The Longest Commute

Marine scientists recently published a research paper in the science journal, biology letters, that found humpback whales migrate over 5,100 miles from Central America to their feeding grounds off Antarctica; a record distance undertaken by any mammal.

Kristin Rasmussen, a biologist with Cascadia Research Collective, and lead author in the study, finds the record-breaking migration interesting, but is most pleased that the study validates a long held assumption that humpback whales travel to warm water areas during the winter.

"It was very exciting because for years everyone said humpback whales could be found in warmer waters during the winter months, but this was the first time we were actually able to quantify this on a global scale, and relate it to these long distance migrations" said Rasmussen.

Researchers conducted the survey by identifying individual humpback whales on their wintering area off Central America, and then comparing these with whales identified on their feeding areas off Antarctica. Identification of individual whales is accomplished by comparing a unique set of markings on their fluke, like a "fingerprint," with a catalog of photographs held by the Antarctic Humpback Whale Catalog at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine.

The scientists found some humpbacks traveling from Antarctica across the equator to as far north as Costa Rica to overwinter, a distance of approximately 8,300 kilometers or about 5,157 miles. The authors noticed that the presence of cold water along the equator coincided with the occurrence of this northerly wintering area, not only in the eastern Pacific, where the Central American whales were studied, but also in the eastern Atlantic, where another southern hemisphere humpback whale population can be found north of the equator during winter.

Daniel Palacios, an oceanographer working out of NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center laboratory in Pacific Grove, Calif., correlated sea-surface temperature with the whale migration by using data collected from satellites and distributed by the National Oceanographic Data Center.

"This study was possible thanks to the availability of reliable, high-resolution sea-surface temperature data collection that cover even the most remote regions of the globe," said Palacios.

By: NOAA

When the Ice Cap is Gone

According to two international-research studies on the last ice age, studies with the participation of Dr Rainer Zahn, research professor in the ICREA at the UAB Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), before the great ice sheets of the Arctic Ocean began to melt, early sporadic episodes of melting of the old ice sheet which covered the British Isles had already begun to affect the circulation of the ocean currents, which played a key role in the climatic stability of the planet. Based on this observation, scientists consider that the acceleration of the melting of the Greenland ice cap could play an important role in the future stability of ocean circulation and, hence, in the development of climate change.

The magnitude of possible climate change in the future will depend to a large degree on the response of ocean circulation to global warming, as the ocean currents distribute an immense quantity of heat around our planet and, besides, determine levels of humidity and energy. Any variation in ocean circulation may lead to substantial and abrupt climate changes (that is to say over less than 30 years) on a global scale.

Deep ocean sediments offer a record of ocean circulation in the past. By studying these sediments, we can see that abrupt changes in ocean circulation and the subsequent climate change are not a new phenomenon, but have happened on several occasions in the past. When the great ice sheets covering North America and Scandinavia melted at the end of the last ice age, the subsequent flow of fresh water into the North Atlantic caused the greatest natural disturbance in ocean circulation in the last 20,000 years. This episode provides an excellent model to examine the relation between ocean disturbance and climate instability.

According to a revision article published in Science, ocean circulation during the last ice age was very different to present day circulation. The formation of deep water currents in the North Atlantic was much weaker and the flow of warm water from the Gulf Stream decreased. This led to a cooling of the northern hemisphere and contributed to the formation of the great ice caps which covered North America, Scandinavia and Europe.

In a similar study, the marine sediments of the North Atlantic were observed in order to document the sequence of events that led to that disturbance. The melting caused a significant decrease in the Gulf Stream, which transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North. This submerged the region of the North Atlantic into a period of glacial cold which lasted at least 1,200 years.

Nevertheless, the slowing down of the ocean circulation in the North Atlantic began about 700 to 1,200 years before this great melting of the ice caps and the subsequent flow of fresh water into the ocean took place. The very first stage of this change coincided with brief and isolated periods of melting of the small British Ice Sheet (BIS). The authors of the study have come to this conclusion from an observation of the fine layers of sediment (formed by grains of quartz) coming from successive waves of icebergs which, when they melted dumped their load of sediments onto the sea bed. These icebergs came from the edges of the ice which surround and stabilised the BIS.

These results show that the disturbances caused by melting may in turn cause substantial changes in ocean circulation without the need for a catastrophic dumping of fresh water. This seems to indicate that an acceleration in the melting of the Greenland ice cap, could, in fact, play a key role in the future stability of ocean circulation and climate change in the whole North Atlantic region.

By: Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

Budget bunk-ins

Budget hotels don't necessarily equal dingy rooms and stinky communal bathrooms! Most proprietors are now able to offer decent lodgings at affordable prices by carefully leaving out certain luxuries such as:

Spartan basics - No TV in rooms and no swimming pool. Some hotels try to make up for this by providing something unique like a curio shop or tanning area on the roof top. Who needs the idiot box when you're on vacation, anyway?

Meals not included - Usually no free buffet breakfast is provided, even if the hotel has its own restaurant or cafe.

Privacy - Dorm rooms are usually quite cheap, which is perfect if you are travelling with a group of friends. Granted you get less privacy, but take it as an opportunity to meet other travellers and share their stories!

When picking out a budget hotel, it's best to check out the local hotel rating website and see the reviews on it. Alternatively, visit the country's tourism board website for the necessary info. The best method? Ask for referrals from pals who have stayed in budget hotels before!

How To Buy A Second-Hand CAR

A ‘pre-loved’ car can be a great buy if you know what to look out for – here are some smart tips to help you out

A second-hand or used car can turn out to be a fantastic find and serve you well on the road. But many of us worry that we’ll overlook some problems and get stuck with a rust-bucket. Here are a few tips to smoothen the journey.

Budget & Needs
First, decide on your basic needs. Do you need the car for business or just to run about town? Can your budget meet the demands of servicing that kind of car? As well as the car costs, work out what you can comfortably pay in installments, maintenance costs, annual road tax, insurance premiums and petrol.

Do Your Homework
After you have set your sights on a model or make, it is time to get a good idea of the market value of that particular model of used car. Refer to the classified sections in the papers or in motor trading magazines. Then start comparing prices. Remember to check the model year for any recalls or consumer concerns.

Car Scouting
Should you buy from a car dealer or direct from a seller? The latter usually costs less. But keep in mind that private sales often do not involve reconditioning by the owner - the car is sold “ as you see it”.

On the other hand, dealers can offer a wider variety of models and makes. They can also reduce administrative hassles by arranging for your car’s insurance and finance. The cars in dealerships tend to be in reasonably good condition as they can afford to fix the car up before selling it.

If you want to buy directly from a private seller, first, ring him/her up to find out the vehicle’s age, specifications, mileage and service records. From there, make an appointment to see the car. For safety reasons, get the seller to come to you. Never meet at his or her place, or worse, at a half way point.

Testing, Testing…..
Before you buy a car, inspect it and take a test-drive. Bring along a friend who has some experience in inspecting a use car. Don’t rush the test – do it properly as you need to see the car’s true personality.

The Walk – Around
EXTERIOR
Take a stroll around the car. Look meticulously at the bodywork for rust, dents, chips or discolored paintwork on a particular area. Check the undercarriage in the condition of different sections. A freshly painted section in an otherwise moderately rusty car can be a clue that part of the car was repaired. Also look for rust on the exhaust pipes.

* Check tyres for wear and tear.
Inset a 10sen coin into the tyre’s groove (the side with the flower must face you,
upside down). If part of the number “10” is covered by the tyre’s tread, the tread is
enough. If you can see the word “sen”, the tyre must be replaced.
* Check for uneven tyre wear.
If the wear is uneven, it’s likely the car has ben in an accident and/or is out of
alignment.
* Open the hood of the car.
Is the engine clean or are there signs of leaking oil or other fluids?
* Check the fan belts and timing belts for cracks and obvious wear.
Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag or tissue, and reinsert and remove it. Is
the level correct? Is the oil dark and dirty? Both are signs that the engine is not cared
for properly.
* Check that the engine and chassis numbers are not tampered with.
The former is found on the engine itself while the latter is found on the body panel in
the engine bay.


INTERIOR
Before cranking up the ignition, take note of the basics:

* Can you get in and out easily?
Ease of access should not be an issue.
* Can you sit comfortably in the car?
Check that the steering wheel and seats allow for ample adjustments so that you can
find a comfortable driving position.
* Can you see clearly?
Ensure that there are minimal problems with vision from any blind spots.
*Are the controls well-placed?
All commonly-used controls should be conveniently located, so that they do not interfere with driving concentration.

The Drive-Around

Once you’re satisfied with the external and interior inspections, it’s time to start the car. It should start easily and continue running smoothly. Test all accessories to ensure they are in working order. Get your friend to inspect the signal lights, headlights and brake lights.

Have a good feel of the car. Ask yourself if the steering and pedals are too light or heavy for you. In both manual and automatic cars, note how smooth the gear changes are. There shouldn’t be excessive jerks or grinds when shifting gears.

On the test-drive, it is good to stick to familiar roads – if you’re too busy following directions, it’s hard to notice how the car drives and whether you’re happy with it. The test- drove should take in different driving conditions, like highways and residential streets, to gauge the car’s performance.

Take the car uphill, around corners, and over rough surfaces to check out its handling abilities. In a controlled setting like a vacant parking lot, put the car through braking tests, it means trouble. Also remember to attempt parking the car to determine maneuverability and the existence of any blind spots.

Satisfied? What Next?
If you’re happy with the car, don’t just hand over a cheque. Negotiate for the best deal. Virtually all dealers are able to give you a discount as they need your sale. If you’re still unhappy with the price, there is always another car around the corner.

If you’ve decided to buy the car, be sure to check the vehicle documentation to ensure the seller is the registered owner of the care. Happy shopping.

USED CAR BUYER’S CHECKLIST
When inspecting and road-testing a used cark take note of the following precautions:
> Always inspect the car in daylight. Any defects in the bodywork show up better.
> Take a friend along. He or she can listen for rattles or unusual sounds while you focus
on driving, and also act as a buffer against an overbearing salesperson.
> Inspect tyres for wear. Don’t forget to check out the spare tyre as well.
> Check engine oil for proper level and colour.
> Check coolant and radiator for leaks or corrosion.
> Check interior for visibility, comfort, size and cleanliness.
> Check all electronically operated items, like power windows, central locking, wipers,
external and internal lights and radio.
> Check the rear view mirror after a hard acceleration. Look for smoke or other signs of
hard wear or damage.
> After the drive, inspect the engine and under the car for leaks, odours or smoke.

Beneath the north Atlantic

An hour long documentary completed in 1998, about the incredible wealth of marine life that thrives in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, this O.R.G. film is sure to delight viewers of all ages. Featuring everything from colorful anemones, swimming scallops and toothy wolffish to porpoises, seals, sharks and whales, Beneath the North Atlantic is the most complete film ever made about the North Atlantic. The footage, collected over 7 years of filming in New England and eastern Canada, is stunning, and the musical score, by renowned film scorer Bruce Bowers is absolutely beautiful.

Freedom on Wheels

A self-drive holiday lets you travel anywhere - at your own pace

Pre-trip planning

~ Where would you like to go? Who are youo travelling with? If you have kids with you, remember that they can't sit still in the car for long, so plan a route that has several interesting stops along the way.

~ Would you prefer to rent a car yourself or purchase a self-drive holiday package through a travel agent? If you're planning to go during peak season, it's advisable to pre-book your accommodation to avoid spending the night in the car - a good travel agent will be able to provide you with choices of accommodation and anitinerary that would suit your needs.

~ Get an International Driving Permit to prevent any incomveniences when renting a car or driving in a foreign county where English is not a common language.

Before you hit the road

~ When you pick up the car, make sure the rental company provides 24 hour emergency roadside assistance. Let down any additional drivers on the rental agreement - there is no coverage for damages by drivers not registered.

~ A good, current street map is a must, especially if you're planning to go off the main roads. Print out maps from websites like http://www.mapqiest.com and http://www.hertz.com.

~Try not to drive long-distance trips immediately after arriving. Acclimatise yourself to the local weather and road conditions and have sufficient rest first.

On the road

~ Adhere to local road traffic laws.

~ Plan ahead for fuel stops because some petrol stations may not operate 24 housrly. Find out from locals the best place to stock up on food supplies and replenish fuel.

Finding Nemo's

Coral reef fish hatchlings dispersed by ocean currents are able to make their way back to their home reefs again to spawn, says a groundbreaking study published today in the journal Science. The study, whose findings are considered a major advance for fish conservation biology, was conducted by an international team of scientists from Australia, France, and the U.S. using a novel tagging method to track two populations of fish, including the endearing orange, black, and white reef-dwelling clownfish made famous in the movie “Finding Nemo.”

The study took place on coral reefs in a marine protected area in Papua New Guinea. Scientists tested a new method to trace fish from birth to spawning and detect the percentage of fish hatched on one reef that return there to spawn. The techniques used in this study can reveal the extent to which fish populations on separate reefs are isolated breeding populations, or connected by fish movements (known as ‘connectivity’). Such information is critical to effective management of reef fish populations.

Following two fish species, the clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and the vagabond butterflyfish (Chaetodon vagabundus), the scientists found that young of both species made it back to their home reef about 60 percent of the time⎯a surprising result for fish larvae that had dispersed from a small reef habitat into a large area. The researchers tagged fish at the reef surrounding a small island, Kimbe Island, within a recently-designated Marine Protected Area in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea.

“If we understand how fish larvae disperse, it will enable better design of marine protected areas, and this will help in the rebuilding of threatened fish populations,” said Almany, lead author on the Science article. Other members of the team were Michael Berumen of the University of Arkansas, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) biologist Simon Thorrold, and Serge Planes of the Universite de Perpignan.

The study’s results highlight three notable achievements. This is the first time scientists have successfully used a new internal tagging method in the field, as well as in the lab. It is the first larval tagging study of a pelagic (open water-swimming) spawning fish. It is also the first comparison between two fish species with different reproductive strategies and dispersal patterns.

The tagging method the team employed was developed by Simon Thorrold at WHOI. The process involves injecting minute quantities of harmless stable barium isotopes into breeding female fish of both species. “The isotopes are passed to the offspring and incorporated into the ear bones - or otoliths - of the developing embryos,” said Thorrold, “thereby labeling the hatchlings at birth with the isotopes as permanent traceable tags.”

Two months after injecting females, the scientists returned and captured newly settled fish at the same reef to determine how many had returned to their home reef and how many had migrated from other nearby reefs. The percentage of fish whose otoliths were labeled with the rare barium isotope was identified at WHOI through a technique known as laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

The two species have different reproductive styles. Butterflyfish release eggs and sperm into the water, and the larvae drift and swim freely for more than a month before finding a home reef. In contrast, clownfish spawn eggs that are attached to the reef for a week before the larvae hatch and disperse in oceanic waters for 10-14 days. The larval clownfish must then find a reef, and a suitable anemone, that will be home for the remainder of its life. Currents inevitably carry both species away from the parental reef, because larval fish cannot swim well, but this study confirms that the majority of both species appear to find their way home after completing the oceanic larval phase.

Reef fish conservation programs utilizing marine protected areas are based on assumptions about how many fish migrate in from other areas and how many return to home areas to spawn. At a time of increasing pressures on coral reef ecosystems, this study provides an important piece for planning the optimum size of coral reef protected areas and breeding populations.
“Just as importantly,” said Almany of their results, “40 percent of the juveniles came from other reefs that are at least ten kilometers (five miles) away, which indicates significant exchange between populations separated by open sea. This shows how marine protected areas can contribute to maintaining fish populations outside no-fishing zones.”

The successful test of this method in the field offers scientists and managers a powerful new way to evaluate the effectiveness of management models and practices based on direct information. Thorrold is continuing this work, using the maternal labeling technique to evaluate the degree of connectivity in other fish populations, including endangered Nassau grouper in the Caribbean.

By: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

The Tongsai Bay

There is an immediate sense of preciousness about The Tongsai Bay as you drive up approaching the compounds of the resort. Its location is secluded and spectacular where a dream resort has been built in the most complementary way with a strong dedications to protecting its beautiful natural surroundings in this calm bay. There are various styles of suites, cottages and villas with their own distinctive charms and sea views strewn carefully around the hilly estate. The one thing they all have in common is the sea facing wide-open terraces with a large sunken bath tub so no matter which accommodation is occupied, the million-dollar sea view is not compromised.

The first light of day is beautiful. Take a little time out to greet the sunrise as it peeks lazily over the horizon. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and tender sunshine on the beach, choosing your time to either do gentle stretches or quiet meditation on the beach rocks as you tune in to the sounds of the sea and the distant calls of the sea birds. You will hardly find a soul on the beach at such an hour, leaving you personal time to figure out the best way in which to start your day.

Tamarind Retreat

Words Used To Describe This Gem Of A Retreat Are – heavenly, mystical, magical, inspiring nature, and wonderfully healing. And you will understand why this back-to-nature relaxation oasis tucked away into the hills in Lamai, southeastern Ko Samui, evokes a sense of calm and serenity as soon as you pull up into its property. There are more greens than there are buildings for one. People speak in whisper tone, classical music is in the air, birds are chirping – you simply cannot help but feel more relaxed and in touch with nature and yourself here. The style is quintessential tropical Asian where thatched roof villas and sales are scattered amongst a lush garden landscape.

At TAMARIND RETREAT, there is strong philosophy of rejuvenation and relaxation of body, mind and soul not just from its beautiful natural surroundings but also the rituals of herbal steam baths and massages as well as scheduled holistic classes on Yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi. The owners have stuck firmly to their beliefs on this holistic approach to their spa retreat operation over the years refusing to follow the trends of contemporary spas with extensive spa treatments but instead focusing on their key strengths, which clearly speak for itself. There are many beautiful spots in and around the Retreat to be discovered as you walk along flagstone paths passing by big granite boulders and a plethora of flowering plants and fruit bearing trees.
There are eight villas with their own distinctive designs and features built in and around centuries-old trees and rocks available for long-term lease or a five-day minimum stay.

Tamarind Retreat will soon be introducing special three-day packages in the near future to fulfill demands of regional vacationers seeking weekend retreats.

The famously photographed herbal steam bath built within two giant rocks with an adjoining dip pool outside is an aweinspiring sight as you descend down the stone steps leading to this dramatic water feature – rainwater cascades down like a waterfall into the pool. Emerging from the steam bath, rinse off with water from a large earthen urn and delight in a truly exotic and sensual experience.