither true spiders nor true scorpions. They belong to a separate group of arachnids called solifugids (sunspiders or Solfugidae). Solifugids are medium-sized arachnids that occur mainly in arid regions of the world. They are nocturnal predators that can run very fast. The long, forward-projecting front "legs" are really pedipalps used in food-handling and mating. Solifugids are not poisonous but may inflict a painful bite like any large arthropod.
note: the name "camel spider" is actually misspelled here. Since these arachnids are not true spiders the correct spelling should be camelspider or camel-spider. However, popular usage is clearly on the side of "camel spider"; also called wind scorpions and sun spiders; sand flies are sometimes called sand fleas.
An urban legend has sprung up around the camel spiders found by US soldiers in the deserts of Iraq. In the spring of 2004 a photo of soldiers in Iraq holding what appears to be two large camel spiders (above) began circulating on the Internet.
The two camel spiders appear to be the size of the soldier's thigh, or larger. Reports circulated that these creatures were both poisonous and aggressive which is false. This legend actually started in 1990-91 during the first Gulf War. See the Spider Myths & Facts site for additional history about this legend.
If you look closely you'll see that this picture is distorted somewhat. The distortion is caused by moving the camera very close to the specimen. Compare the size of the camel spiders to the near jacket sleeve in the photo.
In the US solifugids are less than 2" (50 mm) in length (body) with a back leg to pedipalp span of around 4-5" (125 mm). In other regions of the world the leg to pedipalp span can be as much as 6" (150 mm). So why are these arthropods commonly reported to be much bigger? First, solifugids move fast.
People are innately fearful of fast-moving arthropods and almost always exaggerate their size. Second, the long, forward-projecting pedipalps make the overall body size appear larger when viewed from above. While camel spiders may serve as a good vehicle for teaching new soldiers about the dangers of desert wildlife, the real threats are from much smaller arthropods.
Dangerous insects, spiders and other arachnids in Iraq
Mosquitoes, sand flies and scorpions, not camel spiders, are the main arthropod threats to anyone in the deserts of the Middle East. Mosquitoes occur anywhere there is standing water and may transmit the malaria pathogen, and other serious diseases. Phlebotomine sand flies are small, delicate, hairy flies similar in appearace to drain flies (Psychodidae). They are vectors of the human pathogen causing leishmaniasis, a very serious skin and internal organ disease. Repellents containing DEET and permethrin-treated clothing are effective for both mosquitoes and sand flies.
Finally, there are a number of scorpion species that can inflict a painful and sometimes poisonous sting from their tail-mounted stinger. Because scorpions are relatively large they are more easily avoided than either mosquitoes or sand flies. [ Found on Living with bugs.]
Snoopes says they are real. Da. Says there are reasons why to stay out of the desert. Though Snoopes does disclaim some of the discriptions of the 'spiders' that are not spiders but wind scorpions. That this is an angle of the camera. Another exageration. There is a link to an artile by National Geographic.
Camel Spiders: Behind an E-Mail Sensation From Iraq
Cameron Walker for National Geographic News June 29, 2004
This spring, an arachnophobe's biggest nightmare started to pop up in e-mail in-boxes. A photo of two huge spiders, each the size of a man's calf, was accompanied by an alarming note. The sender said his or her friend—or friend of a friend—knew a soldier stationed in Iraq who had said that these spiders could inject a sleeping soldier with anesthetic, then chew out a chunk of flesh. Creepy? Yes. But arachnid experts say it's a hoax. In fact, the creatures in the photo aren't spiders at all. They're actually solpugids, or solifugids (aka camel spiders, aka wind scorpions). Along with spiders, they are members of the class Arachnida. The eight-legged solifugids have no venom glands, and the largest species is no more than 15 centimeters (6 inches) long with its legs outstretched. "If any solpugid has anything they can inject, I haven't heard of it," said Rod Crawford, an arachnologist at the Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington.
Crawford has been debunking this and other spider myths for several years. This rumor, he said, spread to Western countries during the 1990-91 Gulf War and has now reemerged and become even more widespread with the return of U.S. troops to Iraq.
"Wind Scorpions" Around the World
In an article in the July issue of National Geographic magazine, writer and photographer Mark W. Moffett tracks "wind scorpions" in the Middle East and closer to home.
Also known as Camel spider, Wind scorpions, Solifugid. This rarely imported species occasionally arrives in Egyptian shipments.
This weird looking arachnid is not in fact a scorpion or spider at all but belongs to its own order- solifugid. This species can attain a leg span of 5” and a body of 2”. Wind spiders are fast moving aggressive hunters, capable of over powering much larger prey than itself. Its front pair of legs are modified as feelers to detect and pull its prey into its large over sized jaws. Its three pairs of legs are capable of speed making this creature a fast moving killing machine.
The wind spider is adapted to life in the desert and can withstand the harsh environment well. As its name suggests it can sometimes be seen tumbling around in sand storms. To escape the worst of the environment they sometimes make burrows under bushes, buildings etc. The female will also make a burrow to lay her eggs.
This can be a challenging captive, but the examples we have imported recently have arrived in good condition. The wind spider is a seasonal animal so life expectance is not long, and growth is rapid due to their huge appetite. They are best kept in an aquarium with sand and potting compost mix, they don’t require humidity but some will drink form shallow water dishes or damp cotton wool. Temperatures should be in the 80°F with a 10°F night drop. Temperature variations should be provided, with hot and cooler spots. The opportunity to burrow must be provided, especially when dealing with wild collected females.
Take a look at the size of this creature’s jaws and you will appreciate the immense power, as previously mentioned overpowering a larger creature is not a problem. In the wild the diet would consist of small lizards & invertebrates, in captivity suitably sized commercial raised live foods are satisfactory.
Not much is known about the breeding cycle of this species, although the female is known to bury her eggs in a burrow. The hatching time is not known, so if you are lucky enough to have a female lay a clutch of eggs make sure you write notes of what happens, even if it is nothing at all.
Overall this is an amazing creature, not for the novice but if you have experience with inverts why not give it a go? The wind spider is not venomous in any way but those jaws can give a very painful bite, I have not been bitten myself, but I bet if it bites it won’t let go!
DATE: June 20, 2007 CONTACT: Bonnie Arnold South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail PHONE: 954-788-7936
As part of the “Getting you there on the double” marketing campaign, Tri-Rail introduces its new schedule, which offers 50 weekday trains with service every 20 to 30 minutes during rush hour. Commuters will have 10 additional trains, allowing them more flexibility to get to their destination. The implementation of the new schedule was made possible by the completion of the Double Track Corridor Improvement Program and the New River Bridge.
“This campaign launches at an ideal time with gas prices at an all time high,” said Director of Marketing Bonnie Arnold of South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA)/Tri-Rail. “With more trains, more often and cost-saving fares, we hope that more people will recognize that Tri-Rail is a real deal when traveling throughout the South Florida region.”
Copies of the new schedule are available at stations with ticket agents. The new schedule is also posted on the website at http://www.tri-rail.com/ Additional information is available by calling Customer Service at
1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245).
The inauguration of the new schedule marks another milestone for the SFRTA and Tri-Rail. Last year, Tri-Rail led the nation’s commuter-rail sector in ridership growth, according to the American Public Transportation Association. Since August 2000, when Tri-Rail went to a clock-face schedule for the first time, the number of trains operated daily has more than doubled.
The Double Track Corridor Improvement Program was funded by the Federal Transit Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, as well as additional local funds. The New River Bridge Project was solely funded by the FDOT.
“COMMIT 2B FIT!™ – IT STARTS IN PARKS” EXPANDS TO INCLUDE FOOD - New menu items available at parks starting July 1 - (Posted 6/21/2007 12:07:17 PM) Contact:Michael Mills, Parks and Recreation Division Phone: Removed E-mail: mmills@broward.org
As a component of its Commit 2B Fit!™ – It Starts in Parks program, which encourages people to improve their health by engaging in physical fitness activities in a park, the Broward County Parks and Recreation Division announces NEW COMMIT 2B FIT!™ MENUS at eight County parks. The menus, which are being introduced at concession stands in addition to existing menus, will feature a variety of items that offer reduced-fat, reduced-calorie, or otherwise healthier alternatives. Menu items will vary by park.
The new menu items are designed to offer tasty, appealing choices for the health-conscious. Instead of a hamburger or hot dog, for instance, a park patron can choose a turkey or chicken breast sandwich. Pizza lovers can opt for veggies or whole-wheat crust. Snack items include such alternatives as carrot sticks with dip, baked potato chips, trail mix, or three flavors of South Beach Diet Protein Breakfast Bars. The new menu items are priced comparably with regular menu items, ranging from $.50 for a bag of SunChips to $3 for a burrito with black beans and rice, topping out at $10.50 for a whole vegetarian pizza.
WHERE: Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City 33024 C. B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines 33028 Hollywood North Beach Park, 3601 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood 33019 Markham Park, 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, 33326 Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach 33442 Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek 33073 T.Y. Park, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood 33021 West Lake Park/Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood 33019
For more information, call the park of your choice: Brian Piccolo, 954-437-2600; C.B. Smith, 954-437-2650; Hollywood North Beach, 954-926-2444; Markham, 954-389-2000; Quiet Waters, 954-360-1315; Tradewinds, 954-968-3880; T.Y., 954-985-1980; West Lake/Anne Kolb, 954-926-2480.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in County programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2854 at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.
Mentioned as 'move over Robert Schuller' for the bio of Joel Osteen, I have admired Dr. Schuller for many years. For a time there we prayed that he would recover from a devistating illness and was happy he is still here to minister at his cathedral made of glass.
Welcome to the Crystal Cathedral Join Dr. Robert A Schuller and our Crystal Cathedral pastors as they describe how we can all be ... Join Robert & Donna Schuller for the trip of a lifetime! The Crystal Cathedral Today's is available in PDF Form. You can subscribe. More can be found at The Hour of Power.
From a message given 28 years ago. Included as I am Proud to be American! For all the things it seems not to be today we do have a lot that is not any where else. LI
Joel Osteen is a popular Christian based Spiritual leader who gives uplifting sermons on self worth and values that are positive. You can find him on Sunday mornings on T.V.
Friday, October 19, 2007 - Saturday, October 20, 2007 7:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Found cause of the fantastic photo in entry below that Snopes said was real. Sure it is! Although the Trust has no funding, there is still a live site and has fantastic shark connections.
Michael Scholl, Founder and Trustee of the White Shark Trust, has been conducting different research projects on White Sharks since 1997 at Dyer Island. Unfortunately there was no infrastructure in place or available to support or conduct proper scientific research.
From 1998 to 2002, Michael Scholl has been working and developing his initial projects, and funding from individuals, companies and organisations worldwide have started to support these projects. The need for a registered Trust therefore became a necessity in order to attract and manage the dearly needed funding for:
the continuation of the ongoing field research;
the development and funding of diversified research projects;
the development and funding of educational programmes.
Extract from the Deed of Trust:
" The primary goal and object of the White Shark Trust is to utilise the resources at its disposal to undertake and support research, education and conservation projects in respect of Great White Sharks (Carcharodan carcharias).
The main goals of the White Shark Trust are:
To establish a fund in the Republic of South Africa for the purpose of receiving grants and donations from international sources as well as sources within the Republic of South Africa;
To manage and disburse such funds in the furtherance of the objectives of the Trust;
To promote dialogue between various research, conservation, education and Government bodies concerned with management, research, conservation and education concerning the Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias);
To assist in providing relevant advice on the management of the Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias);
To obtain the support for the objectives of the White Shark Trust from local residents living around concentration hotspots for the Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), including Mossel Bay, Dyer Island / Gansbaai and False Bay in particular;
To obtain the support for the objectives of the Trust from the established tourism industry involved with the Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) located at Mossel Bay, Dyer Island / Gansbaai and False Bay in particular;
To ensure that effective action is taken in all matters affecting the welfare and preservation of the Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias);
To promote educational opportunities for the general public, schools and the tourism industry;
To conduct and support scientific research projects and field expeditions with regards to the Great White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias)."
The White Shark Trust is a registered Trust # IT792/2002 under the laws of South Africa.
The White Shark Trust is a registered NonProfit Organisation # 022-168-NPO under the laws of South Africa.
The End of the
White Shark Trust
Research Internship
Lack of funding and sponsors signified the end of our independent field research work on board the dedicated research boat Lamnidae, as well as the end of the popular and successful Field Research Assistantship at the end of 2005. Unfortunately, due to continued lack of funding, the end of 2006 corresponds to the end of the Research Internship which ran during 2006.
The End of the
White Shark Trust
Research Internship
Lack of funding and sponsors signified the end of our independent field research work on board the dedicated research boat Lamnidae, as well as the end of the popular and successful Field Research Assistantship at the end of 2005. Unfortunately, due to continued lack of funding, the end of 2006 corresponds to the end of the Research Internship which ran during 2006.
White Shark Trust Epilogue or Intermission?
(Update 1st of February 2007)
Despite considerable and continuous efforts to locate and secure the required sponsorship and funding during the past few years, the White Shark Trust and Michael Scholl were unfortunately unable to secure the necessary funds to continue the field research and the general activities of the Trust.
Hence the White Shark Trust ceased its activities in South Africa for an undertermined period of time. Michael Scholl decided to relocate to his home country of Switzerland for the present time in order to work on the photographic identification database and the research accumulated over the past decade. Check out his blog: http://www.michaelscholl.info/
The Great White Shark photographic identification research project and its associated population structure and dynamics research project started in October 1997 and continued for nearly a decade until January 2007. It is a shame that the longest continous research project on any population of White Sharks in the world had to come to an end due to lack of funding and lack of support from the South African authorities.
But so is the fate of many research projects and for many colleague scientists around the world unfortunately. It is a shame that our successful assistantship and internship programs had to come to an end. We welcomed over 120 field research assistants over a period of five years. Michael continues to seek funding to further future Shark research and conservation projects and hopefully again resume the White Shark Trust activities.
The 1997 to 2007 period represents an amazing era of discoveries (e.g. Nicole, South Africa's Great White Shark book), hardships (e.g. Authorities, Salmon Farm battle), and most importantly, countless wonderful memories (illustrated partly in our Photographic Gallery), and encounters for Michael, his wife Tracey, their colleagues, friends, assistants, all the people and all the Sharks who shared their lives during that time.
The White Shark Trust and Michael Scholl also wish to express their most sincere thanks to all the and private donations that enabled the White Shark Trust and made these research and conservation projects possible. Thank you very much! I also wish to thank the 15 to 20 thousand different visitors we get every month on this web site, and I know that the end of the photo gallery has been sad for many of you (and for us) who shared your thoughts with us. Hopefully one day we will be able to resume the Shark gallery once again!
Michael Scholl left Gansbaai at the beginning of February 2007. He first went to Dubai in the United Arabe Emirates to spend some time with Tracey and to live an incredible adventure to the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean: The Socotra Islands. You have followed his life for the past few years on this web site, you can continue to follow (part of) his life through his blog. Enjoy!
The White Shark Trust is a registered Trust # IT792/2002 under the laws of South Africa.
The White Shark Trust is a registered NonProfit Organisation # 022-168-NPO under the laws of South Africa.
Conservation Status of White sharks
The white shark is the epitome of the K-selected apical predator. Although it grows relatively quickly, the white shark only becomes reproductively mature at approximately 5 meters (12 to 15 years) for females and 3.8 meters (8-9 years) for males. The litter size of the white shark is also comparatively small, ranging between 2 and 12 young. It is suspected that the gestation period of the white shark is greater than a year, thus suggesting a parturition interval of between 2 to 3 years. These factors combined illustrate that the white shark as a species is extremely vulnerable to human exploitation. Not only is it poor at resisting population level harvesting, it is also very slow to recover from a past population reductions.
Traditionally the white shark has been a target species due to the trophy status of white shark jaws and teeth. A large set of jaws apparently may be worth up to US$10,000 to collectors. White sharks are also caught as incidental by-catch in commercial fisheries, and in beach meshing programs to protect bathers. Following the JAWS epidemic, white sharks were also targeted by fishes to ensure bather safety, with the overriding attitude been « the only good shark is a dead shark ». Fortunately this attitude seems to be less prevalent today, with the public’s increased understanding and appreciation of the environment.
Despite the fact that little was known about the white shark, concerns over the strongly suspected decrease in numbers led South Africa to institute protective legislation in 1991 (the first country to do so). Namibia, Maldives, Malta, Florida and California, US, and Australia followed this unprecedented effort. At present the white shark is classified as « Vulnerable » on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Assessment. This decision is based upon past and foreseen population declines.
With the reduction of the worlds fish stocks, increasingly more attention will be focused on targeting shark species, which in the short term represent viable alternative stocks. Unless scientists, educators, conservationists, managers and policy makers work together, communicate and think sustainability, sharks, and the white shark, will simply become more and more rare and then disappear.
I'm not afraid to admit it: the ocean scares me. I know that, for the most part, it's an irrational fear, created out of a childhood of JAWS-induced nightmares. I just don't like going in the ocean, and I'll do everything in my power to not to wade past my knees. Unless, of course, there's a group of children or a rather good looking girl going in the water. Then, and only then, will I comply and follow lead into the salty bad dream, so that I don't appear to be the complete and total wuss that I am.
It's seeing pictures like the one above that absolutely do not help to fight my fear of the ocean. Well, I suppose it's not a fear of the ocean itself -- (pool) water does not bother me. It's what lives inside that counts. Sharks, jellyfish, sting rays, barracuda, whatever -- they're all disgusting, vile creatures better suited for consumption, or peering at through a thick sheet of glass, than swimming amongst.
We've posted before about a very cool underwater music player which transmits sound to your ear drum via vibrations sent into the jaw bone.
Well, now there is another player in the underwater music category. The Amphicam Aqua FM radio snorkel snaps on to a regular mask and provides swimmers with plenty of listening pleasure also using a "unique bone conduction technology" according to the website. The difference here is that one must bite the mouthpiece for sound to be "conducted through the teeth and into the inner ear." Very cool. Or, very scary. I'm not sure which.
The only problem? Since FM waves don't travel underwater, reception disappears when one dives down. In fact, the whole contraption works only because an antenna is weaved into the snorkel, thus poking above the water.
This might be cool for those of you who like to swim laps with goggles and a snorkel. I tend to snorkel in remote locations, however, where FM frequencies are usually hard to find. Personally, I'd prefer the SwiMP3 –- all the MP3 files I want, and the ability to dive down.
With the proliferation of WiFi and cell phones, does anybody mail postcards anymore? I haven't gotten one in years, so I assume the answer is "no." If, however, on your next trip you decide that you not only want to send a postcard, but you want to do something unique, why not send a card from an underwater mailbox? Though not common, there are five underwater mailboxes for you to visit:
Vanuatu Post created the world's first underwater post office. Situated within a marine sanctuary off Hideaway Island, this post office, staffed by a postal employee, can receive mail if you are a visiting diver or snorkeler. The best part? The lines are always short.
On Japan's southeastern coast, there's a mailbox 33 feet beneath the surface of the water -- the deepest mailbox on record. Each day, the contents are collected from the box, which reportedly contains as many as 200 pieces of mail. Conveniently, the group who developed this post office also invented Surumail: edible, squid-flavored postcards.
Malaysia's Reef Dive Resort has set up what it believes to be that country's first underwater mailbox. Any mail sent through this mailbox is sealed inside a plastic bag and postmarked with a special stamp.
St. Thomas, USVI, has an underwater post office inside its Underwater Observatory, which means you can get the "underwater stamp" without getting "underwater wet."
Paradise Island, in the Bahamas, boasts an underwater mailbox adjacent to a spiraling 100-foot tower.
I'd love to get a postcard sent from an underwater mailbox. The first person to send me one gets an Amazon gift certificate worth 10 times the amount of the postage.
I caught news about this cool restaurant in the Maldives at first over at this blog, and I was getting all giddy over the post heralding a "all new undersea restaurant". Then I realized that the blog post was dated in 2005, so I had to rewrite things.
But I am still going to post about the restaurant because I have to say it's really cool. I literally just left the Atlanta Aquarium and was blown away by some of the huge walk-in aquariums. Whale sharks swam overhead! But to sit and have dinner, perhaps a lightly baked fish, with the ocean and sea life overhead, well, that'd be great. Not to mention how cool to be in the Maldives, said to be the location of some of the best diving on the globe. So if you're planning a trip to these islands before they disappear under the waves due to global warming, check out the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, and then let us know what you think. Permalink, Email this, Linking Blogs, Comments [3]
Scuba diving in a pool seems a little pointless, right? Maybe not, if the pool is 33 meters deep.
That's what you'll find at NEMO 33 -- the world's largest indoor pool. Not only is it an exceptionally long distance from the surface to the bottom, once you get down there, you'll find a number of interesting rooms and passageways to explore.
The pool, located in Brussels, was designed by John Beernaerts, a diving expert, both as a unique space for Belgian divers, and also as an underwater film set.
These days, anyone can hop in and take a dive for €10 to €20 (depending on when you dive). You don't even need your wetsuit -- as NEMO 33 provides suits, masks and fins. After the first 15 minutes or snorkeling or freediving, you're set loose to explore.
If you do end up checking it out, take an inside tip from blogger Amy at Wolfstad.com: "Get in the water fast and descend to your maximum depth quickly, before it gets too crowded."
Sounds like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.
My mission in life is to help others be it Animal, Human, or Mother Earth. I do tend to become zealous, and neglect taking care of myself to help others. I recently realized if I don’t I will be replaced in two seconds or they will learn again to do for themselves. Don’t forget to be good to yourselves! Don't let Stress kill you! Find time to do what you love and enjoy!
Trying to find balance. Effort for a healthy mind, body, spirit, and home. My spirituality is important to me every day.
I enjoy books, movies, music, being a computerholic. I am learning to be a geek but I really am a better surfer.
Found the joy of my life again, after being rescued from the Door we all await, called Death. I was thinking for almost a year that I was only here for being in the service of others. Now I am happy again for me. 2007
May those who love us Love us And those who don't love us May God turn their hearts And if he can't turn their hearts May he turn their ankles So we will know them by their limping! May you live as long as you want And never want as long as you live May the best day of your past Be the worst day of your future
Vizcaya opens its gates free of charge all visitors on the last Sundays in July, August, and September of 2007. Vizcaya is a Miami-Dade County-owned estate that belongs to everyone in the community, and we’re delighted to welcome all visitors, including those who may not have previously visited this National Historic Landmark. 
Also known as Camel spider, Wind scorpions, Solifugid.
