Save the whales – how they benefit humans
February 23, 2012
Yes, this might make me the ultimate hippie. I want to educate you on whales and how they benefit humans, more importantly saving them. But why should you? First, let’s learn about whales and their environment and the impact they have on us and planet Earth. Maybe you just might have a change of heart or grow one for these precious mammals. Pictured above is an adorable beluga whale.
Whales and their environment
1. 2 distinct groups
Whales are split into 2 distinct groups. The first group have no teeth and are filter feeders with a sieve mesh at the back of their throats that strain plankton and other tiny creatures. This suborder consists of; blue whales, humpback, bowhead and minke. The second group are toothed and feed on larger sea creatures such as fish and squid. They also come equipped with their own GPS system. Much like dolphins and bats as they project sound and listen for its echo to help them navigate for hunting, socialization and travel purposes. Sonar equipment from ships affect the whales’ ability for daily functioning. This could possibly be a reason why whales wash up on shores, as they get lost or become deprived of food because their echo system is disrupted. This suborder consists of; sperm whales, killer, pilot and beluga.
2. Evolution
Whales are believed to have evolved from land living mammals of the Artiodactyl order. They were once a prehistoric dog. They had four legs, a tail and an enlongated head. Existing over 50 million years ago, they took to the sea and became what is known as the modern day whale. Whale is a broad term for cetaceans. Most commonly dolphins are not considered whales.
3. General facts
Just like humans, these sea mammals breathe in oxygen, only via a blowhole, are warm blooded, give live birth and nurse their young with milk, which is squirted out into the water. Did you know that some species are known to have body or facial hair? Blubbar is their body fat which keeps them warm and stores energy. Of course they need a big heart, one that is four chambered. As odd as it may sound, males are “bulls”, females are “cows” and their young are “calves”. To reduce risk of drowning, cows give birth one at a time, and do not sleep for long. It is believed that only one half of their brain sleeps at a time. Their lifespan isn’t well known but it has been stated that a humpback can live up to 77 years while a bowhead whale has been estimated to be 115-130 years old.
4. Habitat
Although they are found in many areas of the planet, they tend to stay close to warmer regions to retain a higher body temp. In winter months they are found along the tropic coastal areas. Killer whales can adapat to any water region. Living in both fresh and salt waters, they have even been known to live in the artic. This is more then likely a smaller number of species with a thick mass of blubber for warmth.
How whales benefit humans
1. Clean oceans
Blue whales eat about 3 ton of krill everyday. Without them, we would be forced to swim with hundreds of millions of krill. I love fish but not that much!
2. Good health
Don’t be mistaken, I have no problem hunting marine life, as long as they are used for eating that is. I believe in that 100%. I don’t approve of the killing of whales for other sources. So here is my point of view. Humans have to survive with food, and yes there are other food sources out there but fish is very healthy. Vegetarians depend on fish for the omega 3 fatty acids that are crucial for their diet since they lack vital nutrients from the absence of meat. Whale blubber is no exception. By eating this you can prevent heart disease and hardened arteries. How would you prepare that dish?
3. Economy booster
Whale watching is not a thing of the past. In fact it brings new jobs and money to suffering economies, as whale watching tours are quite popular in Southern California. ‘Nuff said.
4. Whale pump
A 2010 study showed that whales bring nutrients to the top of the water surface and send depleted nutrients to the bottom, acting as a pump. Within this study, biologists state that the input of nitrogen into the Gulf of Maine is more than all the rivers combined. They do so with poop which looks more like muddy water, as it tends to float rather than sink.
How you can help save the whales!
1. Don’t release balloons outdoors. They pose as choking hazards to sea creatures. Of course, after they are deflated.
2. Cut up 4, 6, and 8 pack plastic soda rings before throwing them in the trash. Marine life and birds become entangled, once the rings end up on the beaches and enter the sea.
3. Next time you go to the beach, clean it up a little. This could be an great opportunity to teach your children the importance of keeping our beaches and oceans clean and clear of debris so that we and marine mammals can both live in harmony.
4. Visit the following sites to make a quick difference.
I have included a very sweet video of a personal home video showing us the humpback whale in its natural habitat.
Say goodbye to mice – naturally
February 22, 2012
When it comes to any form of pest control – natural is best. Toxins from pest poisons and baits can linger in your home long after the pests are gone. Unsuspecting wildlife and pets are killed, due to non-weather resistant and tamper proof boxes. Recently, the EPA, Environment Protection Agency, is urging manufacturers to be produce products labeled “weather proof” and “tamper proof” to better help its consumers, thus protecting wildlife, children and pets. The EPA proposed, ‘Risk Mitigation Decision for Ten Rodenticides’ , in May 2008. The Agency is also aiming to ban products with the poison known as ‘second generation anticoagulants’, that results in internal bleeding with one dose. These poisons are; brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum and difethialone. You must take note that this ban, if granted, will be protecting you from products labeled for in home use but pest control companies may still use this poison. Currently, the ban has not been passed, although new regulations by the EPA are changing the way these products are labeled for consumer safety.So when it comes to getting rid of mice naturally, what do you do? Taking preventive measures is your best bet, but not what you want to hear. If your light bulb keeps burning out for unknown reasons then why would you keep screwing in new bulbs instead of figuring out what was going on? If you keep putting out a quick bait each time you get mice you will never truly get rid of them. So here is what you need to know.
1. Entryways – Mice have to get in somehow, and its certainly not the front door. Check the interior and exterior and properly seal up any cracks and holes. They can fit through the tinest of spaces so don’t underestimated any entryways.
2. Food – You should make sure your food is completely sealed. Trash and pet food also attract these creatures looking for a quick meal. If your pet is done eating, pour leftover food back into the bag. Pre-rinse cans and food containers before putting them in your trash or sink and use the food disposal whenever you can. This is an effective measure for bugs as well.
3. Live traps – I know they are gross but it puts a new meaning to “natural” and you avoid poisons at all costs. Make your husband do the clean up!
4. Trigger mechanism trap - You can find mouse traps with a trigger mechanism that will tell you when your mouse has been captured. They look much like the old black plastic roach traps, only that they will close completely, making your clean up a breeze.
5. Cats – It’s worth a shot. If your little one can find the pest it will attack, it’s their nature. Just don’t kiss your kitty anymore.
I have included a video to share with you another wonderful tip.
The greenhouse effect
February 21, 2012
The greenhouse. It’s every gardener’s dream to grow their crops year round without Mother Nature interfering. But bigger is not always better, especially when you have no room for it. Here are simple ideas to get you inspired on how you can reuse everyday items to create mini greenhouses on a mini budget. Don’t bother investing in mini greenhouse kits when you can reclaim your trash for free.
1. Clear plastic cups – If you are starting seeds by direct sowing or have recently transplanted a seedling, use a clear plastic cup to put over the the planting area. You will see condensation build up within a few days but you should still water daily. This is also a great way to protect your seedlings from cold fronts.
2. Plastic fruit containers – After you divulge your strawberries and blueberries, line the containers with newspaper to hold in moisture when watered. Add seed starting soil and plant your seed. The holes will provide adequate air flow to prevent odors and seed rotting.
3. Casserole aluminum containers – You can purchase these after the holidays for a steep discount, so stock up on a few! Dollar Stores are your best bet. Be sure you purchase the containers that have the plastic lids included. Add holes in the bottom for drainage and fill with seed starting soil. Start your seedlings and cover with the lid.
If you would prefer to invest in a permanent greenhouse, I suggest you visit Home Depot online. They have a small and portable greenhouse for under $30. Other greenhouses range from $30-600 depending on your style.
I have included a video where a fellow gardener shows you how to construct a simple hoop house.
Vodka – 10 other uses besides drinking
February 20, 2012
Vodka has been enjoyed by locals since the Middle Ages, making it one of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages. But it’s not just for drinking anymore. In ancient times vodka was prescribed by doctors as a medicine to cure infertility, colic, and plague to name a few. If you think that’s weird read on for more modern day uses of this drink.
FUN FACT: In eastern and northern Europe, natives drink their vodka “neat”, or straight up.
1. Poison Ivy – You don’t have to come in direct contact with the plant to be infected. The urushiol oil is carried on the winds. Climate changes may increase this kind of pollination. Pour a small amount of vodka directly on your skin after you notice inflammation, itching or suspect poison ivy.
2. Laundry freshener – Add vodka to a spray bottle – dilution not necessary – and spritz your clothes then let them hang dry. The alcohol will kill bacteria and odors leaving your clothes fresher for longer. No scent will be left behind, I promise!
3. House cleaner – Again the alcohol content kills bacteria and odors. Add vodka to a cloth and get to scrubbing with warm water for best results. Use on chrome, glass and porcelain. Test spots other surfaces.
4. Flower vases – Add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to your vase water to keep flowers looking fresher and happier for longer! Even flowers need a little relaxation once in a while. Repeat process daily.
5. Insect repellent – Use the same spray bottle you did for your laundry to spray on yourself. It won’t keep you fresher for longer but it will keep the bugs at bay. Avoid contact with the eyes and be careful when spraying your face.
6. Jellyfish sting – If you don’t want to pee on yourself to relieve the sting of the pain, try vodka. Apply the same as you would urine. Please don’t pack a bottle of Smirnoff on your way to the beach, just use it if it’s readily available.
7. Healthy hair – Add a jigger to a 12 oz. shampoo bottle, in bartending measurements that equals one shot, or 1.5 oz.
8. Mold – Spray on infected area, use a face mask as not to inhale airborne toxins, and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a toothbrush or scrub brush of some sort.
9. Vanilla extract – Vanilla beans, originating from the orchid plant, and vodka mixed together makes a real good homemade vanilla extract to keep on hand. *Recipe in video below
10. Toothache – Pour vodka in a shot glass and swish around in your mouth. It will ease your pain and hopefully numb you up for a bit.
I have included a video to show you how to make homemade vanilla extract.
Oatmeal – more than just breakfast
February 19, 2012
When you think of oatmeal you almost always think of a quick breakfast. It comes in a variety of flavor;, ham, cheese, butter, original, etc. But oatmeal is no longer just for eating. Oats are very nutritious, loaded with fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, thiamine, iron and antioxidants, known as avenanthramides. Honestly, I don’t care much to eat it. It reminds me of when I had chicken pox and had to soak in a gritty bath full of Quaker Oats. But if you have old oatmeal laying around in the pantry put it to good use instead of feeding your trash can.
FUN FACT: Scientists have tested oatmeal grains that were 28 years old and found that they retained some of their nutrients and were completely edible. Testers rated the taste as acceptable, rating it between a 4-6.7 on a scale of 1-9.
1. Face mask – Cook the oatmeal per package directions and apply it to your face. It won’t cover your skin completely but neatness doeesn’t count here. It is believed to heal acne. You could also incorporate it into any natural face mask.
2. Neutralizer – If you’re a smoker you know first hand that ashtray odors are a turn off, even for you. Put oats in your ashtrays to absorb the after smell of smoke as well as in a container to sit in the fridge.
3. Bath – Put a few cups of oats in your bath water to soothe dry, chapped skin. It will stop itching and decrease inflammation due to sunburns, irritants or poison ivy. Also ideal for a pet’s or baby’s bath.
4. Homemade breads – You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to make delicious homemade breads, just throw in some oats for a fancy touch. Making your own bread is very inexpensive. Bread machines are a wonderful addition and a great investment.
I have included a video from a fellow gardener who shows you how to make homemade bread via a bread machine.
Starting your seeds indoors
February 18, 2012
So many gardeners are still plagued by the best way to start their seeds indoors. While it may seem like a piece of cake, I cannot tell you how many times even I have failed. First, you have to set up a seed station, use heat lamps or mats, get a soil mixture ideal for starting seeds, get containers, keep your soil moist, and last but never least, hardening off. But the good news is you can have your cake and eat it too! Follow along for simple ways to start your babies and successfully prepare them for transplanting.
Make room
Make sure you don’t crowd your workspace, you can get easily overwhelmed. Dedicate a specific room, desk or area for starting your seeds. Lay down a table cloth, newspaper or towel and expect for a little dirt here and there. Choose an area that has an outlet for your heating mats or lamps.
Heats mats/lamps
Some seeds need light to germinate while others do not. Do your homework and find out if you can skip out on heat lamps. If the seeds you’re growing don’t need the benefit of lights then choose a heating mat instead. The tray will sit on top of the mat and provide warmth until germination takes place. Tomatoes need warmth and not light to emerge. If using lamps, be careful as they tend to run hot the longer they are left on. Always unplug your lamp before leaving your home.
Soil
Never use potting soil unless you want to purposely fail. Those soils are too heavy and the top layer tends to dry out, making it hard for seedlings to emerge. Only use soils labeled “soil starting”, or try peat moss. Compost is okay when mixed in with other soils but shouldn’t be used alone either.
Containers
Recycle your plastic 4, 6 or 8 pack containers from the nursery, they truly come in handy. If you want durable containers then reuse whatever you can. If it’s plastic and a few inches deep then it will suffice. Peat pots are great, and make transplanting shock a thing of the past. You can also make your own peat pots of out newspaper. *See video below
Watering
Mist your soil only when it’s dry. If it stays too wet then fungi can set in and your seeds will rot before they germinate. If you see white patches on top of your soil then you have a fungus. Use 1 part baking soda mixed with 4 parts water and spray it on the soil until the problem is gone. Always lightly mist your seedlings once they have appeared. Don’t worry, it’s very hard to avoid overhead watering and seedlings tend not to encounter the same problems as outdoor plants. If they do get a powdery mildew on the leaves then use the baking soda solution and spray lightly on the leaves everyday.
Hardening off
The conditions inside your home are very different from the outside world. You have babied your seedlings up to their first true leaves and now you must put them in their new home. Remember that seedlings are living creatures and just like me and you they need time to adjust to new environments. Hardening off is simply that, gradually introducing your seedlings to outside conditions. This should take place over 1 week. On day 1, put them outside for 1 hour. Increase each day by 1 hour longer. Don’t put them in direct heat, as extreme weather can instantly kill your seedlings in as little as half an hour. Partial shade would be best. After the end of the week (7 days) put your seedlings outside in their permanent homes.
I have included two videos to show you creative seed starting containers, as well as how to make peat pots out of newspaper.
Vermicomposting – Worm poop for your garden
February 17, 2012
If you know the basics of composting then vermicomposting shouldn’t be too far from the tree – or bin. Food scraps and newspaper are your main ingredients. The worms will stay moist underneath damp newspaper while feeding on the scraps you give them. Instead of relying on micro-bacteria to break down your reclaimed trash in your composter, with this composting the worms do the trick. Vermicomposting is sometimes referred to as worm breeding but this is not so. While worms do seem to multiply at the rate of cells, you are using these little wiggly things to harvest their poop, more appropriately called “worm castings”, or my personal favorite “black gold”. Most commonly you will only use two species of worms. Red wigglers, (Eisenia foetida) and red earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus). These worms will adapt to rotting vegetation and compost piles. Usually you will purchase these worms with a kit specially made for vermicomposting. The castings are brewed just like compost tea and then used to water your garden, while providing the most vital nutrients to your plants. You can also include the castings in containers or seedling starters with 1 part casting and 4 parts compost or potting soil, as the castings are very rich. You could construct a worm kit on your own, but in this case it is best to buy one. Of course you will find what you believe to be are useful videos on YouTube, but what you need to keep in mind is how you will harvest the castings. With homemade worm bins you usually have to wait months before all your scraps are broken down and then separate the worms from the compost. Commercial designed kits are similar to bee kits in which trays capture the poop, and all you have to do is slide it out and harvest. This harvest is continuous and you can start using the black gold in a few days to 1 week. Trust me, no one wants to be digging around for worm poop. Now I want you to give you a brief overview of worms so you can better understand these slimy creatures. Worms do not have eyes and are light sensitive, therefore burying themselves in the ground. The breathe through their skin, requiring moist conditions to keep from drying out. They consume not only decaying matter but living organisms, such as nematodes. Worms can consume up to 1/2 to 1/3 of their total body weight in a single day. The average worm lays 3-80 cocoons each year depending on its species. And yes, they are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female organs but still require other worms to mate, while some may be able to self produce on their own. To mate, the worms line up next to each year with each reproductive organ the opposite and reproduce (i.e. one worm’s male organ lines up with the other worm’s female organ and vice versa). When winter arrives worms hibernate in the soil as far down as 2 meters. As you can guess they do not like cold temperatures. The common earthworm, found only in organic soils, aerate the soil allowing for oxygen to penetrate down below soil surfaces. As they eat, they poop, therefore fertilizing soils. They also break down leaf and garden scrap matter into rich compost. You can’t buy worms and throw them in your backyard because without proper dehydration, as found in rich soils, and organically enriched gardens, the worms will not survive. Compost holds moisture, so even if you water everyday it may not be sufficient enough for worms to live. They will come on their own. One trick to attract worms to your garden, if vermicomposting is not for you, is to place several layers of damp newspaper on the ground or slices of dry bread. Leave it alone for a few weeks and check back soon, you will see worms! Be sure to keep the surrounding soil moist. Either way you want to bring worms to your garden, I wish you all the worm poop in the world!
I have included a video of a fellow gardener that shows you her commercial purchased worm bin, as she harvests the castings.
Deforestation – the destruction of oxygen
February 16, 2012
Trees, like water, are vital to our well being. Trees absorb CO2, carbon dioxide, and in turn give us oxygen. The more trees the fresher and less harmful the air because of the friendly gas exchange. You may think to yourself, “Well there are plenty of trees, it doesn’t really matter”, or “Trees can always be planted.” Well, true and true. There are billions of trees in the world but millions are also cut down each year due to deforestation, simply the removal of trees for use of land non-forest related. So the simple solution here would be just to plant a seed for each tree that is cut down, right? It sounds simple yet it isn’t. Bare with me and I will show you why. Deforestation leads to higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere, according to the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency. When trees are removed they release carbon dioxide, because burning usually takes place and oxygen cannot be balanced out. This gas can also be released through decomposition at a slower rate overtime. EPA source found here. Here is where the idea of planting new trees comes in. It takes time for trees to grow. The larger the tree, the more oxygen, O, can be taken in. But even if new seedlings are emerging from the ground at the time of deforestation, they could not possibly counter balance the CO2 being released into the air. But still you may think, there are more then enough trees in the world. While the exact number cannot possibly be calculated, there are billions of trees, yes. I’m sure they out number the number of people on Earth times 10. But as more trees are being destroyed how can we be sure that new trees are being planted? As far as I am concerned there are no laws in the USA that states you must plant a tree for every tree cut down, granted that it is within the USA. And not to sound ignorant of some sort but there are countries that care more about making a buck on wood rather than environmental health. So how many trees are destroyed each year? The FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization, states that trees are cut down not in numbers but rather square miles. To put it in simpler terms, between 2000 and 2005, the net loss of trees was about 7.3 million hectares, or the size of Panama. But that number was down from 8.9 million hectares between 1990 and 2000. 1 hectare = 10,000 square meters. FAO source found here. Do you think enough trees were planted to cover the size of Panama?
I have included a video, courtesy of Greenpeace, with more information on deforestation.
Is global warming a hoax?
February 15, 2012
Every time I speak of global warming it seems as though people are rolling their eyes at the very thought. I agree! I am not completely sold on the idea, as it seems to not hold much weight. However, I cover these topics from time to time to benefit those who may know more than I do. While I do know for a fact, as it is common sense, that we as people contribute to the damage of our ozone layer, temperature changes have been happening for millions of years. I can only present to you what I know from a logical standpoint but Gordon Fulks, a physicist, has revealed his findings on global warming or there lack of. Fulks has researched and wrote ”Global Warming: Climate Orthodoxy Perpetuates A Hoax”, now that’s a mouth full. So why do politicians – not to sound anti-government or political here – want us to believe that global warming exists? Fulks presents these reasons, in a recent slide-show, he presented to an audience in Oregon at the American Meteorological Society. He has done this research pro bono out of his own interest. As I state, I am not really a liberal – but it’s hard if you’re a tree hugger, right – but at the same time I am not stupid and know a simple solution when I see one. I may be wrong and global warming may very well exist but I would rather state that “climate changes” are more accurate and that pollution contributes greatly to unpredictable weather. But in my opinion you should not fret natural disasters or jump to conclusions that the world is in great trouble. Just note that some people may have hidden agendas. I don’t want to influence my readers to believe differently from what they already do but I want to open your eyes on how you view the world and remain open minded and not be biased.
I have included the video of Gordon Fulks presenting his findings in Oregon.
V-Day – Plant a rose bush
February 14, 2012
Valentine’s Day, or Single’s Awareness Day, is a great time to plant a rose bush for a loved one! Roses are very easy to grow and will thrive even when given very little attention. There is no exact science when it comes to planting roses, so don’t worry about it. These are all ideal planting tips. If you are one to smell the roses, physically speaking, then I would suggest that you look into “thorn less” rose bushes. These are great for kids as well. Be sure to break out your gloves for this project!
Preparing:
1. Choose a spot that gets full sun or partial (4-5 hours), But roses grow best in full sun with well draining soil
2. Make sure your ideal location isn’t located near a door, deck or porch. Bees are extremely attracted to them – lesson learned here! Remember that roses need air circulation, so be careful when planting against walls
3. Give roses their own space. Make sure no other plants are nearby as they like to sprawl out, trellised or not
4. Purchase a trellis of some sort or lattice, if you wish, not a must
5. Purchase a box of bone-meal – for fertilizer
6. Large shovel, gloves, watering can
Planting:
1. If replanting, dig up the old bulb and about an 18 cubic inch of soil. New roses won’t grow in old soil
2. Bare root or container
- Bare root roses - Easy and inexpensive for early spring planting. Late winter planting is best, soak in water before planting
- Container roses – Has plenty of leaves and a few blooms. Early spring is best to plant these, soak in water and let the soil settle before planting. *See video below
3. Plant the crown about 1 inch deeper then it originally was in its pot
4. Dig hole about 15 inches deep and 18 inches wide, if you can. This is ideally recommended. If you want to take the cheap route (like me) make sure you plant the rose as deep as it was originally planted, The roots will find their way down
5. Add a handful of bone-meal to the planting hole. Mix in with the soil immediately or the ants will appear out of nowhere and start gathering food. You can also add compost and peat moss to help loosen up tough soils – such as clay
6. Form a small hill or mound around the base of the plant. For colder climates plant deeper to cover the roots to maintain warmth. Use a hoop-house or cover of some sort if you wish
7. Water deeply around the base of the plant, aiming for the roots. Let the soil settle for a minute and then deeply water again
Fertilizing:
1. All you need is bone-meal. Roses like a very low ratio of NPK. Fertilize your plants at the time of planting, in the spring and then midsummer. The NPK, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, should be very low. Around 1:2:1 with phosphorus being a 2. There is no need to purchase any sort of chemical fertilizers, however. Bone meal is a great source of phosphorus so you should invest in a box instead
General Care:
1. Water at least once a week with 1 inch of water around the base of the plant
2. Deadhead the blooms to encourage new growth. Simply prune off the dead rose buds, don’t worry about damaging the plant
3. Don’t cut back your plants when they are dormant, just leave them alone. Feburary is the best time to prune your roses, cut back if you please, anywhere from 6 inches to 12 inches. You don’t have to but to encourage healthy growth try to cut back a little here and there
4. Keep leaves off the ground. This is a breeding ground for bacteria
Diseases:
1. Black spot - Is extremely hard to get rid of and is the most common. There is nothing you can do but let it heal itself and stop overhead watering
2. Blight – If you have blight you will have to destroy your plant and dispose of it properly, NOT in the compost bin, or it can spread to other areas of your garden. Be sure to wear gloves when working with plants that are disease ridden
I have included a video to show you how to plant bare root roses, as well as container roses.