Turtlesafe: A Flashlight Safe for Sea Turtle Viewing
May 9, 2011 by Debi Lander · Leave a Comment
Turtlesafe Flashlights
People are as fascinated with sea turtles as much as turtles (adult sea turtles and young hatchlings) are attracted to and disoriented by white light during nesting or egg laying season. The plight of the sea turtle is precarious, since nesting females could abandon a nest site before laying her eggs and hatchlings instinctively head toward the beckoning flashlights of curious onlookers rather than heading for the safety of the ocean.
The newly created Turtlesafe™ personal rechargeable flashlight has red LED’s and has been tested and certified* by the ‘Imperiled Species Management Section of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission’. The light output from the red LED flashlight indicates no short wavelengths of light that are disruptive to sea turtles. The Turtlesafe™ rechargeable flashlight meets or exceeds current Barrier Island lighting ordinances and is ‘certified*’ Turtle safe.
Designed by Mr. Mason Stewart, the rechargeable flashlight provides enough ‘peoplesafe’ light to be used on beaches at night, but emits a certified ‘turtlesafe™’ light beam that doesn’t disturb nesting sea turtles or their hatchlings. An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Stewart spent his early years exploring the miles of saltwater marshes, dense forests and fast flowing tidal streams. Visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, he learned of the potentially serious problems traditional flashlights cause nesting sea turtles. The new flashlight may improve young turtle’s chances of safely leaving the beach and finding the ocean.
Turtesafe Packaging
HOW TO BUY & ORDER FLASHLIGHTS:
- Currently available at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island, Georgia.
- By May 16, 2011 ~ offered to the general public via website at www.turtlesafeonline.com . Also will be available at environmentally conscious resorts and establishments.
For customized orders and additional information:
- info@turtlesafeonline.com
- Mason Stewart (912) 399-8809
“…If it doesn’t say TurtleSafe™ it may not be”
www.GeorgiaSeaTurtleCenter.org
Warning: Plan Ahead to See William Penn
September 22, 2009 by Debi Lander · Leave a Comment
William Penn on City Hall
The City Hall Tour Requires Reservations
The City of Brotherly Love proved itself quite the opposite when my daughter-in-law, two grandchildren and I set off to view the statue of William Penn above City Hall.
We knew observation desk tours were available and researched the Internet for details, checking Will Penn’s homepage. The website boasts, “This is where you will find everything you ever wanted to know about Philadelphia City Hall (and then some!) A second page stated,” Tours of the tower run every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. A group interior and tower tour of City Hall meets at 12:30, Monday through Friday. All tours are free.”
We also checked a few other tourism websites to confirm. Then, off we drove, paying the toll to cross the Delaware River from New Jersey. Unable to find street parking, we pulled into a lot charging $5.75 per 30 minutes for the first two hours, or $27 per day.
We walked to Penn Square, entered City Hall and were directed to the gift shop to purchase tickets. What happened to free? An employee explained fees were $5 per adult and $3 per child and reservations were necessary. Reservations? Did we want the next available time slot in an hour and a half? An hour and a half?
I wasn’t upset by the cost, but waiting over an hour with a five and six year-old wasn’t an option. The kids wanted to see the statue up-close and I expected to take a few photos. Thoroughly frustrated, we returned to the car, paid for parking and drove home.
Come on Philadelphia tourist bureau- please give your visitors a fair shake if you can’t bestow a little love. Update visitor information websites now.
Next time, if there is a next time, I’ll know to make reservations over the phone. Call 215 686-2840, but another warning–they are only offered on the day of your visit.
Earworms Update: Foreign Language Musical Brain Trainer
July 27, 2009 by Debi Lander · Leave a Comment
Listening to Earworms
Months before my trip to France, I began listening to a CD known as earworms : a musical brain trainer. My goal: to become familiar with basic words and common phrases.
I readily admit I struggle with foreign language; found French torturous in high school and college. My brain just doesn't want to think in another tongue.
But, I gave earworms a try. I played the oral lessons, really more like rhythmic tunes, in my office. I honestly didn't study or concentrate on the CD's. However, I listened to volumes 1 and 2 many times.
Guess what?
When I got to France, I actually comprehended some conversation. Menus could be deciphered with a reasonable amount of certainty. I confidently ordered a coffee or a bottle of wine since those were the first things I mastered. My grasp of basic phrases seemed automatic, almost magical.
One morning a waiter spoke to me, just rattling along and when he finished, I casually replied with my room number– in French. My daughter looked at me stunned. How did you understand all that, she wondered?
And..frankly, I did too. Must have been those earworms!
************
I sincerely recommend earworms.
Earworms CD
Visit www.earwormslearning.com.
