South Africa Whale Encounter Stuns The World (Reading Class)

South Africa Whale Encounter Stuns The World

Enormous Mammal Leaps Out Of Waters Off Cape Town And Lands On 32-Foot Sailboat Causing Mayhem And Destruction

 

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It is an amazing picture of man and nature getting a little too close for comfort.

Whale watchers got more than they bargained for when a 40-ton marine mammal leapt out of the water and onto their boat.

Marine mammal researcher Kim Durham said she first thought the picture was a fake.

It shows a massive southern right whale breaking the surface of the ocean practically on top of a 32-foot sailboat cruising off Cape Town, South Africa
"I was absolutely amazed. I've heard stories about that, but to see the photo is really something," said Durham, who works for the Riverhead Foundation.

The animal came crashing down on the boat demolishing the mast and then swam away bruised, according to witnesses but otherwise uninjured. The sailors on board also escaped without serious injury but were still shaken by the experience hours later.

"I just saw this huge shape come out the water and I thought umm. You know literally, I was absolutely stunned and then chaos around us," sailor Ralph Mothes said.

"We've been sailing for many years and we've had whales coming. And they're always coming close, and they've gone under the boat and come up on the other side. So we thought it was going to be, 'Wow, what an awesome picture to put on the website,'" sailor Paloma Werner added.

Well, it was an awesome picture for someone's website.

The leap -- "breeching" it's called -- is something whales do instinctively. Another photo taken on Fire Island just two weeks ago shows a humpback whale breeching a short distance off the beach.

Whale watchers often get too close to the spectacle at their own peril.

"You can observe from a distance, basically. You don't want to approach the animal. You don't want to be perceived chasing the animal. You have to kind of be aware. The best advice I can give you is enjoy it, but enjoy it from a distance," Durham said.

The people at the Marine Mammal Center are getting reports of whale sightings off Fire Island, Long Beach and the Jersey Shore. The bottom line is it could happen here, too.

All the whales in our area are a protected species under federal law. It's actually a crime to get close enough to one of these creatures to alter or affect its behavior in any way.


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OMG! UFO! Or Maybe Not (Reading Class)

 

OMG! UFO! Or Maybe Not.

Last week, the Web was aflutter over rumors that a UFO had been spotted over Xiaoshan Airport in Hangzhou, China. There was even video that showed, well, something, soaring high in the sky.
The Atlantic reports that Geoffrey Forden, a weapons expert from MIT, has analyzed several of the alleged UFO videos. He has come to the conclusion that a) what people saw in one of the videos wasn't a UFO, but a rocket, and b) the same video wasn't taken anywhere near China. It was shot near Kazakhstan.
CNN explains how "Forden used scientific theories to examine the images of the flying object that he felt were not created with Photoshop." Then, on a blog, Forden wrote: "It seems to me that a DF-21 [missile] launch somewhere near Jiuquan and aimed at a point somewhere in the eastern Gobi desert is the most likely cause of this 'UFO.'"
Here's where it gets a little tricky. As mentioned, there are actually several "UFO over China" videos floating around on the Web. Some appear to have been altered with photo-editing software, while some were not.
One of the videos making the rounds on the Web may have really been taken at the airport on the night in question. But (there's always a but), those photos are likely of a missile. The Atlantic writes that "the likeliest scenario, it turns out, is that the Great Twinkling Light of Hangzhou was actually a Chinese ballistic missile, the DF-21."  
In other words, don't go calling the Men in Black just yet.


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Ten things we’d like to see at World Cup 2014 (Reading Class)

Ten things we’d like to see at World Cup 2014

South Africa 2010 has been a huge success: a colorful, noisy and vibrant celebration of the Beautiful Game that reflects the proud heritage of its host nation. Sycophantic reflections aside, it's now time to look forward to the next World Cup, to be held in Brazil in 2014. Based on what we have seen over the past month, here's 10 things we would like to see at the next meeting of the greatest talents in international football ...
1. More superstar performances
Some of the biggest names in football simply didn't turn up at this tournament. Predicted Golden Boot winner Leo Messi failed to find the net, new daddy Cristiano Ronaldo did little other than fumble a comedy goal during Portugal's North Korea walkover, and Wayne Rooney seemed to forget how to run, let alone kick a ball. The capitulation of the box office names may have allowed rising talents like Thomas Mueller to take center stage, but we hope the big stars shine the brightest in Brazil.
2. A less annoying fan craze
Traditionally, fans at World Cup tournaments find a way of making their presence known - Mexico '86 had the Mexican Wave, Argentina '78 saw an overzealous use of ticker tape, and South Africa's prevalent fan leitmotif has been the vuvuzela. An omnipresent irritation for TV viewers, and a deafening distraction for players, the plastic horn is a stalwart of African football culture that is in grave danger of spreading to the rest of the world. Let's hope fans in Brazil introduce a slightly less annoying novelty. Samba dancing and bikini street parades, anyone?
3. Less empty seats
Yes, South Africa is a long haul flight away from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia, but the amount of empty seats we have seen at stadiums during the tournament is unforgivable -- there were even a few going spare in the semis. Perhaps FIFA could have spent less time prosecuting attractive Dutch girls and more time investing some of the $3.3 billion profit it made from the tournament in putting butts on seats.
4. More Maradona
With his animated touchline antics, punishing training sessions, bizarre superstitions and inability to go five minutes without saying something outrageous, Diego Maradona was a constant source of amusement before his severe lack of tactical nous was finally exposed by Germany. He hasn't stopped crying since his return to Argentina, but hopefully he will be persuaded to stay on as coach for the tournament hosted by his nation's fierce rivals. If his entertainment value was matched by managerial skill, he would truly be the Jose Mourinho of the international stage.
5. The introduction of video technology
After years of stoic resistance, FIFA have finally decided to consider implementing video technology, following numerous controversial incidents in South Africa. "It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be nonsense to not reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA Board in July," said Blatter following Frank Lampard's faux goal and Carlos Tevez's miles-offside strike against Mexico. It's likely the technology would simply be a camera in the goal, but it paves the way for more exciting rule changes, like a tennis-style system where teams could get three opportunities to call for replays of non-goal mouth incidents. Or robot referees. That would be sweet.
6. Less psychic animals
Paul the octopus, you may be a contender for Ruler of the Universe, but you've truly opened a psychic animal can of worms (pun intended). The first pretender to the throne was Mani the Parakeet, then came Pino the chimp and Apfelsin the Red River Hog. Lin Ping the psychic panda was the last straw of animal exploitation, apparently drawing out the prognosticating abilities of a species that is generally too lazy to even procreate. What started as a hilarious novelty turned into a shameless promotional exercise for zoos and aquariums across the world.
7. More ambush marketing
If the Dutch ambush marketing debacle was anything to go by, FIFA is taking steps to set up its own rogue state, where citizens adhere to FIFA laws while exclusively enjoying FIFA-endorsed goods and services. For having the audacity to promote a non-FIFA approved brand, several Dutch women were ejected from the Netherlands vs. Denmark game. Fans of good looking young women in small dresses were left bitterly disappointed.
8. More French mishaps
Having qualified for the tournament via a Thierry Henry handball, the shoulder-shrugging nation received their karmic comeuppance by suffering an Anelka walkout, subsequent player strikes, infighting and shoddy performances that left them rock bottom of Group A and with the threat of a ban from international football. France's arrogance-fuelled capitulation armed football fans with plenty of surrender-based jokes, and a warming feeling of schadenfreude.
9. Better stadium security
The England fan who broke into the team dressing room after the Algeria game to see Joe Cole stepping out of the shower left the world with two questions: why was Joe Cole having a shower after a game he didn't play in, and how was security so poor that a regular fan found himself in the company of Capello's men? Another serious breach occured prior to the final, when notorious pitch invader Jimmy Jump came within inches of touching the prize trophy. South Africa has experienced problems with security staff who have gone on strike over pay, and one can only hope that the Brazilians run a tighter ship.
10. A better final
Admittedly, classic World Cup matches are few and far between, but the 2010 edition was pretty dire by any standards. Referee Howard Webb handed out eight yellow cards and a red to a Dutch team determined to kick their opponents up and down the pitch all evening (whatever happened to Total Football?) and Spain's finishing let them down on countless occasions. A Brazilian final - which will surely feature a rejuvenated Brazil side – will almost certainly prove more entertaining.


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Spain vs Netherlands: Paul The Psychic Octopus Finals Prediction (Reading Class)

It's now in the worldwide news that Germany's Paul, the Psychic Octopus, has predicted Spain to win over the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Paul made the predictions just an hour ago and it was shown live on German National TV.

It was also televised live in Spain.

For sure, Paul's prediction adds confidence to Team Spain who's playing in the World Cup finals for the first time. But of course, it adds pressure to the Netherlands to play their best on Sunday and prove Paul wrong.

Before Paul predicted Spain's victory over the Netherlands, he already picked between Germany and Uruguay as to who will win in their match for the 3rd place this Saturday.

Paul predicted Germany to win over Uruguay, but is it enough to please the German soccer fans who are hating him a lot?

But the Spanish fans are loving him a lot especially after now that Spain is Paul's choice to win World Cup 2010.

An article at Times Live (South Africa) says that Spanish Minister Miguel Sebastian is interested in transfering Pulpo Paul to Spain to protect him.

Psychic Paul's latest prediction is in contrary to Mani The Parakeet, who predicted Netherlands to win over Spain.

Two things are sure now: one of them will suffer for a wrong prediction while the other will continue to enjoy celebrity status.


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Oracle Octopus’ gets death/dinner threats (Reading Class)

Oracle Octopus’ gets death/dinner threats

Octopus Paul's accurate prediction of Spain beating Germany has not gone over well with German fans.

Now it might become dinner.
“Nothing beats grilled octopus,” German fan Dolores Lusch told Reuters. “Cut him up in thin slices and grill him on all sides with a dash of lemon juice, olive oil and garlic on it. Delicious!”
Paul’s problem? He accurately picked Spain to beat Germany prior to Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal, which has led some fans to believe (humorously) that he jinxed their beloved team. They’ve responded with death/dinner threats.
Prior to Germany games, aquarium workers lower two containers holding food into his tank. Each contains a flag of the nations in an upcoming game. The food he chooses is deemed his selection. In this case, Paul ate from Spain’s container.
The choice rattled German players, who acknowledged their surprise that he went with their opponent after choosing Germany in four World Cup victories. Paul also accurately predicted Germany’s loss to Serbia in group play.

His ability to accurately pick the winners drew throngs of media after the gimmick caught on during the 2008 European Championships. Some television stations carried his choice live. PETA demanded he be set free. Fans claimed he was Germany’s good luck charm.
At least until Paul’s predicted result came in, Spain 1-0. Then fan anger on the Internet intensified. Twitter, Facebook and even old-school media were overrun with opinions suggesting Paul meet his demise for making such an un-patriotic choice.
“Throw him in the frying pan,” the Berliner Kurier newspaper wrote in an editorial.
The death threats have done nothing to frighten Paul, claimed his caretaker, Oliver Walenciak.
“There are always people who want to eat our octopus but he is not shy and we are here to protect him as well,” Walenciak said. “He will survive.”
Walenciak even said Paul would offer a prediction for Germany’s third-place game against Uruguay on Saturday. If the octopus knows what’s good for him, he’ll pick the Deutschland.


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World's 10 Largest Shopping Malls (Reading Class)

Ten shopping malls rank as the world's largest, based on the amount of "Gross Leasable Area"--the number of square feet the property has for revenue-generating activities like retail, dining and amusements. Asia is home to eight of the world's 10 largest malls, six of which were built in the last three years. Rankings are based on statistics from Eastern Connecticut State University, which compiles data from mall management companies.

South China Mall

Location: Dongguan, China

Year Opened: 2005

Gross Leasable Area: 7.1 million square feet

In the Chinese mall arms race, this facility opened a year after the Golden Resources Mall to displace it as the country's and the world's largest. The space includes wind mills and theme parks, plus a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.

Golden Resources Shopping Mall

Location: Beijing, China

Year Opened: 2004

Gross Leasable Area: 6 million square feet

Not sprawling, this is a stacked-up five-story mall. Approximately 1,000 stores, selling plenty of familiar global brands like Nike and DKNY. A truly ambitious real estate project, with new apartments and offices, surround the mall. A tough location outside the heart of the city has resulted in disappointing traffic from foreign tourists.

SM Mall of Asia

Location: Pasay City, Philippines

Year Opened: 2006

Gross Leasable Area: 4.2 million square feet

Includes the first Olympic-sized swimming pool and first IMAX theater in the Philippines. Spread over four buildings, customers can get around on a 20-seat tram.

Cevahir Istanbul

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Year Opened: 2005

Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet
Europe's largest shopping mall has a roller coaster, wave pool and several IMAX theaters.

West Edmonton Mall

Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Year Opened: 1981

Gross Leasable Area: 3.8 million square feet

The biggest in North America, the West Edmonton Mall has over 800 stores, along with attractions like a water park, skating rink, casino and rides.

SM Megamall

Location: Mandaluyong City, Philippines

Year Opened: 1991

Gross Leasable Area: 3.6 million square feet

Fun stuff includes bowling, ice skating and a 12-cinema movie theater, along with traditional mall fare like arcade games. Customers can also get a haircut or see a doctor at the Manila clinic.

Berjaya Times Square

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Year Opened: 2005

Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet

Built with an adjacent hotel and convention center. In addition to over 1,000 retail shops, the mall includes a 12-story-high roller coaster, plus a pool, skating rink and "Cosmo's World," a children's theme park.

Beijing Mall

Location: Beijing, China

Year Opened: 2005

Gross Leasable Area: 3.4 million square feet

The first real suburban mall in China, located about an hour from downtown Beijing, this center has four levels with parking for 8,000 cars, plus a man-made beach. Bootlegged DVDs of American movies are a top seller.

Zhengjia Plaza

Location: Guangzhou, China

Year Opened: 2005

Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet

Has been known to attract over half a million shoppers on a good day. Another mixed-use space, the mall has a hotel and office tower in addition to retail stores.

SM City North Edsa

Location: Quezon City, Philippines

Year Opened: 1985

Gross Leasable Area: 3 million square feet

The first major "mega mall" built by SM Prime Holdings, which now claims three of the largest 10 in the world. It's a five-story complex that boasts over 100 retail outlets and restaurants, along with 12 cinemas, a bowling alley and skating rink. An IMAX theater could be added soon.


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Jabulani ball 'too perfect' to fly straight (Reading Class)

Jabulani ball 'too perfect' to fly straight - scientists

When it comes to the World Cup Jabulani football, perfect may not be good enough, according to scientists who have analysed the controversial ball.

Jabulani ball 'too perfect' to fly straight - scientists

Experts puzzling over its allegedly erratic flight -- which has unnerved more than one goalkeeper in South Africa -- have concluded that the Jabulani may simply be too round to fly straight.
Since being chosen for the World Cup, the Adidas-made ball has come in for a serious drubbing.
Spain's Iker Casillas has dissed it as "rotten," while Italy's top goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon tagged it as "unpredictable."
Julio Cesar of Brazil suggested he could do better buying a ball in a supermarket.
Part of the problem may be that "the stitches of the Jabulani are internal, so the ball resembles a perfect sphere," said Eric Berton, deputy director of the Institute of the Science of Movement in Marseille, France.
In other sports -- tennis, golf or baseball -- the balls have irregularities precisely to insure a more stable and controlled trajectory. The ridges or exposed seams are what make possible spin in tennis or a curveball pitch in baseball.
Despite the Jabulani's so-called 'grip'n'grove' texturing, however, the ball apparently doesn't behave in the same way.
"Because of the shape, the time of contact with the foot is reduced," said Berton.
"As a consequence, it practically doesn't spin. The ball travels a little less far, and will have a floating and unpredictable trajectory, whether for a striker or a goalkeeper," he told AFP.
Wind-tunnel tests conducted by Kazuya Seo of Yamagata and Takeshi Asai University in Tsukuba also found that the machine-made Jabulani was close to a perfect sphere, and has a tendency to slow suddenly in mid-flight -- a disconcerting characteristic for footballers.
Australian scientist Derek Leinweber, based at Adelaide University, concluded after a series of computer tests that the ball goes faster and is more unpredictable than its predecessors.
"That means the goalkeeper can no longer really anticipate its trajectory," he said.
The Jabulani -- "to celebrate" in isiZulu -- "allows for maximum control, stable flight and perfect grip under all conditions," FIFA said in unveiling the controversial ball.
The ball is constructed of eight thermally-bonded polyurethane panels, and is very nearly waterproof.
Adidas has defended its product.
"There are strict FIFA guidelines on the ball (weight, size, bounce depending on what the temperature is)," commented the German company.
"Not only does our ball fulfill all these conditions but in fact they go beyond them.


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Guinea Pigs Behavior (Reading Class)

Behavior

Guinea pigs can learn complex paths to food, and can accurately remember a learned path for months. Their strongest problem solving strategy is motion. While guinea pigs can jump small obstacles, they are poor climbers, and are not particularly agile. They startle extremely easily, and will either freeze in place for long periods or run for cover with rapid, darting motions when they sense danger.Larger groups of startled guinea pigs will "stampede", running in haphazard directions as a means of confusing predators.When excited, guinea pigs may repeatedly perform little hops in the air (known as "popcorning"), a movement analogous to the ferret's war dance. They are also exceedingly good swimmers.

Guinea pigs "social groom"

Like many rodents, guinea pigs sometimes participate in social grooming, and they regularly self-groom.A milky-white substance is secreted from their eyes and rubbed into the hair during the grooming process.Groups of boars will often chew each other's hair, but this is a method of establishing hierarchy within a group, rather than a social gesture. Dominance is also established through biting (especially of the ears), piloerection, aggressive noises, head thrusts, and leaping attacks.Non-sexual simulated mounting for dominance is also common among same-sex groups.
Guinea pig sight is not as good as a human, but they have a wider range of vision (about 340°) and see in partial color (dichromacy). They have well-developed senses of hearing, smell, and touch. Vocalization is the primary means of communication between members of the species.Some sounds are:

• Wheek - A loud noise, the name of which is onomatopoeic, also known as a Whistle. An expression of general excitement, it may occur in response to the presence of its owner or to feeding. It is sometimes used to find other guinea pigs if they are running. If a guinea pig is lost, it may wheek for assistance. 
• Bubbling or Purring - This sound is made when the guinea pig is enjoying itself, such as when being petted or held. They may also make this sound when grooming, crawling around to investigate a new place, or when given food.
• Rumbling - This sound is normally related to dominance within a group, though it can also come as a response being scared or angry. In these cases the rumble often sounds higher and the body vibrates shortly. While courting, a male usually purrs deeply, swaying and circling the female in a behavior called "rumblestrutting". A low rumble while walking away reluctantly shows passive resistance. 
• Chutting and Whining - These are sounds made in pursuit situations, by the pursuer and pursuee, respectively. 
• Chattering - This sound is made by rapidly gnashing the teeth, and is generally a sign of warning. Guinea pigs tend to raise their heads when making this sound. A more relaxed type of gnashing often means the guinea pig wants a treat that is somewhere nearby but out of reach.
• Squealing or Shrieking - A high-pitched sound of discontent, in response to pain or danger. 
• Chirping - This less-common sound, likened to bird song, seems to be related to stress, or when a baby guinea pig wants to be fed. Very rarely, the chirping will last for several minutes. 

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Five unusual ways to stay cool (Reading Class)

Five unusual ways to stay cool

In the Northern Hemisphere, there's no doubt summer is here — and with it, the perpetual quest to stay cool. For those of us interested in sustainability, the thought of huge summer cooling bills (and all the greenhouse emissions they cause) is enough to send a chill down the spine.
You've probably already heard the basics of summertime energy management: Keep your air conditioner filters clean, make sure your weather stripping is tight, draw the drapes during the heat of the day, and avoid the use of big heat-creating appliances like ovens and ranges whenever possible. If you want a quick review of hot weather energy-saving ideas, check this giant list of summer cooling tips.
But there are other ways to keep your cool through the summer. We've rounded up five for your consideration, including several tried-and-true methods from the days before central air. Give one or two a shot, and see how they work for you.

1) Go tropical
Take the lead of those who spend most of their lives in tropical climates: loose, lightweight cotton and linen clothing rules.
The guayabera, sometimes called the "Mexican wedding shirt," is constructed to cool you naturally. A relative of the traditional Filipino barong, the guayabera wicks moisture from the skin and is worn untucked to promote air circulation. Madras is another good summertime choice for both men's and women's clothing.
Don't forget the old standard of the American Deep South: seersucker. Originally an Indian import, its crisp cotton and cooling ridges make it a hot weather classic.

2) Cool that pulse point
When you were sick as a child, your mom may have brought you a cold facecloth. This idea works the same way.
Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or so each hour. Splashing water on your temples or face can produce a similar effect. And be sure to put some of that tap water into a glass and stay hydrated.

3) Don't eat: Graze
Ever notice how you feel hot after a big meal? It's not just because the food was served warm.
Big, protein-laden meals force your body to stoke its metabolic fires. The solution is to break up your eating into smaller, more frequent meals. You'll feel cooler — and it's better for you, anyway.

4) Eat to sweat
Latin America, India, Thailand — some of the world's hottest places. And they happen to serve some of the world's hottest foods.
Scientists have argued for years over why this is the case, but the most likely reason is that spicy foods make you sweat without actually raising body temperature. Chalk it up to capsaicin, a chemical found in things like hot peppers. Once your skin is damp, you'll feel cooled by its evaporation.
Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to also reread our article on choosing a safer deodorant.

5) Stay cool under the covers
A lot of people find it difficult to sleep in hot weather.
Want to cool the bed down? Fill a standard hot water bottle with ice water. Use it to cool your ankles and the back of your knees — it works. You can also try bagging your sheets and tossing them in the freezer for an hour or two before bed.
Cooling your head cools your entire body. Opt for a cool and absorbent pillow of organic cotton if at all possible. Put aside down and latex pillows until the weather cools down this autumn.

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I'm A Little Teapot (Kinder Class/Nursery Rhymes)

I'm A Little Teapot

I'm a little teapot
Short and stout
Here is my handle
Here is my spout

When I get all steamed up
Hear me shout:
Tip me over
and pour me out!

I'm a little teapot
Short and stout
Here is my handle
Here is my spout
When I get all steamed up
Hear me shout
Tip me over and pour me out

I'm a very special pot
It's true
Here's an example of what I can do
I can turn my handle into a spout
Tip me over and pour me out

I'm a little teapot
Short and stouts
Here is my handle
Here is my spout
When I get all steamed up
I just shout
Tip me over and pour me out

I'm a very special pot
It's true
Here's an example of what I can do
I can turn my handle into a spout
Tip me over and pour me out