tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24158252596675951182024-03-05T14:47:52.635-08:00Bees Trees Frogs Elephants - Nature and Ecology BlogFind info on Endangered Species, Animal Science, Nature / Natural World, Ecology, Environmental, Global Warming, Clean Energy. Bees Trees Frogs and Elephants are the focus, with sustainable architecture, renewable power, green investing.Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-71153796509843321042012-07-30T13:19:00.001-07:002012-07-30T13:19:32.204-07:00Give BEES a Chance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXKlAkZFk9oz0wPD7e5eYrY6qVKiTDymE1lZGCXdDewqprkxJMjtmzn1zKQHqBWwV7E6U3D-dsibHEpDXzx-xqEVde8M37XFLeAfUt9PrH3huFF_p0pCeF3KTCr8tGo8Xx4mhXi-9Sppq/s1600/Give+Bees+a+Chance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXKlAkZFk9oz0wPD7e5eYrY6qVKiTDymE1lZGCXdDewqprkxJMjtmzn1zKQHqBWwV7E6U3D-dsibHEpDXzx-xqEVde8M37XFLeAfUt9PrH3huFF_p0pCeF3KTCr8tGo8Xx4mhXi-9Sppq/s320/Give+Bees+a+Chance.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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From the New York Times:<br />
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<nyt_headline type=" " version="1.0">2 Studies Point to Common Pesticide as a Culprit in Declining Bee Colonies</nyt_headline></h1>
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By CARL ZIMMER</h6>
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Scientists have been alarmed and puzzled by declines in bee populations in the United States and other parts of the world. They have suspected that pesticides are playing a part, but to date their experiments have yielded conflicting, ambiguous results.</div>
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In Thursday’s issue of the journal Science, two teams of researchers published studies suggesting that low levels of a common pesticide can have significant effects on bee colonies. One experiment, <a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2012/03/28/science.1215039" style="color: #666699; text-decoration: none;" title="The abstract.">conducted by French researchers</a>, indicates that the chemicals fog <a class="meta-classifier" href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics/bees/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier" style="color: #666699; text-decoration: none;" title="More articles about bees.">honeybee</a> brains, making it harder for them to find their way home. The other study, <a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/early/2012/03/28/science.1215025" style="color: #666699; text-decoration: none;" title="The abstract.">by scientists in Britain</a>, suggests that they keep bumblebees from supplying their hives with enough food to produce new queens.</div>
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The authors of both studies contend that their results raise serious questions about the use of the pesticides, known as neonicotinoids.</div>
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“I personally would like to see them not being used until more research has been done,” said David Goulson, an author of the bumblebee paper who teaches at the University of Stirling, in Scotland. “If it confirms what we’ve found, then they certainly shouldn’t be used when they’re going to be fed on by bees.”</div>
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But pesticides are only one of several likely factors that scientists have linked to declining bee populations. There are simply fewer flowers, for example, thanks to land development. Bees are increasingly succumbing to mites, viruses, fungi and other pathogens.</div>
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Outside experts were divided about the importance of the two new studies. Some favored the honeybee study over the bumblebee study, while others felt the opposite was true. Environmentalists say that both studies support their view that the insecticides should be banned. And a scientist for <a href="http://www.bayercropscience.com/" style="color: #666699; text-decoration: none;" title="Web site.">Bayer CropScience</a>, the leading maker of neonicotinoids, cast doubt on both studies, for what other scientists said were legitimate reasons.</div>
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David Fischer, an ecotoxicologist at Bayer CropScience, said the new experiments had design flaws and conflicting results. In the French study, he said, the honeybees got far too much neonicotinoid. “I think they selected an improper dose level,” Dr. Fischer said.</div>
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Dr. Goulson’s study on bumblebees might warrant a “closer look,” Dr. Fischer said, but he argued that the weight of evidence still points to mites and viruses as the most likely candidates for bee declines.</div>
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The research does not solve the mystery of the vanishing bees. Although bumblebees have been on the decline in the United States and elsewhere, they have not succumbed to a specific phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder, which affects only honeybees.</div>
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Yet the research is coming out at a time when opposition to neonicotinoids is gaining momentum. The insecticides, introduced in the early 1990s, have exploded in popularity; virtually all corn grown in the United States is treated with them. Neonicotinoids are taken up by plants and moved to all their tissues — including the nectar on which bees feed. The concentration of neonicotinoids in nectar is not lethal, but some scientists have wondered if it might still affect bees.</div>
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In the honeybee experiment, researchers at the National Institute for Agricultural Research in France fed the bees a dose of neonicotinoid-laced sugar water and then moved them more than half a mile from their hive. The bees carried miniature radio tags that allowed the scientists to keep track of how many returned to the hive.</div>
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In familiar territory, the scientists found, the bees exposed to the pesticide were 10 percent less likely than healthy bees to make it home. In unfamiliar places, that figure rose to 31 percent.</div>
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The French scientists used a computer model to estimate how the hive would be affected by the loss of these bees. Under different conditions, they concluded that the hive’s population might drop by two-thirds or more, depending on how many worker bees were exposed.</div>
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“I thought it was very well designed,” said May Berenbaum, an entomologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.</div>
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But James Cresswell, an ecotoxicologist at the University of Exeter in England, was less impressed, because the scientists had to rely on a computer model to determine changes in the hive. “I don’t think the paper is a trump card,” he said.</div>
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In the British study, Dr. Goulson and his colleagues fed sugar water laced with a neonicotinoid pesticide to 50 bumblebee colonies. The researchers then moved the bee colonies to a farm, alongside 25 colonies that had been fed ordinary sugar water.</div>
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At the end of each year, all the bumblebees in a hive die except for a few new queens, which will go on to found new hives. Dr. Goulson and his colleagues found that colonies exposed to neonicotinoids produced 85 percent fewer queens. This reduction would translate into 85 percent fewer hives.</div>
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Jeffery Pettis, a bee expert at the United States Department of Agriculture, called Dr. Goulson’s study “alarming.” He said he suspected that other types of wild bees would be shown to suffer similar effects.</div>
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Dr. Pettis is also convinced that neonicotinoids in low doses make bees more vulnerable to disease. He and other researchers have recently published experiments showing that neonicotinoids make honeybees more vulnerable to infections from parasitic fungi.</div>
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“Three or four years ago, I was much more cautious about how much pesticides were contributing to the problem,” Dr. Pettis said. “Now more and more evidence points to pesticides being a consistent part of the problem.”</div>
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</nyt_text>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-41377525010302244412012-05-17T09:12:00.001-07:002012-05-17T09:12:19.230-07:00Neonicotinoids cause massive honeybee deaths<br />
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by Heather Pilatic</div>
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In the last few weeks beekeepers have reported staggering losses in Minnesota, Nebraska and Ohio after their hives foraged on pesticide-treated corn fields. Indiana too, two years ago. What's going on in the Corn Belt?</div>
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No farmer in their right mind wants to poison pollinators. When I spoke with one Iowa corn farmer in January and told him about the upcoming release of a <a href="http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/Krupke_journal.pone_.0029268.pdf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">Purdue study</a> confirming corn as a major pesticide exposure route for bees, his face dropped with worn exasperation. He looked down for a moment, sighed and said, "You know, I held out for years on buying them GE seeds, but now I can't get conventional seeds anymore. They just don't carry 'em."</div>
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This leaves us with two questions: 1) What do GE seeds have to do with neonicotinoids and bees? and 2) How can an Iowa corn farmer find himself feeling unable to farm without poisoning pollinators? In other words, where did U.S. corn cultivation go wrong?</div>
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The short answer to both questions starts with a slow motion train wreck that began in the mid-1990s: Corn integrated pest management (IPM) fell apart at the seams. Rather, it was intentionally unraveled by Bayer and Monsanto.</div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Honey bees caught in the cross-fire</strong></div>
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Corn is far from the only crop treated by neonicotinoids, but it is the largest use of arable land in North America, and honey bees rely on corn as a major protein source. At least 94 percent of the<a href="http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/USDA%20Acreage%202011.pdf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">92 million acres of corn</a> planted across the U.S. this year will have been treated with either clothianidin or thiamethoxam (another <a href="http://www.panna.org/bees" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">neonicotinoid</a>).</div>
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As we head into peak corn planting season throughout the U.S. Midwest, bees will once again "<a href="http://www.panna.org/blog/banner-week-bee-science-zombie-flies-poisonous-planter-exhaust" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">get it from all sides</a>" as they:</div>
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<li class="first" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">fly through clothianidin-contaminated planter dust;</li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">gather clothianidin-laced corn pollen, which will then be fed to emerging larva;</li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">gather water from acutely toxic, pesticide-laced guttation droplets; and/or</li>
<li class="last" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">gather pollen and nectar from nearby fields where forage sources such as dandelions have taken up these persistent chemicals from soil that's been contaminated year on year since clothianidin's widespread introduction into corn cultivation in 2003.</li>
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<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><strong style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">GE corn & neonicotinoid seed treatments go hand-in-hand</strong></div>
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Over the last 15 years, U.S. corn cultivation has gone from a crop requiring little-to-no insecticides and negligible amounts of fungicides, to a crop where the average acre is grown from seeds treated or genetically engineered to express three different insecticides (as well as a fungicide or two) before being sprayed prophylactically with RoundUp (an herbicide) and a new class of fungicides that farmers didn't know they "needed" before the mid-2000s.<br style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: block; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />A series of marketing ploys by the pesticide industry undergird this story. It's about time to start telling it, if for no other reason than to give lie to the oft-repeated notion that there is no alternative to farming corn in a way that poisons pollinators. We were once -- not so long ago -- on a very different path.</div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How corn farming went off the rails</strong></div>
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In the early 1990s, we were really good at growing corn using bio-intensive integrated pest management (bio-IPM). In practice, that meant crop rotations, supporting natural predators, using biocontrol agents like ladybugs and as a last resort, using chemical controls only after pests had been scouted for and found. During this time of peak bio-IPM adoption, today's common practice of <a href="http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/Gray_CornIPM+Bt.pdf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">blanketing corn acreage</a> with "insurance" applications of various pesticides without having established the need to do so would have been unthinkable. It's expensive to use inputs you don't need, and was once the mark of bad farming.</div>
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Then, in the mid-to-late 1990s, GE corn and neonicotinoid (imidacloprid) seed treatments both entered the market -- the two go hand-in-hand, partly by design and partly by accident. Conditions for the marketing of both products were ripe due to a combination of factors:</div>
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<li class="first" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">regulatory pressures and insect resistance had pushed previous insecticide classes off the market, creating an opening for neonicotinoids to rapidly take over global marketshare;</li>
<li style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">patented seeds became legally defensible, and the pesticide industry <a href="http://www.panna.org/issues/pesticides-profit/chemical-cartel" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">gobbled up the global seed market</a>; and</li>
<li class="last" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: inside; list-style-type: disc; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 35px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">a variant of the corn rootworm outsmarted soy-corn rotations, driving an uptick in insecticide use around 1995-96.</li>
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Then, as if on cue, Monsanto introduced three different strains of patented, GE corn between 1997 and 2003 (RoundUp Ready, and two Bt-expressing variants aimed at controlling the European Corn Borer and corn root worm). Clothianidin entered the U.S. market under conditional registration in 2003, and in 2004 corn seed companies began marketing seeds treated with a <a href="http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/BenbrookLecture_Systemics_0.pdf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">5X level of neonicotinoids</a> (1.25 mg/seed vs. .25).</div>
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... and in the space of a decade, U.S. corn acreage undergoes a<a href="http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/BenbrookLecture_Systemics_0.pdf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink"> ten-fold increase</a> in average insecticide use. By 2007, the average acre of corn has more than three systemic insecticides -- both Bt traits and a neonicotinoid. Compare this to the early 1990s, when only an estimated 30-35 percent of all corn acreage were treated with insecticides at all.</div>
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Adding fuel to the fire, in 2008 USDA's Federal Crop Insurance Board of Directors approved reductions in crop insurance premiums for producers who plant certain Bt corn hybrids. By 2009,<a href="http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/Gray_CornIPM+Bt.pdf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">40 percent of corn farmers interviewed</a> said they did not have access to elite (high-yielding) non-Bt corn seed. It is by now common knowledge that conventional corn farmers have a very hard time finding seed that is not genetically engineered and treated with neonicotinoids.</div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Enter fungicides</strong></div>
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In 2007, what's left of corn IPM <a href="http://www.apsnet.org/publications/apsnetfeatures/Pages/fungicide.aspx" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">was further unraveled</a> with the mass marketing of a new class of fungicides (strobilurins) for use on corn as yield "boosters." Before this, fungicide use on corn was so uncommon that it didn't appear in Crop Life's 2002 National Pesticide Use Database. But in the last five years, the pesticide industry has aggressively and successfully marketed prophylactic applications of fungicides on corn as yield and growth enhancers, and use has grown dramatically as a result. This despite the fact that these fungicides work as marketed less than half the time. According to this <a href="http://www.apsnet.org/publications/apsnetfeatures/Pages/fungicide.aspx" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">meta-analysis</a> of efficacy studies, only "48% of treatments resulted in a yield response greater than the economic break-even value of 6 bu/acre."</div>
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Back to the bees. Neonicotinoids are known to <a href="http://www.panna.org/sites/default/files/Iwasa_Mechanism%20for%20the%20differential%20toxicity%20of%20neonicotinoid%20insecticides%20in%20the%20honey%20bee_0.pdf" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #399800; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_hplink">synergize with certain fungicides</a> to increase the toxicity of the former to honey bees up to 1,000-fold, and fungicides may be key culprits in undermining beneficial bee microbiota that do things like make beebread nutritious and support immune response against gut pathogens like <em style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Nosema</em>. Fungicide use in corn is likewise destroying beneficial fungi in many cropping systems, and driving the emergence of resistant strains.</div>
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As with insecticides and herbicides, so too with fungicide use on corn: Corn farmers are stuck on a pesticide treadmill on high gear, with a pre-emptively pressed turbo charge button (as "insurance"). Among the many casualties are our honey bees who rely on corn's abundant pollen supply.</div>
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Keeping us all tethered to the pesticide treadmill is expected behavior from the likes of Monsanto. But what boggles the mind is that all of this is being aided and abetted by a USDA that ties cheap crop insurance to planting patented <em style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bt</em> corn, and a Congress that refuses to tie subsidized crop insurance in the Farm Bill to common-sense conservation practices like bio-intensive IPM. Try explaining that with a waggle dance.</div>
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<i>Heather Pilatic is</i> <span style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: 11px;">Co-director, Pesticide Action Network North America</span></div>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-38882183423434112562012-02-02T11:43:00.000-08:002012-02-02T11:48:57.742-08:00New Pesticides May Be Killing Off Honeybeesby Molly Cotter, Inhabitat.com <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm4wmKloEeaOb0bqjqEoI0qEUXdxvVPZS5RNK7pt91glfahj7zsYYEk1urAgDYOV2i-TRS-TMMwYwJsx7BMm5ifEtp-AHQiaLQWH6yLxCnaISdgXiFAoOo4dHycm9HegGRIGDfKT6E3NK/s1600/honeybee-photo-by-Kaktuslampan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm4wmKloEeaOb0bqjqEoI0qEUXdxvVPZS5RNK7pt91glfahj7zsYYEk1urAgDYOV2i-TRS-TMMwYwJsx7BMm5ifEtp-AHQiaLQWH6yLxCnaISdgXiFAoOo4dHycm9HegGRIGDfKT6E3NK/s400/honeybee-photo-by-Kaktuslampan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704627536529563186" /></a><br /><br /><br />Since 2004, the number of honeybees in the U.S. has been nearly cut in half. While similar massive declines are prevalent around the world, scientists are still trying to figure out what exactly is causing the disappearance of the honeybees. A new study by the U.S. government’s premier bee expert Dr. Jeffrey Pettis suggests that nicotine-based chemicals found in popular pesticides have a dangerous effect on exposed bees and could be a major contributor to the missing bee mystery.<br /><br />Bees pollinate 70% of the world’s crops, and their diminishing presence is detrimental for farmers all over the world. Dr. Pettis spent months researching bees exposed to neonicotinoid chemicals and found even the tiniest amount made them three times more vulnerable to infection. The pesticide chemical attacks bees’ immune systems, weakening their bodies and often times confusing them, leading bees to wander away and lose their colonies.<br /><br />The chemicals are very popular, and they were considered an environmental breakthrough because they can be applied to the seeds of a crop rather than the plant. While this and other studies bring pesticide issues to light, others believe the bee population decline to be related to weather, developmental, or evolutionary survival issues.Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-12203493251197473752011-10-26T09:40:00.000-07:002011-10-26T09:45:44.111-07:00Global warming and the death of Canadian forestsby <span style="font-style:italic;">Dr. Reese HalterConservation biologist, broadcaster</span><br /><br />All is not well in the semi arid, warming oil sands of Alberta -- the second largest hydrocarbon reserves in the world; only Saudi Arabia has more. To get at the oil sands and supply the Keystone XL pipeline, its leaving Canada with a colossal carbon footprint, which has increased by 120 percent since 1990. Of all the industrial nations, Canada footprint has increased the most during this time.<br /><br />An overheating climate has enabled mountain pine beetles -- nature's emissary of massive ecological change to march north and east like never before in modern or prehistoric times.<br /><br />Recent data from the International Energy Agency shows that governments in developing countries pay $310 billion subsidies to oil, gas and coal companies.<br /><br />So far both politicians and the public has a burgeoning disdain for climate and biological sciences that overwhelmingly shows that burning carbon-based fuels are forcing the climate and causing climate disruption, globally. Moreover, many politicians and the public are grabbing at whatever denial statements they can -- analogous to the behavior of an addict.<br /><br />They can run but they cannot hide from some conspicuous and startling facts across western North America. Indigenous bark beetles, on an epic feeding frenzy fueled by rising temperatures, have killed over 60 million acres of mature pine forests. In just over a decade the beetles have killed billions of trees or enough wood to make a city of 8 million homes.<br /><br />Entire hillsides and mountains are red. Those dead forests are ripe for wildfires that are costing taxpayers billions of dollars and perilously placing over four million homeowners who straddle the urban/wildland interface at high risk.<br /><br />These are the irrefutable facts whether you fly, drive or peddle your bicycle across the West, I guarantee that you will encounter the wrath of the unintended consequences of spewing 82 million metric tons, daily, of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere -- death of our wild forests.<br /><br />What's more is that when forest ecosystems become destabilized by rising temperatures ranging in the Northern Rocky Mountains by 2.4 degrees F to 3.6 degrees F in the Southern Rockies some organisms, like the trees -- loose; while others, like the mountain pine beetles -- win.<br /><br />It's not that the bark beetles are just killing the trees but rather in less than a decade they have completely and perfectly adapted to enter Earth's northern most contiguous forest type -- the boreal or emerald crown of our planet.<br /><br />Up until very recently the ecological "cold curtain" prevented the ravenous bark beetles from crossing the great continental divide. Beetles quite simply couldn't exist on the northern, eastern side of the Rocky Mountains or if they did they reproduced within 2 years and populations never reached an epidemic.<br /><br />In central British Columbia over the past decade and a half the mountain pine beetles have single-handily devoured half the commercial forests or an astounding 39 million acres (enough wood to build 5 million homes). As if that weren't bad enough as those forests decay they will be releasing 250 million metric tons of greenhouse gases or the equivalent of five years of car and light truck emissions in Canada. Essentially, 39 million acres of British Columbian lodgepole pine forests that once sucked CO2 out of the atmosphere are now dead, decaying and bleeding CO2 into an ever-rising pool of accumulating heat-trapping gases.<br /><br />The plot thickens, considerably. At least thrice in the last decade billions of bark beetles were sucked up into the lower stratosphere and spat out onto the eastern side of the Northern Rockies. Millions lived and successfully reproduced within a year (because temperatures have risen that dramatically) enabling populations to reach an epidemic.<br /><br />In fact, in the summer of 2006, my faithful companion, "Naio", a Chesapeake Bay retriever and I were on a road trip in Northern Alberta near Grand Prairie. We were exploring a pine forest when the sky rained bark beetles on us. In almost 3 decades of working in wild forests around the globe, I've never experienced anything like it.<br /><br />Mountain pine beetles carry blue stain fungi, bacteria and micro-organisms which help them overcome the tree's autoimmune system. The beetles have quickly found a strain of blue stain Leptographium longiclavatum that is adapted to the colder eastern Rocky Mountain temperatures. Furthermore, the beetles have reduced their body size and have successfully adapted too much thinner living bark spaces of the diminutive Jack pines.<br /><br />Tree scientists and entomologists knew that mountain pine beetles could exist in lodgepole/Jack pine hybrids in Alberta. In the last half-decade the beetles have successfully transited from the hybrids into pure Jack pines -- an a priori.<br /><br />The coast is now clear for them to march across northern Canada to the Atlantic coast and into the Jack pines of the Lake states.<br /><br />Earth's natural systems for absorbing CO2 are rapidly breaking down. Let me remind you that 40 percent of the oceanic phytoplankton is missing because warming currents are preventing upwelling of cold waters carrying essential nutrients requisite for growing green life and supporting the base of the entire marine ecosystem.<br /><br />The time for subsidizing toxic and life threatening carbon-based fuels is over. Imagine the breathtaking innovations in new green energies if we made available $310 billion per annum to all centers of concentrated brainpower - our colleges. And then imagine the millions of long-term jobs those green industries will create.<br /><br />Politicians and the public can sneer at climate and biological sciences but how long can they turn a blind eye to the death of Mother Nature?<br /><br /><br /><br />Earth Dr Reese Halter is a science communicator: voice for ecology and distinguished conservation biologist at California Lutheran University. His latest books are The Insatiable Bark Beetle and The Incomparable Honeybee. <br /><br /><br />Source: HuffPostYuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-58051617328692198132011-10-18T11:29:00.000-07:002011-10-18T11:30:23.664-07:00Baby elephant confused by his own trunk<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/InCUx_Z3AYo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />aaaahhhh, so cute!Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-79210721061820415992011-09-29T10:59:00.000-07:002011-09-29T11:29:10.016-07:00Harlem Grown a garden of learning<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZtVw7366TwMquAaEU_NGOmdf131L91fkpvjcCEJhYN00QLMiUY3oxa58cCnqhYQO3SbtAsNngiAzXQOs9k4QLd7aOi6fxGfhOHGVlL2On9Umkl-cVA6qQb5O3W_5vMGxqVHDM2uze2Wz/s1600/harlem+garden.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZtVw7366TwMquAaEU_NGOmdf131L91fkpvjcCEJhYN00QLMiUY3oxa58cCnqhYQO3SbtAsNngiAzXQOs9k4QLd7aOi6fxGfhOHGVlL2On9Umkl-cVA6qQb5O3W_5vMGxqVHDM2uze2Wz/s400/harlem+garden.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657849805842044402" /></a><br /><h3>NYC's poor kids invigorated by their own garden</h3><br />by Alex Budman, Undergraduate student at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland<br /><br />The same hands that are opening the limousine door for celebrity clients such as Edward Norton, Matt Damon and Tom Hanks are planting the seeds of change in the Harlem Success Garden. Tony Hillary is the brains behind the limousine company T.Z.Z Transportation with an all-star clientele, as well as the founder of the non profit organization Harlem Grown. How Tony seamlessly brought these two worlds together is where the story gets interesting. Let me explain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihl9c0iArBUgn-h0eU0l1AZj78i9XzwnIMclIecKhLeqF9bJFdQswiOrd1f88El-iL2wNuTJC2YojQGbFl5s4SwabHjjoMWYxUVLlLgFUE2Q_M2whADeauT_XCftvyOHkUCBsLIP0iDW_W/s1600/harlem+grown+tony+hilary+with+roderick.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihl9c0iArBUgn-h0eU0l1AZj78i9XzwnIMclIecKhLeqF9bJFdQswiOrd1f88El-iL2wNuTJC2YojQGbFl5s4SwabHjjoMWYxUVLlLgFUE2Q_M2whADeauT_XCftvyOHkUCBsLIP0iDW_W/s400/harlem+grown+tony+hilary+with+roderick.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657849817318868130" /></a><br />Roderick with Harlem Grown founder Tony Hillary<br /><br /><br />Tony Hillary started his own limo company T.Z.Z Limos in 1999. Over the next eleven years he built the business up to one that serves many Hollywood VIP'S. Tony developed personal relationships with many of his clients, and the airport pick-ups usually led to lively discussions about current events. In the 2009 recession, Tony saw a massive decline in bookings, resulting in his spending more time at home, brooding about his future.<br /><br /><br />Feeling depressed and watching his business go down the drain, Tony needed something to fill his time. He started reading about the American education system. He decided that he wanted to get involved working with children. He also made a life choice; he decided, "If I can't be rich, I might as well be happy." Tony was about to experience a new form of richness in his life, one that is not based on monetary rewards.<br /><br />Tony started volunteering at the public school PS175 at 134th and Lennox, in the heart of Harlem. He instantly became a father figure to the students at the school. For many of them, Tony is the only constant male figure in their lives; very few of them live with their fathers.<br /><br />The majority of these children live in government housing; approximately 10 percent live in homeless shelters. Many of these students suffer from obesity; healthy options are too expensive and hard to find in the streets that are saturated with fast food restaurants. It is hard to believe that all of this 'just above the poverty line' living takes place just 30 blocks north of the swanky Upper East Side.<br /><br />After volunteering at the school for a few months and becoming a regular fixture there, Tony started to take interest in a fenced in area across the street. When he asked in the neighborhood about the purpose of the space, Tony found out that it was a locked up Green Thumb Garden, one of the 500 communal garden spaces throughout New York City. Whoever was in charge of the garden had turned it into a neighborhood dump and drug haven. The local school children would cross the street to avoid walking past it; they thought that it was haunted.<br /><br />This is how Harlem Grown, the non-profit organization that Tony founded, was started. He decided that he wanted to reclaim this space and make it a safe place for children to learn. With the help of some money and a phone call from Edward Norton, Tony convinced the New York City Parks department to allow him to reclaim the garden. So there Tony was with a fenced in dump and a twenty-five thousand dollar start-up fund to turn this forgotten space into the home of Harlem Grown.<br /><br />Immediately, Tony hired Sean. Sean was born in Georgia and grew up on a farm; he has been harvesting crops since he was a little boy.<br /><br />Together, Tony and Sean cleaned out the garden. They pulled out the piles of trash that had accumulated over the years of its neglect. After the space was cleaned, the two became Google Gardeners. Self-taught, they came up with ways that they could plant a garden that would eventually grow before the children's eyes.<br /><br />They started off by growing tomatoes and lettuce; in the past year and a half they have added over eight varieties of vegetables and fruits, from tomatoes to melons. The latest addition is a small herb garden. The garden is so inviting that at least eleven different bird species nest and fly through this space. The birds' songs are a welcome change from the harsh noises of the congested streets of Harlem.<br /><br />The garden is now a beautiful green space for all of the community to use; as a result, everyone is thankful to Tony for reinvigorating this space. Yet the most astounding thing about the garden is the effect that it has had on the children from PS 175. The 400 children who come through the garden monthly have learned so much from the green space and associated programming that it is hard to fully recap, but here are the main points that I noticed after volunteering there for a month.<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wm-OnaQvlEE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><br />In the garden, the children gain a respect for nature and the environment. They study about earth sciences and insects, gaining insight into the fundamentals of nature. This space is so far removed from the concrete jungle of the projects that is home to these children. Through their experiences, they learn to understand the need to preserve and protect nature. In the garden there is a composting system and recycling program. Recently Tony brought that same model into the school cafeteria. He assigned "Recycling Ambassadors" who monitor how people dispose of their garbage after lunch. In addition to having a smaller environmental impact, the children now have a sense of responsibility and pride, turning the cafeteria into a hub of social and environmental stewardship.<br /><br />This appreciation and respect for the earth has manifested in the children's respect towards each other. The principal of P.S175, Ms. McClendon, observed that fights in the school were down eighty percent. When the garden was first opened, each of the 400 students planted an individual seed. Therefore each child takes ownership in the growth and development of the garden, as one of those seeds is their own. This teaches the children to respect each other's space, and by doing so the children can respect each other in the classroom.<br /><br />Harlem Grown teaches students about healthy lifestyles. When I started volunteering, I noticed that many of the children's packed lunches consisted of a soda and bag of chips. Tony has partnered with Wellness in Schools to change all of this. He now has a chef come to the cafeteria and cook with the fresh grown vegetables from the garden, showing the children that healthy food is delicious. It is also breaking the stigma that vegetables or un-fried foods are poison.<br /><br />To tackle the current obesity problem in the school, Tony is implementing a "thousand pound challenge" where the student body will collectively lose a thousand pounds. Sean Combs', (also known as P. Diddy) trainer Mark Jenkins will introduce a physical activity program that will teach the children how to maintain a healthy weight.<br /><br />"Mr. Tony," as the children call him, has created an organization that provides a physical space for learning to take place, as well as programming and mentorship that positively impacts the Harlem community at large. The garden is a labor of love, it has taken hard work and dedication to keep it going; Tony is no professional grant writer and has seen his own wallet shrink drastically. Yet the optimism and smiles of the community involved make him realize that it will all work out. As the fresh vegetables and initiatives at Harlem Grown continue to grow, Tony's life has been immensely enriched and he is looking forward to the changes that will occur as the program blossoms.<br /><br /><br />Source: HuffingtonPost.comYuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-87198259470517145842011-09-23T10:16:00.000-07:002011-09-23T10:25:30.424-07:00UK elephant Karishma a charming artist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTz2KDO-qPqIEfwMKKEAPfidD-GdwRApQ8i_N2qBjwoe1zM99NBaHsFO-HG0R6QgsbqezXZKzZ6UUIKa9eHdscT0koTJvOIK9Vq4BHDGTWc1qq3z-NTXMcc9SF5jKJSIxO6wHE6rF94HM/s1600/karishma+portrait+of+the+elephant+artist.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTz2KDO-qPqIEfwMKKEAPfidD-GdwRApQ8i_N2qBjwoe1zM99NBaHsFO-HG0R6QgsbqezXZKzZ6UUIKa9eHdscT0koTJvOIK9Vq4BHDGTWc1qq3z-NTXMcc9SF5jKJSIxO6wHE6rF94HM/s400/karishma+portrait+of+the+elephant+artist.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655606676715569554" /></a><br /><br /><h3>Asian elephant paints colourful artworks, now on display</h3><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEhUtPzWmcCDAJRS7eCSmLHmGswos4s27wxGMt-6KUbEl8XIhvbpeLI5ZJdX_rEn9yXv_VWDbeR-iIzJmRHJ_qfMzjqDnRxLCEkPS5ANNV8_Xxn_E4kOflqrJYRpXPZ1SkyKs6KqY1oJH/s1600/karishma+the+painting+elephant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEhUtPzWmcCDAJRS7eCSmLHmGswos4s27wxGMt-6KUbEl8XIhvbpeLI5ZJdX_rEn9yXv_VWDbeR-iIzJmRHJ_qfMzjqDnRxLCEkPS5ANNV8_Xxn_E4kOflqrJYRpXPZ1SkyKs6KqY1oJH/s400/karishma+the+painting+elephant.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655606680570628466" /></a><br /><br /> DUNSTABLE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Karishma, a 13 year old female Asian elephant, paints at an easel in her enclosure at <a href="http://www.zsl.org/zsl-whipsnade-zoo/"target="_blank">ZSL Whipsnade Zoo</a> on September 20, 2011 in Dunstable, England. A selection of Karishma’s artwork will go on display at the Zoo this weekend to celebrate Elephant Appreciation Day. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)<br /><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdorxdpMrqj9Ysphq4k5S2nXVK6u_o8dlTKzKngUIgCnfob1pb4Vx7sQt1rMF0a8yMWfoS_unh9eOfvHvEYZj23KoFl7z4nQ0RnmnDRAupUjnzt-Pm2Utjy-Ckuqc2v4ki_1RKMJH-fQPY/s1600/karishma+paints.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdorxdpMrqj9Ysphq4k5S2nXVK6u_o8dlTKzKngUIgCnfob1pb4Vx7sQt1rMF0a8yMWfoS_unh9eOfvHvEYZj23KoFl7z4nQ0RnmnDRAupUjnzt-Pm2Utjy-Ckuqc2v4ki_1RKMJH-fQPY/s400/karishma+paints.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655606670791482466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbGUgbQEocElddOi-gZ8DGImT5PWdBShE7F7PFDWIjbtDus17QKx1XEUvl0MQIXYqC8Slk0zFZOHud4jVNKnf2C67HwtfD1HyNeYzu6lijWwi5mYDAIk-Ap2KtAGDJkaHNVCxlnO2m3rn/s1600/karishma+painting+her+art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbGUgbQEocElddOi-gZ8DGImT5PWdBShE7F7PFDWIjbtDus17QKx1XEUvl0MQIXYqC8Slk0zFZOHud4jVNKnf2C67HwtfD1HyNeYzu6lijWwi5mYDAIk-Ap2KtAGDJkaHNVCxlnO2m3rn/s400/karishma+painting+her+art.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655606666894380002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTkEtLKk_MsSHNcaL0iebVCnB_tGdS7PZhQBX-lJUJhUcPpOAhWJaDyW9hpyuQEGBgZJONHBEQTBxoRE7wYLQ2LLP8dQFuCyfHXVACOWcruM-ktk0gkRLoarscJ4KdYJnHxigyLqAegGb/s1600/karishma+elephant+artwork.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTkEtLKk_MsSHNcaL0iebVCnB_tGdS7PZhQBX-lJUJhUcPpOAhWJaDyW9hpyuQEGBgZJONHBEQTBxoRE7wYLQ2LLP8dQFuCyfHXVACOWcruM-ktk0gkRLoarscJ4KdYJnHxigyLqAegGb/s400/karishma+elephant+artwork.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655606664338549378" /></a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-78815985294782915592011-09-07T13:19:00.000-07:002011-09-07T13:31:12.353-07:00Follow "Happy Feet" penguin back home to Antarctica<h3>NZEmperor.com website tracks penguin's progress on journey home</h3><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qsfpqi04o3QVYZnfB5Kqpht6Ob0XKGnI1m06lkTwj8YPBX0HjhHeiCp7TqTMXhSqTrzQi4U6kbEFkGHj5JNHvGr3FSpQ20px00gcn_dJMRicb1b-CVph7yRQrZW21VyDA5wHkO6lTFba/s1600/happy-feet-penguin-new-zealand.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qsfpqi04o3QVYZnfB5Kqpht6Ob0XKGnI1m06lkTwj8YPBX0HjhHeiCp7TqTMXhSqTrzQi4U6kbEFkGHj5JNHvGr3FSpQ20px00gcn_dJMRicb1b-CVph7yRQrZW21VyDA5wHkO6lTFba/s400/happy-feet-penguin-new-zealand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649717433277079922" /></a><br /><br />The wayward emperor penguin who washed up on a New Zealand beach in late June began his journey back to Antarctica last Monday as a research vessel dropped him off closer to his Southern home. <br /><br />Happy Feet has been fitted with a Sirtrack KiwiSat 202 Satellite Transmitter which will transmit signals to satellites twice a day for three hours. Transmissions from the KiwiSat 202 will allow us to monitor Happy Feet's position as he travels. Each new position will be plotted on the map so we can all follow his progress. It is not known which direction Happy Feet will travel, hopefully back to his home in the Antarctic, which makes this all the more fascinating and such a rare opportunity to learn about the movements of an amazing animal.<br /><br />The KiwiSat 202 will be fitted to Happy Feet's feathers using glue and tape, a technique commonly and successfully used, by an experienced scientist and supervised by the experts at Wellington Zoo. The KiwiSat 202 weighs less than 100g, less than 1% of Happy Feet's body weight. It has been designed to be streamlined so it will not affect the penguin's swimming. To learn more about the Sirtrack KiwiSat 202 Satellite Transmitter click here<br /><br />Since Happy Feet's arrival on Peka Peka Beach on June 21st 2011 he has been cared for by the team at Wellington Zoo, supported by the Department of Conservation and Dr. Colin Miskelly, Curator of terrestrial vertebrates at Te Papa. <br /><br />The penguin gained the name from his similarity to a situation in the animated film "Happy Feet."<br /><br />The Associated Press reports that the penguin was moved to a zoo after he confused sand for snow and became sick. Karen Fifield, Wellington Zoo's chief executive said, "He's brought a lot of hope and joy to people ... His story has driven to the heart of what makes us human."<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/06/happy-feet-penguin-tracker_n_951182.html"target="_blank">Huffington Post article on penguin Happy Feet and tracking device</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nzemperor.com/"target="_blank">Happy Feet penguin - official website</a><br /><br />Sources: NZEmperor.com, huffingtonpost.comYuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-65144994047498609792011-08-12T08:25:00.000-07:002011-08-12T08:36:09.785-07:00PEI researcher seeks more data on lost Ladybugs
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_YDTFYb7Ozfnna0ket8Sf5v7MY_BEYgFW_HZ8l3SZ2R2cAvzljy-LTk8B2n5CR3SGh7nfmq3nxhZX7KOOuQ9VrcZgECyR7eyNn2M_bXVwSdZ54Zl6tbxrYbCq_pBvEa2-wfWvi8GYPBd/s1600/north+american+ladybug.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 169px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_YDTFYb7Ozfnna0ket8Sf5v7MY_BEYgFW_HZ8l3SZ2R2cAvzljy-LTk8B2n5CR3SGh7nfmq3nxhZX7KOOuQ9VrcZgECyR7eyNn2M_bXVwSdZ54Zl6tbxrYbCq_pBvEa2-wfWvi8GYPBd/s400/north+american+ladybug.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639992870682214066" /></a>
<br /><H3>Concerned citizens asked to photograph species</H3>
<br />A Masters student at the University of Prince Edward Island has joined a continent-wide project to find native ladybugs, and is asking Islanders to join in the search.
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<br />Native ladybugs, or lady beetles as they are properly known, have become increasingly difficult to find in populated areas, as they have been pushed out by imported species. Non-native species are reproducing faster than domestic varieties.
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<br />This could mean trouble for urban gardeners trying to deal with aphids.
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<br />"Particularly our natives will produce more viable eggs when they're eating the aphid diet," said UPEI Masters student Meagan Marriott.
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<br />"The problem with some of our non-natives is that the ones that have established as what they're calling generalists and they can produce viable offspring on a wide range of foods."
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<br />Just how serious the problem is is not known. Just because native lady beetles are becoming less common in urban areas doesn't mean their population is dwindling. It is possible they are retreating to wilderness areas.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7y6ikvQdJ8xaUT5SZ9ZlbfMwNIk5lPVkzOTtY3iuOnf4dyAC_3vkdtyfiBJEmYecBt_bdTIW9ech2F1aIQUEy44tvGY5RfOURDCLNEPHxtKYOQ4-WqYbQfxdRjkWENEl97CzqpUf5I0y/s1600/ladybug+in+flight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7y6ikvQdJ8xaUT5SZ9ZlbfMwNIk5lPVkzOTtY3iuOnf4dyAC_3vkdtyfiBJEmYecBt_bdTIW9ech2F1aIQUEy44tvGY5RfOURDCLNEPHxtKYOQ4-WqYbQfxdRjkWENEl97CzqpUf5I0y/s400/ladybug+in+flight.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639992875734722642" /></a>
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<br />The Lost Ladybug Project was launched to search for an answer to this question. There are not enough entomologists to cover all the geography scientists are interested in, so they are recruiting citizen scientists to help.
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<br />"If we can find out where they are we can try to preserve them," said project co-director of outreach Rebecca Rice Smyth.
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<br />"The fact is [non-natives] are dominating habitats now. The more dominant those species are, the less diverse the ladybug composition in the habitat becomes. "
<br />The Lost Ladybug Project web site contains information to help people identify different kinds of the beetles, and a tool for uploading pictures they take of them. Those pictures will help researchers determine where the different species of beetles are, and aren't.
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<br />While the number of native lady beetles appears to be declining, no species has yet become extinct. Some have been extirpated in parts of Canada.
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<br /><a href="http://www.emagazine.com/archive/5142"target="_blank">The Great Ladybug mystery; Lost Ladybug Project info</a>
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<br />Source: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/look-ladybugs-researchers-ask-114304450.htmlYuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-58652880451374131882011-08-04T09:37:00.000-07:002011-08-04T09:48:32.800-07:00RARE Black Deer Fawn photos with twin, mom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O-jcDPuuR8P6ahOWVDWxZ0Q_wb0boHzTgmYXeYS7V94pSZpSayow5MZcxhRt3gLUc5acLlnOSzTXURljyN3ZOe3kwZQkGv1H-DlwYvcu24BgwONS00kBcDsaTZ4jIzUH-xfkDSFmWp9I/s1600/black+der+fawn+kissed+by+twin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_O-jcDPuuR8P6ahOWVDWxZ0Q_wb0boHzTgmYXeYS7V94pSZpSayow5MZcxhRt3gLUc5acLlnOSzTXURljyN3ZOe3kwZQkGv1H-DlwYvcu24BgwONS00kBcDsaTZ4jIzUH-xfkDSFmWp9I/s400/black+der+fawn+kissed+by+twin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637042711086494082" /></a><br /><H3>Melanistic deer are rarer even that albino deer!</H3><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRT76CNOA16TGTuOVJSmXWtFEzAYUzYhb-hthnZAAIQ2CQkZkER_w7_LA9n9rxfHUjeKPKM586AIpoHFTEqxF5czdZCYel0BV9Jd8Gtrzm_oYNBxuhqBgnci3cMwDKn2IrPghKHEktDh4/s1600/black+deer+fawn+running.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRT76CNOA16TGTuOVJSmXWtFEzAYUzYhb-hthnZAAIQ2CQkZkER_w7_LA9n9rxfHUjeKPKM586AIpoHFTEqxF5czdZCYel0BV9Jd8Gtrzm_oYNBxuhqBgnci3cMwDKn2IrPghKHEktDh4/s400/black+deer+fawn+running.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637042698782393538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjczyjiJVNmi_t8xuXEl0Fb3BKZpZ7n0_PUQ3D7YzGdmDXvc-WCWrnk6Tm-k785lYdvRlPf8VDctm8UzKN0hHnS3LipccHPWzG79KrRy3Ey-ipPeNo_lpgSimPk9-sg1UlD7MxHgeNCe6/s1600/black+deer+fawn+with+family+lg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjczyjiJVNmi_t8xuXEl0Fb3BKZpZ7n0_PUQ3D7YzGdmDXvc-WCWrnk6Tm-k785lYdvRlPf8VDctm8UzKN0hHnS3LipccHPWzG79KrRy3Ey-ipPeNo_lpgSimPk9-sg1UlD7MxHgeNCe6/s400/black+deer+fawn+with+family+lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637042690175807586" /></a><br /><br />Here's hoping you have enjoyed these inspiring photos! Okay, one more...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPUkuHbTumIRBQYMyBvcc1rOuSlZFnx6f2yPn1OHpTO90lrxAPBEdGUinf3U71KmLd60GTQeDQGk9PRaFXyCwmflvFDPbzBlZ4xcdAT0Yw75M163BYUebbwJ6zy5J0eEbM_KACdFnn8RM/s1600/black+deer+fawn+standing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPUkuHbTumIRBQYMyBvcc1rOuSlZFnx6f2yPn1OHpTO90lrxAPBEdGUinf3U71KmLd60GTQeDQGk9PRaFXyCwmflvFDPbzBlZ4xcdAT0Yw75M163BYUebbwJ6zy5J0eEbM_KACdFnn8RM/s400/black+deer+fawn+standing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637043294968000162" /></a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-21754238260407646982011-08-04T09:32:00.000-07:002011-08-04T09:37:06.372-07:00Transparent butterfly is Central American habitat's canary in coal mine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaymt-NbLd8U0eW9Rv6nnNSqHfg4Dl5AbSR7A3xa2r9dxIvaWbdNLFq2c_8Ii2KD5dveXpkYo2IwYgZWaSGc6kyVfwGyK9EfFVIRonm8D_g2swwOcDM2arNgETAGpW66cSi2oIIVsD44pO/s1600/transparent+butterfly+with+pink+flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaymt-NbLd8U0eW9Rv6nnNSqHfg4Dl5AbSR7A3xa2r9dxIvaWbdNLFq2c_8Ii2KD5dveXpkYo2IwYgZWaSGc6kyVfwGyK9EfFVIRonm8D_g2swwOcDM2arNgETAGpW66cSi2oIIVsD44pO/s400/transparent+butterfly+with+pink+flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637040457140770898" /></a><br />The Transparent Butterfly originates in Central America and it's habitat is found from Mexico to Panama. It is quite common in its zone, however is not easy to find because of its transparent wings, which are a natural camouflage mechanism. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrSwDbFKo5-aEOs8rie6X-40Et7f0D5Crq8KFkyLOxlEgwyARe9gH8Rhp13V4jtupVPApPOYIpxpjQnplfPNcr9G8cx7M_13wJw2BSo3LFRT-XlQaftmIZ_7FXA2qTF8WAIRjxFa2Fwbn/s1600/transparent+butterfly+on+flower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrSwDbFKo5-aEOs8rie6X-40Et7f0D5Crq8KFkyLOxlEgwyARe9gH8Rhp13V4jtupVPApPOYIpxpjQnplfPNcr9G8cx7M_13wJw2BSo3LFRT-XlQaftmIZ_7FXA2qTF8WAIRjxFa2Fwbn/s400/transparent+butterfly+on+flower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637040152413824514" /></a><br /><br /><br />A butterfly with transparent wings is rare and beautiful. As delicate as finely blown glass, the <em><strong>presence of this rare tropical gem is used by rain forest ecologists as an indication of high habitat quality and its demise alerts them of ecological change</strong></em>. Rivaling the refined beauty of a stained glass window, the translucent wings of the Glass wing butterfly shimmer in the sunlight like polished panes of turquoise, orange, green, and red. All things beautiful do not have to be full of color to be noticed: in life that which is unnoticed has the most power.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_IjyhnouISSIdNnSTlOdsuW7SERf_QmQFwdcsU3hA9NXBmWFlbH4BD7hWf-0IaM5jNYedEQwUvfZNtsuIdf_mimWieO4adTJKkBAklc89qi-wltYL6btfho4RpN7VwkUYmegDFIygKrl/s1600/transparent+butterfly+on+yellow+flower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_IjyhnouISSIdNnSTlOdsuW7SERf_QmQFwdcsU3hA9NXBmWFlbH4BD7hWf-0IaM5jNYedEQwUvfZNtsuIdf_mimWieO4adTJKkBAklc89qi-wltYL6btfho4RpN7VwkUYmegDFIygKrl/s400/transparent+butterfly+on+yellow+flower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637040178885488818" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvrVPoPS5iWXXrb3nnR-1Lk8yH1gYEOjSgD1dj992HChgNx5Pqu_kum8z6v6h1WEnf-QJHFmFNUS8X9bbNo0f-sz91658NHrR5qYwfR3RZrBIsK2a6epAC7bcX-37DkaorPmpkvBklKex/s1600/transparent+butterfly+on+stem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvrVPoPS5iWXXrb3nnR-1Lk8yH1gYEOjSgD1dj992HChgNx5Pqu_kum8z6v6h1WEnf-QJHFmFNUS8X9bbNo0f-sz91658NHrR5qYwfR3RZrBIsK2a6epAC7bcX-37DkaorPmpkvBklKex/s400/transparent+butterfly+on+stem.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637040174840882210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43umoNhhoSCK7e7Q6-t8m3O8TEnlGB8hcANwoCagxCT8k6eSbhw0kV8lpcD5425ce0Xtw_PSntNXJXgilzJ1h0yWV1o1HC9WlFqWW9qaNoLERrC7t8G4YpDIQOqju-JhCQwmz82VYy8Kd/s1600/Butterfly_transparent+with+flowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43umoNhhoSCK7e7Q6-t8m3O8TEnlGB8hcANwoCagxCT8k6eSbhw0kV8lpcD5425ce0Xtw_PSntNXJXgilzJ1h0yWV1o1HC9WlFqWW9qaNoLERrC7t8G4YpDIQOqju-JhCQwmz82VYy8Kd/s400/Butterfly_transparent+with+flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637040165613362658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rTa1wpYMfcZuXmmsc3XSoPWJ1lKf3zi1EdWF9UBSDISDyMm3yj3Sy1OtC6fd74RoHbFsvKFiCcSxkIpNiRdNMxdUHX71PvXacFlCYItvXO7vfdtedIjp9wTZXyqQy1bBgJfpT7smrv9U/s1600/transparent+butterfly+on+leaf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rTa1wpYMfcZuXmmsc3XSoPWJ1lKf3zi1EdWF9UBSDISDyMm3yj3Sy1OtC6fd74RoHbFsvKFiCcSxkIpNiRdNMxdUHX71PvXacFlCYItvXO7vfdtedIjp9wTZXyqQy1bBgJfpT7smrv9U/s400/transparent+butterfly+on+leaf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637040160580292434" /></a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-9552123415453069282011-07-29T11:02:00.000-07:002011-07-29T11:06:14.333-07:00Can mankind breed stronger bees? Declining populations spur research<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgR3kSM99cuzyyDv4n6HSxrq3w3r97DFxh3xsuhDaFBVCAbcAO5Grmj5q5GZKfKUUwZbHUPPYZJGLVlUJW-PsAlCtGafLFIzwf1SdN_B50363BKo2xPGM20t3XD7aJAlyhpmizXrX_0zN/s1600/honey-bee-on-a-flower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgR3kSM99cuzyyDv4n6HSxrq3w3r97DFxh3xsuhDaFBVCAbcAO5Grmj5q5GZKfKUUwZbHUPPYZJGLVlUJW-PsAlCtGafLFIzwf1SdN_B50363BKo2xPGM20t3XD7aJAlyhpmizXrX_0zN/s400/honey-bee-on-a-flower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634836966169004818" /></a><br /><h3>Scientists Breeding Honey Bees Resistant to Mites and Disease</h3><br />by Lori Zimmer, Inhabitat.com<br /><br />Over the last five years the world’s honey bee population has been steadily dwindling, with many beekeepers citing 2010 as the worst year yet. In order to save these extremely important insects, scientists are working on breeding a new super honey bee that they hope will be resistant to cold, disease, mites and pesticides. If all goes well, the new and improved insect will continue to pollinate our crops for years to come.<br /><br />Pesky mites, which have become immune to insecticides, have been terrorizing bees significantly for the last few years. According to the U.N., mites, along with viruses, have been responsible for killing 10-30% of Europe’s bees, one third of America’s bees and a whopping 85% of Middle Eastern bees! The external parasites are small and flat, and attach themselves to adult honey bees’ bodies, suck their bee blood and slowly kill them. What’s worse is that the mites also attack the bee brood. By planning the perfect attack, they enter the brood just before the larvae are sealed in together to develop. They feed on the developing bees, causing many of them to grow into weakened adults, often missing legs or wings. The mites spread further when bees from larger colonies “rob” smaller colonies.<br /><br />Rather than fighting off mites, which seems to be an impossible process, scientists have focused on breeding stronger bees. Some bee populations in Canada have shown resistance to the mites, so they have been isolated, studied, and bred by the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Being raised so far north, they are also resilient to the harsh winters of Winnipeg, a quality that European bees lack, as many do not even survive winter.<br /><br />Although not a solution to the bee crisis, these Canadian bees are strong stock, and could be the “prototype” for a stronger bee population. Since bees pollinate 90% of the world’s food crops, multiple steps must be taken to preserve them, and strengthening from within seems the first logical step.Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-59459884415967843942011-07-29T10:58:00.000-07:002011-07-29T11:00:55.750-07:00Video of Valentina the Whale being freed, showing thanks (or joy!)This is an inspiring video, for whether the whale is expressing gratitude or is just elated at being free and alive, it is a must see:<br /><br /><iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EBYPlcSD490" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-80951273150280430922011-04-20T11:06:00.000-07:002011-04-20T11:15:20.691-07:00New meaning to a "talk about birds and bees"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWZBQYobQGu3nwTAl8lx3L4J2PorhnvNiQzaRgBvyTho6ztvQq9ve4Xc5zCSaCT4jAyho6Fuz9S6Cd-lk5s8V9wBPpaTShanS2QnOVTP2ocqMY60cntiwD128bEQuxnuJtNTdBTU2nH0R/s1600/Honey_Bee_pollinating_peach_flower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOWZBQYobQGu3nwTAl8lx3L4J2PorhnvNiQzaRgBvyTho6ztvQq9ve4Xc5zCSaCT4jAyho6Fuz9S6Cd-lk5s8V9wBPpaTShanS2QnOVTP2ocqMY60cntiwD128bEQuxnuJtNTdBTU2nH0R/s400/Honey_Bee_pollinating_peach_flower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597730706652212466" /></a><br />Bee pollinating a peach tree flower<br /><br /><br />The Toronto Star's gardening columnist Mark Cullen recently published an article about the importance of bees to humanity's food supply, and i found it so inspiring I have decided to share it with our readers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Time to talk about the birds and the bees</span><br /><br />April 01, 2011<br /><br />by Mark Cullen, Special to the Star<br /><br />Father to pre pubescent son: “It is time for you and me to talk about the birds and the bees.”<br /><br />Son: “Sure Dad. What do you want to know?”<br /><br />I am impressed by many of the things that kids learn about in school today that were never talked about in my day. Subjects like multiculturalism, character, fairness, recycling, worm composting and bullying are just a few. But ask a kid today about the importance of fostering honey bees in the neighbourhood and chances are he will give you a blank stare. In fact, most adults do not seem to understand that the future of civilization as we know it depends on a thriving culture of honey bees.<br /><br />Albert Einstein said, “Mankind will not survive the honeybees’ disappearance for more than five years.”<br /><br />What, you might ask, did Einstein know that the rest of us don’t? I wondered the same thing and did some digging for answers. What I came up with is surprising, alarming and hopeful all at the same time.<br /><br />Bees are nature’s primary pollinators. Given that many of the plants that produce our food are pollinated by bees, we would be doing ourselves a service to pay attention to survival. Reports over the last six years indicate that their population is in steep decline throughout much of the world, including where you live. Nurturing and protecting them seems like a good idea.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Perfect and Imperfect Flowers</span><br /><br />It is true that many plants have “perfect” flowers, complete with both male and female parts. This might lead you to think that a pollinator with wings is hardly necessary. Your tomato plants, for example, do not require pollination from bees or hummingbirds or butterflies. But any experienced gardener will tell you that the greater the population of bees in a neighbourhood, the more productive the tomatoes, peppers and potatoes (all members of the same solanaceae family). The pollinating activity of bees is beneficial even when it is not entirely necessary.<br /><br />“Imperfect” flowers exist on a host of food plants, including all members of the cucurbit or squash family. They have female and male flowers, usually on the same plants though not always, which require a visit from one of nature’s flying pollinators in order to mix things up. It is the transfer of pollen from flower to flower (anther to stamen, to be exact) that fertilizes your pumpkin or cucumber and nothing does it quite as efficiently as bees. About one-third of everything that we eat has been pollinated by a bee, according to Cathy Kozma, past chair of the Toronto Beekeepers Co-operative.<br /><br />Bees dig in to a nice squash flower looking for food and come out covered in pollen grains. I have heard that they buzz a lot when they are in the middle of the flower in an effort to dig as deeply as possible for what they are really looking for. Buzzing is nature’s way of removing the pollen and maximizing the exposure of it to the body and pollen pockets of the bee, so the theory goes. Like power sanding a wood-working project: buzzing makes bees one of nature’s most efficient pollinators.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bees in Decline</span><br /><br />The population of bees is in decline, this is a fact. In Southern Ontario we have experienced about a 30 to 40 per cent decline in bee population since 2005. In other parts of the continent, the decline is much greater, especially in arid areas.<br /><br />According to Kozma, it is because of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). While there is no one cause for it, CCD is blamed on:<br /><br />• The Varroa Destructor mite.<br /><br />• The loss of natural habitat.<br /><br />• Monoculture agricultural practices.<br /><br />• Widespread pesticide use.<br /><br />What can the average hobby gardener do to help?<br /><br />Considering that the average bee performs her work (and they are all female) between a six and 10 kilometre radius of their home, there is lots that you can do. First of all I recommend that you plant plants that are attractive and useful to bees. My list includes:<br /><br />• Bachelors Buttons an easy to grow annual.<br /><br />• Borage, a useful herb and soil enhancer.<br /><br />• Russian sage, a metre-high reliable perennial that flowers for up to eight weeks.<br /><br />• Bee Balm or monarda, which is one of my favourite perennials for the sun. Grows up to one metre.<br /><br />• Sunflowers. The kids will love these, too.<br /><br />• Sage, a useful herb and rather fragrant.<br /><br />• Oregano. Plant one and enjoy a lot. An aggressive perennial groundcover in sun.<br /><br />• Basil. You want this for your tomatoes come September anyway.<br /><br />In addition, Kozma recommends that we:<br /><br />• Plant larger patches of flowering plants to encourage bee foraging.<br /><br />• Diversify your blooming plant portfolio. Have bee-friendly plants in bloom throughout the season.<br /><br />• Avoid the use of pesticides.<br /><br />• Let some of your garden naturalize. This will encourage bees to nest and tunnel without being disturbed. Note: bumble bees nest in the ground; some native bees build their nests in dead raspberry canes.<br /><br />• Provide a constant source of water. A hive will consume about half a litre of water a day. Put out small containers of clean water and float a small piece of wood in it to provide a landing strip and access to the water.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Want to Learn More?</span><br /><br />Whether you want to foster bees in your neighbourhood, help out the Toronto Beekeepers Co-operative or have a hive in your own yard (for which you will need about half acre), here are some suggestions of where you can learn more:<br /><br />• Toronto Beekeepers Co-operative: An active group since 2001, the TBC’s mission is to “create an opportunity for Torontonians interested in working with bees to learn about hive ecology and maintenance, honey and products of the hive, and gain hands-on beekeeping experience in a supportive environment.” More information at www.torontobees.ca.<br /><br />• They have placed bee hives at Downsview Park, Evergreen Brickworks, Fairmont Royal York rooftop and most recently at the Toronto Botanical Garden.<br /><br />• They are active presenters at the Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market, Downsview’s Farming in the City and the Royal Winter Fair.<br /><br />• A series of seminars are being offered at the Toronto Botanical Garden aimed at novice beekeepers. For details go to www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca.<br /><br />• Read: Keeping the Bees, by Laurence Packer (2010); Sweetness and Light, by Hattie Ellis; Fruitless Fall, by Rowan Jacobsen.<br /><br />“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to get up close and personal with honeybees,” says Kozma, “to teach others about their incredible world, and I see this as an easy way to make a significant contribution to making my world a better place.”<br /><br />Touché. Next time I am called upon to talk to a youngster about the birds and the bees I think I will call Cathy Kozma.<br /><br />I urge you to support your local beekeepers by buying their bee products. I can assure you that this is a labour of love, not a profitable venture. Sources are available at their website, <a href="http://www.torontobees.c"target="_blank">TorontoBees.ca</a> .Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-51699230538203258772011-02-14T20:01:00.000-08:002011-02-14T20:05:09.194-08:00Man Gave Names to All the Animals by Bob DylanBob Dylan Lyrics: Man Gave Names to All the Animals<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Man Gave Names To All The Animals</span><br /><br />Music and Lyrics by Bob Dylan<br /><br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, in the beginning<br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, long time ago<br /><br />He saw an animal that liked to growl<br />Big furry paws and he liked to howl<br />Great big furry back and furry hair<br />“Ah, think I’ll call it a bear”<br /><br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, in the beginning<br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, long time ago<br /><br />He saw an animal up on a hill<br />Chewing up so much grass until she was filled<br />He saw milk comin’ out but he didn’t know how<br />“Ah, think I’ll call it a cow”<br /><br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, in the beginning<br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, long time ago<br /><br />He saw an animal that liked to snort<br />Horns on his head and they weren’t too short<br />It looked like there wasn’t nothin’ that he couldn’t pull<br />“Ah, think I’ll call it a bull”<br /><br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, in the beginning<br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, long time ago<br /><br />He saw an animal leavin’ a muddy trail<br />Real dirty face and a curly tail<br />He wasn’t too small and he wasn’t too big<br />“Ah, think I’ll call it a pig”<br /><br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, in the beginning<br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, long time ago<br /><br />Next animal that he did meet<br />Had wool on his back and hooves on his feet<br />Eating grass on a mountainside so steep<br />“Ah, think I’ll call it a sheep”<br /><br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, in the beginning<br />Man gave names to all the animals<br />In the beginning, long time ago<br /><br />He saw an animal as smooth as glass<br />Slithering his way through the grass<br />Saw him disappear by a tree near a lake . . .Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-37845968679285219302011-01-25T18:37:00.000-08:002011-01-25T18:50:55.554-08:00Bees Trees Update: New content feeds for nature and ecology blogToday I added blog feeds from great sites about bees and beekeeping, global frog populations, elephants in the wild and in zoos, and the health of trees worldwide.<br /><br />I hope you like the changes; please post any ideas or suggestions in the Comments section below.<br /><br />Peace 2 All,<br /><br />JoeYuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-72726389500327734102009-05-30T16:42:00.000-07:002009-05-30T17:05:27.911-07:00Stop Site 41 in Tiny Township Ontario; New Dump Makes No Sense<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLbH1TPQnzoHesTer3al8lDgbsKq-Nw45eVtv5ZVqke82mRbqxUIUmmvECANCYMfalYhJq9srs7l8jQvdEOQblUFDhto1YooQgR1pE2z8Y3OlqceaBmVRMu1ioDgxY2kuodG7FEklMeUu/s1600-h/elmvale+dump+protest+site+photo+by+bill+sandord.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLbH1TPQnzoHesTer3al8lDgbsKq-Nw45eVtv5ZVqke82mRbqxUIUmmvECANCYMfalYhJq9srs7l8jQvdEOQblUFDhto1YooQgR1pE2z8Y3OlqceaBmVRMu1ioDgxY2kuodG7FEklMeUu/s400/elmvale+dump+protest+site+photo+by+bill+sandord.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341771887848967506" /></a><br /><BR><BR><br />Photo by BILL SANDFORD FOR THE TORONTO STAR<br /><BR><BR><br />Aboriginal residents of Christian Island have set up a camp to protest the dump being built across the road. They want the premier to halt construction.<br /><br /><BR><BR><BR><br /><strong>Why would Ontario want to build a new dump:</strong><br /><br /> - 5 miles from Georgian Bay?<br /><br /> - when their own report in 1989 ruled out the site?<br /><br /> - when there are already 2 dormant dumps in the region?<br /><br /> - when the province claims to be moving to a "zero waste " policy?<br /><br />The interia of 21st century thinking and entrenched business interests seems to be the culprit. Everyone within driving distance of Elmvale (north of Sprimgwater, northeast of wasaga Beach, south of Midland and Christian Island) should try and come out at least once this summer to support the protest against the dump. I am going to try and bring my guitar out there one day to lend my voice to the protest.<br /><br />Here is a recent article featuring insightful <a href="http://www.springwaternews.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:first-nations-native-dump-site-41-peaceful-protest&catid=1:latest-news">comments from First Nations Regional Chief for Ontario, Angus Toulouse</a>:<br /><br /><strong>First Nations Dump Site Protest</strong><br /><br />May 19, 2009 - Regional Chief for Ontario, Angus Toulouse, stated his support today for a peaceful protest against the creation of a landfill at "Site 41" in Tiny Township of Georgian Bay, Ontario.<br /><br />"I fully support this peaceful protest organized by First Nations and non-Aboriginal people who are standing together to protect their environment," Regional Chief Toulouse said. "The people of nearby Beausoleil First Nation have raised concerns about this proposed dump site for some time and these concerns have not been addressed. The health of our people and all people, and the health of the environment are too important to be ignored. It is time for the government to listen to the voices of First Nations and to their constituents."<br /><br />The peaceful protest took place at a farm near the proposed landfill site. The protesters include men, women and children, First Nations and non-Aboriginal, people from the surrounding area as well as those who have traveled to the site to show their support.<br /><br />Initially the landfill project was rejected after a 70-day environmental assessment hearing in 1989. However, the government intervened and overturned the decision through an Order in Council. The landfill is currently under construction and is located within eight kilometers of Georgian Bay<br /><br />"The Beausoleil First Nation was never properly consulted on this landfill and that is contrary to their rights," Regional Chief Toulouse stated. "In addition, there are serious concerns of contamination of drinking water, groundwater, surrounding waters and the destruction of the environment in general. Any destruction to the traditional territory of the Beausoleil First Nation is potentially a violation of their constitutional rights. A respectful dialogue amongst the First Nations, local residents and the Government of Ontario is the way forward. We have duties and responsibilities to our children and to the land and the waters that must inform our decisions and conduct."<br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><strong>May 30th Toronto Star article on dmp site protest:</strong><br /><br /><strong>Long fight over dump near Midland heating up</strong><br /><br />MOIRA WELSH, ENVIRONMENT REPORTER<br /><br />ELMVALE, Ont. – At the roadside well where cottagers stop to fill bottles with cold, clear water, a sparkling white sign bears the indignation of a community.<br /><br />"Purest Water in the World," bellow bold letters. "The dump will fix that! Stop Site 41."<br /><br />One of dozens planted across Tiny Township, near Midland, the sign is the handiwork of Stephen Ogden, volunteer citizen leader of the long fight against Simcoe County's plan to build a waste disposal facility over lush farmland that bubbles with pure water flowing into Georgian Bay.<br /><br />More than two decades since it was first proposed, the county's newest garbage dump – approved by the Ontario Environment Ministry – is now under construction, with plans to open in the fall. Twenty hectares in size, it has the capacity to hold 1.6 million cubic metres of garbage from Simcoe County residents, enough space to last roughly 40 to 50 years.<br /><br />Maude Barlow, named the United Nations' senior adviser on water issues and chair of the Council of Canadians, has thrown her energy into the fight, vowing to lead protests at the site throughout the summer.<br /><br />"This dump will not open," Barlow vowed.<br /><br />As trucks with giant wheels roll down the site's gravel roads, Ogden watches outside the locked gates, under the No Trespassing sign.<br /><br />On the farm across the road is a growing collection of tents and trailers, a vigil manned by aboriginal residents of nearby Christian Island, on Georgian Bay, who say the clarity of the water that flows underground cannot be put at risk.<br /><br />Leaders like Vicki Monague say they will stay, keeping their sacred fire burning, until Premier Dalton McGuinty stops construction on the site. Monague said the site is on native treaty land, but there has been no consultation from the federal government.<br /><br />"The federal government has a duty to consult First Nations people when something like this is going on with treaty land," Monague said. "We are here to make our presence known."<br /><br />Ogden says the protesters have given up on the Ministry of the Environment, which has backed the project for years despite questions about potential for leachate in the water, whether there is a need for a new dump in a province that is leading a charge toward zero waste and why the county's two dormant dumpsites are not being used instead.<br /><br />If protesters like Monague, Ogden and Barlow claim it is a water and land issue, the chief administrative officer of Simcoe County says they have it all wrong.<br /><br />"They are trying to make the issue political," Mark Aitken said in a phone interview. "And they are trying to make it all about water. And frankly, the issue is not about water. The issue is about waste. Garbage."<br /><br />Aitken questioned claims that the water is the "purest in the world," but said that issue is not relevant.<br /><br />"This site has been designed to be protective of the water resources...."<br /><br />Ontario's environment commissioner, Gordon Miller, says the battle over Dump Site 41 is a political mystery – a site being built on an aquifer in 2009, using an engineering concept proposed in the early 1990s.<br /><br />"If we were to start this process today, we would not build this site," Miller said.<br /><br />"Is it going to fail? Not likely. There will be so much money and engineering spent on it."<br /><br />But protesters across the road from the dump site are taking no chances.<br /><br />"We are responsible for the water, for the future generations, and we are not going to leave until the site is closed," said Monague.<br /><br />Locals are donating fresh food to the protesters and clean drinking water is coming from a tap behind the farmer's hill, all under the watchful eye of an OPP officer.<br /><br />"We're going to let the premier watch. We don't have to do anything," Ogden said.<br /><br />"You can be sure that the police are calling him to let him know if things are going to heat up and interfere with his summer holidays."Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-25350236038646254732009-05-27T20:27:00.000-07:002009-05-27T20:39:34.974-07:00Steve Erwin's Nature Reserve in Australia threatened by mining plans<strong>Save Steve's Place Blog</strong><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHut7OXtpJlF8k8iCgfjI-TENtiKMkUYsIR18UcTKbViweRMyQSoKXhCjIhWpSDZw71s8X0gEAjqUJ7J0gzC2zlH7VUpZndLq5yRuiWhxvGciqtKkx845g_95bmOuITd4iVmCH7PumMjA/s1600-h/peter-taylor-photo-of-steve-irwin-nature-reserve-park.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHut7OXtpJlF8k8iCgfjI-TENtiKMkUYsIR18UcTKbViweRMyQSoKXhCjIhWpSDZw71s8X0gEAjqUJ7J0gzC2zlH7VUpZndLq5yRuiWhxvGciqtKkx845g_95bmOuITd4iVmCH7PumMjA/s400/peter-taylor-photo-of-steve-irwin-nature-reserve-park.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340712638338868178" /></a><br /><br />Photograph by Peter Taylor<br /><br />The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve (SIWR) is a wetland conservation property and a tribute to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. The 135,000 ha property, in Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula, is home to a set of three important spring fed wetlands which provide a critical water source to threatened habitat, provide permanent flow of water to the Wenlock River, and is home to rare and vulnerable plants and wildlife.<br /><br />The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve (SIWR) was acquired as part of the National Reserve System Programme for the purpose of nature conservation with the assistance of the Australian Government.<br /><br /><strong>The Situation</strong><br /><br />The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve (SIWR) is being threatened by strip mining. Cape Alumina Pty Ltd has lodged mining lease applications which include approximately 12,300 ha of the Reserve. Cape Alumina company documents indicate an intention to mine 50 plus million tons over a 10 year period commencing 2010. The greater part of this mine is on SIWR<br /><br />The proposed area for mining on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve contains the head waters of irreplaceable waterways and unique biodiversity which will not recover after mining operations are finished.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.australiazoo.com.au/?cat=73">Online story about mining threat to Steve Irwin Nature Park in Australia</a><br /><br />Australia Zoo will not give up the fight to Save Steve’s Place. Although the Land Court has granted Cape Alumina the right to continue the exploration and drilling of the 135 000 ha conservation property this does not mean they have the right to mine on the Reserve.<br /><br />Cape Alumina company documents indicate an intention to mine 50 million tons of bauxite over a 10 year period, the greater part of this mine on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.<br /><br />Mining in an environmentally sensitive area such as the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve will endanger and possibly irreversibly destroy many rare and endangered natural treasures such as:<br /><br /><strong>Rare plants<br /><br />Vulnerable Wildlife<br /><br />Palm Cockatoos<br /><br />Spear-tooth Sharks<br /><br />Saw Fish<br /><br />Estuarine Crocodiles<br /><br />Irreplaceable Waterways</strong><br /><br />These results are only after initial surveys, imagine what we will discover once a full study has been conducted.<br /><br /><a href="https://secure.wilderness.org.au/cyberactivist/cyberactions/09_01_wenlock-cyberaction.php?utm_source=rhn&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=cyber_09_01_wenlock_qld">Sign the Online Petition to support the Wenlock Wild River protection proposal</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Not Just Steve's Place</strong><br /><br />There’s also another Nature Refuge in central-west Queensland, which is one of the few uncleared properties in the whole region, and it’s in line to be dug up for coal! There’s a petition running for this one too, which you can find through <a href="http://www.bimblebox.org">www.bimblebox.org</a>.Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-48606854647925181272009-05-24T18:49:00.000-07:002009-05-24T18:55:26.901-07:00Haagen-Dazs really loves honey bees and cherriesIf anybody ever felt indulgent for indulging in HD, take small comfort in the knowledge that at least the comrades over there understand the crucial nature of the majestic bee. Throughout human history, the bee has been a source of light (wax), sweetness (honey), medicine (propolis, Royal Jelly) and food (fruit, herb and vegetable polination); truly humaninkind's best friend.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.helpthehoneybees.com/">Haagen-Dazs Loves Honey Bees HelpTheHoneyBees.com website</a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-14019080034536936292009-04-18T17:22:00.000-07:002009-04-18T17:44:11.107-07:00Are new global cooling systems and technology the key to human adaptation and survival?If global warming is both caused by man's activities and dangerous to human beings and other mammals, at minimum, does that mean that global cooling projects are a key to our survival?<br /><br />Here are some thoughts on what may help cool the planet:<br /><br /> - tree planting<br /><br /> - water conservation<br /><br /> - energy conservation<br /><br /> - <a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com">geothermal energy</a><br /><br /> - energy efficiency<br /><br /> - re-using materials<br /><br /> - <a href="http://windintell.blogspot.com">wind energy</a><br /><br /> - recycling products<br /><br /> - <a href="http://pvintell.blogspot.com">photovoltaic solar energy</a><br /><br /> - eating local, organic food<br /><br />many people still don't realize that $100+ oil played a significant role in the global economic meltdown, as eyes are myopically focused on the mortgage derivatives market with little analysis on catalysts and co-factors. In addition to the climate threat from global warning, reliance on oil also infers an economic weapon that can be turned against those dependent, and clear minds expect <a href="http://greenstocksinvesting.blogspot.com/">green power alternative energy stocks</a> to continue to lead this post-Bush rally in global equity markets.<br /><br />Let's hope and pray and work like hell to support Barack Obama, T. Boone Pickens and all supporters of <a href="http://greenstocksinvesting.blogspot.com">clean energy solutions to economic and environmental problems</a>.<br /><br />Peace 2 All,<br /><br />Joe CollegeYuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-86067618588980728742008-12-29T08:43:00.000-08:002008-12-29T09:33:06.476-08:002008 Review; Nature, Ecology, Environment and Clean Energy InvestingThe end of the Bush era was a wild ride for ecologists and clean green energy investments, as the highs of early in the year gave way to waves of crashing corrections, resulting in alternative energy stocks off 60% to 80% and more from their peaks. With oil plummeting from $140 to $35 while the stock market was being halved, the world's most promising companies took it on the chin.<br /><br />Look for green energy stocks to be among the stock market's leading performers in 2009. Some names to keep an eye on include Vestas, Ormat, Suzlon, FSLR, LDK Solar, GT Solar and many more. Here are some environmental, ecological and alternative energy related online stories and web articles from 2008:<br /><br /><a href="http://windintell.blogspot.com/2008/12/2008-wind-energy-stocks-in-news-year.html">2008 Wind Energy Summary - Dec 28, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://greenstocksinvesting.blogspot.com/2008/12/2009-investing-tips-green-energy-mutual.html">2009 Investing Ideas: Guide to Green Energy Mutual Funds - Dec 7, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/11/pollution-in-asia-threatening-food.html">Pollution in Asian megacities threatening food production, human health - Nov 18, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/11/president-obama-victory-blessing-for.html">Obama Win a Blessing for Ecology and Clean Energy Stocks - Nov 4, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/10/ccd-link-to-neonicitinoids-deepens.html">CCD link to neonicitinoids; honey bees ccd multiple causes - Oct 25, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://greenstocksinvesting.blogspot.com/2008/10/doe-report-explains-benefits-to-usa-of.html">DOE wants USA to increase wind to 20% of electricity requirements - Oct 12, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com/2008/10/alphabetical-list-of-top-renewable.html">Alphabetical Guide to Best Alternative Energy Websites Blogs - Oct 5, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://greenstocksinvesting.blogspot.com/2008/10/green-stocks-investing-50-ways-to-love.html">Green Energy Stocks Investments; Fifty Top Clean Power Companies - ct 4, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/09/nature-ecology-and-renewable-energy.html">Nature, Ecology and Renewable Energy Books for sale online - Sep 20, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/09/td-canada-shoreline-cleanup-initiative.html">TD Canada Shoreline Cleanup for Toronto and other waterfront communities - Sep 19, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/09/300-hundred-new-colouful-coral-species.html">300 new coral species found off Australia, new iguana in Fiji - Sep 19, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com/2008/09/5-top-geothermal-power-stocks-long-term.html">5 Top Geothermal Energy Stocks - Best Geothermal Power Investments - Sep 5, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-is-geothermal-globe-netcom-article.html">What is Geothermal Power? Globe-net.com online article - Aug 24, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com/2008/08/geothermal-energy-companies-including.html">Geothermal power investments incl stock symbols for publicly-traded geothermal stocks - Aug 24, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com/2008/08/googleorg-invests-in-enhanced.html">Google.org venture capital: Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) - Aug 23, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/08/renewable-energy-investing-news-green.html">Alternative Energy Investing News; clean green power websites - Aug 14, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com/2008/08/geothermal-energy-stocks-water.html">Geothermal power / cogeneration stocks, water purification / desalination - Aug 12, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/08/bees-native-to-vancouver-island-are.html">Native bees on to Vancouver Island are super-efficient pollinators - Aug 3, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/07/geothermal-energy-offering-massive.html">Geothermal Power offers huge untapped potential - Jul 20, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/03/toronto-zoo-launches-campaign-to-save.html">Toronto Zoo in campaign to save frogs from chytrid fungus - Mar 2, 2008</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://beestreesfrogselephants.blogspot.com/2008/01/which-trees-produce-most-oxygen.html">Online Guide to trees that produce the most oxygen - Jan 12, 2008</a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-90016669949518070842008-11-18T18:08:00.000-08:002008-11-18T18:16:06.828-08:00Pollution in Asia threatening food supply, human healthThe Toronto Star article excerpted below illustrates in a profound way that we need to green up not just the energy supply, but the entire economic cycle. Green energy companies will lead the way, but all firms promoting and practicing green, ecologically sound and environmentally sustainable business must be considered as worthy investment targets for evaluation. <br /><br /><br /><strong>hazy brown clouds in Asia threaten food, health</strong><br /><br />Latest UN report covers 7-plus years of findings<br /><br />November 14, 2008; TINI TRAN, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS<br /><br />BEIJING–Thick brown clouds of soot, particles and chemicals stretching from the Persian Gulf to Asia threaten health and food supplies in the world, the UN reported yesterday.<br /><br />The regional haze, known as atmospheric brown clouds, contributes to glacial melting, reduces sunlight and helps create extreme weather conditions that affect agricultural production, said the report commissioned by the UN Environment Program.<br /><br />The huge plumes have darkened 13 megacities in Asia – including Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Cairo, Mumbai and New Delhi – sharply "dimming" the amount of light by as much as 25 per cent in some places.<br /><br />Caused by the burning of fossil fuels, wood and plants, the brown clouds also play a significant role in exacerbating the effects of greenhouse gases, the report said.<br /><br />"Imagine for a moment a three-kilometre-thick band of soot, particles, a cocktail of chemicals that stretches from the Arabic Peninsula to Asia," said Achim Steiner, United Nations undersecretary general and executive director of the UN Environment Program.<br /><br />Some particles in the clouds, such as soot, absorb sunlight and heat the air. That's led to a steady melting of Himalayan glaciers, the source of most of the continent's major rivers, the report said. At the same time, the clouds have also helped mask the full impact of global warming by helping cool the Earth's surface and tamp down rising temperatures by between 20 to 80 per cent, the study said. That's because some of the particles reflect sunlight and cool down the air.<br /><br />The latest findings, conducted by an international collaboration of scientists over seven-plus years, are the most detailed to date on the brown cloud phenomenon, which is not unique to Asia. Other hotspots are seen in North America, Europe, South Africa and South America.<br /><br />Full article at: <a href="http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/536784">Toronto Star story on pollution in Asia</a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-45544742985369410832008-11-04T15:40:00.000-08:002009-04-02T16:40:45.044-07:00President Obama Victory a Blessing for Environment and Clean Energy StocksIf you take a few minutes and visit the website that specializes in statistical analysis of USA Presidential election polls, <a href="http://www.FiveThirtyEight.com">www.FiveThirtyEight.com</a> , add all the tossup states to McCain's safe and projected seats, and it looks like the United States of America will have a vibrant and aware new President.<br /><br />Individual investors looking to benefit from the anticipated <a href="http://greenstocksinvesting.blogspot.com">green energy stocks post-Bush rally</a> may want to consider initiating dollar-cost averaging programs into a few different renewable energy mutual funds and green power exchange traded funds.<br /><br />Here are a few renewable power investment funds for you to research, prices quoted as of NOV04 2008:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Clean Energy Mutual Funds / Green Power ETFs</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.newalternativesfund.com/">New Alternatives Fund (NALFX) </a><br /><br />Invests at least 25% of assets in common shares of companies which have an interest in alternative energy. $29.00 <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://quicktake.morningstar.com/FundNet/Snapshot.aspx?Country=USA&pgid=hetopquote&Symbol=cgaex">Calvert Global Alternative Energy Fund A (CGAEX)</a><br /><br />CGAEX invests in the alternative energy sector. Recently held and may still hold top global alternative energy stocks such as Vestas, FSLR, and Gamesa. $8.12<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gafunds.com/gaaex.asp">Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy (GAAEX)</a><br /><br />Invests 80% in companies involved in the alternative energy and clean energy technology sectors. At 6.21, stock down over 60% from a high around $17. Recently held good positions in Ormat, Vestas, Nordex, EDF, SOLON and Iberdola, all major global competitors in the alternative energy sector.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:GEX">Market Vectors Global Alternative Energy ETF (GEX) Trust</a><br /><br />Goal is to match performance of Ardour Global Index (Extra Liquid) (AGIXL) by investing in publicly-listed companies engaged in alternative fuels and clean energy technology and renewable power generation. At 28.17, down from 62; GEX was formerly a Van Eck Fund.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=qcln">First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge US (QCLN)</a><br /><br />Pursues investment results to match performance of equity index NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Liquid Series Index (the Index). Shares closed today at 14.33.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.powershares.com/products.aspx?ticker=PZD">Powershares Cleantech (PZD) Portfolio</a><br /><br />52 week high is 38.02; shares closed today at 20.04, up $1.37.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://finance.google.ca/finance?q=AMEX:PBD">PowerShares Global Clean Energy (PBD) Portfolio</a><br /><br />Based on the WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index. Focuses on greener and generally renewable sources of energy and clean energy technology. At 14.52, down from 38.10, but up $1.47 on election day.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Publicly-listed Wind Energy Investment Funds</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=powershares+wind">PowerShares Global Wind Energy Portfolio (PWND)</a><br /><br />Exposure to <a href="http://windintell.blogspot.com">worldwide windpower industry</a>, off from year high of 29.09, at 11.92 may be time to dollar cost average a position into this vehicle. Do some research and consult your investment advisor as to suitability for you.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=AMEX:PBW">PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (AMEX:PBW)</a><br /><br />Attempts to match investment performance of WilderHill Clean Energy Index (the Index). $10.95<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:FAN">First Trust Global Wind Energy (FAN)</a> <br /><br />At 14.19 (up 12% today), seeks to track performance of ISE Global Wind Energy Index. Year's high was 31.50.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Solar Power Investment Funds</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://finance.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TAN">Claymore/MAC Global Solar Index (TAN)</a><br /><br />Worldwide solar power index fund; now at 13.55, the shares have a 52-week high of 30.79, but are also up from their low of 7.77. Invests in many <a href="http://pvintell.blogspot.com">photovoltaic solar power companies</a>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Alternative Energy Stocks Investing Info</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://greenstocksinvesting.blogspot.com">Green Stocks Investing Mutual Funds</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pvintell.blogspot.com">PVintell.com Solar Photovoltaic Power Companies</a><br /><br /><a href="http://geotherma.blogspot.com">Geotherma.info Geothermal Power Stocks Investing</a><br /><br /><a href="http://windintell.blogspot.com">WindIntell.com Top Wind Energy Investing Blog</a><br /><br /><a href="http://waterintell.blogspot.com">WaterIntell.com Water Purification, Desalination; Energy From Water</a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-3458176743329512712008-10-25T14:06:00.000-07:002008-10-25T14:24:49.394-07:00CCD link to neonicitinoids deepens; honey bees colony collapse disorder multiple causesOne of the most important issues requiring the attention of the new President of the USA will be ensuring the safety of the honeybee population and thus America's food crops.<br /><br />From LandLineMag.com:<br /><br />SPECIAL SERIES: Bee crisis – OOIDA member credited with discovery<br />Editor’s note: Staff Writer Clarissa Kell-Holland searches for answers from OOIDA member David Hackenberg of Lewisburg, PA, who is credited with discovering colony collapse disorder or CCD, a mystery that is decimating bee hives worldwide. (To read Part One click here. For Part Two click here.)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Part Three: Lawsuit filed on behalf of honeybees</span><br /><br />OOIDA Member and beekeeper David Hackenberg and other beekeepers he talks to regularly are worried that a seed treatment being used in corn and soybeans is slowly poisoning their bees. The treatment, known as neonicitinoid, is a nicotine-based product that became readily available in the U.S. around 2004, about the time he and other beekeepers started noticing a decline in their bees’ immune systems.<br /><br />His beekeeper contacts in Canada started noticing problems with their bees in 2002, according to Hackenberg, after neonicitinoid insecticides were used on potato crops in Eastern Canada. Then clover was planted on that same land the next year for cover crop. The neonicitinoid wasn’t being used on crops in the U.S. at that point, so when his Canadian beekeeper friend called to tell him this new chemical seemed to be “killing his bees,” Hackenberg told him it was “probably just mites.”<br /><br />But when the product started becoming widely used in the U.S. around 2004, Hackenberg said he started noticing his bees’ immune systems were weakening. It wasn’t until CCD hit his hives in 2006, though, that he focused on insecticides as a possible source.<br /><br />In August of 2008, the Natural Resources Defense Council filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to force it to disclose studies that were supposed to be done on the effect pesticides are having on honeybees.<br /><br />In 2003, EPA granted a registration to a new pesticide called clothianidin, manufactured by Bayer CropScience. Josh Mogerman, public information officer for the NRDC, said registration came with a caveat that the company study its product’s effects on the bees.<br /><br />Mogerman told Land Line Magazine in August that the NRDC filed the lawsuit only after the EPA failed to respond to a Freedom of Information Act request, filed on July 17.<br /><br />He said the EPA still has not provided the studies Bayer CropScience was to have completed at least two years ago. Those studies could be an important resource for scientists and researchers studying CCD.<br /><br />“The federal government needs to do much more to address why these bees are dying and disappearing,” Mogerman said.<br /><br />Germany and France have both banned the pesticide product, known as clothianidin, because of concerns about its impact on bees. CCD has also been reported in Canada and Italy as well.<br /><br />The British Beekeepers’ Association is reporting that one in three honeybees did not survive winter and spring, although it has not yet been confirmed that CCD is the source of the problem.<br /><br />Mogerman said scientists on staff at the NRDC say there is a possible connection between clothianidin and honeybees’ collapse.<br /><br />“If you read up on what this product is supposed to do to pests, it is supposed to compromise their nervous system and limit their ability to navigate. And that’s one of the things that is central to CCD,” he said.<br /><br />After losing a significant number of bees in the previous two seasons and having to pump a huge amount of money back in to keep his beekeeping business operating, Hackenberg has seen his fuel costs and operating costs go up as well.<br /><br />“In the U.S., we truck a lot of bees,” he said. “Most people don’t have the foggiest idea what goes on and how much bee movement there is in this country.”<br /><br />Currently, many beekeepers are planning to go to the West Coast for the almond pollination. Hackenberg estimates that beekeepers will truck between 1 million and 2 million hives of bees out to California this year to pollinate the almond crop. That breaks down to about 500 hives loaded on each truck.<br /><br />There are few opportunities for backhauls when you are hauling bees, especially on short runs like to Maine for blueberry pollination, Hackenberg said. He said he’s paying on average about $3.50 per mile to get his freight moved.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Adee Honey Farms – one year later</span><br /><br />Richard Adee of Adee Honey Farms owns the largest beekeeping operation in the U.S. He lost more than 40 percent of his bees that he trucked out to California in the fall of 2007 in preparation to pollinate the almond crop, which starts in early February.<br /><br />Around Dec. 1, 2007, he said his bees were looking real “nice,” but Adee said things went downhill quickly from that point.<br /><br />“All of a sudden they started collapsing through the rest of December and through most of January and early February, so it was a big hit,” he said. “We lost a lot of them before they started pollinating the almonds, so we had to scramble all over the U.S. to find bees to fill our contracts, which we were fortunate to do. That really takes a toll on a person.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.landlinemag.com/Special_Reports/2008/Oct08/102308_Parthree_bees.htm"><br />Online article about Beehives Colony Collapse Disorder - Part Three</a><br /><br /><a href="Part Two: Toxic cocktail may be causing bee collapse"><br />Land Line Article Part Two: Toxic cocktail may be causing bee collapse</a><br /><br /><a href="http://news.google.ca/news/url?sa=t&ct=ca/6-0&fp=49036ca21e063bcd&ei=74gDSYnnFaH8ygTAseTwAg&url=http%3A//www.landlinemag.com/Special_Reports/2008/Oct08/102208_Partone_bees.htm&cid=0&usg=AFQjCNGZZC-rwlwNG1dBjybrJggXaMfGMw"><br />LandLineMag.com Article Part One: What’s happening to our bees?</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />From ResponseSource.com:</span><br /><br />The honeybee crisis: paradoxical findings deepen the CCD mystery<br />Submitted by: Palam Communications<br />Wednesday, 22 October 2008<br />Vita urges beekeepers to become more proactive to prevent bee deaths<br /><br />Beekeeping practices must change to ensure that honeybees survive and thrive, says Dr Max Watkins of Vita (Europe) Ltd, the honeybee health specialist, following one of the worst honey harvests in the UK and Northern Europe for many years. Although poor weather conditions may have badly affected the harvest an array of unexplained research findings indicates a more sinister and long-term challenge. <br /><br />In recent decades, beekeeping has had to change radically to cope with the arrival of the varroa mite, a honeybee parasite. Minimalist or reactive management is no longer enough. Now with the threat of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) and other unexplained colony deaths, beekeepers must now become more vigilant and pro-active and use emerging pre-emptive bio-technologies from trusted sources to avert beekeeping catastrophe.<br /><br />“Although the bad weather has had a significant impact on reducing this year’s UK honey harvest by something in the order of 30-50%, something more complex is afoot,” said Dr Max Watkins, Technical Director at Vita (Europe) Ltd. “I have never before seen so many paradoxical research findings and anecdotal reports in beekeeping. <br /><br />“Although I firmly believe that varroa is at the core of the problem, the developing interplay of other factors while unsettling for beekeepers, is fascinating yet perplexing for researchers. The answers can only come from a thorough scientific approach. Investigations are underway across the globe and many suspects and accomplices are under suspicion – viruses once of little consequence are now becoming more prominent killers, but a clear pattern is elusive. One novel line of enquiry in Israel is focusing on “gene silencing” in an attempt to suppress the expression of bee viruses in the honeybee genome. <br /><br />“Controlling varroa is now merely the first – and still absolutely essential – line of defence. Other action is also now necessary to keep colonies healthy. As a honeybee health company we are investing heavily in researching new bio-technologies and treatments. Already we have introduced two Vita Feeds to boost honeybee immune systems and all-round health, and we are now developing several new potential products which we expect will become vital weapons in the beekeeper’s armoury. One strand of our R&D is focusing on new alternative anti-varroa treatments and another is looking at ways of inhibiting microbes which are implicated in the death of colonies.”<br /><br />The array of strange recent findings, many of them aired at the recent international conference of the Society of Invertebrate Pathology at the University of Warwick, UK, organised by Rothamsted IACR and sponsored by Vita, include:<br /><br />Heavy bee losses are not new. They have been recorded several times during the history of beekeeping in the USA and Europe, with some symptoms similar to those attributed to what is currently termed Colony Collapse Disorder. Denis van Engelsdorp, Pennsylvania State Apiarist, USA recounted such experiences in American beekeeping history. Mike Brown of the National Bee Unit, UK, has also pointed out previously that largely unexplained heavy bee losses have occurred at intervals throughout Europe in the past. It may be that what is now termed Colony Collapse Disorder is not new at all, but is a variant of a recurring syndrome. <br /><br />Viruses are implicated in CCD, but no single one has been identified as being “the cause”. Colonies with CCD apparently present with multiple viral infection, usually with four or more viruses: commonly Deformed Wing Virus (DMV), Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV), Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), and Acute Paralysis Virus (APV) out of a total of 18 viruses discovered widely in US honeybee colony samples.<br /><br />Varroa and nosema are also implicated in CCD and varroa saliva is now known to destabilise the immune system of honeybees. Dr Diana Cox-Foster of Penn State University, USA discussed this briefly in relation to the impact of viruses and other secondary infections where the bee’s immune system is already compromised.<br /><br />Viruses can be found in almost all hive contents – and even in pollen on plants – before it enters the hive. Other pollinators, including wasps and bumble bees, have also been discovered to be infected with IAPV and DWV.<br /><br />Viruses don't always debilitate: infection can be covert – Dr Elke Genersh of the Institut for Bee Research, Hohen Neuendorf, Germany showed that it depends on the threshold and the presence of infected varroa. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=42623">Full article on multiple causes of colony collapse disorder in beehives</a>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2415825259667595118.post-58356222738228734782008-09-20T11:26:00.000-07:002008-09-20T12:23:41.986-07:00Nature, Ecology and Renewable Energy Books<strong>Books on Bees for sale online</strong><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0142001740&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" 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Advantage by Daniel C. Esty (Author), Andrew S. Winston (Author) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307396436/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0307396436">Living Like Ed; A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life</a> - Ed Begley, Jr. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316353000/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0316353000">Natural Capitalism; Creating The Next Industrial Revolution</a> by Amory Lovins and Paul Hawken <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143038583/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0143038583">The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618966145/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0618966145">Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America - Re-issued</a> with new, bigger illustrations, by Roger Tory Peterson <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1559637803/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1559637803">A Safe and Sustainable World, The Promise of Ecological Design</a> by Nancy Todd and John Todd <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618249060/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0618249060">Silent Spring - Top selling environmental book by Rachel Carson</a> <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312427905/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0312427905">The World Without Us - Revealing bestseller by Alan Weisman</a> <br /><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><strong>Books on Frogs and Amphibians</strong><br /><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0395904528&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0756641322&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1552978699&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0590481657&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1554072468&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0764111272&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1597167207&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Green Power and Clean Renewable Energy Books</strong><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1597261750/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1597261750">Apollo's Fire: Igniting America's Clean Energy Economy</a> by Jay Inslee / Bracken Hendricks <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/097737243X/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=097737243X">Careers in Renewable Energy by Gregory McNamee</a> <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933392126/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1933392126">The Citizen Powered Energy Handbook by Greg Pahl</a> <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1860941613/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1860941613">Clean Electricity from Photovoltaics</a> - Authors: Mary D. Archer / Robert Hill <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/006089623X/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=006089623X">The Clean Tech Revolution: Discover the Top Trends, Technologies, and Companies</a> to Watch by Ron Pernick and Clint Wilder <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1578051495/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1578051495">Coming Clean by author Michael Brune</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307395774/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0307395774">The First Billion Is the Hardest; On a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future</a> by T. Boone Pickens <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0071489061/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0071489061">Freedom From Oil: How the Next President Can End the United States' Oil Addiction</a> by David Sandalow <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0080548083/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0080548083">Future Energy - by Author Trevor Letcher</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0230605443/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0230605443">Green Your Place In the New Energy Revolution</a> by Jane Hoffman and Michael Hoffman <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470117990/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0470117990">Profiting from Clean Energy</a> - Author: Richard W. Asplund <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401303447/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1401303447">Stirring It Up; How To Make Money And Save the World</a>, by Gary Hirshberg. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156033720/105-5710476-5986033?ie=UTF8&tag=advdstoremusi-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0156033720">Untapped; The Scramble For Africa's Oil by John Ghazvinian</a>. <br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><strong>Books on Elephants, African Elephant Books, Indian Elephant Books</strong><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1570625727&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><BR><BR><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1571570454&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=052143758X&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0813806763&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=advdstoremusi-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0940143119&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><BR><BR><br /><strong>More renewable energy stocks investing info:</strong> <br /><br /><BR><BR><br /><a href="http://www.windintell.com">Wind Energy Stocks Info, Renewable Energy Investing Tips</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.solarintell.com">Solar Power stocks investments, Alternative Energy Investing</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.geotherma.info">Geothermal Power Stocks, Geothermal Energy Company Investing</a><br /><BR><BR>Yuya Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902831136782313150noreply@blogger.com0