and tidal waves and other natural disasters. Architects say the Ark’s shell-like construction of arches and cables evenly distribute weight so it is also invulnerable to earthquakes. Read more.
Hantavirus in Yosemite - Should we be concerned?
Not really, but the medical victories we've experienced over the past 100 years have made Americans forget that such diseases haven't gone away, says David Dausey, director of the Institute for Public Health at Mercyhurst Universityin Erie, Pa. "It's unsettling to realize that we're not entirely safe from these things."
The rise of hantavirus and West Nile virus, neither even recognized in the United States before 1993, is making people check their window screens, stock up on bug spray and rethink travel plans. In Yosemite this summer, hantavirus has killed three people out of nine sickened. Nationally, West Nile virus is the worst it's been since the disease arrived on our shores in 1999: more than 3,545 illnesses and 147 deaths as of Thursday. Read more.
Here is a sneak peek of 2013 Winter Forecast
After the contiguous United States recorded its fourth warmest winter and as many as 24 states recording below average precipitation, followed by a summer which was the third warmest on record, the Farmers' Almanac is predicting a return to winter for some, but not all this year. The latest and newly released edition of the Farmers' Almanac noted that "the climate this winter will render the nation divided".
According to the Farmers' Almanac, the eastern two-thirds of the nation will be colder than normal while the western United States will be warmer than normal. Furthermore, the eastern two-thirds of the country will be wetter than average with Old Man Winter returning with a vengeance across the Great Lakes and Northeast regions. They are expecting most of the eastern states – as far south as the Gulf Coast – to see snowier than normal conditions and cooler temperatures and are pinpointing February 12–15 and March 20–23 as target dates for a major east coast storm event to take place. Read More.
Do you have a Pet Plan?
A family dog lost seven years ago in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was recently found in North Carolina. WCNC reports a 15-year-old dog named Shorty was found wandering along a road in Cabarrus County over the past week.
In the aftermath of Katrina, approximately 8,000 animals were rescued and brought to temporary shelters, according to the the Humane Society of the United States. An estimated 600,000 pets were killed or left without shelter as a result of the hurricane.
Here are some tips for creating an emergency disaster plan for your pets.
Turning to Twitter during Natural Disasters
Twitter launched a new feature today called Lifeline to help users in Japan access relevant information during an emergency.
Twitter’s new Lifeline feature lets users find and follow local accounts that upload important information during emergencies. All that’s needed is a postal code, typed into the service, and Twitter will create a list of resources for you. As of right now the feature is only available to Twitter users in Japan, but there are plans to expand Lifeline into other countries. Presumably this expansion will rely on government cooperation and will probably focus first on countries prone to natural disasters.
The new feature generates a list of Twitter accounts actively posting emergency information. This curated list could include city, district, or national government accounts being updated with official announcements important to the public. It won’t be restricted to government, however, and will likely bring attention to local media and utility companies so people in Japan will be informed of service disruptions and breaking news surrounding the event. Read More.
Thousands of Dead Jellyfish
Thousands of big, quivering red jellyfish created a spectacle on Cable Beach yesterday.
Marine scientist James Brown, of Cygnet Bay, arrived with his sons about 6.15am to find the jellyfish, which had washed up overnight.
"They were very fresh, being pushed up by little swells