animals

On The Same Level

Science, Thoughts

I watched this video of Jane Goodall tonight, and it clicked with me VERY strongly.

Mind, Body & Soul

Every point she hits, I agree. Every experience she speaks of, I relate.

The majority of the problems on our planet result from human actions. The truth of the matter is, we have overpopulated the planet. We are abusing and depleting our natural resources, and ultimately leading to a future of intense suffering for the next generation. But, there’s not easy way around solving that matter. With morals and ethics involved, no government official is going to bring up this topic.

So, do your best to decrease your environmental footprint, and pass that message along to as many people as possible. Be the change you want to see in the world.

www.cloakedtruth.com 

 

 

You Vs. Ocean Creatures

Science, Thoughts

The ocean is a vast, mysterious, and beautiful place. Underwater creatures get the opportunity to grow to extreme weights and lengths compared to us terrestrial animals. Could you imagine walking down the street and seeing 12 foot long crab pass by you by?!

See how Scuba Steve compares to some of the GIANTS OF THE DEEP 😀

Battle Royale: Shark VS Moray Eel

Thoughts

I can always be certain that the underwater world will always astound, amaze, mystify and sometimes downright scare me haha.

For example, the video below is a battle between a giant moral eel & a juvenile white tip reef shark. DO NOT MISS THE ENDING OF THE VIDEO!

I have never seen a moral eel this big in my life…it’s massive! The only moral eels I’ve seen so far in Puerto Rico have been very small in comparison. I did some research on moral eels after watching this video, and decided to share some of the fun facts I discovered:


Fun Facts about Moral Eels:

 

– Morays can cause ciguatera food poisoning if eaten by humans. The symptoms include serious gastrointestinal and neurological conditions.

– Moray eels are one of the few species of fish that can swim backwards.

– Morays have the ability to tie their bodies into knots in order to gain leverage when tearing up their food.

– Unlike other eels, moral eels have 2 sets of sharp teeth. The first set is located in the jaw, and the other in the throat. Teeth located in the throat are used for breaking up the food and for facilitated digestion.

 

Win A FREE Trip To Australia!

Photography, Science, Thoughts

~ CONTEST NO LONGER VALID ~ 

chanel

ARE YOU CHANEL’S BIGGEST FAN?

DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE  AUSTRALIA?

Chanel is already a natural spokesperson for promoting ocean conservation, environmental sustainability, and exploration/travel to everyone she meets. To become a Wildlife Caretaker in South Australia would not only be a dream come true, but it could lead to some AMAZING opportunities to help pursue and utilize her passions in life. She’s made it to the Top 25 Finalists out of over 45,000 entries – the world is Chanel’s ‘South Australian Oyster‘ 🙂 !

Her love for Australia has been evident ever since she learned about the Great Barrier Reef when she was a young aspiring marine biologist. The intrigue only grew when she traveled to Queensland, Australia for a year-long student exchange program in college. The culture, the people, the places, the wildlife, the scenery, the history, the beauty; all these elements sparked her Australian infatuation even more. The photographs she captured during her year abroad are some of her prized possessions (some gaining recognition in photography competitions).

The compensation for this job ($100,000) is not why she’s interested in the position of Wildlife Caretaker – it’s about a journey of a lifetime. It’s about exploring exciting and unique locations/activities in South Australia, and sharing those stories with the world! It’s about assisting with conservation and research efforts spanning from the coastline to the Outback. It’s about walking up to strangers and sparking conversations which result in long-lasting friendships. It’s about preserving Australia’s natural ecosystems and wildlife. Chanel’s life has lead up to this moment for reason; this is her destiny.

Chanel wants YOU to experience South Australia for yourself. The outpour of support on this quest to win her dream job has been HUGE – so Chanel thought the least she could do would be to repay the favor and award one of her lucky followers a chance of a lifetime. Australia is country that should be seen and explored by all!

If Chanel is the last one standing and is announced South Australia’s Wildlife Caretaker, she will randomly select one of you lucky participants, to win 1 ROUND TRIP AIRLINE TICKET to visit her Down Under as Chanel’s Biggest Fan (see contest rules and regulations for complete details)! 

Complete ALL The Steps Below to ENTER:
It’s so EASY! 

1) Follow PhotoScienceChanel.com using your email to register (find and click the “Follow Me” button on the righthand side of the blog)

2) Comment on this blog post answering all the following bullet points:

  • Give your reasoning why Australia should pick Chanel for Wildlife Caretaker (Feel free to Tweet @Australia and tell them your reasoning to pick @PSChanel #BestJobs #ChanelWC too!)

  • Name one activity/location you want to visit in Australia and WHY

  • List your NAME / CITY / STATE / COUNTRY

  • Post your personal/business blog URL (if applicable)

You are still eligible if you were previously a email/follower of Chanel’s blog before 8pm (PST) on May 4, 2013 – remember to just please state so in the comment. GOOD LUCK supporters! Reminder: the giveaway will only occur if Chanel Hason is announced the winner of Australia’s Best Jobs on June 21st, 2013. If awarded Wildlife Caretaker, Chanel will announce a winner on July 1st, 2013. So be sure to LIKE/SHARE her Facebook Page and Follow/Tweet her @PSChanel to increase her chances of winning!  To see the full list of rules & regulations for the giveaway, click here or find the tab at the top of the blog.

RE-BLOGGED: Day (439) – If It Was Your Dream

Thoughts

I am so honored and grateful to have this particular person in my life. Evan Sanders is not only a very talented and well-known blogger, he is also a man with a huge heart, published author, motivational/inspirational speaker, and very close friend of mine. Earlier today, he wrote this incredibly moving blog post (seen below) in support of my dream job to be South Australia’s Wildlife Caretaker. Trust me, it brought tears to more eyes than just mine. Thank you Evan for everything! Please take a second to read this great piece of writing.

The Better Man Project ™

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I always knew she loved the beach, but as I walked up the long staircase to the main floor of her apartment, I was taken aback…we were 45 minutes away from the ocean, but somehow she had found a way to bring it to her. I was now walking in an aquarium. Pictures, posters, trinkets, stuffed animals – if she could house a group of penguins she would – but she had to settle for the octopus salt and pepper shakers. Turn on “Sounds of Nature” and close your eyes…you could be in the wild smack in the middle of Los Angeles.

And when you sit down and talk to the creator of this Sea World-esque masterpiece, you quickly realize that she’s a little bit different from many of us – she has salt water running through her veins. Every once in a while, you will be going throughout your…

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Beauty and the Beast of Nature

Thoughts

LET’S START WITH THE BEAST OF NATURE:

I went back and forth in my mind trying to decide if I should post this video on here or not..but given the fact that nature can be both beautiful and ugly at the same time, I decided not to discriminate. Nature is nature.

Ants have to eat and survive too?

As you just saw, these ants devoured a whole Gecko in only a couple of hours. I started to get grossed out when they began hauling away the finger bones! The species of ant featured in the video are suspected to be red imported fire ants. According to biologist/photographer Dr. Mark W. Moffett, these ants are “highly bred for warfare against each other.” Fire ants leave a nasty sting if you ever come into contact with one, so be weary. The spread of this invasive species across many southern and southeastern states is through the frequency of being stowed aboard ships.

NOW ONTO SOMETHING MORE APPEALING, THE BEAUTY OF NATURE:

Now let’s leave you with something beautiful. I was lucky enough to go to college in Monterey Bay, where Big Sur was only a hop and a skip away up the freeway. Big Sur was the best place to explore an untouched coastline, hike to a Redwood forest, relax your body and mind in a natural hot springs, and camp under a starry night sky all in one day.

Mystery Of The Mangled Mola

Science, Thoughts

I went to college in Monterey Bay where I was lucky enough to volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

MontereyBayAquarium

One of the most fascinating creatures that I feel in love with while volunteering, was the Mola Mola – also known as the Ocean Sunfish. This is one special animal. It’s not the most colorful, easy on the eyes, fast/quick, or appealing fish out there… but it definitely catches your eye.

Baby Mola

Baby Mola

When I came face to face with this fish, I fell in love. I love the fact that this creature is so unique. Kids ran around the Aquarium screaming “Mom, where is the other half of that fish,” “Ewww that’s an ugly fish,” “WOW what is THAT thing?” – whilst I sat there staring at the huge tank in awe.

When I could, I’d let the curious kids know how AWESOME Ocean Sunfish really are! Mola Mola’s are the largest  and heaviest bony fish in the big blue sea – as well as the most parasitic. These animals can grow up to 5,000 lbs and grow up to 10 feet wide x 14 feet high. You will often spot Mola’s at the surface laying sideways inviting birds and smaller fish to pick parasites off its skin. Some have actually been seen breaching 10ft out of the water to try and rid themselves of parasites as well. Since Mola’s are clumsy slow swimmers, they then to feast upon creatures like jellyfish or zooplankton and algae (aka easy targets).

They frequent the shores of Monterey quite often, but I haven’t been lucky enough to see one in the wild (don’t you worry it’s on my Bucket List!). The image above was taken at the Hopkins Marine Institute located right next to the  Monterey Bay Aquarium, where I had a friend working for their Tuna Research and Conservation Center (TRCC). They often had a variety of different animals their holding tanks, and luckily I visited on a day when they were housing 2 baby Sunfish! They were so adorable, I couldn’t get enough of them 🙂 Although, my TRCC friend Luis couldn’t understand why I loved the little buggers so much – it’s ok Luis, I think tuna are cool too!

Any who- I came across this video today of a 2nd grade elementary school class in Carmel CA., investigating why so many Mola’s were washing up dead on the shores of Monterey Bay. It’s super cute – and actually quite informative! Good job future marine biologists 🙂

It’s Time To Be Great – (With Audience Participation Appreciated)

Science, Thoughts

whalequote

I found this photo on a friend’s Facebook page and just had to post it. Many people think that humans are the most intelligent animals on the entire planet, but that is an egocentric way of thinking. Ravens, octopi, whales, dolphins, dogs, and chimpanzees are just some of the amazing animals with incredibly smart minds that surround us. Humans are not the only intelligent life on planet Earth.

Now onto a whole different subject….life, change, reality, the future

I’m on the job hunt for next year- it’s time to begin a new chapter in my life. I really have 2 strong options – stick with what I’ve been doing for the past 2 years (event planning, social media, production), or try and get back into the marine science field. It would ultimately be awesome to combine the two fields! Or I could always put all my stuff in storage and take a plane to a foreign land across this vast globe. Not having any ties here in Pasadena allows me to spread my wings and fly, fly, flllyyyyyy. So far I’ve applied to jobs in San Diego, Los Angeles, Monterey Bay, and San Francisco. Each of these cities holds new and exciting possibilities for my future.

I’m turning 25 (quarter of a century AH!) next year which means that life really is moving fast – and I’m not getting any younger! My next decisions in life regarding work, will most likely play a huge factor in determining the success of my future. Which is a bit scary… you never really think this time in your life is going to come up as fast as it does. I found my college diploma yesterday (while cleaning under my bed..I know, I know… I have been meaning to get a frame for it) – and it made me smile remembering great memories of my college years. Can’t believe that was 2 years ago this month. Where does the time go?!

What people have been telling me for years, and most recently in particular, is that obtaining a new job is ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW. Connections. Connections. Connections. I am open to any job involving marine science, ocean education, photography, event planning, event production, social media, or traveling the world and getting paid to blog about it 🙂 I’ve got a big heart, open  creative mind, and large smile ready for a change. Now, I’m not afraid to reach out to all of you– my 100’s of readers out there across the globe for a little assistance in my journey.

If you know of any awesome position that I could apply for or a person whom could possibly lead me to my next life adventure – please leave a comment or email me. Or if you have any advice during this process – my ears are wide open.
I’d be more than willing to send my resume to you as well.

I would be eternally grateful with any help you provide me- and if all goes well you could get a little handmade gift from me down the road 🙂 I’ve already received a couple rejections thus far, leading me to believe that I’m one step closer to the right job for me.

I’m excited for the future and what it holds. 2013 -> get ready to tango!

Awkward, Cute, And Funny= Sloths

Thoughts

Baby Sloth Cuddle Time.

Oh sloths- they are a very unique species on our planet. I’d have the pleasure of touching one before at Sea World Camp- all I can say from that experience is that they are very slow moving creatures with super coarse hair. But here are some fun facts I learned about sloths while surfing the internet:

Fun Sloth Facts:

  • Sloths are related to armadillos and anteaters
  • Sloth fur exhibits specialized functions: the outer hairs grow in a direction opposite from that of other mammals. In most mammals hairs grow toward the extremities, but because sloths spend so much time with their legs above their bodies, their hairs grow away from the extremities in order to provide protection from the elements while the sloth hangs upside down. (Thanks Wikipedia!)
  • Sloths live in trees- but they visit the ground once a week to do their “business”- they dig a hole and then cover it up once they finish
  • Their fur is a great breeding ground for algal growth- so from the air their eagle predators think they are more apart of the tree than a juicy meal
  • Most of them can’t survive in zoos 😦

You can’t help but smile when you watch this YouTube video of baby sloths in a reserve in Costa Rica- ENJOY!

The Animals Save The Planet!

Science, Thoughts

So I ran across some awesome clay-mation videos Animal Planet produced. The video series is titled: “The Animals Save The Planet.”

All the videos portray messages of conservation, and sustainability- which is right up my alley! They are adorable and I couldn’t help but share them with you.

The first one deals with being aware of your water usage..

The second one encourages you to consider using biodegradable products..instead of plastics

The third one is about cows and their large production of methane gas .a “nasty” greenhouse gas. Pushing you to eat less cows, so they don’t “stink” up our planet.

The fourth one is about more sustainable ways of transportation.This one reminds me of a bunch of my friends who are avid bicycle riders. I give them props!

The fifth (and final one) I’ll show you guys is about taking re-usable bags when you go shopping. It’s very clever.. I like it a lot!

There are a couple more videos- you should check them out on your own 🙂

Save the planet- one little task at a time!