Cordite's stories

Science of the Gallop
Tue 7 Jan 2003 - 14:04

Researchers studying the mechanics of the equine gallop published their findings recently in the journal Nature. The explosive motion required for a gallop is supplied by a catapult-like arrangement of joint and muscle. Anyone who has jumped into a gallop from a standing start will appreciate this simple explanation.

Are you hearing me?
Sun 5 Jan 2003 - 12:52

Another "Pet Psychic"? Sandy Lagno of New Mexico claims she is able to hear the thoughts of animals, and has been a practicing "animal communicator" since 1997.

Global Warming Impacting Ecosystems
Thu 2 Jan 2003 - 16:13

The journal Nature published two studies today which show that rising temperatures are affecting all manner of plant and animal life. From egg-laying, to flower-blooming, to migration periods, these changes may signal bad news for many species. Many news agencies carry this story including The Chicago Tribune and The Edmonton Journal.

Longman's Beaked Whale "Discovered"
Thu 2 Jan 2003 - 15:03

Remains of a beached whale found in Japan five months ago have only recently been confirmed as a Longman's Beaked whale, an extremely rare species of which no complete adult specimens have ever previously been recovered. No living Beaked Whales have ever been identified.

Day of the Dolphin?
Sun 22 Dec 2002 - 10:11

A recent article in the Times of India tells of how dolphins are being trained to plant limpet mines on enemy ships. Similar articles appeared today in the Economic Times of India and The South China Post, focused on the outcry from animal activists. While I could not find any links to these articles I have included relevant portions.

The articles claim this to be the first use of dolphins to plant mines, but the U.S. has employed them to clear mines before and one wonders what else...

Viagra good for the "Wild Life"?
Sat 21 Dec 2002 - 16:02

In the same vein as this previous post, a light hearted editorial appeared recently in the Phildelphia Enquirer regarding the decline in use of animal parts as aphrodisiacs.

Tiger-napping tragedy
Sat 21 Dec 2002 - 08:02

Ending a convoluted tale of theft, the SPCA exhumed the remains of Shiva - an eight month old male Bengal tiger - stolen from Guha's Lions and Tigers on Nov. 28th. The big cat was said to have died from an overdose of tranquilizers.
Cheryl Hunt, of Essex, is expected to be charged with theft, administering an injurious substance to an animal, killing an animal without lawful excuse and mischief and destruction of property.

"Blees let the rayn deer come" pleads 1st graders
Fri 20 Dec 2002 - 18:59

Concerned over a New Jersey state law which bans the importation of deer and elk, Leanne Bellouny petitioned the state with her 1st grade classmates to make an exception for Santa's reindeer.
The DEP, after much deliberation, ruled that the law applies only to reindeer on the ground, as "flying reindeer are just fine and are always welcome in New Jersey"

PETA's controversial coats...
Thu 19 Dec 2002 - 15:14

A Toronto based community centre and PETA teamed up to donate 30 fur coats to homeless women - and failed miserably.
Those who were to receive the coats did not show up for fear of media attention, and PETA has received criticism from anti-poverty groups for their tactics while winning the approval of the fur industry.

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Rescuing China's "Bile Bears"
Tue 17 Dec 2002 - 12:14

The Moon Bear Rescue Centre in Sichuan, China has helped save 17 bears from the horrifying practice of "bile farming". The full story is here.

The centre has saved over 80 bears since 2000, but these are only a few among the thousands suffering throughout the country.

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