Ocean Wonders: Sharks Review

Unlike other predators, sharks have developed a certain reputation for being blood thirsty creatures who have a particular taste for human flesh.

The New York Aquarium recently opened their new exhibit entitled Ocean Wonders: Sharks. The exhibit not only presents the various species of sharks in a recreation of their natural habitat, but it also shows how important sharks are to the natural order.

Opening on June 30th, the visitor is greeted by an overhead tunnel of water that has been recreated as a reef. As the visitor walks through the exhibit, they are presented with the facts about sharks in a way that teaches without getting on the soap box.

Though the education aspect of the exhibit is important, it is the visuals that are captivating. If the overhead tunnel is not enough to make to excite the visitor, is the very large tank that is the center of the exhibit. Containing sharks and other marine life, it is a wonder of an experience to see these creatures living in harmony.

I absolutely recommend it.

The New York Aquarium is located on Surf Ave and West 8th Street in Brooklyn, NY. Check the website for hours and ticket prices. 

 

Advertisement

Thoughts On The Scott Pruitt Resigination

Richard Nixon does not have what one would typically call the best track record when it comes to American Presidents. But he did authorize the creation of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in the early 1970’s. The goal of the agency is protect the environment for not just this current generation, but for generations to come.

Yesterday, EPA chief Scott Pruitt resigned from his post. Many point to his abuse of power, using tax payer money for expenses that are not related to the position and ethics violations as the reason for the resignation.

While it’s about time that he was ousted as head of the EPA, the troubling fact is that his replacement and former second in command Andrew Wheeler is not exactly a proponent of protecting the environment. The previous positions listed on his resume include working as a lobbyist for the coal industry and as an aide for a Senator who is known for openly rejecting the facts of climate change.

The fact is that climate change is real. While we have to protect the economy and make sure that every American has access to reasonable employment, we should not be doing so at the expense of Mother Earth. If we don’t, we may not have a planet or a country to call home.

The Greatest Thing You Can Do Is Serve Your Country, But Some Are Still Prevented From Serving

Immigrant has become a dirty word in this country, especially since you know who became President.

While the ban on Transgender troops was lifted last year, there are many who are willing and able to serve, but are given the runaround when they present themselves as recruits.

Today, the Associated Press reported that immigrant recruits are being quietly discharged by the military.

Not only is America the land of immigrants, but her military is made up of immigrants or children of immigrants. My grandfathers, the sons of Jewish immigrants, served their country in World War II. One of my great-uncles served in World War I.  Many Irish immigrants fought for the North and the South during the Civil War. Similarly, European immigrants fought for America during World War I. They wanted to prove that they were just as American as any native-born soldier.

The fact is that America has not had a draft since Vietnam. Everyone who signs up for the military is doing so of their own free will.  They know, just as we know, that it is an honorable, but perilous profession.

To potentially put your life on the line to protect the American people, reveals to me at least, the nature of those who join the military. I could say the same thing about you know who, but he did use the excuse of “bone spurs” to get out of serving in Vietnam.

 

Flashback Friday-Orphan Black (2013-2017)

Science and the ability to play with nature has always fascinated humanity. But there is dark side to science that sometimes creates more problems that solutions.

In the television series Orphan Black (2013-2017),  Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) is a street hustler who finds herself at a train station the moment another woman takes her life by jumping in front of an incoming train. Eager to make a quick buck by pretending to be the dead woman, Sarah notices that she and the woman are mirror images of one another. What starts out as a quick con job reveals that she and the woman are not long-lost twins, but clones. As Sarah discovers the truth about the many clones, she also discovers that someone is making a concerted effort to kill these women.

Can Sarah find out the truth or will the secret forever remain a secret?

This show was one of the most entertaining, intelligent and provocative science fiction dramas of the past few years. It also helped immensely that star Tatiana Maslany played all of the clones in their various incarnations.

I absolutely recommend it.