Carl Crossman Blog

A new study out shows some evidence that cats are able to manipulate people into giving them food by their Meows. Karen McComb says that the animals meow mixed with a high pitched cry taps into the human nurturing instinct. Since I have owned several cats over the years, I believe this to be true. I know when my cat is just meowing and when he meows for food it’s a different type of meow. Cats are smarter than most people give them credit for and this is just one more example.

There is some debate over the giant worms reported to live deep in the soil of Idaho. In the 1890’s, there were reports of 3 foot long worms found living in the plains. The worm has proven to be much more elusive these days with only one known specimen. Scientists are planning an all out search for the worm this summer in order to confirm its existence and to study the worm. So far, efforts to find the worm have failed. I’ll keep an eye out for the story and update when proper.

It seems that the city of San Francisco is being invaded by fast growing kelp from the Far East. The seaweed was first discovered in May by scientists who noticed it clinging to docks and boats. The kelp can grow as much as an inch a day and creates underwater forest. The kelp worries scientists who say that it can choke off sunlight needed by native species. The effort to eradicate it goes on.

The problem is that it’s extremely difficult to get rid of it once it takes hold. Divers are picking the kelp off the docks one piece at a time. To be successful, they must collect every piece. Scientists are hoping to stop the spread of the invader but say it may be a lost cause.

One thing I like to hear about lately is the trend of large office buildings going green. The famous Empire State Building is one of those. The owners decided to retrofit the building with energy saving windows that will increase the energy efficiency of the tower. There are plans for other buildings to undergo the same.

The Sears Tower in Chicago and the Christman Building in Michigan also have plans to upgrade the energy efficiency of their buildings. I am glad to hear the news and fully support the plans that will help save energy and thereby preserve the earth we live on.

I ran across an unusual story today that I thought I would share with everyone. It’s about a sinkhole that appeared in the Dead Sea shore in Israel. A man named Eli Raz who is a geologist was walking along the shore of the Dead Sea when a 30 foot hole opened up and swallowed him. The man was in the hole for 14 hours before rescuers came to his aid. He felt lucky to be alive.

Caused by a severe water shortage, these events are more and more common. Since the Dead Sea is receding, fresh water flowing under the sands cause holes to open up. This has disrupted plans for new buildings as well as being the reason for closures of existing institutions such as hotels and a navel base. I hope that the Israelis will recognize the seriousness of the situation and take steps to prevent their further happening!